Boruma - Irish by heritage, family by name

On the night of November 10th, 1952. Jack Koeppler, then-owner of the Buena Vista in San Francisco, tasked travel writer Stanton Delaplane with the re-creation of a highly touted “Irish Coffee” served at Shannon Airport in Ireland. The pair began immediately.

The original building in which the Buena Vista resides was a boardinghouse until 1916 when the landlord converted the first floor into a saloon christened the Buena Vista. The view from 2765 Hyde St. was spectacular though since has suffered from surrounding buildings – don’t get me wrong, you can still see the Bay but a nearby boutique hotel obscures a bit . It served as a warm meeting place for fishermen and handlers who worked for the nearby Cannery Row and now stands as an excellent bar and a fine restaurant in a beautiful part of San Francisco.

The two struggled, concerned that the taste was “not quite right” while the cream would not float. Undaunted, Jack Koeppler made a pilgrimage to Shannon Airport to get a cup of coffee.

Upon discovering the simple secret of leaving the cream to age for 48 hours, the magic was theirs. Now ours, with the Buena Vista serving as many as 2,000 Irish Coffees a day from a bartender accomplished at creating over a dozen a minute!

The Buena Vista continues to live up to its noble place in history! On November 10, 2008, the famed restaurant attained a Guinness Worlds Record (no, not that Guinness) for the world’s largest Irish Coffee.

You’ll have to turn into the Buena Vista for their magic, here’s a shot at your own:

- 1/2 shots of Irish whiskey
- 2 – 3 sugar cubes (1 teaspoon)
- 6 ounces Hot coffee
- Untreated whipped cream (some whipping creams have an additive to increase shelf life want the untreated cream to get a better drink)

1. Heat a stemmed whiskey goblet or stemmed glass coffee mug with hot water
2. Pour in Irish whiskey
3. Add sugar
4. Fill with black coffee to within an inch of the top
5. Stir gently to dilute the sugar while mixing the coffee and whiskey
6. Top off with heavy cream

Do not stir after adding cream. The best flavor is obtained by drinking the coffee and whiskey through the cream.

7. Call me when you can pour a dozen in 60 seconds

Welcome back, assuming you've joined us, find a group or start your own Irish blog.

It’s not too late for Christmas and you certainly have time for March 17th. Neither holiday is complete if you can’t pour a proper glass of black.

The officially licensed, Guinness Guinness Black & Tan Pouring Spoon starts the holiday right. Beautifully engraved with “Guinness” and the iconic Guinness Harp on its handle, the spoon comes with a chain to keep it handy. Perfect

Keep them warm with the perfect Guinness Shield Striped Signature Rugby Shirt – perfect for that down time before season or the party that ensues. This style is my favorite, striped black and olive coloring, featuring the Guinness shield, with the signature of Arthur Guinness and the year 1759, on the chest. Made from 100% heavyweight cotton with taped neck and shoulder seams for strength and authentic rubber rugby buttons.

And be prepared to get on and off the links with a gray Guinness Trademark Baseball Cap. Embroidered on the front of the cap is the Guinness trademark with a reference to Dublin. Adjustable strap on rear so one size fits all.