Boruma - Irish by heritage, family by name

Thursday, July 23rd at 5:30 pm is a Tweetup at Rosie’s in Santana Row. It isn’t the forthcoming event that struck me but the venue; worth sharing. Before I get to pub, I hear you asking, “What’s a Tweetup??”

A Tweetup is a social event for those active in the twitter community; or planning to be. People who Twitter come together to connect with online friends and put a face to the name they know through this social phenomenon. The organizer behind one such get together was wise enough to recognize that the greatest alignment between a social culture and technical innovation is in Ireland – the best forum for a Silicon Valley Tweetup? Rosie McCann’s

But we’re not about Twitters and Technology! What of Rosie’s?

Rosie’s is more authentic Irish dining than pub. In an elegant atmosphere almost reminiscent of a country club (paintings of Irish setters line the walls), patrons can find some of the best Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash, or Fish & Chips in the area. The white table cloths won’t fail to mislead you, the Angus Filet, New York Steak, or Grilled Wild Salmon, served over garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach in a jalapeno Aioli, are superb.

Voted best new restaurant in the 2004 Wave Magazine Readers Choice Awards, the dining is accompanied by fantastic Irish cocktails and hospitality but, I feel justified in criticizing the room allocated to the bar as being a little underwhelming. Don’t misunderstand me, the atmosphere is spot on but this is a restaurant more than a bar and space for dipsomaniacs (SAT word) is quickly cramped. Working for them is that Rosie’s is one of the surprisingly few places in the Bay Area to recognize that the nice weather outside supports a crowd wanting to socialize in the fresh air; ample room in front serves dinner or drinks overlooking the nearby park in Santana Row.

Unfortunately, the website seems broken and I’m unable to pull up their event calendar (website tip: don’t create a site in Flash). I can confidently share that they are open for Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 10:00am-2:00pm between 11:00AM-3:00PM; Lunch: Monday – Friday 11:30am-4:00pm; Dinner: Monday – Thursday & Sunday 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday & Saturday 4:00pm-11:00pm. Happy hour exists, I’m sure of it, I just can’t figure out when…

Bottom line, if looking for a good Irish pub or great restaurant in Silicon Valley, Rosie’s is a best bet.

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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