You know how much I hate crowds so it's no wonder I avoided Temple Bar like the plague today. However, something quite interesting was taking place in Smithfield, just down the road. As the disco brunch in Drury Buildings was already sold out, celebrating St Patrick's Day at the Old Jameson Distillery didn't sound like a bad idea at all. Bow Street looked surprisingly serene in the sunniest Thursday ever. I wasn't in the mood for parades, Leprechaun outfits or hysterical tourists taking selfies with pints of Guinness - this event was much more inviting and free admission goes a long way. There was live music, whiskey tasting and free James Earley designed sweatshirts (thank you, Damn Fine Print!). The venue itself is a treat, and it was nice just to walk around, sipping an ice cold Jameson and Ginger Ale with lime.
Eventually we got hungry and burger porn Jo'Burger was the answer. The "distillery district", as I call it, has a few gems worth going for brunch, lunch and dinner. I carefully studied the menu while waiting outside and it was so hard to decide between the beef, lamb or veggie options. I love it when you are able to build your own burger from scratch, because, well, possibilities are endless. I added a few extras like smoked applewood cheese, bacon and a fried egg (of course). The smell of meat paired with a charcoal grill was making me drool in loco. The veredict? One of the best burgers I've ever had in Dublin, it made it to the top 5, I kid you not. The meat quality! The relish! The "I ordered rare, I got rare" factor! The perfect bun! The portions! All washed down with mint lemonade (I must try the ginger and cranberry coolers next time). The homemade ketchup stole the show and the sweet potatoes... don't even get me started on the sweet potatoes. Have you been to Jo'Burger? Did you manage to finish your meal? Last but not least, doesn't the manager look exactly like The Dude?