Yuletide Day 22
First Class Journey to Dessert Inspiration
My first trip to Ireland was an unforgettable adventure, but it didn’t start off as planned. Rushing to the airport, famished and flustered, Adrian and I had completely forgotten that our tickets required us to check in at the gate for seat assignments. With our minds solely on food, we decided to sit down for a big dinner, thinking we’d prepare ourselves for the long 10-hour flight ahead.
With full bellies and clearer heads, we finally made our way to the gate, only to be met with chaos. The airline clerk was frantically trying to manage seating, and to my dismay, she told us she wasn’t sure if we could sit together. Panic set in—I immediately pictured myself crammed in the middle seat between strangers, far away from Adrian, for the entire flight.
Just as I was spiraling into worst-case scenarios, another attendant handed us our tickets. I glanced at them: row 8. I wasn’t familiar with seating on such a large plane, but row 8 seemed awfully close to the front. Could it be…?
When I glanced up at the monitors and saw our names followed by the word upgraded, I couldn’t believe it. Not only would we be sitting together, but I my first flight to Ireland would end up being an experience I still dream about to this day: plush fully reclining seats, thoughtfully stocked goodie bags with anything you may have forgotten, unlimited drinks, and, of course, the full five-course meal.
By the time dessert was offered, I was already stuffed—after all, we’d eaten a big dinner at the airport. Politely, I declined. But the attendant wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Just a little something,” she insisted, in a charming Irish accent. I gave in and ordered a tiny fudge and caramel brownie.
As she set the dessert down, she smiled warmly and said, “You know what’ll go great with that?” With true Irish hospitality, she encouraged me to pair the brownie with a glass of port wine. At the time, I didn’t know much about pairings—or even port—but her enthusiasm was infectious. “You’re on vacation,” she nudged. How could I argue with that?
The first bite of that fudgy caramel brownie followed by a sip of port was pure magic. Decadent, indulgent, and unforgettable. My first flight to Ireland was incredible and it introduced me to the joy of a perfect pairing—a little taste of heaven at 30,000 feet.
Inspired by this journey, today’s
🎄YULETIDE SPECIAL🎄
offers a first-class indulgence we think you’ll love!
Flourless Chocolate Cake & Ruby Port
$10 for cake plus 1 port, $15 for cake and 2 ports
We’re thrilled to debut our new gluten free Flourless Chocolate Cake, now available on our menu! This rich, decadent dessert is infused with Shanky’s Whip Irish Liqueur and served with caramel sauce, freshly whipped cream, and a sprinkle of sea flake.
To celebrate its arrival, we’ve paired it with Bin 27 Reserve Port, a bold ruby port with notes of black fruit, firm tannins, and a juicy, velvety finish.
Tonight’s Extras
Make it a perfect evening with All-Day Happy Hour and our Cocoa Cart from 3 PM to 7 PM, serving sweet, festive creations tableside.
Join us tonight and be among the first to savor this indulgent dessert and toast to the season with port, cocoa, or your favorite Happy Hour drink!
Sláinte! 🍫🍷Celebrate the Shortest Day of the Year!
Holiday Hours & Events Reminder
As we head into the holidays, here’s a quick update on our hours and exciting events:
TONIGHT! Cocoa Cart 3pm-7pm | Happy Hour ALL Day
Monday, Dec 23 & Dec 30: Open 12 PM–9 PM
Christmas Eve: Open 9 AM–3 PM (Join us for brunch & live holiday music)
Christmas Day: Closed
New Year’s Eve: Open 12 PM–10 PM
Celebrate Irish New Year at 4 PM and New York New Year at 9 PM!
Nick Mardon will perform throughout the day.
Special NYE dinner, drink specials, and champagne toasts at each celebration (details coming soon!).
New Year’s Day: Open 10 AM–9 PM
Bloody Mary Bar: 10 AM–2 PM
Ladies’ Night: 6 PM–9 PM ($8 martinis & live music, theme TBD)
January 5th: Nollaig na mBan Afternoon Tea.
