“When is dinner ?” - this is not a request to be invited over for food, although, if you are a good cook, have an extra chair, and are somewhat regionally located, I would be happy to assume that definition. No, this has to do with the growing ambiguity of the definition of “dinner”.

Today is St. Patrick’s day. Yesterday, the local (and only) Irish pub, was conspicuously open for “dinner” in and extended celebration. (They are usually closed on Sunday and Monday but with the Irish event falling on the latter, there was no way they’d be closed so the added the former event to fill in the calendar.) The menu was a few of their regular Irish dishes plus the addition of corned beef and cabbage, which as Mr. O’Grady, a plethora of knowledge and scholar on all most things Irish, points out is not Irish but rather from New England. However, being a Down Easter myself, I have fond childhood memories of the boiled dinner and wanted to spend some time with friends.

“What time are you serving?” I asked on Saturday. “Dinner time.” was the reply. I was confused and so I asked for some clarification, but apparently not quite enough. “Is that the ‘Midevil English’ definition of dinner or ‘latter day England’ time?”; I asked. “It’s when ever you show up.”; was the reply. I was still confused but took it to mean they were open all day. Oops. They were open from 10am until 2pm. I missed them by 20 minutes. They did let me stay for a pint before they closed the doors.

It turns out, I was not completely wrong, at least not according to Emily Post, whom I regard as a staple for all things related to etiquette, inclusive of the proper way to set a table when there are three forks, two each of spoons and knives, at least two plates, a bowl and three glasses for each seating. But that is a different discussion. As Ms Post writes in her book, Etiquette:

In the 1945 edition of Etiquette, Emily Post still referred to luncheon as “generally given by and for women, but it is not unusual, especially in summer places or in town on Saturday or Sunday, to include an equal number of men.” She also referred to supper as “the most intimate meal there is…none but family or nearest friends are ever included. By the 1945 edition, she had to explain that luncheon was an informal midday meal and supper an informal evening meal, while dinner was always formal, but could occur at midday or evening.

So there you have it. I was vindicated by none other than Emily Post. Dinner could occur at midday or evening!

Of course, any good Irishman would still point out “that doesn’t put food in your belly” and they’d be right. Fortunately I have a kitchen and a pantry and a rough way with the pots and pans to combine the two. I enjoyed poached eggs over steak hash and a Boddingtons. If the Irish won’t have me at dinner, I’ll make do at home. Neither of us holds a grudge so I’ll be wearing my hat at the pub this evening <grin>

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Posted in Food, History, Holidays |

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