Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Irish Roots

Slainte is a wine bar and lounge on Preble Street in the city. When it first opened, my brother Marchin had to help me with its pronunciation. Slainte, (generally pronounced slan jah), is an Irish word literally translating as 'health' or slainte mhaith, 'good health'. Words and their etymologies always intrigue me. This is just another example of this fact. I've never been inside this establishment, but I would be willing to take a chance. It's got a classic look that I like in pubs and lounges. What do you think? Do you like to roll the dice once in awhile? Might you pull up a stool here? How about a tall, cold Smithwicks?

17 comments:

  1. Personally I like the look and the idea. The wine bar is kind of knocked down by the Rolling Rock neon sign though.

    ReplyDelete
  2. j'aime bien cet immeuble, on sent qu'il y a de la vie, et une histoire

    ReplyDelete
  3. Few people know it but I am Irish enough to get a green passport, I like the idea of this kind of place but I generally do not seek them out.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Looks like "lace curtain" Irish to me. I bet Famous Seamus in my recent post would be happy to belly-up to the bar with you, a fellow Irishman. You could get a green passport? That's amazing...for real?!

    ReplyDelete
  5. We never went there either. Maybe next time we're in Portland we should meet there.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Marchin O'NeachtainOctober 5, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    Pubs in Ireland are sacred amd very similar to a church. All Irish men remove their hats upon entering out of respect to the owner and the institution. Many authentic Irish have pubs have a partition along the bar to separate men from the women. This is evident on Sunday's when mass is over everyone heads to the friendly warm confines of the village pub. The men talk about men's issues while sipping a sudsy Guinness. The women discuss women's issues on the other side of the partition. The "snugs" are very similar to the confessional booths where more private issues are discussed. Whenever I frequent an american pub, my hat is removed out of respect.
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Looks like an interesting place where people gather together! I've ALWAYS wanted to go to Ireland...although I'm not sure they'll let me through immigration, as I don't drink beer.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I was surprised by all the Irish roots in Maine - shouldn't have been, I guess, but I was. I'd go in this place if it looked popular with the locals, giving it that seal of approval.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've seen that word but would not have pronounced it that way in a million years. I guess ya gotta be Irish.

    Go give it a try! I'd join you but I'm tied up right now.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Although pubs are not where I usually go I would love to try this one out. I wish at times I were a sorta drinker then I wouldn't hesitate so much.
    And last weekend was the first time I had been to a wine tasting. I am expanding my horizons. MB

    ReplyDelete
  11. I would convince a friend to go and have a tall cold one.

    ReplyDelete
  12. A Smithwicks sounds excellent! I would go in....with somebody.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Question 1: yeah, sure.

    Question 2: absolutely.

    ReplyDelete
  14. cheers!



    Warm Aloha from Honolulu;

    Comfort Spiral



    (*)>
    / )
    /"



    > < } } ( ° >

    ><}}(°>

    ReplyDelete