By the way, very much in keeping with the On Tap theme, over New Year’s I found the institution closest to heaven on earth - Porterhouse, a bar and microbrewery in Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland. Their beer selection is fantastic (they don’t stock Guinness; they make their own version of just about every variety under the sun), the ingredients are all fresh, the menu is creative and innovative (smoked salmon, brie, and sweet potatoes show up in the salads), and the patrons are what I have come to expect of the Irish: So friendly and outgoing, you think there’s something wrong with them.

I hate to say it, but the organic food crowd has a point or two - when you take the preservatives out of foods and get it fresh, it often tastes a hell of a lot better. Same deal with beer.

I’ve also figured out that if I can master making a home version their Sticky Toffee Pudding, I will be able to get anything I want from Mrs. TKS for the rest of my life.