According to Ed O’Dwyer of the Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread (yes, it’s real), the recipe for Irish soda bread — that tangy quick bread with a hint of sweetness — appeared in the UK in 1836. However, its popularity grew once the famines of the famines in 1845-1852 ended in Ireland, and wheat, baking soda and flour became accessible again. Its ease and quickness (ready in under an hour — take that, sourdough) made it a fast favorite on Irish tables.
These days, it’s a quintessential piece to traditional St. Patrick’s Day feasts. Local bakeries and restaurants in the Hamptons and on the North Fork have it on their menus for St. Patrick’s Day — and some serve it year-round. Plus, one local library teaches kids how to DIY. Here’s where to find the best Irish soda bread offerings on the East End of Long Island.
Tate’s Bake Shop, 43 N. Sea Road, Southampton, 631-283-9830
In breaking news you can actually use (and love): Tate’s Bake Shop unveiled a new addition to its St. Patrick’s Day lineup on March 3: Irish Soda Bread Pudding. Bittersweet caraway and so-sweet (and seasonal) maple syrup puts this treat arguably into “dessert” territory. Traditional Irish soda bread is also available and handmade at the Southampton shop. To balance out your March 17 feast, Consider snagging other St. Patrick’s Day fare, like chocolate-dipped Shamrock cookies and carrot and red velvet cupcakes topped with the colors of the Irish flag: Green, orange and white sprinkles and buttercream frosting.
Blue Duck Bakery, Greenport and Southold
You may know that Keith Kouris, who opened the first Blue Duck Bakery with his wife in Southampton in 1999, Nancy, and three children. However, the family used to own a Scottish and Irish bakery and deli, and soda bread was a specialty then and now. Kourish notes that there are many variations of Irish Soda bread these days — ones with raising, butter, seeds and nuts. Some even swap baking soda for baking powder. The Blue Duck recipe leans traditional with a recipe Kourish dishes is — as legend would have it — 85 years old and created for the Queen’s Navy in England. It’s fit for a king or queen (AKA you and your crew). The recipe calls for two types of flour (soft and spring wheat), baking soda, cream of tartar, sugar, sea salt, butter, eggs, buttermilk, gold and black raising and a pinch of yeast (but it’s not yeasted). All told, like a solid bagpiper, it hits all the right notes.
North Fork Flour Shoppe, Various, 631-983-9800
Meghan Saccone’s fluffy and, dare we say, moist blueberry scones are a smash hit. This March, she’s adding an Irish soda bread option to her menu, as well as Irish soda bread pudding. Fans can preorder the twisty treats or roll up to wherever she’s parked her pink dessert check (Irish-food-loving eyes can peep her Instagram and Facebook, where she’ll post her planned pit stops each week)
Digger’s Ales N’ Eats, 58 W Main St., Riverhead, 631-369-3200
Beers, burgers and burritos make this roomy Irish pub a go-to spot to watch the biggest games of the year (the numerous large TVs don’t hurt). However, the shepherd’s pie with a side of soda bread is the menu’s unheralded star. It’s a stand-up side to the entrée’s savory beef-veggie-mashed-potato-gravy blend. And, unlike specialty menus you’ll find this time of year, it’s available daily.
Buckleys Inn Between, 139 W Montauk Highway #2309, Hampton Bays, 631-728-7197
Corned beef and cabbage can be the order of the day any day at this straightforward, chill Irish pub replete with wooden tables, chairs and dim lighting. Like a true Irish spot, soda bread is included as a side. Other ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 365 days per year here include Shepherd’s Pie, bangers ‘n mash and a liquid dessert of Jameson Irish Whiskey.
