Ready for a somewhat obscure bit of celebratory news?  Did you know the Italian community in Ireland (and especially Dublin) has a long, proud history of operating some of the most established fish & chips restaurants in the country?  Yes, indeed!  In fact, the involvement of Italian immigrants in this scrumptious niche business dates all the way back to the 1880s in Ireland.

The Irish Traditional Italian Chippers Association (ITICA) was was formed to celebrate the unique identity of the traditional Italian chippers in Ireland and to mark the contribution they have made to the community.  All members of this community come from the villages in Val Di Comino in southern Italy. These families bore the names well-known at the local chipper today. The Irish Traditional Italian Chipper Association was formed to celebrate the unique identity of the traditional Italian chippers in Ireland and to mark the contribution they have made to the community.

Why am I telling you this today?  Because May 29, 2013 is National Fish & Chips Day here in Ireland thanks to the ITICA, and all participating outlets of the ITICA are offering a plate of fish & chips at half price.  If you're in Ireland, you can head over to the ITICA website to find the closest association chipper.  But, even if you're in the U.K., Italy, America, Australia, Canada, Norway, Colombia, South Africa, The Seychelles, or anywhere else as a "wild goose" in the world today, why not head over to your favourite local "chippy" to celebrate with some nice haddock and fresh cut chips (cod would be a good second choice if they don't have haddock)?

It's believed fish is among the best foods one can eat to boost brain power ... and if we're honest, who among us couldn't use a bit more of that?!

~ ryan

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