An American visitor planning a trip to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Festival wondered why Irish restaurants seem to serve smaller 7-ounce steaks compared to the larger cuts common in the US. While it’s true that portions can vary, here’s some insight on steak sizes in Ireland:
Understanding Trimmed Weight
Pre- and Post-Trimming: Butchers often advertise steaks by their untrimmed weight. An 8-ounce (half-pound) steak might weigh closer to 7 ounces after removing excess fat and sinew, making 7 ounces an accurate depiction of the final cooked portion. Reasons for Smaller Steaks in Ireland
Dining Habits: Irish cuisine traditionally favours balanced meals with multiple components, rather than centring on a single, large cut of meat. Quality Emphasis: Irish restaurants often prioritise locally-sourced, premium quality meats. Smaller steaks help maintain this focus while keeping meals affordable. Health Awareness: There’s increasing awareness of portion control and red meat intake. Modest steak sizes align with this trend.
It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Variety Exists: While not the absolute standard, 7-ounce steaks can be found, especially in fine dining settings. Steakhouse chains and restaurants catering to American tastes will likely offer those larger “giant” steaks.
I also received the following from a second source:
A 7-ounce steak wouldn’t be considered the standard serving size in Ireland, but it’s also not uncommon. Here’s why:
Portion Sizes Vary: Steak portion sizes in Ireland depend on the type of establishment, the cut of meat, and the overall menu design. Typical Range: You’re more likely to find steaks in the 8-12 ounce range in most restaurants. Smaller Portions Possible: Some fine dining places may offer smaller steaks as part of tasting menus or multi-course dining experiences. 7 ounces could certainly be found in this context. Larger Options, Too: Steakhouses specialising in large cuts of meat will definitely cater to those seeking the ‘giant steak’ experience. Overall: It’s better to think of steak serving sizes in Ireland as existing on a spectrum rather than having a single, rigid standard.
Someone asked the following question online on the same day as I visited Francis Street
[Question] I am an American and I plan to attend the Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin I am bringing four young children, and my husband. Some friends recommended that I stay at a hotel on Francis Street but others told me that it is not safe at night. What is your recommendation []
Here is the response: While Francis Street in Dublin has a rich history and is known for its antique shops, there are some valid concerns about staying in the area with young children, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. [Note: I am not sure about some of the alternatives that were suggested]
Concerns about Francis Street:
Reputation: Parts of Francis Street and the surrounding Liberties area have a historical reputation for social problems like drug use and petty crime. While the area has undergone changes, these elements can still be present.
Nighttime activity: The area can get lively at night, especially during events like St. Patrick’s Day, which may not be the most suitable atmosphere for young children.
Limited amenities: Depending on the specific hotel, you may find fewer child-friendly amenities and attractions in the immediate vicinity. Why you might consider staying elsewhere for St. Patrick’s Day
Crowds and noise: The parade route passes through the city centre, and areas surrounding it will be extremely crowded and noisy, which can be difficult to manage with young children.
Safety concerns: While direct risk may be low, large crowds and celebrations can increase the chance of minor issues like getting separated from children.
Alternative Areas to Consider:
Here are some more family-friendly areas of Dublin, still within a reasonable distance of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities:
Temple Bar: Lively, but with lots of family-friendly hotels and restaurants. A bit closer to the parade route. Ballsbridge: A more upscale area with parks and a calmer atmosphere. Good public transport connections to the city center. Smithfield/Stoneybatter: These neighborhoods on the north side of the River Liffey offer a mix of historic charm and trendy spots, with a bit more space than the city center.
About Francis Street:
Francis Street is a historic street in the Liberties area of Dublin. It’s known for its antique shops and its proximity to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. While it’s an interesting area to visit during the daytime, it may not be the most suitable for a family stay during a major festival.
Overall Recommendation
For a comfortable and safe family experience during St. Patrick’s Day, I’d recommend opting for a hotel in one of the alternative areas mentioned above. This gives you better access to the festivities while providing a more suitable environment for your young children.
The Nikon-RED acquisition has potential to significantly impact Sony’s position in the professional cinema camera market. Here’s why:
Increased competition: Sony has enjoyed a strong position in the cinema camera market with its successful VENICE line of cameras. Nikon, now armed with RED’s technology and expertise, becomes a serious competitor. For Sony, this means more pressure to innovate and remain ahead in terms of features and performance.
Potential loss of market share: Filmmakers and production houses always look for the best tools for their projects. If Nikon and RED produce compelling new cinema cameras, they could attract cinematographers who might have previously chosen Sony.
Pricing wars: Increased competition can potentially lead to price adjustments. If Nikon and RED offer competitive pricing for its new camera line, Sony might have to adjust to stay relevant.
Stimulated innovation: Competition is good for the industry. Sony might accelerate its research and development efforts to counter the new Nikon-RED powerhouse, ultimately benefiting filmmakers with new and improved technology across the board.
How significant the impact will be depends on several factors:
The quality and capabilities of Nikon/RED cameras: If they outperform Sony, there could be a marked shift in market dynamics. Market reception: How filmmakers, studios, and rental houses respond to the new products will be crucial. Sony’s response: How quickly and effectively Sony can counter the competition with innovations of its own.
Overall: It’s too early to predict the exact scale, but Nikon’s acquisition of RED is likely to shake up the professional cinema camera landscape. Sony will have to adapt and keep pushing boundaries to maintain its dominance.
THE JAPANESE COMPANY ANNOUNCED THEY ARE ACQUIRING RED DIGITAL CINEMA
Just yesterday, on March 6th, 2024, Nikon announced they are acquiring RED Digital Cinema. This is a big deal in the world of cinematography, with Nikon entering the professional filmmaking camera market for the first time.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
Nikon gains expertise in high-end cameras: RED is a major player, known for its innovative digital cinema cameras used in Hollywood productions like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Queen’s Gambit” . Nikon brings its experience in image processing, optics, and user interface design.
The goal is to create even better cinema cameras: Both companies aim to leverage each other’s strengths to develop new and improved professional cinematography tools . This is a strategic move for Nikon: It allows them to expand into a new market segment and potentially compete with established players like Sony.
It’s still early days, but the industry is buzzing with anticipation about what the future holds for this collaboration. We might see new, innovative cinema cameras emerge from this powerhouse partnership.
A History of RED Digital Cinema: From Disruptor to Industry Leader
RED Digital Cinema burst onto the scene in the late 2000s, shaking the foundations of the professional filmmaking industry. Founded by Jim Jannard, a self-proclaimed “camera fanatic” and the entrepreneur behind Oakley sunglasses, RED aimed to revolutionise digital cinematography with a focus on affordability and superior image quality [Search for RED Digital Cinema founder].
Early Days: A Bold Vision (2005-2007)
Jannard’s frustration with the limitations and proprietary software of existing digital cinema cameras fuelled his vision for RED [Search for RED Digital Cinema history]. In 2005, with a small team, RED began development, operating out of a humble warehouse garage. Their goal? To create a high-resolution, RAW-capture camera accessible to a wider range of filmmakers compared to the established players.
The Red One: A Game Changer (2007)
In 2007, RED unveiled its first production camera, the Red One. This camera boasted several groundbreaking features:
Super 35mm sensor: The Red One captured images on a large sensor size, similar to traditional 35mm film, offering superior depth of field and low-light performance compared to smaller sensor cameras. RAW capture: Unlike traditional video cameras that record compressed footage, the Red One captured uncompressed RAW data, providing filmmakers with greater creative flexibility in post-production colour grading. High-resolution capabilities: The Red One offered resolutions up to 4K, exceeding the industry standard at the time. Open platform philosophy: RED championed an open platform approach, allowing filmmakers to customise their cameras with various accessories and recording media. The Red One’s impact was undeniable. Its affordability and innovative features made it a popular choice for independent filmmakers and Hollywood productions alike. Movies like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “The Social Network” were shot with the Red One, showcasing its capabilities to a wider audience.
Growth and Innovation (2008-2016)
Following the success of the Red One, RED continued to innovate and expand its product line. Key milestones include:
Scarlet (2010): A smaller, lighter, and more affordable camera aimed at a broader range of filmmakers. Epic (2010): A higher-end camera offering even higher resolutions and frame rates. Weapon (2013): A modular camera system designed for professional studio environments. Helium sensor (2016): The introduction of the 8K Helium sensor, pushing the boundaries of resolution further. RED’s commitment to user feedback and continuous improvement cemented its position as a leader in digital cinema.
Recent Developments and the Future (2017-Present)
In recent years, RED has continued to refine its existing camera lines and develop new solutions for filmmakers. The company has also faced challenges, including competition from established players like Sony and Arri. However, the recent acquisition of RED by Nikon in March 2024 signifies a bold new chapter [Search for Nikon acquires RED]. This collaboration has the potential to reshape the professional cinema camera landscape by combining RED’s innovative technology with Nikon’s expertise in optics and image processing.
RED’s Legacy
RED’s impact on the film industry is undeniable. The company democratised access to high-quality digital cinema cameras, empowering a new generation of filmmakers. Their commitment to pushing boundaries and user-centric design continues to inspire innovation across the industry. As RED embarks on this new chapter with Nikon, the future of digital cinema promises to be even more exciting.