Irish Soda Bread Contest at Reilly’s Daughter Pub
For the 35th year, the annual Irish Soda Bread Contest at Reilly’s Daughter pub in Oak Lawn, Illinois, drew in a crowd of enthusiastic bakers and judges. The event, run by owners Boz O’Brien and his son Brendan, has become a tradition for generations of local Irish families. This year, 121 loaves of soda bread were entered, each with its own unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Judging the Bread
Judges, including community members, businesspeople, and politicians, sampled each loaf, evaluating it on taste, texture, and presentation. Judge Cara Walsh, 27, of Lincoln Park, described the experience as intense, with bakers watching her every move for signs of approval or disapproval. "You’ll look up from the soda bread piece you’re eating, and there’ll be people in the window watching you, like, ‘Did she like it? Did she smile?’" she said.
The Winners
The grand prize winner, Lorraine O’Malley, 51, of Western Springs, was a first-time participant but a long-time patron of the bar. Her recipe, passed down from her great aunt, won her a free round-trip flight for two to Ireland. O’Malley wasn’t sure who would accompany her on the trip, but her sister was a strong contender. "Both of my girls have been like, ‘Let’s go,’ and my sister was kind of lobbying for the second ticket, so we’ll see," she said.
The second-place prize, $300 in cash, went to Melinda Stalker, 36, who serves on the Oak Lawn Park District board of commissioners. Her second year participating, Stalker made the bread for her coworkers, who all loved it. The third-place winner received $200 in cash, and the fourth- and fifth-place winners were awarded gift cards.
The Contest
The event was a daylong party with live music, but the competition was serious business. In addition to the judges, participants are not above attempting to bribe them with small gifts or other incentives. Boz O’Brien recalled one year when former judge Jack Higgins, the late Pulitzer Prize-winning Sun-Times editorial cartoonist, discovered a $5 bill in a loaf of bread.
A Tradition
For Corcoran, a Mount Greenwood resident over 70, making soda bread is a tradition that dates back to her childhood in Ireland. "That’s to knead the devil out of the bread," she said, pointing to the cross on top of her loaf. Corcoran has been coming to Reilly’s Daughter pub for 15 years and looks forward to the contest each year.
Conclusion
The Irish Soda Bread Contest at Reilly’s Daughter pub is a beloved tradition that brings the community together. With its rich history and cultural significance, it’s no wonder that participants and judges alike are so passionate about the event. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the world of soda bread, this contest is an experience not to be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Irish Soda Bread Contest?
A: The Irish Soda Bread Contest is an annual event held at Reilly’s Daughter pub in Oak Lawn, Illinois, where bakers compete to make the best soda bread.
Q: How many loaves of soda bread were entered this year?
A: 121 loaves of soda bread were entered in this year’s contest.
Q: What is the grand prize?
A: The grand prize is a free round-trip flight for two to Ireland.
Q: Who are the judges?
A: The judges are community members, businesspeople, and politicians who evaluate the bread on taste, texture, and presentation.
