A story of hope and courage, of setbacks and success, of triumph and despair, of cheese and onion.
So says Mr. Tayto of his newly released autobiography – The Man Inside The Jacket – and he should know. For those not familiar with the legend that is Tayto Cheese & Onion, let me just say that these crisps are right up there with Barry’s tea as one of the must-have taste-of-home items for the Irish abroad.
In addition to being a tasty end unto themselves, place some Tayto crisps between two slices of buttered white bread, with or without a slice of ham as you prefer, and you’ve got yourself a crisp sandwich, close cousin to the chip butty. Add a bottle of Club Orange and maybe a bar of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk and you’ve got yourself some classic Irish picnic fare.
Having grown up to the crunch of Tayto crisps, I cannot tell you how excited I was to receive an email from Mr. Tayto himself last week telling me about his book and book tour to follow (about which more info can be found here). I wasted no time in getting my hands on a copy (which, for the princely sum of €5.99, came with 3 bags of Tayto).
In relating his story, Mr. Tayto seems to pop up, Forrest Gump-like, at various times of significance in Ireland over the last 50 years. He gives forth on many subjects, from reality TV to Ryanair, and packs in enough potato puns to last a lifetime. For all of that, I can’t help but feel that there is more to Mr. Tayto than the book reveals. Have we really seen all that there is to the man inside the jacket or does he remain a shadowy but lovable subject? In the end, I suspect that the book will only add to the legend that is Tayto.
Mr. Tayto clearly has aspirations beyond his humble cheese and onion origins
Life should be like a bag of crisps . . . you eat it up and then want more! Mr. Tayto has led a full and charmed life that we should all aspire to. Who’ll play him in the movie? Please consider that great American thespi-spud, Mr. Potato Head.
Ah, Mr. Tayo. Who knew he lived such an adventurous life. I love the 700 mock-up poster. International spud of mystery!
When you first mentioned a chip butty, it sounded so good. Adding tater chips to sandwiches is so good. Salty, crunchy bites.
Tangled Noodle: he does indeed discuss the idea of who should play him in the movie – he has concerns about a non-Irish actor making a mess of his accent, so he sticks with some home-grown choices – namely Gabriel Byrne, with Colin Farrell playing his younger self…
jenn: a spud of mystery indeed!
Duo Dishes: absolutely, took the words, if not the crisps, right out of my mouth :D
I just met Mr. Tayto and he is already my hero!
mmmmm. cheese and onion chips!?!? yummmmmy!
‘The man inside the jacket’- how adorable! I forgot to tell you that I finally tried the original Tayto cheese & onion crisps and they were fabulous, wish I had bought more when I was in Dublin :D
p.s. my vote is for sexy Gabriel Byrne as Mr. Tayto
Ooh maybe a new man in my life? I’ve never heard of Mr. Tayto but he sounds so dashing and wonderful! Seems he can fulfill any girls dreams…
SippitySup: believe me when I say that he is worthy of his hero status :)
Heather: oh they are yummy indeed!
Phyllis: ah yes, I remembered that you brought quite a collection of crisps and such back from Ireland – you will have to see if you can find a US supplier for Tayto :) (and +1 for Gabriel Byrne as Mr Tayto!)
Jamie: well, he’s quite a character, that’s for sure – glad to have introduced you :D
God i miss his crisps so much..I live in Canada now and the crisp selection is sparse – the most popular being Ketchup flavour..really Ketchup!!
You cant beat a crisp sandwich and a bottle of lucozade for a hangover. Anyone know if i can buy the crisps online? Im in dire need of a pack of Cheese & Onion!!
Ketchup flavour Edybear? You are in dire need, so. And Tayto do sell online and deliver overseas, so get yourself on the case!
this is a great book
Well I’m glad you think so, Gavin – clearly a Tayto fan!