Top ‘o the morning-after to ya’… and, based on my observations on March 17, I’m sure there were a few sick days taken on Monday! St. Patrick’s Day in WC and its environs is just one example of how much there is to do in our busy, foodie-inspired county.
Cheers of Sláinte started early, with beer and breakfast at Kildare’s. Revelers enjoyed a traditional beer, shot and/or Irish Coffee (or two or three) and the Malarkey Brothers Band, A WMGK remote, bagpipers and the Jamison Celtic Rock band.
I met one Kildare’s-shirt-sporting lass much later in the day at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant. Between sips of Irish Dry Stout, she confirmed it was going to be a long day into night. Luckily, Iron Hill also had plenty of good eats and drinks, such as the Irish Red Ale and, for me, Chocolate Milk Stout. Irish dancers made their way through the crowd, a reminder of real traditions from the Old Sod.
Did you know St. Patty’s Day isn’t just about green beer? Penns Woods Winery added a wee bit o’the green to its spot-on Pinot Grigio. A very easy sipping wine, this Pinot Grigio starts with crisp fruit notes of pear and citrus. Then, just a hint of earthy minerals wraps it all up into a fresh finish.
Those looking for a twist on traditional bites found just that at Doc Magrogan’s. Utterly Irish by name, this local seafood haunt offered Main Lobster Shepherd’s Pie and Stout Fried Oysters as part of the day’s special menu. Later that evening, TheTownDish’s Jim Breslin reported much Pogues music, thanks to an inspired DJ.
Thankfully, there’s no law that says you must quaff an Irish-themed bevvy on St. Pat’s, as I was completely overtaken when I saw Goose Island Sofie at The Side Bar. After squeezing our way through the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd (both floors were packed), I took my time with this Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale, a stunning champagne-hued beauty boasting subtle pepper notes and citrus, with a curious bit of vanilla on the finish. The secret? It’s aged in wine barrels with orange peel. Pay attention, those who love Saisons.
We heard it through the Twitterverse that Jim also treated the missus to some St. Patty’s partying and a frothy Guinness at Ryan’s Pub, where they spied many a local at this classic Irish bar. This is one place that doesn’t have to advertise the wearin’ o’the green: it’s a given. And there was plenty o’leprechaun hats to be seen outside The Social Lounge, which drew a younger crowd with a 9 a.m. open that featured 17-cent drafts. Bands started at 3 p.m., with VCR playing ’90s to current covers.
Victory Brewing Company always has its go-to stout, Donnybrook, on tap, and on this St. Patrick’s Day you could also grab up Storm King Stout and my personal favorite, Baltic Thunder. The latter is a porter, but the history of stout and porter are intertwined, so I felt it only appropriate. A rather delish Corned Beef and Cabbage rocked the menu for the entire weekend, just in case you needed an excuse to pop in for a pint.
We ducked into Firecreek on our way home so I could cap off the day with a sweet, creamy Bailey’s Irish Cream. Hubs was surprised and delighted to find Tröegs Nugget Nectar on tap, and a hearty Scottish Egg on special. The hop-puckering ale, only available in February and March, was the perfect accompaniment to a hard boiled egg cradled in sausage and fried, with a sweet honey-mustard side. A fitting reward for Driving Miss Nina on a chilly March 17.
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