Out & About

Last Thursday I took a trip over to P.D. Hurley's on the Pier (12th Avenue at West 44th Street) to celebrate with Dermot Kelly, some friends and his cousin who's in from Galway, before she went back the following day, and there to greet us was none other than Mike Glynn, another Galway man who was the host for the night and keeps Paul Hurley on his toes.

Of course Paul was not there since he was on vacation in Nantucket. That's good for him while the rest of us were sweating and of course having a cold Budweiser at its best.

We were checking the place out for the Oyster Festival which will be hosted in both the Pier and in Riverside Park (on September 12 and 13); a double header. Only the Irish can pull this off and let me tell you this will be a great event!

The entertainment on Thursday (and every Thursday) is Enda Keegan who plays all your favorites; he's a great player and singer and is not to be missed I can tell you.

Now for a little advice for anybody who is not traveling to Ireland, or just came back from Ireland. For little or nothing you should take a trip to Fire Island just off the shore of Long Island. You can only get there by a ferry from Bay Shore, but that is very easy to get by car or train from Penn Station. You really would not believe that you are only 40 miles from New York City, especially since no cars are let on to the island.

The best part of Fire Island is Oceanside which is the family orientated area. There are different parts of the island you can go and you should know where you're going before you park your car at Bay Shore harbor (there is plenty of parking space). The ferry only costs $17 for a return fare! Now, where else would you get that sort of value, huh?

Another part of Long Island that is very popular with the Irish and Irish Americans is Long Beach, and again, it is only a train ride away from New York City. If you're travelling by car, you take the Meadowbrook Parkway Exit (M-10) which will bring you right into Long Beach - the City by the Sea. I am getting good at this, what you think?

Went over to see what's happening over at the Pig'N'Whistle on West 47th Street and I can tell you that these boys are doing a big  face-over and the whole place is gutted. We were told that it should be ready fro business again by the end of September. I can't wait since this is one of the most popular places for all the stage hands from Broadway and also is a huge tourist attraction and attractive for us locals too!

I am sure that you have heard of Dave Cremin; though if you have not you better start getting to know him now as he is one of the best entertainers to perform out of Ireland. He's literally just magic and more.

Dave Cremin puts a twisted spin on old tricks, combining stand-up with magic, illusion, and sleight of hand.  He has performed professionally in the magic arena for more than 15 years. 

Skilled with a diverse array of presentations, his magic is suitable, not only for private parties and weddings, but also trade shows and sales seminars, and pretty much anything else in between. 

Dave's recipe is simple - combine magic and comedy, add a generous helping of charm and personality, give it a good stir, and you've got an act that's sure to please.  Past performances include, Don't Tell Mama, The Broadway Comedy Club, The Sage Theatre, and PA TV along with several independent film productions. 

Dave's love for magic dates back to his teen years but, only when he came to New York in the mid eighties, did he realize that he had an aptitude and a passion for performing the art. 

Always striving for perfection, Dave polishes new material several nights a week as a Magical Bartender at Cronin and Phelan's Bar & Restaurant in Astoria, Queens. You can find out more about Dave at outofthisworldmagic.com.

This Monday (August 24) you can go and see Dave at the Sage Theatre Times Square (711 7th Ave, # 2, (212) 302-6665).

We paid a visit down to Greenwich Street in Tribeca  on Monday to see a great friend of ours, Michael Garvey who is the new General Manager of Trattaria Cingue. Now that does not sound Irish... that's right, it's Italian and you have to pay a visit as Mike is the host of hosts and the flavor of the food is superb, let me tell you that.

Bring your wife your girlfriend, your husband, your boyfriend, your mother, your father or all the family and, believe me, you won't regret it as everything is top shelf and the prices are very reasonable. Most of all though you will definitely have a good time.

For reservations call (212) 965-0555 or visit them online at trattoriacinquenyc.com See you all next week.