By Paddy McCarthy
What another great week I had while I was Out&About as I called in to a few Irish hospitality establishments that I can tell all about in the coming weeks leading up to the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities. I have now started to feature them since last week starting with Amanda Moran from Mayo and I will be continuing with bartenders, waitstaff, managers and owners from different Irish bars, pubs and restaurants from anywhere in North America.
The beautiful thing about being a digital newspaper is that no matter where you are you can link into The Irish Examiner USA website and digital newspaper by going to irishexaminerusa.com no matter where you are in all the corners of the world.
All that and bit of gossip right here in the capitol city of the world, New York, also known as the “Big Apple” to get out to you and I’m so lucky to be living here. Now, of course, my roots are in Cork, Ireland and it’s also my home from home that I visit at least three times a year as I still have lots a family living there so you can see why I always look forward to meeting them and friends on my visit.
Now back to my visits. I was at the Pig n Whistle Pub and Restaurant on 36th Street, just off Seventh Avenue and only a couple of blocks from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. I got to chat with the bartender Katy Brennan from Glaslough in County Monaghan, who is a total professional. I watched how she interacted with the customers with that beautiful Irish way, customer friendly and very reassuring, something that makes you feel comfortable as you sit at the bar. I will not forget it was great to catch up with Managing Partner (owner) Cormac McCormack from County Longford, Ireland as well.
This establishment is well worth a visit as they show all sport, from GAA, basketball, hockey, football, soccer, baseball and especially rugby. It’s a great spot to visit before and after concerts and events that are on in Madison Square Garden and for the ice hockey and basketball games, Pig n Whistle is the place to meet before or after the games.
I also paid a visit to the famous and legendary Langan’s Pub & Restaurant at their new address that is now opened at 114 West 47th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues in Times Square. I was so lucky that I got to meet the owners Robert Mahon, Des O’Brien and Pat Burke when I paid my visit there last week. I also got to meet their General Manager Terri Rickwell, who is a total professional in her position and very well experienced in the hospitality business. So, call in as I can tell you it looks beautiful and is very comfortable for drinks, lunch and dinner, so make a reservation today.
The Emerald Guild Society had their membership meeting and their President John Keegan introduced their 2025 Grand Marshal Gerry Grady to lead them up Fifth Avenue for the annual New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. They also introduced their Member of the Year, Simon Parson.
Well there you have it. I hope you have enjoyed my Out&About this week and I hope to see you all again next week when I’m Out&About again…