St Patrick's Day in Vancouver

Looking for a place to celebrate with green beer tomorrow?

Go early!

All Irish pubs will fill fast and be jam-packed. I am glad I did a Pre-St Pat's Party Saturday.

Here is a list of locations to consider for an "authentic" (some more than others) Irish feel:

- Blarney Stone
216 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J1‎ - (604) 687-4322‎
One of my faves. I was there Saturday for my Pre-St Pat's Party. They have renovated and it's amazing (and holds more people now too - yay). Great service, Irish food, beer, live music and dancing. Go early this place has lines around the block.

- Irish Heather
212 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J1‎ - (604) 688-9779‎
Next door to Blarney Stone, I went here for the first time a few months ago for a friend's brithday. Great Irish food, Irish owners, a ton of beer and whiskey to choose from. Very small so go early or don't get in.

- Doolin's
654 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K4‎ - (604) 605-4343‎
Doolin's is larger than many pubs and has an advantage at night as it's attached to The Cellar nightclub downstairs. Good food, great atmosphere, again, go early.

- The Lennox
800 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K3‎ - (604) 408-0881‎
I have actually never been here. Let me know if you have and what you think in the comments.

- Ceili's
670 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1E3‎ - (604) 697-0990‎
This place has multiple floors and lot's of space, a variety of items on their menu though doesn't feel as "authentic" as far as Irish Pubs go. It's a good time and upstairs has lot's of windows to overlook Granville Street.

- Morrissey
1227 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M6‎ - (604) 682-0909‎
Another one I have not been too, sorry.

- The Wicklow
610 Stamps Landng, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Z1‎ - (604) 879-0821
Never been here either.

- Smiley O'Neils
911 W.Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1L6‎ - (604) 662-8866‎
I went here for the first time when Vancouver's downtown lost their power. Somehow, Smiley's had it and I enjoyed their food, atmosphere and service. Reasonably priced drinks compared to many places and a diverse crowd.

I am sure there are St. Patrick's Day Thenes at all pubs in the city so go early and wait in line - have some Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips or something Irish and Tasty... most of all enjoy some green beer and strong whiskey!

Cheers!

Pre St Patty's Day Pub Crawl

Pre Saint Patrick's Day Party this Saturday was a blast.....

I ran my annual Pre-St. Patty's Day Event Saturday Evening and it was pretty awesome. We had lowe numbers than usual but it made it more intimate. Everyone got jello shooters, a St Pat's tiara or hat, leprechauns gold coins (Chocolate) and VIP access to four venues in downtown Vancouver.

We started off at Blarney Stone in gastown for some Irish fun. They recently renovated and it looks really great inside. Our Emcee, Kyle, ran some activities for our group as well as others in the pub enjoying Green Beer and Traditional irish food.

After lot's of drinks and games we hopped on a bus and headed to Shark Club where we ate, drank and enjoyed the Canucks game and the boxing match on several flatscreens.

The Irish Activities continued and we gave away a bunch of cool prizes.

Our third stop, most were tipsy or beyond and we shook our botties on the dance floor at Au Bar. There were some models there in angels outfits, one of them was Brandi from Canada's Next Top Model. (On the right)

Our last stop was Gossip Night Club where we rolled up and gained VIP access and immediate entry to the club. Everyone had an amazing night and since I have been fighting a cold for about a week I headed home instead of dance the night away.

Overall it was a great time as always and I just wish I wasn't getting sick.

St. Patrick's Day is on Wednesday this week so I may go for my traditional Once a Month Wednesday that I have been neglecting for so long.... mechnial bull riding and 5 cent wings at Roosters... we shall see.

Cosmo Varies from bartender to bartender....

Saturday Evening I went to a friend's birthday bash at an Irish Pub and although they allegedly had superb food [a friend had Bangers & Mash that was apparently delish...look at this photo, mmmm...]

They didn't have martini's *gasp* The server, who I actually knew through a mutual friend, said "Well, I could probably make a cosmo"

*gasp* I can't imagine what an Irish Pub's version of a cosmo might be.... I opted for whiskey... I do like whiskey... but I am not a beer drinker [despite the numerous beers they had available... their whiskey selection was equally impressive]

Anyways, it got me thinking, of just how different a cosmo is at different bars... I mean it SHOULD be straight forward, but too often people mix, adjust and create.... and I love it...

Here are a few of my fave versions of the popular Cosmopolitan Martini:

#1
-8 parts vodka
-2 parts cranberry juice
-1 part lime cordial
-1 part triple sec

Garnish with a Lemon Twist.

#2
-4 parts citron vodka
-3 parts triple sec
-1 part carnberry
-1 part lemon juice

Garnish with a Lemon Slice

#3
-2 parts vodka
-1 part triple sec
-1 part lime cordial
-1 part cranberry juice

Garnish with a lime wedge

#4
-8 parts vodka
-4 parts triple sec
-1 part lime juice

Garnish with a citrus slice or wedge.

#5
-8 parts vodka
-8 parts carnberry juice
-4 parts lime juice
-4 parts grand marnier

Garnish with a Lime Twist.