Attention stout and other Irish brew seekers: You’re covered for the Bronx St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Bronx saloons have been gearing up for the borough’s festive parade, preparing to honor Ould Sol with some Irish dittys and drink!
These saloons often profit handsomely from the yearly parade, attracting thousands who eventually spend post-parade (and pre- and during) raising a glass with their fellow revelers.
But good Irish beers are not the only thing on the menu as some Bronx bars are serving up a menu of Irish fare.
Kathleen Gallagher, manager of the Wicked Wolf and sitting member of the Throggs Neck Parade Committee, welcomes the day.
Her bar/restaurant at 4029 E. Tremont Ave. sees a wave of customers stopping by to soak in the Irish ambiance.
“For the last fifteen years it’s gotten bigger and better,” said Gallagher. “More people tend to come out and support the neighborhood.”
Gallagher plans to highlight her Irish roots (her family’s from Denigal) by serving up a spread of traditional Irish staples, including corned beef and cabbage, as well as Dublin Lamb Stew.
Over at McGee’s Tavern at 3809 E. Tremont Ave., where a massive three-leaf clover lines the sidewalk, owner Megan “McGee” Zangaglia is set to launch her own brew – McGee’s Irish Red. “I compare it to a Killian’s,” said Zangaglia.
Along with free servings of corned beef and cabbage, Zangaglia has hired Bazooka Joe and Bubble Gum Beat Down to sing some Irish tunes.
The Throggs Neck Clippper at 3599 E. Tremont Ave. welcomes St. Patrick’s Day as an official start to business after a generally dormant winter. “The whole year picks up right on St. Patrick’s Day,” said owner Peter Tierney., who serves breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon, with an array of “Irish sausage, white pudding and black pudding, Irish bacon, eggs and home fries.”
Irish Coffee and Guiness Stout will be the big drinks for local drinkers, he said, who can also enjoy Irish tunes from spinmeister DJ Shane.
Although the day may be fun, don’t overdo it, warns the Throggs Neck Community Action Partnership, which promotes the dangers of alcohol and drug use. “Besides being mindful of drinking and driving, space your drinks,” said Janet Bliss, coordinator of community programs.
See page 43 for photos
David Cruz can be reach via e-mail at DCruz@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3383
