A St. Patrick's Day pop-up bar and more ways to celebrate on Long Island
The Irish-themed pop-up bar at the Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale is open through March 21. Credit: Linda Rosier
Everyone needs a little luck these days and The Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale is delivering a pot of gold at "Shamrock’d" — a St. Patrick’s Day themed pop-up bar running through March 21.
"Right now, there’s not much available to do. People can’t go see a play or a concert," says co-owner Joe Fortuna. "We are in the entertainment business, so we got creative and put this event together."
Start your experience with a selfie as soon as you enter by the emerald green glitter wall in front of the "Shamrock’d" sign postable for Instagram. The room will be decked out with a rainbow-lit wall, a field of shamrocks and lots of green.
There are two ways to get "Shamrock’d" — weekdays for dinner and drinks (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.) or weekends for brunch with beverages (Saturday and Sunday from10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.). The cost is $42.50 per person.
DINNER DISHES
Try some traditions with a twist like a corned beef and cabbage slider on an Irish soda bread bun, a Jameson-infused waffle topped with Jameson barbecue chicken and Jalapeño corn slaw plus a Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treat for dessert.
Two Irish-themed craft cocktails are included such as the Irish Goodbye (vodka, Midori melon liqueur, Triple sec), Shamrock Juice (gin, tequila, rum, vodka, Blue Curacao, orange juice) or the Irish Mule (fireball whiskey, lime juice, ginger beer). Prefer a brew? There are over 15 beers on tap including Guinness dry stout and Smithwick’s red ale.
BRUNCH BUFFET
Guests will be greeted with a rainbow fruit skewer and cinnamon roll at the table when they arrive. One party at a time goes up to the buffet wearing a mask to find an array of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and a contactless "Funfetti Waffle Bar" with topping such as rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream, blueberries, strawberries, Nutella, chocolate chips, granola and Jameson-infused syrup. Brunch includes a choice of bottomless mimosas or three cocktails.
A Jameson BBQ chicken infused waffle with jalapeno corn slaw. Credit: Linda Rosier
LIVE FROM DUBLIN
Bar mascot leprechaun Mr. Nutty will stop at each table to conduct some trivia and will give out gold chocolate coins. Irish music will be playing overhead and Friday nights get enhanced by a live acoustic performance from a duo. On the big screen, a livestream will be showing both inside and outside the famous Temple Bar Pub in Dublin, Ireland.
The room holds 600 people but will be limited to 50 patrons for safety. Tables are socially distanced and separated by partitions in line with New York State Liquor Authority regulations. Those who aren’t seated must wear masks.
To make a reservation, call 516-293-9700 or visit popupli.com. The Nutty Irishman is located at 323 Main St. in Farmingdale.
IRISH LADS TO STREAM LIVE
Take in a virtual concert straight from the motherland of Dublin, Ireland when We Banjo 3 performs live from Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery, presented by the Patchogue Theatre.
“This is going to be the first time we have played a show together in a year,” says Martin Howley, who is on tenor banjo, mandoline and background vocals. “It will be a blend of the old and new with a focus on unity.”
This fierce foursome is composed of two sets of brothers Martin and David Howley plus Fergal and Enda Scahill. Together, they fuse bluegrass with Irish music.
“We mirror that trans-Atlantic crossing of blending Irish and American music,” says Howley. “Our sound mines the deep rich heritage between the two countries.”
Expect to hear their hits “Haven,” “Sunflower” and “Hold Onto Your Soul” along with some traditional Irish folk tunes.
“A lot of our songs have strong themes we like to connect with the audience on,” says Howley. “I think in this time, more than any, people need to feel connected. We need to reach across the digital divide to create that sense of connection.”
Tickets are $25 per household and can be purchased at patchoguetheatre.org.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.