Stout, Féile and The Blarney Rock pubs-- 33rd St. and 7th Ave, NYC

Hi folks!
2011 is almost gone and I only think it's fair that I filled you readers in on some pubs that I frequent.  Oftentimes, I find myself in need of a tipple and some chow before my train leaves Penn Station (or possibly a show at the Hammerstein or Garden).  Koreatown is okay with a large group (between 35-36th and Fifth and Sixth Aves), but isn't my cup of tea prior to a trip back Upstate.  But don't fret!  There are a few places that do fit the bill.  Each of these three pubs are located a stone's throw from Madison Square Garden and Macy's Herald Square (both are connected by a plethora of Subway lines).  It's only fair to start with the oldest of the three, The Blarney Rock.

If you have seen the movie "Big Daddy" you have already seen The Blarney Rock (BR).  It was in the scene where they're watching the Jets game inside a bar (it's easily recognizable).  The first thing you notice when walking into the BR is that it doesn't look like the interior has been updated in about 30 years.  This is an old school bar when you can easily bump into the B & T brigade (Bridge and Tunnel, office workers that commute from NJ/Long Island daily) or union laborers (or any union-- electrical, masons, etc.) that have concrete or mud on their boots and Carhartts.  You can see this is a union bar, on the bar mirror itself are "local" stickers from all over the state and city.  I wouldn't venture in this place if you were a scab, you'd probably not leave it in one piece.  Okay, onto the food.

The food is typical NYC pub grub.  Noticeably, a lack of authentic Irish items disappoint this reviewer, but let's dwell on what they do well.  I have been going here for awhile, but usually prior to shows at the Garden as the other two pubs get super crowded and I'm not a fan of waiting ten minutes for a beer!  The wings and sandwiches are king here.  They do them right and for a reasonable price (around the ten dollar mark).  Of course they have dinner specials, but it's not the tastiest grub, rather bland and run of the mill.  The beer selection is at best mediocre.  They're catering to the working man, and that means plenty of light beers on tap (with Sam Adams being the top of the heap).  Prices aren't terrible for this part of town and a pint should set you back between $5-6.  So, that's The BR, let's review it's next door neighbor, Stout.

Stout is a "mega-pub" that opened a few years ago.  Frankly, it's a welcome change to the neighborhood.  I am all for nostalgia, but Stout has upped the bar (no pun intended) in a major way!  This place is huge.  A two story pub with seating upstairs (and a ton of TVs to watch the European or American sporting events).  The vaulted ceilings give the place a cavernous feel.  In addition to the main bar, there is a smaller bar downstairs (with tables) that is open Pre-Garden events and busy weekends.  There is also a large banquet room that's capable of hosting parties (usually corporate types).

Okay, so what's the deal?  Well, the beer list is huge.  Of course you have your Guinness along with the local faves like Brooklyn and Six Points.  They have a fairly large (about 5-10) seasonal beer list on any given day.  They also have a few ciders on tap here, which I really like (variety is the spice of life!).  However, the main portion of the list is the pub's namesake, stouts.  They have about 30 different types of stouts from all over the world, even Japan!  If you're brave enough, try an Imperial Stout-- which can be mistaken for diesel fuel (very high alcohol content).  I like a Guinness now and again, but that's not why I come here.   The high-test beers float around $8-15 and regular beers, around $5-6. 

I came once and keep returning to this pub because the food is outstanding.  I loved each and every item that I have eaten as this establishment, whether it is the Full Irish Breakfast (with black and white pudding! $10.95), or the oysters they have-- the list is quite big.  The best bargain on the menu is the fried calamari at $10.95, the portion is absolutely monstrous and could easily feed three people (as a a starter).  I am also a huge fan of their burgers.  They cook these to order and they ask how I'd like it cooked-- you know from prior posts that's a good sign of quality ($9.95 with options that cost $1.50).  There are the usual Irish items like bangers and mash, fish and chips and pies (meat).  This type of food I reserve for the winter (so perhaps early next year, I will be trying them).

One strange item that they have listed that I am not really interested in is "Wisconsin Style Thin Crust Pizza."  It's basically a pie that's stacked with toppings right to the edge.  I am familiar with this style from living in Columbus, OH and frankly, I am not a fan.  Perhaps you'd like to try it, but I like my NYC slice better than any variety in the world.  Okay, last but not least, Féile.

Féile in Gaelic means "festival" and this is a pretty fair assessment of the times I have had there.  Féile opened about a year and a half after Stout and is owned by the same management company.  Therefore, the food is of similar quality, but the menu is very different that it's larger brother.  Stout has roughly twenty tables for eating in and a large bar that anyone can feel welcome.  The bartenders are usually from Ireland and I know for a fact, so is the chef (thank God!).  I haven't eaten here a lot, but I can vouch for the Duck Sausage and Mash (with red currant gravy).... yummy!  The sixteen dollar price tag for this item is a bargain and this dish will stuff you!  On one recent visit, I spotted a menu item I couldn't pass up.  Shepherd's Pie (which oddly they call Cottage pie) made with pulled braised lamb shank meat ($16).  This is the most authentic shepherd's pie I have eaten in the United States.  For some odd reason, Americans think that Shepherd's Pie is made with beef.  WRONG!  Who does a shepherd look after?  Not cattle, that's for sure!  The Americanized version is Cottage Pie, and should be called as such (with beef).  One item that caught my eye, but I haven't tried is the Mac and Cheese Croquettes (basically a fried stuffed dumpling) served with bacon and leeks ($8).  I think I will be venturing outside the box and try it next time.  The food is a bit more imaginative than next door at Stout.  The chef here wants to wow you and he does.  I have also had the burgers here, including the "Angry Bleu Cheese Burger."  The angry BCB ($11), comes dipped in Frank's hot sauce and is served with crumbled (and melted) bleu cheese on top (and it's really hot).  It made me sweat a bit whilst eating it!  You really can't go wrong with anything you order here, it's all going to be good... but be wary if there's a crowd (you might need to wait quite some time, as the kitchen isn't very large).

Okay, onto the drinks.  They also have a large list, while not as big as it's brother, it's a well thought out menu for draught beers.  They don't have Magner's Cider on tap here, but do have it in the 750 ml bottles (at $8 or $9).  There are also seasonal brews which pass through quarterly.  They also have a nice whiskey list for the brave.  I know I turn into Mr. Hyde on whiskey and pass on that option.  :) 

 The Verdict:

Well, if you are looking for a slice of old NY, by all means check out The Blarney Rock.  Their friendly service and come as you are attitude makes this place great for drinking and a simple meal, just don't bring the non-union guy with you). 

Stout is great for those seeking a big city bar that dazzles you and assaults your senses-- a great (and rowdy) place to catch a game or to get tuned up before that concert at MSG.  The food is good, and you can be adventurous here (try the oysters!). 

However, If you're looking for primarily food,  Féile is where you should be.  The well thought out menu and nice atmosphere make it a pleasant place to dine-- but be aware folks!  All three of these places are bursting at the seams on event days.  So?  Which one is my favorite?  I'm not telling... and I think you should be the judge.  After all, they're all right next to each other, which makes a literal pub crawl possible.

Have a Happy New Year folks and keep your eyes peeled for new adventures and reviews in 2012!     


-TT/FF

Féile

Stout

*At the time of publication, The Blarney Rock's website was undergoing changes and therefore it isn't working.  It will be found here.

The Blarney Rock

The Blind Pig (pub)-- 233 East 14th Street, New York, NY (Union Square area)

I actually discovered the Blind Pig by accident.  Being no stranger to the Union Square part of Manhattan, I was sick of my same old haunt... mainly the Heartland Brewery.  So, my buddy Tommy and I had a bit of a walk to find some different places.  One of our old bars has since closed (and I really never even knew the name of it!).  We found the "Pig" after going into a ratty Irish-styled pub (with outrageously priced beers $6.50!).  So we finished up and hit the Pig.  FYI, "A Blind Pig" was the name used for establishments that you could get a drink during prohibition.

I chose the Pig because of one reason, the Arsenal Football Club flag hanging prominently out front.  Score.  Going in, the bar is typical American Oak-- bar and wood flooring.  There are many TVs and it's a fairly large place (definitely packed on Gunners game days).  We chose to sit at the bar.

Well, the biggest decision we needed to make was the beer list.  It's not huge, but it's a list of carefully chosen beers (some that I haven't seen in the USA before).  However, if you want that Coors Light-- this place won't let you down either.  The bartender, "Roz" was very attentive and talkative.  She mentioned it was her first day.  He only fault all night was taking my empty pint and not offering me another!  Oh well, we all mess up sometimes!

After perusing the menu as I normally do, I was very surprised not to see some staples that should be on a pub menu touting English Football.  Mainly, bangers and mash, roasts, pies (meat), or even a Full-English breakfast.  Oh well, that aside... it's not bad at all.

The menu consists of all the usual suspects at an American bar.  Wings, mozz sticks, sandwiches and a few larger plates.  Being it was going to be a long night, I decided to grab a burger.  They asked how I wanted it-- rare as always (a great sign as usual).  The kicker with this burger was that it was served on a pretzel roll, American cheese and with honey mustard (which gave the burger and roll a perfect contrast).  I like pretzel rolls because they don't fall apart when eating a juicy burger (I urge you to try one if you see it on a menu).  The fries or chips were of the waffle variety, which we cooked nicely and they're always fun to eat (Burger $12).

My buddy Tom opted for the only traditionally English menu item-- fish and chips.  Whilst I didn't eat any (he forgot to offer), he stated that the haddock was fried to perfection and that the batter had a nice flavor.  Another small disappointment was the lack of malt vinegar at the table, which is a necessity to have with fish and chips!  Oh well, don't sweat the little things in life (Fish and Chips $12).

Overall, the bill came to a non-so-whopping $60 + tip.  This wasn't bad, considering we stuck around for about two hours.  I'd like to also point out that Happy Hour beers are -$2 until 8pm each day... bargain!  So, if you find yourself in the Whole Foods and can't take any more.... walk your butt over a couple blocks and hit a really solid establishment.  Word to the wise, if you don't like soccer, you might be in trouble on game day.... you've been warned!  :)


The Blind Pig 

Jewel on India on Lark- 187 Lark Street, Albany, NY

Hi there Guys,
As you folks that read this blog know, I have been on a seemingly never ending quest to find a curry house that can match those in London.  Well, the curry gods must have heard my prayers, because they've been answered!  Admittedly, I found the place via a Groupon, which I've never used before.  However, am I glad I did!

Being a seasoned Indian food vet, I took the liberty of ordering the starters for our table.  Onion Pakoras and Puppodom (spelling?) were what I chose.  When my friend Jeff arrived after a few minutes, we also ordered the Morag Pakora.  Okay, let's explain for those not "in the know."  Onion pakoras are basically shaved onion that has been battered and fried.  They're absolutely addicting and these ones were top-notch!  Puppodoms are essentially fried lentil crackers.  They are served with different chutneys that compliment the flavor of the crackers.  I think I order them due to a force of habit, not necessarily because I like them... however, these were nicely seasoned.  Jeff ordered the Morag Pakora, which is a spiced battered chicken nugget.  The spices gave them a very fragrant taste which I have never experienced.  I will be ordering that again!   (Puppodoms- $1.99, Onion Pakoras- $2.99 and Morag Pokora- $3.99). 

The menu has a wide variety of meats and vegetarian options.  One noticeable item missing (that is usually on crappy Indian places menus was beef, as it should be).  I noticed that they had Sheekh Kebab, which is minced lamb seasoned and shaped around a skewer.  I cannot think of one other Indian establishment in the area that does these.  Very nice, but that's for next time.

Christina ordered the Savzi Tandoor, which is fresh veggies that have been marinated in a sour cream sauce and cooked in the Tandoor (clay) oven.  The portion was huge and the flavor, delicious!  If you're a vegetarian, I would recommend this dish highly ($8.99).

Jeff opted for a seafood dish, Shrimp Madras, which is a a tomato based sauce that has a bit of a kick (although, the restaurant asks that you specify how hot you want to go--on all dishes, a nice touch!).  The shrimp were nicely sized and portioned towards the large side ($12.99).  Jeff also ordered Puri, which is a fried bread which puffs out like a pillow when it's brought to your table.  Think fried dough without the sugar.  It's a fun side to eat, especially if you bring kids ($1.99).

So, I wanted to keep things simple as I usually do when ordering from a new place.  My reason being, if they do basics well, that's a good sign.  If they don't, run!  I opted for Chicken Korma, which is a almond cream based sauce with chunks of chicken in it.  I asked for them to spice it "medium" as it's generally on the mild side anyway.  It wasn't a disappointment.  On the contrary, it was very tasty and the sauce was nice and rich (and bad for ya!) ($8.99).  I also opted for a vegetable side dish, as I feel like the rice that accompanies the meal isn't enough.  My only let down is that they don't do smaller side orders and that you have to order a full sized portion.  In this case, I ordered Saag Poneer, which is a creamed spinach dish served with homemade chunks of cheese.  It was very authentically spiced, meaning it had some bite ($9.99).  The last item that I ordered was one that I have missed dearly since being back in the States.  The Jewel Nan ($3.99), is a coconut stuffed nan bread (usually referred to as Peshwari Nan in the UK).  It was a nice thing to see it on the menu, as the sweetness in the bread offsets the sometimes brutally hot dishes like Vindaloo or Phall.  I just like it when you dip it into your sauce.

The only drawbacks of the is restaurant are: The owners can't spell to save their lives (and the menu items might look a bit different that what you're used to-- but they're the same).  Secondly, the restaurant doesn't have a liquor license (which can also be a good thing), so you need to plan ahead and BYOB.  In our case, the waiter was more than happy to run across the street for us to grab some beers.

The service was attentive and the staff knowledgeable (which is a good thing if you are a rookie at eating Indian food).  The interior is also very London-esque, it reminded me of my local curry house in Marylebone.  Overall, I think this Indian place beats the rest in the Albany area, hands down.  Let's call it "Albany's little slice of Brick Lane."  I will be back and I highly recommend it to anyone that likes Indian food.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  

Rating:  9/10

P.S.  They offer a buffet for lunch at $7.99, which is a bargain!

Jewel of India on Lark