Out & About

We were around town last week starting with a party at Track's at Penn Station that included a performance by the great Pierce Turner who had the audience on their feet clapping and singing for every number. Bruce Caufield how he does it I don't know, he can bring the best of talent to his establishment. At Tracks there is always something going on and the place is always packed - good on you Bruce! Just to let you in to a secret, this was Pierce Turner's final show for now in NYC.

Acclaimed Irish Actor Liam Neeson was the toast of the town last Thursday night at the American Ireland Fund 33rd Annual New York Gala under a tent at the Lincoln Center. The event was a huge success with over 1,300 guests. Also honored was the renowned Wall Street leader and philanthropist the late Lewis Glucksman, who passed away in 2006. The event raised over $3.5 million for important projects in Ireland. I am sure Kieran McLoughlin had his calculator out as that is a lot of counting, we were sorry we missed out on the fun.

Anita Daly helped promote a big concert at the South Street Seaport at a new venue called Seaport at 219 Water Street with Jack Lukeman and the show went very well.

Over 300 key U.S. travel trade executives, carriers and media attended Tourism Ireland's launch in New York of Discover Ireland's Wonderful West at the New York Palace Hotel on Madison Avenue. Over to give the presentation was none other than Paul O'Toole Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland along with Joe Byrne, Executive V.P. of Tourism Ireland here in the U.S. with his lovely wife Geraldine. The Bunratty Singers entertained the very large crowd. In the mix of guests were Orla Carey of Tourism Ireland who was having a great chat with Rick St.Vincent - I'd like to hear what that was about!

Stone Street Streetfest got underway last Saturday at 12 noon on Stone Street in the Wall Street area. The crowds where gigantic and the beer was flying with lots of happy faces and restaurant owners celebrating this historic festival with the proceeds going to support GOAL. Danny McDonald of Ulysses bar and restaurant that features the longest bar counter in New York was all over the place arranging everything from making sure the music was right to setting up the bars and restaurant on the street - he has so much energy with his cup of Barry's tea - what more do you need, good on you Danny. The boys on the block were all working together to make this day a memorable one. Sammy O'Connor, of Stonestreet Tavern was keeping a watchful eye on everything that was happening. Noel McDermott of Beckett's bar and grill was up early putting those table cloths out and supervising his staff as he does. Where was his partner Ronan Downes? Must have been working very late! Next door, Tommy Ryan of Mad Dog & Beans Irish Mexican restaurant was serving up enchiladas and lots of beer. If you ever come down to the Wall Street area stop by to meet all these restaurant owners, I guarantee you will have the time of your life. While there we also got meet up with Mick Jewel, a partner with Danny, browsing around always on the ball. That's why they are so successful at their trade.

Again let me remind you of the names of the restaurants on Pearl Street and Stone Street - Ulysses, Waterstone Grill, Adrienne's Pizzabar, Mad Dod & Beans, The Waterstone Grill, Smorgas Chef, Beckett's, Brouwers and Burger - I mean what more do you need to bounce around? Just to let you know all this was to benefit GOAL USA the international humanitarian organization helping to build schools in Africa headed up here in New York by the ever wonderful Angel Dean and her very able-bodied assistant Martha Hourican. And of course all the girls who worked very hard selling raffle tickets.

P.D. Hurley's on 72nd street! You just have to check it out as the food and the service is superb. They also have two other locations on the Pier and in the Park so please tell Paul Hurley we sent you.

The Dublin GAA dinner at Rosie O'Grady's was a great success on Saturday night last, a packed house.

The coffee man Pete Scalley was seen at the Stonestreet Festival on Saturday, that man never stops working.

See you next week.