Out & About

I really think that this year is going to be a good one and, thanks to you our readers, we are determined to make this paper your favorite read.

Expect some changes over the next month as we're adding a new look with lots of color and more features for your enjoyment. 2009 is going to be a very special year for Guinness, as they celebrate the 250th

Anniversary of the signing of the lease on St. James' Gate by the man himself Arthur Guinness.

Over the last 250 years, Guinness has become one of the most iconic brands of the 21st century, built on a foundation of excellence, innovation, social benevolence and philanthropy - now did I say that right?

Guinness is a global success that all Irish people should be very proud of and is synonymous with an Ireland that it is recognizable around the world and yes, we do drink our fair share.

The New York St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee will be performing the annual Installation of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal soon and this year they could have not picked a better man than Michael J. Gibbons as the man to lead us up Fifth Avenue on Tuesday March 17th.

Michael was born and raised in the Bronx; his business career covers over 40 years with Estee Lauder and he's just retired as Executive Vice President and General Manager.

He was also President of The  Ireland-U.S. Council for over six years where he helped to promote business bonds and commercial connections between Ireland and America.

He is also a member of the Mayo Society of New York and he is on the Taoiseach's Economic Advisory Board in the United States.

Nicholas Cohen of Stitch and The Houndstooth is ready to celebrate the New Year with all who will be calling in for a pint. Since both of  his establishments are across from each other you can easily bounce from one to the other.

Martin Whelan of Stout, Fat Annies, Maggies and Half Pint will be opening his new restaurant very soon on 46th Street just off Broadway. He is busy man. As far as we know it's going to be called St. Andrew's; from what I heard they will be moving from their old site off 6th Avenue.

If you're out on New Year's eve and over near Penn Station call in to see the boys in Tracks Raw Bar & Grill and have the best pint of Guinness west of Dublin. I am sure Liam will pour it for you with that watchful eye from Michael (and I am positive Bruce will also try one or two).

Paul Hurley will be opening his new bar and restaurant soon. It's called Desmonds and he's partnered with the famous Mick Glynn, who has been in the business for long time and is a well known County Galway man.

Another bar and restaurant well worth a visit is Jake's Saloon,  or should I say all three of them since Jimmy Cahill and Jimmy Glynn run some fine bars and restaurants on the westside.

Mike Carty of Rosie O'Grady's on Seventh Avenue (on 46th Street)  invites you all to his gala New Year's Eve party, while across the street on 46th Street you have O'Brien's Irish Pub who will also have a big party on New Year's Eve.

You'll be able to celebrate with Cormick McCormack and I know you will have a good time as the man himself Des O'Brien will be there, well, if he is not to busy in his Langan's hot spot on 47th Street.

More New Year's Eve parties will be held at Ryan's Irish Pub (9th Street on Second Avenue), The Bull McCabe (on St. Mark's Place), Nevada Smith's (11th Street on Third Avenue), P.D. Hurley's (on 72nd Street off Broadway), Papillion Bar and Bistro (54th Street off Madison Avenue), Lansdowne Road (43rd on 10th Avenue), Central Bar (9th Street off Third Avenue), Murphy's Bar & Grill on Old Country Road in Mineola, The Recovery Room (right at the Mineola Station - call in and say hello to Tilly McPartland and her family), The Molly Wee (on 8th Avenue) with Paddy Reilly as your host and, last, but certainly not least, up at the Coliseum where you get to meet Kathleen with that great smile.