Here's what's going on in the food world this week – looks like the luck of the Irish!
Open
Nom Wah Tea Parlor: Closed twice in 08 and 09, this dim sum restaurant in Chinatown has now reopened under new management. 13 Doyers St, 212-962-6047
Brasserie Beaumarchais: This is actually the new Bagatelle, reopened as a modern French brasserie. Expect expensive entrees and yes, the drunken brunch party is still intact. 409 West 13th St, btwn Washington and Greenwich, 212-675-2400
Ditch Plains: The second location has opened on the UWS. Now you can get The Ditch Dog twice! 100 West 82nd St, nr Columbus Ave, 212-362-4815
Opening for the day
Frying Pan: The bar on a boat that doesn't move (except for the occasional swaying in the wind) normally opens in May for the warmer weather, but they will be opening for the day for St Pattys on Thursday. Bring a sweater. Pier 66 at the Hudson River Park (26th st and 12th ave)
Closed
Convivio: Not even Michael White could save this one.
Matsugen: Somehow I don't think this will hurt the Jean Georges empire..
Alto: Had a good run.
Foodie Fun
McDonalds Shamrock Shake: Like the holiday, this only happens once a year during March, so enjoy it. Most McD's won't advertise it, but if you stroll in and ask for it, chances are they can make it. If you were born yesterday and don't know what it is, it's an artificially flavored minty shake.
St Patricks Day at Parkside Lounge: No cover, drink specials, live music and free Jameson. Those words mean one thing to me: crowded. 317 East Houston St, nr Attorney St
St Patricks Day Celebration at Ger-Nis Culinary & Herb Center: Head down to good ol' Brooklyn for some Irish education paired with drinking and eating (naturally). You will learn the true meaning of the holiday, as well as some classic Irish recipes like soda bread and corned beef and cabbage. As promised, there will also be a beer and whiskey tasting! $50 pp, Thurs Mar 17th at 6:30 pm Click here for tickets and more info.
Luck of the Irish at the New York Wine & Culinary Center: This 2 and a half hour class will teach you how to create the traditional dishes of Ireland like Irish soda bread, Boxty (potato pancakes), Irish Champ (mashed potatoes), Irish Whiskey Cake and Irish Coffee. I love that anytime you put the word "Irish" in the beginning of a recipe, chances are it means it's made with alcohol. $60 pp, Thurs Mar 17th from 6 – 8:30 pm. Click here for full menu and tickets