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 Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident, currently working as a Marketing & Social Media Specialist. She has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John's University and is active within her community as a writer and mentor. Joanna can be reached by email at LISAVORYEATS@gmail.com. |
| St. Patrick’s Day is one of my all-time favorite holidays. If I’m not going into Manhattan or driving out to Montauk for the parades, I generally try to stay close to home and find a good pub. I proudly celebrate my Irish roots, and thoroughly enjoy surrounding myself with live music, authentic cuisine and a good pour of Guinness. Chances are, you can catch me between the same few places, depending on the year, and the festivities. Main Street Café in Northport Village is my first-place pick. It’s cozy, authentic, and I genuinely enjoy being surrounded by the local folk I’ve come to know and love. Their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are perfect – live music, corned beef and cabbage, pints of Guinness, friends, and family. It’s busy, but still remains enjoyable each year I participate. Picture this: you walk into a jolly pub on Main Street, people passing around bowls of corned beef and cabbage (similar to my grandma’s house growing up), a singer leading the crowd in song – it feels more like St. Patrick’s Day than anywhere I’ve celebrated before. It’s not cliché, it’s not cookie-cutter – it’s reliable, and warms the heart in a nostalgic way. For something a bit rowdier, I opt for Napper Tandy’s of Northport or Changing Times of East Northport. They keep it simple, which I appreciate. Beer, food, no-frills. These spots are generally pretty busy and filled with local patrons who are diligently enjoying baskets of wings and cold brews. Both spots have a long bar with plenty of seats, a full bar menu and many TVs. Napper Tandy’s also has impressive live music that’s worth checking out. Some other spots that may be worth checking out for St. Patrick’s Day are Jackie Reilly's in Bethpage, Paddy’s Loft in Rockville Centre and Reeses 1900 Pub in Patchogue. Most have local, live music and pint specials. If I’m going to Reeses, I’m ordering a burger or classic entrée – fisherman’s platter, shepherd’s pie or fish and chips. If I’m going to Jackie Reilly’s, I’m ordering the onion soup, and a Gaelic steak or wings. (I’ve also heard great things about the shepherd’s pie, all of their sandwiches and bangers n’ mash.) At Paddy’s Loft, I opt for the Irish soda bread, French Onion Soup, and/or chicken pot pie. Whether you plan on staying local, or adventuring to a new spot, I hope you enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family, over a traditional meal and a perfectly poured pint. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 