The holiday known for excessive drinking and all things green is upon us. Whether you’re straight out of Dublin or not, on this holiday you can “eat drink and be Irish” as much as you please. I’ve compiled a few of the spots around town that can help you do just that: Eat Ireland-inspired food, drink like an Irishman and party like a leprechaun.
BNA is not just your average brewpub. You won’t find green beer here, but they make incredible bar-bites in their kitchen, and they have craft beers aplenty for your drinking pleasure. This St. Patrick’s they’ll be pouring their house-made Tír na nÓg, an Irish Potato Stout aged on gin botanicals from Okanagan Spirits.
For eats, get ready for an authentic Shepherd’s Pie made with lamb and red wine ragout with a potato and parmesan crust. They’ll also be preparing a Corned Beef dish with stout mustard, roasted new potatoes and sous-vide cabbage. You can always rely on those BNA chefs to use classic flavours you know and love, and then take them to the next level of finesse and deliciousness. You’ll be eating like an Irish king!
Going to an Irish pub on St. Paddy’s is a no brainer! But Kelly O’s won’t just supply you with a green beer and pachos, they’ve got real Irish specialities like “St. Patricks’ Stew” made with prime rib, Guinness and potatoes (it doesn't get more Irish than that), or their Guinness Beef Burger with a double “paddy” and Irish BBQ sauce. They’ve also got some food specials from outside of Ireland to mix it up! Mexican Street Corn and Butter Chicken are just a few of the highlights on their “Countdown to Green” dinner features. Whatever you choose for dinner, have it with a Guinness for the perfect food and drink pairing.
The Train Station’s infectious, happy atmosphere will have you celebrating St. Paddy’s with friends, both new and old, quicker than you can say “kiss me I’m Irish.”
To keep the party going, they’ve got shots of Jameson on for $6, so you can buy rounds for everyone, and you can sip on the Okanagan-famous “Back Hand of God” Stout from Crannog Ales for just $6 for a 15oz, or $8.5 for a 22oz (a true Irish pint). Best to have some food when you’re excessively drinking, so they’ve got a Shepherd’s Pie and a Cod and Chips on special for you. Perfect Irish comfort food to keep you satisfied through a long night of cheers-ing!
A classic choice for your St. Patrick’s celebration. There is a $10 cover, but prepare to be serenaded by live musicians all night while you sip on your Alexander Keith’s Green or Red Amber ($18.75 for a jug).
They’ve got you covered for all your Irish drink cravings: Smithwick’s, Kilkenny and Harp are $7.75 a can, and Guinness pints, Hop House 13 and Strongbow are $8.25 a pint. There will be food features too, but they’ll unveil those on the day of. You’ll feel like you’re in Whelan’s Pub with rowdy music and beverages galore. Just don’t forget to wear your best greens!
St. Patrick’s day themes are pretty consistent across different venues, but that’s the beauty of the ubiquitous Irish pub, and the Irish pub vibe: It’s a safe, happy place where you can enjoy great food and drink with friends, old and new. And, it’s a perfectly acceptable place to overindulge, sing loudly and maybe get a bit rowdy! Enjoy your March 17th celebrations and #treatyoself (just make sure you have a safe way home!).
Kelowna born and raised, Keddy Pavlik of TheTreatLife has been passionate about the local food scene basically since birth. If she's not in the kitchen, you can probably find her at the farmer's market or taking pictures of food. Photo Credit: Jordana Dickson.
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