Your Next Bite

3 Places to Get your Irish Grub on for St. Patrick's Day

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Today is not just any old Friday, it's St. Patrick's Day Friday!

Whether you're ready to get your Irish jig on at 9:00 am, knock back some Guinness & Pub Snacks without the fuss, or keep your Leprechaun suit at home, here are 3 places to get your Irish grub on in OC.

The Grubdown:

Muldoon's Irish Pub

This Dublin Pub has always been the place to be on St. Patty's Day. This year is their 43rd annual St. Patrick's Day Bash with traditional Irish food, two live bands, no cover charge, and doors opening at 9:00 am.

 - lean & mean Corned Beef & Cabbage $23.95

202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. 949-640-4110

The Iron Press

Want the action without the lines? Then a trip to the waffle house is what's in store for you. They serve 30+ beers, an Irish style Pub Snack great for sharing, and "Hoppy Hour" from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

- glutton's delight, thick bechamel-like cheese sauce, super spicy, Imperial IPA Irish Nachos with Cabbage, Jalapeno & Prosciutto simmered in Imperial IPA over Waffle Fries with Lager Cheddar Sauce $8

3321 Hyland Ave. Suite E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. 714-426-8088.

Pie Not

If you want to avoid the crowds all together and pick up a hearty treat for the family, why not get take-out from Pie Not?

- tangy A1 sauce flavor, chunky bits of beef, and buttery flaky pastry, Chef's Special Premium Pie with Guinness Braised Beef, Cheddar, Tomatoes & Potatoes in a Shortcrust Pastry shell with Puff Pastry lid $6.50

270 E. 17th Street #17, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. 949-650-7437.

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Have a Lucky Day!

A Sophisticated St. Patrick's Day Menu at Sapphire Laguna

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This St. Patrick's Day shake things up with a sophisticated spin on Irish food at Sapphire Laguna.

Located in the Old Pottery Place, the global comfort food restaurant has one of my favorite people-watching patios on PCH with a cozy fireplace to boot.

For Tuesday's holiday, world-renowned Chef Azmin Ghahreman is cooking up old favorites with some exciting new twists on Irish dishes.

The Grubdown:

- Beer Battered Fresh Black Cod Fish & Chips with Tartar Sauce $25

- Dubliner Lamb Stew with Turnip, Carrot & Potato $27

- Corned Beef & Cabbage with Mustard Horseradish Sauce $26

- Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake $7.5

- Pot 'O Gold Cocktail with Bushmills Irish Whiskey, St Germaine, Cucumber, Mint & Ginger Beer $13

Cheers, and don't forget to wear green.

Pushing your Irish Luck on St. Patrick's Day

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This year's St. Patrick's Day falls on a Monday, which means one of two things: 1. You're stickin' your shamrock where the sun don't shine by fillin' Monday's schedule with green beer  2. You've decided to button up your little Leprechaun suit and sit down for a nice Irish stew instead.

Don't worry, Your Next Bite has got you covered with a pot 'o golden options, from where the Irish have been partying for the past 40 years at Muldoon's to places that push your Irish luck, like British Side Door Pub and Aussie Pie Not.

The Grubdown:

Muldoon's Irish Pub in Newport Beach

- like a bowl of hearty gravy, kissed with a fluffy cloud of mashed potatoes, Irish Stew with certified Angus Beef, plump Peas, Carrots, and a touch of Guinness Stout $25

Side Door Pub in Corona del Mar

- cheesy potato crust, warm 'n tender meat filling with a hint of creamy sour, 20-minute Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef, Root Vegetable Mash & Goat Cheese $10

Pie Not in Costa Mesa

- tangy A1 sauce flavor, chunky bits of beef, and buttery flaky pastry, Chef's Special Premium Pie with Guinness Braised Beef, Cheddar, Tomatoes & Potatoes in a Shortcrust Pastry shell with Puff Pastry lid $6.50

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Cheers to gettin' lucky!

Where to eat at Newport Beach Restaurant Week

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The 8th annual Newport Beach Restaurant Week starts this Friday, January 17th through Sunday, January 26th. It's the best way to get a 3-course taste of over 60 restaurants from seaside Balboa Island to quaint Corona del Mar. Prix-fixe lunches range from $10 to $20 with dinners from $20 to $40 per person.

Last week I got a sneak peak of the dishes that'll be served from some of the participating restaurants. Back Bay Bistro hosted the launch party with complimentary libations from the mobile Svedka Bar. (I particularly enjoyed their new cinnamon whiskey that's similar to Fireball without all the sugar.)

The Grubdown:

Cucina Alessa - light bacony tomato flavor, Farfalle & Smoked Salmon in a Vodka Cream Sauce

Great Maple - stay tuned for my blog post next week, but check out their Great Happy Hour in the meantime

Mayur - vibrant, tart 'n fresh Quinoa Salad with Cilantro, Dried Cranberries & chopped Red Pepper

Muldoon's Irish Pub - velvety, hearty, warms your soul, Irish Stew with a touch of Guinness

Rockin' Baja Coastal Cuisine - you could eat a bowl of this zesty Guacamole with smashed Avocado, Tomato, Cilantro, Onion & secret Spices

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Make sure to snag a reservation before a deal at the restaurant of your choice is gone. Remember, as with any restaurant week, there's definitely a lotta heat in the kitchen. It's a great way to get a taste, but it's best to return to your new found gem in order to experience it in all its brilliance.

An OC St. Patrick's Day at Muldoon's Irish Pub & Grill

In honor of spending my first St. Patrick's Day back in OC since moving last year from LA, I have to pay homage to the place where my blog began 3 years ago – Muldoon's Irish Pub & Grill.

First of all, I've been going here since Kindergarten – just ask Mary Murphy the General Manager. Second of all, it's the best place to be in the OC, as Muldoon's does it right by getting their 38th annual Irish jig on early with doors opening at 9am.

Join in for the friendly faces, annual live music performances from The Droppers and Van Diemen's Band (minus cover charge!), and authentic Irish food, of course.

The Grubdown:

- scrumptiously sweet 'n savory Irish Soda Bread (I miss their Pumpernickel Bread, no longer served)

- seriously juicy Bangers & Mash, served with a spicy Honey Dijon Dip

- lean & mean Corned Beef & Cabbage

- savory gravied, tender, melt in your mouth Pot Roast with Mash, or Shepherd's Pie

- decadent Dark Chocolate Pudding

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See ya Sunday with a shot of Jameson and a Bailey's back.

202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. 949-640-4110.

A Revised Miracle Mile St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl

It's hard to believe Your Next Bite began on this day two years ago with a Miracle Mile St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl.

So in honor of leaving one of the greatest walkable gastronomic spots in LA – the Miracle Mile/West Hollywood area – Your Next Bite bids adieu with a list of where to eat this Saturday, plus a few new spots on the block too. (Don't worry, I'm not going far, so there will be plenty of LA bites in the mix to get you your fix.)

For the first time in 75 years, Tom Bergin's unfortunately will NOT make the list because they're undergoing a major renovation. (Why it couldn't want 'til AFTER their biggest money maker of the year is beyond me.)

The Grubdown:

1.) Rosewood Tavern

- Start off the night north on Fairfax with specialties like Corned Beef & Cabbage ($12) and their "outstanding" Whisky selection, plus over 28 Craft Beers on tap

2.) The Churchill

- Dive in with Irish Car Bombs (Guinness, Bailey's Irish Cream & Whisky), Veggie Pot Pies, Braised Short Ribs, and Corned Beef Sliders ($8-$18)

3.) The Original Farmers Market

- Do the Irish jig to Jerry McLean's Irish Folk Band from 6-10pm, then quench your thirst with some Irish Imported & Green Beer at E.B.'s Beer & Wine or stall #326

4.) Molly Malones

- No St. Patty's Day is complete without jammin' to authentic Irish Rock & Folk bands like The Black Shamrocks at 9:30pm and The RapScallions at 11:00pm (cover charge applies)

5.) The Varsity LA

- If you're still standing, end the night on Wilshire & Crescent Heights (hey at least it's not as far down as Bergin's) with a DJ, "Best Dressed Wench" Costume Contest, and $4 Beer Garden

Cheers to gettin' lucky!

For Your Next Bite's 1 year Blogiversary, get Loaded on St. Patricks Day with FrySmith food truck

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Blogiversary photo courtesy of www.365lessthings.com

Wow. Happy 1 year Blogiversary to YourNextBite.com. Can you believe it's been 1 whole year?!? So as a thank you to all my Twitter followers and fans, I'm giving you, Your Next Two-fer. Speaking in algebra terms, Kogi is to Alibi Room as Frysmith is to Loaded Bar. In other words, Loaded Rock Bar at 6377 Hollywood Blvd (between Ivar & Cahuenga) is now serving Frysmith food truck's full menu (just like the Alibi Room on Washington Blvd serves Kogi), seven days a week from 4-11pm.

Frysmith's grand opening there was just 1 week ago. Now you can get loaded with $3 whiskey specials on Wednesdays, $3 Tequila shots on Thursdays, etc., then sober yourself up with a load of carbs like Vegan Chili or Kimchi. And just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Frysmith is dishin out an Irish fusion special – Spiced Corned Beef, Beer & Chipotle Cabbage, Jack & Parmesan Cheese.

The Grubdown:

- can't even tell they're Vegan, refried bean texture, coriander spicey Vegan Chili Fries with Organic Tomato, Mixed Beans, Soy Chorizo, Smoked Paprika & Chopped Red Onion $5

- limey, creamy, sweet onioney, tobascoey, tender juicy beefy Rajas Fries with Fire-Roasted Poblano Chiles, Caramelized Onions, Shawarma-Marinated Angus Skirt Steak & Jack Cheese $7

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The fries were perfectly cooked, and the sizes were massive. My hand model and I couldn't finish either of our portions, but we made a significant dent (check out the 5th food picture for evidence) in the Vegan Chili version as recommend by Loaded's bartender. The Rajas was a lot to handle with a lot of flavors going on. But if you're lucky enough to grab the perfect morsel, your tastebuds will be singin' a symphony.

Unfortunately, Loaded wasn't serving the St. Patty's Day special as Frysmith had tweeted earlier (and they ran out of the Vegan Daiya Cheese too).  So, "Biters", in honor of mixing it up for a new year to come, I'd love to hear your tweets & comments on the St. Patty's Corned Beef Special if you make it out past the Blarney Stone tomorrow night.

Follow @Frysmith and @LoadedRockBar for more food and happy hour specials.

LA Miracle Mile St. Patrick's Day Bar Hopping Gameplan

LA Biters – I couldn't forget about you.

The Gameplan:

1.) Start the night off early at Whole Foods Market on 3rd & Fairfax for $1 Irish beer & cheese tastings from 5-7pm.

2.) Then walk across the street to LA's Original Farmers Market to put down some pints of Guinness & Harp Lager at $3.50 a pop at EB's and 326 bars – don't worry, they got the green beer too. Get your Corned Beef & Cabbage fix at Magee's Kitchen. Then sit down and enjoy DJ Tom Blarney's beats, starting at 6pm.

3.) Next, head south on Fairfax about a block to Sheddy's to get the last of the happy hour drinks ending at 8pm.

4.) By now you might be feelin' lucky enough to get your Irish jig on to some live music at Molly Malone's: I-94 @ 8:30pm, Culann's Hounds @ 9:45pm, and Dead Rabbits @ 11pm.

5.) And if you want to get in some real shenanigans, end the night at Tom Bergin's, about 3 blocks south of Wilshire, still on Fairfax. There might be a huge line around the corner, but what the heck, it's only St. Patty's Day once a year.

Spend St. Patrick's Day at Muldoon's Irish Pub in the OC – No Cover & Live Music!

 
If you haven't been to Muldoon's Irish Pub – seriously, kiss my blarney stone – there's no better time to check it out than St. Patrick's Day.

Located in Newport Beach, Orange County just outside Fashion Island and next door to the Big Newport Theater, Muldoon's has great food, great service, and great space – 4 large seating areas to be exact – so there's plenty of room to get your Irish Stew on & get lucky up in the Pub (there are two!)

The Grubdown:

- scrumptiously sweet Irish Soda Bread

- seriously juicy Bangers & Mash, served with a spicy honey dijon dip

- lean & mean Corned Beef & Cabbage

- savory gravied Pot Roast with Mash, or Shepherd's Pie

- decadent Dark Chocolate Pudding

Prices range from $6-30.

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I've been coming here for over 20 years and after visiting you'll know why. Muldoon's is perfect for any occasion – a pint of beer and game of darts in the original Dublin Pub built in 1974, a romantic fireside meal in the Dining Room, a beautiful brunch in the open-air courtyard with magnificent center-lit oak tree, or a chill night lounging on leather seats in the Celtic Bar (built in 2000). You can take over any room to throw your own private party with servers, florals, linens, and DJ to boot.

For St. Patrick's Day, no cover will be charged – unfortunately no Tues-Fri $2 off apps, beer, wine & spirits Happy Hour prices either – but 2 LIVE bands will be performing, FREE: Van Diemen @ 10am and Mike Fitz & The Droppers @ 5pm. Put down some pints from all over the United Kingdom like Guinness & Smithwick's Ale from Dublin, Boddingtons from Manchester, England, and Newcastle Brown. Or, wash down some whiskey – they serve 11 different kinds all from Ireland – like a 21 year old Bushmills, Jameson 1780, and a very rare Middleton from County Cork. By the end of the night, 1 of their 7 juicy flame-broiled to order, 100% angus beef 1/2 pound burgers might be calling your name – like the St. Patty's with vintage Tillamook cheddar, oak-smoked bacon, and homemade guacamole. (And a word to the wise, order your fries "Parmesan style" like they used to serve them back in the day.)

While there's no green beer – word is customer's have complained about it turning their mouths green – they do have a green Absinthe Fountain to lift your spirits and help you see that pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow.