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www.celtic-connection.com
MAY 2010
PAUL MCDONOUGH (R) owner of the new Jimmy Flynn's Celtic Snug in White Rock with chef Richard Eley (L).
JIMMY FLYNN'S CELTIC SNUG: A cosy hideaway with a great atmosphere
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
Colleen and I were back on the road again recently and this time we made a visit to sunny White Rock by the sea.
When we left Vancouver the weather was overcast, but true to its billing, when we arrived in White Rock the sun was out and sparkling off the water.
Anytime from May onwards, White Rock is a destination for sun seekers and those seeking to be seen. They drive up and down the Marine Drive strip in antique cars, convertibles, and motorcycles creating a carnival atmosphere.
Since it was still April, I thought it would not be too busy yet in White Rock but I was wrong. It was bustling. Parking is always a challenge and at a premium but one of the best kept secrets is the underground parking lot on Martin Street, which is close by Jimmy Flynn's Celtic Snug.
Jimmy Flynn's has only been opened for the past four months. It is a cosy snug that seats 55 people and patio seating for 12. There is an excellent view of the water from wherever you are seated. The owners are Dave Emms and Paul McDonough.
We were greeted by Paul McDonough who is of Liverpool Irish background. Paul told us that they have been very pleased with the local and visitor response to Jimmy Flynn's.
Jimmy Flynn's serves a traditional Irish breakfast with eggs, pan fried potatoes, back bacon, tomatoes, baked beans and soda bread. They also have sarnies (sides) such as egg and back bacon, egg and sausage, or just egg, all served on soda bread or pumpernickel. Sounds delicious.
There is an extensive menu with starters, sandwiches, lighter fare, bigger bites, dinner entrees and desserts.
Paul believes there are four necessary ingredients to make a successful establishment: atmosphere, food, beverage, and a reasonably priced menu.
On weekends there is live Celtic entertainment. McDonough also plans to make Jimmy Flynn's the headquarters in White Rock to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup from South Africa.
Jimmy Flynn's is located at 15065 Marine Drive West, White Rock, B.C. For reservations or more information, call (604) 538-8081.
Slainte by the Pier Restaurant: White Rock's Original Irish Establishment
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
Slainte by the Pier, located on Marine Drive in White Rock, was the first Irish establishment to open on Marine Drive.
Slainte is the Irish word for health and often used as a toast to wish someone good health.
The restaurant opened for business last year, and I visited Slainte shortly afterwards. At that time, I met with Co. Kildare-born owner Jack Sixsmith, so it was nice to drop in again and catch up on the latest happenings.
Jack's wife Laine Henderson is a former Riverdance Irish dancer and singer and she performs at Slainte every weekend along with a special guest.
Thursday nights are a songwriter's showcase and feature three or four established local songwriters.
Every Sunday afternoon, there is a traditional Irish folk session with some of the talented local Irish musicians. There are other special feature events at Slainte such as the recent Irish soda bread contest.
Slainte by the Pier is a contemporary Irish gastro pub and they take full advantage of the local fresh organically farmed produce and the freshest sustainable seafood.
There is a full menu from appetizers to entrees, and features some traditional Irish dishes such as shepherd's pie, bangers and mash and lamb stew. One of their signature dishes is the panko breaded fish and chips, which they boast is the best in town.
Every Saturday and Sunday morning, Slainte serves a traditional Irish breakfast. They are open every day at noon for lunch and serve dinner from Monday to Saturday until 11 PM.
There is seating for 90 people at Slainte with an outdoor patio. The front of the restaurant opens completely which gives a wonderful view of the beach from almost every seat in the restaurant.
The Wolf and Hound Celebrates Customer Appreciation Day
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
VANCOUVER - The popular Wolf and Hound Irish Pub and Restaurant on West Broadway, celebrated three years in business with a customer appreciation day on April 11.
I dropped in early in the evening and spoke with owner Jennifer (Jen) Gallacher about some of the changes they have made and what other changes might be in the plans.
Jen said, "we have recently refinished all the floors and had all the tabletops redone and added six high definition televisions.
"We really get a huge response to all the sports games. The NHL playoffs will be very busy along with all the games from South Africa for the World Cup Soccer.
"To give the room a warm and cosy feel, we added a fireplace which is just
behind where the entertainers play. When we have entertainment, the fireplace is turned off and we have a curtain that can be drawn across the fireplace which also adds a nice backdrop for the musicians."
Jen's husband Jesse is the chef and he plans to change the menu and add some lighter items for the summer, but the popular core items and Irish pub fare items will remain. All their items are homemade in their own kitchen.
The Wolf and Hound has a private party room that seats about 85 people. The room can be used for birthday parties, anniversaries, receptions or meetings.
When the room is not being used for these events, it is part of the pub. There is also a patio outside the front door of the pub which is a great place to soak up the sun, enjoy your favourite beverage and some great food.
Situated in the heart of Kitsilano, the Wolf and Hound is at the end of West Broadway and the corner of Alma Street.
There is weekly entertainment and some of the popular and regular entertainers include: Roolya Boolya (Mark & Mary), Neil Ryan, Evan Kennedy, Murphy's Lagh, Pat Chessell and Johnny Leroux.
The Wolf and Hound is a neighbourhood pub that is very popular with the Celtic community. Like many Irish pubs, you might walk in a stranger, but the friendly staff and customers will soon have you feeling right at home.
The Wolf and Hound was recently voted 'Best Westside Pub' by the 2010 Readers Choice Awards.
The Wolf and Hound is located at 3617 West Broadway (between Dunbar and Alma) in Vancouver. For more information, call (604) 738-8909, or visit: www.thewolfandhound.com.
JACK SIXSMITH (R) the Co. Kildare-born owner of Slainte by the Pier in White Rock with server Alyssa Baker.
MUSICIANS at Slainte by the Pier: (L-R) Allen Barnett, Chuck Ingram, Doug Haynes, Donna and John Pye, Brian Best and Jack Sixsmith.
There is also a private mezzanine upstairs with seating for 20 to 30 guests that can be used for private parties, banquets or meetings.
Since it was Sunday afternoon and the traditional Irish session started at 2 PM, Colleen and I decided to have a bite to eat and listen to the session.
I ordered the halibut with yam chips which was scrumptious with brown vinegar. Colleen ordered the boxty with salmon and soda bread. She had never tasted boxty and really enjoyed the Irish specialty.
I was delighted to find that musician John Pye, president of the Irish Club White Rock, was part of the session
along with his wife Donna. Owner Jack Sixsmith also sat in on the session and played the bodhran.
Patrons enjoyed the music in the relaxed family atmosphere and clapped along to the jigs and reels.
This is an extremely pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. A view of the sea with some Celtic refreshments, good food, and traditional music. As they say....it's a great life if you don't weaken!
Slainte by the Pier is located at 15057 Marine Drive in White Rock, B.C. For more information, call (778) 294-0066 or online: www.slaintebythepier.ca.
JENNIFER Gallacher-Finlay, ownerof the Wolf & Hound on West Broadway standing beside one of the new high-definition televisions now available to watch all the sports. Jen and her staff are now preparing for all the World Cup coverage in South Africa.