ST. PATRICK'S DAY FESTIVITIES AT HOOLEYS: LIVE BANDS, IRISH FARE & A BRITISH-STYLE DOUBLE-DECKER BUS

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By Miriam Raftery

Shepherd's Pie

March 7, 2009 — Sure 'n there's no finer place to hoist a pint of ale and toast St. Patrick's Day than at Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill, the most authentic Irish setting you'll find this side of the Emerald Isle! Charmed by the warmth of an Irish Pub in Ireland, Craig MacDonald and two friends created the original Hooleys in Rancho San Diego in 1999--importing all interior elements from Ireland, right down to the polished brass whiskey still and the old church pews supporting the bar. Now ten years later, Hooleys has opened a second location in Grossmont Center, La Mesa, featuring many elements from the Auld Sod. Fortunately, you don't have to choose which Hooleys in which to celebrate--since the proprietor has lined up double-decker bus to ferry party-goers from one Hooleys location to the other.

The original Hooley's in Rancho San Diego

Festivities begin at 6 a.m. in the Rancho San Diego Hooleys with a live broadcast from 94. Radio. Breakfast will be served from 7 to 11 a.m., followed by an all-day Irish limited menu. Starting at 3 p.m., party-goers 21 and up can enjoy live bands starting with Desire, a U-2 tribute band, followed by Harold's Renegades. Both will also play later in the evening at Hooleys Grossmont, which opens at 11 a.m. and will also feature music by Brian Baynes. A $10 cover charge will be charged, or buy a $25 VIP wristband to go to the head of the line, have admission to both locations, and ride the double-decker bus--which will also make a stop at a trolley station for party-goers who don't want to drive home.

Bar at new Hooley's in Grossmont Center, La Mesa

The tough part is choosing which hearty Hooleys fare to sample first. Among my favorites are the shepherd's pie, bangers and champ (sausages and potatoes topped with Irish whiskey mushroom gravy, and of course corned beef and cabbage. For more adventurous fare, try South of the Border entrees such as Hooley's tacos with corned beef.

Last weekend, I tried out the new Hooleys, which is larger with a more boisterous atmosphere than the more intimidate ambience in Rancho. Despite the weak economy, business appeared to be booming. Both locations have dining booths with privacy as well as a well-stocked bar featuring Guinness, Harp, and other Irish brews on tap, poured the authentic Irish way. There are also some new items on the menu, including an ahi sandwich and a burger topped with corned beef. Beer-battered fish and shrimp, a popular Thursday night special, is now available every night.

Hooley's Grossmont Center

We started our feast with a generous portion of stuffed Irish skins. I sampled a new entree, Cork County Pasta, featuring blackened grilled chicken with artichoke hearts, red peppers and parmesan cheese in a white wine cream sauce nearly as rich as that illusive leprechaun pot o' gold. My husband went with a classic corned beef sandwich--a veritable mountain of food served with a cup of onion soup. For dessert, we enjoyed the bread pudding--though Irish cream cheesecake and Guinness ice cream also sounded tempting.

"This is a warm, comfortable place where people don't have to get too dressed up to come out and have a great meal, and not have to spend too much," said David Tingle, general manager, who stopped by our table to chat. He shared tips on Happy Hour specials, including late-night happy hours after 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. The pub has live music Fridays and Saturdays.

How did Hooleys get its name? A hooley is actually a Hindu festival brought back to Ireland by soldiers. A traditional hooley is an extended celebration, usually involving the consumption of alcohol.

In the midst of opening a new restaurant just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Hooeley's opted to skip one annual tradition this year: Hooley Fest, a celebrating that in past years has included a carnival in the parking lot. But Tingle offered good news for those who missed out on such fun in the past. "We're bringing it back," he revealed.

For more information on both locations, visit www.hooleys.com.


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