Hairy Monk - Great Boston Pub in NYC

We have finally found a place to watch the Patriots when they are not on TV! The Hairy Monk is a Boston Pub - they play all Boston teams with the sound! It's an oasis in the city of Jets and Giants :)

The first trip for us was the day after Christmas. After we left NH early to get home prior to the big snow storm, we walked down to 25th and 3rd to see the 1:00 Patriots style football. It was snowing sideways, and that storm actually dumped 20" of snow. 

I got excited because the menu indicated they had Redhook ESB on tap, and it's one of my faves. But no, you can't trust the menu, or the beer list on the wall. The waitress suggested the Harpoon Winter Warmer. We tried it, but it was just a little too much like pumpkin beer to me...That's ok though, because they have a nice selection of 8 or 10 on tap.

While enjoying the pre-game we ordered some nachos to start. This is a huge and delicious tower of power! The chili is not in any way wimpy - put on your big girl panties because it is SPICY! Delicious spicy not crazy spicy, and the flavor is really great. Usually these Irish Pubs are more mild even if you ask for spice, so it was a pleasant surprise! The table behind us ordered buffalo wings, and wow, they smelled so good. That is on my list for next time :)

Freebies - Love it!

Can you believe it? I got picked as one of the party hosts for a House Party sponsored by Calphalon and Williams Sonoma. Here is my gift pack! Woo! 2 Non stick calphalon pans (a grill pan and a griddle pan), fish spice rub and 'wichcraft relish from Williams Sonoma, dish towels, nylon utensils (flipper, slotted spoon and pasta scoop, an apron that says Williams Sonoma, a cool looking cook book and a $100 American Express gift card! Keep your eyes open for my post with these recipes made with the tools and ingredients from the package!

Insider Information

So - I've finally pulled the trigger. Our realtor (Karen Shenker at Corcoran Realty - highly recommend her!) mentioned that she had heard about this web site where you can get event tickets for $4 after a $99 annual fee. After attending the dance event at the Alvin Alley Theater, I figured there are lots of cool things to do in the city that would need to have butts in the seats. So why not? Plus my friend Ann is coming, and I wanted to take her to something while she was here :) I'm looking forward to catching some of the more esoteric performances in town. I'm hoping to see Colbie Callait this weekend ;)

Another web site I've found that had a great special this weekend - I bought a number of $25 gift certificates for $2 each - you just can't beat that! Some of the options were places we already know we like :) I did a search for Portsmouth, too, and they had local restaurants there too. Normally you can get a $25 gift certificate for $10 - If I were home, I'd buy one for Four in downtown - I heard good things about it :)

I'll blog about the shows and restaurants as we try them :)