What's the Difference?

All Irish pubs are the same right?  I mean, Guinness, Magners, Fish and Chips, and bar tenders with funny accents can be found in all of them.  Yes...this is true...but I'm here to tell you that not all Irish Pubs are created equal.  And the evidence?  The Irish Pub. Yes, that's its name.  I know not really original, but hey it's to the point right? 

Nestled right in the heart of Midtown,this Irish Pub's owner is from County Mayo and proud of it.  Most of the bar staff are from the area as well, so as soon as you enter the establishment you are welcomed by the comforting lilt of the Irish Accent. 
What event should you visit the paragon of an Irish Pub?  Well Soccer of course!

I've been to the pub for many games this Euro Cup and I can tell you that the bar is not a secret among the locals.  Twenty minutes prior to kickoff, its already standing room only.  So if you want a spot at the bar (and trust me, you do) make sure to get to the pub early to secure your seat.  Once you've ordered your first Guinness, lean back and take in the atmosphere as its sure to be lively.  And the best part? Well, at least when you are watching soccer? You'll be surrounded by multiple foreign accents!  Watching France vs. England, I thought I was at the match as I was surrounded by people from both countries.  Having true fans there singing soccer chants really adds to the game, let me tell you. 

So in two years when the World Cup rolls around you know where to find me.  Hope to see you there!

A New Love Affair...

This spring, I discovered a sport that had been sitting in front of my face all along...hockey.  Now I know what you are thinking...isn't hockey that sport that the Canadians love that has all those players missing teeth?  And my response...well ya.  But despite that, I found out that hockey is a pretty sweet sport.  And what team created this new love affair?  Non other than the least likely city to host a hockey team...your current Stanley Cup Champions, the Los Angeles Kings.

Ya, ya I know.  It's easy to love a winner.  But its not that the Kings won...its HOW they won.  I mean in what other sport would you ever see an 8 seed win a championship?  Non, I tell you.  In the NBA, the 8 seed might as well not show up.  In hockey though, the parity of the teams is something that makes every single playoff game exciting.  Home ice is nice..but really, until game 7 it just doesn't matter.  All that matters is who has the hotter goalie...and that can change from game to game!

And its not even like you have to have a huge big name goalie!  I mean, sure its nice to have Martin Brodeur (and yes, you are reading that right.  Brodeur is somehow still playing hockey...the same guy who was your favorite player in Wayne Gretzsky video game, is still kicking it in the NHL and looking good doing it).  But I mean, just look at Holtby!  The third string Capitals goalie who somehow managed to out duel last years MVP of the Stanley Cup Thomas!  I tell you...anything can happen on any given night.  And it makes for some seriously great television.

I know, I know.  Hockey on television? Other than during the playoffs and for that really sick outdoor game on New Years, you wouldn't know it.  But don't let that stop you.  Go to the games...as another great thing about Hockey is the fans.  They aren't your usual corporate fans you see at all those baseball and basketball games.  These fans are die hard who stand and cheer the entire time.  And when a fight starts?  Put your hand over year ears as it is about to get seriously loud!

So next time you don't know what to do...grab a beer and go to your local arena and fall in love with this great sport.  The Canadians finally have imported something worthwhile, and its time America fully embraced it. 

A Very Wobbly Bike Ride

Is there a better way to see the most beautiful countryside in the US than a bike ride?  I didn't think so!  Therefore on my Spring Break this year, I rounded up my roomies and friends from college who are living in San Francisco and forced them to accompany me on a 15 mile bike ride through Napa Valley.  In all my planning though...I somehow didn't raise the question how drinking multiple glasses of wine and bikes mix.  The answer?  Well...its an interesting experience to say the least, but one I think everyone should enjoy!


On a classic cold Saturday morning in San Francisco, a group of 8 set out to tackle wine country t-5 style (aka, loud and tipsy!).  The mission: Bike 15 miles to 4 different vineyards while staying sober enough to stay upright on your bike and not end up in the van of shame.  The first three vineyards were a peace of cake...but then lunch hit and stuff began to get interesting.

The third tasting was easiest the heaviest pour, so we were already starting to head in an interesting direction.  We then proceeded to compound the problem though by buying a couple of bottles of wine for lunch, which we demolished in no time flat.  After lunch...it was onto the winery that our tour guide had named the frat house of the Napa Valley.  For sure right up our alley!

The winery lived up to its name as not only were they allowing us to have as many tasting as we wanted (and their tasting was half a glass at least), they were even giving us some Bud Lights to switch it up.  Needless to say, even though the wine wasn't our favorite, the experience was the best.  Unfortunately...we somehow had to make it back the last mile or so to the bike shop.  Though I'm not sure how we managed it...we all made it back in one peace! 

Hanging out with the Presidents

The next stop on my quest to see all the baseball parks in America was Washington DC and I had a blast exploring the park in the capital!  From the name of the team, the Nationals, to the mascots, the Presidents and Squawk the Bald Eagle, you know that you are in the nations capital.  I mean George Washington greeted me at the gates when I walked into the park! How cool is that?  With the team in first place and some fun young talent on display, DC has adopted their Nationals and the park is one that any baseball fan should visit.

The part of the game I was most excited to see was the race of the Presidents as I wanted to see how  Teddy was going to lose the race this time.  And DC didn't disappoint.  When George, Lincoln and Jefferson took off, Teddy was no where to be found.  But suddenly, Teddy came out of the gate on a motor bike and it looked like it was going to be his time!  Unfortunately for him though, the bike stalled right before the finish line, causing him to fall and for Teddy once again to fail to win a race.  When will the Nationals let him win?  I'm calling their first home playoff game as the fans will get so pumped. 

My recommendations to truly enjoying the Nationals stadium.

1) If you want to go to really see the game, get tickets in the 101 section, row M.  From there, you can literally look into the opposing teams bullpen and see the relief pitchers warming up.  As well, you can heckle the opposing teams closer to try to get into his head before entering the game.

2) If you want to go for more of a party atmosphere, get tickets in the 2nd floor balcony near center field.  There are a couple of really cool bars where you can hang out in.  The best part though is this huge TV that you can watch the game while sipping your beers and sitting at round tables.

3) Nationals ball park is the only one where I found some really cool beers and drinks offered.  I really enjoyed the foot long Margarita, while my BF loved the frozen Hurricane.  The best option though?  SAM SUMMER! That's right, for just $8 you could sip the best Beer ever while watching America's past time.

A Day at the Races

This was supposed to be the year.  The year the streak was finally broken.  I'll have another was going to be the one to win it...until he wasn't.  Devastated, I made my way on the LIRR to the Preakness convinced that the day was going to be a disappointment.  The old man sitting next to us stories quickly helped me to overcome my disappointment over losing my chance to see a triple crown winner with I'll have another scratching.  I heard about:

• Secretariat winning the triple crown: "it wasn't even close...the rest of the horses were just starting the final turn when he crossed the finish line
•  other tracks to visit: "Saratoga is a real horse track.  You can see the horses actually warm up and then walk to the track..they are close enough to touch!"
• the derby: "the Kentucky Derby is a rich mans track.  It's easily my least favorite"
• and the Kentucky horse auctions: "I was scared out of my mind that they were going to think I was placing a bet so I kept my hands firmly entrenched at my side.  I've never seen 10 million dollars spent before...but in 5 minutes, that's exactly what I saw"

The stories though  weren't the only part of the day I loved.  The whole event was amazing!  Getting there at the very beginning of the day, I was able to fully appreciate the venue, the crowds and the excitement of seeing one of the big 3 races.  The best part though?  Easily wearing a ridiculous floppy hat that I never in a million years would wear at any other event!