Shamrocks and Shenanigans

What would the beginning of March be without an authentic Americanized celebration of an Irish tradition? Namely that of St. Patrick's Day? Ask the average green-eyed reveler and he'd probably tell you not celebrating St. Paddy's Day would be un-American. (Yes, the irony has been duly noted.)

In the name of tradition and patriotism and epicurean curiosity, our trio from work ventured to McNamara's Irish Pub in Donelson. Rumored to have been opened by an authentic Irishman, the restaurant's namesake was actually born in New Orleans and raised outside Manhattan, but he brings his love of music and songwriting to the tiny stage at McNamara's, performing live Irish folk songs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. (As a side note: the band, Nosey Flynn declares itself to be the preeminent Nashville-based Irish music group.)

As this is a food blog and not one covering the multitude of music venues in this town, let us return to the dining experience. One must be aware upon choosing to dine at McNamara's on the weekend evening, though, that these two are not mutually exclusive.

Having heard of this restaurant from a faithful coworker, I was expecting something dark and dingy from her description of the cozy atmosphere punctuated by loud traditional Irish songs. What I got upon entering the historic white Southern home off Old Lebanon Pike was shockingly different. It wasn't dark. It wasn't exactly cozy. It felt less Irish and more like the old Southern family-style restaurants my parents carted us to as kids.

But I'm game for just about anything, so we sat down at our reserved table in the music room (yes, reservations are recommended if you want to be up close and intimate with the band) and I began to peruse the drink menu. Unlike our normal stomps whose cocktails are fancy and flirty, this drink menu contained two of my favorite standards: beer and whiskey. I opted for Irish beer, since I don't often have the opportunity to drink it. A pint of Smithwick's. Yummy!

For dinner, I wanted to try one of the more authentic-sounding dishes, like Sheperd's Pie or Bangers and Mash (confession: I didn't actually know what Bangers and Mash consisted of, so I shied away from them) but I settled for the Wicklow's Pork Chops, served with mashed potatoes and broccoli and rice casserole. Actually I think it was supposed to come with parsnips, but again, not trying something I don't actually know how to eat! So I subbed a side. For dessert, I had McNamara's signature bread pudding with a whiskey river sauce.

It was all good. I won't deny that. And my dish came with two pork chops; the leftovers made a nice meal later! But I'm inclined to think the best part was the Smithwick's. Laura had ordered the Sheperd's Pie, which looked delicious, warm, and comforting. Beth ordered the hearty Irish stew. No one complained about their order, though not that I could have heard them over the outrageously loud and enthusiastic Irish folk music that started up triumphantly during the middle of our dinner. The band was fun and encouraged dancing. They even took requests! Note to self: learn the names of some Irish folk songs to request. The 2-3 lines of "Molly Malone" quoted throughout A Tree Grows in Brooklyn probably didn't count...

I feel like it was all a bit of fanfare to cover up a decent menu. If I lived in Donelson, I might go more often. Apparently their lunch specials are great. But I am not convinced it was worth the drive across town for something I've had that tasted just as good, maybe better, from my mom's own kitchen. And she grew up in Alabama!

The End Notes:

• If you're on the northeast side of town and hungry for lunch check out McNamara's. 
• If you're hosting fun-loving out-of-town guests and white tablecloths and linen napkins aren't really their style, then check out McNamara's. 
• If you're interested in the music and the Irish beer, check out McNamara's.
• If you're none of the above, maybe check out somewhere else.