Latest news with #Clancy's
Sunday World
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Sunday World
Barmaid serves up old-school charm and fine pints at just €5.60 in Clancy's of Athy
While we can't say for certain that Pub Spy has never been to Clancy's over the past 52 years, we can say that it was a first for this particular batch of Commandos. Clancy's bar in Athy, Co Kildare was busy during our visit Despite being only one hour from our headquarters, we hadn't paid a visit to the south county Kildare town of Athy since 2013. Although he initially begged us to go anywhere in Meath so he could discuss the Leinster final with the locals, the Old Commando was more than happy to visit the Lilywhites and see what kind of mood the GAA fraternity in this county was like. 'They must be kicking themselves too, getting beaten by Louth and a first Leinster title since 2000 sitting there waiting for them,' the Old Commando said as he arrived in Athy town. 'Why don't you ask them when we go into the pub?' the Young Commando suggested. 'I'd say they'd love to chat to you about it,' he joked. The town of Athy has changed since we were last here with new roadways and no through access in the square area, but once we found our bearings and a parking space we walked along Leinster Street, eventually arriving at the front door of Clancy's pub. The red and white exterior was in very good condition with the local GAA and rugby flags flying out front. A sign on the window is advertising a live traditional music session every Thursday night and a slogan on the window states: 'Keep the spirit Irish'. 'I'm surprised some far left nut-job hasn't suggested that is an issue,' the Old Commando said, rolling his eyes. Established in 1903, this pub was exactly what the Old Commando expected it to be, and he was delighted with his surroundings when he stepped inside the front door. The front bar is very tight for space so we took our seats in the corner while the Young Commando placed our order with the dark haired barmaid on duty. She served him immediately but there was no time for chit chat as it just seemed to be getting busier and busier during our stay. He did note she was very mannerly and polite and the creamy pints of stout cost €5.60 each. While we can't say for certain that Pub Spy has never been to Clancy's over the past 52 years, we can say that it was a first for this particular batch of Commandos. The Old Commando sipped his Guinness and told us this was like stepping back in the '80s as he really savoured the atmosphere among the mixed clientele of locals. There is a variety of drinks available on draught such as Guinness Zero, Orchard Thieves, Rockshore lager and cider, Angelo Poretti, Birra Moretti and Coors, and the shelves and fridges were well stocked. There are two TVs in the front bar, both of which were showing live sports, and we noticed Leinster and Athy rugby flags draped from the ceiling along with a Manchester United flag, the former English football giants turned relegation candidates. No children are allowed on the premises here after 9pm and this is a rule our Commandos wholeheartedly agree with. Some of our troops would ban them outright if they ever became publicans. There are many GAA related photos hanging throughout the pub, including the Athy football team that lifted the senior football championship in 1987 in their centenary year, and upon viewing these photographs the Old Commando got an opening to start his taunting. 'You'll probably have to make space for the Kildare team of 2026 when they capture the Leinster title,' the Old Commando said as he ignited a debate and stirred some local diehards. The Young Commando skipped out to inspect the toilets and advised us they were far more modern than the front bar and most likely have been upgraded in recent years. There are three urinals, one cubicle, a powerful, modern hand dryer and a unique sink embedded in a Jameson barrel. We really enjoyed our few pints in Clancys and we'd love to call again. Rating: Three pints out of Five One for the road: The Nags Head – Athy Twelve years ago, we paid a visit to The Nags Head pub in Athy and were glad to report it's still in fine shape all these years later. An elderly barman served us as soon as we arrived and he shared a great rapport with all the locals, a predominately young to middle aged clientele, all of whom were on a first name basis with each other. There was a very good atmosphere with lots of joking and some interesting characters, and the pints of stout cost us €5.60 each. We're not big fans of pool tables so close to the counter area though, as we tend to feel uneasy as the players move around the table lining up their shots. The red velvet barstools and bench seating were in good condition and the Young Commando was full of praise for the toilet area, which he said was spotlessly clean. We enjoyed our handful of pints in this pub — although there was no trace of Del Boy or Trigger! Rating: Three pints out of Five
The Independent
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Take it from locals: Super experience in New Orleans entails more than just the French Quarter
Desiring a more local taste of Big Easy life during Super Bowl week? There's plenty to explore both in and outside the city center. Streetcar lines roll to Uptown, Mid-City or City Park. A ferry crosses the Mississippi River to Algiers Point. By car, it's easy to reach Esplanade Ridge; the shops and eateries on Magazine Street or Metairie Road; and seafood spots in Bucktown, along the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. The Lakeview neighborhood is where you'll find chef Susan Spicer. She has taken her Louisiana-inspired cuisine to Super Bowl host cities across the country during the past three decades while participating in the Taste of the NFL charity event. She is involved again this year in her hometown, but those who wish to dine in the spot where Spicer does most of her cooking should visit Rosedale Restaurant. Spicer, whose culinary career has included decades in fine-dining kitchens in the French Quarter and downtown, would by no means advise visitors to eschew the renowned attractions in those historically significant areas. 'There's so much concentrated in the French Quarter, the CBD (central business district) and the Warehouse District, that you can just really get absorbed by everything that's going on there,' Spicer said. 'But if you just venture out a little bit," she added, "there's a lot to discover.' Political pundit James Carville, a Louisiana native and New Orleans resident, says first-time visitors with just a few days in town shouldn't 'feel like if you're going to the French Quarter, you're not being a local." He says the Friday lunch scene at Galatoire's is 'legendary." But if you do decide to explore, here are some options: Popular Neighborhood Spots — Rosedale: This spot exemplifies the neighborhood restaurant scene in New Orleans, where standards for food are high and must be met for an establishment that can't depend on tourists to make it. The ambiance is casual, the menu includes sandwiches (duck pastrami) and po'boys (cochon de lait), but a lot of work, attention to detail and creativity go into the ingredients and preparation. — Clancy's. It is located not far from Audubon Park. New Orleans' power brokers are spotted there regularly, as are celebrity residents such as John Goodman, Harry Shearer and members of the Manning family. Waiters wear tuxedos at this white-table-cloth spot, but the vibe is casual, lively and suitably loud, with diners regularly making the rounds to say hello to friends and acquaintances at other tables or at the compact (and busy) bar area. — Commander's Palace. It is housed in a historic property across from Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District and is arguably the city's most famous restaurant. Its list of former chefs that rose to culinary stardom includes Emeril Lagasse. Other popular neighborhood dinner destinations include: Gautreau's, La Petite Grocery, Brigtsen's, Mr. John's and Jacque-Imo's in Uptown; Cafe Degas, Mandina's and Liuzza's in Mid-City; Tana in Old Metaire; Station 6 in Bucktown; Rizutto's in Lakeview; and N7 on edge of the Bywater Historic District. Finding that Big Easy staple: Po'boys — Domilise's, Tracey's and Mahony's. These are well-regarded Uptown spots. — In Mid-City, there's Parkway Bakery and Liuzza's by the Track — the latter known for its barbecue shrimp po'boy and sinus-clearing roast beef with horseradish. — In the Bucktown/Lakeview area, a popular spot is R&O's, across the street from the Lake Pontchartrain levee. The roast beef in a po'boy usually is slow-cooked, often is called 'debris,' for how it falls apart in the pot, and is served with gravy. Central Poboys in suburban Jefferson has developed a strong reputation for this. Meanwhile, some no-frills takeout seafood spots around town produce highly regarded shrimp, oyster and catfish po'boys, as well as soft-shell crab when in season. Spicer likes to get her oyster po'boys at Zimmer's Seafood, in the Gentilly neighborhood. When it's time for dessert — Angelo Brocato. Some of the best gelato and Italian pastries in the South can be found in this beloved Mid-City landmark, which was just celebrating a 100-year anniversary renovation when it was flooded by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Its 2006 reopening was widely celebrated. It's on the Carrollton branch of the red Canal streetcar line and gets busy when school lets out. — Creole Creamery — a popular ice cream parlor on Prytania Street in Uptown — Sucre, also Uptown on Magazine Street, offers French style pastries and gelato. The locals love beignets, too. — Cafe Du Monde. While its best known location is in Jackson Square, another is next to the New Orleans Museum of Art and sculpture garden in City Park. — Morning Call. It's the oldest Cafe du Monde rival in the beignet business. There's one at the end of the cemetery branch of the Canal streetcar line. When it's cocktail hour Locals take their cocktails seriously and a number of recipes — such as the Sazerac or Ramos Gin Fizz — originated in New Orleans. When the weather is pleasant, boutique hotel bars on St. Charles are among the places to be. — The Columns Hotel. This converted historic mansion has inviting outdoor seating beneath a sprawling canopy of massive live oaks and offers views off passing streetcars. A similar option is The Chloe, just four blocks down the avenue. — Hot Tin. This bar is on the roof of the Pontchartrain Hotel — a few doors down from Mr. John's and just blocks away from Commander's Palace — and offers a panoramic view of New Orleans' skyline from the Superdome to the Crescent City Connection bridge. — The Paradise Lounge. Located in the Hotel St. Vincent on Magazine Street, its dark wood and marble-top bar and tropical-themed wall paper make for an inviting place to meet friends for a drink in the Lower Garden District. — Cure. Housed in a handsomely renovated building along the popular Freret Street corridor, Cure is committed to craft cocktails. — Jewel of the South. This relatively new spot is drawing critical acclaim for its cocktail scene. It is a small, inventive restaurant on the edge of the French Quarter. If you're looking for live music — Frenchman Street, which begins where the French Quarter ends at Esplanade Avenue, has several bars or clubs showcasing live traditional and modern jazz, brass, blues, funk and other genres. One is Snug Harbor, among the more sophisticated Jazz spots in the city. DBA, virtually next door, and the Spotted Cat across the street offer multiple options within steps of one another. — Tipitinas is one of the most revered music venues in town; it is Uptown near the river. Many of New Orleans' best known bands and musicians play there between dates booked with traveling, widely known acts. — For a more intimate music scene, try the Maple Leaf on Oak Street (next door to Jacque-Imo's); Dos Jefes on Tchoupitoulas Street; or Bacchanal, a rustic wine shop deep in the Bywater with outdoor seating and performances by a regular rotation of musicians. Some other attractions — Audubon Park and City Park. These are beloved public spaces filled with large oak trees adorned with dangling Spanish moss, as well as magnolia trees and subtropical vegetation. Joggers and walkers flock to both (as do migrating birds). There are challenging public golf courses, as well as other attractions, contained within each of the parks. Audubon has the zoo, City Park has the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden, as well as paddle boats and the Children's Museum. — Other museum favorites of New Orleans residents include the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the World War II Museum.
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Big Game, Bigger Savings: ALDI Offers up to 25% off Game Day Must-Haves with Help from Drew Brees
The value leader teams up with the football champion and his wife Brittany to show how easy and affordable it is to feed the family during the Big Game and beyond BATAVIA, Ill., Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ALDI is helping shoppers nationwide tackle their Big Game spreads with its everyday low prices by offering even lower prices ahead of football's biggest matchup. Customers can score savings on more snacks and apps including wings, spinach dip and pizza for up to 25% off during the 'Get a Quarterback' campaign. To bring the winning game plan to life, ALDI has partnered with former quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany to show fans how to enjoy game day and beyond with great food. 'No matter which team fans root for, we can all agree that food is the MVP of the Big Game,' said Dave Rinaldo, Chief Operating Officer at ALDI. 'With the help of Drew and Brittany, we're showing customers how to feed a crowd without sacrificing time, quality or their budgets. Year-round, shoppers can fill their carts for less through the many actions we take, from displaying products in the boxes they arrive in, to our quarter cart system. Now we're taking savings even further by offering up to a quarter back on game day favorites.' With his professional football days behind him, Drew and wife Brittany play quarterback together at home – where running errands like grocery shopping matter just as much as game-winning drives. Whether it's grabbing snacks for the kids' practices or stocking up for the Big Game, they make sure every move counts. 'These days, my focus is solely teamwork at home,' said Drew. 'But when I was playing, every decision mattered - and ALDI runs the same way. Their unmatched efficiency means shoppers always get the best value, and that's why we trust ALDI for our family's groceries.' 'For our own Big Game watch party, we'll grab all our favorites like pizza and hot wings at ALDI,' added Brittany. 'They have the quality products we want without the need to go from store to store or choose between an overwhelming number of options. We can get in and out and on with our day.' These 'Get a Quarterback' price reductions are available in-store and via curbside pickup and delivery through Feb. 9. So, whether you're in it for the love of football, the halftime show or the commercials, fans are sure to be well fed without emptying their wallets. Items included in the campaign will feature a 'Get a Quarterback' shelf label in store. See below for a sampling of products: ALDI 'Get a Quarterback' Price Savings Season's Choice Potato Puffs Equal parts fluffy, crispy and delicious. Now $2.29 Was $2.89 Appetitos Frozen Mozzarella Sticks or Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos Trophy-winning appetizer. Now $2.39 Was $3.19 Kirkwood Buffalo Hot Wings The MVP of watch party snacking. Now $5.89 Was $7.79 Clancy's Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips Bring the crunch to your snack spread. Now $1.49 Was $1.95 Clancy's Assorted Kettle Chips Original or Jalapeno Your favorite dip's best friend. Now $1.49 Was $1.95 Mama Cozzi's 16" Pepperoni Deli Pizza Indulge in a slice of the good life – also available in Cheese and Sausage. Now $5.99 Was $7.19 Casa Mamita Chunky Mild or Medium Salsa A party of flavors in every bite. Now $1.99 Was $2.45 Park Street Deli Spinach or Dill Dip Flavor-packed, touchdown-worthy dips. Now $2.99 Was $3.99 Bremer Original or Italian Meatballs Nothing pairs better with football than meatballs. Now $5.49 Was $6.49 Casa Mamita Salsa Con Queso Game day just got a little cheesier. Now $1.79 Was $2.19 *Product prices and availability may vary by location. About ALDI U.S. ALDI is America's fastest-growing retailer, serving millions of customers across the country each month. Our disciplined approach to operating with simplicity and efficiency gives our customers great products at the lowest prices of any national grocery store.* ALDI strives to have a positive impact on its customers, employees and communities by being socially and environmentally responsible, earning ALDI recognition as a leading grocer in sustainability.** In addition to helping protect the planet, ALDI helps customers save time and money through convenient shopping options via in-store, curbside pickup or delivery at For more information about ALDI, visit
