Now that there are plans being formulated to open the Erie Basin Marina 365 days a year, it might be a good time for Buffalonians to explore the surrounding area. This past Saturday a few of us decided to grab a bite to eat at WJ Morrissey’s (30 Mississippi Street) to see how the restaurant was faring during midday Sabres’ game coverage with a Labatt hockey tournament being held just down the road. We figured that the pub would be the perfect setting for hockey fans… and hopefully food fans. It was on that day that I discovered that Morrissey’s had added bangers and mash to the menu. Early on in the pub’s infancy I had hoped that the meal would be available. Rather, the menu listed a number of American bar food selections. I figured that it would only be a matter of time before some of the Irish specialty menu options would be added. I’m happy to say that the menu is looking far better these days.
Not only are there some appealing Irish selections on the list… the food is really good. Everyone who ordered was very satisfied with his or her lunch. The bangers and mash was cooked perfectly, as was the accompanying broccoli (slightly blanched and very tasty). Unfortunately the Sabres were getting smoked on TV (5-1) while we enjoyed our meals. Otherwise we wouldn’t have rushed to get out of there to get to the Labatt tournament. While the restaurant was not packed, there were enough people there to make it enjoyable. The question that was on our collective mind was, “Why weren’t more people coming downtown to enjoy this recreated old Irish pub in the city’s historic Cobblestone District?” For all of the times that we have wished that our city had an area remotely similar to Toronto’s Distillery District… with exciting events, good food, atmosphere, and beer? Well, we’re getting it and now we should be supporting it.
Soon we’ll also have Benchwarmers as another bar/restaurant option. If you have not made a trip down to the Cobblestone District (outside of going to a hockey game and then driving away), why not plan a Saturday visit to see what it’s like? It’s certainly another alternative to going to the mall. And as Canal Side and the Erie Basin Marina start to offer more things to do, we should show our support by showing our faces.
queenseyes
Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com