Festive Irish Fare

Coincidental and fitting, “O’Toole Pot Pie” was a hit with Tina’s guests.

It's no secret that wonderful food and friends are key elements in any St. Patrick's Day celebration, as the Irish holiday has historically been centered on the art of feasting. And with just a few thoughtful touches, you can make a traditional mid-March gathering more than an annual commemoration of Irish heritage. Hostess Tina O'Toole explains, “It's also a great way to celebrate the end of winter and the happy coming of spring.”

Paying homage to her own roots by tossing a St. Patrick's Day pre-parade get-together, Tina enlisted Molly Darcys – a bona fide Irish pub located in the Seven Gables Inn in the heart of Clayton – to set the stage. Molly Darcys Celtic décor and casual yet authentically delicious menu offered the perfect setting for Tina's lunchtime gathering.

In keeping with the Irish holiday's tradition, Executive Chef Josh Jordan created a sophisticated take on the customary, hearty St. Patrick's Day fare. Guests nibbled scrumptious appetizers such as sausage rolls and crab cakes before taking their seats for lunch, which included Black and Bleu tenderloin salad and O'Toole chicken pot pie. Of course, guests also enjoyed perfectly poured Guinness draughts and irresistible Irish coffee – Molly Darcys' signature drink, which originated at The Buena Vista in San Francisco.

Co-owner and managing partner Carl Winters – along with co-owners Terry Brennan, Bill Cullen and Bob O'Loughlin – prides himself on Molly Darcys truly Irish menu and atmosphere. “We had a vision to create an authentic Celtic pub in St. Louis County,” says Carl, who notes that prior to Molly Darcys' opening, the only authentic pubs were in the city. Happily, he explains that now people can enjoy a true Celtic pub – inspired by those in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England – right in the eclectic Clayton locale.

Although Irish herself, Tina sincerely  believes that St. Patrick's Day is about celebrating with and enjoying the company of family and friends, regardless of heritage. “Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day whether they are truly Irish or not!” she says.

To make her intimate gathering particularly special, Tina incorporated Irish-minded accessories – a centerpiece of uniquely designed florals by Ambius and a shamrock-adorned Belleek creamer and sugar bowl from Ambiance – to capture the feeling of the day. Blending tradition and sophistication, the  festively coordinated table – woven with a rainbow of green -– created an inviting setting in which guests could sit back, relax and enjoy a get-together with a bit of Blarney – St. Louis style.

Tips from the Hostess •    Irish coffee is a must! •    This is the time to bring out traditional heirloom china. •    Be sure to serve authentic Irish food and drink, such as beef stew, corned beef and Guinness. •    Incorporate shamrocks (clover plants) in your floral arrangements. •    Celtic background music creates a festive atmosphere. •    Remember the finishing touches. Consider monogrammed wine stoppers as parting gifts, available at J.A. Whitney.

Chef Josh Jordan of Molly Darcys

St. Patrick's Day Menu   Created by Chef Josh Jordan of Molly Darcys •    Darcys Beef and Guinness Stew •    Black and Bleu Salad •    Summerhill Sliders •    Traditional Sausage Rolls •    O'Toole Chicken Pot Pie •    Chocolate Ecstasy