Running Up That Hill | Molly Wee’s | Milano’s Bar | Von
“I had an idea of what I wanted to say in the song and I actually asked Del to write me a drum pattern, and he wrote this great pattern in the drum machine. So I just put the Fairlight on top of it and that was the basis of the song, with the drum, which played quite an important part. […] I was trying to say that, really, a man and a woman can’t understand each other because we are a man and a woman. And if we could actually swap each other’s roles, if we could actually be in each other’s place for a while, I think we’d both be very surprised! And I think it would lead to a greater understanding. And really the only way I could think it could be done was either… you know, I thought a deal with the devil, you know. And I thought, ‘well, no, why not a deal with God!’ You know, because in a way it’s so much more powerful the whole idea of asking God to make a deal with you. You see, for me it is still called “Deal With God”, that was its title. But we were told that if we kept this title that it would not be played in any of the religious countries, Italy wouldn’t play it, France wouldn’t play it, and Australia wouldn’t play it! Ireland wouldn’t play it, and that generally we might get it blacked purely because it had God in the title.” - Kate Bush (Source: RapGenius)
Yup, that’s me with Week to Week Notes. Little Thomas the Choo-Choo Train saying “I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Think I Can” going up that hill. #PintByPint
Wait, the “I Think I Can Train” and Thomas The Choo Choo Train were separate stories. Ahh c’mon…
Guinness Challenge Season #1
@Kids don’t try this at home. Not just because you’re underage and will have plenty of pints to drink if that ends up being your thing when you’re older but also because Guinness is actually best served in a pint glass from a tap. A pint of Guinness varies depending on the drinking establishment. If the keg it sits in is rarely poured, it can lead to some underwhelming taste. Rather than stealing gimmicks, I’d like to start taking Notes while drinking Guinness. My grandfather from Connemara, who I never got the chance to meet, Thomas Davis, used to drink pints and by all accounts was a self-taught thinker. The one rule I’ve imposed on myself is that I will only have 1 pint per sitting from each establishment I review, so @AnyoneWorrying, don’t worry about my drinking habits. The Guinness Challenge is to “cut the G” on your first sip (more like a gulp and a half). If this is your first time hearing about it, I didn’t come up with the fun challenge @YouTheReader can try the next time you have a Guinness. The 0.0 to 10.0 scale will be extraordinarily nuanced but as a reference point, the only perfect 10.0 I plan ever to give out is at the Guinness Factory in Dublin one day.
Song On In The Background: Getting Jiggy With It by Will Smith
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Rangers bar. NBA Play-In games on TV. Old school jukebox. Brendan Shanahan's jersey hanging up. Guinness battered fish baskets or Irish lamb stew are recommended. Guinness is the top seller. The owners are from County Cavan. Molly Wee’s was established in 1980. Alan bartending here for 2 years. Molly Wee is Irish for “yellow hill.” It was the location for the Reilly home and farm. “Mighty craic.”
The Molly Wee Pub and Restaurant was established in 1980 on the corner of 30th Street and Eight Avenue. For over 30 years it has been a fixture of New York City. Like its namesake in Ireland, The Molly Wee offers both visitors and regulars a gathering place to enjoy friendly conversation, great food, drink, and "mighty craic". The Bar is open till 4 AM every day. Daily Lunch Specials from 11 to 4 and most importantly they have Daily Drink Specials! I look forward to grabbing another pint of Guinness at Molly Wee’s again soon!
Song On In The Background: Rock ‘N Me by Steve Miller Band
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Maria is the bartender, she grew up in the city and has worked here for 5 years. The original owner was named Milano. Neighborhood, tourists, and walk-ins like myself. Bar’s bar, they sell chips. Rolling rock and a shot special are recommended. 1880 bar was originally established here. Secretariat on the wall. 1949 Dodgers with Jackie Robinson on the wall, along with the 1949 Yankees and Giants as well. The sign behind the bar reads, “Milano’s bar in NY may be a crazy tavern but you’ll never die of boredom. Enjoy!!”
Est. 1880, this is a spot for those who know. Milano’s Bar is a historic local watering hole offering beers & chips plus a jukebox, Christmas lights & memorabilia. It was named Milano’s serving as an Italian Cafe in 1923, the first year of the original Yankee Stadium and the year the Yanks won their first World Series. Nikola Tesla's lab, from 1895 to 1899, was across the street at 46-48 East Houston where he was inventing radio and the first robot. For people who enjoy a nice bar with some deep-rooted NYC history, Milano’s Bar is a must. I look forward to grabbing another Pint of Guinness at Milano’s Bar again soon!
Song On In The Background: Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Sam is the bartender, 2 years at the Von which is the owner’s last name. Date night and happy hour spot. Very nice spot for the neighborhood. DJs play here on the weekend. Sam grew up in NY, which “has its charm of ups and downs but I can’t imagine living anywhere else in America.” Pizza from Thursday to Sunday. Their ginger syrup is made in-house. Dark and stormy vodka mules are top sellers. Comedy show downstairs tonight and they also have plenty of room for a DJ downstairs as well. Classy wooden bar with exposed brick. #Rustic
The Von opened in 1996, another great year in Yankee history. It is a neighborhood favorite Downtown Haunt. Their main room has a very nice rustic speakeasy feel to it. You could have a party there for 20+ people. Their Downstairs Lounge is very spacious and could be great for a party of 150+ people. They also have a Parlor Room or back room that could hold around 40 people. If you’re looking for a night out with a theme, The Von has Wine Tours with tastings and also offers a Cocktail Class where you’ll learn how to make at least 3 new drinks. I look forward to grabbing another pint at Von again soon!