Get Ready for St. Patrick's Day with our Top 5 Irish Mob Movies and a Glass of Jameson

Top 5 Irish Mobster Movies

By Jaya Daniel

Only one more day until St. Patrick’s Day. Why not get in the Irish spirit and enjoy some of our favorite Irish mobster flicks? Nothing will get you in the mood to drink whiskey more than enjoying the exploits of the fighting Irish.  

The Boondock Saints, 1999

Cast: Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus

Two brothers begin killing off members of the mafia, not for revenge, but because they see it as a calling from God. Released from prison after accidentally killing two mafia members, they are considered heroes and see this as a sign to rid the world of evil. Interestingly enough, upon learning more about the murders, the detective in charge of the case is having trouble deciding whether the brothers are actually sinners or saints.

The Public Enemy, 1931

Cast: James Cagney, Jean Harlow, Edward Woods

Bootleggers during Prohibition, Tom and Mike are successful gangsters for Paddy Ryan’s gang. But, when a member of the gang dies, rival bootleggers sense weakness and a gang war breaks out. A bit of a hothead, Tom can’t seem to stay out of trouble and is determined to handle matters on his own terms.

Gangs of New York, 2002

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz

The Five Points district in New York is home to riots, corruption and gang violence. In 1863, Bill “The Butcher” is the most feared of the gang leaders, who wants the area to stay pure and free of immigrants. After witnessing his father’s death, Amsterdam is sent away from Five Points but returns years later -- determined to avenge his father. After finagling his way into The Butcher’s gang, Amsterdam bides his time and rising among the ranks until he can enact his revenge.

The Town, 2010

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively

Four hometown friends from Boston rob a bank and end up taking a bank manager as a hostage. They release her, unharmed, but Doug (Ben Affleck) goes back to see how much Claire, the manager, remembers of her captures. But, spending time with her has consequences he wasn’t expecting…he falls in love. Unfortunately, love isn’t really an option, as he has to hide his true identity from Claire as well as hide his relationship with Claire from his friends. It also doesn’t help that the FBI is after him and has evidence that could send his world crashing down.

The Departed, 2006

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg

Corruption. Undercover informants. Love. Murder. The Departed has it all. Plagued in deception, the film is a cat and mouse chase between an undercover cop and a mole within the Boston police department, both racing to find out the identity of the other before their own cover is blown. Partnered with an exciting and interesting story, The Departed has an amazing cast with great chemistry.

Eat and Drink Like a Real Irish Man at Jameson’s Barrelman’s Feast

By Soraya Hanzus

In 250 Characters or Less:

Irish whiskey + pan-fried hake + Jameson creme brulee + live music and dancing = need we say more? Jameson’s Barrelman’s Feast is a unique experience that makes it a must on every Dublin sightseeing checklist.  

What Works:

The whiskey, of course! It is recommended to start the experience with a tour of the factory (hint: raise your hand quick when asked to do so, with the intention of having the opportunity to taste different brands of Irish whiskey and even become Jameson certified!), stay around for another drink in the bar area, and then spend the evening at the Barrelman’s Feast. And while the whiskey is incomparable, the food is even better. The four-course meal includes a number of options including pork cutlet, pan-fried hake with sour cream, and ginger marinated gravlax (cured salmon) -- with our favorite dishes being the dill mashed potatoes and Jameson creme brulee.

Be Aware:

Yes, a Jameson cocktail is complimentary. But that is where the freebies end with the purchase of a Barrelman’s Feast ticket. Want more whiskey? Bring cash.

Overall Grade: B+

Bow St, Smithfield Village in Dublin, Ireland

+353 1 8072348

www.jamesonwhiskey.com/us/visit-us/oldjamesondistillery/barrel-mans-feast

Oscar Review: The Martian and Emma’s Ale House

Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig

In 250 Characters or Less:

Mark Watney is left alone on Mars to fend for himself...a planet where nothing grows.  A botanist, he figures out how to grow potatoes and stay alive, until he and his team, both on Earth and in space, can figure out a way to get him home safely.

What Works:

While the film isn't exactly action-packed, it is full of exciting, and at certain times, nerve wracking moments. From the second Watney is left on the planet, to watching him figure out ways to survive, to finding a way back home, the movie is nothing short of entertaining. Matt Damon was incredibly charming and funny, but also seemed a bit un-phased and arrogant at times. I would think that someone who was stuck on a planet, with a slim chance of survival, would freak out a little more. But, his hubris, sarcastic wit and survival skills helped keep him alive and made the two and half hour film go by quickly.

Rounding out a great film was a great cast.  Joining Damon in this epic journey was Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kristen Wiig as NASA employees and Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara and Sebastian Stan as fellow astronauts.

Be Aware:

There wasn’t much we didn’t enjoy about this film, but you should go in knowing a lot of the film is Damon, alone, either coming up with ways to plant potatoes or talking to a video journal. It’s not exactly sit on the edge of your seat, riveting content, but Damon does a great job keeping it interesting for the audience.

Overall Grade: A

EmmasAleHouse.com

Emma’s Ale House

In 250 Characters or Less:

Mark Watney keeps himself alive by growing and eating lots of potatoes. Had he known about Emma’s Ale House, he could have taken a page out of its playbook and spiced things up with its variety of whipped potatoes, french fries and tater tots.

What Works:

This quirky pub prides itself on comfort food -- oh, and the fact that “Emma” is the owner’s dog! -- and loads on the carbs with its multitude of potato options. Be sure to check out its sides of handcut fries with sea salt, sweet potato fries, shoestring combo fries, tater tots, whipped potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes and -- our favorite -- the wasabi mashed potatoes. What we love most about this place though is that it’s a friendlier, cleaner and more mature environment than the typical underaged crowd frequented by the average White Plains bar.

Be Aware:

Despite the fun and unique decor, remember this is still a bar and that standard pub grub often applies here. While the potatoes are highly recommended, don’t put this place on par with a five-star restaurant. Our suggestion is to stick to the standard fare such as the hot dogs and side dishes and to not go too crazy ordering anything more involving.

Overall Grade: B+

68 Gedney Way in White Plains

(914) 683-3662
EmmasAleHouse.com