The Buzz on St. Patty's at The Beehive

They may dye the river green in Chicago, but it was the Irish Society of Boston that organized the first Saint Patrick's Day Parade. First ever. Anywhere. In the whole wide world. Here. On March 18, 1737. At the time, it was more of an unemployment protest march than anything close to what we do now. The prototype for that started in Ireland, 1931.

Regardless, some 274 years later Bostonians are celebrating the holiday like it might be their last, ill-fitting lampshades and all. It’s unclear, by the way, how we slid back 24-hours to March 17... perhaps it’s the result of time lost in a greenish, alcohol-induced haze.

Down here in the South End we attract a party crowd, but it’s not quite the stuff of kegs and frat houses. For those interested in a culturally-informed, civilized shindig, will be staging its 4^th annual St. Patty’s party – a cool blend of tradition and twist that’s on-the-money enough to have earned the last-word stamp of approval from (wait for it…) the Boston Irish Tourism Association.

“We’ve been more than happy to get involved with The Beehive and their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and we’re looking forward to the amazing food and festivities planned!” said Michael Quinlin, President and Founder of the Boston Irish Tourism Association.

So, what will the party consist of? Beehive co-owner Jack Bardy promises there won’t be any green beer (nobody’s crying), but instead expect what he’s calling, “a sophisticated evening of amazing Irish comfort food and authentic, world-class, Irish entertainment for a mature audience.”

Seriously though, word from deep within the ‘hive is that there will be plenty of fun surprises.

First off, let’s talk about the food: in addition to serving the regular menu, Chef Rebecca Newell is brewing up some tasty à la carte specials. Newell’s holiday vision will result in delicious corned beef & cabbage flatbread with sauerkraut & cheese, Finaan Haddie smoked fish & chips with malt vinegar aioli  & slaw, and grilled lamb chops with Colcannon mashed potatoes, just to name a few.

And then there’s the music, featuring the Matt and Shannon Heaton Celtic Revue (listen to samples here). The Heatons likely have fond memories of the Chicago River in its dyed green holiday splendor since it was in downtown Chicago pubs that they got their start. Both have since traveled to Dublin to further hone their craft; Shannon is one of the strongest fiddle players in the USA and was voted “Female Musician of the Year” by the Irish American News. To complement the Heatons, sweet-voiced Sheila “The Plummer” Linnehan will open.

As is always the case, there is no cover charge for the music/bar scenario at The Beehive. In light of the special occasion, however, dinner reservations are recommended. The party gets underway at 5 p.m.

The Beehive is located at 541 Tremont Street, Boston. Call (617) 423-0069 or visit beehiveboston.com.