Celtic Comfort Food At the Alchemist & Barrister

Still in the grip of the Polar Vortex, New Jerseyans are calling for comfort food and plenty of it! With St. Patrick's Day and its legendary LongBeard Benefit approaching, and no end to the bitter weather in sight, the The Alchemist & Barrister is offering "Celtic Comfort Food" to beat the Big Chill.  "Irish cuisine is the ultimate comfort food," says Executive Chef/Owner, Arthur Kukoda, who this year offers such St. Patrick's Day specialties as Emerald Isle Mussels, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Bangers and Mash, Spareribs Braised in Guinness, A Po Irish Lad Sandwich and a hearty Cream of Mushroom Soup with Spinach and Potatoes. Scroll down for two terrific recipes.  Irish and awesome, The Alchemist & Barrister's 34th Annual St. Patrick's Day Party and LongBeard Benefit gets underway on Monday, March 17, 2014. This year, the landmark bar and restaurant has two reasons to celebrate. Throughout 2014, The A&B will mark its 40th anniversary with an array of special events, and fund raisers for its new charity, The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank.  Meanwhile, the A&B's Celtic Comfort Food, accompanied by lively Irish spirit and spirits will banish the winter blues. LUNCH Tipperary Reuben corn beef . sauerkraut . swiss . 1000 island The Huntsman Petite filet mignon .guinness and mustard glazed onions Po Irish Lad ale battered shrimp . Irish cheddar tartar sauce . coleslaw . torpedo roll   Irish Dip roast leg of lamb . mint jus crusty roll . fries   Corned Beef & Cabbage colcannon . horseradish cream   Irish Lass roast turkey breast . melted brie apple slices . honey mustard . multi grain   Shannon Salad grilled shrimp or chicken . apples pears . roasted walnuts cranberry-walnut vinaigrette   Dinner Appetizers Smoked Salmon Rolls with Dublin Bay Prawns cucumber . lemon   Dublin Spring Rolls pulled corned beef . cabbage . vegetable Guinness-mustard dipping sauce   Emerald Isle Mussels tomato . leeks . bacon fresh herb cream   Irish Kettle Chips topped with crispy smoked bacon Irish cheddar . bleu cheese . scallions   Grilled Lamb Chops mint pesto . apple-jalapeno relish SOUP St. Patrick's Day cream of mushroom with potato & spinach Onion Soup Au Gratin SALAD Shannon Salad baby spinach . sliced pears and apples roasted walnuts cranberry-pear vinaigrette   DINNER Roast Duckling with apple-sage stuffing Chicken Pot Pie flaky crust . creamed chicken . leeks carrots . potatoes . peas . fresh thyme Corned Beef & Cabbage colcannon . horseradish cream Guinness Braised Short Ribs of Beef colcannon . roasted vegetable Bangers & Mash grilled Irish sausages . colcannon onion gravy Irish Cider Glazed Salmon pan seared . new potatoes roasted vegetables Spirited Irish Recipes From the A&B's Executive Chef Arthur Kukoda       Drunken Clams   1 cup diced bacon, cook in skillet till crisp, drain fat 1/2 cup julienne leeks add to skillet with bacon, saute 1 minute 1/2 bottle of Harp Lager ( you know what to do with the other half) add to bacon- leek mixture. add 1 dozen clams put a lid on the skillet and simmer to clams open. shut off flame Once open, place clams in a bowl add 1 tablespoon butter to skillet whisk in until incorporated, pour over clams top with diced tomato and serve with crusty bread or roasted garlic crostini to mop it up.    Guinness Braised Short Ribs   Marinate 3 pounds of short ribs for 24 hours   Marinade 2 large white onions and 3-4 carrots, fine dice to make 8 oz. ¾ pints of Guinness and 2 quarts of veal or chicken stock to cover   To Cook Heat 1 tbs. of oil in a large pan Add short ribs, brown on all sides and remove Add carrots and onions from marinade to the pan and sauté until soft Stir in ½ cup flour to bind the vegetables Add short ribs and marinade to pan and add another pint of Guinness. Make sure the marinade covers the meat Bring to a boil Cover and cook slowly for 1 - 1 ½ hours.   Dumplings 4 tbs. flour 2 tbs. fresh bread crumbs 2 tbs. suet * 1 tbs. mixed fresh herbs, such as parsley and thyme Combine all ingredients Roll into small balls and chill When short ribs are almost done, drop into pot and cook for 10 minutes.   *Suet is the hard fat located around the kidneys and loins of beef or sheep. You can obtain this from your butcher.         St. Patrick's Day Party & LongBeard Benefit March 17th at the A&B    From the first call of the bagpipes until the Parting Glass late that night, guests will enjoy Irish music, dancing, Irish fare by Executive Chef/Owner Arthur Kukoda and specialty cocktails, wine and beer. The winner of the Annual LongBeard Benefit will be announced with prizes for the Best Beard and other categories.    Traditionally, the contest and party benefit a local charity and this year, Mercer Street Friends will receive the funds raised. Since adopting the food bank as its permanent charity in October, 2013, the A&B has collected both canned goods and funds to support Mercer Street Friends' Send Hunger Packing Program that provides fresh, nutritious food for school children in Mercer County.     The event starts at noon, and at 5 PM, a piper leads guests into the A&B for a rousing night of Irish dancers, music by The Laundrymen and great food and drink.    The A&B is known for its outstanding selection of beers, and the brews will flow liberally with plenty of Guinness, and other Gaelic favorites. Fine wines are offered by the bottle or the glass. Irish Mist, Bailey's Irish Cream and Jameson's add to the list of Irish spirits.    Princetonians won't have to wait until the 17th - the A&B's Celtic celebrations are starting right now with great cocktails served by guest bartenders and the Shamrock Fund Raiser for Mercer Street Friends Food Bank. Guests are invited to purchase a paper shamrock for $2 (3 for $5) that will be posted on the restaurant walls.    Guests are also asked to bring canned foods to donate to Mercer Street Friends Food Bank. Tuna, cereal, soup, are all good choices. For more information on the A&B's St. Patrick's Day plans, go to

The Alchemist & Barrister - A Princeton Tradition for 40 Years   Happy 40th Anniversary! In January, 1974, The Alchemist & Barrister Restaurant & Pub opened its doors on New Year's Day and a Princeton landmark and legend was born. Often called the "Cheers of Princeton," the A&B is conveniently set in an historic building at 28 Witherspoon Street in the heart of downtown Princeton. It's the favorite gathering place for residents and visitors in search of an authentic Princeton experience, plus good food, drink, and fellowship. Students, faculty, executives, university alumni, shoppers, theatergoers, and travelers all find a welcome at this convivial spot.   Memories are made and friendships formed, in its two charming dining rooms, traditional pub and the spacious patio area that's open year 'round. There's live music on Thursday nights from 10:00 pm - 1:00 am and on Sunday from 9:30 pm - 11:30 pm, featuring talented local bands. On Wednesdays, it's open Mic Night.   The Alchemist & Barrister is the perfect place to celebrate an occasion, entertain corporate clients, or, as many Princetonians have done, choose the A&B to pop the question!   The international menu spans American, Italian, Mexican, Irish and Asian dishes. Enjoy a hearty sandwich or bar snack, a complete dinner or what's rightly known as "the best burger in town." The Alchemist & Barrister offers a full bar featuring eight beers on tap. Its well-priced wines are available by the glass. Brunch Sunday-11:00am-3:00pm Lunch Monday-Friday - 11:30am-3:30pm Late Lunch Menu - Saturday 3:30pm-5:00pm & Sunday-3:00pm-5:00pm Dinner Mon-Thurs - 3:30pm-10:00pm Friday & Saturday - 5:00pm-10:30pm Sunday-5:00pm-10pm Late Night Menu Monday-Thursday-10:00pm-12:00am Friday & Saturday - 10:30pm-12:00am For reservations and information about special events, menus, live musical entertainment, private parties and more, call 609-924-5555 or go towww.alchemistandbarrister.com. The Alchemist & Barrister is located at 28 Witherspoon Street, in Princeton.

The Alchemist & Barrister's St. Patrick's Day Party March 17, 2014

Shamrock It!

Mark A Milestone! Make a Difference!

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

And The Alchemist & Barrister's 40^th Anniversary

PRINCETON, February 24 - Irish and awesome, The Alchemist & Barrister's 34th Annual St. Patrick's Day Party and LongBeard Benefit gets underway on Monday, March 17, 2014. This year, the landmark bar and restaurant has two reasons to celebrate. Throughout 2014, The A&B will mark its 40th anniversary with an array of special events, and fund raisers for its new charity, The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank.

From the first call of the bagpipes until the Parting Glass late that night, guests will enjoy Irish music, dancing, Irish fare by Executive Chef/Owner Arthur Kukoda and specialty cocktails, wine and beer. The winner of the Annual LongBeard Benefit will be announced with prizes for the Best Beard and other categories.
 

Traditionally, the contest and party benefit a local charity and this year, Mercer Street Friends will receive the funds raised. Since adopting the food bank as its permanent charity in October, 2013, the A&B has collected both canned goods and funds to support Mercer Street Friends' Send Hunger Packing Program that provides fresh, nutritious food for school children in Mercer County.
 

The event starts at noon, and at 5 PM, a piper leads guests into the A&B for a rousing night of Irish dancers, music by The Laundrymen and great food and drink.
 

The A&B is known for its outstanding selection of beers, and the brews will flow liberally with plenty of Guinness, and other Gaelic favorites. Fine wines are offered by the bottle or the glass. Irish Mist, Bailey's Irish Cream and Jameson's add to the list of Irish spirits.
 

Princetonians won't have to wait until the 17th - the A&B's Celtic celebrations are starting right now with great cocktails served by guest bartenders and the Shamrock Fund Raiser for Mercer Street Friends Food Bank. Guests are invited to purchase a paper shamrock for $2 (3 for $5) that will be posted on the restaurant walls.

 

Guests are also asked to bring canned foods to donate to Mercer Street Friends Food Bank. Tuna, cereal, soup, are all good choices.

 

Guest Bartenders are scheduled as follows:
 

February 25 - Stacy Mongold and Richard Buckley of Mercer Street Friends.

March 4th - Maxwell Purgavie, bartender at Triumph Brewery and Michael Zingarot owner of "Mike's Barbershop" in Princeton. Michael traditionally measures the beards as part of the LongBeard Benefit on St. Patrick's Day.

March 11th - Carl Defazio, a well-known Princeton Businessman assisted by Deborah Quinn. Both are strong supporters of the A&B and its charitable efforts.

The Alchemist & Barrister Sends Holiday Hunger Packing by Holding Food Drive

Princeton, December 16-----The Alchemist & Barrister will send holiday hunger packing throughout December and patrons of the legendary bar and restaurant can help. The A&B is supporting the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank's Send Hunger Packing program that fills the backpacks of over 250 school children with nutritious food over the holiday break. Guests can donate by purchasing paper "presents" containing an anti-hunger message to be posted throughout the bar. Paper presents are $2 each or $5 for three.

Donation boxes where patrons can drop off canned and packaged goods are now available at the restaurant's reception desk. Donations can include canned tuna, peanut butter, crackers, pudding, cereal, applesauce, and other appropriate and nutritious items that can fit into a backpack.

The Alchemist & Barrister's 32nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Party Draws Celtic Celebrants, Commendation from Governor Chris Christie

Princeton, April 8---It was a great day - and night - for the Irish at the Alchemist & Barrister's 32nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Party and LongBeard Benefit. The Guinness flowed, the pipers played, guests dined on fine Irish fare and the event raised $1500 for the family of EMT Michael Kenwood, who lost his life in a rescue attempt in 2011 during Hurricane Irene. Winners of the annual LongBeard Contest were announced, with top honors for the longest beard going to Pierce Cole. .

LongBeard Benefit champion Pierce Cole gets his prize-winning beard measured at the A&B's annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration.

A highlight of the evening was a letter from New Jersey Governor Christ Christie, recognizing the A&B's effort and honoring Michael Kenwood's sacrifice. The governor wrote:

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day At The Alchemist & Barrister, A Benefit for EMT Michael Kenwood

Event Benefits Family of Princeton EMT Michael Kenwood,

PRINCETON, February 28 - Get ready to rock the green at the Alchemist & Barrister's legendary St. Patrick's Day Party and LongBeard Benefit on Sunday, March 17, 2013. The fabled Celtic celebration is now in its 32nd year, celebrating Irish spirit and spirits, while benefiting a local charity. From the first call of the bagpipes until the Parting Glass late that night, guests will enjoy Irish music, dancing, Irish fare by Executive Chef/Owner Arthur Kukoda and specialty cocktails. wine and beer. The winner of the Annual LongBeard Benefit will be announced with prizes for the Best Beard and other categories.

Traditionally, the contest and party benefit a local charity and this year, the family of EMT volunteer Michael Kenwood will receive the funds raised. Michael Kenwood died of injuries incurred in a rescue attempt during Hurricane Irene in 2011.

The event starts at noon, with a lunch of Irish favorites and carrying on through dinner and into a night of Celtic celebrations launched by a piper leading the guests into the A&B at 5 PM. Irish dancers, music by Chris Harford and The Band of Changes, and great food and drink add to the festivities. Executive Chef/Owner Arthur Kukoda is planning a special Irish menu, including a Steamship Round of Corned Beef, sliced from a station on the enclosed patio. In the dining room, guests can choose from an array of specialties, several of them new to the A&B's St. Patrick's Day menu. Some of the appetizers bring an international flavor to Irish ingredients. There's a touch of the East in Smoked Salmon Rolls and Dublin Egg Rolls of pulled corned beef, cabbage & vegetables with a Guinness mustard dipping sauce. Grilled Lamb Chops come with a mint pesto and an apple-jalapeño relish

Also new this year are the House Made Kettle Chips made of crispy smoked bacon, Irish cheddar, bleu cheese and scallions. Well-loved specials from St. Patrick's Days past include Emerald Isle Mussels, St. Patrick's Day Soup, The Shannon Salad, Chicken Pot Pie. Corned Beef & Cabbage, Guinness Braised Short Ribs of Beef, Bangers & Mash, Irish Cider Glazed Salmon and The Danny Boy, a filet mignon with Irish blue cheese, frizzled onions and roasted potatoes

The Alchemist & Barrister's Longbeard Benefit Begins February 1st

The Alchemist & Barrister's Longbeard Benefit begins February 1st. The rules are simple. Show up clean shaven with a $25 charitable donation and start growing your beard until St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2013.

The A & B Loyalty Card Now Available at The Alchemist & Barrister

The A&B Loyalty Card

The A&B Loyalty Card earns you 1 point for every $1 that you spend. After you earn 100 points you will receive a $10 voucher good for your next visit to The A&B. You will also receive a free dessert on your birthday as well as your anniversary. There is no cost to join. Simply ask a server for your card the next time you stop in.

The Alchemist & Barrister Celebrates St. Patrick's Day - Event Will Benefit The Colin Pascik Road to Recovery Fund

March to the tune of a bagpiper. Raise a glass of Guinness.  Sing a Celtic song and enjoy fine Irish fare. Compete in the Longbeard Contest, a Princeton tradition for three decades, and help to raise funds to help a valiant Marine.  It's all happening at the Alchemist and Barrister's annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration on Thursday, March 17th at 5:30 pm.
   
       The event raises funds for a local charity and this year's beneficiary is The Colin Pascik Road to Recovery Fund in aid of Lance Corporal Colin Pascik, USMC, who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan. 

        Bagpipers usher in the festivities that include traditional dancing, Irish music by Langaroo, great food and drink and the 30th annual Longbeard Contest.  Executive Chef Arthur Kukoda is planning a special Irish menu, including a Steamship Round of corned beef sliced from a special station on the enclosed patio. In the dining room, guests can choose from an array of specialties including Fried Oysters with Fennel Sauce, Smoked Salmon, Dublin Bay Prawn Cocktail, Gaelic Steak in an Irish Whiskey Sauce, Guinness Braised Short Ribs of Beef and Grilled North Atlantic Salmon With Cockles, Mussels, New Potatoes and Mustard Cream.  
 
    The A&B is known for its fine selection of beers, and the brews will flow liberally with plenty of Guinness, Smithwick's and other Gaelic favorites.   Fine wines are offered by the bottle or the glass.

Let It Grow! The Longbeard Contest
    
     About 25 local gentlemen have signed up for the Longbeard Contest, registering in February for the time-honored competition with a charitable donation. Contestants' beards will be measured at the St. Patrick's Day Celebration.  The manwho grows the longest beard will be declared the winner and have bragging rights for the coming year. Prizes will also be given for the shortest, grayest, reddest, ugliest, handsomest and most creative beards.    
The A&B's St. Patrick's Day Celebration and Longbeard Contest benefits The Colin Pascik Road to Revcovery Fund.


 Guest Bartenders

       Leading up to the big day, every Tuesday between now and March 17th, guest bartenders will mix Celtic cocktails.  

     Libations include the Leprechaun Martini, the Irish Buck, and the Nuttiest Irishman. 
      
     For reservations in the dining room, call 609-924-5555.  The Alchemist & Barrister is located at 28 Witherspoon Street, in Princeton. For more information go to www.theaandb.com.


 

Stimulus Dinner Package from the Alchemist & Barrister

Stimulus Dinner Package

*Join us every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night for a 3 course dinner for only $15.
Start with a Mixed Greens Salad.

Choose between London Broil, Herb Roasted Chicken, Pasta du Jour or Fish du Jour for your entree.

Finish with a delicious piece of
House made New York Cheese Cake for your dessert.

Not valid on Holidays.

28 Witherspoon St
Princeton, New Jersey 08542
609-924-5555/5559
email: theaandb.com
www.alchemistandbarrister.com