Besides
this
quaint walk down pub, the type of place one might expect
to find in a more urban environment, there was a distinct character to
the restaurant that seemed a touch out of sync with the upscale
bohemian avant-garde atmosphere of New Hope. Villa Vito was reminiscent
of the eateries I was accustomed to finding in the older ethnic
neighborhoods of cities like Boston, Philadelphia and Brooklyn. Places
defined not by culinary trends or gastronomic fanatics, but instead by
cooking traditions and generations of family. Places that take us back
to memories of childhood, holidays and those warm rooms filled with
cherished friends and loving relations.
For nearly forty years Villa
Vito has brought a slice of Italy to the
streets of New Hope, and from my personal perspective the only thing
that was missing from the mix in order to make the experience of this
extraordinary American community complete would be the addition of an
Irish pub. Now it seems the Favaroso family has fulfilled yet another
one of life’s dreams; but not without some help from the Kelly side of
the equation. Today they proudly celebrate the birth of their Celtic
snug. The former basement bistro has been renamed in honor of Theresa’s
now eighteen year old son Michael Kelly.
Now there are those who might question the authenticity of an Irish pub
at this particular location; but then again we should probably be a wee
bit skeptical of all similar assertions on this side of the Atlantic.
Because if the truth be told, what we have on this side of the ocean
are American pubs attempting to propagate Irish culture in the context
of a tavern. And since that’s too much of a mouthful, it’s just easier
to refer to the practice as opening an Irish pub. So I think that it is
only fair that we establish a proper set of benchmarks that can be used
to validate whether or not a pub could lay claim to an Irish pedigree.
And since this author is suitably versed in the finer points of tavern
life, I will award such credentials based upon the following measures:
· The pub is welcoming.
· The hosts are hospitable.
· Strangers are treated like friends.
· There is good conversation and perhaps a bit
of music.
· There are interesting characters sitting at
the bar.
· There is a warming fire (optional).
· There is a great selection of beer with at
least one stout.
· The choice whiskeys of Erin are well
represented (Jameson, Bushmills,
Tullamore Dew etc.).
· At one time or another at least one person
with the last name of Kelly
has been in the place.
SOME INTERESTING
CHARACTERS IN IRISH PUBS ENDEAVOR TO KEEP THE HIGH HOLY DAY ALL 365.
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Based upon this strict criterion, I know where I will be raising my
first pint on Saint Patrick’s Day. And as the Favaroso-Kelly clan likes
to say, “Buona Fortuna and Cead Mile Failte" – “Good Luck and A Hundred
Thousand Welcomes” to Michael
Kelly’s
Irish Pub!
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