Celebrate St. Patrick's Day & The Alchemist & Barrister's 40th Anniversary-Legendary Party Aids Mercer St. Friends Food Bank

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 c0all 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.

Don't 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.