Plenty of bars in South Florida want to lay claim to being "authentically Irish."
Charlie has been in and out of these places, some of them blaring Top 40 music and flashing lights, others covered in wall-to-wall green. Authentic? Hardly. Maguires Hill 16 is the real deal.
Charlie spoke with James Gregory, who hails from Ireland and whose family has owned Maguires for the past 12 years.
Clean Plate Charlie: How did your family come to own Maguires Hill 16?
James Gregory: Our family has always owned bars or catering businesses in Ireland for as long as I've been alive. My mother was an airline attendant and discovered the property on a trip to Florida.
What sets Maguires apart from the impostors?
All of our food is homemade and from scratch.
What are your favorite dishes?
Shepherd's pie and fish and chips.
What is your favorite thing about working and living in Florida?
Having a piece of Ireland in Florida and helping my family run the business.
What is your least favorite thing about living in Florida?
Very hot summers and no changing seasons!
Maguires is famous for its annual St. Patrick's Day party. What will it be like this year?
We'll start at 7 a.m. with a traditional Irish breakfast and celebrate into the wee hours.
What kind of entertainment will be there?
We'll have several blues bands and traditional Irish bands. Bagpipe players, fiddle players, and Irish dancers.
Will there be drink specials?
Yes, all drinks are $5. Top- to bottom-shelf liquor, all beer. We'll have Guinness, Bass, Smithwick's, Miller Lite, and Magner's.
What about food?
We'll have corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, lamb stew, and burgers.
Stay tuned for a recipe from James Gregory, coming soon.
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