Think of it as a celebration of all things hamburger in our wonderful city of trees.
We've teamed up with the chefs at de Vere's Irish Pub in Sacramento to bring you 4 amazing weekly Featured Burgersand some fun giveaways (including a digital camera giveaway from BurgerJunkies.com)!
1. Enter a random drawing to win a Canon DSLR Digital Camera from BurgerJunkies.com by tweeting about #sacburgermonth on Twitter.
2. Enter a random drawing to win a free $25 de Vere's Irish Pub gift card and t-shirt by helping us select the #sacburgermonth Week 4 Featured Burger!
3. Enter a random drawing to win a free $25 de Vere's Irish Pub gift card and t-shirt by voting for your favorite #sacburgermonth Weekly Featured Burger!
"De Vere's Irish Pub, a locally owned downtown business founded in the midst of the recession, will open its second location at the end of the summer in the space that was formerly the home of Soga's in Davis.
The new space, at 217 E St. in downtown Davis, is 4,800 square feet, about 1,000 square feet bigger than the Sacramento pub.
His brother, co-owner Henry de Vere White, said the expansion is a risk, but one he hopes will prove as successful as the current location on 15th and L streets in Sacramento.
"I think we filled a niche here in Sacramento," Simon de Vere White said, adding that the brothers hope to do the same in Davis.
The basic concept will be the same, as they said community involvement at all levels is important to success.
The Davis pub will have the same menu as de Vere's in Sacramento when it comes to drinks and food, but possibly with more emphasis on hamburgers with the large student population, Simon de Vere White said.
"It's too early to tell, but that's something we will work out when we get closer to opening," he added.
Activities like the popular Monday night trivia challenge will be carried over to the Davis location as well.
The décor will be similar, as family friends in Ireland will once again be designing the interior space.
Authenticity is important to the brothers, with Simon being born in Ireland and Henry being born in Boston – the first one born in America from a family that traces its Irish heritage back to the year 1140.
The brothers have been living in Sacramento since 1985.
Philippe Masoud is the owner of two restaurants with locations in both Sacramento and Davis – Crepeville and Burgers and Brew. He said he expects the pub to be successful as well, since the same types of places appeal to both cities.
"Davis is a really good town for us. Sacramento took us longer to be discovered," he said, adding that he opened his businesses in Davis first.
One challenge to doing business in Davis that Sacramento doesn't face, however, is that business slows down considerably in summer, when the college students are on break, he said.
For more information on de Vere's Irish Pub in Davis, check the pub'sFacebook page or follow it on Twitter."
Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.
"A pint of Guinness sounds good for St. Patrick's Day, but this year we're ready to give a little Irish whiskey a spin. In the world of spirits, Irish whiskey's known for being exceptionally smooth compared to its counterparts around the world.
In Ireland, the majority of whiskeys are distilled three times during production, making for a clean and delicately sweet drink that goes down easy before yelling "Erin go bragh."
Whiskey's been produced in Ireland for centuries, and the country was home at one point to more than 1,000 distilleries. That number has been reduced to just a handful in Ireland today, but they still produce a range of whiskey styles from such brands as Bushmills, Jameson and Redbreast.
To get a head start on St. Patrick's Day, we're here at de Vere's Irish Pub, where the TVs broadcast a Champions League soccer match with Barcelona vs. Arsenal.
De Vere's carries 32 different Irish whiskeys, from smoky peat whiskeys to a bottle of Tyrconnell that's been aged in sherry casks. De Vere's even hosts its own whiskey society to introduce enthusiasts to the diversity found in this spirit.
"We get a lot of people who started as wine drinkers and then found something new they liked learning about," said co-owner Simon de Vere White.
"In an Irish whiskey, you'll be looking for something that's well-balanced with a little heat and some spice. It'll have less of the caramel and vanilla flavors that you'll find in American whiskey and bourbon."
So where to start with Irish whiskey? Well, make your first decision one that could save your life. If drinking away from home, designate a driver or keep a taxi service's number on hand.
St. Patrick's Day ranks as one of the most dangerous days on the road due to alcohol consumption. According to the CHP, a total of five people were killed and 142 people injured in 240 alcohol-involved collisions statewide on St. Patrick's Day in 2009 and 2010.
Slane Castle Irish Whiskey (roughly $30 for 750 ml bottle, $7-$10 per shot at bars): De Vere White likes to start newcomers with this smooth and cask-y spirit that's been aged in American bourbon barrels. This whiskey definitely carries a little kick and a spicy finish, but paired with a smooth and balanced mouthfeel, just like a proper Irish whiskey should.
Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey (about $40 for a 750 ml bottle in stores, $7-$10 per shot at bars): Here's a tasty example of a peated whiskey, which uses grains that have been roasted over a peat fire. The result is a smoky and earthy drink that's something like the whiskey equivalent of a fine cigar. Look for an exceptionally long finish with a bit of sweetness and spice mixed in with that smoky character.
Redbreast 12-year-old Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey (roughly $40 per 750 ml bottle in stores, $9 to $11 per shot at bars): Take a sip of this full-bodied yet impeccably balanced whiskey and you'll see why it was named "Whiskey of the Year" by "Whisky Bible" author Jim Murray.
Full of complexity, with flavors of sweet caramel, spice and a touch of sherry, this whiskey is one to sip and savor."
Each year, 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, which is the leading cause of death for youngsters in the US and Canada. At 5pm on March 14, 2011 at deVere's Irish Pub, teams of brave and caring souls will bare their domes in an annual head-shaving, fund raising, philanthropic event that, since its advent, has generated over 56 million dollars to help kids fight and prevent cancer.
With every passing day we are getting closer and closer to Sacramento's St. Patrick's Day week! That's right St. Patrick's day has now become a week long event in California's capitol with a little something for everyone. This may be a bit over whelming to someone looking in from the outside of Sacramento, or even for someone living in the heart of downtown Sacramento. Well please allow us at de Vere's Irish pub to help shed some light on all the festivities that are coming your way. We will provide you with all the links you may need and the inside scoop on the do 's and don'ts of celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Sacramento.
Allow this blog post to be an intro into the events and topics that we will be covering over the next two weeks. So forgive me for not being prolific about this matter and allow me to provide you with a timeline of events.
This is a great family friendly event set in historic Old Sacramento.
The 15th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held – rain or shine – on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Always a free event, the parade steps off promptly at 1:00 p.m. from 2nd & L Streets and proceeds throughout the historic district.
Over 50 units, with approximately 1,000 marchers, will be featured. Irish dancers in elaborate Celtic costumes, bagpipers, school bands, military regiments, police and fire representatives, costumed marchers and a variety of cultural organizations will bring the luck of the Irish to the event. The parade draws people from all over Northern California bringing together thousands in the 28-acre historic state park. Last year more than 20,000 people turned out to enjoy the event.
Field and the remainder of the course will be in Sacramento. This event is sold out.
March 13th 2011: This is an amazing event and truly brings the community together to raise money and awareness to help kids conquer cancer. People volunteer to shave their heads in a sign of solidarity with children going through cancer treatment. 100% of the money donated goes to help fund cancer research. You don't have to go bald to attend or to donate, please join us in this fight.
March 14th 2011 at 5pm: This is an amazing event and truly brings the community together to raise money and awareness to help kids conquer cancer. People volunteer to shave their heads in a sign of solidarity with children going through cancer treatment. 100% of the money donated goes to help fund cancer research. You don't have to go bald to attend or to donate, please join us in this fight.
Last Year we shaved over 210 heads and raised over $90k, how much would you shave to save a life?
Stay tuned for our next update coming to our blog shortly!
Follow us at @sacstpats or @deverespub on Twitter!
DE VERE'S TO HOST TWO ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTIES IN ONE DAY!
This year, de Vere's Irish Pub will host not one but two St. Patrick's Day parties in one day! Mark your calendars for March 17 and get ready for the de Vere's Pub Party and the de Vere's Party in the Park.
The de Vere's family invites you to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in true Irish fashion at the de Vere's Pub Party, located at the historic Firestone Building at 16th & L. "The de Vere's Pub Party is all about the authentic Irish pub experience," said owner Henry de Vere White. "You can enjoy the beautiful woodwork, family heirlooms, friendly banter, and of course, the perfect pint of Guinness—a specialty we've mastered." The pub doors will open at 8 am and their famous Irish coffees will be piping hot and ready to serve. At 11 am, the pub will close down the sidewalks and open the outside venue, which will include traditional Irish fare including corned beef and cabbage. The stage will feature live Irish entertainment with music and dancers throughout the day. If you would rather go to an outdoor charity concert event then head to Cesar Chavez Plaza for the ultimate St. Patrick's Day festival. The de Vere's St. Patrick's Day Party in the Park takes place from 10 am to 10 pm. "We created this event to bring the community together, and L Street just couldn't provide enough space for the event. We think Cesar Chavez Plaza will provide us with a large enough area so that we don't have to turn people away," said owner Simon de Vere White. "By moving the event to the park, we can do more good for our charity partner, give better service, and have more space to enjoy the celebration. But have no fear, we still are opening our doors and will create a great experience for our guests at our pub!" Proceeds from the event will benefit Maryhouse, a daytime women and children's homeless shelter at Loaves and Fishes. Maryhouse provides much needed support and services for this vulnerable population including the Hot Breakfast Meal Program and the Mustard Seed School. The de Vere's St. Patrick's Day Party in the Park, coupled with the party at their family's pub, will end Sacramento's week long celebration which includes the Old Sacramento St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 12, Shamrock'n Half Marathon on March 13, St. Baldrick's Day on March 14, and a St. Patrick's Day celebration at de Vere's Irish Pub on March 17. For tips regarding planning your week, hotel specials and more, please visit SacStPats.com or follow us on Twitter @SacStPats. Slainte!