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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
The 814: Bistro 26 gives guests a dinner to remember By Victoria McGinty Managing editor
While Valentine’s Day may be long over, there should always be an excuse to wine and dine once in a while. Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or looking for somewhere to celebrate with your closest friends, Bistro 26 is the perfect place to treat yourself. Located on West 26th St., Bistro 26 is a hidden gem in Erie perfect for any occasion. This quaint place may not look like much, but looks can be deceiving. There is a warm, intimate ambiance within the modest building, as well as some of the best food money can buy. The staff is incredibly friend-
ly, and the service is sublime. Although Bistro 26 is on the high-end side in pricing, it is a great treat at the end of a long week or on a special occasion. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re on a budget, but it’s the perfect place for something different than fast-food and chains. As for the menu, there is something for everyone. Bistro 26 has a variety of steak, pasta, seafood dishes and an extensive menu of starters and desserts. For guests 21 and older, Bistro 26 has a long wine list which includes reds, whites and chardonnays available for customers to try. When dining at Bistro 26, I could not speak more highly of
the crab cakes. As someone who is not the biggest fan of seafood, these crab cakes were light yet filling and cooked to perfection with incredible flavor. If you’re looking for something with lots of flavor, the center-cut sirloin is marinated in lime and other spices that are the perfect combination of tender and mouth-watering. As for the side dishes that are served with every entree, the mashed potatoes are whipped to perfection and taste like your favorite homemade mashed potatoes. The rice on the other hand is what ties the entire meal together. Never have I ever had rice so fluffy and flavorful. Rice is a side dish that is often hit or
miss, although Bistro’s rice is what makes the entire dining experience worth it. If you’re not full from the heavenly meal, Bistro 26 offers top-of-the-line desserts that are incredibly hard to refuse or pick from. Both the chocolate cake and the creme brulee left me full and made me remember why they are my desserts of choice to begin with. A good slice of chocolate cake is hard to come by, but Bistro 26 absolutely aces it as they balance flavor and richness perfectly in their chocolate cake. As for the creme brulee, it is delicately sweet and reminds me of one of my favorite bakeries back home in downtown Cleveland.
A dessert that tastes like home —what more could you ask for? If you are in search of a place that is perfect for a first date or somewhere to celebrate that is unlike anywhere else in Erie, Bistro 26 gives you the elegance of fine dining and the feeling of being home in Erie (even if you’re from out-of-state like me). With traditional spring celebrations such as Easter and graduation approaching, Bistro 26 would be the perfect place to consider if celebrating. For more information on Bistro 26, you can visit their website at www.bistro26erie.com or call 814-835-3553 to make a reservation.
Boston resumes St. Patty’s Day festivities By Vydalia Weatherly Staff writer
South Boston’s St. Patrick’s/ Evacuation Day Parade will take place on March 20, 2022. The parade is coming back after a two-year hiatus caused by the ongoing global pandemic. In previous years, the parade would attract about a million spectators. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, that number will be greatly reduced. The route for the parade will be shorter than previous years, reduced to only one mile, to better combat the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, this year’s parade route is not completely new as it has been used pre-pandemic when there was inclement weather. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. on Broadway T Station. It will continue the entire way down Broadway before ending on Farragut Road. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, the parade is still predicted to be a worthwhile event. The parade will feature floats, marching bands, military vehicles, costume performers and more. Along with the parade, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Road Race will return this year and will take place the morning of the parade. All the pubs in Boston are expected to be packed before, during and after the parade, and many establishments are even advertising drink specials to commemorate the special day. Massachusetts held the first
Contributed Photo
Bostonians celebrate their historic parade commemorating Saint Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day.
St. Patrick’s Day parade in the United States in March 1737 in Downtown Boston. During this time, Boston was experiencing a large influx of Irish immigrants. The parade, along with banquets held throughout the city, was put on as a sign of solidarity to the new city residents. The parade was moved from Downtown Boston to South Boston in 1901. The beloved tradition continues to take place on the Sunday closest to March 17. On March 17, 1776, com-
memorated now as Evacuation Day, British troops were evacuated from Dorchester Heights in South Boston. The parade has continued since honoring both Irish Heritage and military service on Evacuation Day, so its return this year is much anticipated. Dave Falvey is a Commander of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council (SBAWVC). The SBAWVC is tasked with organizing the parade each year. “As the first American city to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 285
years ago, we’re simply delighted and honored to be holding the parade again after a very long, two-year absence,” Falvey said in a recent article. “To have such an iconic Irish brand like Guinness as headline sponsor supporting this year highlights what an important event this parade is and why it is so welcome to be back.” The support of sponsors and the community are crucial to the parade’s roots in both heritage and history. Falvey continued, “The level
of interest this year from sponsors, participants and the entire community has been incredible, showing how important these twined events are to the fabric of the city of Boston, the region of New England and beyond. We look forward to a fantastic event where all are encouraged to take part.” Losing the parade to the pandemic was undeniably devastating last year, so this year’s is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved. Falvey’s optimism does not delude him of this year’s inherent changes. “There’s no getting away from the immense strain caused by the pandemic on public health and safety and this year’s shortened route is a recognition of this,” he said. “Due to ongoing uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the Broadway route enables us to actually hold a parade after two years away, but also to hold it in a way that makes public health and safety paramount in these difficult times.” Boston’s pride has always been one of its most commendable achievements, and the annual parade celebrating both Saint Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day is a true testament to this loyalty to the beautiful city. Make sure you tune into the parade to satisfy your Saint Patty’s requirement for the year. As Falvey ensures that this weekend wille be “a fantastic day for all.”
