Punta Gorda

24 Let’s Go! E/N/C/V March 14-20, 2012TASTEBUDSCeltic Ray Public Houseready for St. Patrick’s DayBY JON BAUMANNSUN CORRESPONDENTPunta Gorda will be home to one of thebiggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations inFlorida Saturday as the Celtic Ray preparesfor over 3,000 Irish revelers.The Ray has been working steadily on abuilding expansion that will nearly triple thesize of the business and establish a secondfloor bar area, all with the goal of openingthe expansion on what is clearly its’ biggestnight of business each year. “It will be open,”said Kevin Doyle, co-owner of the Celtic Raywith his son Max, even as the finishing touchescontinue.As in the past, a tent will be added to the backof the property, complete with an outside bar andtraditional Irish music will be heard throughoutSt. Patrick’s Day. Featured performers will includeEmily Ann Thompson, known for her traditionalCeltic fiddle tunes and Celtic Ray house bandFlurgin, providing traditional Irish music that willput the party crowd in a mood to celebrate Irishfood, drink and camaraderie.The Ray’s fish and chips dinner is the foodfavorite, not just on St. Patrick’s Day but everyday,while corned beef and cabbage will be added tothe Ray menu for one day only. Doyle expects toserve at least 800 meals on the holiday.Doyle, born in Dublin, Ireland, opened the15a Q ' eCeltic Ray Public House in 1997, where there’snever been a cover charge to get in. “The onlything I missed about the old country was apub,” Doyle explained, “There’s nothing elsethat I missed.”There are no waitresses to serve you. Allorders are taken at the bar and the reason forthat is simple. A pub is a place where peoplegather and socialize. When you move throughthe Celtic Ray to order a meal or a drink, youmeet people you might otherwise never have met.That’s the experience Kevin Doyle wants for all ofhis customers.To help with the good times, the Celtic Ray hasover 12 beers on tap and another 30 differentbeers in the bottle. They feature international lagers,stouts and ales, while also offering wine andciders for those wishing for something sweeter.“Our goal is to empty 100 kegs this year,” saidDoyle, explaining that 88 kegs were finished onlast year’s St. Patrick Day.With the new expansion ready to go, it seemsto be a goal easily achievable.The Celtic Ray Public House will be openfrom 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. TheCeltic Ray is located at 145 E. Marion Ave., PuntaGorda. For more information, go to celticray.net orlike the Celtic Ray’s Facebook page.No reservations are ever taken but questionswill be answered at 941-916-9115.Eco- Tours &Excursions fromBurnt Store MarinaOwner Kevin Doyle inside the Celtic Ray.448323i Wlipt i.cyaSUN PHOTOS BY JON BAUMANNOPEN HOUSEMarch 18 th • 2 PM - 4 PMMarchl8 2PM 4PMARiver Front Community- Resident Owned -Home Sites From Only$2500HOMES FROM $39,900River Forest VillagelageL4300 Riverside Dr. • Punta Gorda • 941-916-9074Presented byiTo benefit:HOMELESSHelping local kids"Your Passage to the Waters of~ J TM the Charlotte Harbor Estuary"i 1 I I I I I I I 1 1 1 1I I I 1 1 11 1 1 1 ./.1 1 I I I 1 i Iccccccc ccCt,u ccc oL y 454788For more info, to check availability, or to buy tickets , visit:www.CalusaQueen.comor call ' Z at (800) 979-3370The Calusa Queen is available for private charters.Our regular schedule includes visits to Jug Creek,Matlacha, Boca Grande, Placida, a Calusa MiddenMound and the Peace River.Call Captain Will at 941-301-8687 about the new Eco-Tour fromBoca Grande now running Mondays and Wednesdays at 12 Noon.The Calusa Queen is a safe and stable 30 passenger USCoast Guard inspected motor vessel. Captain Will is a USCoast Guard Licensed Merchant Marine Officer---------------------------------For groups of 4 or more, save 10% on the entire booking.When booking your reservation through ZERVE use promocode CQ22212. Please be sure to present the coupon at thetime of check-in.438584!141iA pril 7th Port Charlotte , FLRegistratlon Starts loArl I' I] lliul l RIIESClosing party at 5PMSilolgun Slafl at 1o,3oANl rROI o.ui 10 oui 9 p$100/4some Pri res Awarded at Chubbyz29 holes of MINIATURE golf at nine different bars throughout Port Charlotteregister by March 31 at any of these participating barsJohn Hall' sGoal&osSportsQ's SportsGrill LUIEI'! KAMAN !ITAIIWT ' Bar & GirlDYWH P AU ON .IWally 's 1313QGatorz . Dean's 1Torth of the Border Port an dsideCHUBBYZ.2 . PAD RIG16 Bar GriHFor more information contact Denise Dull at 941-626-9439or Kris Peterson at 941-815-1888 or ask at any participating bar