Whether you’re Irish – or just wish you were, Saint Patrick’s Day calls for celebration. Our vendors are bringing more than just corned beef and Guinness to the party. [Note: I am in no way underestimating the importance of Guinness. Keep it flowing.]
But don’t forget about March Madness food! Vendors can spice up your celebration with essential eats like BBQ, jalapeno poppers, and other game-day favorites. It’s time to break out your brackets and warm up your appetite, because March is upon us!
Robicelli’s Bakery (New York City, NY)
It’s almost too good to be true! Robicelli’s Bakery is offering a cake with three (yes, three!) types of alcohol. Appropriately named the “Irish Car Bomb Cake,” it’s an incredibly moist chocolate Guinness stout cake with Jameson whiskey ganache and Bailey’s Irish Cream buttercream frosting.
But if you really want to push the envelope on the dessert front, try their famous Nutellasagna. Called out by Food and Wine Magazine as the “over-the-top dessert lasagna you’ve been waiting for,” it’s a glorious combination of cannoli custard cheesecake, crunchy roasted hazelnuts, homemade marshmallow, and swirls of Nutella – all between layers of buttery lasagna noodles.
Puffs of Doom (Chicago, IL)
If the name Puffs of Doom doesn’t entice you, then how does a shamrock-shaped pastry puff filled with Irish cream and topped with Lucky Charms sound? Yeah, I thought so. They’re also cranking out shamrock puff,s with flavors like mint milkshake and pistachio lime graham cracker. But the delightfully wacky flavors don’t stop there. Go with a delicious option like peanut butter chocolate-covered pretzel or chocolate raspberry almond. Or you can live on the wild side and try one of their unique flavors like honey apple goat cheese, sweet potato marshmallow, Earl Grey fudge, or peanut butter chocolate-covered Cheez-It (!!).
BakeHouse (Washington, DC)
DC’s BakeHouse will get you in the St. Patrick’s Day mood. Try one of its alcohol-friendly desserts, like the Irish Coffee cupcake, a moist coffee-flavored cake with Jameson frosting. Or, try the Bailey’s cupcake, a rich chocolate cake with Bailey’s cream cheese frosting. But lo and behold… their Jameson lollipop. These alcohol-infused pops taste divinely sweet with a sinful kick. Warning: Don’t attack these like you’re trying to reach the center of a Tootsie Roll pop. These bad boys will catch up to you.
Vello’s (Westwood, MA / Boston Area)
Want to be the most popular person in your office March Madness pool? Bring some lobster mac n’ cheese from Vello’s to the party. But this dish isn’t just for basketball fans: lobstah mac is a great way to kick the “fancy” up a notch at any event. The ooey, gooey mozzarella, parmesan and cream sauce, combined with sweet bites of fresh lobster will make your event feel like a 5-star experience – without paying the 5-star price.
The Rib Whip (San Francisco, CA)
Nothing says “game-time” (aka I’ll live vicariously through these athletes as I eat and drink my face off) like some bomb BBQ. But this San Francisco food truck isn’t serving up your average smoked and smothered meats; they’re taking their meals-on-wheels to a whole new level. We’re talking 18-hour smoked brisket sandwiches topped with house-made pickles, and sriracha-glazed spare ribs topped with crispy onions and diced jalapenos. So if you’re in the Bay Area this March, sink your teeth into some tender, meaty perfection as your watch March Madness on your TV.
Campfire (Seattle, WA)
When you think of best-of-the-best BBQ, the Pacific Northwest isn’t typically top-of-mind. However, Seattle’s Campfire is quickly gaining a reputation for serving up BBQ that rivals meccas like Kansas City, Texas, and North Carolina. Staying true to their Seattle roots, Campfire uses organic, local, and sustainable ingredients, meat included. They win over customers with their low and slow approach to wood-fired smoked meats like ribs and brisket, smothered in finger-licking sauces like their bourbon BBQ. So if you’re a transplant BBQ snob in the Pacific NW, or just looking for some soul-warming, mouth-watering eats, Campfire is for you!
Lick Ice Cream (Austin, TX)
Lick isn’t just doling out some of the tastiest ice cream in Texas, but some of the most honest ice cream as well. Honest ice cream, you ask? Lick owners Anthony and Chad use only local dairy, and personally know each farmer and food artisan from whom they source all of their ingredients. From the cow to the house-made cone, they know the exact journey of each scoop of ice cream. In addition to supporting the local food community, Lick also brings smiles to the people of Austin with its seasonal and exotic menu of flavors. For example, try the Goat Cheese, Thyme, and Honey or Grapefruit with Champagne Marshmallows or Brown Butter Brown Sugar before it’s too late! Oh, and did we mention that Lick can bring and serve its crowd-pleasing ice creams at your SXSW parties and events?