The Gracie Rose - an Irish tea shop in Pearl River, New York - helped make my big fat Irish American wedding all the more special.
Planning a wedding is tough enough, but when you're an Irish American gal marrying an Irish lad, there's extra pressure to make sure your wedding feels just like the ones 'back home' in Ireland.
A few months out from our wedding, we had our Irish priest, Irish band, and a gaggle of Irish dancers lined up, but my now-husband and I wanted to make sure our wedding reception ended on a high note with an after-party in the residents' bar.
In stepped The Gracie Rose.
Located in the prominently Irish and Irish American town of Pearl River, coincidentally not far from where we were hosting our wedding reception, The Gracie Rose matched their fine, authentic Irish offerings with friendly service when they catered our after-party.
"What's a Tayto sandwich?" several of my (American) guests asked wide-eyed during our wedding after-party.
"Just try it - you'll love 'em," I told them earnestly.
Along with trays of Tayto sandwiches - an instant hit for their novelty - The Gracie Rose provided trays of other classic Irish sandwiches such as chicken and stuffing, ham and imported Irish cheddar cheese, and ham with lettuce tomato scallions and salad cream.
It's safe to say that The Gracie Rose's food was a true crowd-pleaser as our guests - well fed! - continued celebrating into the early hours.
Irish sandwiches from The Gracie Rose.
In fact, the food was so good that the morning after, some of our wedding guests made their way to The Gracie Rose which serves up Irish breakfasts all day, as well as Irish tea, fresh Irish sandwiches, tasty desserts, and homemade Irish soups in its charming shop on Central Avenue in Pearl River.
Irish biscuit cake and tea at The Gracie Rose.
Aside from dine-in options, The Gracie Rose boasts a delectable selection of grocery items direct from Ireland, as well as a handy Grab & Go section if you're on the run.
Inside The Gracie Rose.
The shop also offers family meals and catering to accommodate large groups and celebrations - just like an Irish American wedding, for instance!
Catering from The Gracie Rose.
And if you're looking to treat someone to 'a taste of home,' The Gracie Rose also offers gifts that can be purchased both in the shop and online, which can be shipped anywhere in North America.
The Gift Shop in The Gracie Rose.
Offerings include different, gift baskets and gift cards, while in the shop they're stocking their new 'Cup of Tea' gift set and 'Time for Tea' cards with Barry's tea bags.
A box of scones from The Gracie Rose.
It's no surprise that The Gracie Rose feels authentically Irish as the shop's three owners Tina Murphy, Bernie Fitzgerald, and Tara McDonald - affectionately known as 'The Three Biddies' - have strong Irish connections.
The owners of The Gracie Rose.
Tina Murphy was born and raised in Pearl River but has direct connections to Ireland through her late mother who hailed from Connemara in Co Galway.
She spent at least 14 summers throughout her youth in Ireland, falling in love with the culture and cuisine. She now brings that love of all things Irish to The Gracie Rose, which warmly welcomes not only those familiar with the Irish food scene, but those who are looking to try it out for the first time as well.
Tina's joined at The Gracie Rose by her co-owner Bernadette 'Bernie' Fitzgerald, originally from Killorglin in Co Kerry. Bernie, the youngest of four, emigrated to New York at 17 years old, bringing her family's cherished recipes to Pearl River where she's lived for 20 years now.
Bernie and her niece Emma, the baker at The Gracie Rose who spent her summers in Ireland perfecting her baking skills, infuse The Gracie Rose with authentic Irish flavors and traditions. Their passion and expertise, rooted in lessons from Bernie’s late mother Bridie Foley, shine through in every dish.
Tara McDonald, whose father is from Scotland and mother's family is from Co Leitrim, rounds out 'The Three Biddies' who own The Gracie Rose. Tara grew up experiencing Irish culture while performing and competing across North America and Ireland as an Irish dancer, as well as on annual trips to East Durham and Ireland to visit family and friends.
If, like me, you're looking to add that special Irish touch to your next event, I highly recommend The Gracie Rose in Pearl River, New York.
You can learn more about The Gracie Rose on its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
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