Friday, March 19th, 2010—bar 68

Day 68—Thursday, March 18th
Nelson Blue

First off, thanks to 365 commentator Zioum Zioum the Chainsaw who wrote an article for the French new service, Le Post. It got published today and here’s the link: Le Post. Thanks for the article Zioum Zioum! I’ll buy you a beer when you land back in the states in May!

I also got a nice write up on a Spanish blog from a writer named Bec. We did an email interview and it’s located here: El Blog Becaario. Thanks Bec, great job!

And in other international news, more donations from the land Down Under! Remember one of my new mates from Australia, David Brooks? Well his friend and co-worker, Delwyn Cox sent this generous donation in:
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Total amount: $10.00 USD
Purpose: $10 for a Kiwi beer from Delwyn Cox
Contributor: Delwyn Cox
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Delwyn lives in Australia now, but was born and bred in Temuka, New Zealand and he took the time to find New York’s only New Zealand bar for us. Good on ya, mate!

The bar is called Nelson Blue and Delwyn suggested I try a delicious Speights or Steinlager. Delwyn, in your honor I’ll have them both and then a Cooper’s Green for David Brooks! Delwyn also pointed out that they have a wine called, Cat's Pee on a Gooseberry Bush, so I think I’ll sample that as well.

The only stipulation Delwyn put on this deal was that I support the mighty New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Team. They’ve got my full support, Delwyn! Now let’s get going and sample some Kiwi beer at Nelson Blue!

Here we are at Nelson Blue near the South Street Seaport.

it looks like a lively and friendly joint.

Bartender and owner Pauli serves me up an ice cold Speights. Pauli is from New Zealand and told me he came to New York to visit for four days twenty years ago and he's been here ever since. Glad to have you here Pauli!

Cheers!

There's outside tables here and it's starting to get warm enough you can use them.

There's a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge from here.

Bartender Jamie is the other lovely bartender on duty.

There's a long communal table to sit at, drink, eat and soak up some of the New Zealand vibes in here.

Okay, time to relax and get a seat at the bar.

Pascal was seated next to me. He's a regular here who lives close by.

There's a large booth in the middle of the bar for comfortable seating.

Cliff was also at the bar. Looks like it's time for a refill Cliff!

There's candle-lit tables at the back of this spacious bar.

Here's Trey and Maggie and a guest appearance by their friend Ryan who snuck in the photo.

There's a couple of big screen TVs to watch the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Team.

Here's Dale in action draining a Guinness. Go Dale!

Waitress Emily poses with Jamie. A cute couple of gals!

Owner Pauli uncorks a bottle of Cat's Pee on a Gooseberry Bush that Delwyn clued me in about.

And it turns out to be my first glass of wine on the 365 Bar Crawl and it's delicious!

And for a nightcap Pauli laid out shots for me and my new friends at the bar.

Thanks Pauli! Cheers and goodnight everybody!

Review

If you think Kiwi is only a fruit and/or a shoe polish, you need to head to New York’s only New Zealand themed bar and grill, Nelson Blue and brush up on your New Zealandness. The bar is spacious with a huge wooden nautical bar, a long communal table, a large booth and tables in the back. It’s a friendly crew here on both sides of the bar. Bartender and owner Pauli knows everyone on a first name basis and welcomes newcomers like myself like a long-lost friend.

There’s over half a dozen beer on tap including: Steinlager, Speights, Blue Moon and Radeburger. Some of the bottled beers available are: Coopers Pale Ale, Tooheys New Draught Beer, Chimay Ale and Stella Artois Lager. There’s also original cocktails with name’s such as Kiwi Panty Remover and Canadian Beaver. They also have an extensive wine list featuring New Zealand brands. They love lamb in New Zealand so it’s featured prominently on the menu featuring Grilled Lamb Burger, Nelson Blue Curried Lamb, New Zeal and Lamb Skewers. Other entrees include: Hot Brown, Grilled Skirt Steak and Cockee's Tucker which is a sampling of stilton cheese, dry sausage, romaine, pickles, Branston pickle chutney, apples and a baguette.

There’s also large screen TV’s, perfect for watching the mighty New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Team kick ass! Thanks again for the beer Delwyn and say hi to our mate Brooksy as well! G’day. (And thanks to Couch for the copy catch!)

Nelson Blue
233-235 Front Street (@Peck Slip)
212-346-9090