Anne Lee, left, Murphy’s Bar and Grill owner Don “Murph” Murphy and Lyft general manager Rob Mora
ANNE LEE speaks with Murphy’s Bar & Grill owner DON MURPHY and general manager of Lyft ROB MORA
Since 1987, Murphy’s Bar & Grill in Honolulu’s Chinatown has provided an Irish retreat for Hawaii residents and visitors. Specializing in American-Irish cuisine, many flock to Murphy’s for a loaded lunch date or for fun nights out — not to mention its epic annual St. Patrick’s Day block party. However, even when it’s not March 17, Murphy’s is a popular choice for many to stop in and enjoy. With the holidays currently in session, it’s also a busy time of year for the bar.
I recently had a chance to sit down with Don “Murph” Murphy, owner of Murphy’s Bar and Grill and Rob Mora, general manager of Lyft, who teamed up to help pub-goers celebrate responsibly.
Murphy and Mora have had a successful Ride Smart initiative program, and we talk a little bit about what it is and the upcoming promotion from now until New Year’s Day — where new and existing Lyft riders can take advantage of $10 off their ride to and from Murphy’s. This is also a promotion that Lyft is able to offer to all bars and restaurants. Additionally, Murphy talks about the history and future of his Chinatown establishment.
AL: What does Murphy’s bring to Hawaii’s food scene?
Eggnog Bread Pudding with Cranberry Sauce ($7)
DM: We get a lot of comments from guests that our restaurant reminds them of the East Coast — which was what I wanted the vibe and feel to be, an East coast Irish bar/restaurant that’s family style as well as a fun place.
We also have amazing homemade pies that are prepared by my wife Marion. A lot of fruit and custard pies like, key lime pie, and rhubarb strawberry is a big request. Furthermore, throughout the holidays, Christmas for instance, we offer Eggnog Bread Pudding Pie with cranberry sauce and it’s a huge hit.
For Saint Patty’s day we will be offering Marion’s Irish Whiskey Cake. Whole pies and cakes are available for order also, while supplies last.
AL: What is the most popular dish here?
DM: Right now it’s our Steak Salad. It comprises marinated steak with Waipoli Hydroponic Greens from Maui with blueberries, strawberries and walnuts.
As far as beverages go, a top seller here is Guiness — we serve a lot of pints a month.
AL: Rob, can you share the details of the partnership with Lyft?
RM: Our big initiative is to partner with bars and restaurants to help their patrons get to and from these establishments safely, and not drink and drive. Lyft started working with Murph last year at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party and we are very excited to continue this partnership.
How it works is, Lyft offers a discount code to all users and we are continuing with this program and offering a new promo code: MURPHYSHOLIDAY. This code will give $10 off round-trip to and from Murphy’s Bar & Grill ($5 each way, from now until Jan. 1, 2020; pick up and drop off must be within the coverage area.)
How other restaurants can get this similar promotion, they can email our marketing team: ckelly@lyft.com for more information.
AL: Murph, is there anything else you’d like to share about the restaurant?
DM: We will definitely be gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day soon and Lyft will be offering a promo code for that event, and we will keep the public posted on that.
We also have availability for parties. Sundays we are closed during the day, but still available for private parties. You can always call us for more information regarding private parties.
AL: What is your favorite part of your job?
DM: The people that come in and making new friends. I also enjoy giving back to charities — such as last week we had an event helping the Ronald McDonald House. We have a lot of customers who want to give back to the community also, but they just don’t know how to get it to the right person. So they trust that when they com here, they know the donated money will go to the right place.
RM: Lyft also enjoys giving back to the community. People can apply at lyftwheelsforall.com.
Key Lime Pie
Crust:
• 1 package of graham crackers
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Blend to make fine flakes
• Add 6 tablespoons melted butter
• Press into buttered (or Pam sprayed) pie plate
• Be sure to press crust firmly, going up the sides.
• Bake at 350 for 12 minutes
Filling:
• 2 cans condensed milk
• 6 egg yolks
• Stir with mixer for about 2 minutes until well blended
• Turn speed up for the last 30 seconds
• Add 1/2 cup key lime juice and lime zest
• Stir again with mixer for about 2 minutes until well blended
• Bake in 325 oven for 20 minutes.
• Let cool completely before putting in refrigerator to chill.
• Serve with whipping cream.
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