A new pub just in time for St. Patrick's Day

Robert Beebe is becoming a master at timing the opening of an Irish pub. In 2008, he opened Trali ( www.traliirishpub.com) with partners just three days before St. Patrick's Day. This time around, Beebe is flying solo and has allowed a little more time to work out the kinks before the throngs of Irish and Irish-for-the-day arrive. He opened Ballymor (909 Spring Forest Road; 872-2674; www.ballymoririshpub.com) on Feb. 15.

The timing allows for a celebration: St. Patrick's Day tomorrow, which will feature traditional Irish fare and live music - and, of course, plenty of Guinness on tap.

Unless you'd prefer a different flavor, that is, in which case you can choose from about 20 draft brews ranging from Ballymor's house red ale to Strongbow English Cider to North Carolina's own Highland Gaelic. The menu likewise offers a taste of both sides of the Atlantic. The Old World is ably represented by the likes of smoked salmon boxty, corned beef and cabbage, Guinness stew and Killian's Irish red ale-battered fish and chips. Carrying the banner for the New World are the likes of grilled Caesar, Maryland style crab cake, Philly cheesesteak and half-pound burger. Fans of Trali will recognize the weekday lunch carvery station, which offers a daily changing buffet selection for $9.95.

Meanwhile in Fuquay-Varina, the revitalization of the historic Varina district continues to soar, largely on the wings of Aviator Brewing Co. After-hours activity began revving up in 2009, when brewer Mark Doble opened Aviator Tap House ( www.aviatorbrew.com) in the old train depot. The fact that the food offering was, to put it kindly, minimal speaks volumes for the beers' popularity.

Now that Doble has opened Aviator SmokeHouse across the street (525 E. Broad St.; 557-7675; www.aviatorsmokehouse.com), traffic ought to really take off. The aroma alone (pitmaster Howard McCall is using a gas-fired hardwood smoker) should draw a crowd. Adding to the bustle will be food runners crossing the street to deliver beef brisket, St. Louis ribs, beer-marinated smoked chicken and Eastern North Carolina-style chopped pork barbecue to Tap House patrons.

And of course, Aviator's HotRod Red, HogWild IPA, Devil's Tramping Ground Tripel and other excellent brews will be available on both sides of the street.