LA ART PARTY CONTEST…..Win Two Tickets to the Blankenship Cabaret Theatre’s premiere event. FIND ME at any of these events (to find out what the code phrase is)…I will be at ALL of them. Don’t worry, if we have never met, you won’t be able to miss me! I will be wearing a green feather boa and a black and green tutu…yeah, you heard me!

Remember, find me at any of these events and ask me for the key phrase to be entered into the raffle to win two $20.00 tickets for Blankenship Cabaret Theatre’s premiere show on March 31st in downtown LA. For more info, see Upcoming Events. Don’t worry….the contest goes on until March 25th, so you have plenty of time to find me!

Pick of the Week is Saint Patrick’s Day of course! I mean what’s an Irish broad to do??? Get to the nearest bar of course. I realize my name is Italian, but my Mom was Irish and believe me, we know how to celebrate in NYC, on Saint Paddy’s Day….everyone is Irish. Mama’s craving her yearly feast of corned beef and cabbage. Though, I’m not really a beer drinker….on this day, gotta have me a Guinness. Hey it only happens once a year, so pace yourself.

I remember when I first moved here ten years ago and St. Patrick’s Day rolled around, my new LA friends thought I was nuts when I suggested meeting at an Irish bar at noon. It seemed LA folk just didn’t take this holiday as seriously as we did in New York.  I finally just realized I had to find the pockets of Irish pubs where all the action happens. It became my mission to find out where the Irish in LA celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.

Here’s my list kids, put on your green best and get to the nearest bar. I’ll be out there in my green boa and tutu. You can get into the spirit early at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, located at 2941 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405. Doors open at 6:00 a.m. so you can start off the day with a Guinness and eggs along with white and black pudding, Irish sausage, Irish bacon and baked beans.

O’Brien’s offers traditional Irish fare throughout the day such as delicious corned beef and cabbage, shepherds pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash and a special Guinness beef stew. Just in case you haven’t had enough, enjoy a Guinness float for desert. Live Irish music starts at 4::00 p.m. 310.396.4725; http://www.obriensonmain.com/

Just down the street, (2702 Main St.), Finn McCool’s Irish Pub is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Opening at 8:00 a.m., various Irish bands start crooning at 1:00 p.m. The Drunken Monkeys perform from 9:00 p.m. till close. Classic Irish dishes will be served.

Owner Geraldine Gilliland (see image to left), originally from Belfast boasts “Saint Patrick’s Day allows us a great opportunity to celebrate our Irish traditions and culture with folk who are proud of their Irish ancestry. We’ve 17 draft beers, 200 whiskeys and an array of “kick-ass” Irish cocktails, so our celebrations are as brilliant as only the Irish can make them.” 310.452.1734; www.finnmccoolsirishpub.com

Also in Santa Monica, Sonny McLean’s Pub (2615 Wilshire Blvd., SM) celebrates with four bands and a bag piper starting at 10:00 a.m.

Owner, Grant Woods explains, “Out back we have a beer garden as well as 40 taps for beer and Guinness will be plentiful.” 310.449.1811; http://www.sonnymcleans.com/

West 4th and Jane (1432 4th St.) offers free admission and a corned beef & cabbage slider special (3 for $10), plus $5 Guinness Beers all night.

Owners Keith O’Brien and Steve Lieberman remind us, “Since there are so many transplants on the west-side, many Irish and non-Irish drinkers love to come out and party.” Enter their costume contest to win a free pint of Guinness and dinner for two. 310.395.6765; www.westfourthjane.com

One more Irish celebration not to be missed takes place at Brennan’s Pub, (4089 Lincoln Blvd., Marina Del Rey). Complete with green beer, a beer garden and live bands, the line begins to form by 4:00 p.m., so get there early. 310.821.6622; https://www.brennansla.com

All of these establishments offer traditional Irish food and live music. Most places charge $10.00 admission after 1:00 p.m.

Wear your green best, be safe and have a fun Saint Patrick’s Day. Pick a designated driver, stay local or take a taxi. Remember, If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough!