Bagpiper, green beer add to St. Paddy’s Day spirit
BILL DEVLIN invites you to St. Patrick’s Day “Comedy and Cocktails.”
St. Patrick’s Day began in Ireland as a holy day filled with solemnity. But over time, it has evolved. Here in the U.S., in Ireland and elsewhere, March 17 is now a day of celebration with special foods, Irish music, dancing, drinking and green, green, green.
In and around the Miracle Mile, there is a plethora of places people can get into the St. Paddy’s Day spirit.
At the Original Farmers Market, a bagpiper will be strolling the market from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and visitors can, as usual, enjoy green beer in honor of St. Patrick’s Day from Bar 326 and E.B.’s Beer & Wine.
Every year Magee’s Kitchen in the Market does a St. Paddy’s Day special with corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. But, as manager Dwayne Call, great-grandnephew of the Blanche Magee, founder of Magee’s, told us, “Here at Magee’s, every day is St. Paddy’s Day. We do it all year ‘round!”
The Original Farmers Market is at 6333 W. 3rd St., 323-933-9211.
The Cat & Fiddle is another place to find corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day — even though it’s nominally a British pub! The restaurant will also have discounts on Irish beers. We are told there may be special entertainment that day as well.
Cat & Fiddle is at 742 N. Highland Ave., 323-468-3800.
Damian Hamlon, the proprietor of Molly Malone’s, told us patrons will most likely see some Irish dancers around 11 a.m. or noon on St. Patrick’s Day and that bagpipers will play in the afternoon. “Around 3:30 or 4 p.m., we’ll have traditional Irish bands for two hours, and then we will merge into some upbeat Celtic rock,” said Hamlon.
The 57-year-strong establishment will do away with its normal menu on St. Patrick’s Day and will be serving corned beef and cabbage plates, corned beef sandwiches and Irish stew. No reservations will be accepted on St. Patrick’s Day and there will be a small cover charge.
Molly Malone’s is at 575 S. Fairfax Ave., 323-935-1577.
Tom Bergin’s will continue its yearly tradition of throwing a big St. Patrick’s Day party. Pub proprietors David and Francis Castagnetti expect 10,000 to 12,000 people to come throughout the day. On March 17, the pub will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
An Irish breakfast will be served between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. Several Los Angeles-based DJs will be providing music, and a bagpiper will arrive midday.
Tom Bergin’s regular menu will be put on hold so that five or six items, including corned beef and cabbage, can be the focus to accommodate the numerous guests.
The pub is partnering with Lost Irish Whiskey, which will be poured in cocktail and coffee specials. Of course, drinks of many kinds will flow.
We are told the event will be family-friendly until about 4 p.m. After that, the vibe will change to a 21+ feel.
Tom Bergin’s is at 840 S. Fairfax Ave., 323-936-7151.
Comedy, cocktails are at the Improv March 17
“Bill Devlin’s Comedy & Cocktails” is back March 17, for its 20th Anniversary St. Patrick’s Day Show. Devlin started the show as a way to honor his late father, whose favorite holiday was St. Patrick’s Day.
The comedian remembers his family going all-out to celebrate the holiday. They started the day with clover-shaped pancakes, beer was dyed green and the whole family — eight siblings plus parents — took part in a St. Paddy’s Day parade under a family banner.
This year’s show will carry forward the feeling of fun Devlin remembers with a night of laughs and shenanigans, featuring Devlin’s comedy along with appearances by surprise special guests.
The Hollywood Improv LAB, 8162 Melrose Ave., is the venue for the night’s comedy. Doors will open with live music at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, visit improv.com/Hollywood.
Category: Entertainment