RecipeMuncher

Image Credit: Scenery enroute from Batalegala - Kadugannawa Sri Lanka"To me the beauty of Ceylon lies not so much in its blue seas and golden beaches, its jungles and its mountain peaks, as in its ancient atmosphere. There is no nation, from Egypt of the Pharaohs to modern Britain, in whose literature this island has not at some time been mentioned by one or other of its many names — Lanka,

Besides hanging out all week in Irish Pubs like Casey’s, Tom Bergin’s, Molly Malone’s, Finn MacCool’s, Sonny McLean’s, or Brennan’s, there are plenty o’ Irish events going on. I’m talking about parades, Irish music galore and drinking of course. UPDATE: Just found this over at Los Angeles Mag.

March 14 - Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Hermosa Beach (11am-5pm)
The fifteenth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at Pier Avenue and Valley Drive, making its way westbound to Hermosa Avenue, ending at 8th Street. For more inofrmation contact 310.318-0280 or go to www.hermosabch.org. The parade is free.

March 14 - Young Dubliners at the Key Club
Hollywood (7pm)
The Young Dubliners play a St. Patrick’s weekend show at Hollywood’s Key Club. Blending rock and Celtic influences, the group is currently touring the nation behind their latest album of high-energy rock anthems, Saints and Sinners. Also scheduled to perform: Thhe Gobshytes, The Janks. Tickets for $12.50 available at Goldstar.

March 14-15 - Third Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival
O. C. Fair & Event Center (9am-4pm)
Irish jigs and reels, Celtic ballads and songs and a Leprechaun will be part of the colorful salute to Ireland during the Third Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet at the O.C. Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Orange County based Irish dance schools, all of them with numerous honors and credentials, will be performing throughout the two day event. A variety of food concessions including mexican food, handmade churros, barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, sausage, pizza, pretzels, Italian ice, beer and soft drinks. Admission is $2, more info on their web site.

March 16 - Hitching Post Wine Dinner
Sherman Oaks (7pm)
Whilst not entirely related to St Patty’s day, it’s still drinking and worth mentioning. Mistral restaurant in Sherman Oaks welcomes the inimitable Gray Hartley, winemaker extraordinaire, from Hitching Post Wines for a night of fantastic food and wine. Five courses, five wines. There will also be an opportunity to buy the tasted wines at a discounted offering through Flask Fine Wines. The dinner is $92 and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant. Menu and contact info on their web site.

March 17 - St. Patty’s at the Farmer’s Market
Los Angeles (all weekend)
Farmer’s Market at 3rd and Fairfax presents live music by Irish Bagpiper Matt McNicoll from 12:30-2:30 pm and Jerry McLean and Blackthorne Aire from 6-8:30pm on the West Patio. Magee’s Kitchen will be serving their famous corned beef and cabbage. Plus green beer at 326 and EB’s.

March 17 - Los Angeles St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
Downtown LA (11am-7pm)
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade through downtown Los Angeles will take place on St. Patrick’s Day. For 2009, they are reversing directions and the parade will begin at Main Street and Arcadia Street and proceed to 5th and Pershing Square. The festival will include Lorenzo Lamas singing the National Anthem and a performance by the Young Dubliners at Pershing Square immediately after the parade. Anyone wearing green is welcome to join in the parade. The event benefits the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society. The event takes place from Main and Arcadia near Olvera Street to Pershing Square.

As Ramki says -

"I find nothing more pleasurable than introducing newbies to the joy of cooking. Watching their faces light up after their first successful dish is indeed a great reward ! My series of One page cookbooks are solely devoted to getting newbies try their hand at cooking. It is with this mission in mind that I announce the "Recipes for the rest of us " event."

and here I am to

Well it’s about time we sign off for 2008. I’ve had a great year, lots of great food, delicious cocktails, and made lots of new foodie friends. We’ve put together a list of a few xmas and new years events for you to enjoy. After all, that’s what the holidays are about… family, good food, good friends, and good times! Enjoy and we’ll see you next year!

Dec 24 - Enoteca Drago’s Traditional Italian Christmas Eve Menu
Beverly Hills; (11am-10pm)
Seafood is the dish of the day at a traditional Italian Christmas Eve feast. This year at Enoteca Drago in Beverly Hills, they have put together a wonderful selection of seafood specials perfect for celebrating the special day; Lobster Soup with Fresh Cranberry Beans, Fresh Ligurian Pasta, Seafood Sauce and Basil Pesto, Pan Roasted Seabass, English Pea Puree and Yellow Bell Peppers Sauce and of course for dessert - Traditional Christmas Cake with Nougat Zabaione and Fresh Berries. For more info and to make reservations check out their web site.

Dec 24 – La Vigilia di Natale at Valentino
Santa Monica; (5pm-10pm)
Valentino Chef de Cuisine Tommaso Tarantino has designed a six course tasting menu inspired by authentic Italian regional cuisines, using the finest artisanal ingredients and imported products available. La Vigilia di Natale begins with a ‘welcome’ taste from the kitchen, followed by Sicilian Style Stuffed Swordfish; a traditional Italian Salted Cod; Black Vermicelli with Mixed Seafood; and a choice of Fresh Fish of the Day or the Italian holiday tradition of Cotechino and Lentils. The dinner concludes with Pastry Chef Davide Giova’s specially created Il Dolce di Natale. Price is , plus an extra for wine pairing. Call 310.829.4313 to make reservations.

Dec 24 – La Vigilia - The Feast of the Seven Fishes
Los Angeles; (4pm-8pm)
Providence is hosting a special Christmas Eve dinner, “La Vigilia - The Feast of the Seven Fishes” featuring seafood dishes inspired by Michael Cimarusti’s grandmother, including amberjack crudo, sea scallops and black truffles, risotto with Japanese eel, and tai snapper with calamari, octopus and mussels. Cost is 5 per person, 5 with wine pairing. Make a reservation by calling 323-460-4170.

Dec 28 - Single Malt Sundays
Santa Monica; (6pm)
On the last Sunday of every month the Viceroy Santa Monica hotel offers Scotch Tasting Classes. Along with the flight, a Single Malt Sundae will be offered. Class pricing is and will include a flight of 5 scotches and if you want to do it with both appetizers. Pricing for additional scotch will be based on per year of vintage. More info on their web site here.

Dec 31 - The Nose Wine Bar New Year’s Eve Dinner
Old Town Pasadena; (7:30pm-11pm)
The Nose Wine Bar presents New Year’s Eve Dinner 5 Course Chef Tasting Menu. Who knew they were doing Molecular Gastronomy in Pasadena? Amuse Bouche for the night, a Trio of Winter Soups, Foie Gras with Dark Chocolate & White Chocolate Yoguart, Scallops & Chicken with Almond milk foam w/ Apricot Sphere, Lamb Loin slow braised w/ whipped blue cheese, Strawberry confit & mustard oil, and finally for dessert, Crepe Suzette w/ Ylang Ylang ice-cream. Tickets are and can be purchased online.

Dec 31 - The 36th Annual One-Time-Only New Year’s Eve Revue
Santa Monica; (5:30pm)
This is probably the cheapest and most family friendly new years offering. A musical comedy, prizes and supper, favorite songs, dances, humor and other delights culled from the best and most beloved critically-acclaimed Santa Monica Playhouse productions, complete with complimentary buffet supper, champagne and sparkling apple juice, favors, hats, tiaras, leis, noisemakers, streamers and special surprises. The late show features a midnight meet ‘n’ greet with the cast. The early show is the perfect way for the entire family to celebrate New Year’s Eve together and still get the kids to bed at a reasonable hour. Tickets are - and can be purchased on their web site.

Dec 31 - New Year’s Eve for Young Professionals with DJ Am and Travis Barker
West Hollywood; (8:30pm)
NetParty is teaming up with New Year’s Nation to present the only event of its kind - New Year’s Eve for Young Professionals in 10 cities nationwide. More than 15,000 young professionals are expected across the nation. The LA event will be held at The Lot. You’ll enjoy a stellar New Year’s Eve menu and a dance floor powered by DJ Girl 6 and a live performance from Travis Barker and DJ AM. Open bar from 9pm-3:30am, passed Hors D’oeuvres and food stations, midnight champagne toast and a live broadcast connecting all ten cities. General admission tickets at 0, VIP is a hefty 5. More info on their web site.

Dec 31 - New Year’s Eve at Whist
Santa Monica; (8pm)
Viceroy Santa Monica and Om Records present an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Soiree under the stars with drinks and dancing. DJs Jason Bentley, King Britt, J-Boogie, and Garth Trinidad, spin music while you drink unlimited booze and Hors d’Oeuvres all night. Price is 5 pre-sale and 5 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance on their web site.

It’s all about eating and shopping this weekend. The famous Black Friday will be especially black this Friday with recession specials galore. Be prepared for long lines, even at 5am in the morning. So be a good consumer and spend some cash this weekend will ya? You can’t take it to the afterlife.

Thanksgiving at the Laugh Factory
Come eat some free turkey then be amused by some turkeys on stage at Laugh Factory’s 30th annual Thanksgiving dinner. A traditional turkey meal with all the fixings is served to out of work actors, loners and cheapstakes looking for a free meal. Reservations recommended, but no one will be turned away. Meal times are at 1, 3, 5 and 7pm. The Laugh factory is at 8001 Sunset Blvd.

Top Thanksgiving Dinner Spots
Don’t feel like cooking? Citysearch has listed some top dining destinations for those too weary to work in the Kitchen. About.com also has a list they pulled together of great spots for a Turkey dinner.

Black Friday Guide Book
Looking for all those Black Friday specials? There are a few good sites to check out. TheBlackFriday.com has links and ads for all major retailers listed, as does BlackFriday.info. The LA Times has some tips for the would be early bird shoppers.

Downtown San Pedro’s Biggest 2 Day Sale
Up to 75% off at 25 stores & restaurants on 2 square blocks in Downtown San Pedro (6th & 7th St from Pacific to Centre). Sales starts at Friday 10am and runs through Saturday.

Really Really Free Market
Thankfully not everything this weekend is about spending money. In MacArthur park at the Really Really Free Market people are encouraged to bring food, games, clothes, crafts, furniture, art & crafts, and just about anything you can imagine. The event takes place from 1-5pm at MacArthur park (7th and Park View).

Griffith Park Festival of Lights
Finish off your Holiday Shopping blitz by taking a stroll (by foot till Dec 8 or by car starting Dec 9) down Griffith Park’s Festival of Lights. Enjoy a one mile stretch along Los Feliz Blvd between Griffith Park and the LA Zoo decorated with lights depicting scenes from Los Angeles.

Know of any other great sales at local stores? Leave them in the comments!

*Photo from Charles Phoenix Slide of the Week.