St. Patrick's Day in MontereyWe like any excuse to celebrate, and one of the “big ones” is right around the corner. (No, we don’t know who the guy is in the photo; we just like his hair.)

Now, there are plenty ‘o pubs in Monterey, and since it’s St. Patrick’s Day we’ll overlook the fact that many of them are British. Toast the Blarney Stone at the Britannia Arms, the Crown & Anchor, the Mucky Duck, Bullwacker’s, or Duffy’s Tavern.

If you’re in Carmel, Flanagan’s Pub in the Barnyard will surely have the spirit (starting at 9am), not to mention Guinness on tap. (As a matter of fact, Flanagan’s is hosting a “St. Practice Day,” on the 16th.)

One of our favorite restaurants—Tarpy’s Roadhouse—will serve corned beef and cabbage for lunch and dinner (washed down with green beer, of course). For a truly elegant Irish meal, head to Edgar’s at Quail Lodge: smoked salmon potato cake, Guinness & onion soup, corned beef and cabbage, apple oatmeal crisp for dessert trouve ici. Served from 5-8pm, the four course prix fixe menu is $28 per person acheter levitra.

If you’re in the mood for some rock ’em, sock ’em entertainment, the Monterey Bay Derby Dames—specifically the “Babes of Wrath” and the “Steinwreckers“—will battle it out at 7:30pm at the Water City Sports Center, 2800 2nd Ave. in Marina. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door (kids 5 and under are free.)

And finally, for some Irish music with a tie-dye twist, check out “A Celtic Tribute to the Grateful Dead” by the WAKE THE DEAD band (rock grooves to hot Irish reels). The venue—the Turf Club at the Monterey Fairgrounds—has a huge stone fireplace and an open patio with heaters. They’re promising St. Patrick’s Day drinks (and surprises) at this benefit for the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation. It starts at 7pm and admission is $20/adult and $15/military, students over 21, seniors 60#.