LA MESA — From Hooleys to D.Z. Akin’s to the grand opening of Gingham, the St. Patrick’s Day parties promise to light up the area and turn this rather conservative community bright green.
Ireland is saturated with small pubs throughout the countryside. These pubs have a unique charm and brilliance. People from all over the world come to relax with wonderful music and great conversation.
The Irish are known for bringing many wonderful gifts to the Western world, such as Guinness beer, Irish whiskey and boxty dishes.
LA MESA — From Hooleys to D.Z. Akin’s to the grand opening of Gingham, the St. Patrick’s Day parties promise to light up the area and turn this rather conservative community bright green.
Ireland is saturated with small pubs throughout the countryside. These pubs have a unique charm and brilliance. People from all over the world come to relax with wonderful music and great conversation.
The Irish are known for bringing many wonderful gifts to the Western world, such as Guinness beer, Irish whiskey and boxty dishes.
That’s what Hooleys Irish Grill is all about. Named the best Irish pub in San Diego, it’s like a trip to the Emerald Isle — without the jet lag.
With locations in La Mesa (in the Grossmont Center, and 2955 Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego, which opened its doors on St. Paddy’s Day, 1999), the venue also features HooleyFest, one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in San Diego County.
HooleyFest will be held Saturday, March 17th from 5 p.m. till midnight. Live Irish bands include California Celts and All Liquored Up. Pre-sale tickets are $15 and day of event ducats are $20, while $30 can purcahse VIP treatment (including use of restrooms, special seating and use of a private bar).
This party is for those 21 and up and free cab rides are offered (within a five mile radius) for those too “enthusiastic” to drive home. For more information, call (619) 670-PINT or visit www.hooleys.com/events.
As far from Ireland as one can get, D.Z. Akin’s Jewish/American delicatessen may not seem like the place to go on St. Patrick’s Day, but the venue is having a special dinner available from Thursday, March 15 through Sunday, March 18 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.).
For just $13.95 ($16.95 after 3 p.m.), feast on corned beef and cabbage (with a special honey glaze), red parsley potatoes, a choice of soup (including potato) and a four-leaf clover cookie.
The restaurant, established in 1980 by the Akin family, is located at 6930 Alvarado Road. For details, call (619) 265-0218.
Join Gingham, 8384 La Mesa Blvd., for St. Patrick’s Day for a party like none other, in honor of their grand opening. Festivities will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the beautiful outdoor patio, complete with Guinness beer on draft.
Open to the public, guests can enjoy food and drink specials and music provided by a live DJ. Gingham chef Ryan Studebaker will be cooking up Irish-inspired fare on the patio, including a Guinness and blue cheese fondue and an Irish cheddar burger, among other specialties.
Be one of the first 200 guests and receive a free T-shirt, For more information, call (619) 797-1922 or visit www.ginghameats.com.
