Get your Irish up — You could argue that St. Patrick's Day has earned every "amateur night" joke ever made about it. It's a recipe for disaster: People who never drink whiskey are pressured to suddenly begin pouring Jameson (and always Jameson) down their throats in volume. Instead of trying that and seeing what happens next, wouldn't it be a good time for amateurs to slow down and first discover what Irish whiskey is all about? If that sounds like a good idea, the timing couldn't be better, because this weekend there will be a class on six different whiskeys at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. It all happens from 7 to 9 p.m. March 13, at 32 Lake Shore Dr., Grosse Pointe Farms; $48; reservations at 313-881-7532; warmemorial.org.
Just a taste — Want to have just a wee taste of Irish fun this weekend without the crush and roar of the big Corktown parade? Drop by the Royal Oak Farmers Market on Saturday for Irish Taste Fest. There you'll find Irish whiskey, beer, cider, cocktails, as well fortifying Irish cuisine to keep you on your feet, and also music and games to make merry. The event takes place 7:30-11 p.m., March 14, at Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; tickets are $45, $15 for designated driver, $65 for VIP entry at 6:30 p.m.; tickets available at irishtastefest.com.
Drink all day — Just because it's St. Paddy's Day doesn't mean you have to drink run-of-the-mill beer dyed green. Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., famous for its flavorful brews, will throw open its doors at 7 a.m. for its "Breakfast of Champions," a daylong celebration with a heated tent, an Irish breakfast, and live music. Drop in any time, from opening to almost midnight, on March 17, at 5951 Chicago Rd., Warren; 586-264-2351; kbrewery.com.
This weekend's craic — Of course, the big deal this week is such a big deal it's almost silly to mention that there's a parade in Corktown. But there is. And every bar from Nancy Whiskey to Corktown Tavern to PJ's Lager House will be a party palace of its own. In addition, there's also Shamrock Fest, an indoor heated tent and outdoor party, with DJs, beer, a full bar, food, music, and more, at the corner of Vermont, right next to the Gaelic League, at 2000 Michigan Ave., Detroit; more info available at 248-566-4499 or [email protected].
To breakfast with what appetite you have — Perhaps only the most die-hard fans of Shakespeare will note that March 15, or "The Ides of March," are upon us this week. It may well be that Shakespeare didn't mention the breakfast dish once in his plays and poems, but that doesn't mean the occasion can't be celebrated with a waffle or two. At least that seems to be the conclusion, considering the Ides of March Waffle Pop-Up at Coffee and (______). The event is presented by Julién's Tonic & Juice. Those coming can expect waffles, tea, coffee, and a performance. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at Coffee and (_______), 14409 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 703-717-1514.
Take it to Troy — The deals keep coming. We're fresh off Royal Oak Restaurant Week, and Troy Restaurant Week is already here. Like Royal Oak's restaurant week, the promotion promises special fixed-price menus at some of the city's best restaurants, but for only six days. The list is long and impressive, and includes Bahama Breeze, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Kona Grill, Kruse & Muer on Wilshire, Loccino Italian Bar & Grill, McCormick & Schmicks, Mon Jin Lau, Morton's Steakhouse, Ocean Prime, Picano's Italian Grille, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, Capital Grille, Tre Monti Ristorante, and more. It all happens March 15-20; see troyrestaurantweek.com to learn more.
Bumbo's Bar graces Hamtramck — For years, it was known as Hank's Bar, the quintessential Hamtramck old-man bar, where the front door is always locked and the side door is always open. Now, however, it's been given a spruce-up by husband-and-wife couple Brian and Tia Krawczyk, both hometown Hamtramck folks who spent some time living out in Los Angeles, but returned to town with the dream of opening their own Hamtramck bar. Brian is sometimes better known as "Bumbo," thanks to his pop-ups at Nancy Whiskey, where he serves a menu that skews Polish, but draws influences from all over. The couple plans to build out a kitchen over the next few months, but will be focusing on drinks for now. They had a soft opening during last week's Hamtramck Music Festival, but should be keeping regular hours this week, at 3001 Holbrook Ave., Hamtramck.
Know of any food or drink news? Let us know! Email [email protected] or call 313-202-8043.
