so what’s happenin’, mama? (3 mar)

thursday, march 3

6pm-11pm.  Celebrate Women’s History Month with Dia de las Mujers art show at The Front, Casa Familiar’s San Ysidro gallery.  Tonight’s exhibition includes musical guests, women in business and the arts, food and drink, and craft fair.

friday, march 4

1pm-5pm.  Rigpa San Diego Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center hosts open house and Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebration welcoming the Year of the Iron Rabbit.  Event celebrates food, music and community, including potluck with Tibetan dumplings and milk tea, “to celebrate the day with authentic flavor.”

saturday, march 5

3pm –5pm.  Laud local Good Food Award Winners with food sampling at Ish favorite Tender Greens.   Several San Diego food crafters, including Tender Greens, The Linkery, and Chuao Chocolatier, were recognized in the inaugural year of the Good Food Awards for their contribution to the sustainably-produced artisan food scene, with top prizes going to Tender Greens and Chuao.  Local participants and Slow Food Urban San Diego will be on hand with samples to discuss their offerings.  $30, tickets limited.

sunday, march 6

4pm –7pm.  Okay, I almost didn’t tell you about this Irish Whiskey and Beer Tasting at California Center for the Arts Escondido, but there’s really only so much whiskey one gal can drink.  Or so they tell me.  Enjoy Irish beer and whiskey sponsored by the Holiday Wine Cellar, Bushmills, and O’Hara’s,  three Irish (inspired) bands, and art featuring life in Ireland.  $15/person; $25/couple, proceeds benefiting art education. 

monday, march 7  

5pm –7pm.   Happy hour at Whiskenladle.  Enjoy tapas like Patatas Bravas or Soft Polenta with Braised Chicken & Slow Egg for $3 each with a bottle of wine (25% off) or a pitcher of sangria ($20).  Repeat.     

tuesday, march 8

Looka, my friends.  Tuesday is Mardi Gras.  There are many things to love about San Diego, but our Big Easy offerings in general and Mardi Gras celebrations in particular are not among them.   If you must venture out, perhaps go early for Proper Gastropub’s specialty cocktails and King Cake contest starting at 5pm, then catch the 7:30 showing of Dr. Strangelove at the Pacific Cinema downtown.   Should you get too close to the official Gaslamp event, just be sure to watch your footing while you sidestep puking co-eds and douche-bros wearing Mardi Gras beads (courtesy of Party City) piled carefully around popped collars.  Oh, but you might get a chance to scope out The Crystal Method on the main event stage, which would be great if your Mardi Gras plans also included travelling back in time to 1997 when they were cool.  Also ’cause, you know, nothing says “Mardi Gras” like “The Crystal Method.”  Or instead, why not settle in at home with friends and make yourself up a big batch of Crab Mornay or try your hand at Chicken Rochambeau?   You could enjoy a sazerac or two while you watch Nick Cage in Port of Call as he (and his hair) chew up all the scenery that survived Katrina.

wednesday, march 9

5pm-9pm.  Every Tuesday and Wednesday, the Farm House Cafe offers their entire wine list at half off.  This month, they’re also celebrating their 3 year anniversary by offering a 3 course menu, including a Trio of Duck starter, Spring Lamb entrée, and White Chocolate Mousse dessert  every day for $33, which sounds like just the ticket for spreading your Fat Tuesday celebrating out an additional day while observing some Lenten fiscal restraint.

Oh, and if you’re still feeling a bit rough from the previous evening’s celebrations, perhaps start your Wednesday out with some cajun hair of the dog?  A Ramos Gin Fizz is, after all, a breakfast drink.