Break out your dancing shoes, because this is the kind of weekend that encourages merrymaking. We cover the nearest holidays, a tasty cooking class and a whiskey dinner a la Game of Thrones. Prepare to get happy.
ADYA Cooking Class in Session – Anaheim
Curry 101 is in session this Saturday morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Chef Shachi’s interactive setting allows for real-time cooking demonstration, as well as opportunities to ask questions before dining on the finished product. Your fee includes a refreshing glass of beer, wine, lassi or chai. Learn the techniques that’ll have you replicating at home. Also, ADYA and Puesto fans should keep March 28 open for a five-course collaboration dinner between Chef Shachi and Puesto’s Chef Katy Smith. Experience some intense flavors from this duo. 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., (714) 533-2392; www.adyaoc.com
Game of Thrones Pairing Dinner at Macallan’s – Brea
Mark your calendar for April 10. That’s when eight houses translates to eight pours plus paired dishes to ease you into the final season of GoT. The ticket cost includes a $10 service gratuity. Purchase your tickets ahead of time by clicking here. 330 W. Birch St., (714) 529-1224; www.macallanspubbrea.com.
It’s the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, Charlie Brown! – Buena Park
While it is normally the creative folks behind Knott’s that blow our minds with savory and sweet ways to enjoy boysenberries, this year that honor goes to Yogurtland. Available nationwide starting March 18, their new Boysenberry Pie flavor was inspired by the award-winning desserts crafted by Mrs. Cordelia Knott. The season kicks off March 29 and lasts through April 28. 8039 Beach Blvd., (714) 220-5200; www.knotts.com.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Queen Mary – Long Beach
The crew over at the Queen Mary celebrate this boisterous holiday a day early. Imagine a massive Irish pub crawl this Saturday starting at 7 p.m.. Imbibe on a classic Irish Car Bomb, dine on Corned Beef platters and sing along to tunes from the British Isles. Party on until midnight, then get home for a restful night’s slumber. Purchase tickets online for the better deals. 1126 Queens Hwy., (877) 342-0738; www.queenmary.com.
Cherry Blossom Festival – Huntington Beach
Orange County’s only celebration of the cherry blossom takes place over three days at Huntington Central Park. A free event to the public, the Sakura night market portion is Friday and Saturday evening only. A complete performance schedule can be found online, but we’re partial to Taiko drummers. With over 50 vendors expected, the manageable size of this festival means you can still carve out time to do St. Patrick’s Day activities. 18000 Goldenwest St.; www.occbfest.com.
Lucky Brews, Lucky Grooves This Sunday – Anaheim
For our final green party pick, drive over to Gardenwalk for a music-focused good time. Unlimited craft beer pours from over 40 breweries and three buck bites await. Every room is a party room, with performances going on at every stage in the venue. Check out the VIP option for an even better experience. 400 W. Disney Way,#337, (714) 778-2583; www.houseofblues.com
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.