As the granddaughter of Kathleen O’Phelan, County Cork, Ireland, I’ve always held St Patrick’s Day near and dear to my heart. Not the green beer, over the top insanity side of the holiday, but knowing what a beautiful country she came from, and how proud I am of that heritage. Now, that’s not to say that I don’t enjoy celebrating the wearing of the green, but just keeping the fun in perspective. So we have a little something for everyone from Kelly’s Kitchen this week as we approach this Saturday’s St Pat’s celebrations.

   In downtown Tampa, you’re all invited to join us for Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s River O’ Green Fest in Curtis Hixon Park, starting at 10 am, and running through 4 pm. The event is co-sponsored by the Tampa Downtown Partnership, and proceeds from alcohol sales will benefit Realm, the Downtown Partnership’s nonprofit, to help program downtown parks. As always, please celebrate responsibly. There will lots of fun for big and little kids, with games, the food trucks will be on site, and the highlight of the day - the Hillsborough River becoming "Kelly" green for the day (yes, my favorite color of course). For more information, click here.

   Earlier this week, I was able to talk with author Deborah Henry,about her new book "The Whipping Club" which is set in 1950's Dublin. You can hear from Deborah how the book evolved here. We talked through a wide range of topics, and of course, her own heritage of being of Irish/Jewish descent. She was a real joy to talk with, and I was impressed that she really is a self-taught author, with membership in the Academy of American Poets, a patron of the Irish Arts Center in New York. She holds an MFA (Master of Fine Arts), graduated cum laude from Boston University.

   Deborah also had some interesting insights into what it means to be Irish today, versus the past, and how if any of what we’ve considered stereotypes in the past are actually based, at least in some part, in truth. Her research on the book took her to Ireland, with first hand reports from the survivors of the Magadelen Laundries, Mother Baby Homes, Orphanages, and the Industrial Schools.

   And since this is Kelly’s Kitchen...food...and how that works when you’re mixing the traditions of the Irish and Jewish. But there’s no discounting the importance of family, and learning the importance of your own family heritage. Deborah is happily married herself, with three children. If you'd like to hear the full interview, grab a cup, have seat, and enjoy!

 So enjoy your St Patrick’s Day, in whatever way you choose to celebrate be it corned beef and cabbage, a speciality brew from the Emerald Isle, or just remembering family members who shared their love of the country with you, and my grandmother did with me. And just for Grandma...

Words of Wisdom from Kelly’s Kitchen 

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.