March, the beautiful harbinger of spring flowers and late winter blizzards.

There are three important things that occur in March; one, the Ides of March, a time, my spirit's medium could never get Julius Caesar's ghost to discuss it rationally.

My birthday. I don't pay much attention to it but I do enjoy a small family and friends gathering at my home and having Pavarotti entertain us remotely by singing in the bathtub in the master bedroom. (I don't like the hired help mingling with the family). However, there is one small problem that has arisen in the past. That is when the point comes when we can't tell if he has stopped singing and is screaming for help because he is stuck in said bathtub.

The third big thing is St. Patrick's Day. I am non ethnic Irish, but I have been associated with corn beef for many years. Forget the cabbage. Any nation or group who have given stout and the Chieftains to us have to be earmarked El Supremo. A pure Gaelic word as my dear, departed Mother used to tell me. She was from Mogelev in Belyorussia where Gaelic was known to have been spoken one time in 1222 A.D.

My idea of a corn beef and cabbage combination is to make a Reuben which I call a Tiger because I stole it from my Uncle Reuben. Take three pieces of bread, 3 ounces of corn beef brisket, two ounces of swiss cheese and put the corn beef on the first slice, cover with drained, raw sauerkraut and spread it with russian dressing. Top with the second slice and put two ounces of swiss on it plus drained kraut and russian dressing. Top with slice number three, cut in half and serve with kosher pickle. Kraut equals cabbage and corned beef equals corned beef. This may be broiled open face until the cheese melts, reassemble, cut and eat celebrating St. Patrick's Day. P.S. To make russian dressing, equal parts of mayo and ketchup with a little wine vinegar and a shake of garlic powder and a touch of sugar. Blend and taste for adjustment.

I usually celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a Chinese restaurant.

Reprinted with permission from Talk of the Towne, Gaithersburg, Maryland, March 2000.

Archives: February 2000