Elise Thompson

That's right, Slaw Dogs. Not Slaw burgers. True, they are a newcomer to the Pasadena scene, and yes, they specifically focus on hot dogs, but this little spot serves up some of the fattest, juiciest, and most creative burgers in town. In fact, owner Ray Byrne was originally considering opening a burger joint before he opted for dogs.

Polkatots Cupcakes in Pasadena is a little girl's fairyland of pink walls and jars of rainbow-colored candies. We love their supermoist cupcakes, especially the adorable little mini cupcakes that satisfy that sweet tooth with minimum guilt.

It is a common misconception that authentic ethnic food has to be hidden away in some hole-in-the-wall with a "C" rating on the door. Some fantastic eats are hiding in plain sight. In the case of Massis International Grill, it is hiding somewhere between McDonalds and Hot Dog on a Stick.

Slaw Dogs in Pasadena runs a daily special, including items like kumquat chutney and Parmesan crisps. To honor the million dollar sundae in New York, today they offered "The Big Blinger" dog for $888, a mere pittance when you consider the ingredients:

We often feature photo essays of special restaurant events on LAist and we would like to share some of them with you ahead of time so you don't slap yourself on the forehead with regret, mumbling, "If only I had known!"

Ladies and gentleman, children of all ages! Introducing the March Fourth Marching Band, in town for a limited engagement. Tonight they will be performing their amazing feats at Molly Malones, and Tuesday night they will be bringing the extravaganza to the Edison. Both shows begin at 9pm. On a mini-tour from their home town of Portland, they won't be here long. This may be your only chance to see them unless you are braving Burning Man.

Rick's Drive-In in Pasadena has found a special place in our hearts thanks to the Amazing Spuderito. But in addition to that tortilla-swaddled wonder, Rick's serves up some pretty good burgers.

Tonight starting at 8pm, the first 50 customers at Trader Vic's Los Angeles will receive free iTiki phone cases. The case is a snug-fitting silicone skin designed to look like traditional Polynesian tikis. According to the press release, "iTiki is available in two colors: Pacific -- the cool blue of the ocean and Koa -- the warmth of Hawaiian wood."

Why is lunch on Ventura Boulevard always cause for so much shouting? "It's up on the right. No, further down...wait...wait...you passed it!" Laurel Tavern, which only started serving lunch last month, is helpfully painted black to stand out from the neighboring businesses. It is your standard gastropub, perhaps one of our best imports from England since the Beatles ...well, maybe Radiohead. The ceiling is high, and large windows that open out to the less-than-bucolic street still give the room an open feel that makes you feel less guilty about sitting in a bar drinking beer at noon.

Tomorrow is the day we drink too much, eat greasy food, talk funny and fall down -- in other words, Wednesday. If you're serious about the wearing o' the green, find the nearest pub with our handy-dandy Google map. Green pins mark Irish pubs, blue for Scottish, and red for the English. If any pubs are missing or closed, our map is interactive so you can add pubs yourself!