Can you think of anything more unappetizing than standing in a ridiculous line waiting entry into a pub, only to be served green beer in a plastic cup and walk on sticky floors as you elbow your way through a crowd of the temporarily Irish? Me neither. Reserve your space for the Palace Ballroom’s Northwest Beer and Food Pairing Social, Tuesday, March 17th, 5:30-8:00pm. The secret to a free for all holiday like St. Patrick’s Day is to separate yourself in some way from the rabble. The Ballroom, led by chef Warren Peterson, will pair foods with some of the most exciting local breweries, including Scuttlebutt, Boundary Bay, Hale’s, Georgetown Brewing Company, Maritime, Pike and Big Al’s. No green beer, just good beer, and tickets are only $35. Contact Christy at 206-448-2001 or email her at christinal@tomdouglas.com for reservations.THIS JUST IN: The Seattle Fire Fighter’s drum and pipe band will stop by to play a set while on their march of Irish bars, degree of fun determined by what # stop the Ballroom is on their list.