Sampler Platter: Corned beef, soda bread, Shamrock Shakes and potatoes

Did you know that few people in Ireland eat corned beef on St. Patrick's Day? It doesn't matter. We do.

• Meet the kings of corned beef in Detroit. Detroit Free Press
• No more Shamrock Shakes in Canada. National Post
• But you can make your own Shamrock Shake cupcakes. Pennies on a Platter
• Guinness petitions to make March 17 a national holiday. The Michigan Journal
• In addition to corned beef, there's nothing Irish about soda bread. MSNBC
• Winner eats almost 17 sandwiches in 10 minutes at a corned beef contest. Count On News 2
• Top 10 great restaurant potato dishes. Baltimore Sun

-- Elina Shatkin

Photo: Competitive eater Pat Bertoletti, winner of the first-ever Stroehmann Sandwich Slamm, on Monday in New York City (Credit: Mario Tama /Getty Images). Potatoes au gratin by Daniel Boulud (Credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times). Irish Stew (Anacleto Rapping / Los Angeles Times). Lemon-Lime blueberry soda bread. (Credit: Los Angeles Times).