Sara Bozich

Giveaway: Derry Church Artisan Chocolates

It was only recently that I was lucky enough to discover the local treasure that is Derry Church Artisan Chocolates. Gorgeous, delicate and intricately created chocolates look more like art than food.

Petite and delicious, Chef Eric Cayton goes beyond the norm when creating his blends of sweetness - highlights feature such flavors as the Oaxaca, a combination of chilis and white chocolate, or the Cairo, which features Medjool dates and balsamic vinegar with a chocolate ganache.

Caramel lovers will swoon over the Derry Church Bon-Bon while toffee freaks will be in heaven with the London. The San Fran features Black Mission Figs with a bittersweet chocolate - a mouthwatering combination.

Lucky for you - and just in time for Valentine's Day - Chef Cayton has generously donated one 15-piece set of his delectable sweets ($29 retail value) to a reader of this very blog.

To win:

• Visit the Derry Church Artisan Chocolate website;
• Leave a comment in the proper field below and tell me which bon bon you most want to try;
• For an additional entry, ReTweet this contest. You must leave a second comment saying you've RTed.
  

I will select the winner at random on Thursday.

You have another opportunity to sample Derry Church Artisan Chocolates this month. On Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, in conjunction with Zia's at Red Door's Valentine's Day 4-Course Dinner, you can also experience a wine and chocolate pairing, led by Chef Cayton. $50/person or $30/person for just the wine and chocolate pairing. Call 717-920-0330 for reservations.

POSTPONED: Blackman MMA's PFC II

**UPDATE**

The Pennsylvania Fighting Championship II, presented by Steve Blackman MMA, scheduled for tonight has been POSTPONED until tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Correction: Mizik for Haiti is POSTPONED

**UPDATE** This event has been postponed due to inclement weather.

Contrary to what you may have read in my column this morning, Mizik for Haiti, the fantastic fundraiser happening at the Maennerchor's Cathedral Room is going on from noon to midnight tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 6.

All other pertinent info about the event is correct in my write-up. That said, with no Super Bowl to contend with and snow on the way, put on your snow boots and snow shoes and trek down to the Maennerchor and get snowed in for a great cause!

 

Weekend roundup 2/5

*Note: All events are subject to change due to inclement weather.

Pending another possible "Storm of the Century," this weekend is full of fun-bearing promise. For instance, Saturday night (omgshe'sgoingtopromotethisBlackmanMMAfightagain), Steve Blackman MMA presents the second Pennsylvania Fighting Championship at the Zembo Shrine. Buy your tickets here.

Sunday, of course, is the Super Bowl. It's obviously all about the commercials since the Steelers aren't in it, and I can't make you any promises I'll even remember to watch. However, regardless, many local pubs and taverns will feature drink specials and more wings than you'd care to remember the next day.

What am I up to? If it snows, it's a movie marathon - popcorn required. I'll be checking out the new Gas Station Pub while the fiance is at the Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show, and pretending I'm at the Chocolate Dinner Extraordinaire to kick off Chocolate-Covered February.

There's plenty more to talk about after the jump:

Brent Colflesh was the winner of the Pennsylvania Fighting Championship II tickets for this Saturday, Feb. 6 - plus a Steve Blackman action figure.



To buy tickets to the PFC II, visit http://www.blackmanmma.com/

Groundhog Day: 6 More Weeks of Winter

Happy Groundhog Day!

Hope Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow and springs us toward spring. In the meantime, click below for a piece I did for my college paper after I visited Punxsutawney in 2001.

You can check out coverage of Groundhog Day throughout the day at PCN.

Update: The prognosticator of all prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow this morning. Six more weeks of winter! Boo!

Did you get a text from Phil?

Also, check out my post on Hershey's Chocolate-Covered February.

Groundhog Day 2001

 

Chocolate-Covered February

Tomorrow, we welcome in February. Historically, it's a bitterly cold month, with small highlights dotting its always-short calendar: Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, President's Day. However, if you're anywhere near Hershey, Pa. (and we are!), it's also known as "Chocolate-Covered February," with more chocolate-related events, dinners and treats than you can shake a stick at.

Hershey's Chocolate-Covered February has a variety of events, from tastings and tours, both family-friendly and adult-appropriate activities, starting tomorrow. But the month-long celebration is truly rung in on Friday, Feb. 5 with the Chocolate Dinner Extraordinaire. I dare you to read this mouth-watering menu. It breaks my heart I will not attend this year. 

Here is the link to the 2010 Chocolate-Covered February events. If you haven't been to Hershey in a while or haven't tried any of these special events, I highly recommend this opportunity to splurge and learn more about the area. My personal recommendations are after the jump.

Also, as part of the month's festivities, I will be hosting a signing for my book, Hershey: A Guide to the Town Built on Chocolate, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 at The Hershey Story. Stop by and pick up a copy! Makes a great Valentine's Day gift for the chocolate lover on your list.

Weekend roundup 1/28

Back on schedule! This weekend has a lot of promise. I'm going to clean the house, grocery shop, do much-needed laundry. Wow. Aside from that, I've got late night drinks with one of my BFFs on Friday and a long-awaited Sunday brunch at Devon with my best work girls ($3 Mimosas! $4 Bloodies!)

Stop right now and click here and leave a comment to win 2 tickets to the Pennsylvania Fighting Championship II, presented by Blackman MMA on Saturday, Feb. 6. In addition to the tickets, you'll get a Steve Blackman action figure!

There's lots to do, so let's get right to it:

Win it! 2 Tix to Steve Blackman's PA Fighting Championship II

This week's giveaway isn't a restaurant gift card or drinking vessel - instead, I have to offer you, two tickets to Steve Blackman MMA's Pennsylvania Fighting Championship II - coming to the Zembo Shrine on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Steve Blackman, if you aren't familiar with him, is a former WWE wrestler who now runs his own mixed martial arts (MMA) school in Harrisburg. If that doesn't ring a bell, you may have seen him in any of a number of area gyms as a personal trainer.

The first PFA was held in early November and was a huge success. Blackman's top students were matched against fighters from across the country for a near sold-out show.

Next month's event promises more of the same: 14 scheduled fights sure to impress.

To buy tickets, click here - or visit Garrason's Tavern, Savannah's on Hanna or Susquehanna Valley Harley Davidson. Tickets are $35, $45, $60 and $75.

Or -- to win 2 tickets to the PFC II -PLUS- a special edition Steve Blackman action figure -- simply comment below by telling me Steve Blackman's WWE nickname (I can't believe I made it through the post without giving it away as it is).

For more chances to win:

• Retweet this post on Twitter -- and come back and leave another comment telling me you did so.
• Friend Steve Blackman on Facebook for updates on events -- and leave another comment telling me you did so.

Each comment is an entry to win. Winner will be selected at random on Sunday, Jan. 31.

Fenicci's winner!

Brian of Forgotten Voices is the winner of the Fenicci's $20 gift card! Look for more chances to win from Fenicci's in the future.

As you all correctly answered, Fenicci's was first called DeAngelis and remains a longtime neighborhood favorite.

Coming up this week ... win 2 tickets (plus a special prize) to Steve Blackman MMA's Pennsylvania Fighting Championship II, coming up Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg.

To get a taste, read Daddy's Sugar Ball's review of the premiere event here.

'Whip It' DVD release party with H.A.R.D.

I saw 'Whip It' in the theater when it came out, and I don't remember the last time I so enjoyed a film.

On Tuesday, join our local roller derby team, "H.A.R.D." for a special DVD release party for "Whip It," Drew Barrymore's directorial debut, at Borders on Jonestown Road.

Get the DVD - and the book on which it was based - plus movie posters - signed by local roller derby celebs.

For more information about Harrisburg Area Roller Derby, visit their website.

Weekend roundup 1/22

Well, wedding planning seems to be taking over my weekends already, visiting ceremony and reception locations and locking in a photographer. But, fear not, friends. I am quite far from being a bridezilla, and I'm also planning on hitting the gym (finally) and checking out Mikado's new west shore location. By Sunday, it's spa day - a leftover Christmas treat for my girlfriend and I.

Don't forget you can so, so, SO easily win a free $20 gift card to Fenicci's of Hershey by answering a super easy question. Click HERE to participate. Next week, I'll be giving away tix (and another special prize) to the upcoming 2nd Pennsylvania Fighting Championship II on Feb. 6.

There's plenty going on this weekend. Click through to check it:

Win $20 to Fenicci's of Hershey

Fenicci's of Hershey has long been a Hershey tradition. As the (un)official "go to" before and after Hershey Theatre events (thanks to owner Phil Guarno's specially tailored theme parties and cast nights - and the restaurant's walkable proximity to the theater), it's also one of the few places to find late night eats and entertainment in the Hershey area. On Friday nights, check out DJ Ray Rossi at Fenicci's, and experience a variety of acoustic rock on Saturday nights.

To win a $20 gift card to Fenicci's of Hershey, leave a comment below answering the following Fenicci's trivia question:

What was the name of Fenicci's of Hershey prior to 1988?

For an additional entry, become a friend of Fenicci's of Hershey on Facebook - just be sure to leave a second comment on this post saying you've done so.

Contest runs all week! Be sure to spread the word. For Fenicci's coupons, click through and print.

Molly Brannigans giveaway winner!

Last week, I asked you what you call the classic combination of Guinness and cider. As many of you noted, Molly's does call the combination a "Snakebite" (confusing those of who always knew that to be the bitter blend of bad decisions composed of Yukon Jack and lime), according to Irish tradition.

Apparently, this cocktail was created after Irish apple crops were destroyed in the 1800s due to "a plague of hungry snakes." With too few apples, cider rations were boosted with Guinness. Turned out, this tasted pretty dang good together. And so, the "Snakebite" was born! 

Prior to this new knowledge, I was taught that drink to be called a "Smoothie" - and while equally confusing (really, like a fruit smoothie?) - I swear I was taught that by bartenders at McGrath's. Given the comments, they must have re-named it a Snakebite as well.

My favorite, however, has to be the "Bruised Apple". Love it. For more Guinness blends, click here.

Congrats to Shannelle of Bliss Bakery, who is this week's winner of $25 gift card to Molly Brannigans!

I'll have a new giveaway next week - and more from Molly's in the coming months. Thanks Molly's and to all who participated!

Weekend roundup 1/15

Another week come and gone, but the world is beginning to perk up from its post-holiday crash. Yesterday's column gives props to the new 3rd in the Burg event, debuting tonight, and highlights some new specials from Ski Roundtop's in-house pub.

As for me, the fiance and I are dedicated to some house and wedding errands Friday night and part of Saturday. While he catches up with a friend Saturday night, I plan to finally check out Brew 22 - the job calls for it, and I can't wait.

Here's what you should do:

Giveaway: $25 Molly Brannigans Gift Card

Molly Brannigan's launched new happy hour specials just in time for the new year, giving you a great excuse to hit happy hour after work one day this week.

This week, one lucky reader can win a $25 gift card to Molly Brannigan's (Harrisburg location only).

Simply visit Molly's website, come back and tell me what YOU call the layered draft combination of 'Guinness and cider.' If you're on Twitter (or sign-up for an account), Tweet the giveaway and you'll get a second entry to win. Simply leave a second comment that you've RTed.

Comments are open through Saturday, Jan. 16, and the winner will be chosen at random.

Since Molly's is a tavern, you must be 21 years of age to win.

To view Molly's new HH specials, click through:

Weekend roundup 1/8

Hmm, I sort of feel like 2010 is getting off to a pokey little start. I feel I'm about a day behind, and perhaps others are still suffering from an extended time off or still recovering from the holidays themselves. Regardless, things seem quiet, but with the Farm Show kicking off this weekend, know that life is in full swing.

This weekend, my college BFF is visiting, so I'm planning some late night QT at my favorite dive, The Pep Grill. By Sunday, I'm gathering the girls for a trip to my first bridal show at the Radisson Penn Harris to register to win some free stuff. We plan to follow with Bloody Marys at Arooga's.

Today's column has some beyond-the-food-court ideas for the Farm Show, a preview on new happy hours and an art event at Gallery Blu. For the rest, click on through:

Year in Review: 2009

I know this is so, like, yesterday but I feel like 2009 truly zoomed by. I'm excited for 2010 and all it may hold, but last year noted some important changes - both personally for me and for the area in terms of nightlife.

My world changed significantly when my boyfriend and I bought a house, moved, rescued a badass dog and got engaged. I also wrote my first book, a Hershey travel guide, and hosted nearly half a dozen book signings throughout the area.

As for the bar, restaurant and lifestyle scene, we saw quite a few changes. These 20 come in no particular order.

Weekend roundup - NYE Edition

Happy New Year! I hope that Santa was good to you and maybe, if you planned as I did, you spent this last week at home and not at the office. It wasn't a particularly productive week for me, but it was nice to be off.

My New Year's plans consist of a low key evening with fewer than a dozen close friends. We'll have champagne, and I'm bringing guacamole, so things look good. Rumor has it someone's bringing the Super Mario Bros for Wii, so moments may get a little competitive.

After tomorrow we'll be in 2010, and don't you worry - there will be plenty of year-ringing events that carry on into the next decade. Check 'em out after the jump.

Giveaway: 'Spring Awakening' Tix for 2

Broadway's Spring Awakening National Tour will come to Hershey Theatre next week, Jan. 5-10.

Called "extraordinary," "spellbinding," "electrifying" and "a dazzler," Spring Awakening dares to break the musical mold. And with songs like "Bitch of Living" and "Totally F***ed," this isn't your typical theatrical production. 

This is no doubt a "must see," and one lucky reader can win 2 tickets to the Jan. 4, 5 or 6 performance. Simply visit the Spring Awakening website, come back and leave a comment below, answering the following trivia question:

Spring Awakening was based off of a banned 1891 German play by the same name. Who was the author? Leave your comment below. One random winner will be chosen on Sunday, Jan. 3.

Be sure to catch this at Hershey Theatre next week. To purchase tickets, click here.