Out with Sara

A toast to PA tubers // State vodka gets strong start

A toast to PA tubers // State vodka gets strong start
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - September 4, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

If you're a locavore, you try to eat foods that are grown or processed within the vicinity of a certain region or state. It's not an easy feat, but it's one that is encouraged in today's food trends, and it benefits local farmers. As for drinks, options are often limited to local microbreweries that brew beers and sodas with local ingredients -- until recently.

As of a few weeks ago, Pennsylvania's first vodka, Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka, is now on store shelves.

Made northeast of Pittsburgh in Shaler by two guys who simply enjoy what they do, the creation of Boyd & Blair was a lot about bringing business back to Pennsylvania. Partners Prentiss Orr and Barry Young believe in a product they love and in perpetuating sustainability.

Above everything else, "We wanted to use Pennsylvania product," Orr said.

Boyd & Blair is made with Pennsylvania potatoes from Keystone Potato Products, just 45 minutes north of Harrisburg.

Vodka can be made from potatoes or grain, including corn.

But Orr prefers potatoes. "Potato has more mouth feel and seems smoother to me," he said. Orr said potato vodka is sweeter, and he thinks Boyd & Blair does have a sweet front to it.

Second, Pennsylvania grows a lot of potatoes for our ample potato chip industry. Orr said potatoes have sold for 8 cents a pound for the last 16 years, and finding a use beyond chips would raise the value and therefore, price, for local potato farmers.

Orr and Young found a shelf-stable product through Keystone, which also processes the vegetable for the makers of Mrs. T's Pierogies and others. This way, Boyd & Blair always will have access to Pennsylvania potatoes year-round.

The duo complement each other well. Orr said their individual strengths fill in weaknesses in the other. "He has all the skill sets I don't have," Orr said. "And I have the ones he doesn't."

Orr's background is in advertising and communications, having worked for the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. Young, on the other hand, ran several for-profit companies primarily in pharmacological services.

The pair have fun and enjoy the process. Orr and Young make each batch of vodka by hand, without any computer or digital processes, from the mashing of the potato to the signing of each bottle. What they feel that creates is a classic, high-quality vodka meant for sipping.

The liquor is named for the duo's respective patriarchal influences. Boyd is Young's late father-in-law; Blair is Orr's great-grandfather.

Already, the vodka has found fast popularity, particularly in Pittsburgh. In the first two weeks, Orr said they had shipped 600 cases to state liquor stores. He credits a healthy public relations buzz and a surprising response from restaurants that wanted to make the vodka available.

Locally, Boyd & Blair is available at select stores for about $30; see list for locations. For more information about Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka, visit www.boydandblair.com.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

WHERE TO GET IT:

* West Shore Plaza Shop, 1200 Market St., Lemoyne, 731-7143.

* Carlisle Marketplace, 281 S. Spring Garden St., Carlisle, 249-8159.

* Mechanicsburg Plaza, 5301 Simpson Ferry Road, Hampden Twp., 506-8070.

* Suite 250, 6560 Carlisle Pike, Silver Spring Twp., 795-6327.

* East Penn Center, 736 Wertzville Road, East Pennsboro Twp., 728-2579.

* Kmart Shopping Center, 5070 Jonestown Road, Lower Paxton Twp., 671-0435.

* Hershey Square Shop Center, 1158 Mae St., Derry Twp., 534-2494.

* Village of Oakhurst Shop Center, 4404 Oakhurst Blvd., Susquehanna Twp., 540-7494.

* The Point Shopping Center, 4227 Union Deposit Road, Lower Paxton Twp., 558-6485.

* Swatara Square, 6301 Grayson Road, Suite A118, Swatara Twp., 558-6494.

* One Stop Shop, 731 Cherry Drive, Hershey, 534-2810.

Meet the Tweets // Network group puts faces to screen names

Meet the Tweets // Network group puts faces to screen names
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - August 28, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

It goes without saying that the Internet has changed the way that people meet and interact. From dating sites to social networking powerhouses such as Facebook and MySpace, technology has fostered a new kind of connection with new friends and old.

Locally, a network of Harrisburg-based bloggers has transformed into a monthly in-person meet-up of local bloggers and Twitter users. The group meets the third Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at Appalachian Brewing Company's Abbey Bar in Harrisburg.

(Twitter is an online service that allows friends to connect via brief posts of 140 characters or less, answering the question "What are you doing?" It's a cross between instant messaging and blogging.)

As early as 2006, Floor9.com and BlogHarrisburg.com operator Dave Sheranko and I started meeting in person at various WiFi hotspots -- from Giant to Fuddruckers -- in a primitive version of the meet-up. However, the first official meet-up was in June 2007 at the Roxbury News offices.

At the time, the meet-ups were intended to bring the blogHarrisburg contributors together to talk about the site and blogging in general, Sheranko said. Since May, we've opened the monthly meet-ups to anyone in the region who has a blog or a Twitter account.

Now called Tweet-ups to incorporate all variables of the group (nearly all of the local bloggers use Twitter; though not all local Twitter users are blogging), Sheranko said the gatherings are about 30 percent business and 70 percent socialization, with most shop talk (about site promotion, hosting or other related Web issues) happening in the early part of the night. As the night goes on and more people show up, it becomes a social gathering.

Last week's meeting was the first for Aaron Aiken of Highspire, who runs a personal finance blog, and says he was struck most by the group's casual atmosphere and the ease of conversing with the other group members.

"The big benefit for me was simply meeting new people," Aiken said. "I'm a young married guy who has lost touch with high school friends. I've found that it is a challenge to find friends who are at the same place I am, maturity-wise. I felt like I was able to have good conversations with complete strangers who may end up being friends down the road."

Kathleen Danielson of Boiling Springs, the token youngest member of the group at 20, will attend Shippensburg University this semester and writes a blog about social networking. Danielson is practically giddy over the Tweet-ups.

"Before I met the Harrisburg Tweeters, they weren't much different from the people I followed [on Twitter] all around the country," Danielson said. "But once I met some of them in person, an actual relationship formed and it changes the way you interact on Twitter. Now that people have met me, they know I'm the young one, and for me that's a blast, because a lot of times I feel like everybody's kid sister."

The meetings also are a social starting point for those new or returning to the area. Take Rich Hauck, a New York City Web guy who will be returning to the area, his home base, this year. Hauck maintained a presence in the Harrisburg blogging community through the time he's been out of the area, but knowing he'll be moving back prompted him to attend last week's meeting while he was in town.

"It was definitely nice to put faces to screen names, and I'm sure these offline gatherings are only going to tighten the relationships between people," Hauck said.

Brian Polensky of northern York County wasn't always sold on the Twitter concept. "My first reaction was that it was a big waste of time," said Polensky, who runs his own blog, www.brianpolensky.com.

But after attending a convention in Boston for podcasters, bloggers and online marketers, Polensky said he saw how Twitter was useful as conventiongoers posted about where the parties were, what good sessions were going on or where to lunch.

In Harrisburg's Twitter gathering, Polensky said he enjoyed being around like-minded people who are into technologies. "It was good to meet so many people in the same 'digital circle,'" he added.

That connection between people who find value in microblogging, blogging and social networking is something that Rob Rowe of Lemoyne, who has been blogging off and on since college and Twittering for more than a year, was into too. But Rowe found that with the Harrisburg group, it went beyond that. After the Tweet-up, Rowe said he realized it was a way to be in the loop about the community.

Harrisburg Blogger/Twitter Meet-ups are open to any central Pennsylvania resident who has a blog or a Twitter account. The next Tweet-up is 7-9 p.m. (though it almost always runs later than that) Sept. 18 at The Abbey Bar at ABC. If the weather's nice, the group will meet on the deck.

For more information, check out www.twitter.com (to find someone on the list, go to www.twitter.com/username) or blogHarrisburg.com or start following any or all of the active local blogger and Twitter users.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

IF YOU GO: Tweet-up, 7-9 p.m. Sept. 18 at The Abbey Bar, Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. Info: 221-1080 or Harrisburg.com.

Twitterati Roll Call

Note: Twitter addresses always have an @ sign before them.

Sara Bozich sarabozich.typepad.com @sarabozich

Josette Plank www.halushki.com @halushki

Dave Sheranko www.floor9.com @floor9

Gene Bangert @gbangert

Andy Shaw wildarschase.blogspot.com @wildarschase

Philip Wheeler philz1224.wordpress.com @philz

Rob Rowe rorowe.blogspot.com cellowireless.blogspot.com @rorowe

Aaron Aiken @aaiken721

Kathleen Danielson kathleenLD.wordpress.com @KathleenLD

N8 @Darkburg

Ed Garrett www.nattybohjackson.com @edgrohl

Rich Hauck blog.mandalatv.net @madalatv

Matty Forr www.mattyfo.net @MattyFo

Jersey Mike www.jerseymike.org @jerseymike

Cocoa Beanery // It packs a buzz -- food, too

Cocoa Beanery // It packs a buzz -- food, too
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - August 21, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

I prefaced a jaunt to the Hershey Outlets with a stop at the new freestanding Cocoa Beanery, which recently opened next to the Hershey Center for Applied Research.

A pleasant staff grinned behind the ordering counter, where they serve your basic coffee drinks, fresh pastries as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches and salads.

Short, square tables with pull-out leaves, high-top tables for two and a long counter bar provide ample seating for about 40. The vibrant, springlike green bar seats are cute. Combined with the hip lighting, I think the coffeehouse could moonlight as a swank lounge -- if, by night, alcohol replaced the deli.

The cafe seems to attract thirsty folks of all ages, including families. The food is fresh and fairly simple. We tried the grilled chicken club ($7.99) served on a soft pretzel roll with cool ranch dressing. The moist, tasty chicken and bacon hugged by tomato, lettuce and ranch instead of mayo was very good, and the portion was plenty large. We also tried the turkey and provolone ($7.99), featuring oregano mayonnaise on three slices of seven-grain bread and enjoyed that as well.

Other sandwiches include roasted apple and goat cheese with tossed green on walnut raisin bread ($8.99), salmon pastrami pancakes with field greens and savory sour cream ($9.99), veggie lavash panini with baby spinach, tomatoes, cranberries and Asiago on a thin lavash, or flatbread, ($7.99) and a Sandwich of the Day, which was chicken salad on a choice of croissant, seven-grain or pretzel roll. Utz natural kettle-cooked chips come with each order but can be substituted by a pickle or fresh fruit.

Salads also grace the menu, including the Englewood Farm Salad ($9.99), which will likely be my pick next visit. It includes olives, tomatoes, onions, goat cheese and grilled chicken.

For extras, the Cocoa Beanery offers a variety of chips, including fun versions from kettle chips (Thai) and Miss Vickie's (jalapeno). They also sell cereal, healthy (and highly reviewed) protein bars from Larabar, Luna and Kashi, plus yogurt, fresh fruit and homemade biscotti from local company Putch & Buckies (www.putchandbuckies.com). Naturally, Hershey products appear as well, with a focus on Hershey's organic chocolate.

And the drinks! Of course it is a coffeehouse to the core. We started with the featured drinks, which included three types of fresh-brewed iced tea -- black, green and passion fruit. I had the passion fruit. It was great. The boyfriend had another feature, the 100 percent fruit orange slushi ($3.75), which was refreshing and sweet. He said he could drink it all day.

The coffee drinks are basic -- fresh-brewed coffee, lattes, macchiattos, espresso and more. Maybe I'm like the rest of this Starbucks-addicted world, because I missed the punch I'm used to with a 'Bucks drink, but the vanilla latte was tasty and gave me the buzz I needed to shop the rest of the day. And a gold star goes to the Beanery for using 100 percent recycled "ecotainers" for coffee cups and holders.

The Beanery also has plenty of outdoor, dog-friendly seating, parking and bike racks.

Free and easy-to-access Wi-Fi abounds. Additionally, there are several special meeting rooms adjacent to the main room that are available to the public on a first-come basis. One loosely resembles a board room with a long conference table and padded chairs. The others more closely mimic living rooms, with couches and flat-screen televisions.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

DRINK OF THE WEEK

Paxtang Punch is the specialty at The Paxtang Grill, and owner Nik Sgagias says it will knock you out. It's served in a pint glass for $5 and is on special every Wednesday for $3.50.

PAXTANG PUNCH 1/2 ounce Yukon Jack 1/2 ounce raspberry vodka 1/2 ounce peach schnapps 1/2 sloe gin Equal parts orange and pineapple juice.

Combine Yukon Jack, raspberry vodka, peach schnapps and sloe gin in shaker. Add ice. Add orange and pineapple juice. Shake well. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

IF YOU GO:

* Cocoa Beanery, 1215 Research Blvd., Derry Twp. (off Bullfrog Valley Road). Hours: 6 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Information: 508-5986 or www.hersheypa.com/dining/cocoa_beanery.html

Game for pizza // GET SPORTY AT SAM BUCCA'S

Game for pizza // GET SPORTY AT SAM BUCCA'S
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - August 14, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

Well, folks, we have another one. I'm sad to report that Carmella's Trattoria closed two weeks ago. In its place, a new brand of food-and-brew debuted last week, Sam Bucca's Pizza Pub.

Sam Bucca's takes the warehouse feel of the former Italian restaurant and puts it to good use as a sports pub-pizza joint. The oversized booths have been relocated to the front of the bar, and new lighting fixtures relax the bar seating from chic restaurant to casual eatery.

Behind the bar in the former dining room is the gaming area. Included are three pool tables, full-size shuffleboard and the midstate's only indoor bocce ball court. Video games -- both classic and new, care of local family-owned Capital Vending Co. -- rock the room, including The Boxer, Golden Tee Live (my fave), Big Buck Hunter, Ms. PacMan, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders and even Guitar Hero.

In classic pizza-pub style, music comes from a jukebox, this time a TouchTune jukebox, so the Internet is your musical oyster.

Manager Ron Kamionka described the vibe as "Chuck E. Cheese's with beer." People can relax, watch the game, eat, drink and play bar games all within the confines of the pub.

The dining room, decorated in mobster motif, is on a raised platform above and behind the gaming area. Food also is served at the main bar, which, in time, will be expanded so patrons can sit on all sides of it.

The biggest hits from opening weekend were the pool tables, indoor bocce ball court and the late-night happy hour, which features $1 Miller Lite bottles and 50-cent pizza slices from 10 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday nights. That is a recession-friendly special if I've ever heard one.

Due to the popularity of the indoor court, Kamionka said Sam Bucca's soon will host bocce ball tournaments. Don't be surprised if a Wii crops up in a few weeks and bowling tournaments begin as well.

The pizza menu includes Carmella's former gourmet brick oven pizzas, which were customer favorites. Additionally, regular, typical sauce-plus-cheese version (that's the 50-cent-a-slice stuff) is also standard fare.

Sam Bucca's Pizza Pub also serves salads, hot and cold subs, burgers and a variety of appetizers like onion rings, mozzarella sticks, wings and more. Hot meals include calzones, strombolis, spaghetti and lasagna.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

DRINK OF THE WEEK

This week's drink is the newest on the menu at The Bears' Den at Hershey Lodge. Fun and fruity, just ripe for summer.

CIROC DU SOLEIL 1 1/4 ounces Ciroc Snap Frost Vodka 1 ounce orange juice Splash of Grand Marnier Splash of 7UP

Combine in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake. Pour into a chilled martini glass, straining the ice, and garnish with orange peel.

IF YOU GO:

* Sam Bucca's Pizza Pub, 17 N. Second St., Harrisburg. Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. daily. Info: 232-8900 or www.downtownafterdark.com.

Eateries answer thirst for bargains

Eateries answer thirst for bargains
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - August 7, 2008
Author: The Patriot-News

Is it a coincidence that the word recess is the first part of recession?

Despite the controversy over whether or not our country is in a recession, one thing stands true, and that is we're still thirsty. If you hop on Google, you'll find numerous articles and blogs on how to recession-proof your life, including your drinking habits, with the best brews and wines to buy on a budget.

However, you don't have to stay at home every night either. Locally, some bars and restaurants are making it easier on customers by offering recession specials.

(Lesson: Milk and gas might be near $4 a gallon, but you can still get a cheap American beer for less than $2.)

Coliseum owner Patrick Myers said in today's economic conditions, restaurateurs need to be aggressive and create value for their customers, whether singles or families.

"It is a must in these tough times," Myers said. "We have always been sensitive to our customers' pocketbooks, but with the price of gas, even more so."

Myers said at The Coliseum, they are now offering their Rock Star Food Specials every day starting at 4 p.m., with prices starting at just $6.95 and including $10 worth of game play in the arcade.

On Thursdays, bowling is just 94 cents a game. Plus, in a deal with WTPA-FM 93.5's morning show, many food and drink items are 93.5 cents from 5 to 7 p.m. As far as cheap drinks go, Bud Light and Yuengling Lager are the go-to brews, with Bud Light drafts just $1.50 and Lager pitchers $5 all day, every day for the rest of 2008.

The Coliseum is also rocking a $13.95 Sunday brunch, featuring carving, omelet and pasta stations and $10 worth of game play. For more information, visit www.Coliseumfun.com.

At Char's Bella Mundo in Shipoke, Bistro Sunday isn't a recession-only special, but it is an opportunity to get three courses -- salad, entree and dessert -- for just $34. This is almost half what they would normally cost.

On Tuesday nights at the Paxtang Grill, one pound of steamed littleneck clams (17 to 21) is just $3. Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m., all domestic bottles are just $1.50. Owner Nik Sgagias boasts the Grill has the best steak deal in town on Thursday nights -- a 16-ounce Delmonico with two sides for just $10.95. It also has cheap lunches -- soup and sandwich starts at $4 and Greek or Caesar salad with grilled chicken is $4.95 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Never one to miss a promo, Sawyer's Cantina (aka The Diner) is featuring Economic Stimulus lunches -- entree and a beverage for $4.99.

Ceoltas had its customers in mind when it recently brought back the half-price happy hour pub menu, featuring chicken tenders, chicken quesadillas, wings, Ceoltas fries, soup and salad, burgers and chicken sandwiches. During happy hour (5-7 p.m.), these treats come to about $4 each or less. Bud Light drafts are also just $1.50.

Appalachian Brewing Company in Hampden Twp. is featuring a $6.95 15-minute lunch special Monday through Friday. On Sunday, kids eat free at both the Hampden Twp. and Harrisburg locations.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

DRINK OF THE WEEK

WATERMELON BOMB: In all kinds of bombs -- whether cherry, Jager or orange - the recipe is simple: Red Bull (or other energy drink) and a shot of vodka, flavored vodka or Jagermeister. The execution, on the other hand, has evolved a bit. Unlike their distant cousin, the Irish Car Bomb, these drinks won't do something gross like coagulate when not chugged. So recently people have gotten over the initial trend to drop the vodka/Jager shot into the pint glass and usually just ask the bartender to pour them together. Now there's a new twist: glassware designed for bombs. The larger, bottom bulb is for the Red Bull; the top for the vodka. Here, we tried a watermelon vodka at Shady McGrady's Irish Pub in Harrisburg. Simply tip into your mouth and drink.

What a whiteout // Party beyond the pale starts spice series

What a whiteout // Party beyond the pale starts spice series
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - July 31, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

There was a whiteout last Thursday at Spice, nee Fisaga, for a Miami-style party. A $50 ticket gained entry, one free cocktail (care of Bacardi), a glorious food spread, some butlered hors d'oeuvres and a chance to mix and mingle with beautiful people so long as you dress in all white.

I'm a skeptic, and frankly any kind of you-have-to-dress-this-way-because-we-said-so party seems silly to me. I asked manager Edward Tubbs about just how strict this dress code was (I'd be much more comfortable in jeans and white top). He told me all-white was required but the shoes could be any color of the rainbow. So I went with red and my friend with turquoise.

Spice wasn't packed in the Friday/Saturday night sardine manner, but a healthy crowd of pale-clothed people danced and mingled, nibbled and imbibed.

A team of Bacardi execs and guests crowded the VIP section. An event photographer snapped White Carpet shots outside a Bacardi background.

We sipped on a cocktail called Tea-licious -- a blend of iced tea and your choice of Bacardi Limon, Peach Red, Razz or Grand Melon.

Bacardi had a variety of featured drinks. An original Cube Libre (your basic rum and Coke) plus flavored mojitos, Hurricanes (a mix of Bacardi Gold, Bacardi Select, OJ, pineapple and topped with a Grenadine floater), the Big Buck Margarita and Sapphire Collins (Bombay Sapphire, freshly squeezed lemon and simple syrup topped with club soda).

The luxury event included gift bags for some, though I neglected to collect mine at the end of the night; it was a school night, after all.

Tubbs told me this is just the first in a series of events he aims to hold at Spice. The next is a Back to Black party, slated for Oct. 23. This will be the opposite of a White Party, with a Halloween theme. Costumes are optional; black is required. This soiree will be hosted by Brown Forman, supplier of Jack Daniel's.

Spice's White Party is slated to be an annual summertime event. A portion of the evening's proceeds benefited Harrisburg's Back to School, Stay in School program.

For more information, call Spice at 441-1556. Though a Web site is not yet live, Tubbs said www.spice harrisburg.com is expected to be up soon.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail. com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

IF YOU GO:

Spice, 201 N. Second St., Harrisburg. 441-1556.

DRINK OF THE WEEK

It's still the dog days of summer, so cool off inside at the new Aroogas (formerly KoKoMo's on Route 22) with this new cocktail.

PLATINO MOJITO

1 1/2 ounces Super Premium Cuervo Platino (tequila) 1/2 ounce Triple Sec Club Soda Mint Slice of cucumber Muddle mint and the cucumber slice in a pint glass. Add ice, tequila and Triple Sec and fill with Club Soda.

Dress code raises club to new level

Dress code raises club to new level
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - July 24, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

By now, Level 2, the second-floor lounge atop Cafe Fresco Center City, has created much of the buzz intended by owner Nick Laus. A hip and swanky night spot, it's attracting the who's who and hip professionals of every age.

Recently, themed Wednesday evening happy hours have kicked off, highlighting fun flavors. Early in the month, it was a Moleca Brazilian party, last week, a Bacardi peach red mojito happy hour. These events highlight summer cocktails, and executive chef Travis Mumma presents complementary (and complimentary!) hors d'oeuvres.

E-mail-based invitations to the happy hours remind, "As always, dress to impress!" So, what does that mean?

Laus and Peter Breslow, publicist for Level 2, said their dress code is: "Fashionable attire required. No shorts, flip-flops, hats, work boots, sneakers."

Laus noted that they have adjusted the policy to allow men to wear sandals. Exceptions also have been made for tailored designer-type shorts.

In an e-mail interview, Laus and Breslow told me, "No brand in the Harrisburg region has dress-code standards as fashionable as Level 2. Our style and decor match similar ultra-lounges in New York, Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Boston. We did extensive research as we set our standards and found that just about all of the leading night life brands in the cities we studied have similar policies."

Laus said he's proud to bring a brand with these standards to his hometown of Harrisburg. Since Level 2 opened May 15, Laus said the goal has been to provide Harrisburg with a New York or South Beach type of experience -- to upgrade the region's standards for night life.

"With this ambition comes dress-code standards," Laus said. "While we've had a few challenges in implementing the standards and teaching the market how they need to dress to experience the lounge, we've also been accommodating and lenient if a guest is polite, nice and has most of our dress code in check."

I asked Laus and Breslow what would happen if a group tries to enter one night but one of the group's member's getup isn't up to snuff. The answer: Sorry, but the group can enter, sans the mid-dressed friend.

"However, every time this has happened this summer the group has stayed, and the person who wasn't dressed appropriately either went home and changed or left," Laus said. "In one instance a poorly dressed guest had a friend bring him shoes and pants while he hung out and chatted with our hosts at the door. He was a cool guy and completely understood our policy. He checked his shoes and shorts with our coat check."

Throughout these first months, Level 2 has been more lax and made some exceptions to its dress code, but Laus and Breslow report that will end on Labor Day.

Level 2 undoubtedly holds the strictest dress code standards in the area.

"People are dressing up to come in, and they seem very happy," Breslow said. "Our guests constantly thank Nick for building them a destination like this -- a place where they can show up dressed to impress and meet well-dressed people like themselves. Our guests look great, and as we scan the room each night, we feel really proud of what we've done. If a night life consumer wants to go out wearing shorts, there's plenty of places in the Harrisburg region where they can go."

At Spice, formerly Fisaga, the dress code is similar to other clubs' (such as the Hardware Bar and Privado) late-night dress codes, and doesn't allow hats or headwear, sunglasses, baggy pants, plain white T-shirts, tank tops, jerseys, sweatsuits or hoodies after 10 p.m. A sense of fashion is not required.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

DRINK OF THE WEEK

Today is National Tequila Day. Celebrate with this fun concoction -- a version of Long Island Iced Tea but with a concentration on tequila. The recipe comes from Scott's Olde Towne in New Cumberland.

PATRON TEA 1 ounce Patron Silver (tequila) 1/2 ounce PINK vodka 1/2 ounce gin Cranberry juice Splash of sours

Combine all ingredients in a pint glass filled with ice Shake well
Caption: PHOTO
Photos by Shanken Photography Level 2, the newly created night spot above Cafe Fresco Center City on Second Street in Harrisburg, caters to upscale professionals and has implemented a dress code that says "Fashionable attire required. No shorts, flip-flops, hats, work boots, sneakers."
Memo: THERE IS AN INFOBOX AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STORY.

SAY HELLO TO sushi

SAY HELLO TO sushi
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - July 10, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

The first time I tried sushi, I was apprehensive. What is this raw fish and seaweed concoction? Is it going to make me sick? Is it icky?

Through a few trials -- and what I like to call the "Sushi Starter Kit" of California rolls and cooked eel (nothing raw but the cukes and avocado in the California rolls) -- I became a fast fan. I'm no aficionado, but I've since expanded my sushi repertoire beyond the "safe" stuff. I love to do sushi dates with my girls, starting with some edamame and warm sake.

But trying sushi isn't easy if you're on your own. You don't know what is what (wasn't unagi the martial art that Ross from "Friends" claimed to practice?), where to go (if it smells fishy, it's not a good choice) or even where to start (do I want sashimi or rolls?).

Earlier this year, Steelton native and current York resident Colleen Segina, 26, started a local meet-up group for sushi fans. The Central PA Sushi Meetup not only brings together local sushi fans to compare notes and share plates, but also helps introduce the cuisine to otherwise gun-shy sushi virgins. I recently caught up with Segina to find out more.

Q: First, what is the Central PA Sushi Meetup?

A: The Central PA Sushi Meetup is a group of people who simply love sushi and Asian cuisine and who have always wanted to explore new restaurants around the area. We dine at both high-end gourmet restaurants as well as highly recommended local places, all in search of a great place to meet people, make friends and share our love of Asian food.

Q: How did you decide to start such a group?

A: It came from a concept called "Sushi Wednesdays." A group of friends and I who worked and studied outside the central PA area would always get together, and after awhile friends would invite friends and the group became larger and larger. Finally, in March I decided to create Central PA Sushi and invite other diners to our dinner parties.

Q: How does social networking play a part?

A: I created a presence for the group on both Facebook and MySpace, and the group has grown through word of mouth and recommendation. So, yes, social networking plays a part.

Q: How many members does the group have?

A: Currently we have over 135 members.

Q: Are you seeking new members; if so, how?

A: We certainly welcome new members who wish to join, whether they are in Harrisburg, York, Lancaster or in any of the surrounding areas.

Q: What is a meetup like?

A: Since March we average about 20 to 30 members per reservation. Even in such a short time we have our group of regulars; a very friendly bunch from all walks of life. Each dinner party includes about half of first-timers which makes the group very welcoming each time we meet.

Q: How do you choose a restaurant?

A: We always discuss where people would like to go in the future. Our members share their local favorites with other members, which makes us all eager to try somewhere new. I've been eating sushi for years, and I'm still surprised at how much variety there is out there.

Q: How many sushi restaurants are there in central PA?

A: A few years ago there were only a handful of sushi bars in the area. Now it's almost as if we are spoiled for choice. I estimate 30 or 40 just in central PA alone. There is really something for everyone. Many of our members have been to Japan and enjoy the traditional dishes, and then some of us lovers of spicy food really enjoy the Americanized menu. With fresh ingredients and various menus, it's a great area in which to be a sushi lover.

Q: Who has the best sushi in central PA (according to your group)?

A: Sapporo East has been very popular.

Q: Is there any cost to join? What is the average check cost at a meetup?

A: The group is free for anyone to join. It just takes 30 seconds to sign up, and you can RVSP to as many events as you like. An average check ranges from $8 for lunch and $12 to $40 for dinner, depending how much sushi you order.

Q: How can people sign up or get information?

A: Our Web site is www.centralpasushi.com. The site is very user-friendly and contains an event calendar, message boards, profiles of members and photos. Or you can e-mail us directly at sushimeetup@gmail.com.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

ON THE INTERNET:

* For Sara Bozich 's entire Q&A interview with Colleen Segina, above, visit http: //blog.pennlive .com/go/.

* Visit the group's Web site at www.centralpa sushi.com.

Game on! // GET HOOKED ON WII FUN AT A BAR NEAR YOU

Game on! // GET HOOKED ON WII FUN AT A BAR NEAR YOU
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - July 3, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

My boyfriend doesn't really like to go out. Honestly, it's a bit of a drag, seeing as how I'm a night life columnist and all.

He just prefers low-key events such as his Thursday night "Game Night" or going to the movies to socialize with the masses -- which is odd, because he's even more talkative than I most times.

I like staying in and going to the movies, too (though I tend to swap "Game Night" for wine night with the girls), but some days a girl needs to go out and have a beer. And I've now finally figured out how to get my boyfriend to come with me: The Wii.

I'm not a big video-game person (Golden Tee Live aside), but the Wii's interactive concept (actually swinging a toy golf club, for example, rather than pushing a combination of buttons) sets it apart from typical video-game systems and brands it for the entire family to enjoy. Now, some pub owners are installing the game system inside the bar.

The Wii at Shady McGrady's is my new favorite toy.

I played for the first time just last weekend, and it turns out I rock at Wii bowling. Well, the first time I did. The second time ... let's just say there are rematches in the future.

Here's the deal: The Wii is open for everyone, so long as the bar isn't too crowded. There is no charge, and in most cases you don't need to do anything but ask to play.

In some cases, however, particularly busy Friday and Saturday nights, the Wii might be stored away for the night or you might need to provide collateral of some kind (usually a driver's license does the trick) to play. The only other rule is that you must wear the wristlet attached to the controllers. No exceptions (yes, we already know someone who has thrown a controller right through a new big screen TV).

We were hot on the Wii bowling, which is super easy to play, but there are many other gaming options -- tennis, golf, baseball, etc. -- with a variety of attachments for each. Shady's has a few other games, such as the Game Party, which includes darts, table hockey, Skee-Ball, hoop shoot, ping cup, shuffleboard and trivia. It also has a Rapala Tournament Fishing game and is looking to get a real bowling game (aside from the standard version we play), like PBA Bowling. Mario Kart has been another big hit with the Wii at Shady's.

* Shady McGrady's Irish Pub & Grill, 204 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, 232-7050, open 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday and noon-2 a.m. Saturday-Sunday.

* A Wii also rocks the bar at Ted' Bar and Grill at 6197 Allentown Blvd., Lower Paxton Twp.PD's Pretzel Dogs You've heard me mention them before, but my favorite late-night snack food is back again on Second Street. PD's Pretzel Dogs has relocated again, this time next door to Mars.

PD's is the only cart still selling Hebrew National hot dogs, and they're wrapped in delicious soft pretzel. Dogs are $3 or two for $5 (get two). Cheese and mustard for dipping is free.

Not exactly what I'd call health food, but they sure are tasty. PD's soon could be opening for lunch as well, so keep your eyes open. Late-night, grab a pretzel dog from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.

* PD' Pretzel Dogs, 402 N. Second St., Harrisburg.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

DRINK OF THE WEEK

This week's drink comes from Appalachian Brewing Company's downtown bar manager, Michael Gallagher.

CHAUNCE 2 1/2 ounces Grey Goose vodka 1 ounce Midori 1 ounce Sour Apple Pucker Champagne or sparkling wine

Combine the vodka, Midori and Pucker in a shaker over ice. Shake vigorously for 45 seconds, then pour into a chilled martini glass. Fill with champagne or sparkling wine and enjoy!
Caption: PHOTOS BY SARA BOZICH The Patriot-News Andy Surra, left, throws a game of bowling with the use of the Wii video game at Shady McGrady's in Harrisburg. The bar offers a variety of Wii games for patrons to play.

'Home base' gets a facelift // New owner gives Garrason's 'Hollywood' appeal

'Home base' gets a facelift // New owner gives Garrason's 'Hollywood' appeal
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - June 26, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

For those of us who call Garrason's Tavern home base -- and there's a big family of regulars who consider Garrason's "our bar" -- a few major items were immediately evident when longtime Garrason's bartender Rob "Hollywood" Fogleman bought the business from owner Gary Ulrich. As a loyal customer (I once was likened to Ken Griffey Jr. for my consistent attendance), there wasn't much I wanted to change.

Garrason's is the quintessential neighborhood bar. A little dark and sometimes a lot smoky, it's fostered lunch meetings and dinner dates, friendships and affairs. It's been a haven for the politically inclined, a refuge for the journalist, a meeting place for the sports enthusiast and a home for the off-duty bartender.

But Fogleman, who long struggled to capture his dream, entertaining various potential entrepreneurial endeavors, has big ideas. His first order of business was the remodeling of both first-level bathrooms. The men's room got an upgrade that likely took it from one of the nastiest restaurant bathrooms in the city to the best. Both rest rooms now glow with new tile and sparkling modern fixtures.

The second major change -- I'm still struggling with this one -- was the removal of the last record-playing jukebox in Harrisburg.

While years ago, most bars upgraded to CD jukeboxes and then to Internet jukeboxes that download any song you want, Garrason's music machine still played 45s of Patsy Cline, Marvin Gaye, the Beatles and Frank Sinatra. It was considered by many the best jukebox in Harrisburg because of its classic sounds.

But for Fogleman and others, the options were too limited. Garrason's now has an Internet jukebox. While I'm getting used to hearing Justin Timberlake in place of Journey, I know my oldies are just a download away.

Other upgrades include new paint, floor and sink behind the bar, flat-screen TVs and a menu overhaul.

New on the menu are sports legend-named dishes, such as the 406 Filet ($22), a garlic-stuffed 8-ounce filet mignon named for Ted Williams and his 1941 hitting achievement. The Fenway Rib Eye ($20) is rubbed with top-secret North-South seasonings. The Jim Rice Pasta ($18) is "a dish, like Jim Rice, that should be in the Hall of Fame," reads the menu. The dish features blackened chicken and shrimp served over fettuccine Alfredo.

And there are two new burgers. The Jack Lambert Burger ($8) is covered in Cajun spices and crumbled blue cheese. The Jack Ham Burger ($8) is a 6-ouncer topped with grilled ham, cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

The menu also touts the Hollywood Pasta ($18), Fogleman's favorite dish of shrimp and chicken over angel hair pasta and tossed in Garrason's famous tomato-prosciutto sauce, and the meal version of Garrason's signature appetizer, the Tavern Combo. The entree ($20) features blackened shrimp, scallops and beef tenderloin on a bed of angel hair pasta and tossed with honey hot sauce.

Happy hour at Garrason's is from 5 to 7 p.m. every day. All drinks are $1 off, Miller Lite and Yuengling Lager pitchers are just $6, and Troegs, Shocktop and Sam Adams pitchers are $9.

Wings -- now in hot, Cajun, tavern, Hollywood (hot sauce with ranch seasoning), hot-Cajun mix, hot garlic, hot sweet, barbecue, honey barbecue, pub style and honey mustard -- are 35 cents each, with a minimum order of 10. Celery with blue cheese is $1.50 extra.

The happy hour menu is new, too, with cheap choices around the $3-$4.50 mark, topping out at $7.50 for the Garrason Burger. Try little neck clams or broccoli cheese puffs, both $4. Jalapeno poppers ($3), chicken fingers ($3.50) and mini cheeseburgers and fries ($4) are easy crowd-pleasers, too.

This summer, Garrason's boasts the Major League Baseball ticket, so you can catch any game. Also, ask Fogleman about his "100 Drinks of Summer" promotion, where you can win prizes and Garrason's gift cards by sampling 100 different drinks throughout the course of the season. And don't forget about Garrason's rooftop deck, which seats 40. It's always nonsmoking, so grab dinner there while it's warm.

Fogleman's plans aren't complete. He's hoping to update the bartop and tables in time and is always thinking about new marketing opportunities. The tavern finally has a Web site (soon to be live) at www.garrasons tavern.com. In the meantime, check for updates at www.myspace.com/garrasonstavern.

A schedule of entertainment is also under way. Some nights, Garrason's will host karaoke or live music.

Garrason's is open seven days a week.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

DRINK OF THE WEEK

IN HOMAGE to Garrason's -- and perfect for this warm-weather season -- this week's drink is the Moscow Mule. Don't be offended when you're asked to fork over your driver's license; you need to provide collateral for the copper mugs that keep this drink cool as can be. Perfect for those scorchers.

MOSCOW MULE 2 ounces vodka Ginger beer (a nonalcoholic carbonated beverage, like root beer, but with ginger) Half a lime Fill copper mug with ice. Pour in vodka, squeeze lime and fill with ginger beer.
Caption: PHOTO
SARA BOZICH The Patriot-News Ask new Garrason's owner Rob "Hollywood" Fogleman about his "100 Drinks of Summer" promotion. * Garrason's Tavern, 400 Forster St., Harrisburg, 232-2028, www.garrasonstavern.com.

Movin' the blues // Tuesday Bluesday shifts to Maennerchor

Movin' the blues // Tuesday Bluesday shifts to Maennerchor
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - June 19, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

For seven years, the downtown Gingerbread Man hosted blues night every Tuesday, a regular gig for local blues bands. If you're a regular blues-y and wondered what's up, the gig has now relocated to Der Harrisburg Maennerchor, more affectionately known just as The Maennerchor (pronounced manna-chor; it's German).

Local art and culture in-the-knows Jeff Lynch and Jonas Hair worked with Maennerchor manager Tammy Moul to set up the series.

"As a resident of midtown, I wanted a place to go hear live music, particularly live blues, within walking distance," Lynch said.

The Maennerchor is the oldest private social club in the city. If you're a member, you're already in. If you're not, no worries; you can still go to blues night, for free. Tuesday Bluesday is held in the club's game room, which is covered under its catering license and has its own bar, servers and rest rooms with the same good food and drink for the same fabulous low prices as the club.

Lynch is responsible for the blues band booking, and the night features such treats as The Cornlickers, Nate Myers and the Aces and Lynch's own band, Three Trains Comin'.

Also of note is the duo of Mitch Ivanoff with Lee Carroll, who play in the well-known Krypton City Blues band. The two recently have been exploring acoustic duets. Lynch calls them "the best living blues guitarist" and "an absolute monster piano player," respectively.

Also of note is the July 8 show, which features a split bill with Rebecca Miller of Brave the Day opening for country bluesman Pokey Lafarge, who is in the midst of a national tour.

"The vibe is very relaxed and friendly," Lynch said. "It reminds me a lot of the feel of the acoustic blues nights at the dear departed Lochiel Hotel. As Lee Carroll observed, 'This place is a blues club, they just don't know it yet.'"

The intent is for spontaneous, fun and very good music, Lynch said.

There is no cover charge for blues night. Those interested in joining The Maennerchor can speak to a bartender about applying for a membership. Besides food and drink, you'll be able to keep puffing those cigarettes even 90 days from now, and they're open until 3 a.m. most nights.

The full schedule is on the Web site, www.TuesdayB luesday.com. Bands perform from 8 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday.

To enter The Maennerchor, use the club's side entrance on Church Street, which connects to the 200 block of State and North streets. Parking is available on both State and North streets.

* Der Harrisburg Maennerchor, 221 North St., Harrisburg, 233-3011, www.themaennerchor.com

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

SARA'S DRINK OF THE WEEK

Karl McCall, beverage manager at Hershey Lodge, concocted this drink to celebrate Hershey's history with Cuba. McCall said the cocktail stays true to a classic mojito and is very light and refreshing. CHOCOLATE MOJITO

1 lime wedge 3 fresh mint leaves 1/2 ounce Torani White chocolate syrup 1 ounce Gosling's Black Seal rum Club soda Muddle lime, mint and syrup.

Add ice, rum and club soda. Stir and garnish with a mint sprig.

DAD'S DAY // MAKE SURE IT HAS SOME BEEF

DAD'S DAY // MAKE SURE IT HAS SOME BEEF
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - June 12, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News
Fathers don't quite get the acclaim that moms do.

While ultimately deserving, Mom gets the cards, the flowers and the brunches galore on her day.

For Dad, gift displays are awash with cheesy fishing and golfing gag gifts. The Father's Day card selections never really do it for me, either.

This year, surprise Dad by putting down the tie, stepping away from the junk aisle set up in the department store and trying one of these fun activities. Dad probably needs to get out a little, anyway.

For the beer enthusiast

Both of our local breweries offer tours on Saturday afternoons, Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg, at 1 p.m. and Troegs at 2 p.m. Enjoy a brief tour and stick around to sample local beer masterpieces. ABC also will offer free dessert for dads Sunday at all of its locations.

Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, 221-1080 or www.abcbrew.com.

Troegs Brewing Co., 800 Paxton St., Harrisburg, 232-1297, www.troegs.com.

For the foodie

Blue Bistro's Father's Day special is surf & turf, filet mignon and crabcake for two, for only $55 (www.bluewinebar.com).

Morgan's Place is featuring a 16-ounce prime rib with two sides for $24.99 (www.morgans-place.com).

Cantone's Southern Italian Restaurant is open from 11: 30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Father's Day and is accepting reservations now (www.cantones.net).

For the botanist

Take your dad to Hershey Gardens for the day and enjoy a special barbecue lunch.

Dads enter for free, and family admission ranges from $6 to $10 per person.

The gardens open at 9 a.m., and lunch starts at 11 a.m. You can select smoked chicken, beef brisket or smoked chicken salad for your lunches, which come with one side, dessert and a drink. Lunch for you and Dad is $25. Each additional meal is $10. Kids meals also are available.

Stroll the beautiful rose gardens and check out the Butterfly House for a relaxing, casual day outdoors.

Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, 533-3492, www.hersheygardens.org.

For the outdoorsman

Don't just buy him a gift card, show off your pa's skills at Bass Pro Shop's Father's Day Olympics from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Watch fathers compete on the rock wall and NASCAR simulator, plus enroll him in the putting contest and Bull's-Eye casting and archery competitions. Dads with the top overall scores will win a Bass Pro Shops gift card.

Bass Pro Shops, 3501 Paxton St., Swatara Twp., www. basspro.com, 565-5200.

Take Dad to the Eastern National Gun, Knife and Military Collectibles Show and Sale starting at 9 a.m. at the state Farm Show Complex on Sunday. Dealers and private collectors will be on hand to answer questions and offer the best deals for avid hunters and collectors. This diverse show offers antique, modern and military guns, knives and military collectibles and supplies. For information, go to the Mid-Atlantic Arms Collectors Web site at www.maacpsse.com.

For the gambler

If Dad loves cards -- and is a night owl -- take him to Brewhouse Grille for the Texas hold 'em tournament starting at 9 p.m. Heck, go early, and enjoy a meal on its expansive deck.

Registration begins at 9 p.m. The game starts at 9: 30.

Brewhouse Grille, 2050 State Road, Lower Allen Twp., 737-0030, www.myspace.com/brewhousegrille.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Rollin' on the river makes for fun night

Rollin' on the river makes for fun night SARA BOZICH OUT WITH SARA
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - June 5, 2008
Author: The Patriot-News

There is something about the warm season and being on the water.

For some reason, it's much more enticing to lie out by a pool or on the beach than it is to do so in your dry backyard, without promise of refuge from the hot, sticky sun.

If you tire of the usual dinner-out-on-the-sidewalk or if Wormleysburg's decks just aren't nautical enough for you, consider booking a dinner on Harrisburg's riverboat, the Pride of the Susquehanna.

I climbed aboard last Friday for one of the Pride's Classic Dinner Cruises. As simple as it sounds, this basic cruise involves dinner, music and two leisurely laps around the Susquehanna.

We arrived at the dock on City Island (parking on the island is free at this hour) 15 minutes before launch, as requested. Then we showed our printed receipt to the staff and walked aboard.

We first went upstairs to enjoy the view as the cruise began. A keyboardist played Frank Sinatra, the Drifters and other easy listening tunes as we began snapping photos of Harrisburg's riverbanks.

Then we decided to head below, and it's good that we did because we were late for dinner. Place cards marked each couple or group's table, and our salads were already set. Our waiter thought we had missed the boat.

We were offered a choice of oven-braised beef or marinated grilled chicken for our entree. The staff was accommodating, offering us a little of each. We also could order a small selection of adult beverages from the bar. Wine options are spare -- chardonnay, white zinfandel and merlot.

We had a nice meal; our entrees were joined by corn souffle, wild rice and a potato roll, followed by the Susquehanna River Mud dessert -- a brownie topped with Oreo cream.

Once all the courses were served, we returned to the top deck for a more scenic view and musical entertainment. We photographed the magenta sunset, tested the night-time functions on the digital camera -- didn't fare so well there -- and overall enjoyed the wind in our hair and the soothing surge of the boat moving across the water.

The guests aboard the Pride that night were varied, but comprised mostly couples -- some 20-somethings, some their grandparents' age. A group of high schoolers and their chaperones appeared to be on an end-of-the-year school celebration.

The Pride also offers a variety of themed cruises such as the Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises, an interactive whodunit that features live actors and a sit-down meal and cash bar. The next murder mystery cruise is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 14. The all-inclusive cost is $49.50 a person.

The Classic Dinner Cruises, such as the one I attended, are $42 a person, with a variety of dates from which to choose. The next two are June 18 and June 22.

If you're looking for a fun Father's Day idea, take Dad on the water from 6 to 8 p.m. June 15. For $42 a person, you can enjoy a choice of braised beef or barbecue ribs, baked potatoes, broccoli in cheese sauce, baked applesauce, rolls and chocolate peanut butter cake for dessert.

For more information, dates and other special cruise ideas, go to www.harrisburgriverboat.com.

Please note that server, bartender and entertainment gratuities are not included in your ticket price.

The Pride of the Susquehanna runs regular public cruises every day but Mondays.

June 12 through Oct. 23, Thursdays are "Jazzin' with the Pride" evenings. Take a walk down the steps leading to the water and enjoy an evening of cocktails and live jazzive.

For more information, visit www.harrisburgriverboat.com or call 234-6500.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

SARA'S DRINK OF THE WEEK

This week's Drink of the Week comes from Morgan's Place in Susquehanna Twp.

Green Dinosaur 1/2 ounce vodka 1/2 ounce rum 1/2 ounce triple sec 1/2 ounce tequila 1/2 ounce Midori Sprite Orange Juice.

In a pint glass filled with ice, combine the liquors. Fill with Sprite and a splash of orange juice and combine.

Hotel Hershey marks 75 years of affluence

Hotel Hershey marks 75 years of affluence
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - May 29, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

Hotel Hershey turns 75 and what a 75 years it has been. It's acclaimed for its famed restaurant, the Circular Dining Room, and the full-service, European-style, The Spa at Hotel Hershey, aka The Chocolate Spa.

I remember it for the Chocolate Extraordinaire Dinner, which kicks off Hershey's annual Chocolate-covered February, and for my spa experience.

Many locals know the altruistic beginnings of the hotel, how Hershey founder and philanthropist, Milton Hershey, began construction of the hotel in the crux of the Great Depression to give jobs to his factory-town community. The hotel was completed in May 1933.

The 230-room hotel has two swimming pools; a health and fitness center (including yoga, pilates and other fitness classes for guests); basketball, tennis and bocce ball courts; bicycle rental; and nature trails. Guests can receive discounts on other Hershey activities including Hersheypark and Hershey Country Club's golf courses.

The Spa at Hotel Hershey is, of course, one of the highlights of the place. Full-service and decadent, I could spend all day in the Quiet Room, eating chocolate muffins and sipping tea without a single treatment. But you should not miss the selection of chocolate and sugar-infused specialties, from massages to facials, manicures to body wraps, or the popular Whipped Cocoa Bath.

For its anniversary, the hotel is undergoing a series of multimillion dollar upgrades, called "The Grand Expansion," to update the lobby, expand landscaping and add recreational activities (including year-round ice skating). Ten guest properties, "The Cottages in the Pines" will create additional guest and meeting facilities. The Circular Dining Room has been renovated with new paint, repaired stained glass, sun-blocking window shades, temperature-controlled wine room, and new host stand, carpet, tables and chairs. A new, year-round restaurant is planned for completion by next summer.

How to celebrate

Add this to your list for a treat this summer.

The Circular Dining Room is offering a seven-course tasting menu -- the Chef's Table -- featuring classic dishes from menus from 1933 to today. Chef Todd Ruiz will discuss the process for each dish and answer questions. The Chef's Table is available at 6 p.m. on Fridays through the end of the year. The cost is $90 plus tax and gratuity. An accompanying wine flight is available for $45. Reservations can be made for one to 10 people; groups less than 10 will be combined. For reservations, call 534-8800.

At the Spa, try the new "Champagne and Caviar" package. This includes a 75-minute traditional massage, a caviar facial and the Spa's new caviar hand treatment, all followed by a champagne lunch in the Oasis. Caviar, which might seem an unusual skin treatment ingredient, has anti-aging properties and is popular for treating maturing skin. The package costs $394, including tax and tips. For reservations, call 520-5888.

Also, for your nails and toes, the Spa has introduced a nail polish color called "1933" to honor the year the hotel was built. This adds to the six other Hershey-themed nail polish colors that debuted last year, which are Best Cocoa in Town, Chocolate Oasis, Fondue Memories, Kitty's Rose, Red Velvet Truffle and White Hot Chocolate.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

DRINK OF THE WEEK

This summery concoction is unofficially guaranteed by me to cure a cold or at least your mood. It uses fresh juice and light liquor to produce a fresh-tasting, thirst-quenching drink that packs a punch. Get this anywhere they're squeezing fresh O.J., including Garrason's and Flinchy's.

Orange Crush

1 1/2 ounces vodka 3/4 ounce Triple Sec 1 orange, squeezed

Combine vodka and Triple Sec in a pint glass filled with ice. Squeeze fresh orange juice into glass to fill, plunking in an orange half if you desire. Stir.

Tasty lessons // Group offers wine, food classes

Tasty lessons // Group offers wine, food classes
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - May 22, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

In my five years on the night life beat, I've been to my fair share of wine tastings.

It took a few to get the hang of it. At the time, my tastes hadn't advanced much past mass-produced beer. I didn't dislike wine; I simply wasn't educated about it.

Since I wasn't raised sipping wine with dinner, I was unsure of food pairings and didn't know my dry from sweet or that asking for a "Pinot" could mean either "grigio" or "noir."

Today, I am by no means a connoisseur -- let alone a wine snob -- but I do enjoy and appreciate wines in my limited ability. I have a rule to browse the Chairman's Selections and the various regional varietals, never spend more than $15 a bottle and always try something new.

I even have the swirl, sniff, sip thing down, aerations and all.

However, it was in my quest to expand this -- and my ever-growing love of food -- that I discovered the Wine and Food Academy, educational wine- and food-tasting classes assembled by the Hilton Harrisburg and Bricco.

Every first and third Thursday for the next several months, the Hilton and Bricco are pairing to provide a fun, participatory series dedicated to learning about the facets of food and drink.

The first class, Wine 101, was held a week ago to provide a broad overview of the world of wine. A lecture led by Hilton CEO Bill Kohl was supplemented by a PowerPoint presentation and handouts. Attendees were serious wine buffs and young professionals serious about learning.

Though I mention a lecture, the event was not stuffy. We started with hors d'oeuvres, sparkling wine and mingling. Halfway through the presentation, we broke for the same. Kohl engaged audience participation throughout, and no one was afraid to ask questions or share opinions on the wine we tasted.

Kohl covered a broad overview of the most common grape varietals, an explanation on how wines are named, the tasting sequence for wine and other fun facts.

We tasted eight wines in total -- four white and four red -- Sauvignon Blanc, two Chardonnays, Riesling, two Pinot Noirs, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

So, how was it?

After eating fast food more times than I care to admit while traveling over the last week, my taste buds were itching for real, delicious food.

The event hadn't even begun when I took out pen and paper (something I never do) to record the hors d'oeuvres that so delighted my palate: scallop ceviche with preserved lemon and dill and fresh mozzarella bruschetta. Our taste buds also were treated to fresh cheese, meats and pate.

The next Wine and Food Academy class will be held at Bricco on June 5.

The topic is Wine & Cheese 101, covering the eight basic styles of cheese, how to shop, care for and serve fine cheese and pairing wine and cheese.

Tickets for each of the Wine and Food Academy classes are $40 and reservations are required by calling 255-1064. Series rates are available at $350 a person. Classes run from 6 to 8 p.m.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

DRINK OF THE WEEK

From the ever-fantastic ladies at Mangia Qui/Suba, this warm-weather concoction will take you to exotic lands even when the weather isn't cooperating.

DALI CRUSH

3 orange wedges, unpeeled and cut in small pieces 1/2 ounce simple syrup 1 1/2 ounces Three Olive Orange Vodka Juice from half a lime 1 ounce pomegranate juice 1/4 ounce Cruzan mango-flavored rum 1 sprig of mint for garnish

In glass combine orange wedges and simple syrup and muddle. Add lime, pomegranate juice and vodka.

Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Pour into tumbler. Top with rum and add mint.

FULLY LOADED // AREA EVENTS PACK WEEKEND

FULLY LOADED // AREA EVENTS PACK WEEKEND
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - May 15, 2008
Author: For the Patriot-News

This weekend is chock full of events. From the Dauphin County recycling event to the three-day Greek Festival in Camp Hill, I'm already overbooked.

I don't know about you, but I have an embarrassing collection of old electronics lying around. Fortunately, at this Saturday's Dauphin County semiannual electronics recycling drive, I can finally ditch my '01 iMac for a good cause. The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Harrisburg Area Community College.

Drop off old answering machines, camcorders, CD players, copiers, microwaves, radios, TVs and more for free. Passenger tires also will be accepted for $2. If you have any questions, contact the Dauphin County Recycling Hotline at 780-6351 or the county Web site at www.dauphincounty.org.

'Massive Art Event'

Progressive Galleries, in conjunction with the Mantis Collective, is holding another "Massive Art Event" from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Maennerchor. This month's event is themed, "Redlight Speakeasy Club," and features music from DJ Ben Freeman, Fyngred Briddel, Louis Lynch and Yvonne Sadowy with visual projections care of Moviate. Admission is just $3. Drinks at the Maennerchor are cheap. The Maennerchor is at 221 North St., Harrisburg.

HYP Home Tour

Harrisburg Young Professionals' signature event, the City Living Tour and Block Party, is now in its 10th year. This Saturday's event will tour homes in Harrisburg from 2 to 5 p.m. Food samples from participating city restaurants will be at each home, along with beverages. An after-party will be at 222 N. Third St. featuring local musicians Sabrina Duke and HardSoul, plus special guests, food and drinks. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of the tour, and proceeds help fund Harrisburg University Scholarships. To order online, go to www.hyp.org.

Ronald McDonald rocks

In Hershey on Saturday, be sure to check out the Rockin' for Ronald concert to benefit The Ronald McDonald House at Shakey's Sports Bar. This all day, all-ages (must be 21 to drink) event features 11 local rock bands, free burgers and hot dogs, and kids' activities like pony rides, balloon art, face painting, bouncy house and a dunking booth.

Doors open at 1 p.m. Bands perform inside Shakey's from 2 p.m. to 1: 30 a.m. Kids' events run from 3 to 7 p.m. Separate, kids-only tickets are available for those who don't want to enjoy the indoor concert. Regular cost is $10.

The bands begin at 2 p.m. with Knotfal, followed by Back in Black, Luv Gods, Emily's ToyBox, Friction Broadcast, Random Allies, Union X, Fith, Adrian Blitzer, Negative Space and Smooth Like Clyde. Shakey's is at 312 Mill Road, Hershey.

Cafe Fresco's new floor

"Fabulosity" hits Harrisburg Friday as the chic new second floor of Cafe Fresco, aptly named Level 2, opens to the public at 4 p.m. This lounge features a full bar as well as bottle service. It is nonsmoking, with one smoking room.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

DRINKS OF THE WEEK

Edward Tubbs of Scott's Grille Olde Towne in New Cumberland has declared 2008 "The Summer of Tequila" and offers these two concoctions for warm nights on the deck.

Patron Tea

1 ounce Patron Silver Tequila 0.5 ounce PINK Vodka 0.5 ounce Gin Cranberry juice Splash of sours

Combine in a pint glass over ice.

Pink Eye

1 ounce PINK Vodka 0.5 ounce Patron Silver Tequila Grenadine

Combine in a shaker with ice. Strain into a shot glass and drop a few drops of grenadine in the middle of the drink.

TO GET A TASTE OF BARS, RESTAURANTS go online

TO GET A TASTE OF BARS, RESTAURANTS go online
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - May 8, 2008
Author: SARA BOZICH, For the Patriot-News

One of the most effective components of bar and restaurant marketing is an active Web site. In today's age, and for many of us -- particularly the younger set -- this becomes imperative.

Those of us addicted to Twitter or MySpace do our research online. We find phone numbers and addresses via Google; the phone book is lost on us. We browse menus online (before any good dinner, this is one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy the sensory satisfaction of craving my meal hours before I am due at the restaurant), and we gauge our nightly outings based on events we read about on Spotube.com or in this paper's online portal, PennLive.com.

The Internet resources for local bars and restaurants has grown in recent years. See my Web site, www.Sara Bozich .com or Mike Zarcone's www.HarrisburgNightlife.com for an extensive list of restaurant links. HarrisburgNightlife.com even uses icons to denote BYOB and nonsmoking offerings.

Some venues do a better job than others for online presence. Nothing irks me more than a stagnant Web page. For example, Blue Bistro & Wine Bar in midtown Harrisburg updates its Web site well, but goes a step beyond by providing a mailing list option for customers.

The almost weekly (sometimes more often, sometimes slightly less) event update keeps customers in the know. In fact, it was last week's newsletter that sent me to Blue Bistro last Saturday for Tres de Mayo and possibly the best margarita of my life.

Blue offered two days of Mexican-flavored fun for Tres and the more popular Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The newsletter promised, "You will not need to drink out of a plastic cup and your dinner will be made to order."

For both evenings, the special was $5 margaritas and $15 three-piece tapas. Blue Bistro does not use a premade margarita mix. Instead, the concoction of tequila and triple sec was matched with a combination of freshly squeezed lime juice (every day at Blue) and a splash of orange juice (also often freshly squeezed) and pineapple juice. On ice with a salt rim, I could not get enough of this delicious drink.

Refreshing and delicious, this would even pair for brunch, I swear, if you don't mind tequila that early in your day. The three-piece tapas consisted of spicy ahi tuna spring rolls with spicy dipping sauce, baja shrimp and chicken with tomato and mango salsa and grilled pork and pineapple mini kebabs. The size was big enough for two to share as an appetizer or for one person's full meal.

I also learned from Blue's newsletter that it is open Mother's Day. It's having a chardonnay wine tasting on Wednesday and on May 19 it'll present its first Chef's Table Dinner. To learn more, go to Blue's Web site at www.bluewinebar.com.

While you're there, sign up for its e-mail newsletter -- doing so could win you a $25 gift card to Blue Bistro & Wine Bar. It selects a random winner each week.

Runners-up

Flinchy's in Lower Allen Twp. also sends out a weekly e-mail, proving there is always something going on there.

The virtual newsletter contains food specials, special parties, previews of upcoming Flinchy's-related events, music lineups and coupons. You'll never forget a holiday if you're on the Flinchy's mailing list.

Appalachian Brewing Company also is worth mentioning. Its all-in-one Web site, www.abcbrew.com, is easy to remember and links to all of its properties. Events are almost always fully up to date, and it offers a monthly e-newsletter with a list of all upcoming events, specials and, of course, the featured brews of the month.

Why the Web?

For bar and restaurant owners who don't believe it's worth the time and money to invest in a Web designer and domain purchase, I would suggest you reconsider. We are far into the technology age, and there is no turning back.

There are options via MySpace pages (free) and local vendors such as DineIndie.com, which for a fee of from $35 to $250 will cover the basics such as hours, address and menu. There is even a free trial to get you started.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

DRINK OF THE WEEK

I've been sampling Cosmos at 20 N. Second St., whether called NOMA, Prive or now, Privado, and bartender Johnny serves one of the best. Here's his secret:

JOHNNY P'S COSMO 2 1/2 ounces Ketel One vodka 1 1/2 ounces Cointreau Splash of cranberry juice Squeeze of lime

Combine all ingredients in a shaker over ice. Shake furiously and pour into chilled martini glasses.

Brews with a kick // ORGANIC BEERS HIGHLIGHT FEST

Brews with a kick // ORGANIC BEERS HIGHLIGHT FEST
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - May 1, 2008
Author: SARA BOZICH, For the Patriot-News

Last Sunday, Appalachian Brewing Company, the original Harrisburg location, hosted its first Distinguished Big Beer Fest, dedicated to the lesser-known brews such as barleywines and cask ales. The event featured more than two dozen drafts from 10 breweries, including ABC and our other local brewery, Troegs, as well as bottle options from other breweries.

The event took place in the nonsmoking Abbey Bar, where stations were set up by the brewery. Upon entry, we collected our tasting sheet and tasting glasses -- you don't want big portions of these high-alcohol brews -- and started around the room.

We started with Abbey Wright's Alpha Deuce IPA and moved next to Union Barrel Works, which offered a Wobbly Bob Dopplebock and Mai-Bock. They came recommended at the beginning of the event and we found both to be different, but tasty.

Troegs offered its famed Mad Elf as well as Scratch Beer #8.

From there, we stopped over to a table featuring a variety of bottled beers. We tried the Oskar Blues Imperial Stout, a deceiving specimen served in a can that is so dark, it's light sweetness surprises you.

Here, we also tried an organic beer, Eel River Organic Triple. This had a light, nutty taste that I appreciated, but the organic label is what caught my eye. It turns out that Eel River is the first brewery in the country to offer certified organic beers.

Eel River is based in California and now offers seven organic beers, from its first, Organic Amber Ale to an Organic Porter. To try some of its organic beer, check out Westy's Beer Distributor, which sells Eel River products.

I think our favorite booth that Sunday afternoon was Legacy Brewing Company out of Reading. I enjoyed its Euphoria Ale, a Belgian-style Tripel. This, like many of these style brews, is best served in a wine glass and should essentially be sipped and enjoyed like a wine. My boyfriend, Andy, favored Legacy's winter seasonal brew, the Nor' Easter Oatmeal Stout.

We also loved Voodoo Brewing's Gran Met and Wynona's Big Brown Ale. Voodoo Brewing Company is a small brewery in Meadville -- just a garage brewery, they told us -- but it just proves that size doesn't matter. It brewed some big beers.

The Boro Boogie Pickers set the tone for the day with their bluegrass jams.

ABC continues to offer a variety of events for true beer lovers. Coming up at the end of May is the brewery's 11th anniversary. Naturally, an outdoor block party to celebrate will be held May 31. The festivities will commence in the afternoon with outhouse races, keg olympics and a pig roast on Walnut Street, next to the brewery. Tom Hamilton's American Babies with Slimfit, an alt-country band, will perform in the street beginning at 4 p.m.

By evening, the party continues in the Abbey Bar for music with Mike Doughty (of Soul Coughing fame) and Andrew Scrap Livingston. Doors open at 7 p.m. and they take the stage around 9: 30. Music continues with a DJ set from 11: 30 until closing time. The entire day's events are free. Yes, free.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

IF YOU GO

Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. Info: 221-1080 or www.abcbrew.com

DRINK OF THE WEEK

ABC recently developed a new rock 'n' roll-themed drink menu, featuring about 10 new mixed cocktails. Called Gun by the staff, this tasty mixed drink is not for the weak. A macho, rock 'n' roll twist on the classic rum and coke, this goes down easy. Drink with caution. $8 at ABC.

The Sex Pistol 3/4 oz. Jagermeister 3/4 oz. Vanilla vodka 3/4 oz. Capt. Morgan rum ABC Root Beer

Combine the liquor in a pint glass over ice. Top with ABC Root Beer.

Work, or watch? // Chef's class offers choice

Work, or watch? // Chef's class offers choice
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - April 24, 2008
Author: SARA BOZICH, For the Patriot-News

If you've done the local cooking class circuit and are looking for a way to up grade the experience, try The Kitchen Shoppe's latest class, At the Chef's Table. A combination of observation, hands-on involvement and one-on-one with the cook, this class is an intimate affair with just eight students directed by Chef Jim Lupia.

The Kitchen Shoppe's cooking school offers classes that vary in involvement, and this new addition allows you to choose your role. If you want to sit back and observe, but your partner wants to be up in the heat of it all, it's no problem. Lupia polled the class before beginning, and most of us were ready to chop, dice and stir. For some, however, the class is an escape from their own kitchen and a time for pampering.

In a class like this, most of the participants seemed to have a strong handle on the elements of cooking, or at least a true love for food and drink. There weren't any side lessons on chopping, per se, and once Lupia explained a recipe and designated tasks to those who volunteered, we were set on our own. Lupia often returned to the viewing (and dining) table to chat with the rest of the group.

Lupia practices a laid- back approach when it comes to his cooking/teaching method. He has an anything-goes attitude when it comes to food, which is not only refreshing but removes any pressure on the class to meet some sort of standard. We all like different things; we taste differently.

At $120 a person, the At the Chef's Table class is much more of a splurge than your typical cooking class. However that includes six courses paired with five wines plus the pomegranate champagne punch, which started us off.

Lupia likened the class to having friends over to his home, and it felt much like that. Before we got into the thick of things, he served us the punch and an appetizer, wild mushroom ragout topped with Parmesan and smoky paprika fricos. He did explain the process, but wanted to first buffer our hunger with a treat.

From there, participants took turns preparing the rest of the meal. We made a Panzanella Salad with pancetta, brussels sprouts and apple vinaigrette, followed by a Bloody Mary gazpacholike soup, served with shrimp and pickled vegetables. That soup will be on my brunch menu -- it was fresh and delicious.

An easy penne with beef in a tomato-Chianti wine sauce was delicious. I might even substitute thick, crusty bread for the noodles to sop up the delicious jus. This sort of variation is what Lupia encourages. He reminded us that recipes are guidelines and to go with what tastes good to us.

The main dish was beef with port sauce, mustard-roasted potatoes and green beans with sage and pancetta. I'm a big fan of green beans, so they were my favorite. My boyfriend prepared the potatoes on his own, making the mistake of showing me he can, in fact, cook well.

We didn't end there. Dessert was a luscious and rich chocolate and vanilla swirl cheesecake. But by now, we were all engaged in our meal. Lupia stayed at the table, chatting about food, cooking and exercise. We even went a bit over the three-hour scheduled time, everyone enjoying the food, wine and the company of otherwise strangers.

Bowling joins a trend

For years, it seemed smoky bowling alleys were just a way of the world. That's no longer the case for Harrisburg-area lanes. When ABC East Bowling Lanes reopened in December after its fire, it became -- and will remain -- 100 percent smoke-free. Next month, ABC North, ABC West, Trindle Bowl and Red Crown Bowling Center will follow suit by outlawing smoking at the lanes.

ABC North and ABC West will be smoke-free effective May 1. Trindle Bowl, which also is alcohol-free, will end smoking practices on May 7. Red Crown will go nonsmoking on Mother's Day, May 11.

ABC North, ABC West and Red Crown will permit smoking in their enclosed lounges only.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Going upscale // Level 2 Offers Swanky Digs

Going upscale // Level 2 Offers Swanky Digs
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - April 17, 2008
Author: SARA BOZICH, For the Patriot-News

It's taking Harrisburg night life to a new level -- Level 2, that is, the second floor of Cafe Fresco, which formerly housed Zsuzsanna's Hair Salon and Day Spa.

In early May, Harrisburg will say hello to its newest nightclub, a svelte lounge bedecked in shimmering whites, blacks and reds. Nick Laus' Level 2 sits atop his first downtown success, Cafe Fresco, and adds an upscale night-life option to Restaurant Row.

Illuminated walls and shimmering curtains envelope the scene, awash with black sofas, white ottomans, zebra print patterns and red accents. No awkward high tops here; every table in the club is a coffee table. Three black chandeliers add sparkle, while three waterfalls create a calming refuge across from the main bar.

The space is slightly larger than its downstairs sister and a back room hosts a second bar and smoking room. The club is otherwise nonsmoking.

Even the bathrooms will reflect high style with a red gemstone behind above-counter sinks and sleek leaning mirrors.

Laus aims to attract corporate big wigs, politicos and the like for their end-of-day power hour and top-notch service. Servers, being hired now, will be a high step above the usual, including tending to bottle service (more on that in a bit). Personnel also includes a guest services position, to whom guests can contact for reservations. The space also is available for private parties, corporate meetings and similar functions. Level 2 will open at 4 p.m.

By night, mesh music -- what I've always called remix, popular and old songs set to a dance beat -- will set the tone. Laus says the music blend was chosen to keep things interesting for everyone -- electronic beats inspire dancing but technophobes can enjoy familiar music. It's a cool sound and live DJs out of Philadelphia, New York and Atlantic City, N.J., are slated to spin live on the weekends. Beware a hefty cover charge these nights, but by the sounds of it, if you're looking for a night life upgrade, Level 2 is set to be worth the price.

Add to that the hotness of its small-plates-only menu, featuring items such as Seared Mushroom Crabcakes made with rosemary mayonnaise, smoked bacon, gorgonzola cheese and sprouts; Chili-rubbed Lamb Sliders wrapped in warm flatbread with a burgundy pomegranate reduction; delicious nibbles of Tuna Tartar and Filet Tartar; plus salads and seafood morsels like scallops and mussels.

And further evidence that Level 2 will be the upscale hit of this summer is its bottle service.

A quick tutorial on bottle service: the practice goes back as far as 1941 when Tokyo businessmen made it a practice to buy bottles of sake and stored the unfinished portion in lounge lockers. In 1988, a Paris nightclub began selling table reservations featuring a complimentary bottle of liquor. In the '90s in New York City, bottle service became synonymous with VIP service. As always, Harrisburg is a bit late to the gate, this being a common practice in larger metropolitan areas about two years ago. But when I tell you about prices, be glad we're not in New York City where at Bungalow nightclub, Grey Goose runs $500 a bottle.

Level 2 will feature a wide variety of bottle options ranging in price from $80 to $400 for champagne, vodka, rum, gin, tequila, bourbon and more. Ordering a $135 bottle of vodka will get you the entire bottle, ice, mixers, fresh-fruit garnishes -- as well as a server to mix and shake if you prefer. Everything will be served in glass and some crystal. Unlike some one-bottle per threesome or two-bottle minimum held at larger clubs in Las Vegas and NYC, there is no limit on how many can share in the bottle fun with you.

There is some debate as to the greatness of bottle service, considering its price and whether you're into playing "Cocktail" at the bar. Some high rollers, however, wouldn't go anywhere that didn't offer it. Laus said it's not even about the drink. When you have bottle service, you have real estate, he said.

Level 2 will offer bottle service in any part of the lounge, but it is a goal to transform the front area overlooking Second Street, nicknamed the Living Room, into a VIP section with bottle service only after 10 p.m.

Spice, the reinvention of Fisaga, also offers bottle service in its VIP section.

SARA BOZICH : sara. bozich @gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

IF YOU GO

Level 2 is at 215 N. Second St., Harrisburg. For information, call 236-6600 or visit level2.us

INFOBOX:

DRINK OF THE WEEK

This warm-weather cocktail uses an infused vodka you'll want to prepare at least five days in advance. The recipe comes care of Char's Bella Mundo beverage director Salvatore Pantano.

SUNSET SPRITZER

2 oz. pink grapefruit-infused vodka 1 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice 1 oz. San Pellegrino 1 splash of grenadine

For infused vodka, skin and cut 3 large pink grapefruit. In large glass container, add grapefruit to one 750-ounce bottle vodka. Let infuse for five days. Strain out fruit and discard.

For the spritzer, start with tall highball glass, add ice, infused vodka and ruby grapefruit juice. Top with San Pellegrino. Drizzle grenadine slowly to create sunset effect. Garnish with starfruit.

Source: Char's Bella Mundo