Out with Sara

Vault/Metron reunion rocks

Vault/Metron reunion rocks
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
December 29, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

A few years ago, on the night before my 21st birthday, I walked up the stairs to what is now Eclipse Nightclub and showed my driver's license to a big, straight-faced bouncer, whom I now know to be Dan Ready. I beamed at him and announced it was my birthday. He didn't care. But he did permit me to enter The Vault, which was downtown's main, if not for a time, only, hot spot.
We weren't there long that night, as a fight broke out (my then-boyfriend thought it the best time to execute his toughness), but did return several times before it closed in June 2001. Weekly, we'd shoot pool on Thursday nights near the dripping air conditioners or scope local bands such as Jet Silver on the third floor.

The building was purchased by Kamionka Entertainment Group, and today no recognizable part of The Vault remains. The entertainment group remodeled the venue with new floors, walls, lights and setup and renamed the place Eclipse Nightclub.

Last Friday, John Harris, local promoter, and Ray Rossi, longtime Vault DJ, hosted the first Vault/Metron Reunion party at District, the basement level of Dragonfly. The party brought all kinds of folks out of the woodwork.

Local emo-rock band Running from Dharma, which got its start at The Vault in 1997, performed live. Former Vault DJs Rossi, Kev-e-Kev, Doug-E, Jeremy Sin, Randy King and Geoffro spun.

The party was great; it was probably one of the bigger crowds I've seen at the District. It brought a variety of faces, from former Vault and Metron regulars and employees to those too young to have been to either. I asked some of the "old heads" to share their memories.

"I had the good pleasure of opening for The Wailers at the Metron early on," King said. "They would always be late, so to say, because they would be back listening to my music and getting 'prepped,' shall we say."

"Another was a night when we were shooting "Major League II" here at RiverSide Stadium. Charlie Sheen was a fan of The Metron. Charlie used to hang out there late at night, particularly after closing. He would pay everybody to hang around and take care of him. He listened to all Led Zeppelin albums -- he'd listen to three or four a night," King added.

"At The Vault, one of my best memories was the night the 82nd Airborne military group was here in town," King said. "We had a reggae night, and I was DJ-ing.

"A lot of the soldiers came in, and it was about five-to-one, men. Every woman had so much attention she could barely stand herself. By the end of the night, they were falling all over them. I had to gather the sergeants together to round them up and get them back to the hotel."

King has been spinning records since 1982. His passion is reggae, and he spins every Thursday at Mars.

DJ Kev-E-Kev says his favorite memory was watching the evolution of The Vault.

"It changed from 50 people a night to, I'd say, 1,000 people on any given Friday or Saturday night," he said. "Just imagine watching 50 people stand in a corner [develop] to a line outside in the street."

"We grew because there wasn't anything else," he added.

One of Rossi's many memories of The Vault has to do with the idiosyncrasies of hosting national recording artists.

"A variety of national acts played at The Vault, including a band called the Thrill Kill Kult. With all bands you book comes a contract, requirements and a hospitality rider. Thrill's hospitality rider asked for plastic flowers in various colors, a number of packs of prophylactics, incense and a six-pack of white knee socks," Rossi said.

"So, the band shows, packs the house. They do a great show, and I noticed that all the provisions were used as props except for the white socks. After the show, I asked the lead singer what was with the socks and he explains they were for the guitarist.

"Tucker, the guitarist, had a bad habit of wearing the same socks for weeks on end without even washing them, and when he would remove his boots after the gig in the bus, the rest of the band would be overwhelmed from the stench. So they hoped that at least one out of every 10 venues where they performed would provide them with the socks request. True story!"

Because of the feedback and the turnout at the reunion party, District is going to begin featuring a "house" music format on Saturday nights starting Jan. 21. The three resident DJs will be Geoffro, Jeremy Sinn and Kev-E-Kev. The District plans to add special effects to accommodate this new format.

"Things were more fun then," Rossi said. "It was like a large family, both with the staff as well as the patrons. That's what made the party so special -- the family was back together again Friday night."Drink of the week Classic Champagne Cocktail (from foodnetwork.com) 1 sugar cube 4 ounces champagne

Drop sugar cube into champagne glass. Pour champagne over sugar. Serve and toast. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Have a hangover? Try these cures

Have a hangover? Try these cures
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
December 28, 2005
Author: SARA BOZICH; For The Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

The holidays often seem to circle around overindulgence. It begins with Halloween, when we cram ourselves full of candy.
Come turkey time, we eat so much we wear pants with an elastic waist to dinner -- but not before overdoing it the night before. Thanksgiving Eve has become the biggest drinking night of the year.

December has filled us with office parties and friends' parties, and guests bring booze as tokens of the season. We might use the bars to escape overbearing families during vacation or to catch up with friends from the past.

The holiday spirit -- and spirits -- haunt us as we draw closer to the annual grand finale, New Year's Eve.

So with all the merrymaking, it's possible that at one point over the holidays, you're going to overimbibe. Sometimes just one extra drink -- or any alcohol consumption at all -- can lead to a hangover.

Hangovers are medically known as veisalgia, which is a combination of the Norwegian word "kveis," meaning "uneasiness following drinking" and "algia" the Greek word for pain. And if you've ever had one, you know the symptoms can range from sound and light sensitivity to headaches to nausea.

There is one foolproof way to never, ever get a hangover, and that is not to drink. But aside from that, there are countless measures to either prevent or cure the day-after headache and nausea. Wikipedia.org lists common home remedies from pickle or tomato juice to the controversial "Hair of the Dog."

Locals rely on such sports drinks as Gatorade.

"The best hangover cure is a 32-ounce bottle of Gatorade and three Tylenols," said Dave Love, 24, of Harrisburg. "It clears your dehydration and makes your headache disappear. That's the best stuff."

Jim Dzur, 30, of Mechanicsburg, takes Alka-Seltzer Morning Relief tablets as needed. "To my knowledge, different drinks cause different hangovers," he said. "My choice of cure is based on the previous night's indiscretion."

Resident District DJ Ill Cosby, 25, of Camp Hill, said his sure cure is one quart of egg drop soup along with that Gatorade. "It covers all of the bases -- high in sodium, protein, and it rehydrates. I don't know if any of that has scientific merit, but I have a laminated card that says I'm a practicing plastic surgeon in Miami, so trust me," Cosby said.

CocktailTimes.com suggests ways to prepare for nights when you intend to drink. These include eating foods high in vitamins B and C and drinking milk. Also, while drinking, match a glass of water for each cocktail you have, try to eat and watch your pace. After drinking, the Web site suggests drinking plenty of water, taking more vitamins and getting as much sleep as possible.

There also are a number of new products on the market that claim to prevent hangovers.

One such preventative is antipokhmelin, a Russian pill meaning "anti-hangover," marketed in the United States as RU-21. RU-21 is a dietary supplement; its active ingredients include vitamin C, succinic and fumaric acids, which are essential to alcohol metabolism, L-glutamine and dextrose, or glucose.

I tried RU-21 recently and I was pleased with the results. It's simple enough to do -- take two tablets before (or as I did, with) your first drink, and two tablets after your last drink. This might be the tough part -- I kept the box in my purse so I would see the box and remember when I reached for my wallet at the end of the night.

The box also says that you can take more tablets as necessary, but it wasn't clear about how I would know if I need them.

The next morning, sure enough, I woke up clear-headed. I felt thirstier than usual, but my dehydration hadn't caused a headache or any other discomfort.

RU-21 is available locally at GNC and some Wal-Marts. You also can purchase it online at www.ru21.com. For $2.99 shipping and handling, RU-21 will send you a free trial. However, I suggest you just splurge on the holiday sale -- 20 tablets for $4.99. Shipping is an additional $4.99, but the hope of a hangover-free holiday is worth $10, isn't it?

A percentage of RU-21 sales funds alcohol research, national anti-drunk driving and alcohol-awareness campaigns.

RU-21 is also known as the KGB pill because it was supposedly used by the KGB to allow spies to keep a clear head while drinking.

Playing off this, RU21.com offers a "KGB Spy Watch" for $29.99 with secret compartment to store your RU-21 tablets. I guess that's one way not to forget those end-of-night tablets.

One of the more controversial hangover cures is "Hair of the Dog." This is short for "Hair of the Dog That Bit You" and suggests drinking even more alcohol to cure your hangover. A common "Hair of the Dog" drink is the classic Bloody Mary.

Bloody Mary

2 ounces vodka 3 ounces tomato juice 1/2 ounce lemon juiceBlack pepper and salt to taste 3 dashes Worcestershire 2 drops Tabasco sauce Shake all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a highball glass over crushed ice. Garnish with lemon wedge and celery.

Hair of the Dog

1/2 ounce tequila 1/2 ounce Irish whiskey 1/4 ounce Tabasco sauce 1/2 tablespoon salt

Pour Tabasco sauce, tequila and whiskey into a shot glass. Lay the salt on top, and serve.

Enjoy a safe and happy holiday, no matter how or where you celebrate. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com

Sinful Saturday celebrates Tattoo Captain-style

Sinful Saturday celebrates Tattoo Captain-style

                              

Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
December 15, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News                               

                              

Estimated printed pages:                                  2                               

                              

                                                                

Scott's Grille had it all last week with its Sinful Saturday Tattoo Party. By bringing back longtime party doctor DJ Scottie and his collection of danceable party tunes and collaborating with Captain Morgan Tattoo (a blend of rum that is reminiscent of Jagermeister), plus inviting WTPA's Chris James, the party was appropriately "sinful."

Early birds got free shots of Captain Morgan Tattoo, and from 10 p.m. to midnight they were only $1. The Captain made an appearance at the party in full pirated regalia.

DJ Scottie gave out such goodies as Captain Morgan merchandise and the grand prize of a genuine Captain Morgan Bar Mirror.

DJ Scottie and Captain Morgan team up every second Saturday of the month at Scott's.

Citadel Indian Grill & Hookah Lounge

Citadel Indian Grill & Hookah Lounge is hidden down Blackberry Alley, in between S. Second and Third streets, and near the Crowne Plaza. The location stinks, quite frankly, and though we were there for a late dinner (around 9: 30 p.m.), there wasn't evidence of any other patrons.

Halfway through our meal, two young men (I would guess over 18, but under 21 years of age) came into the restaurant and ordered                                  the hookah.

I've tried the hookah, also called a water pipe, during my travels to Egypt and then at Mars Lounge in downtown Harrisburg. Mars no longer offers the service, making Citadel the only hookah bar in the area. Except that at the Citadel you'll have to try your hookah with a soda, as the place doesn't carry a liquor license.

I did not try the hookah at the Citadel as my friends and I just went for the food.

Two of us ordered chicken curry with basmati rice and naan, the wonderful pitalike bread. The third person went for the chicken seekh kebab, which doesn't look pretty, but the taste is all there. The green-colored Citadel special chutney enhanced its flavor. The fourth dinner, tandoori chicken, was the spiciest.

The television playing an Indian musical was a bit distracting, but our service was great --friendly, helpful and not intrusive.

Free Thursdays

A reminder: Susquehanna Art Museum is free Thursdays. I stopped by for its third annual Festival of Wreaths last week. Wreaths were designed by local artists and were judged in such categories as most traditional, most creative and judge's choice. Artists used a variety of medium, including soda cans and candy.

The exhibit, "Report from NYC," will be on display through the end of the year.

Drink of the week

Nadine Riess of the Capitol Bartending School offers a variation on the ancient drink Wassail.

"Wassail was originally not a drink, but a practice of caroling," said Riess. "In merry old England, carolers would bring a cup with them, and as they sang before the homes of wealthy citizens, their mugs would be filled with a hot spiced ale, often with a roasted apple slice floating in it."

INFOBOX:

Wassail 1 bottle burgundy or claret

6 eggs 1/2 cup water 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 2 cloves 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon mace 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/2 teaspoon                                  cinnamon 2 cups sugar 6 baked apples

Heat the bottle of red wine. Meanwhile, break the eggs and beat the yokes and whites (should be stiff) separately. Then fold both together (egg whites should be stiff). Put the spices in water and heat the water for a few minutes to release flavor.

Now pour mixture into a punch bowl along with baked apples. Serve warm.

IF YOU GO

* Scott's Grille, 212 Locust. St., Harrisburg. 234-7599.

* Citadel Indian Grill & Hookah Lounge, 17 S. Second St., Harrisburg. 234-7011.

* Susquehanna Art Museum, 301 Market St., Harrisburg. 233-8668. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com

Art show offers alternative -- or addition -- to bars

Art show offers alternative -- or addition -- to bars
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
December 8, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

It's easy to forget that there's more to do in Harrisburg than just go to bars. Within the last month alone, we saw the opening of three establishments that focus on food and drink in the downtown alone. Now, clearly, I'm a big proponent of eating and drinking, but when there's an opportunity to check out something a little different, I'm game. In fact, doing so is a nice offset to the rest of the night.
So, last Saturday, I attended the opening reception for a Four-Artist Invitational Exhibition at the Art Association of Harrisburg. AAH is a three-story gallery on Front Street and is open all week. The exhibit, which runs through the end of the month, features Ruth Bernard, Susan Davitti Darling, Chad K. Frownfelter and Scott R. Jones.

Different mediums, from oil paintings to ceramics to mixed media, were used in this exhibit. Davitti Darling's mixed media in collages used bright colors with a clean, attractive layout. This is art that can go anywhere.

My favorite pieces were the hanging ceramic plates created by Jones. His subjects ranged from the obscure to the simple, but the ones that drew my attention were those using Harrisburg culture. Two plates depicted a scene of The Spot, everyone's favorite greasy spoon, one a view from Walnut Street and the other a view from Second Street. In two other pieces, titled Restaurant Row No. 1 and Restaurant No. 2, Jones painted four different downtown restaurant logos in sections.

His final piece wasn't offered for sale because he hopes to enter it at Troegs Brewing Co. bottle cap art contest, should the company have another. Jones told me he spent 40 hours creating the ceramic piece, which focuses on the Troegs logo.

Most of the artists' pieces are available for sale from $145 to $1,200.

Gift idea

Stumped on holiday shopping for friends and family? This year, downtown restaurants have participated in a program to give you more. Buy a $25 gift certificate from one of the listed restaurants below, and receive a free $5 gift certificate. Spend $50, and get a $10 gift certificate for free.

The participants are: Caffeine Connection, Citadel Indian Grill and Hookah Lounge, McGrath's Pub, Mangia Qui, Max's, Miyako on Second, Molly Brannigans, Pep Grill and Speros Gyros, Sammy's Authentic Italian Restaurant, Scott's Grille, Sophia Seafood Restaurant, Stock's on 2nd and North Street Zephyr Express.

Across the river, Flinchy's is offering a $20 free gift certificate when you purchase $100 in gift cards.

Drink of the week

As we get swamped with holiday parties, what better to drink than the classic eggnog? Here is a recipe for your ho-ho-ho party.

Eggnog 1 dozen eggs 2 cups superfine sugar 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups Cognac 2 cups Myers dark rum 2 cups cream 6 cups milk

Separate eggs. Beat yolks with the sugar and nutmeg until thick. Stir in Cognac, rum, cream and milk. Refrigerate mixture.

Beat egg whites until stiff and carefully fold into the chilled mixture. Sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon.

For a lighter 'nog, substitute the cream and milk with light cream and skim milk.

Alarming grand opening draws crowds

Alarming grand opening draws crowds
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
November 24, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

"Beep-beep-beep... Can I have your attention, please. An emergency has been reported in the building... Beep-beep-beep."
"It's like we're in our own reality TV show tonight," said Rick Galiardo, co-owner of Max's on Second Street in Harrisburg, about the emergency warning that echoed through his new restaurant for nearly 30 minutes during a grand opening private party last Sunday night.

About 15 minutes into Max's third seating of the evening (invitations offered tables at 4: 30, 5: 15 and 6 p.m.), the fire alarm went off in the building. No one in the restaurant budged, although the alarm verbally warned us: "An emergency has been reported in the building."

Beth O'Brien of Harrisburg, who attended the restaurant opening, joked, "You can tell there's free food and drink -- not one person has moved."

My dinner partner suggested it was a ruse. "They just ran out of salmon," he said. It was too funny when our waiter approached the table a few minutes later and told us that the kitchen had, in fact, run out of salmon.

Jokes and fire alarms aside, Max's grand opening was a success. Until this week, Max's had been operating on a limited basis, with just sample menus and a short wine list. At the kick-off party, Galiardo and partner Max Randazzo invited friends and family to taste-test the menu before the official opening last Monday.

Max's specializes in pizzas, but offers starters, entrees and desserts as well. We liked the Caesar salad, the veal entree and the Margherita pizza.

The restaurant is almost warehouselike in design, with high ceilings. Art is absent on the walls; instead old black and white Italian films are projected high on them. On Sunday, we viewed scenes from Mobster Classics Hits Volume 1.

Smoking is permitted at the bar only, keeping the rest of the restaurant smoke-free. Max's plans to carry a comprehensive wine list, plus the classic cocktails and beer. Keeping with its Italian theme, it even carries Peroni, an Italian lager.

Max's is open from 11 to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday. Pizza is available until midnight on the weekends and until 10 p.m. on weekdays. Happy hour is from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Just drums and keys

There was a lot of buzz last week about "The Duo," Benevento-Russo Duo, that is, and its performance at Appalachian Brewing Company last Thursday.

Marco Benevento and Joe Russo play the keys and drums respectively. They don't even feature vocals but use other effects to accentuate their unusual and beautiful sounds.

The Duo pulled a huge crowd at ABC's second floor Abbey Bar for a Thursday night.

While waiting for them to perform, I sampled ABC's November specialty brew -- the Grinnin' Grizzly (formerly known as the Hibernation Ale.) Reminiscent of pumpkin and spices, the amber ale is blended with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and fresh orange zest. It wasn't heavy or overbearing and is a great holiday beer.

Drink of the week

By now, hopefully most of you have recovered from last night's Thanksgiving Eve celebration. My family sips champagne all Turkey Day long, but here are two other festive cocktails to try. One is tart and the other is sweet, and they both go well with turkey, stuffing and the other Thanksgiving Day treats. The recipes are from www.cocktailtimes.com.

Gobble-tini

1 1/2 ounces Smirnoff Cranberry Twist 1/4 ounce Chambord 1/2 ounce cranberry juice

Blend the liquors and juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with three cranberries on stick.

Pumpkin Pie Cocktail 2 parts vanilla vodka 1 part pumpkin schnapps Splash of cream Sprinkle of nutmeg

Shake all the first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with nutmeg and cherry.Ask Sara

Dear Sara,

Where can a single 50-year-old male go to party in the Harrisburg area and meet other single females about the same age?

Thank you,

Bill of Linglestown

Dear Bill,

The area has a few night-life spots for adults. Scott's Grille (www.scottsgrille.com), Stock's on 2nd (www.stocksonsecond.com) and Maxine's, the second floor martini bar at Hadyn's on Pine (www.martiniczar.com) in downtown Harrisburg definitely attract a more mature crowd. On the weekends, they have live entertainment.

Outside city limits, there is Flinchy's in Lower Allen Twp., which draws crowds of all ages, and there's also Scott's second location, Scott's Grille Olde Towne Mediterranean, in New Cumberland. Also, you can try Gilligan's on Eisenhower Blvd. in Swatara Twp. or Duke's Bar & Grille in Derry Twp; they are laid-back spots and have interactive games like pool or darts.

Also check out the singles Web sites -- It's Just Lunch (www.itsjustlunch.com) or Speed Dating (www.pre-dating.com) -- for "singles only" events. Good luck!

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com

Haydn's, Maxine's offer calm, adult night spots Less-known wines star at special Pesce events

Haydn's, Maxine's offer calm, adult night spots Less-known wines star at special Pesce events
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
November 17, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

The highly anticipated Hadyn's on Pine opened recently, in the former Parev building on Pine Street in downtown Harrisburg.
It opened quietly, but the place is quite remarkable.

A bar was added to the second floor and named Maxine's, and this is where we spent the majority of our Saturday evening. The room is decorated with rich reds and golds. Bar tables, as well as a few couch settings, provide additional seating to the already spacious bar.

Maxine's will host live music and DJs Thursdays through Sundays and expects to become one of the premier night spots in the area. But this isn't a dance club or a meat market. Maxine's -- and Hadyn's -- is for grown-ups.

They're classy and cool. You won't hear dance music blaring from the sound system. And while certainly not age-discriminate, this is definitely a spot to come and have a pleasant, relaxing evening.

The focus here is on martinis, and for this, Maxine's acquired "The Martini Czar" (he goes by either "Czar" or "Andrew," take your pick), a man known for his skills with a cocktail shaker.

I had to try his signature Cosmopolitan, which the menu promises "is created slightly different than a typical Cosmo and served much more uniquely than you ever have experienced."

The recipe combines Citron-flavored vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, cranberry juice and a simple syrup blend. It's served in an orange sugar-rimmed martini glass.

The Czar, however, doesn't pour in the entire drink from the shaker. Instead, he gives just enough for a few sips and puts the rest into a small decanterlike container that then sits in a glass filled with ice to keep the rest of the drink cold. Pour as you sip. Dee-licious.

The "Martini Czar's" drink list is rather extensive. More than 100 recipes are divided into categories of dry, sweet, chocolate/vanilla and "other creations."

Maxine's Martini Lounge is open from 4: 30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday; Haydn's on Pine Restaurant and Bar is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner beginning at 11: 30 a.m.

Haydn's on Pine and Maxine's Martini Lounge: 215 Pine St., Harrisburg, 909-5161.

Italian wines complete dinner at Pesce

Lately, I've had the opportunity to become a bit of an unofficial wine and food taster. So I was thrilled when I heard about the wine dinner held at Pesce last Thursday.

Our host was Luca Mazzotti of West Park Imports. West Park Imports represents small Italian wineries -- those that are 50 acres or less in size -- so we were able to try a number of brands that aren't mass-produced or found in every liquor store.

The accompanying five-course dinner, prepared by Chef Matthew Black, was outstanding. The standouts from the menu included mozzarella en carrozza and roasted pepper bisque with a fresh sambuca cream. It was accompanied by a fresh mozzarella and sourdough sandwich finished with capers, perfect for dunking into the bisque. Rave reviews came around the table for this unusual twist on the comfort classic.

The main course, a slow-braised lamb shank osso bucco, was equally tasty. Our opening antipasto of fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, marinated olives and shaved prosciutto was a simple but delicious treat.

We tasted red and white wines and even a rose, Corteforte Rosato "Albarosa" 2004, which was one of our favorites. A cheap white zinfandel this was not. The other highlight was our dessert wine, a fizzy, not sparkling, red -- Ferro Brachetto Piemonte "Cabalestra" 2003 -- which was excellent.

The dinner was informal but educational, though we were told, "it is not a class; do not take notes." Instead, we just asked questions when we had them, and Luca kept us entertained with his wit, knowledge and his infusion of pop culture into the presentation. (He did at one point quote Billy Joel.)

For more information about West Park Imports, visit www.westparkwine.com. Pesce hosts wine dinners quarterly. Look for its next one some time in January.

Pesce Mediterranean Bistro: 955 Eisenhower Blvd., Swatara Twp., 939-1898.

Flinchy's celebrates anniversary

On Nov. 10, Flinchy's celebrated two years of food, drink and fun. This day also commemorates the 230th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, so Flinchy's did what it does best and threw an all-day party.

Over lunch, Marine-themed dishes were served while active-duty Marines and recruiters were on hand to cut a Marine Corps birthday cake. Food and drink specials lasted all day long -- we snacked on raw oysters and Anejo tequila (just one shot), care of Dawson Flinchbaugh.

Freddie Long and Jeffrey J. Walker, Flinchy's regular Saturday night deck entertainment, made a special trip and performed solo and collaboratively, and, in typical fashion, Matt "Flinchy" Flinchbaugh also joined them for some key songs on the microphone.

The bar and restaurant were both packed with regular patrons and newbies alike, and the party went on late into the night.

Congratulations to Flinchy's for two great years and many more to come.

Drink of the Week

Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School shares her German heritage with this hot spiced German wine.

Riess says, "One of the first signs of fall in Germany are the open air markets with stalls that serve hot spiced wine. For an American, it's a bit of a shock to see alcohol drunk on the street and sold openly!"

Gluhwein -- Hot spiced German Wine

1 bottle of cheap red wine (not super cheap, but cheap) 2 sticks cinnamon 6 whole cloves Rind of half a lemon Juice and rind of 1 orange 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar

In saucepot over medium-low heat, combine wine, spices, fruit and 2 tablespoons sugar. Heat for a half hour to an hour, but do not allow to boil. Longer heating brings out a warmer, more cinnamon flavor.

Remove spices and rind; reduce heat to low and cover if not all "Wein" is served. Add more sugar to taste, if needed.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Ceoltas is lovely but way too loud

Ceoltas is lovely but way too loud
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
November 10, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

Are there hordes of Irishmen perusing the streets of downtown Harrisburg, demanding additional places to imbibe?
We have countless Irish spots on either shore, and now three -- yes, three -- within a three-block radius in downtown Harrisburg.

Last weekend, Ceoltas Irish Pub opened at 310 N. Second St., between KoKoMo's and Mars.

Rumored to be called "Rock of Erin" or "Rock of Ireland" or "Irish Eyes" or something, Ceoltas presents us with a much less pronounceable title.

Let me try to phoneticize it for you: "Quole-tus" or "Keowl-tus." It's more like a "q" -- that's what they told me.

Its meaning represents a place where musicians gather and play together, like a jam session, but of traditional Irish music.

That said, the focus here is on music.

The pub will feature live musical acts in the front corner stage, both of Irish music and local and regional bands, likely on Friday and Saturday nights. On Sundays, it is seeking to book traditional Irish performances.

I popped in Sunday night to a team of rowdy Irishmen celebrating the opening. The music was cranked up high, and we had to shout to communicate with one another.

There is an "awesome sound system," said our server when we commented on the loudness of Coldplay (a band we all like, just not at that decibel level). But over the lunch hour, the atmosphere is appropriately calm and pleasant.

The pub -- and I should have mentioned this first -- is beautiful. It is obvious that a lot of time, planning and money went into the design and implementation of the building, which features two separate bar areas, a larger out front and a small, eight-seater in the back.

Cozy, upholstered benches and chairs of varied colors, fabrics and design make up the decor. Much of the furniture and fixtures have been imported from Ireland.

There are 11 beers on draft, including Irish classics like Guinness, Harp and Smithwicks (pronounced "Smiddicks"). The beer lines were imported from Ireland, and Ceoltas prides itself on the "perfect Guinness pour."

Ceoltas will host happy hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with varying specials. The pub is open every day for lunch and dinner.

Also, open last weekend: Hadyn's on Pine and Maxine's (formerly Parev). Look for my experiences in next week's column.

DRINK OF THE WEEK

Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School said, "Thought I'd break out a hot bev to keep us toasty in the coming winter months!":

Hot Cranapple Cider 1 gallon apple cider 1 cup cranberry juice 1/4 cup dark rum 3/4 cup light rum 1/4 cup Frangelico

Combine ingredients in a pot and heat on the stove until hot. DO NOT bring to a boil! Serve warm in your favorite mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

ASK SARA

Dear Sara,

I was wondering if there are any plans to develop the area surrounding Second Street, such as more of Third, and branch into other streets. It seems as though we focus all of our attention on Second Street.

Any plans to add shops, a movie theater, fast food joints, you know, to make the city even more inviting?

Sincerely,

Tony in Camp Hill

Dear Tony,

Great question. The overall goal is to turn much more of Harrisburg into a cultural, happening place. There are some starters in midtown, like the Midtown Cinema (www.filmspeak.com), the Broad Street Market and Ted L. Canaday Old & Rare Books.

Restaurateurs are beginning to find midtown as well, with the addition of Cedars Lebanese Restaurant and Papine's Jamaican Restaurant. By the end of the month, Jackie Blue, a modern American restaurant, will open up in the former spot of Double Jacks at 1313 N. Second St.

To stay up to date on midtown happenings or to get involved, log on to www.FriendsofMidtown.org.

Thanks!

Sara

Those who dare cross city limits know the Twang

Those who dare cross city limits know the Twang
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
November 3, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Last Saturday, I was invited to be a celebrity judge at a Halloween costume contest at Scott Donato's Tractor Twang, an all-age country line-dancing club in Newville.
Yes, you read that correctly.

It was quite a drive for this "city" girl, but when we finally happened upon the Twang, we were shocked to see, first, a packed parking lot, and second, a packed house. It's hard to explain without seeing it, but way out there was a mecca for country line dancing.

In fact, the first thing I commented on to Scott was that he must have these people under some kind of line-dancing trance.

Tractor Twang, which has been in operation for 10 years, hosts line-dancing lessons and parties on Saturday nights. The cover charge is $6, smoking is permitted outside only and alcohol is strictly prohibited on premise.

Their annual Halloween party hosted more than 340 people of all ages, nearly 200 of which came in costume. It was difficult to maneuver through the dance floor, which was full of bodies stomping and moving in unison around the room. We felt a bit out of place not knowing any of the steps.

However, if you can't make the early dance lesson (sadly, we couldn't) at Tractor Twang from 7: 15 to 8 p.m., you can purchase an instructional video online at TractorTwang.com to practice before the dance party, held from 8 to 11: 30 p.m.

While country music was certainly most prevalent at the Twang, I was surprised at how many pop or rock songs had line dances that accompanied them. Because it was Halloween, we heard songs like the Ghostbusters theme song by Ray Parker Jr. and "The Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett.

When it was time for the costume contest, the judges were seated on the end of the dance floor and introduced. Then those who registered to participate in the contest paraded in front of us to Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

We had several categories to choose winners for, including funniest, most original, best couple, scariest and best overall.

Costumes ranged from the normal (there were a lot of cheerleader outfits) to the inflated sumo wrestler who won funniest for her enthusiastic antics.

Top prize went to two boys dressed as "twins" in drag. With blond wigs, miniskirts and balloons under their shirts, they made a point to woo our male judge by proposing in unison.

Prizes ranged from DVDs and CDs to cash and T-shirts. The "twins" won the grand prize, which included three Tractor Twang T-shirts of their choice, six free passes for future admission to the Twang and an assortment of CDs and DVDs.

Halloween or not, Tractor Twang is a sight to be seen. I think it's safe to say it's the hottest thing in Newville, and area high school and college students regularly travel the distance for safe, alcohol-free fun.

For directions and more information on Tractor Twang, as well as a look at photos and "Scott TV" from last weekend's party, go to www.tractortwang.com. Scott Donato's Tractor Twang is at the Newville Fairgrounds, Route 533, Newville.

DRINK OF THE WEEK

If you're still in the Halloween spirit -- heck, let's face it, pumpkin is in season through Thanksgiving -- give this spicy cocktail a try. Recipe from CocktailTimes.com:

Smashing Pumpkin

1 oz. vodka Orange juice Splash of champagne Orange slice

In a tall glass, add vodka and orange juice. Top off with champagne and garnish with an orange slice. The Smashing Pumpkin can be served straight up or over ice.

ASK SARA

Hi Sara.

I'm looking for a little info on the regional bar scene. I'm so out of it. A group of us want to hit a good karaoke night, but I'm not sure what places are doing it on what nights anymore. And it doesn't have to be downtown, either.

If you know of any area bars doing good karaoke nights, especially on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, drop me a line. I'd really appreciate it. It's hard getting these people out for some fun, so I have to take the lead here.

Thanks,

John from Harrisburg

Dear John,

Karaoke is always a blast, even for those of us who can't sing too well. Below is a brief on where to find some karaoke locally:

Wednesday: Moe's (Mechanicsburg) Nick's 114 (New Cumberland)

Stallions (Harrisburg) Marysville Tavern (Marysville)

Thursday: Strawberries (Harrisburg) Angelina's (Wormleysburg)

Saturday/Sunday: Mr. G's (Harrisburg)

Hope this helps!

Ball back in place, but not in spirit

Ball back in place, but not in spirit
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
October 27, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 4

For those of you living under a rock for the past 10 years, the Strawberry Ball is one of two annual events produced by BackYard Benefits Inc., which has successfully put together some of Harrisburg's most popular parties. (Its other claim to fame is the summertime BackYard Bash).
Two years ago, and every year before that, the Strawberry Ball was held at its namesake, Strawberry Square. But in 2003, we the people trashed the place. We did not destroy property, but we did smoke cigarettes in the food court, and because the group didn't have enough cleanup volunteers among other issues, Harristown Development Corp., which owns Strawberry Square, declined to participate again.

Last year's ball consequently was held at the Zembo Auditorium, nowhere near the downtown strip, and the event suffered for that. This year, after much discussion, the event was moved back to Strawberry Square. However, the restriction was a big one -- only 1,200 tickets would be sold.

When we arrived, we were shocked by the scarcity of people. In years past, the second level had been one mass crowd. This year, it was mostly empty. Folks were lined up by the bar and in some of the reserved seating areas, but it wasn't what it used to be. The food court was practically empty. Restaurants didn't seem too thrilled by it, and a couple of people talked about wanting to leave.

Then there were the costumes. There were a few good ones, but there was nothing like what we've seen at previous balls.

The Impact Band, known for its 10-piece funk/disco covers, rocked the place. Just when we thought we were ready to head elsewhere, it started playing feel-good tunes like Kool & the Gang's "Get Down On It" to Beyonce's "Crazy in Love," and the music had us dancing the night away in our 4-inch heels.

Sunday at ABC

After seeing a post about it on HarrisburgNightlife.com, I checked out the Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Company Sunday. Through November, DJ Ill Cosby will host his "Sunday Services," from 9 p.m. to midnight, which he describes as "a super eclectic DJ set that hovers somewhere between '70s rock, new wave and soul."

It is a good description.

We heard an odd variety of songs from The Clash to James Brown to Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put a Spell on You." My only criticism: Save "Stairway to Heaven" for never.

If you go, you need to take the side stairwell on the left side of the building because ABC's main doors are locked. This was the first time I got to check out the changes made to the second floor. I loved the vibe, and while the place was not full, all of the pool tables were occupied as well as most of the bar.

Besides ABC's signature brews, the Abbey Bar has an extensive list of Belgian beers, including a variety of Lambics. I had my favorite, Lindeman's Peach -- pricey but delicious.

Lambic is a Belgian style of brewing that uses wild yeasts in the fermenting process, unlike the conventional means that use carefully cultivated yeast strains. The most popular style of Lambic involves the addition of fruit, like the peach-flavored brew I ordered. The raspberry, is probably the most popular; ABC also offers the cherry flavor.

Drink of the week

Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School, who is from Boston, attended her first Strawberry Ball this year and came up with the Strawberry Ball Bellini. "I drank these all night. Dee-lish," Riess said.

Strawberry Ball Bellini 1-ounce peach schnapps Orange juice Champagne

Place two or three ice cubes in a red wine glass. Add the peach schnapps. Fill the rest of the glass with champagne, a splash of orange juice and squeeze in wedge of lemon.

Ask Sara

Dear Sara:

I've been searching for places to go to Sunday through Thursday nights but have not found anything.

When I've lived in medium to small cities there were usually places that were popular on each night. For example, one bar will offer $2 drinks on Monday nights and so everyone will go to that bar making it busy and leaving the other bars mostly empty.

Does this happen in the Harrisburg area, and if so, where are these places and on which nights are they busy? I'm thinking that none of them is on Second Street because I find everything dead around there during the week.

Brian McCarthy

Dear Brian:

Unfortunately, there are some things that seem to regularly hamper night life in central Pennsylvania -- weather and day of the week.

Now that it's getting colder, there are just going to be fewer bodies downtown. But here are some happenings:

* Sunday -- Angelina's (449 S. Front St., Wormleysburg) pulls the biggest crowd Sunday nights. Now that liquor laws allow Sunday sales, places without food like the Hardware Bar (236 N. Second St., Harrisburg) also are open. It hosts the band, Wiskerbiskit. And there is ABC's "Sunday Services."

* Monday -- Garrason's (400 Forster St., Harrisburg) was once a big bar industry hangout on Mondays, but that crowd varies. Regardless, there's always a gathering for Monday Night Football.

* Tuesday -- Red Crown Bowling (2471 Sycamore St., Swatara Twp.) -- no kidding. Cheap drinks, affordable bowling. After bowling, folks head downtown to Cragin's Brick Haus (229 N. Second St.) or across the river to Flinchy's.

* Wednesday -- McGrath's (202 Locust St., Harrisburg) has a great variety of draft beer and friendly service. Can't beat it.

* Thursday -- The rock 'n' rollers dig Cranked Up Thursdays at Dragonfly/District (234 N. Second St.). It has a cheap cover charge, beer specials and a range of rock, usually of the punk or harder rock variety. Once the bands finish up, the crowd unloads over to the Brick Haus without fail.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

If you get in, Maennerchor offers fun night

If you get in, Maennerchor offers fun night
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
October 20, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Last Friday, I grabbed a group of friends and headed to the Maennerchor, a hidden gem on North Street in Harrisburg. The Maennerchor is a private club, founded as a men's club, but we were signed in as guests to take in its new Friday night entertainment and cheap drinks.
The Maennerchor's home is an old church, and a former choir room on the second floor has been converted to a live entertainment hot spot. A bar was added recently in the club, and the face-lift continues as soundproofing will be added to the windows in coming weeks.

When we got there, we felt almost like we were crashing a wedding, as folks were lined up at long tables. Things warmed up quickly when the Miller-Cusick Duo started its set. We grabbed super-cheap draft beers (seriously, $1.25 on a Friday night, all night) and a table. Within a half-hour, nearly everyone was dancing to the band's cover songs ranging from '50s rock to today's pop hits.

Maennerchor has booked live music for Fridays almost through the end of the year. Tomorrow, catch Voxology, or swing by on Oct. 28 for the Halloween party with Jam Masters. Then, catch Eli on Nov. 4 and Jeff Snedecker on Nov. 11.Report from NYC

There have been a few attempts to inject the big-city flavor, culture and feel of New York into Harrisburg. The original renditions of NOMA, Mars and even Red Door have been likened to NYC wine bars.

Last week, the Susquehanna Art Museum brought a slice of the Big Apple with its opening of "Report from NYC." The event, which will run through the end of the year, features the work of nine young New York City artists. Local artists Mark Billy and Andrew Hurst are curators for the exhibit, which also features their works.

Billy, whose abstract pieces graced the walls of the original NOMA and Mars, uses unusual shapes and bold colors; he refuses to be limited by a rectangular canvas.

Hurst also does not succumb to conventional boundaries. He uses a variety of media for most of his pieces, taking otherwise useless junk and weaving it into his art.

One of the most interesting pieces in the exhibit is by John Hawke. He assembled a wooden shelter with openings for windows, two entrance/exits and two benches inside, covered it in orange snow fence and sat the contraption on a New York City street. Hawke videotaped and shot photographs of the enclosure and how people reacted to it for weeks.

Most popularly, it seemed to serve as a rain shelter and a bus stop. You can sit inside and see how it was transformed by graffiti and garbage. You also can watch the clips of the videotape documenting people's reactions to the piece of art.

The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 4-9 p.m. Thursday; noon-5 p.m. Saturday; and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free on Thursdays and $2 for adults over ages 18 on the other days. The museum will moderate a panel discussion with Billy and Hurst on Nov. 17 at 6: 30 p.m. and will host a lecture by art historian and educator Selby Doughty on "Report from NYC" on Dec. 8 at 6: 30 p.m. For more information, visit www.sqart.org.

Drink of the week

Fruity Pebbletini, reminiscent of the Flintstones namesake cereal, is brought to you by Capitol Bartending School student Lisa Blaine. Instructor Nadine Riess says she tweaked the recipe only where needed.

Fruity Pebbletini 3/4 ounce raspberry flavored vodka 3/4 ounce orange flavored vodka 1/2 ounce peach schnapps 1/2 ounce blueberry schnapps 1/2 ounce cream

Shake ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a prechilled martini glass.

Yaba-daba-doo.

Ask Sara

Dear Sara,

In the Harrisburg area, where can I get oysters on the half shell and drink good beer? I can't find an establishment like the Oyster House on Sansom Street in Philadelphia anywhere in the area. Surely there has to be a place in the south-central Pennsylvania area.

Thank you,

In search of the pearl

Dear Pearl,

Oysters are hard to find around here, but here are a couple spots to try:

* Cantone's Southern Italian Restaurant (4701 Fritchey St., Lower Paxton Twp., 652-9976) offers oysters on the half shell as an appetizer.

* The Tavern Steakhouse at Felicita Garden Resort (2201 Fishing Creek Valley Road, Middle Paxton Twp., 599-5301) has Oysters Rockefeller on its menu.

* Gibraltar (931 Harrisburg Pike, across from Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster) has a full raw bar including oysters, plus a small oyster menu including Hama Hama, Raspberry Point and Chesapeake Oysters.

* Sasha's Hideaway (6791 Linglestown Road, Lower Paxton Twp., 651-9493) offers oysters mignonette on its tapas menu, which features five plump oysters served ice cold on the half shell with red zinfandel, shallot and crushed red pepper sauce.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

NOMA Remixed adds unique touch

NOMA Remixed adds unique touch
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
October 13, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 4

Last Friday, NOMA Remixed opened to a slow and drenched crowd. The downpours kept folks at home, it seemed, as downtown was slow for a Friday night. However, our time wasn't dampened when we strolled into the marble-based building.
It was much darker and more red-hued than I expected, so it took a moment for my eyes to adjust. However, once I did, I found it to be the perfect balance between NOMA, which was sometimes too bright and pristine, and Mars, which is often too dark.

A limousine tint has been added to the large windows, and a single red sheer curtain hangs over each one. Skinny lights dangle like tentacles from the ceiling, and tall candles bring dimension to the room. The new bar top is marble and, while mostly off-white, has hints of red, tying the new theme down into the details. The ceilings are repainted in red, and a granite dance floor -- a small pedestal in the back corner -- has been added in place of the once crowded couches.

The front VIP section has been further enclosed, and low-back black leather couches, ottomans and recliners fill the space.

While the music on Friday was largely '80s and '90s dance songs (Madonna's "Like a Prayer" and Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby"), the format wasn't entirely on key for opening night. Expect more obscure '80s and '90s tunes "remixed" with a dance beat.

There is a $5 cover. However, if you are a NOMA VIP, which anyone can be just by signing up, cover is free for you and your guests. As a NOMA Remixed VIP, you can also enroll in the martini club, where you can earn goodies when you try any of NOMA's 101 martinis.

The Martini menu focuses on classics (basic gin martini to the Cosmopolitan), Red Bull-tinis (contain, duh, Red Bull), Dessert-tinis (sweet and creamy concoctions) and 60 "remixes."

Plus, try the signature "Remix" drink -- your choice of premium vodka garnished with multicolored and multiflavored cherries.

Downstairs, you can try AWOL (Alcohol without Liquid), a controversial liquor that first gained popularity in Europe. With AWOL, you buy a shot, put it into the vaporizer, which mixes it with oxygen, and then you inhale the liquor rather than drink it. It is supposed to create a light, pleasant buzz.

NOMA is open from 4: 30 p.m. to closing Tuesday through Friday and 7: 30 p.m. to closing Saturday.

For a free NOMA Remixed VIP card, log on to www.downtownafterdark.com, and click on "Harrisburg" and then "Noma Remixed."

When chefs battle

Every month at Gullifty's in Lower Allen Twp., four experienced chefs test one another's skills, knowledge and creativity in the culinary encounter -- "Chef Wars."

It is based on "Iron Chef" and "Iron Chef America," which air on Food Network" where the Iron Chef and a competitor wage war against each other. There are secret ingredients involved and the title is the only prize.

"Chef Wars" is handled a little differently, and each month a different theme and food is used. Admission is $7. Last Sunday, it was "Battle Pumpkin," where all items contained pumpkin in some sort. Menus and some preparation were done ahead of time.

The battle pitted chef D.W. Davare, founder of "Chef Wars," along with his partner chef Tim Thompson (partner in "Chef Wars"), against Rachel Neptune of Elephant & Castle Pub & Restaurant, along with Mike Rittel of Gullifty's.

Last month, Neptune crushed Davare in "Battle Tomato," and Davare was looking for revenge.

The teams were given an hour in the kitchen to prepare their multicourse meals. A closed-circuit camera allowed those of us in the G Bar to watch the proceedings. As they finished each item, the chefs brought them out to the dining room.

At the close of an hour, the chefs presented their masterpieces to three judges, describing and explaining each dish. While the judges ate, our mouths watered, waiting to try the unusual pumpkin-infused foods.

Neptune's team prepared a pumpkin soft pretzel, which was coated with crushed, salted pumpkin seeds and served with pumpkin mustard. It also made a harvest hen, a roasted Cornish game hen filled with pumpkin stuffing and served with gravy.

Davare's team gave the pumpkin a southwestern flair creating pumpkin tamales with spiced cinnamon butter and pumpkin and strip steak burrito. The team also took a twist on some classic favorites such as PB&J and grilled cheese. The PB&J used baked flatbread, crunchy pumpkin seed butter and ginger preserves, while the grilled cheese substituted pumpkin and sweet potato puree and manchego (a Spanish sheep cheese) for the usual American or Cheddar cheese.

As the judges tallied their results, the chefs sorted the leftovers into to-go containers for the rest of us to sample. I nabbed a slice of Davare's pumpkin pizza (pumpkin chunks, sour cream, chives, Cheddar and smoked gouda), which was delicious.

If you are interested in being a challenger in "Chef Wars", or would like to judge a competition, contact Christopher Passamonte, director of marketing for "Chef Wars" at chefwars@yahoo.com, or call 230-7426.Ask Sara Dear Sara,

In the Harrisburg area, where can I get oysters on the half shell and drink good beer? I can't find an establishment anywhere such as the Oyster House on Sansom Street in Philadelphia. Surely there has to be a place in the south-central Pennsylvania area.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Bands make a day to help ailing woman

Bands make a day to help ailing woman
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
October 6, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

The hot buzz last week was the Rolling Stones concert. It's all anyone talked about, and it seemed everyone was going.
There also was another concert that did not generate as much talk but was held for an excellent cause.

The family-friendly benefit concert was held last Sunday at Dorado in East Pennsboro Twp.

Volunteers, friends and family gathered together for the Save a Life Benefit Concert for Katelyn Dodge, 18, who is in need of her second liver transplant.

Dorado's parking lot was the scene for games, a dunk tank, face painting and food. Local bands such as Joan of Arkansas, UUU, Green Eggs, Echoburn, The Luv Gods, Emily's ToyBox, Dingleberry Shortcake and Love Stomp performed from noon to 9 p.m.

Inside, the over-21 crowd could cool off in the air conditioning and sit in short distance of the cash bar. The Wing Co. provided wings and wristbands and T-shirts were sold. All proceeds, including the $12-$15 cover charge, benefited the Katelyn Dodge Liver Fund.

For more information about Dodge, visit her Web site, www.katelyndodgeliverfund.org.

Red, white and more

A colleague and I hit the upscale Red Door for happy hour last week. Known best as a wine bar, Red Door offers plenty of treats beyond your reds and whites. During happy hour, signature drinks such as specialty martinis and cocktails -- all with a special spin -- are available for a bargain at $5.

I had the Red Door bellini, a twist on the traditional. Here, Zygo peach vodka takes the place of the peach schnapps and vodka used in the original recipe. This is blended with champagne and orange juice for a peppy twist on a mimosa and served in a martini glass.

Zygo peach vodka is smooth enough to drink on its own and isn't overly sweet like a schnapps can be. It is an "energy vodka," the first premium spirit to be distilled with energy drink ingredients such as taurine, d-ribose, guarana and yerba mate.

Drink pink, think X-rated

Another unusual drink in the area is the colorful X-rated Fusion liqueur. Sold at Dorado, it's a blend of premium French vodka tangled with blood orange, mango and passion fruit. It's pretty and pink and delicious. Have it on the rocks, but move slowly -- it's easy to forget this is straight liquor.

So far, it has been a hit with such celebs as "Desperate Housewives" star Terri Hatcher and Black-Eyed Peas vocalist Fergie.

Drink of the week

Bombs over Baghdad is an original concoction by Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School. Riess says McGrath's Pub's bar manager Adam Sturgis makes these with the best fire show.

Bombs over Baghdad In a shot glass layer in order: Grenadine Blue Curacao Bacardi 151 Red Bull

In a shot glass, layer the above spirits with Grenadine at the bottom, then Blue Curacao and top it with Bacardi 151. Light the shot carefully with a long match. Use tongs to drop the flaming glass into a pint glass filled halfway with Red Bull.

The drink truly bombs away.Ask Sara

Dear Sara,

I would like your opinion on diners. My husband and I frequently eat out for breakfast and have been underwhelmed with the diners we visited in and around Harrisburg. Help!

Jacqueline of Harrisburg

Dear Jacqueline,

Diners are just what hits the spot, especially when you're craving eggs-over-easy with sausage and hash browns.

The area has a few diners worth checking out. I've been a longtime fan of the Summerdale Diner in Enola, for it is amply staffed and has a full menu even at 3 a.m. I know folks crowd over to the Colonial Park Diner on the East Shore for its cheap $1.49 breakfast at any hour of the day or night.

In Mechanicsburg, I like Poor Richards in the Windsor Shopping Center for its homecooked food and friendly service. In downtown Harrisburg, try Roxy's on North and Third streets. Go early, for it is open only until 3 p.m.

Also, the Capitol Diner on Eisenhower Blvd. in Swatara Twp. has gotten good reviews, although I haven't made it there myself.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Cornerstone chef gets taste of teaching

Cornerstone chef gets taste of teaching
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
September 29, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Have you ever wanted to learn how to cook but didn't want to work very hard at it? Or maybe you're interested in making your dining experience a more educational affair? Or if you are merely interested in doing something different, check out the cooking classes at Cornerstone Coffeehouse's Culinary Kitchen in Camp Hill.
With a beautiful full kitchen in the back room (ask owner Sue Pera for a peek next time you're in for your morning coffee), Chef Chuck LaPorta shares his expertise in a variety of classes each month.

In October, LaPorta will hold classes on pork -- "What To Do with the Other White Meat" (6-9 p.m., Oct. 11) -- and Latin flavors -- "Cuisine of Latin Countries" (6-9 p.m., Oct. 18). The classes are BYOB and cost $50 per person. Reservations are required.

Private parties also are available. Pera invited me and a guest to attend a party of a financial planner who hosts the dinners for his clients each month.

Here, LaPorta created crab bisque, Italian-stuffed mushrooms, Chilean sea bass with lemon caper sauce, glazed vegetables, smashed root vegetables and cannoli mousse. The food was amazing and different. The smashed root vegetables, for instance, was a combination of four different potatoes and parsnips mashed together by hand. The cannoli mousse began as a recipe for Tuscan vanilla mousse, but LaPorta likes to be frugal and had leftover ricotta cheese, which he added to the recipe.

Throughout the lesson, La-Porta taught us little tricks and tips of the trade, from when it's OK to substitute heavy cream (and when it's not -- as in his crab bisque) and how to do a balsamic reduction (which he used to pour over the glazed vegetables) so that it tastes like the fancy $400 stuff you see in gourmet shops.

For more information, contact the Cornerstone Culinary Kitchen at 909-6854 or visit www.thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com.

Martiniville

An impromptu martini tasting at Scott's Grille Olde Mediterranean in New Cumberland last week had it all.

Bartender Patrick Duck put together a list of potential drinks for Scott's fall/winter menu, and a small group of us, including owner Edward Tubbs, picked the winners and losers.

Some of the keepers include Martini Diablo, a twist on the classic "dirty" martini. But here instead of olive juice, jalapeno juice is combined with vodka. You don't have to be the Evel Knievel of hot and spicy foods to dig this one either. I like it hot, but even Tubbs, who likes his drinks on the softer side, agreed that this is one to try. It's smooth to sip, and the heat sort of hits the back of your throat afterward.

Also be sure to try the Peppermint Patty (tastes just like it) or the Nutty Duck (a combo of hazelnut and vanilla). If you are looking for some trouble, ask for a combination of the two.

The drinks also are available at the Scott's Grille downtown location.

Drink of the week

OK, let's face it. Anheuser-Busch's first attempt at an "energy drink plus alcohol," B to-the E, tanked. It didn't taste good; the packaging was confusing for it looked like a beer. However, A-B is giving energy drinks another shot with Tilt, which is labeled as a "premium malt beverage with caffeine, guarana and gingseng."

It comes in a big, 16-ounce silver can and holds a bold, berry flavor. It's pretty tasty. It didn't perk me up much, but I'm fairly immune even to Red Bull at this point. A-B recommends Tilt as an after-work drink and a cocktail with a boost to perk you up after a long day. I see it as a perfect drink to jumpstart your night before you hit the clubs in the late hours on Friday or Saturday.

Tilt was released last week by local beer distributors like Glenn Miller's and Beverage Express for about $30 a case. So far, single cans are not being sold in local taverns, but once they are, this should go for about $3.50 a can.

For more information on Tilt, log on to www.anheuser-busch.com.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

ABC keeps brews, bratwurst coming

ABC keeps brews, bratwurst coming
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
September 22, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

You'd think I'd be beered out by this point with microbrew festivals and beer-tasting dinners all summer long. But I couldn't help but sign up for the eighth annual Capital City Invitational Beer Festival at Appalachian Brewing Company last Saturday. And boy, am I glad I did.
More than 20 regional microbreweries -- from Market Cross in Carlisle to Brewery Ommegang of Cooperstown, N.Y. -- set up booths in the first and second floors of the spacious brew pub. Three sessions were available for the event from noon to 3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. and 8-11 p.m.

Each session featured beer, of course, plus entertainment and a German-style buffet. Live music on both floors fed the atmosphere. During session two, Janet O'Such sounded off polka on the first floor, while Blue Method shook things up with its jam melodies on the second floor.

My father was my date. Most of the patrons at the festival were older men.

While my father stuck near ABC's Mountain Lager, I dashed around tasting stout from Red Star Brewery (Greensburg) and Pumpkin Ale from Dogfish Head (Milton, Del.).

We both enjoyed Troegs Brewing Company's Dreamweaver Wheat, a single-batch brew that Troegs tapped for its brew festival in June. The beer has gained in popularity, and the company will be bottling it in the next few weeks.

We had to battle through the crowds to sample the beer varieties, but fortunately we did not have to do it for the food; the line moved quickly, and we were eating in no time. The German-style buffet was incredible with the huge pull-pork barbecue sandwiches, chicken breasts and Bratwurst with sauerkraut, plus sides of baked beans, German potato salad and coleslaw. There was no skimping here, and it was perfect beer food.

A new eats downtown

Palumbo's Italian Eatery opened recently next door to The Spot at 104 N. Second St. in downtown Harrisburg. The pizza shop takes the place of the short-lived Becker's Fish & Chips.

Palumbo's has a reputation for its gourmet pizzas and Italian food. The extensive menu covers such classics as strombolis and hoagies, as well as fried appetizers and salads. Palumbo's is best known for its "Grandma's Pizza" -- a square thin-crust pizza with fresh tomatoes, spices and cheese. Even a regular slice is tops here -- neither too greasy nor over or undercooked.

The eatery is clean and attractive. Booths line the walls on both sides of the restaurant. The full menu is available for eat-in or take-out, and Palumbo's is open late on the weekends to feed the bar crowd.

INFOBOX:

Drink of the Week

Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School isn't ready to let go of warm weather just yet. Try this creamy treat for an instant flashback to summer vacation and carnival nights. Banana Split

1/2 ounce banana liqueur 1/2 ounce Amaretto 1/2 ounce Creme de Cacao 1/2 ounce Frangelico Pineapple juice Milk

In a pint glass with ice, combine the ingredients. Fill the rest of the way with milk and a tiny splash of pineapple juice. Cover the glass with the body of a cocktail shaker and shake it well.

IF YOU GO

* Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg. 221-1080.

* Palumbo's, 104 N. Second St., Harrisburg. 233-7700.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Party raises cash for Katrina victims

Party raises cash for Katrina victims
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
September 15, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Last week, Harrisburg Young Professionals and the Downtown Improvement District, along with Molly Brannigans and The Pep Grill, teamed with the Red Cross for an outdoor block party to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Two bands, Wetstone and 2U, a U2-tribute band, performed on Walnut Street between Second and Court streets.

Although the event kicked off slow, by 8 p.m. the block filled up with people. HYP and DID members helped the Red Cross to collect donations, offering, of all things, Mardi Gras beads as a token of thanks.

The Red Cross had not yet finished counting the collection when I submitted this column, but the benefit raised more than $1,000 for Hurricane Katrina victims.

Barhopping in Lancaster

After many recommendations from my Lancaster friends, I traveled down there specifically to go to the 915 Cafe.

The 915 Cafe is a cozy, friendly little bar. It was like sitting in someone's living room -- in a good way. You could tell nearly everyone knew everyone else. We managed to score a table for our large party and went to town ordering food. Wednesday is wing night at 915. This means cheap, cheap wings -- only 15 cents apiece for any quantity. We also tried a plate of wonderful french fries smothered in cheese and bacon with ranch dressing for dipping. The bar food was simply tops.

We hung out, drinking beer and watching Katrina coverage while the jukebox spit out tunes.

Later in the evening, we gathered the remainders of the group and headed to The Brickyard, a new high-end sports bar that opened a few months ago. Situated right down from the Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the Lancaster Barnstormers, The Brickyard's look is certainly upscale for a sports bar. High ceilings, hardwood floors and a curved wooden bar give it a clean design. Dance music plays from speakers, while sports -- in this case, baseball -- play on every television set, including a wall-size projection. When you stand near this, it feels like you're literally at the game.

The Brickyard also is interactive. They have a pool table, darts, two Megatouch games, Golden Tee 2005, PGA Tour, Big Buck Hunter and Madden NFL.

Also, at each table there are small plasma screens to watch sports, or you can get PlayStation controllers and battle against your friends in video games.

The beer selection is something to rave about as well. A large refrigerator behind the bar is home to an array of different brews, from popular domestic brands to such imports as Boddingtons. Even drafts move beyond the norm, with Newcastle Brown Ale and Beamish Irish Stout.

The crowd wasn't much for a Wednesday night, but apparently there is a stronger showing on Thursdays and the weekends. A second bar, closed on the slow night I was there, is entirely nonsmoking, providing an option for those who want the bar scene without the smoke.

My miscues

I had two mistakes in my last column. It must have been a blower of a week -- my apologies.

First, in last week's column, I incorrectly named the People's Choice winner at the Kipona festival's chili cookoff. The winner was Pete's Cafe of New Cumberland. Flinchy's won for Best Restaurant Chili, as voted by the judges, and took the second place for People's Choice.

Second, I neglected to mention where the "Rent This" Gallery, which recently opened in Harrisburg, is situated. "Rent This" Gallery is at 1417 N. Third St. This weekend, the gallery will display works from a group of painters known as Seven Lively Artists who painted various scenes of the city during last Sunday's Gallery Walk.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Cramped Chili Cook-off draws crowds

Cramped Chili Cook-off draws crowds
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
September 8, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Judging this year's chili cookoff at the Kipona festival was definitely one of the highlights for me last week. As one of the judges, I got the best seat in the house (the hospitality tent), plus free beer, water and soda -- not to mention all the chili and salsa.
The cookoff, usually held on City Island, took place at Riverfront Park at State Street because of construction on the island.

I had questioned the logistics of it, and as I walked down to the venue to judge the event before the crowds arrived, it seemed plausible. However, an hour later, chili tasters clogged the streets and maneuvering through was near impossible. The lines for chili (a quarter for a tasting cup at each booth) sprawled down to adjacent booths.

I can't wait for this event to move back to the island where it belongs.

This year, I signed up to judge booths/showmanship and salsa; in the past, I've judged traditional chili and chili verde.

There weren't as many wild decorations on the booths this year, which could have been because of the space crunch, and only a few performers entertained. JZ's Chili sang songs about its love for chili while selling such tchotchkes as T-shirts, chili beads and tattoos. Kamikaze Chili decorated its booth with a Japanese theme with cooks dressed like Sumo wrestlers.

Judging the food was interesting. For salsa, we had the choice between traditional (a tomato-based salsa like the ones in the supermarket) and exotic (anything else, usually fruit). I opted for exotic, because I've always loved fruit salsa.

Nine exotic salsas were entered into the competition. As judges, we walked around the table and tried each one, making comments on our clipboards as we went along. White grapes and saltine crackers were available to cleanse our palettes, and tortilla chips were on hand to accompany the salsa. In the end, we listed our top three picks, and then the winners were tabulated.

Out of the nine salsas we tasted, only about three of them were really any good, or so was the consensus when I chatted with other salsa judges afterward. One was much too hot, while others combined flavors that just didn't seem to jive together. Another turnoff was poor consistency -- like fruits that weren't of a bitable size or salsa that was too runny.

I sampled only a few chilies during the day, but my favorite was Flinchy's, which won the People's Choice award for restaurants.

The cookoff was hosted by the Keystone Aquatic Club "River Rats." It was its biggest party of the year with festivities beginning as early as Friday night. After the cookoff, the crew headed down the Susquehanna River in a fleet of pontoon boats.

A floating dock was tied up to the pontoon boats and loaded with a generator and sound equipment. Freddie Long, an acoustic guitar player and vocalist, performed a full concert on the river.

For boys and girls

Also last Saturday, my girlfriends and I stopped by a new gallery in midtown Harrisburg for a sneak preview of "Something for the Boys."

Rent This Gallery, a building available for rent, will showcase works of local artists. It provides an opportunity not only for the art community, but also an incentive for potential renters to view the building.

"Something for the Boys" is a collection of pieces about male nudes. Rent This will host the exhibit from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

It's back to Angelina's

In a response to customers' request, Cronies Hang Out is going back to its original name, Angelina's. So there will be no more confusion or mashing of names like Angi-Croni-Lina's. Fans of the sports bar and deck will be happy to come back to the name they've known for years.

Angelina's will otherwise remain the same -- same owners, same staff and same deck. Be on the lookout for more specials and a change in hours. The place will no longer be open for lunch Monday through Wednesday. For more details, www.angelinas.net.

INFOBOX:

Drink of the week

Nadine Riess' raspberry ice tea does not come in a sachet.

Raspberry Ice Tea

1 ounce Crown Royal 1/2 ounce Cointreau (or Triple Sec) 1/2 ounce Chambord

In a pint glass with ice, combine the above ingredients. Fill the rest of the glass with cranberry juice. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Happy sipping.

Here's a toast to treasured, old favorites

Here's a toast to treasured, old favorites
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
September 1, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

Last week, I caught up on some of my old favorites to which I have not paid much attention recently. Garrason's Tavern on Forster Street in Harrisburg ranks way up there. Sadly, I've yet to visit its rooftop deck, but perhaps because its bar is always so inviting.
With baskets of snack mix, cheap $5 Miller Lite pitchers (the kind with the ice reserve compartment in the middle to keep the beer cool) and the classic jukebox, Garrason's is a happy-hour favorite. It's the kind of place where if you walk in and don't know anyone else at the bar, you will by the time you leave.

Don't forget to try those Moscow Mules, either. Vodka, ginger beer and lime served over ice in a copper mug (gotta cough up the driver's license as collateral for those babies) is a Garrason's classic.

I also checked out Cragin's Brick Haus for my pony-size Miller Lite bottles, called "Sara Size" just for me.

The Brick Haus is PBR-crazy these days. That's Pabst Blue Ribbon, the cheap brew that's been around forever (since 1844 to be exact) and became popular with New York City's hipsters a couple of summers ago. It has finally hit central Pennsylvania as "cool."

Another trend (complete with fake tattoos) is Captain Morgan's latest concoction, Tattoo. I don't like it. But don't listen to me, I don't drink Jagermeister either, and that is just what this new dark rum is modeled after. It's less anise and more blackberry. Try it as a straight shot, or substitute it for Jager in other drinks such as a Jager Bomb.

So long summer

Welcome to September. Lucky us -- a long weekend is on the horizon to close out summer. This weekend is Kipona, the final and best of three riverfront festivals held in Harrisburg.

In a search for the origins of Kipona, I found several possible definitions, including "still waters," "sparkling waters" and "kiss summer goodbye." It is our area's largest and oldest celebration, and the street fair features food vendors, games for kids, live music, arts and crafts, the March of Dimes Rubber Duck Regatta, canoe races and, my favorite, the Pennsylvania State Chili Cookoff.

The cook-off, which used to be held on City Island, has been relocated to Front Street near State Street this year. For the third year, I'll be a judge for the competition. In the past, I've judged regular red chili and the chili verde. This year, I'm going for the salsa competition. I'll give my report next week.

Drink of the Week

Vampire Bite is a creation by one of Nadine Riess' students at Capitol Bartending School. Scott Schaffer, 29, of York, graduated from the class last Friday.

Riess tried the 'tini and said, "It's got a little kick to it."

Vampire Bite 1 ounce Chambord 1 ounce vodka 1/4 ounce tequila

3/4 ounce cranberry juice

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine all the ingredients.

Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Club tales Fridays south of the border

Club tales Fridays south of the border
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
August 25, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

I didn't even know the area had a "Latin Night" until early last week, but we do, and it's right in the middle of Harrisburg's Second Street.
Every Friday night at Dragonfly Club, levels 1 and 2 turn the beats away from D-fly's better-known format, hip-hop, to the sounds of the salsa and the rumba.

DJ Matrix and DJ J-erry spin Latin music all night, and those with heat in their feet shake it on the dance floor.

Don't know a mambo from a cha-cha-cha? Get there early, and let Leo the Latin Lover and Friends show you the way. From 10-11 p.m., Leo & Friends offer dance lessons.

The Dragonfly gathers a crowd late into the night. We showed up on Level 2 around 11 p.m., but the dancing didn't pick up until closer to midnight. Folks aren't shy about hitting the dance floor, and most had a dance partner, whether the significant other or just twosomes of friends.

Tomorrow, the club will host a special electronica/dance/house event featuring DJ Scott Henry (founder of Buzz in Washington, D.C.), but Level 1 will retain the Latin theme.

Also in random Dragonfly news, District, the club's basement-level venue, is now open to the public on more than just Wednesdays. What began as members-only opens its doors to all, hosting reggae on Wednesdays, live local rock on Thursdays and funk, old school and punk from Ill Cosby on Saturdays.

District card members and their guests receive free admission and front-of-line priority. The cover charge at Dragonfly is $7.

Eagles vs. Steelers

Last Monday, I ventured to Ted's Bar & Grill in Lower Paxton Twp. with a friend for Monday Night Football. We didn't know whether it was an Eagles or a Steelers bar until I walked through the door in my pink, girly Steelers T-shirt. A table full of men told me that the only thing wrong with me was my shirt. I glanced around the bar quickly, looking for some support, but found only Eagles' paraphernalia -- beer neons and calendars - on the walls.

Fortunately, Ted's is a friendly local pub, and I was only harassed in jest for my choice in football team. The bar area is relatively small, but cozy, and with Miller Lite bottles ($2.50) and Labatt Blue pitchers ($6.50) on special.

Ted's is known best for its wings, either for eat-in or takeout. On Mondays, you can get 18 for $5. Also available on Mondays for $5 are Caesar salads, Greek salads, shrimp basket with fries and a large pizza with one topping.

There is nothing better than friendly football and food on the cheap.

Drink of the week

Concocted by Cronies Hang Out's Cory Lauer. You can substitute any kind of regular vodka in this drink, although the Olifant, of course, gives the drink its name. However, the Dutchvodka, hailed as "the world's smoothest vodka," does give Grey Goose (often the highly touted vodka on the market) a run for its money -- literally. Olifant's prices are nearly half that of the top shelf Grey Goose.

Pink Elephant

1.5 ounces Olifant vodka Red Bull Pineapple juice Cranberry juice Sprite

In a pint glass with ice, pour 1.5 ounces of Olifant vodka and equal parts of Red Bull and pineapple juice. Add some cranberry juice for color and a splash of sprite, and it's ready to serve.

Ask Sara Dear Sara:

I just met someone, and I would love to impress her with the perfect date somewhere downtown. What do you think we should do?

First Date Fred

Dear Fred,

Congrats! Second Street is a great first date idea because you're open to plenty of options. If you like, you could meet for a pre-dinner cocktail at a place like Red Door, which has a chill but upscale atmosphere. Make dinner reservations at one of the area's classy spots, like Stock's on 2nd or Scott's Grille.

After dinner, if it's a Friday night, stop by the Pep Grill for its jazz/funk night. Or if you feel like dancing, there's always Eclipse or Dragonfly.

You're on Second Street, so another option is to go on a mini-bar tour. Find out her favorite spots, and make up the trip together along the way.

Also important for the date: Don't overdo it on the booze. While it's fine to have a couple cocktails throughout the night, becoming falling-down drunk or getting sick is not OK if you're hoping for second date.

Be safe and have a great night.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Boys make downtown appearance

Boys make downtown appearance
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
August 18, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Backstreet's back, all right.
The Backstreet Boys, one of the first of the "boy bands," are back again with a new album and national tour. The now men stopped in Hershey last week to promote "Never Gone" and croon some of their earlier hits.

The group made it into town a night early, and two of the Boys dropped by at downtown Fisaga. Manager Mike VanBilliard offered them a round of drinks to hang out at least until his roommate, Becky Paul, a huge BSB fan, made it down to see them. Nick Carter and AJ McLean accepted -- although they passed on the cocktails and just wanted some food -- and phone calls flew around the area, drawing in some stargazers.

Carter, infamous for his relationship with uber-celeb Paris Hilton and a DUI conviction, and McLean, not known for much else, looked tiny and young in the upper booth of Fisaga. A large bodyguard sat on one end of the table, allowing swooning girls to interrupt their meal.

I was too embarrassed to bother them at first -- because they were just the Backstreet Boys and because I didn't want them to think I was uncool -- but eventually I asked Carter if I could take a picture of them for my column.

They obliged but seemed confused and remained unanimated. Other girls who were at Fisaga also felt that the guys were lame. Maybe we're just too old to be a target audience, but it was fun to see a celebrity.

Later in the evening, two girls celebrating one's 21st birthday got up on the bar and attempted to dance. That scene was somehow more interesting than any part of the BSB sighting.

Fill up on energy

Locally, people are talking about a new energy drink, Coca Cola's Full Throttle. Released earlier this year, it has been praised for its easy-to-drink flavor -- a less tart Mountain Dew and not as sweet as the gotta-get-used-to-it taste of Red Bull.

It comes in a 16-ounce can rather than the cute 10-ounce Red Bull packaging and sells for about $1.99. The price is comparable with nearly every other energy drink on the market.

It's targeted toward men in their 20s and 30s and is loaded with the usual energy drink components, including ginseng extract, caffeine, taurine, guarana extract and B-vitamins.

I haven't seen this one in bars just yet, but rather as a day-after cure, which was exactly what Red Bull was originally hailed for. In time, however, the latter became more popular mixed with alcohol, particularly vodka.

Full Throttle can be found in convenience stores and grocery stores and wherever other energy drinks are sold.

Drink of the week

Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School says there are many variations of the delicious chocolate raspberry martini. "However, it's a real treat to get any flavored martini to come out completely clear," she says.

Chocolate Raspberry Martini

2 ounces raspberry vodka 1 ounce white creme de cacao Chocolate sauce Cocoa powder or chocolate flakes

First, chill a cocktail glass using a scoop of ice and some soda water.

Combine two ounces of raspberry vodka and one ounce of white creme de cacao in a mixing glass. Stir around about eight times with the back end of a cocktail spoon. Do not shake or the mixture will become cloudy.

Toss out the soda water and ice and rim the chilled glass with chocolate sauce and then rim again in cocoa powder or chocolate flakes. You can try white chocolate for an interesting twist.

Garnish with three fresh raspberries and take a sip of the bliss.

Try variations using different flavored vodkas for chocolate strawberry, chocolate peach, chocolate orange, etc.

Ask Sara

I am adding a new occasional feature to my column -- Ask Sara. Here, I'll answer your inquiries about local night life, from what to wear to where to go and everything in between. E-mail your questions to sara.bozich@gmail.com.

Dear Sara:

C'mon, do I really need to make dinner reservations?

Signed,

Hungry in Harrisburg

Dear Hungry,

It depends on the day and the restaurant. Early in the week, you're probably fine walking in without a reservation at most local spots. Although at formal dining places such as Tavern on the Hill, I would always recommend calling in advance.

Also, check into when your favorite bistro has its big night. For example, North Street's Zephyr Express goes crazy on Wednesdays when it hosts live acoustic music in the courtyard. But, Zephyr accepts reservations only for parties of six or more. So get a group and book a table or get there early. Otherwise, you can end up waiting up to an hour and a half for an outside table.

Doc Holliday's Steakhouse & Saloon in Fairview Twp. doesn't accept reservations for parties under six either. And it holds good even for grabbing a bite before its comedy shows, which do require reservations.

On Fridays and Saturdays, I would always suggest reservations for downtown haunts like Stock's on 2nd and Scott's Grille. But you will probably be OK at such casual hot spots as Bourbon Street Saloon and Duke's Riverside, where folks dine at the bar, too.

If, however, you have a large party (I would say for anything above six), I would always call ahead. That way, the restaurant can prepare a size-appropriate table and make sure a server is available to handle the larger group.

Bottom line, if you think you might need a reservation, go ahead and make one.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Bands gather to do "What's Right"

Bands gather to do "What's Right"
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
August 11, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Hey there beauty babes, I have a new spa spot for you.
Lola's Day Spa & Boutique opened last week on Third Street in Harrisburg, across from Whitaker Center. Ladies from Harrisburg Young Professionals got first dibs on boutique treats such as cute purses, jewelry, makeup and T-shirts. We also scored a coupon card for $10 off of our first spa treatment.

Lola's offers services beyond the lady-friendly merchandise; the pink-themed salon does manicures, pedicures and massages. Beautifying services such as eyebrow tinting and makeup application are on the menu as well as ear candling and spray tanning. Waxing services are provided for any body part imaginable. Attention metrosexuals: Lola's does chests, too. A variety of facials -- from glycolic peels to microdermabrasion (a technique that helps repair facial skin that has taken a beating from the sun or aging) -- also are available.

Appointments are required; call 232-LOLA.

Hole-in win

I scored my first hole-in-one on Golden Tee Live, a game that is quite popular in bars nationwide. An addictive video game meant to emulate a round of golf (nine or 18 holes), it ranks as one of the most popular arcade-style games. The latest version of the game has cooler graphics and tougher courses.

On Live, you can customize your golfer and change the gender, face, shoes, hat and outfit at any time in the game. In fact, as you play and advance, you can win additional items of clothing, like a new skirt for a 30th birdie or -- as in my case -- new golf shoes for my first hole-in-one.

The online game, with its new wireless modem technology, allows you to compete in tournaments with 50 other people across the country. You pay an extra buck for this, but if you place in the top 10, it pays out.

Golden Tee Live is available at Cragin's Brick Haus, Cronies Hang Out, Kokomo's East, Kokomo's West Hanover, Brewhouse Grille and Nick's 114.

Benefit

A bunch of bartenders, musicians and service industry types got together Sunday and did something that didn't involve booze. In fact, it was a benefit to help a 9-year-old boy.

The Wing Co. in Hampden Twp. hosted "Doin' What's Right 1" for Sean M. Brame of Newberry Twp., who contracted sepsis and consequently lost both of his legs, his right hand and part of his left.

Sean and his family attended a good chunk of the family-friendly afternoon, taking in the music, the food and the people.

Four local bands -- Echoburn, Something Fluid, Green Eggs and Luv Gods -- performed, Big John emceed and the legendary Ray Rossi spun between sets.

A silent auction featured items from restaurant gift cards to jewelry to Hersheypark passes. Four Rolling Stones tickets were raffled.

There was plenty for kids to do, including face painting, a Moon Bounce and various games. Pepka, a sleight-of-hand magician entertained the young and old.

A celebrity dunk tank was set up as well, and several people took turns on the plank, including Theo's Bar & Grille's Jamie Flowers, Dorado's Chris Crowley, Flinchy's Chief Chili and yours truly.

Area restaurants donated cases of wings to The Wing Co., and food was flying all day long. Those who could not stay stopped in for to-go wings.

Proceeds from the event -- a total of $10,000 -- went to the Brame family. To learn more about Sean, register at carepages.com. To make a donation, visit any PNC Bank location.

Drink of the week

Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School says 3rd degree sunburn is a yummy summer drink.

3rd Degree Sunburn

Smirnoff ice Chambord

In a 16-ounce pint glass filled with ice, pour in the Smirnoff ice and top with one ounce of Chambord.

Chill out with a Sunburn.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Beer-tasting dinner pleases palate

Beer-tasting dinner pleases palate
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
August 4, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; The Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Beyond frozen concoctions like pina coladas, salt-rimmed margaritas and other frozen froufrou drinks, no other icy refreshment says summer like beer.
We've talked a lot about brew festivals so far this summer, from Harrisburg to York to State College, but there are other ways to sample microbrews locally produced and nationwide.

One such way is the bimonthly beer-tasting dinner at Pete's Cafe in New Cumberland. Pete's packs in beer aficionados and newbies alike for this six-course event, which yields each patron six brews complemented by six courses of gourmet food.

Pete's might feel like a dive bar, but its food and beer selection are not typical of such joints. If you're not familiar with Pete's, I suggest using this dinner as a starting point.

My father was my date for dinner, and, as a longtime smoker, was thrilled that the entire bar and dining room were smoke-friendly. (Pete's does have a separate, nonsmoking dining room, which was open for nonparticipating customers that night.)

The dining room was full. Pete's added tables next to the booths to create long family-style seating. Others sat at tables next to the bar, and we and another couple chose to stay at the bar.

Our first course featured a Stone Smoked Porter, brewed by California-based Stone Brewing Co. This was a dark beer, but was smooth and not at all bitter. A lobster and smoked pepper empanada covered with a Gouda queso sauce came with this brew. The empanada was thick and rich but was easily washed down by the porter.

Following was a salad of fresh greens and a honey-glazed filo dish filled with diced seasonal fruits such as melons and strawberries. An apricot-Roquefort dressing topped the greens and added to the wonderful blend of light flavors. We cleaned our plates on this one. Served with the salad was Weyerbacher Brewing Co.'s strong Prophecy.

Prophecy, declared the favorite by my father, had a sweet fruit flavor, but with minimal aftertaste. It reminded me of the Magic Hat No. 9 I have tried at the Brewhouse Grille -- an unusual beer, but mighty tasty.

The third course was the 46'er India Pale Ale complemented by a delicious cardamom risotto cake sandwiched between two slices of seared chai tea pork loin, topped with a lemon-ginger reduction. I was already getting full at this point. But it was so good.

Next up was Appalachian Brewing Company's Peregrine Pilsner. We did not expect to like this particularly hoppy brew, but I was surprisingly pleased with its taste and finish.

An ahi tuna pahoehoe chili-stuffed ravioli wrapped up our fourth course. The ahi tuna chili won Pete's awards at Belches & Burps' chili cookoff earlier this year. But this was our least favorite. The ravioli was impressive because it was homemade, but the cumin too overwhelmed the flavor of the chili.

To finish dinner, we had a marinated slow-roasted bison served with root vegetables au jus. The bison, which is hard to find around here (Pete's had it shipped in for the occasion), was wonderful and delicious. The root vegetables were tender and perfect, and the potatoes -- often flubbed in restaurants -- were notably good.

This hearty dish was served with Smuttynose Brewing Company's "Finest Kind," something my father called, "Smashmouth beer." This brew was one not to forget, though definitely an acquired taste. Our host, Jay Sturtsman, called it "a real palate smacker." Both descriptions were accurate.

Dessert was for blueberry lovers. Sea Dog Blue Paw Wild Blueberry Wheat beer was served with a homemade blueberry cheesecake. The beer was probably a little too sweet for me to enjoy on a regular basis, but I do enjoy a good fruit-infused beer now and then.

The blueberry cheesecake was a nice, sweet finish to our six-course tasting adventure. Hungry, we were not. In fact, we were stuffed.

We had been served one tasting glass of each beer per course (not full pints) to keep the mind and body quite balanced. The purpose of a beer-tasting dinner like this is to figure out what you like and what you don't. We were given a menu to follow along and mark what we preferred or didn't, making ordering in the future easier.

The only negative of the night was how smoky the bar did eventually become. Even my father, the king smoker, needed some fresh air around the fifth course. The ventilation system (or lack thereof) has been a longtime issue for Pete's, but I was told that this is something that is scheduled to be remedied shortly.

Pete's Cafe hosts a beer-tasting dinner every two months. The cost per person is $35 plus tax, and reservations are required. For more information, go to www.petescafe.net.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

New Cafe is drink-rich, smoke-free

New Cafe is drink-rich, smoke-free
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
July 28, 2005
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

On Saturday, Cafe Fresco hosted a private party to kick off its new home on Second Street in downtown Harrisburg. This location is its second; the first is on Paxton Street across from the Harrisburg Mall in Swatara Twp.
The downtown space, which formerly housed a gift shop, has gone through a beautiful renovation. Vibrant-colored walls and modern furniture make it an interesting find on busy Restaurant Row.

The cafe, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch and limited dinner, also has a liquor license and full-service bar with an exciting drink menu. A main focus is on mojitos, including some derivations from the classic mint-lime-rum combination, including mango and watermelon. The latter, I can attest, is refreshing and mellow.

I also tried the cinnamon espresso martini, which is a blend of Cafe Boheme, cinnamon schnapps and espresso garnished with espresso beans and a cinnamon stick. It is a great after-dinner drink.

Also on the menu are three types of sangria, white and red wine lists, coffee drinks, frozen drinks, plus domestic, import and microbrew beers. The most-talked about beer was the Blueberry Ale from Atlantic Brewing Company in Maine. It was sold out by the time I arrived. I was assured it will be kept in stock from now on.

Entertainment for the night was provided by the jazz-funk ensemble Chester Attic. The music was melodious and up-tempo -- and not the typical jazz-with-dinner sort of beat. Chester Attic also will play at Cafe Fresco's ribbon-cutting event, which is at noon tomorrow. For more information on the band, go to www.myspace.com/chesterattic.

Cafe Fresco's entire bar and restaurant is smoke-free. That makes this the first spot in downtown Harrisburg where nonsmoking patrons can imbibe without the lingering smell of cigarette or cigar smoke.

This is big news in the local night life world. A few months ago, I researched local venues for a bar that is truly smoke-free and came up empty. Now, Cafe Fresco provides a new option for those who like the night life, but not the cigarette haze that often comes with it.

Brewhouse Grille

Last weekend, Brewhouse Grille opened in Lower Allen Twp., at the site of the former Iron Kettle. While I had never been to Iron Kettle, I understand that Brewhouse Grille is quite an aesthetic improvement to what stood there before.

Brewhouse Grille's focus is on beer, particularly imports and microbrews. It aims to offer about 90 bottled brews. Highlights include local favorites from Appalachian Brewing Company and Troegs, as well as Philadelphia's Victory Brewery, Chimay, Framboise Lambic and Hoegaarden.

On draft, the Grille offers Bass Ale, Blue Moon, Franziskaner Hefeweissen, Guinness, Harp, Stella Artois, plus a few domestics such as Coors Light and Yuengling Lager. The "house" beer comes from Magic Hat, a microbrewery in Vermont.

Currently on tap is Magic Hat No. 9, a lightly fruity ale with an unusually pleasant flavor and no heavy aftertaste. "A beer cloaked in secrecy," says its Web site, www.magichat.net.

Brewhouse Grille is not just all about beer. It has an extensive martini menu, featuring classics, plus soon-to-be favorites like the Sunset on the Susquehanna (Grey Goose orange vodka, pineapple juice, cranberry juice and a splash of Cointreau) and the 1985 martini, which looks suspiciously like a Tang martini. An extensive margarita, coffee and wine menu also are offered.

The food menu ranges from soups and salads, wraps and sandwiches to pasta, fish and steak entrees. For the bar food lovers, there is a variety of appetizers plus a late-night menu featuring items like pretzels and mustard, jumbo wings and loaded fries.

The pub has entrances for both the bar and dining room. The bar area is considerably smaller, but hosts four plasma screen TVs, a Golden Tee Live, an Internet jukebox and two Megatouch bar top games.

Drink of the Week

Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School recommends Empty Glass this week.

The fun, fruity drink is called Empty Glass because "it's so good that the glass is empty and you don't even realize it," Riess said.

Riess said Rob "Hollywood" Fogleman at Garrason's Tavern in Harrisburg makes this cocktail the best.

Empty Glass

1/4 ounce Stoli Raz (or any raspberry vodka) 1/4 ounce Malibu Rum 1/4 ounce melon liqueur 1/4 ounce Chambord 1/4 ounce Absolut Citron

Pineapple juice Cranberry juice Orange juice

In a cocktail shaker combine the above ingredients with ice.

Shake until chilled and pour into a tall glass with ice. Fill the rest of the glass with equal parts pineapple, cranberry and orange juice.

SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Where boats flock, dock, you'll find a Sunday party

Where boats flock, dock, you'll find a Sunday party
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
July 14, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

Now that hot weather is peaking, summer nights call for appropriate adventures.
Some of your favorite bartenders and servers can be found living it up -- along with other late-night revelers -- on the river on Sunday nights.

The group starts out small, early in the afternoon, and grows bigger as the night goes on. By evening, anywhere from two to six pontoon boats might be tied together, the group's patron saint emblazoned on a gigantic orange Jagermeister flag flying high above.

The same boat that holds the Jager flag also sports a dancing pole (like one you'd see at the Hardware Bar or, ahem, a strip club), a strobe light and a rotating disco ball.

Periodically, the boats will dock at Duke's Riverside. They announce their arrival with the blow of an air horn, and the deck crowd erupts with applause and shouts. Before departing for a round of drinks atop the deck, the music blasts, the strobe light comes on and the dancing begins.

These partyers have plenty to eat, too. Scott Henry of South Philly Hoagies usually drops by with a 3-foot sub to sate the hungry boaters. Various guests bring aboard chips and pretzels, while others grill pizzas and steaks on their on-boat grills.

The event is not limited to dancing and eating. When "Adult Swim" is announced, everyone strips down to bathing suits and jumps in the shallow rock-bottomed river. Swimmers and floaters bob about in the warm water. Jet Skis, knee boards and jet boats are another part of the entertainment.

Some afternoons, adventurous adults climb the 75-foot Vanderbilt piers (built for a never-completed railway) and then jump into the water. Still dangerous, the river is deeper here; other parts of the river measure mere inches. Although I wouldn't do it, this is jumpable territory.

The partyers often dock at Cronies Hang Out for its "Sunday Sucks" party. For many, the night concludes after this point, while others choose to spend the night sleeping lazily on the calm river until morning sunlight wakes them.

Also, I checked out Strawberry Cafe, one of Harrisburg's premier gay bars, for karaoke one Thursday night. These folks know how to sing. While waiting our turn to sing a bad one-hit '90s tune, I easily forgot we were at karaoke and not a club. Our off-key rendition of The Divinyls paled in comparison with the solid, confident voices of the other participants. And something memorable: Schnapps shots are only $1.

Red Door recently updated its drink and food menu. Don't miss the freshly made mojitos or interesting new mixed drinks like the Zygo peach-flavored vodka with water on the rocks.

For a filling and delicious appetizer, one must try the artichoke and Gouda dip served with lightly toasted bread. My happy hour date remarked, though acknowledging the faux pas, "You almost want to just eat it with a spoon."

Other favorites include Red Door's pizzas. I like the Gorgonzola, chicken and artichoke, but the Mediterranean looked just as divine.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Festival brews up support for York Heritage Trust

Festival brews up support for York Heritage Trust
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
July 7, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Like beer? Travel down to York County for the Heritage Trust's eighth annual Micro Brew Fest tomorrow.
Held at the Trust's Agricultural & Industrial Museum from 7 to 10 p.m., this year's celebration of beer will feature music by the Bottomfeeders. Your ticket also gets you snacks, German food, provided by Porky's Place BBQ Catering and a souvenir beer-tasting glass.

Eight local and regional breweries -- Appalachian Brewing Co.; Lancaster Malt Brewing Co.; Troegs Brewing Co.; Marzoni's Brick Oven and Brewing Co.; Red Hook, Reinheit Importers; KClinger's Micro Brew Co.; and Gettysbrew -- will provide the tasty hops and Barleys.

The event, while benefiting York County beer lovers, also serves as a fundraiser. Proceeds will go toward activities of Heritage Trust. The Trust is composed of The Historical Society Museum & Library, the Colonial Court House, the Gates House, the Plough Tavern, the Bobb Log House, the Agricultural & Industrial Museum, the Bonham House, the Fire Museum and York Murals.

Tickets are $35 at the door, or $25 (for members) and $30 (nonmembers) in advance. For tickets and information, call 848-1587.

Scott's goes West

It's finally here -- Scott's Grille Olde Towne Mediterranean has finally opened at the former site of P.J. O'Brien's on Market Street in New Cumberland -- well, at least part of it.

Scott's Biergarten, the comfortable courtyard adjacent to the restaurant, has been up and running for a couple of weeks. This outdoor patio area features bar and extensive table seating.

A lighted bocce ball court sits in the back and is a high-traffic area for people of all ages as unofficial tournaments take place throughout the night. A large tree provides ample shade for the tables near the bar, and tables that sit in the sun are equipped with umbrellas.

The inside of the restaurant is expected to open July 18.

Colby Shenck, formerly the chef at Rillo's in Carlisle, is the executive chef and specializes in pastas and seafood. Some of your fave items from the downtown location will make their way over here, including the virtually fillerless crab cakes (yum), the bar favorite crab pretzel and the certified Angus steaks.

The West Shore Scott's will match the downtown Scott's for happy-hour specials at the beautiful 30-foot oak bar from 5 to 7 p.m. Old Towne Mediterranean has parking to the right of the building.

Stop by Scott's Biergarten this weekend and try out Bud and Bud Light's new aluminum bottles. The metal keeps the suds colder longer, and is a godsend in this weather.

Live acoustic at Flinchy's

Check out live acoustic music every Wednesday and Saturday at Flinchy's. If the weather is nice, the party is on the Train Wreck Deck. Frequent performers include Jeff from More Than Words and Brian from Green Eggs, plus the young and handsome Freddy Long.

Long plays a variety of cover songs. As the night goes on, owner, Matt Flinchbaugh often joins Long for crowd-pleasers like Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville."

Catch the crab season at the all-you-can-eat crabs ($25) on the Train Wreck Deck from 5-8 p.m. every Thursday. Reservations are required, and it fills up fast. For details, visit www.flinchys.com.

Drink of the week

Try the Undertow, a new "Bull Bomb" at your next deck outing. The recipe is a creation by Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School.

Undertow

Blue Curacao Stoli Raz Red Bull

In a shot glass, layer a small amount of Blue Curacao over Stoli Raz (or any raspberry vodka). Pour this into a pint glass filled halfway with Red Bull.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Annual music conference brings downtown to life

Annual music conference brings downtown to life
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
June 30, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

I must admit, when I was asked to cover the Millennium Music Conference, held yearly downtown and in various venues on both shores, I was less than thrilled. Music isn't as important to me as it was, and I don't get excited about local original music too often.
On Thursday, we began at Molly Brannigans, where Patrick's Head of Philadelphia was playing an acoustic set of Irish songs. I ordered a Sam Adams' summer ale to celebrate the season, which officially started June 21. The music wasn't really my speed, so we moved next door to the Pep Grill. The Pep had a modest crowd moving to loud, rock 'n' roll music from Planeside of Purchase, N.Y.

We then walked down to Fisaga, which hosted acoustic acts, including Brett Andrew, a guitarist who was accompanied by a violinist for a funky mix. Fisaga was much fuller than the previous two stops, but the focus was more on drinking and socializing -- for everyone -- than it was on the music.

There also were performances by Chrisie Santoni from Red Bank, N.J., Doug Kwartler from Garden City, N.Y., and JD Strum from Pittsburgh.

On Friday night, the vibe in downtown Harrisburg was like a holiday. Between the fireworks contraption on top of Eclipse nightclub spinning its bright colored lights, tourists petting the penny-covered cow in front of Waypoint Bank and people milling in and around Second Street's many venues, the streets felt alive.

By Saturday, I was chilling with 105.7 the X personality Nixon, and after a close game of Golden Tee Live at the Brick Haus, we went to the Crowne Plaza.

Here we caught The Mint, a band from Lancaster. This is one of the few bands this year that made an impression on me. It was a blend of hard rock and emo with catchy hooks plus a lead singer who looks uncannily like my friend, Paul, if Paul rocked out.

The Mint didn't impress just me. Lots of folks were talking about the band, and it is looking to book more shows in the Harrisburg area.

Following The Mint, Running from Dharma took the stage. The one and only time I ever saw Running from Dharma was at a small acoustic show in the upstairs at McGrath's Pub.

I've known Dharma's bass player, Tommy Cooper, since we sat next to each other in sixth-grade music class. Cooper, schooled on guitar at age 12, then tried to help me figure out "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Cooper and I were close friends through high school and worked in a video store together. He was "Most Unique" in high school, emblazoned in the yearbook with red plaid pants, suspenders and bleached-white hair.

At that time, Cooper was a punk rocker, and it's interesting to see how his tastes in music have matured with him. It also is clear that his bandmates share Cooper's passion and vision. Dharma rocks with an intelligent and purposeful sound.

You can check out The Mint and Running from Dharma July 9 at the Chameleon Club (www.chameleonclub.net) in Lancaster.

Drink of the week

This week, Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School pays tribute to last week's Millennium Music Conference with the Aerosmith-song-inspired "Love in an Elevator."

Love in an Elevator

1 1/4 ounce gold tequila 1/4 ounce Southern Comfort 1/4 ounce Amaretto 1/4 ounce grenadine Splash of lime juice Orange juice Sour mix Lime slices

Add the first five ingredients, fill the rest of the shaker with OJ and sour mix in equal parts, and give it a good shake. Pour the mix into tall glasses and garnish with a lime slice.

Toast to rock 'n' roll.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Fest tops off downtown with free-flowing beer

Fest tops off downtown with free-flowing beer
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
June 23, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

The Harrisburg Brewers Fest kicked off for the second year in downtown Harrisburg last Saturday afternoon. This time, the event expanded to include a section of Third Street, in addition to the block on Locust between Second and Third. This helped to alleviate a lot of the congestion, which was a problem last year. While there were still some tight spots in certain places this time around, it was much more comfortable.
The event, which benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, featured 35 breweries from around the country. The $25 ticket ($30 at the door) got you a plastic commemorative mug and pamphlet (complete with a spot for tasting notes, were you so inclined) and all the beer you could sample.

The most talked-about brews of the day were definitely Smuttynose Brewing Co. of Portsmouth, N.H. (I heard more than one person remark that it was simply the best-tasting beer there), Ommegang Brewery from Cooperstown, N.Y. (its beer was the only nonkeg beer at the show) and Troegs' DreamWeaver Wheat.

The DreamWeaver is one of Troegs' "single batch" brews and is available only for a limited time. Troegs.com calls it, "an unfiltered blast of spicy, mouthwatering joy." Get it while you can.

For all the featured breweries at this year's festival, check out www.troegs.com/brewfest/beer.asp.

The festival also featured such eats as pit beef sandwiches and popcorn. Live entertainment was provided by the Bayou Bandits, DJ Geoffro and Quagmire Swim Team.

Spring mixer

Nearly two years ago, I saw one of the top five concerts of my life. The headliner was Jason Mraz. His only hit song from his first album was "The Remedy," and the crowd was largely lust-struck teenagers. Jason's performance was amazing.

Mraz was joined by opening artist Jared Campbell. Today, Campbell, a singer-songwriter from Binghamton, N.Y., books his own acts. Campbell's soothing sounds appeal to an ever-growing fan base.

Last Thursday, Campbell joined Harrisburg Young Professionals and the Bravo Group at a spring mixer on the Bravo Group's rooftop deck. We lucked out with picture perfect weather. Fantastic music, beers and snacks rounded off the evening.

When the party adjourned, nearly everyone headed down to Fisaga, where Campbell was booked to perform again.

A Chick's night

On Friday night, after a delicious dinner at Gabriella's (which offers a simple but strong Italian menu), we drove out to Chick's in Hummelstown to visit the man by the same name. We were greeted by Chick, who had donned a T-shirt that read, "Geezer -- formerly known as Stud Muffin."

We ordered beers, and Chick whipped up some specialty shots, this time a cherry kamikaze, a fruity twist on the original, which is a mix of vodka, triple sec and lime.

Soon, "Who's Johnny" took the stage, beginning with one of my favorites -- Earth Wind & Fire's "September." From there, the foursome band from New Jersey took it back to the '50s, hit the '80s with a Rick Springfield hit and moved to the '90s and back again. Never have I heard such variation from a band. Every song was a crowd-pleaser, and it didn't take long for Chick's dance floor to fill.

The band is made up of four brothers -- Billy, Mike, Jimmy and Johnny Brennen -- and their longtime friend, Rob Kalp. They all play musical instruments. One of the more unusual things about the band is that Billy the drummer is its main vocalist. Even more interesting is the band's true specialty -- a cappella.

Mix it up

Starting this week, I'll be featuring a drink of the week, courtesy of Nadine Riess, director of the Capitol Bartending School on North Second Street in Harrisburg. Riess whipped up a summer bliss from ingredients I had lying around my apartment. I found it to be light, fruity and delicious. We dubbed it, "Whipped Summer Bliss."

Enjoy!

Whipped Summer Bliss 1 ounce cherry vodka (I recommend Three Olives Cherry Vodka) 1 ounce Stoli Orange 1 ounce Roses Sour Apple Mix (or Apple Pucker) 1 cup of lemon Italian ice (the stuff you can find in the grocery store's freezer section) 1 ounce milk

A splash of orange juice A splash of Meyers dark rum 1 scoop Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream

Whirl ingredients in blender. Pour into bulbous red wine glasses. Add champagne to foam up the drink. Makes two generous portions.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

River cruise runs deep with fine Italian wines

River cruise runs deep with fine Italian wines
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
June 16, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

It's boat season, baby. Last Tuesday, we boarded the Pride of the Susquehanna (on a night it didn't get stuck on a rock), for the Pennsylvania Wine Society's "Cruise on Lake Garda," a tasting of Italian wines. It was a perfect night -- no thunderstorms and light on the mayflies.
On our cruise, we sampled 10 wines, whites and reds, and enjoyed Italian treats from Al Mediterraneo. We began with a sparkling white wine, Zardetto Prosecco Brut. It's light like a champagne and not too dry or sweet. I'll be purchasing this one again -- it's an affordable $12.99.

We continued to sample a few more whites and then moved on to the reds, enjoying the view of Harrisburg from the river. The cruise was from Shipoke up to Midtown.

PA Wine Society has around 250 members who gather 12 to 15 times a year for a variety of events. This cruise was one of the organization's more casual gatherings. Often, the affairs take place at Hilton Harrisburg & Towers and are more formal and educational in nature. They tend to be sit-down tastings with minimal fare (breads and cheeses, which help cleanse the palette). There also might be a speaker or two from the wine industry to lead the tasting.

The Wine Society's casual events include summer bus trips, Blue Light tastings and the December holiday gala.

The Wine Society hosts a Wines of Australia tasting tonight at the Hilton. Visit pawinesociety.org for details.

Wine and roses

Last Sunday, Hershey Gardens celebrated its annual "A Day of Wines & Roses," a fundraiser to support the preservation and maintenance of the historic Hershey Rose Garden. The garden was built by Milton Hershey's gardeners in 1937 as a 3 1/2- acre rose garden. In 1942, the grounds expanded to the 23-acre botanical retreat that it is today. Ten gardeners maintain the rose garden, and the money raised Sunday helped to support their great work.

The event, set in the beautiful gardens, focused on wine tasting. We were given a commemorative tasting glass upon entry and waited in lines -- some long, some short -- to sample the variety of Pennsylvania wines. The featured wineries included: Brookmere Farm Vineyards, Belleville; Benigna's Creek Vineyards, Klingerstown; Allegro Vineyards, Brogue; Shade Mountain Vineyards, Middleburg; Christian W. Klay Winery, Chalk Hill; Twinbrook Winery, Gap; West Hanover Winery, Harrisburg; and Winery at Wilcox, Wilcox.

Wines by the bottle and artwork by the Hershey Area Art Association were available for sale. Music performed by harpists, violinists, guitarists and a woodwind ensemble helped fuel the atmosphere.

Educational programs such as how to make wine and food and wine pairing were held throughout the afternoon.

The most exciting part of the day -- at least for me -- was the Grape Stomp. WHP-21's meteorologist Tom Russell and I were asked to participate in a grape-stomping competition.

Fresh grapes were piled into wooden barrels, and we were given five minutes to see who could squeeze the most grape juice out with our tootsies. This was much more of a cardio workout than I expected, and the grapes smooshed to nothing very quickly. The competition was reduced to only three minutes, as we both had pretty much squeezed out all that we could from those poor, innocent red grapes.

I had been sure to re-watch the "I Love Lucy" episode before the big event, but unfortunately, Russell's big feet (he might weigh a few more pounds than me, too) gave him the victory. We were awarded bottles of wine for our efforts.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Cool ambience envelops flavorful fare at Juliana's

Cool ambience envelops flavorful fare at Juliana's
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
June 9, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Last week, I stopped into the brand new Italian restaurant on the Carlisle Pike, Juliana's. Juliana's is tucked into a small strip right off the pike, next to Pep Boys in the building that was formerly Artworks. A huge, bright yellow sign greets you as you pull up.
Upon entrance, a maitre d' greets you. The restaurant's slightly oval bar and smoking section sit directly to the right. The wall you would face while sitting at the bar is the huge glass panel that faces the parking lot. Despite the lack of great scenery, the view is enjoyable, and it opens up the look of the bar.

The restaurant is grand. Tables and booths around the large, open dining room all provide a view of the open kitchen and rotisserie. Framed black and white photographs hang on the walls, while Frank Sinatra and other "Rat Pack" members croon their hits as background music. It's almost like something out of "The Sopranos."

Add great Italian food (family style and off the menu), a large wine selection, coffees and desserts, and Juliana's promises to be the newest West Shore hit.

Juliana's Italian Restaurant at 6108 Carlisle Pike, Hampden Twp., is open seven days a week, accepting reservations Sunday through Thursday. Call 691-1919 for more information.

On Thursday, we took a girls' night out to Allenberry Playhouse in Boiling Springs. The event was a cancer fund-raiser and involved a cash bar, a buffet-style dinner and showing of the current running musical "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change."

A small reception and silent auction took place outside, where the cash bar was. The girls opted for very small and very expensive cocktails. I requested a club soda with lime that ran me $3.50 (I should've just gotten some vodka in there as well).

Inside, before the dinner, another silent auction was set up. These winners were announced before the performance.

The buffet was impressive. A sushi bar was set up at the first stand with fresh tuna and California rolls, plus other Asian favorites such as wontons and egg rolls.

The main buffet offered great portions of beef, pork, chicken and even salmon. Sides include mashed potatoes, asparagus and a salad bar with lettuces, toppings, tortellini salad and more. Desserts included Allenberry's famous Sticky Buns, Sticky Bun ice cream (wow) and Sticky Bun coffee. We did not leave hungry.

After dinner, we headed across the walkway to the theater for the presentation of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change."

From the title, I knew it sounded fun -- sort of "Sex and the City"-meets-Broadway. In fact, this is the longest running off-Broadway musical since "The Fantasticks" closed its run. The two-act musical comedy centers around the dating and mating rituals of today, from first dates to getting married to becoming parents and then being single later in life.

Four actors, Janna Cardia, Julie Cardia (the two are identical twins), Michael Iannuci and Rob Venture, played innumerable characters throughout the 18 skits, all of which made us laugh.

Allenberry Playhouse generally attracts an older crowd; I can easily say that our group of gals was, by far, the youngest there. But this performance really seemed to target us the most. In fact, there was one skit centered on the bedroom where I'm pretty sure we were the only ones to laugh. It was hilarious -- just maybe too brash or inappropriate for my grandmother. In fact, definitely too much for my grandmother. Use discretion if necessary. There were some adult language and adult situations.

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," was at once charming and funny, outlandish and sweet. I definitely recommend it to anyone who marvels -- but can laugh at -- today's crazy world of courtship.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Bartending school teaches how to pour your heart out

Bartending school teaches how to pour your heart out
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
June 2, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

You may or may not have noticed the long array of liquors lined up inside a window in the 400 block of North Second Street, across from Mars. And I'm not talking about the yet-to-open "Quarter," the four-level New Orleans-themed bar, or any other bar for that matter. What we have in this building is a true bartending school.
The Capitol Bartending School opened May 16. It is one of 30 Professional Bartending Schools of America, which provided hands-on training for 8,000 graduates across the country last year.

The bar is a viable, fully equipped training center. A certificate or degree is not required for all, or even most, bartending positions, but the knowledge you can gain at a school like this can help get you better jobs -- or just make more money.

Even better, upon graduation, Capitol Bartending School offers job placements in Harrisburg or in 90 other cities nationwide. After graduation, you meet with the school's job placement director for an interview and complete a graduate card. The director will help determine what kind of bar is suitable for you and can match you to openings using a database kept by the school.

Professional Bartending Schools of America teaches mixology and students can learn how to concoct 125 drinks from traditional types like martinis and Manhattans to trendy popular cocktails.

Customer service, wine and beer techniques also are taught, including the Anheuser-Busch "Beertending" program and the Guinness Beer "Perfect Pour" training.

For more information, visit www.pbsa.com.

Zephyr Wednesdays

Last month, North Street Zephyr Express begun hosting acoustic music in its courtyard on Wednesday nights, starting around 7. Weather permitting, of course.

We missed it last Wednesday when we stopped in for the always good Zephyr food. I got my usual margherita flatbread pizza, which was $1 off. It was a buck off on other flatbreads and pasta, too. Also on special was the sangria -- $1 off a glass or $2 off a pitcher, plus a $1 off Miller Lite, Coors Lite or Michelob Ultra.

New at the Zephyr is the infused vodkas. Last week, it offered a citrus-infused vodka. Here lemons, limes and ginger sit in vodka for up to five days in order to produce a fun, summery flavor.

Other combinations have included apple-cinnamon. Be sure to stop in and check it out --- they go fast.

'How Bare are Your Walls?'

Last Thursday, Harrisburg Young Professionals hosted an arts event at The Cathedral Room at Maennerchor, a private club on North Street.

"How Bare Are Your Walls?" showcased the creativity of 15 local artists, and focused on 40 frameable paintings and sketches. Prices ranged from $45 to $475 and proceeds benefited the artists and HYP.

Acoustic music set the mood. Food, compliments of North Street Zephyr Express, plus a cash bar were also on hand.

A great showing from the arts community and Harrisburg's "movers and shakers" made the event a great success.

For more information about the HYP Arts Committee, visit www.hyp.org/committees/arts.asp.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

NOMA makeover stays classy with beach theme

NOMA makeover stays classy with beach theme
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
May 26, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

The biggest news this past week was the makeover of a downtown martini lounge into a classy beach bar. NOMA, known for its stark white walls and marble fixtures, has transformed into the Cabana Beach Bar.
This is not your textbook beach club. And it is not to be confused with something one might see on "MTV Spring Break" or Seacrets in Ocean City, Md. First off, there is no sand on the floor and no bare bods or too-revealing 'kinis or hula skirts. The servers are dressed modestly in summery halters and skirts (the guys have floral shirts that are festive without bordering too far on cheesy).

Secondly, the bar is dressed appropriately as well. Without damaging any of the marble, a thatch roof has been added, as well as covering below the bar top, to give a "tiki" feel. The VIP section in the front of the room has been raised by building it over with wood. Umbrella-topped tables add to the beach feeling. Across from this area, where high-top tables once sat, another raised wooden area has been put in and is almost like a runway. The back of Cabana, which previously housed comfy couches, has been replaced with a raised deck and additional table seating.

Rows of frozen drink machines line up behind the bar, and daiquiris come in nearly every flavor. All frozen cocktails are $3, and Coronas are $2 during Happy Hour, 5-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The music is sort of a dance-y reggae, and people can't help but move to the fast beats. I overheard one older couple remark, "I thought there was supposed to be 'beach music.'" Since it's not a club, per se, there isn't a dance floor, but patrons can move to the music around the bar.

Cabana Beach Club will host live reggae bands every Friday night, and DJ Epitome will spin on Saturdays.

For Pete's sake

Last week, I learned about the beer tastings at Pete's Cafe in New Cumberland. The events are held as six-course tasting extravaganzas as each brew is paired with a flavor-complementary food.

For example, the first course featured the Hoptical Illusion Pale ale and a citrus-tempura battered shrimp skewer with lemon-hemp beurre blanc sauce. Round two saw a Subliminator Dopplebock with a large smoked jalapeno stuffed with chorizo cream cheese.

For dessert, I washed down a chocolate baklava with warm caramel and candied apples with double chocolate stout.

The tastings are $30, and reservations are required as the place fills up quickly. A guide is provided so that patrons can learn about each of the beers sampled.

Don't be turned away by Pete's modest appearance; the restaurant features an incredible dinner menu.

I ordered a spicy crab dip to start. For an entree, I sampled the chicken avelina, an egg-dipped chicken breast encrusted with hazelnuts and almonds and topped with a lemon-hazelnut sauce. It was so good.

Pete's Cafe also holds open-mike nights on Wednesdays and special events like murder-mystery dinners.

Home tour recap

A big thanks to those who came out for Harrisburg Young Professionals' Seventh Annual Home Tour. We lucked out with gorgeous weather, and nearly 400 people walked between 13 homes in uptown Harrisburg, sampling food and drink along the way.

The "after-party" also was fantastic. Darcie Miner, The Flies and The Martini Bros. lent their talents to the event, and patrons enjoyed the music from the front lawn. Coors Light draft beers, burgers and hot dogs were abundant.

Mayor Stephen R. Reed dropped by and spoke between the bands' sets about the importance of organizations like HYP.

What a success it was.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

DJ gets 'Biggest' laughs at Whitaker comedy show

DJ gets 'Biggest' laughs at Whitaker comedy show
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
May 19, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Central Pennsylvania's newest morning radio show performed at the Whitaker Center's Sunoco Performance Theater Saturday. WQXA 105.7 the X's Nipsey, Earl and Jen Shade all appeared on stage for the station's "Biggest Joke Comedy Show."
The event was preceded by a contest at the Hardware Bar in Harrisburg. The Biggest Joke, which was on for a couple of weeks, allowed customers to try their hand at stand-up comedy. The contest's winner, Kyle Hoffman, opened the event. Then Nipsey, known to fans as "The People's DJ" performed stand-up comedy for the first time in front of a sold-out house.

Headlining the event was the station's newest addition, Earl David Reed. Reed has performed stand-up for 12 years and has been on a number of television shows including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

Both newbies performed a great set, and Reed's performance was outstanding. His high-energy routine focused largely on this area and interaction with the audience. The crowd left with bellyaches and tears from laughing; Reed received a standing ovation.

You can find Reed on DVD as one of "Bill Engvall's All Stars of Comedy" alongside Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy. He also is coming out with a new comedy CD, "Funny and Fit."

The heat was on

Keystone Residence's Hot & Spicy Festival is held annually at the Four Points Sheraton on the third Sunday in May. The event raises money for Keystone Residence, which provides services to group homes for family living and home-based support to people with developmental disabilities. The festival is a great daytime party.

Last Sunday, restaurateurs, caterers and food merchants dished out hot treats from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday as The Impact Band entertained the crowd.

Spicy fare included Flinchy's famous chili, Passage to India's spicy chicken over basmati rice, pad Thai from Pahka's Thai House. Keystone Residence provided a great corn and black bean salsa. Karns brought an antipasto salad, and Rita's Italian Ice provided lime ice for a cooling treat.

Belches and Burps set up an array of salsa and hot sauces, and Just Cupcakes showed its baking mastery with picture-perfect (and delicious) cupcakes in tiny and extra large.

Tickets were $12.50 and $15, the day of, which is a great deal for an all-you-can-eat party.

The 2006 Hot & Spicy Festival is already in the works. If you're interested in participating or volunteering, contact Thelma Reed at 541-8322 or e-mail treed@kss.org.

Home tour

My recommendation for this weekend is the seventh annual HYP home tour on Saturday. The event showcases Harrisburg's beautiful buildings and homes.

This year, the event takes a trip through uptown Harrisburg. It begins at 2201 N. Front St. (Front and Woodbine streets) at one of Front Street's most amazing former mansions (now office space, of course) and involves stops at a dozen properties.

The HYP Home Tour gives an opportunity for Harrisburg residents to exhibit their homes. When the venture began seven years ago, it was used to sell houses in the city. Today, the event is more of a means to view and appreciate Harrisburg's architecture and the style of its residents. Light food and beer will be provided at each home.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on Saturday. You can purchase them at www.hyp.org/events/hometour_05.asp, or contact me at sara.bozich@gmail.com.

There will be a block party at 2201 N. Front St. (where the tour begins) after the home tour, which will last until 5 or 6 p.m. Local musicians Darcie Miner, The Flies and The Martini Bros. will perform. The party is free for tourgoers or $10 for the party only.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Cinco de Mayo translates to a huge, crowded party

Cinco de Mayo translates to a huge, crowded party
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
May 12, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Cinco de Mayo was a huge hit at the Sierra Madre on the West Shore last week. When I arrived, just after 5: 30 p.m., the Madre's parking lot was overflowing and cars were parked along the street well into residential areas. For a $5 "donation," one could park in the next-door office lot.
Beer and tequila were free-flowing, and people were everywhere. Even young ones made their presence in the early hours, as clowns frequented for face-painting. Screamin' Daisys took the stage at 7 p.m., introduced by Wink 104's John Paul Shaffer.

Friday night started off as a girls' night. My friend Summer and I met for an early sushi dinner at a packed Miyako on Second Street in Harrisburg. We shared yummy edamame (steamed and salted soy beans) and warm sake, plus a variety of sushi and rolls.

We made friends with our neighbors at the bar and decided to take them on a bar tour, starting with Cragin's Brick Haus next door.

Unfortunately, we never made it much beyond that, hanging out with friends all night. We tried a new shot called the Jolly Rancher, which tastes like a watermelon Jolly Rancher candy exploding in your mouth.

A winning martini

Scott's Martini menu has another fantastic addition that I failed to mention in my last column on summer drinks because I hadn't tried it yet.

If the concept of the three-martini lunch has faded, it's only because no one has had the Very Berry Basil martini yet. Aside from being delicious, it's like having a meal. A combination of Chambord, Grand Marnier, Stolichnaya vodka and strawberry, the drink is garnished with basil and fresh-ground pepper. Sounds weird, but this one is a winner.

Update for nonsmokers

A few weeks ago, I asked readers to contact me about nonsmoking bars in the area. I had been approached by a nonsmoker who enjoys a few beers with friends, but has been deterred from going out because he and the other nonsmokers in his party would inevitably return home smelling like the bottom of an ashtray.

While there are many restaurants that prohibit smoking inside, few of those serve alcohol. But I did find some that are nonsmoker friendly:

* The Wedge at Liberty Forge is nonsmoking indoors. This includes the restaurant and the full bar area.

The Wedge serves dinner 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday night.

* At Doc Holliday's Steakhouse & Saloon in Fairview Twp., home of the area's Comedy Zone, a nonsmoking show is held at 8 p.m. every Friday.

Tickets for the Comedy Zone are $10 each. Call 920-JOKE for reservations.

With regard to the concept of bars and restaurants going smoke-free in Harrisburg, as was done in New York City, I poked around asking smokers and their foes for their thoughts.

Mary Pratt, 27, Lemoyne, said, "I definitely would rather go to a nonsmoking bar to eat, drink and be merry -- but, I don't know how well it would go over in Harrisburg. Honestly, there are always a ton of smokers at the bars downtown. I think that the bar owners would be afraid of losing business."

Ron Kamionka, club owner and smoker, doesn't want to see the city become non-smoking.

"I don't think it should happen. Nightclubs are not like offices or stores. They are places you go to enjoy yourself," Kamionka said. "Why should people give up their enjoyment because of legislation? As long as smoking is legal, it should not be legislated in regard to places people choose to go, as opposed to places people have to go to."

Rich Hauck, a Harrisburg native living in the NYC area, said, "I must say that nonsmoking bars RULE! Of course, now if drafts weren't $5.50 ..." said.

Other folks mentioned they would be interested in seeing nonsmoking bars pop up in the area, but no one truly expects the area to pull the plug on cigarettes altogether. But owners should be the deciders of whether the place should be smoke-free.

So it might be something new and old entrepreneurs might consider when looking to set up something different downtown.

As one reader mentioned, if a loss of business is feared by the club owner, perhaps it needs to be considered what kind of patronage would be gained by employing such restrictions, as opposed to what might be missed.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Cinco de Mayo promises to spice up party scene

Cinco de Mayo promises to spice up party scene
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
May 5, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Ole! It's the fifth day of May, or Cinco de Mayo to our Latin friends.
Though often mistaken as the Mexican independence day, which is Sept. 16, Cinco de Mayo has historical value. It commemorates the day in 1862 when the Mexican Army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla.

Cinco de Mayo became popular in the United States in the 1960s during the Chicano student movement. Inspired by these student activists, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, or MEChA, an organization dedicated to Chicano history and education, sought acknowledgment of a day to promote its Hispanic heritage.

Cinco de Mayo was chosen over Mexican independence day because Sept. 16 was too early in the semester for college students to organize festivities. As time went on, the holiday spread through the country, and as on St. Patrick's Day, even those not ethnically or culturally tied to the holiday now celebrate it.

Oh, c'mon, it's an excuse to party.

If you don't yet have plans for tonight, here's what's going on:

On the West Shore

The best-known party for Cinco de Mayo in the area is at the Sierra Madre Saloon. For years, the biggest and best three-day fiesta has happened at this Hampden Twp. establishment. Today, Madre will unveil its brand new patio.

Earlier this year, the Madre renovated its inside, adding another bar area and installing doors where there was once a wall to lead to the outdoor patio area. So come warm weather, the saloon is ready. For starters, this change makes the trips from outside tables to the bathrooms a lot easier.

"It is [Cinco de Mayo] not all about drinking," owner Angelo Karagiannis said.

I guess I was wrong.

"It's about educating and celebrating Mexican heritage," Karagiannis explained. Sierra Madre will have clowns and caricaturists who will do face painting, educate and entertain children during dinner hours. For culinary education, there also will be free Mexican specialties during happy hour.

"And then, when the sun goes down ..." Karagiannis continued.

That's what I thought.

Specials on Coronas and Cuervo tequila will be highlighted. Don't miss the promotion girls, who will serve Cuervo samplings from 6 to 9 tonight and tomorrow.

Live entertainment also is on tap. Tonight, see Screamin' Daisys (a lively girl-fronted cover band) outside from 7 to 11 p.m., while mariachi band Kenny Kenny performs from 6 to 9 p.m. inside all weekend. DJ Magic Mike takes hold from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. tonight and tomorrow, while DJ Cutman finishes up on Saturday night.

Tomorrow, check out local rockers Martini Bros., and on Saturday jam with Green Onions, both outside from 7 to 11 p.m.

On the East Shore

Well, we missed the mariachi bands at El Rodeo; they performed Monday and last night. But tonight, the authentic Mexican restaurant features margarita and Coronita specials, plus a huge raffle. It will be one ticket per table, and customers can win T-shirts, hats and even discounts on their dinners.

In the city

The Hardware Bar, always in the mood for something spicy has a $500 Hot Shot Contest. This involves something to the effect of, how much hot sauce can you down for $500? Hey, Dawson Flinchbaugh (aka Chief Chili, who won a hot sauce eating competition at the chili cook-off in Strawberry Square), this one has your name written all over it!

There is no cover all night and Pop Shop will be on-stage.

Down the street at Mars, it's a hip-hop Cinco de Mayo. $3 martinis will be available from 9 to 10 p.m. DJ Storm spins all hip-hop and R&B all night. There is no cover.

Cragin's Brick Haus likes to do things a little differently. If you remember, on St. Patrick's Day, the Brick Haus throws its Mexican party, complete with $1 tacos and Corona specials. For Cinco de Mayo, it does the opposite. Down specials on Guinness pints while chomping on $1 tacos.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Grand dreams take wing at the newest KoKoMo's

Grand dreams take wing at the newest KoKoMo's
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
April 28, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Renowned regionally for sports and beer specials, KoKoMo's is likely the first thing (or, as my father would say, the only thing) you think of when someone says, "wings."
Now midstaters will have a new place to wing it. KoKoMo's West Hanover -- and for you West Shore folks, that's West Hanover Twp., not west of Hanover (think Route 22 past Target, etc.) -- opened last Friday at the Shoppes of the Village of Bradford around 4: 30 in the afternoon.

According to co-owner Sean Barowski, the bar was packed by 6: 30 p.m.

Aside from 10-second radio promotions and coverage by The Patriot-News, Barowski did not advertise the opening, but the bar maintained its busy crowd late into the night.

This KoKoMo's is different from the other wing joints. First and foremost -- it's immense. The sports bar spans an 8,400 square feet with a huge bar that takes up most of the space in the main area. The bar seats 60 patrons.

As at other locations, the green walls are swathed with sports paraphernalia and beer brand neon signs, and the bar and tables are of simple design. Only 104 television screens broadcast sports to every seat in the bar.

The Pit Stop is the nonsmoking dining area filled with booth seating and race-car items adorning the walls. Pool tables and more than 20 video games entertain in spaces around the bar.

The Sky Box is another dining room, which, in the future will convert to both a deck and a club. The room has garage doors along one wall that open up to a concrete breezeway, all of which is licensed. This area also offers al fresco dining and imbibing plus live music.

According to Barowski, KoKoMo's plans to book big local acts like cover bands Green Eggs and Screamin' Daisys on weekend nights. Look for announcements of the grand opening party in the next few weeks.

Fruity drink fever

Check out Flinchy's Train Wreck Deck, now with a Jaeger-ator -- dispensing three 750 ml bottles of Jaeger, one ice-cold shot at a time. Also on tap are tequila flights. For those of you who love your cactus juice, try Flinchy's Corazon Tequila Trio -- a shot of Blanco (aged less than 60 days), a shot of Reposada (aged less than one year) and a shot of Anejo (aged more than one year) -- served on a special tray.

At NOMA, summer drinks are about real fruit and colorful, refreshing beverages. Try the Sour Raspberry, a mix of raspberry schnapps, sours mix, 7-Up and raspberries. Blueberry lovers can wangle a mixture of blueberry schnapps, Southern Comfort, ginger ale and blueberries.

For a strawberry indulgence, NOMA mixes vodka, strawberry schnapps, cranberry juice, a splash of Sprite and real strawberries.

For a variation of a mojito, try the lime drink featuring rum, a dash of peppermint schnapps, soda, sugar and fresh limes.

Don't forget to stop at North Street Zephyr Express. The coming-soon attractions are the frozen drinks in the courtyard. Sip pina coladas and Rum Runners with style on their outside patio.

Scott's Grille has a new martini menu just in time for summer. Look for lightly fruity, refreshing 'tinis perfect for outdoor consumption. My favorite is the Peach Tequ-ini, which is basically a peach margarita, up.

New drinks are on the menu at Mars, too. Try the Blue Raspberry Italian Ice, made with UV Blue Raspberry Vodka, Triple Sec, splash of sours mix and a splash of Sprite. Coming soon, is the soon-to-be signature drink, the MARStini.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Traveling friends take on a wide spectrum

Traveling friends take on a wide spectrum
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
April 21, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading." -- Henny Youngman (1906-1998)
I began a busy week last Tuesday at The FireHouse Restaurant & Bar. It wasn't warm enough for deck weather, so we gathered, like many others, inside for happy hour. I met with some of my traveling friends. These ladies have traversed the globe, and we gabbed about an excursion to Prague in November.

With Singapore as one of their many worldly destinations, it was suggested we drink the traditional cocktail, the Singapore Sling, which is well-made at the FireHouse.

Bartender Mike Moran's recipe is a minor deviation from the classic. It is a concoction of gin, blackberry brandy, grenadine, OJ and pineapple juices, sours mix and a splash of cranberry juice. This fruity, sweet and summery cocktail goes down just too easily. It will be hard, but enjoy responsibly; sip slowly.

Passport to discounts

The following night, I joined fellow Harrisburg Young Professionals at Red Door for a private party announcing the kickoff of HYP's Passport Program, which provides discounts at area restaurants and retailers to HYP members. For more information on this, visit HYP.org.

The event was held in the front and back rooms of the sophisticated, stylish restaurant. We sampled from the wine bar's premium vino selection and flavored martinis.

Harrisburg mayoral candidate Jason Smith, attended the event as a member but used the opportunity to speak about his goals.

The event preceded an unrelated fund-raiser for Mayor Stephen R. Reed at the Hardware Bar.

On Thirsty Thursday, I met a friend and a former co-worker at the tiny, off-the-beaten path Epic Bar & Grill. It is self-proclaimed as the "Best Happy Hour Downtown," and one could hardly disagree. We drank $1 domestic drafts and snacked on fresh (free) popcorn.

Mixed cocktails are only $2, and the deals continue from there. The jukebox also is free during happy hour, and guests can play whatever they want.

Epic has a large selection of bottled and draft beers; see the bartender about joining the Mug Club. Plus, don't miss the karaoke nights on the first and third Saturdays of the month, and look at the end of this month for Epic's Halfway to Halloween Costume Party.

Epic does not have a Web site at this time, but sign up for its mailing list (in the foyer) on your next visit.

'Power Hour'

Finally, on the weekend, I met my good friend, Summer, at NOMA for "Power Hour," which is from 9 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, when martinis are a mere $3.

It's not just any cocktail, however, so save your Grey Goose Extra Dry Martini with a twist for another time. The designated $3 martini menu is available at the bar and features goodies like the Key Lime Pie martini, Tropical Lemonade (an electric blue 'tini made with whiskey) and more.

I sampled the Hawaiian Punch martini, a super-sweet blend of amaretto, Triple Sec, OJ and sours mix. I substituted vodka for the amaretto to calm down the sweetness.

NOMA has a different look these days. Not the pristine white-walled palace it once was. Dark red curtains cover the windowed wall, and red lighting creates a sensual glow. It's not dark like the also red-themed Mars -- the white bar and floors help to balance the color.

DJ Epitome, the club's new resident record-spinner, helps maintain the vibe with his blend of old-school and house music. He mixed dance beats with pop songs and included the likes of Tone Loc, Kelly Clarkson and Ciara. I couldn't stand still; my body kept wanting to move to the upbeat sounds.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Leukemia fund-raiser hits the deck at Flinchy's

Leukemia fund-raiser hits the deck at Flinchy's
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
April 14, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Well, it's official -- spring is finally here. Tables are on sidewalks, garage doors are up, decks are open and baseball and white shoes are in season.
Last week, we even had a few surprisingly warm days, like Wednesday. It was a perfect day for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Night at Flinchy's. With warm temperatures, the event took place largely on Flinchy's Train Wreck Deck.

The fund-raiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was through Members First Federal Credit Union, which served as the staff. A percentage of all proceeds went to the Society, plus 100 percent of the tips.

According to co-owner Dawson Flinchbaugh, Flinchy's restaurant share was about $500. Combined with Members First's tips, plus son and co-owner Matt Flinchbaugh donating all his tips from the Train Wreck Deck bar (where he was jammed all night), they managed to raise nearly $1,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Tom Russell, WHP-TV CBS 21's chief meteorologist and Members First CEO Bob Marquet were on the deck with Flinchbaugh to help sling drinks and raise money.

We ordered up munchies -- ribs, wings and a crab pretzel for two -- and downed them with Corona with lime to toast the warm weather.

O.C.-bound

The warm weather also sends me south to the shore. While temps didn't soar high enough to sunbathe, night life was still pumping.

Upon recommendation from a local bartender, we checked into Iguana Surf for dinner Saturday. While we didn't know what to expect, I sort of presumed it would feature Mexican-flavored fare in a casual atmosphere -- I mean, it is in a strip mall.

Instead, while Iguana Surf is a casual locale, it features eccentric fine dining or what the restaurant calls, "creative dining in a funky atmosphere."

We sampled such items as roasted tomato and garlic with brie soup, apple and fennel salad, rack of lamb and salmon over coriander zucchini noodles. The food was outstanding, and the small bar/restaurant maintained a comfortable and welcoming ambience.

Once a month, Iguana Surf breaks from the banal string of cover bands prevalent in Ocean City, Md., and brings in original jazz and funk from around the country. The bands set up in the corner of the restaurant after dinner is over and play to a growing bar crowd.

The bands vary each month.

Kirby's, of course, is our favorite spot in O.C. -- the little pub we call home. Kirby's is open year-round and is a favorite of locals, which means it's a great bar. Besides fine food at all hours, Kirby's has sports playing on about a half-dozen television sets. The background music (it's not really a dancing kind of place) is provided by Sirius Satellite Radio, and Kirby's sticks to rock stations, playing songs by Sublime and The Killers to name a few.

This is a spot for hanging out, catching the game or chatting with friends. One night during the weekend was particularly rowdy when a group of young men in a bachelor party engaged in arm wrestling. Let's just say it was intense.

Desperately seeking nonsmoking

Now, I have an assignment for you. A reader wrote to me asking the names of area bars (that is, taverns or pubs or clubs), which are nonsmoking.

So, far, I have not had any luck compiling a list.

We are not looking for BYOB restaurants. We want places that serve alcoholic beverages but do not permit smoking of any kind.

I also have posted this on my Web site -- SaraBozich.com. Feel free to post there or to e-mail me at the address provided below.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Red Land students earn kudos for performances

Red Land students earn kudos for performances
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
April 7, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

It's a little-known fact that I'm actually a West Shore girl. Last week, my alma mater, Red Land High School, hosted its third annual Talent Show, and I was asked to be one of nine judges, joining the ranks with superintendents, a district justice and faculty (yeah, I don't know what they were thinking asking me, either).
Students performed various talents, from singing and dancing to comedy to martial arts. Highlights for me included Angela Schreffler, a self-taught pianist who did an amazing medley of classical favorites. Brandon Henning and Dominic Testa, who proved that, yes, some boys do dance, showed off with their pop-style hip-hop moves in "Challenge."

Mark Savidge performed his original stand-up comedy routine, poking fun at the school and doing impressions of teachers. Luke Cox and Nathan Van Tassel scored big with me with their routine and rap-oke to "Ice Ice Baby." Jessica Fought, who won third place, wowed all of us with her dance routine to "1-2 Step."

We saw two separate martial arts-style performances from Brandon "Butters" Rudy and Joshua Cruz, both of which showed great talent and creativity. There were a number of original musicians, presented as soloists, duets or full bands.

The second- and first-place winners were vocalists. Alli Myers performed the Italian opera song "Time to Say Goodbye" and took home second place. Best friends Caitlin Bloom and Mandy Knaub sang a heartfelt duet, "In Loving Memory," to earn the top prize.

The event not only brought together Red Land's students to support one another, but it also benefited the Children's Alopecia Project. It was amazing to see such a bevy of talent in young students.

Along came 'The Sopranos'

I could fill this next introduction with a bunch of "Godfather" references and mobster cliches, but I'm going to give it to you like a good martini -- straight up. America's favorite Italian family visited the area's favorite Italian restaurant last weekend.

That's right, members of the cast of HBO's "The Sopranos" made a guest appearance Sunday night at Cantone's Southern Italian Restaurant.

Steve Schirripa (Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Vince Curatola (Johnny "Sack" Sacramoni) signed autographs and posed for photos with customers and alone. The trio then dined at the restaurant with owner Nick Cantone and guests as onlookers ogled and shot paparazzi-style photos from the bar.

Cantone's was crowded with fans of both "The Sopranos" and of Cantone's. Every table in the restaurant was filled, and no one was shy about eating while celeb-spotting.

During their meal, it was announced that it was Imperioli's birthday, and soon the room resonated with different pitches of "Happy Birthday".

Looking forward

A downtown version of Cafe Fresco is scheduled to open in early June on Second Street. The new cafe will be bigger than the one on Paxton Street in Swatara Twp. and serve alcohol.

Nick Cantone (of Cantone's Southern Italian Restaurant in Lower Paxton Twp.) will open Skoors at the site of the former KoKoMos on Market Street in Hampden Twp. this summer. Sounds like a sports bar to me. KoKoMos was destroyed in a fire in the spring of 2004.

From the superclub camp, plans are amping up. The folks behind the big city nightclub slated to open on Cameron Street look to break ground next month.

Downtown Harrisburg restaurants are turning into al fresca dining as soon as warm weather peaks. These include Scott's Grille, Stocks on 2nd, Fisaga, Bourbon Street Saloon, Brick Haus, Zia's Trattoria and even The Spot. Plus, don't forget Zephyr Express on North Street: You must check out its courtyard for perfect outdoor dining.

SARA L. BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Bozich can be heard every Friday morning on the Scott Donato show on AM 960 WHYL.

Game palace stands out on road trip to Reading

Game palace stands out on road trip to Reading
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
March 31, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

The weekend didn't turn out quite how we planned it.
On Saturday night, we planned a trip to Reading, specifically to visit The Works, a Dave and Buster's-type entertainment complex.

Our first stop was a little restaurant called Chef Alan's American Bistro on Penn Avenue. We sat in the bar section, which was decorated with cool bar art like the metal martini piece that hung above our booth.

The menu, while American, is infused with tropical and Mediterranean tones. Nestled among familiar menu choices like mozzarella sticks, Caesar salad, traditional pasta dishes and steaks are more interesting selections like tropical shrimp salad, turkey artichoke panini, Hawaiian chicken and coconut shrimp, shrimp rosa (pasta), wok-seared salmon plus daily specials.

Our service was satisfactory. The food came out quickly and prepared to our liking. It would be worth a second trip just to sample additional menu items.

Chef Alan's American Bistro's second Reading location is at the Fairgrounds Square Mall.

We drove next to The Works. As we approached a vast parking lot filled with cars, we remarked, "Well, this is where everyone in Reading must go." The building is part of an enormous warehouse. A gym and tanning salon share the building along with The Works.

Once we finally found a place to park, we walked up to the entrance and a greeter asked us whether we were with UGI, which, of course, we were not. Handing me a coupon for a free appetizer, she told me that The Works was closed to the public for the night for a private party. No food and drink were available, but the game room was open.

We called the friends we were planning to meet there and decided to stay. After all, it was the games we came for, and we had already eaten.

If you've ever been to a Dave and Buster's, The Works is not much different. It's a playground for adults who want to feel like kids again, while still being family-friendly. Alcohol flows freely, and a huge room filled with games is the focal point.

First you need to purchase a game card ($1) to purchase game credits. Machines don't take dollars or quarters, but need a swipe of your charged game card. For token-operated games, you swipe your card at the token changer, though it charges you for it. For 10 credits, you get nine tokens.

The Works has more than 150 games, from classics like Skee-Ball and pinball to state-of-the-art multiplayer games like Derby Owner's Club, an elaborate horse racing game with a cultlike following. With this game, which is more expensive than your average video game, you get to breed a racing horse, starting by choosing its parents, then selecting a diet and a workout regimen, raising the horse to racing status.

A card prints out with your horse's name (which you also choose); you can race this horse at any other Derby Owner's Club games in the country.

After a few games, we got a call to meet the rest of our party at the Your Place restaurant in Shillington, just a few miles down the street.

This Your Place was just like any of the ones here, only a bit smaller. Folks were gathered to watch the basketball games, and we shared Miller Lite pitchers and exchanged a few shots (with exception of the designated drivers).

We spent about an hour and a half at the YP, and then decided to go back to The Works, so the rest of the crew could check it out.

When we returned, at 11 p.m., the parking lot had cleared. We went to the entrance only to find it locked. According to its Web site, The Works is open until 1 a.m. on Saturday nights. I was shocked to see the place decided to close rather than open to the public after the private party shut down.

We were resigned to our fate and headed back to Harrisburg.

Back by midnight, we managed to hit four bars in the last two hours of Saturday night.

The first stop was Fisaga, which was packed. Someone remarked that the place has never been quite so busy when the garage doors were still down.

Next was Cragin's Brick Haus, where we were lured in as we passed the large window that looks into the downstairs bar. After we hit KoKoMo's for a beer, we made it to Mars with just under a half hour to spare.

Mars Lounge was filled. People danced in the aisles as hip-hop music pulsed, and cocktail servers did their best to weave trays of martinis around the narrow bar.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

St. Patrick's Day Parade attracts a crowd at last

St. Patrick's Day Parade attracts a crowd at last
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
March 24, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

St. Patrick's Day makes for quite a celebration, and downtown Harrisburg was alive with Irish spirit last Thursday.
Molly Brannigans was packed. A short line formed at the door to McGrath's, which, even with its remodeled second floor, was standing-room only.

Cragin's Brick Haus held its annual Mexican-inspired "Viva St. Patrick's Day" party featuring $1 tacos and $2 Coronas. Party decorations included papier-mache sombreros and green beads galore.

Irish Car Bombs (Bailey's and Jameson Whiskey dropped into a half-pint of Guinness), Guinness pints and green beer were flying all around town. Food specials covered all Irish specialties, particularly corned beef and cabbage, at such spots as Zembie's and Molly Brannigans.

On Saturday, Harrisburg's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade kicked off at 2 p.m., featuring local Celtic-based organizations including the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Heritage Society, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and The Irish American Unity Conference, plus area high school marching bands and bagpipers, natch. The Harrisburg RugbyClub and Molly Brannigans made appearances as well.

I recalled watching this parade come into town three years ago, sadly gathering little in the way of a street crowd. The parade has been building since, and this year crowds gathered on Walnut Street from Fourth Street to Second, and up Second Street's Restaurant Row, four and five people deep near State Street.

Locals could hardly have asked for a better day. The sun shone brightly in about 55-degree air. Fisaga was full; the Brick Haus rented a small set of bleachers and moved a table outside so people could watch the parade, beer in hand. People of all ages, from children to grandparents, were spread throughout downtown. Vendors sold T-shirts, hats, beads and anything green.

If this was an event you missed, I encourage you to tack it to next year's calendar. What better reason for grown-ups to drink during the day?

Mad about Madness

St. Patrick's Day wasn't the only event -- or reason for daytime imbibing -- that occurred last week. March Madness, the NCAA's basketball championship games, tipped off on Thursday. Many an office cube sat empty on Friday for more than just leprechaun-induced hangovers, as folks gathered at area sports bars to watch college basketball.

Somehow, through my years, I've missed this event. I remember people talking about it, and I know that it occurs, but I never realized how nuts this ordeal makes people. It seems like everyone has or is in a betting pool of some kind.

I've never followed college ball in any sport, though diehards say you don't need to to enjoy March Madness. Area sports bars have been packed with fans day and night, and on Friday, a local connection added to the hype.

Lewisburg's Bucknell University upset Kansas on Friday night 64-63, making history for the small, private, liberal arts college. On Sunday, the team played well but lost to Wisconsin (ranked No. 20), 71-62.

This game, and the 31 others played last weekend, trimmed the competing teams to what is called the Sweet Sixteen. So fans again will fill sports bars, which, in turn, will fill fans with beer and wings and other wonderfully greasy bar fare.

Of note

Check out Dragonfly's new members-only club -- District -- without being a member. It is in the basement of the nightclub and is open to the public on Wednesdays for Reggae Night. Members can bring one guest, free of charge. Others pay a $3 cover.

The weather is warming, people are outside and spring has arrived. And Stock's on 2nd's spring menu is now in season, too. This one is my favorite. On the lunch menu, you must have the crab cake. For happy hour or a light dinner, split multiple items from Stock's lounge menu like my favorites -- mini tacos and calamari and blue cheese-stuffed strawberries. Stock's has a bar and lounge menu, so check out both.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

Parade of celebrations precedes St. Patrick's Day

Parade of celebrations precedes St. Patrick's Day
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
March 17, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Today is St. Patrick's Day, but the party started late last week.
Last Friday, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's (a local social organization for which to be a member you do not need to be friendly, a son, or Irish) held its annual party at Appalachian Brewing Company.

The $25 tickets covered food and drink from 6 to 11 p.m. as well as live entertainment from a traditional Irish band, Wyndfall, and a local rock band, Flying Colors. Proceeds benefited local Harrisburg charities.

A great showing of local who's who attended the bash, including Irishman of the Year Tim Holden and former Irishman of the Year (2003) and McGrath's owner Tom Scott and his wife, Amy.

In past years, the Friendly Sons wore kilts, but this year they opted for casual dress.

ABC revamped its second floor, where the party was held. The large rectangular bar that sat in the center of the room was removed and a new bar was built against the glass windows overlooking the brew tanks. Coolers were set up behind the bar, offering a variety of beer (not just ABC brands), wine and champagne. Tables were placed where the bar once stood. The stage was in the same place but cushioned chairs and lower tables were added to create an intimate den or lounge feel.

Karma Sutra bash

After the party, we headed over to NOMA for a private Karma Sutra party, held by NOMA co-owner Shane Souders. There was no cover charge, but admittance was by list only.

NOMA, known for its stark white appearance, was revitalized with bright reds and pink sheer curtains. The front area was decorated with a vintage red couch, provided by Atomic Warehouse, fabric pillars, piles of pillows, vases and plants -- creating a Moroccan feel.

Girls dressed in harem costumes were at customers' beck and call. As soon as we walked in the door, one girl hand-fed us sugared grapes. Other girls were giving free shoulder massages. Two girls served as bar-top belly dancers, dancing to Philadelphia's DJ Benja.

The party also showcased the latest work of local artist Mark Billy. Billy's abstract black, gray and white paintings were created especially for NOMA. His latest exhibit, "Raw," experimented with new colors, including the evening's theme of red.

Billy's work appears at the Broadway Gallery in SoHo today. In October, he will serve as the co-curator for "Report from NYC," a group show hosted by the Susquehanna Art Gallery.

The ultimate taste

After NOMA, we swung by Scott's Grille for a martini. The bar was full, attracting an older but hip crowd. The makeshift dance floor was packed as usual, and DJ Roy Seixas spun favorites by Madonna and Michael Jackson.

We taste-tested Scott's new martini, made with the new Starbucks coffee-flavored liqueur. This variation on the espresso martini was sweet and delicious and a perfect after-dinner drink. Even my girlfriend, who despises all things coffee, raved about the drink. But don't take our word for it. U.S. News and World Report reports that in its blind taste test, all 10 drinkers were able to tell Starbucks liqueur from the better-known and less-expensive Kahlua.

Spring fever?

The weekend was brimming with people. Has spring fever arrived? It was great to see every place busy and packed with people.

On Saturday, after an excellent dinner at Tavern on the Hill for my birthday, I met friends at Cronies Hang Out to celebrate and to dance the night away with The Impact Band.

We tried a new shot just in time for St. Patrick's Day, the Shamrock Shake Shot. Beware, this is not for amateurs. It has Bailey's, Godiva and Rumple Minze, a 100-proof peppermint schnapps. You can shoot it down or drop it in a half-pint of Guinness and chug!

This Saturday is Harrisburg's St. Patrick's Day parade. Join Harrisburg Young Professionals at Dunkin' Donuts at 11 a.m., Fisaga at noon or at Scott's Grille after the parade. HYP is sponsoring Bishop McDevitt's band and will march with the band in the parade.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

Deep-dish pizza debate makes rounds in Chicago

Deep-dish pizza debate makes rounds in Chicago
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
March 10, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

I spent last weekend in Chicago, my maiden visit to the Windy City. We stayed in downtown Chicago, which is filled with high-rises, clean streets and shopping galore.
A welcome difference to all that has become familiar, Chicago offered many new tastes and sights. Unlike Philadelphians, Chicagoans are impressively helpful and friendly in all environs of the city that I experienced. Service in restaurants and even retail stores was superior to many in Philly.

Naturally, one of our first stops was to a pizza joint for the famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, otherwise only sampled via the chain restaurant Uno (of which there are no locations nearby Harrisburg). There is a lot of debate, in Chicago and elsewhere, over where the real original deep-dish pie originated. Some say Uno's, others claim another Chicago-based spot, Gino's East.

The spot we chose was called Giordano's, and though it didn't boast words like "original" or "first," the owners tell of a move to the United States in 1967, when the brothers began work at a pizza shop. They were disappointed with the quality and sought to replicate something more similar to the pie their mother made on Easter, a deep-dish double-stuffed pizza filled with ricotta cheese. After a few variations to this recipe (the brothers admit they would prefer a much more garlicky flavor, but Americans weren't so receptive), Giordano's is now heralded by local and national media as the best.

We ordered a small sausage-stuffed pizza, said to feed one to two people, and had trouble finishing the filling pie. The crust was crisp and held the pizza well, while the pizza sauce was delicious. The pie was stuffed with sausage and tons of cheese.

If you want to try this great Chicago treat, you can mail-order pies at giordanos.com.

Too legit to quit

The best way to see a new city is often through the eyes of a local. While your concierge can introduce you to martini bars and the best steak in town, the locals will take you out of the usual loop to a hot spot that you otherwise never would find.

We lucked out in this regard. Over dinner, our unofficial Chicago guide told us that his buddy's rap cover band, Too White Crew, was playing that night at a true "locals" bar.

So we took a cab out to Lakeview, near Wrigley Field, to Blue Iguana. We paid a $5 cover charge and entered a cool, laid-back college hangout bar. Too White Crew took the stage around 10: 30, complete with "Fly Girls," back-up dancers who also covered all the ladies' tunes like Salt 'n Peppa's "Let's Talk About Sex" and "It's None of Your Business."

The remarkable thing about the band, besides the fact that it's a bunch of white guys covering '80s and '90s hip-hop, is that it plays all live, without sampling or a deejay. It played hits from Naughty by Nature and Snoop Dogg as well as forgotten favorites like Skee Lo's, "I Wish."

We sang and danced around all night, reminiscing with songs from our youth. I'm going to work on getting Too White Crew to Harrisburg, but meanwhile, check out its Web site, TooWhiteCrew.com.

More great food

With help from the hotel's concierge, we booked reservations at Keefer's, a steak house. The restaurant heads all kinds of "top" lists and we easily understood why.

When you enter, the large arched wooden bar immediately draws your attention. The music playing is modern -- think Modest Mouse, The Killers and Green Day. Service is top-notch with several employees tending to the tables throughout the evening, refilling wine and water, and clearing plates when necessary.

I ordered the filet mignon. It was tender, perfectly prepared and I might say, the best steak I've ever had.

A bowling nightclub

After dinner, we walked around the corner to 10 Pin Bowling Lounge, next to the Chicago House of Blues. I wasn't sure what to expect as we climbed stairs to the bowling alley, but what I saw was quite a shock.

The lounge, brightly painted in red, houses 24 bowling lanes, over which are eight huge projection screen TVs, alternately playing ESPN and music videos. The videos are available by request via a special jukebox, filled with more than 5,000 video choices ranging from classic rock to disco to pop and hip-hop hits. The box is kept current and updated monthly.

Beyond the bowling lanes, there also are a number of cocktail tables, a rectangular bar and a martini lounge. The entire place was full all night with the young and hip, dancing, laughing and bowling. It was quite a sight, and a ton of fun.

Hotel Chicago

Our hotel had a lot to offer as well. A pizza joint, a steak house, a sports bar and the happening martini bar, BIG, were just a few. The BIG overlooks the main lobby of the hotel and has a view of the city, while specializing in all things big, like giant margaritas, huge apple-cran cosmopolitans and a large projection screen broadcasting live entertainment (the stage is at one end of the narrow lounge) and music videos.

BIG features a long wall of liquor spanning the length of the bar, with several brass ladders providing access to more than 1,400 kinds of liquor, wine and beer.

Entertainment includes The Moods, the house band on Wednesday and Thursday nights, an eight-piece band performing everything from Motown and jazz to pop and rock 'n' roll, re-creating hits from artists like Barry White and Vicki Sue Robinson ("Turn the Beat Around").

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

The tavern scene often has inconsistencies to pore over

The tavern scene often has inconsistencies to pore over
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
March 3, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

The bar business is consistently unpredictable.
For example, the debut of District, the members-only private club that was supposed to occur last week in the basement of Dragonfly, was pushed back a week for some final tweaking. With a private media opening tonight, District will launch tomorrow night.

Troegs tour

During a private tour of Troegs Brewing Co. last Feb. 22, a group of Harrisburg Young Professional members were the first to see Troegs' new stainless steel -- a custom-built, fully automated German Brewhouse, plus two more 100-barrel fermenters.

The new system brews more beer with less labor and will improve their boiling process, which equals better beer, Chris Trogner said.

For three months, brother John Trogner spent time working with a German engineering firm to design the new brew house, and German welders and engineers are at Troegs for the installation.

Everything should be up and running in about a week or two, but don't worry. Those Troegs brothers prepared by brewing plenty of beer for this downtime.

Speaking of which, try the Nugget Nectar, one of Troegs' seasonal single batches, a hoppy brew for winter.

Quite a quiet week

The weekend was a relatively mild one. Friday night, we had dinner at Scott's Grille, which is always fantastic. There are plenty of good reasons to eat at Scott's, but having a gift certificate helped.

Everyone likes to save a few dollars here and there -- and if that's the case or if you just need a good gift for someone -- stat -- click over to Restaurant.com. Register here, and you can buy $25 gift certificates to area restaurants for only $10. Join the Restaurant.com mailing list, and they will e-mail dates of half-price sales, getting you a $25 gift certificate for only $5.

Right now, there are only a few local restaurants on the site -- Red Door, Zia's Trattoria, Flinchy's, Bumper Bob's and of course, Scott's Grille. Nationwide, 5,000 restaurants are listed. You also can order what is called a "Mega-Certificate," which allows the recipients to pick the restaurants he/she prefers.

After Scott's, we hopped over to the Brick Haus to play WQXA The X's Nixon in Golden Tee. We drank the new Budweiser Select that I raved about a few weeks ago. Here, we ended up running into Chris Trogner and some of his Troegs staff, including two of the Germans in town to install the above-mentioned Brewhouse.

The Germans drank Troegs Hopback Ale. They tried a swig of Pennsylvania's Yuengling Lager, and I thought one of them might spit it back out. They weren't fans of the regional beer. However, we did speak the same language when it came to Red Bull. While my boyfriend and I did Cherry Bombs, the Germans went for Jager Bombs that, I learned, they call "Submarines."

Saturday night was spent at Cronies Hang Out, formerly Angelina's. I find myself calling it one or the other depending on who I'm talking to. Some people, it seems, have refused to accept the name change. Someone was overheard on Saturday calling it "Angi-Cronies," which, to me, seems to fit.

The Jellybricks performed live onstage Saturday night, attracting a modest crowd. We drank orange vodka and water, sweetened with Splenda.

Splenda is my girlfriends' favorite thing right now-- one, in fact, now carries it on her when she goes out. I like real sugar, but Splenda, which advertises that it's made from sugar, tastes the best as far as artificial sweeteners go.

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, but next week, I take on Chicago!

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

The Globetrotters show keeps bouncing along

The Globetrotters show keeps bouncing along
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
February 24, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 4

The famous Harlem Globetrotters visited last week for two shows at the Giant Center in Derry Twp.
This family-oriented basketball game/comedy/talent show has been performing since 1927 and remains as popular as ever.

We had floor seats and a close-up view of the Globetrotters' antics and basketball skills.

As is our tradition, we stopped at Chick's Tavern afterward.

The owner, Chick, invited us to do a Chocolate Cake shot. This unusual combination of Frangelica (a hazelnut liquor) and Absolut Citron (or any lemon-flavored vodka) tastes like chocolate cake when prefaced by a good suck on a sugar-coated lemon. I swear. You'll just have to try it to believe it. It's uncanny.

We stayed at Chick's for a while, chatting and munching on fresh popcorn. Someone played almost the entire "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack, and that kept us around for just one more beer as we crooned to and reminisced about the '80s classic.

Back again

On Friday night, I made a return to Dragonfly after a long absence. The occasion was the Ultimate Ole Skool Party, a night of music and fun, put together by Tenspeed.

DJ Geoffro, DJ Alf, the Godfather, plus DJ Herc and Dragonfly's house disc jockey, DJ Smooth, provided the entertainment. It was a good mix of music, old-school funk and hip-hop to Beastie Boys, which was danceable and upbeat.

The event was list-only, and Dragonfly's first floor was otherwise closed.

An e-mail flier announcing the event began circulating this month. One had to reply with an e-mail and gender (to ensure the list contained a fairly even ratio of men to women).

You could forward the e-mail to anyone, but the recipient needed to reply to make the guest list. Nearly 1,000 people had responded by last Thursday, and the Friday night crowd was solid.

The reason for this, besides a good party, was to tease another list-only event, the opening of District, a members-only club due to open in Dragonfly's basement tomorrow night. Those who attended Tenspeed's party on Friday signed up for their free District membership card. It appears, for now, that was the only way to get one.

District is the brainchild of Jamie Pascotti (Tenspeed is his DJ name). After planning many successful private parties, Dragonfly owner Judd Goodman approached Pascotti about a club inside a club. While the venue remains Goodman's, Pascotti has full reign over the new project.

Pascotti has brought in Tad Hostetler as information specialist. He will run the Web site and maintain the guest list while Jason Morgenstern will handle recruiting.

"We wanted to create an environment that was not mainstream, aesthetically or musically," Pascotti said, and so he is programming music for non-DJ time slots, too.

Music will include post-punk, eclectroclash, breakbeat, drum 'n' bass, old school hip-hop and more.

"We wanted to create an environment where everyone felt connected and at ease to have a great time kind of like a basement party that grew up!" Pascotti said.

Downstairs at District, members will have free coat check and their own bathrooms.

The room, which holds about 200 people, has a section with a large boothlike table. The seats have cupholders and ashtrays on the armrest, a la movie theater seats.

Another area has large speakers and television screens embedded in oversized chairs. The design incorporates retro pieces such as old Panasonic black-and-white televisions with art, including graffiti.

The VIP section sits adjacent to the DJ booth, will have a refrigerator.

Members will have access to a special Web site to allow them to book the VIP section and stock the fridge's contents with whatever they want, whether it's Busch bottles or Red Stripe or high-end champagne. Cigarettes and munchies also will be available to order.

Plans call for only 1,000 membership cards. Each member may sign-in one guest with every visit, and the only way to become a member is to be referred by a member.

Membership also involves a points system. You accumulate points for every visit and money you spend. When you create a tab, you show your card. At year's end, the top 250 customers will be invited to a private appreciation party.

District will be open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It will be open to the public Wednesdays for reggae night. DJ Geoffro will spin on Friday nights, and DJ Full Throttle on Saturdays. The booth is set up for two, so at anytime, special guests may join the house DJs.

Some brotherly love

We ventured to Philadelphia Saturday night for a friend's birthday celebration. It was nice to dress up and get out of town for the night. We didn't barhop that much, but chose a nice martini bar and set up shop there for the night.

Bleu Martini was aqua-glowing and crowded. Behind the bar was a large painting of a mermaid cupping a martini glass, under a light waterfall.

The music was great -- upbeat tempos in pop and hip-hop -- and unlike dance club music, where disc jockeys revel in extended intros and outros, this music blended from high point to high point, maintaining just the right energy level.

Drinks were overly expensive.

Ten-dollar cosmopolitans weren't really so much a surprise as they were annoying, but a $5 Miller Lite shocked me. I laughed and said to the bartender, "No, really, how much is it?"

Those of you who complain about $3-$4 beer prices take note -- going out in Harrisburg remains a lot cheaper than nearly anywhere else.

On the up side, my Ccosmo at Bleu Martini was excellent. I expected an over-cranberryized red drink but received the perfectly pink, properly balanced combination of vodka, Triple Sec (or Cointreau -- orange-flavored liquors), cranberry juice and lime. Around home, it is difficult to find consistency in cosmopolitans.

Regardless, we had a blast -- and truly, that's all that matters.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

Super Bowl hoopla limits Mardi Gras merriment

Super Bowl hoopla limits Mardi Gras merriment
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
February 17, 2005
Author: SARA L. BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 4

Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday, was decidedly low key this year. Downtown Harrisburg was crowded early in the week, but the day didn't attract the usual boisterous, rowdy crowds that have taken to the streets in previous years.
A few bar owners attributed this to the Super Bowl, as it fell two days beforehand, though, that too, was not a busy bar night.

Still, many people do something for the Super Bowl -- if not out, then to a friend's party. And I think it's fair to say (especially considering the quantity of Anheuser-Busch ads during the game) that beer is the beverage of choice for the season's final football matchup.

So, I suppose if Eagles' fans and others overdid it on Sunday, they might not be ready for the bead-laden times of Mardi Gras. I started my night at Scott's Grille, where Perry County-based musician Shawn Pike played a blues-rock acoustic set in the mezzanine. The happy-hour crowd was raging at Scott's, and I enjoyed one of my favorite white cranberry martinis.

The next stop was Bourbon Street Saloon, where a live band performed outside. Inside, Bourbon Street was in-between entertainment. Earlier, country artist Trick Pony performed. Around 10 p.m., Dueling Pianos would take the stage.

We grabbed some light fare here -- pierogies and chicken fingers -- and a couple of Miller Lite drafts, as country music blared from the speakers and customers shot pool and traded beads.

After a while, we walked up toward the Brick Haus to play a couple rounds of Golden Tee Golf, and called it a semi-early night.

On Friday night, Roundtable Presents, a local organization "committed to promoting, producing and organizing arts and culture experiences and events," celebrated its one-year anniversary with a multiartist concert at the Appalachian Brewing Company.

The event began at 8 p.m. and, showing up fashionably late, my party arrived around 8: 30 with the plan to eat dinner first and then head upstairs to the sports bar for the show.

ABC was packed, dining room and bar, and we were given a half-hour wait for a table, but enjoyed wine (the girls) and the Grinnin' Grizzly (the guys) at the bar while we waited.

During this time, I also read that we could have made reservations with call-ahead seating, so be sure to keep this in mind if you're heading to ABC on a Friday night.

It was nearly an hour later when we were finally seated, but the food was delicious.

Upstairs, we arrived just as local jam band, Herbie, took the stage. A reader once recommended Herbie to me after reading about a Halloween party I attended that featured another jam band, Spotus (also performing this night), describing them as, "all the jam rock without the noodles." This, I learned, refers to the often-long improvisational instrumentals jam bands are known for.

I thoroughly enjoyed Herbie's performance, and probably in my own words would simply call them a rock band.

Roundtable Presents' lineup began with The April Skies, Sara B, Fink's Constant, The ADG Band, Herbie, Mike Banks, The Green Onions and concluded with Spotus. The event pulled in more than 400 attendees.

Roundtable co-founder and event organizer Mike Powers, known best as "Jersey Mike," said, "We met some great new people and were all reassured that live, original music is alive and well in the midstate."

Powers and Sara B. Simpson, the other founder of Roundtable Presents and a solo artist, appear Sunday in The Patriot-News's "Top 20 in their 20s" series.

For more information on Roundtable Presents, go to www.roundtablepresents.com.

Eating fire

Just when we needed our cold bones to be warmed, along came a chili cook-off.

Sunday was the Belches 'n' Burps' Turn Up the Heat Chili Cook-off in Strawberry Square. The event is a regional competition that, like the cook-off held on City Island during Kipona each year, is an International Chili Society event. The winners go to Las Vegas to compete for best chili each fall.

The cook-off, which benefited the American Cancer Society, featured local restaurants besides individual contestants. It wasn't all chili, either. Salsas and rubs were represented, and the Amish Parrotheads sold baked goods.

Lancaster-based Jimmy Buffett cover band, Tropical Soul, performed.

I managed to miss the belching contest, but did have a front-row view of a hot sauce eating competition. David Lynch, the owner of Torchbearer Sauces (which won first place in People's Choice at the competition), challenged tasters to out-eat him in a hot sauce competition.

At $10 each, all of which went to the charity, three brave souls signed up -- Rick Nelson, Brian Otto and Dawson "Chief Chili" Flinchbaugh. The three were given a pack of crackers, a spoon, and a jar of the hottest sauce Torchbearer makes, entitled "Slaughter."

They had two minutes to eat more of the sauce than Lynch. Nelson was the first one to get the bright idea to chug the hot sauce. As the competition started, Flinchbaugh first used his spoon, but soon decidedly that he, too, would accomplish this faster by drinking it. Lynch sat on the other side of the table, calmly eating the hot sauce by the spoonful. Otto, a local fireman, gave up.

Because the competition was to last two minutes, Lynch called for two more jars of sauce when Nelson and Flinchbaugh finished theirs. Chief Chili took another couple gulps, but Nelson was done.

Flinchbaugh received a large trophy and a basket full of sauces for his win.

Lynch later told me that he might bow out of competitions from here on out. "I could sit and eat half the jar ... with no problem," but chugging was even too much for this hot sauce aficionado.

Oddly -- or maybe appropriately -- Chief Chili barely seemed fazed by this feat, though he did step over to the Mike's Ice Cream stand for a dish of vanilla ice cream before calling it a day.

You can learn more about Torchbearer sauces at www.torchbearersauces.com.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

Trip to Poconos ski area offers fun off the slopes

Trip to Poconos ski area offers fun off the slopes
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
February 10, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Though I grew up only minutes from Ski Roundtop, skiing was never my sport of choice.
My introductory experience was in seventh grade, accompanying a friend who was in our school's ski club with her "buddy pass," which gave a newbie like me a free lesson to try this winter intramural.

After four falls off the J-bar, falling halfway down some mountain and being the only loser without a partner for my discovery lesson, I learned what I had suspected all along -- skiing wasn't for me.

However, I'm not one to be deterred from vacation or travel, so a proposed trip to the Poconos was a definite go -- even if I was destined to stay in the lodge and off skis for the entire weekend.

We stayed in a friend's business associate's cabin, a large house on Emerald Lake in Pocono Pines. Deer passed through the back yard several times a day, and had it been summer, we might have encountered a bear.

Unseasonably warm temperatures allowed us to comfortably spend the day outside in sweaters, drinking beer or sipping Bloody Marys.

When the sun went down and temperatures plummeted, most of the group went snow tubing.

Back at the cabin was where we had the real fun. We played such games as Taboo! and Trivial Pursuit Pop Culture, and at night, we reverted to our college days for some rousing rounds of drinking games.

I sampled two new Anheuser-Busch brews during the weekend. The first, BE, (also known as "B-to-the-E") was released in the area recently, and targets Red Bull and other energy beverage drinkers by adding caffeine, guarana and ginseng to beer. A light cherry flavor finishes the beverage, which comes in slender 10-ounce cans.

B-to-the-E is available at various locations in the area, including Cronies Hang Out.

You probably saw commercials during the Super Bowl for Anheuser-Busch's latest beer, Budweiser Select. Though not yet available in the area, keep a look out for this one.

Budweiser Select boasts low calories and lower carbohydrates than Miller Lite, though the difference is probably that of a cracker. Budweiser Select has 3.1 grams carbohydrates and 99 calories vs. Miller Lite's 3.2 grams and 96 calories. Alcohol content also barely varies -- 4.3 percent vs. 4.5 percent, respectively.

What is remarkable about Budweiser Select is that it has a richer flavor. In essence, it tastes like "real beer." And even better, it doesn't have that heavy lager aftertaste.

Budweiser Select will be released Feb. 21. Be sure to check it out.

'57 Sunny Days'

Last Monday, at Cronies Hang Out, the cast of locally produced independent film "57 Sunny Days," held a fund-raiser to help promote the short film.

Party band Wiskerbisket kicked off the party after a few words of thanks from actors "Big John" Burnheimer and Tom Kennerly. High-energy punk songs "Roots Radical" (Rancid) and "Let's Go" (Ramones) were the first two songs to blare from the band, which showed versatility throughout the night by covering modern and classic rock and trying to infuse life into an otherwise tame Monday night crowd.

Check the band's Web site, wiskerbisket.com for its schedule.

For our $5 cover charge, we also got a screening of "Sunny Days." The movie runs about 20 minutes and reflects on the romance of a small-town couple. The story is taken from "Model Citizen," a screenplay written by Kennerly.

The event was covered by local Internet radio station, OSHRadio.com, which plays music from the local scene 24 hours a day. Old School House Radio also hosts several different shows, from music to talk. "Around Tha Burg" gives me a run for my money with coverage of local entertainment in the area. "Do Wop with Jase" is just what it sounds like, oldies but goodies with DJ In Your Face Jase.

The station also broadcasts live from Cronies Hang Out every weekend, and takes live requests online.

OSHRadio has open spots for anyone interested in hosting his/her own show. Log on to OSHRAdio.com for details and show schedules. Please note, because of the language, this is adult-friendly only.

Hooked on 'Idol'

Have you been watching "American Idol?" I have. I never watched the show on wannabe singers until this year. I thought I should check it out to prepare for my role as a "Harrisburg Idol" judge a few weeks ago, and now I'm hooked. A lot of other people seem to be hooked, too, more so than in previous years. Last week, Tuesday and Wednesday's episodes were the most-watched shows on television.

But I'm not watching at home. Lately, it's been when I'm out. At Cragin's Brick Haus on Second Street in Harrisburg, when 8 p.m. rolls around, all of the TVs are tuned to Fox. Customers and bartenders join in to comment on the contestants' performances and make fun of judges Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Now that auditions are over and the aspiring vocalists have moved to Hollywood, will the show continue to pack its punch? Stop by your local pub and find out.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

Bars sport parties that will bowl you over

Bars sport parties that will bowl you over
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
February 3, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Central Pennsylvania is alive with football fever. Sure, most of us were hoping for a "Turnpike Super Bowl," (my heart is particularly heavy knowing it's not), but Eagles fans around the area are pumped up, chanting their battle cry "E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! Eagles! Eagles!" around the midstate.
This weekend the Eagles get their shot at the Super Bowl against reigning champions the New England Patriots. Save for a few transplanted Chowderheads, Eaglemania is sweeping the area.

Some of the allure of the Super Bowl, however, has nothing to do with football. Everyone knows that the Super Bowl is home to the best new and innovative commercials, and now, since the Janet-J.T. (Justin Timberlake) spectacle last year, the halftime show has gained even more attention.

On Sunday, Paul McCartney will perform during the Super Bowl XXXIX halftime show. If I see a breast, the Beatles will never sound the same.

But the real deal about the Super Bowl are the parties. The sports bars in the area will surely be carrying the game, along with beer and food specials.

I was on a search for anything weird, wacky or wild going on for the Big Dance. And this is what I found:

Legends

At Legends Sports Bar & Grill in Hampden Twp., you'll find the most TVs. Legends has more than 90 television sets, including big screens and a projection TV. If you haven't been to Legends since it was revamped, you need to check this out. What was once the dance floor at Wanda's is now filled with tables and a TV at every angle. Plus, pool tables, arcade games and even a putting green for wasting time during halftime.

If you'd rather do something more active, however, join Legends' halftime Arm Wrestling Contest with a prize of $100. The competition is open to both genders.

Legends is running its usual Sunday specials, including $5 pitchers of beer and $4 buckets of wings, plus there will be plenty of prizes and giveaways.

Get there early if you want a seat, or call Legends to reserve your table.

Coakley's Restaurant & Irish Pub

New Cumberland's Coakley's Restaurant & Irish Pub is big-time Steeler country, as owners Dick and Sue Coakley are originally from the Steel City. They hosted a big party for the championship games two weeks ago but aren't backing down for Eagles fans.

They will again have the 60-inch screen television in the game room. Beer specials and giveaways are a given, plus they will represent the eastern part of the state with a Philly cheesesteak special.

Coakley's reminds patrons that kickoff is at 6: 30 p.m., but the party goes on all day and night. Get there early for a table.

Flinchy's

Flinchy's in Lower Allen Twp. is never one to disappoint, and for the Super Bowl, it will feature Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, Tastykakes, Herr's chips, Frank's sodas, and crab pretzels.

It, too, will bring in a big screen TV for easy watching.

For halftime, besides giveaways, Flinchy's will hold a Tastykake-eating contest. Also, the person who dresses the wildest or shows to be the biggest Eagles fan will receive a yet-to-be-named prize.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

Put best foot forward in jazz, hip-hop classes

Put best foot forward in jazz, hip-hop classes
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
January 27, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; The Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 4

Here's one to add to the list of things you didn't know you could do on a Sunday afternoon in central Pennsylvania -- learn how to dance like Usher.
You probably don't even know that the area's pre-professional dance company, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, has a location in Strawberry Square downtown. It's on the third floor.

The nonprofit organization, dedicated to enriching students and community through ballet as a part of education, holds daily classes for dancers as early as preschool to pre-professional ballerinas to open classes for aspiring performers at any level.

As a part of the open classes (which include regular ballet and pilates classes), CPYB often offers jazz and hip-hop workshops taught by guest instructors. Since October, Brian Bagley has been teaching a monthly hip-hop workshop in the Strawberry Square studio, attracting around 60 registrants per class.

Bagley, of Baltimore, is a dancer and singer and appeared on last week's third-round American Idol competition.

In his two-hour workshop, we learned basic styles of hip-hop dance through techniques like Pop-N-Lockin', Breakdancing, Collegic Step, House, Vogue and Video Styles. He began with a warm-up, body isolation exercises, some across-the-floor work and through these lessons put together a short combination.

I reveled in every moment of this class, which surprised me as it was much more of an upper-body workout than legs and gluts.

Hip-hop classes will be held in Harrisburg from 4-6 p.m. on Feb. 6, March 6 and April 13 and at the Carlisle location from 4-6 p.m. on Feb. 13, March 13 and April 10. Classes are $10 a session and preregistration is required.

For more information, call CPYB at 245-1190 or go to www.cpyb.org.

Nip and tuck

On the West Shore, the Sierra Madre Saloon, best known for its bangin' Cinco de Mayo parties, reopened last week after renovations to its bar area.

First of all, the bar has been extended. It now wraps around the left corner, toward the rest rooms. This naturally creates more seating for patrons, and medium-sized plasma TV screens have been added behind the bar.

Second, on the same side of the restaurant, walls have been removed and glass doors installed facing Oak Street. This is perfect for the Cinco de Mayo fiesta held each year, when the Madre is packed with partygoers inside and out.

The menu got a face-lift as well. I had the simple con queso dip and the avocado salad that comes loaded with avocados, tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives over greens with guacamole and Greek dressing.

Sierra Madre Saloon is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. (noon on Sunday) to 2 a.m.

The Peachtree Restaurant on Progress Avenue also showed off its revamped facilities last week. Best known for breakfast and affordable dinners, the Peachtree also has a reputation for being your grandparents' spot. Well, no more.

Included in the restaurant's renovation is a liquor license. The left side of the building now holds a full bar (complete with MegaTouch). Booths and high-top tables provide additional seating in what also is the restaurant's smoking section.

And though no name change has been made the peach tones of the diner have been replaced by mature greens. A working fireplace was installed in the center of the dining room raising the temperature and warming the ambience.

A brand new menu also has been added. Interesting appetizers include hog wings and crab XXX and various chicken, pasta and beef dishes pepper the appropriately edited menu. This isn't your typical diner menu with pages and pages of any food you can think of, but a selection of items prepared specially by Peachtree and sure to please. Portions, by the way, are enormous.

Idolizing 'Idol'

Last Friday, I had the privilege of serving as one of three celebrity judges for the finals of Harrisburg Idol, a local competition run similarly to the national show, "American Idol." You'd have to be living under a rock not to know about that show by now.

Theatre Harrisburg ran the program as a fund-raiser, attracting 175 initial contestants. The number whittled down to 12 for the finals, held at Sunoco Performance Theater.

Emceed by ABC 27's Dennis Owens and Flora Posteraro, and co-sponsored by The Patriot-News and KISS 99.3, the event showcased an immense amount of local talent. There were a few out-of-towners, including 15-year-old Kelsey Wilson of Ellwood City, but most of the 600 guests were area residents.

My fellow judges included recording artist Melissa Manjon, a 21-year old Cuban-American singer, and WHP-TV CBS 21 and former Miss America contestant Kelly Glorioso. The three of us had a difficult time judging the 12 vocalists. We commented on each (a la Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell) and then rated them on a 50-point scale, taking into consideration their stage presence, rhythm, vocal ability and presentation.

We managed to narrow the pool to three finalists -- Felice Drei of Mechanicsburg and Charles Lee and Jocelyn Proctor, both of Harrisburg.

These three performed a second song, the judges voted, and the audience served as the fourth vote.

Proctor, with her creative and energetic rendition of Alicia Keys' "You Don't Know My Name," won the grand prize of the inaugural Harrisburg Idol.

Proctor's prize included round-trip tickets for two to Los Angeles, a professionally produced CD, a meeting with a talent representative from Reprise Records and a mini-concert on June 11 at Sunoco Theater before Theatre Harrisburg's performance of "Grease."

It was a great competition, an amazing chance to see the degree of talent right here in central Pennsylvania.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

Downtown Lounge tops Lebanon County's stops

Downtown Lounge tops Lebanon County's stops
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
January 20, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; The Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

If you're reading this after 8 a.m. on Thursday morning, you've already missed my guest appearance on Lebanon radio station Soft Rock 100.1 FM. Program director and station early morning show host Steve Todd invited me to appear on his show to talk about my column, going out and spots I've been to in Lebanon.
As it turns out, the road to Lebanon was a long one. I'd never been. But given Todd's challenge -- and a possible repeat appearance on the show -- I ventured out to largely rural Lebanon County with friends.

Our first stop was the Blue Bird Inn, one of the most popular nightspots in the area, particularly in a few months from now when its expansive deck is open for revelers to take in the summer night air.

Inside, there are two dining areas, plus the bar and a small game room with a pool table, jukebox and Megatouch. The beautiful wooden bar spans the room. Bar and cocktail seating is available here.

Our trek there on a Tuesday got us the dinner special of all-you-can-eat snow-crab legs for $16.95. A salad and potato accompanied the feast.

Besides usual brands like Miller Lite and Michelob Ultra, the Blue Bird Inn features several import and microbrews, all of which are only $2 on Tuesday nights.

On Fridays, the Blue Bird Inn features live acoustic entertainment.

From there, we went down the road to the little town of Quentin to quench our thirst at the Quentin Tavern. Small and intimate, the bartender knew other patrons by name, and everyone was exceptionally friendly.

Here I tried a Red Bull concoction called the Q.T. Special, which is a mix of Absolut Mandarin, cranberry juice and Red Bull for a fruity pick-me-up.

Our last Lebanon stop was probably my favorite -- The Downtown Lounge. With a large wooden bar and dozens of television sets, this sports bar held the best atmosphere. And though only sparsely crowded on a late Tuesday night, it still maintained energy as locals hung out at both corners of the bar, talking and watching basketball.

Patrons played pool in one of the back rooms. On weekends, acoustic acts perform. If you're looking for a hot spot in Lebanon, this is it. I hear it has a great St. Patrick's Day celebration, complete with Irish music and food all week.

New on the West Shore

Camp Hill is the next mecca for downtown restaurateurs.

In early December, Donnie Brown, owner of the FireHouse Restaurant & Bar, opened Dorado at the former location of The Ground Round off the Camp Hill Bypass in East Pennsboro Twp.

Now Tony Magaro of Fisaga has crossed the river, too. He had a VIP opening last Thursday for his Fisaga Cafe, which is on Market Street, between Cornerstone Coffeehouse and 2201 In the Boro in Camp Hill.

Staying true to his current model, Fisaga Cafe has an open-air feel, complete with a garage door front wall.

For the opening, on an unseasonably warm January night, the door was up and the crowd spilled onto the sidewalk.

The cafe's menu varies from the original Fisaga, though some standbys like killer bread remains. We sampled several new menu items, and my favorites were the shrimp salad stuffed artichoke and the bruschetta, which were delicious.

The Fisaga Cafe will open to the public from 7: 30 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting tomorrow. It will be BYOB and also will feature its own coffee blends.

Need Valentine's Day plans?

Check out The Wedge Restaurant at Liberty Forge Golf Course in Mechanicsburg. The restaurant sits in the middle of the Liberty Forge Arboretum and overlooks the impeccably maintained golf course. The dining room is spacious but plants and screens almost create miniature dining areas, providing a more intimate atmosphere.

The reasonably priced menu has traditional fine dining fare like steaks and pastas, mixed with more unusual choices like a crab manicotti with marinara, alfredo and pesto sauces, and grilled pork chop with pecan stuffing atop a Granny Smith apple.

Desserts, from tiramisu to Bailey's cheesecake to peach creme brulee, are divine.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

Easy Farm Show parking gives way to long lines

Easy Farm Show parking gives way to long lines
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
January 13, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

The highlight of this week is the 89th Pennsylvania State Farm Show. While it looks like we'll escape the week without the usual coinciding snowfall, the event offers all of its usual favorites.
When I attended the show last Saturday on Governor's Day, I missed Big Ed's tour around the complex, thus forfeiting a celebrity sighting.

Parking was the first order of business. Traffic did not seem to be an issue, and we drove up to park at the lot on Elmerton Avenue, which cost $5. Once directed to a spot, we walked over to one of many bus stops around the large parking area. It wasn't long before a bus came to pick us up. We traveled in a path around the lot, picking up and dropping off. If you're in a serious hurry to get to the Farm Show, this way might not be for you. But at least you don't have to stand or walk in the cold. We were dropped off at the Cameron Street lobby entrance.

My first stop was to the food court. We went for the chicken nuggets and sandwich, $2 and $3 respectively.

The line for the milk shakes ran nearly halfway through the enormous room, at about four lines across. We patiently waited, knowing this is one of the must-haves at the Farm Show. So much so that when I told a friend I had gone to the show, her first question was, "Did you have a milk shake?"

Gov. Ed Rendell reportedly had the half-vanilla half-chocolate shake, but I chose the straight-up vanilla. Its flavor and consistency lived up to its reputation.

After feeding our bellies, we trekked back through the lobby area up stairs to the Equine Arena to watch cart classes. On our way down toward the main floor, where activity buzzed the most, we passed ticket sales for the rodeo finals. Get them early, for we couldn't find a seat at the Pennsylvania High School Rodeo Association's Championship Rodeo.

We then set out for the main floor, where Pennsylvania vendors were selling nearly anything you could imagine. I picked up some honey (and recipes to incorporate it into my diet), snacked on free samples of popcorn, Lebanon bologna, cinnamon and sugar-covered nuts, mustard dips, chocolate and more.

We stopped by the state Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to pick up pamphlets on related topics.

Need a cowboy hat? Leather gloves? A magic scarf? All these are available on the main floor of the Farm Show as well.

At 2 p.m. was the Greatest Cocoa Cake and Cookie Contest, an undeniably delicious-looking competition for the best use of cocoa.

Following that, at 5 p.m., was the Farm Show Fashions with a flair fashion show. Here, contestants from around the state showed their sewing and creative skills via dresses, clown costumes, sweaters and full outfits, a loved one or the designers serving as the models.

I searched and searched for cows. Along with milk shakes, the Farm Show brings thoughts of cows, and I couldn't find where these beasts were hiding. I did find, however a small showing of cows, two of them the biggest bovines I have ever seen, in the same room as the sheep.

I later found out that the cows appear later in the week for their events.

After a look at the poultry and rabbits, we tried to check out the rodeo. Tickets were required, but the Large Arena has a few sections of free seating. The problem, an usher told us, was finding an empty one. We rounded the arena to a set of stairs and climbed a few flights. We didn't see many seats, but found empty standing space and watched high-schoolers from around the state chase cattle on horseback, capture the animal by lasso, jump off the horse, and tie the legs of the animal -- all in mere seconds.

Tired and ready to refuel, we headed back to the food court for more good eating -- french fries, baked potato and milk from a vending machine, which there should be more of just everywhere.

Our bellies were full, we smelled a bit of animals and the day was a success.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com

Whispers of a huge club might come true in Harrisburg

Whispers of a huge club might come true in Harrisburg
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
January 6, 2005
Author: Sara L. Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 4

Horoscopes and tarot readings aside, it's anyone's guess what 2005 will hold for each of us. On the other hand, some projects are expected to materialize this year.
Big city club

Some of you might recall hearing whispers about a South Beach club in Harrisburg. Well, it looks like rumors might be true. The formal announcement of a superclub was released earlier this week, and it will open by late spring or early summer.

The club will be on Cameron Street between Herr Street and the State Street Bridge. It will rent space from a local printing facility due to break ground on the new location this winter.

The club will be mighty in size, able to accommodate 2,500 people -- much larger than anything currently in Harrisburg. It will book national musicians and host celebrity patrons. With varying theme nights, expert lighting and laser technicians to boot, club organizer Beryl Healey said: "[We] guarantee, you won't get bored here."

Healey is from Liverpool, England, originally, but landed in South Beach, Fla., in 1981 and built a nightclub that turned the Then run-down town into the nightlife hot spot. Over the past 20 years, she and her team have produced huge parties for celebrities and organizations such as Anheuser-Busch and the National Football League.

One of the questions, of course, is why such a successful big city group would be interested in Harrisburg. Great as our renaissance might be, we still are not New York City or Los Angeles or Miami.

Healey said one of her light technicians is from Lewistown and the group would often come to Pennsylvania to get away from big city life. They came to realize that there wasn't anything like a nightclub in the midstate, and eventually settled on Harrisburg to build one.

During her on-the-street interviews, Healey found that 80 percent of the people in this area were going out of town for night life. Even now, Healey says, Harrisburg doesn't have nightclubs; it has bars with dance floors.

Healey and her team strive to change that, and see Harrisburg becoming a destination point because of this nightclub.

Scott's Grille goes West

Rumor has it that in early spring, Scott's Grille owners Edward Tubbs and Jeff Rose will open Scott's Grille-Olde Towne Mediterranean on the West Shore. The new bistro will occupy the building currently housing PJ O'Brien's at 324 Market St., New Cumberland.

The menu will feature homemade pastas, whole fish and seafood besides daily specials from regions in the Mediterranean.

Can't get enough wings?

In February, another KoKoMo's is scheduled to open in a shopping center in West Hanover Twp.

Expect the familiar and popular wings and drink specials through the week at the 8,000-square-foot location. It also will offer a lunch and dinner menu. Seating in the three dining rooms will accommodate 180 people.

And of course, being a sports bar, KoKoMo's will have plenty of television sets broadcasting your favorite sporting event.

Expanding in York

Ron Kamionka will add an outdoor cafe to his vast nightclub wonderland in downtown York in May. Cherry Lane, a 6,000-square-foot cafe seating 200 patrons, will serve dinner and drinks nightly, seven days a week.

In early December, Market Street Saloon, a replica of Harrisburg's Bourbon Street Saloon, opened in the former Marcello's Pizza, below Bahama Mama Beach Club. Across the street are York's Hardware Bar, Vertigo -- a dance club and Rain -- a martini bar with aesthetic appeal.

A gem in the borough

Last week, I went to 2201 in the Boro for dinner with my beau and his brother. The small restaurant is on the first floor of the Old Borough Building (thus the name). As Camp Hill is "dry," 2201 is BYOB, and I took an inexpensive bottle of Chianti.

I highly recommend the baked Brie appetizer and the goat cheese and beet salad. Both were incredible. We sampled a few of the entrees, but the pork chop with fruit salsa was our favorite. Catch these items soon, however. As with most fine dining places, its menu changes seasonally.

The interior of the restaurant is small and intimate. Warm red walls and the artwork on the walls (by a local artist, all for sale) give a comfortable and familiar feel of dining in a friend's home.

On holiday at O.C.M.D.

I spent the holiday out of town, which was unfortunate as a lot went on here at home. However, since I was able to spend the first day of the new year walking on the beach on a 70-degree, sunny day, I should not complain.

On New Year's Eve, while the rest of my friends met at Seacrets, the hottest and most crowded bar in Ocean City, Md., my boyfriend and I opted to spend it at the favorite O.C. neighborhood joint, Kirby's Pub. A midnight champagne toast was all that really told us that it was a midwinter holiday. Otherwise, the bar looked much like a busy summer night.

The biggest disappointment for me was realizing that no one in Maryland seems to give a darn about eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day. I saw not one advertisement promising the good-luck dish. Fortunately, a few of our friends, natives of central Pennsylvania, cooked up the traditional German treat for us. I had my fill of pork, sauerkraut and hope for oodles of good fortune this year.

SARA L. BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com