Out with Sara

What a year! // Bars, spas, kabobs top list in 2006

What a year! // Bars, spas, kabobs top list in 2006
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
December 28, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Another year has whizzed by and the time has come to rehash the last 365(ish) days before we move on to '07. Here are my picks that spoke best of the midstate in 2006:

PD's Pretzel Dogs was the best late-night snack downtown since Spot Dogs. It's a shame that PD's has already disappeared to the land of lost food vendors. Hopefully, 2007 will bring its return as hungry weekend imbibers wait in anticipation.
Next on my list is Suba, the second-level tapas bar above Mangia Qui. It's small, quaint and serves the best cocktails -- its basil martini remains one of my favorites -- and delicious small-portioned foods. On some weekends, it hosts original music by such lively bands as Oba Oba Brasil.

2006's St. Patrick's Day trumps any I can recall in recent years. Barhopping, big crowds, green beer, tacos -- it had it all.

The year also saw all kinds of long-awaited bar openings -- The Quarter, Tom Sawyer Diner. Then there were the stops and starts on the bookends of town -- original NOMA and Mars, I'm talking to you -- a few people had bar A.D.D. this year, but we're pleased with both final products.

For outdoor summer brunches, I have three words: Zephyr's Bloody Marys. Made with Absolut Citron and served in a pepper-rimmed pint glass, North Street Zephyr Express's drink is tops. I can sit outside all afternoon drinking this spicy drink.

I also became more cuisine-ly cultured with the onslaught of kabob restaurants. Harrisburg welcomed La Kasbah, which offers Moroccan-styled skewered meats, Skewers Grill, which offers an Afghan-accented fare, and 2nd Street Kabob, which has a Syrian touch.

For a taste of New Orleans, the Bayou is the place. The phenomenal, cozy little restaurant off the beaten path at Second and Harris streets boasts Cajun and Creole cuisines. The Creole meatloaf crusted with bacon and berry cobbler with lemon mint ice cream ought not be missed.

I was looking to be pampered and I found it at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey. From the classic Swedish massage to the hourlong Cuban pedicure, I could not have had a more relaxing day.

I was welcomed as a friend of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and for the first time in my life saw "The Nutcracker" at Hershey Theatre. Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and HSO joined together to perform George Balanchine's Christmas classic. And what a classic it is from the talent to costumes to set design.

Readers' choices

When the readers were asked about the highlights of 2006, this is what they had to say:

Christian Thiede of Harrisburg: "How about the poets tour of Harrisburg at the Midtown Scholar, which was sponsored by almostuptown.com? The CD will be out momentarily. I would also say Chester Attic/Oba Oba at Suba, Jackie Blue and Cafe Fresco."

Joel Settecase of Harrisburg: "I moved from Chicago in August and I was more than a little worried that I would find Harrisburg less than exciting. All my fears were assuaged, however, once I got here and found about the burgeoning downtown, the hot clubs and bars and the classic Broad Street Market. By far, the coolest thing about this year's developments was the weekly jazz at Rent This Gallery in Midtown."

Rachel Manzo of Harrisburg: "I like Kasbah. It's not in the hustle and bustle of Second Street. Also Lola's. You can finally get good makeup and spa treatments downtown."

Chris Bryce of Harrisburg puts the big picture in perspective. "City Council passed zoning changes to allow 110-foot buildings on Front Street from Verbeke to McClay. The Aloft Hotel project on Second and State has been approved. HACC's expansion into midtown bodes well for that part of the city and there's a chance that the federal courthouse will locate in Midtown as well. Harrisburg University continues to thrive."

John Levenda of Harrisburg: "My vote would be for Tom Sawyer Diner. It is different, good use of a small plot of land and probably the best place in Harrisburg to have a drink on a warm summer night or after work. The food is great, with decent prices."

Drinks of the week

Here's a toast to more great plans in 2007. Teetotalers, designated drivers and pregnant celebrators can enjoy a merry Eve without the alcohol by substituting sparkling cider or sparkling white grape juice in the Champagne recipes. Happy New Year!

Grand Poinsettia Cocktail (from CocktailTimes.com) 1 ounce Bacardi Grand Melon 1/2 ounce orange curacao 2 ounces pomegranate juice 1/2 ounce lemon juice 1/2 ounce simple syrup 1/2 ounce champagne or sparkling wine

Combine rum, orange curacao, pom and lemon juices and simple syrup with ice. Shake and strain into a tall glass. Top off with sparking wine. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

Creme Brulee Martini (from FineLiving.com) 1 ounce vanilla-flavored vodka 1 ounce Frangelico

1/2 ounce Cointreau

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Stir gently and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

A dash of cream can be added to this cocktail, but it's sweet enough on its own. Try adding the cream if the martini is a substitute for dessert. If it's for cocktail hour, skip the cream. Rim the edge of the martini glasses in brown sugar.

Gingerbread Man 1 1/2 ounces vanilla flavored vodka 4 ounces ginger beer

Various garnishes Ice

Pour vodka over a couple of ice cubes in a cocktail glass. Add ginger beer, garnish with a cherry, and serve.

For garnishes, try a maraschino cherry, a mint leaf, lemon or orange peels, or a slice of fresh ginger.

Diamond Champagne Cocktail 1 splash orange liqueur 1 sugar cube Champagne

Angostura bitters Stir stick with a cluster of crystallized sugar

Put sugar cube in a chilled champagne glass and soak with bitters. Add orange liqueur, fill with cold champagne, and garnish with crystallized sugar stick.

Champagne Tini (from ThatstheSpirit.com) 2 ounces Piper Heidseick Champagne 1/4 ounce Cointreau 1 ounce Plymouth Gin Orange zest

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin and Cointreau. Stir until chilled and strain into a champagne cup. Top with chilled and garnish with a burnt orange zest. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

'The Nutcracker' // A classic holiday treat

The Nutcracker' // A classic holiday treat
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
December 21, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

I'm not sure how, especially as a former student of dance, I had never seen "The Nutcracker" before. It was something I'd always wanted to do and either never made time or the effort -- I really can't explain it. But I was thrilled to finally attend this Christmas classic last weekend.
The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by Central Dauphin East High School Women's Select Ensemble Choir, joined together for several holiday performances of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker." Three performances were held at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, and three were held at the historic Hershey Theatre.

We attended the Saturday evening Hershey performance. I've gotten quite used to the drive from Harrisburg to Hershey, but I do recommend leaving a bit early regardless of your departure area, as at this time of year, you'll battle drivers heading to and from the outlet mall, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights.

Dress for the event is much like the symphony, in work-appropriate attire (slacks, skirt, no jeans), though because of the season, I would say things are taken up a notch.

It was really fun to see the young children in semiformal attire, girls with small, matching handbags and wraps. Most of the children (I imagine many were there to support sisters or brothers participating in the ballet) in the filled audience were impressively well-behaved.

The ballet was absolutely gorgeous. Costumes and set design stood up to the talent of the area's young ballerinas and experience of Harrisburg's accomplished symphony. It was a wonderful Christmas treat, and one I hope to make an annual holiday tradition.

Bars busy for holidays

College kids are home, office parties are overtaking regular hot spots, and people are more in the mood to booze. Here are a few tips for dealing with these often annoying changes to help you enjoy your night out.

This week, the added parties might be a welcome addition to an otherwise low-key weekday happy hour. This weekend, however, promises overcrowded bars and clubs on regularly busy nights. Since Christmas falls on Monday, I predict a pretty big Saturday night downtown.

As for Christmas Eve (Sunday), limited bars will be open, and those that are won't likely be selling food -- but they will be packed with patrons.

The No. 1 key is patience. You have to know what you're in for and plan accordingly. If you're not in the mood for the crowds, I'd stick to your off-the-beaten-path favorites or invite some friends over for an informal gathering instead. If you're ready to brave through it, mentally prepare for long lines, slower service and cranky bartenders.

No. 2 is tipping. Now, I am not a supporter of the theory that you have to tip outrageously to get a bartender's attention. However, there are some bartenders who operate that way, and when they're dealing with a crowded bar, they're going to take care of the customers who are taking care of them. It is the holiday spirit, so if you feel like being generous, go for it.

Now is probably not the time to short the server or leave pennies. The average tip these days is 20 percent, and I would recommend starting there. Some bartenders suggest $1 per drink. Please do not order 15 drinks -- especially complicated ones -- and leave only $1. That's how you don't get a second round of drinks.

More important -- though not interchangeable with tipping (you want to do both) -- is attitude. Be nice. It's the holidays. This goes back to No. 1 -- patience. Know what you're in for and adjust your attitude accordingly. Have your drink order ready and your card or cash in hand. Don't wave it around. Don't yell; the bartender will get to you, I promise. Keep this in mind with folks around you, too. You're all out for the same purpose -- to celebrate the holidays with friends and family and a little drink.

Also, remember to eat! Usually one doesn't need this reminder around the holidays, but if your party is at a bar, it's sometimes easy to get carried away and not eat enough. Alcohol and an empty stomach, as many of you know, is a dangerous combination. Try to drink a lot of water. I almost always order a water along with my drink, or try to alternate between water and cocktails.

If you're ready to be done, but the boss or someone equally influential is trying to encourage you to stay and drink more, order a club soda and lime (or something to your liking), and if you think you'll be harassed for being a teetotaler, say it's a gin and tonic.

Most importantly: Be responsible. If you've had too much, know it, and don't drive home. Take a cab, call a friend to pick you up, or crash at a buddy's. Whatever minor inconvenience this causes at the time is certainly better than a DUI, a crashed car, jail time or worse. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

TOYS FOR TOTS AND A NEW PLAYGROUND FOR ADULTS

TOYS FOR TOTS AND A NEW PLAYGROUND FOR ADULTS
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
December 14, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

This week, it's time for some actual reporting of these holiday events. Last Monday, I attended the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's annual Toys for Tots happy hour, hosted by The FireHouse Restaurant & Bar on its third floor.
The event garnered an excellent turnout of mostly politically related folk, many of whom weren't even Friendly Sons members, but guests who had learned of the event via word of mouth.

Admission was the donation of a new, unwrapped toy worth at least $10. Draft beer and hors d'oeuvres whet the whistles of donors in exchange. It was a great night to catch up with old friends while supporting a timely cause in the spirit of the season (not to mention WITH spirits of the season). Musical entertainment was provided by local acoustic performer Pat Cusick.

About 500 toys were collected, an increase from last year's event.

Night-life development

The second floor of 236 N. Second St., sandwiched between the infamous Coyote's Hardware Bar and long-standing Eclipse Nightclub, was originally "The Lunar Level," then "The Boom Boom Room." It was probably best remembered for its short stints as "Bed."

Well, forget what you know. Owner Ron Kamionka, with one of his signature one-week renovations, has renovated the second floor into a new entity, called "Big Cans."

Big Cans is a bar, a regular old bar. Carpet was ripped out, VIP sections destroyed, and a hardwood floor was laid. Exposed brick was discovered behind the north walls, and brick was added behind the bar and to create a fake fireplace. The paint is whirled pea green.

Barstools line the bar, which was covered with hardwood flooring to complete the transformation. Two pool tables, an old arcade game and MegaTouch machines provide entertainment for individuals or small groups. Plasma-screen TVs adorn the back wall of the bar, and more are on the way.

The gimmick of Big Cans (you knew there would be one) is cheap beer. Wednesday night, you get 10-ounce Miller Lite cans for a quarter. Yes, 25 pennies, a nickel and two dimes -- you get the point.

Thursday is "big can" night with $1.50 16-ounce "pounders." Natural Light cans are $2 all the time.

This change is part one in a redesign of the club. Tomorrow night, say goodbye to Eclipse and hello to "Evolution."

The club is named for Kamionka's mantra about the nightclub business; he believes as customers' tastes change, so should the venues. Eclipse has been long-standing in the area (a five-year run is substantial in a business where the average life of a nightclub is two years), and Kamionka says he's watched the scene change around it. Now it's time to be a part of that development as well. Thus, the new name, "Evolution," and a new vision.

The third floor is now a combination dance club and lounge, with elevated seating areas and brighter colors. Gone are the dance cages, as well as the pressure of a dance club. Instead, you can find seats at cocktail tables near the dance floor, and should the music move you, the room instantly transforms into a dance space. The experience is now geared more toward the music, says Kamionka, "and less about being in a dark room with lights flashing."

Evolution opens at 9 p.m. tomorrow and operates from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Friday and Saturday. Big Cans is open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

DRINK OF THE WEEK

Spirit.com suggests that you use the following recipe to welcome guests (it wouldn't take much to amp this puppy into a punch bowl-sized concoction) or just as a treat after a long day of shopping.

CHRISTMAS RASPBERRY SPARKLE

1/2 ounce vodka 1/2 ounce apricot brandy/liqueur 3/4 ounce raspberry ginger ale Frozen raspberries

In a large frosted martini glass, stir vodka and apricot brandy. Slowly add the ginger ale. Garnish with 3 or 4 frozen raspberries.

What to get? // Try these gift ideas

What to get? // Try these gift ideas
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
December 7, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

OK, the countdown is on. We have, what, 15 shopping days left? Time is moving fast, but I have gathered for you a list of unique and night life/entertainment gift ideas for the not-so-easy to shop for people on your list. Consider these ideas for the beer lovers, young adults or culture seekers on your list.
The gift of brew

Troegs Brewing Company not only offers gift cards in any amount (redeemable at its extensive retail gift shop, loaded with clothing, glassware and other Troegs accessories), but also a special holiday bottle of Mad Elf, its popular seasonal concoction. This version is a huge 101-ounce bottle packaged in a decorative box.

"This is a great present or bottle to bring to a holiday party," said Troegs co-founder Chris Trogner. Bottles cost $59.95 each.

Keep in mind, however, because of Pennsylvania's case laws, these can only be purchased at the brewery or via interested vendors like McGrath's Pub and Coakley's Restaurant & Irish Pub.

At Appalachian Brewing Company, pick up a brewery gift basket for the micro-lover on your list, a combination of ABC's beer, brew wear and glassware packaged in a gift basket. Or, new this year, pick up some "beer art." Choose from a variety canvas prints featuring ABC beer logos stretched over a wood frame. Prints are signed by "yours truly" as brewmaster.

Prints are 16-by-20 inches and also can be placed in a basic black picture frame. Larger prints and canvas only are available by special order.

Still stumped? ABC also offers gift cards in any denomination.

For the culture seeker

The Mantis Collective, the intimate host to a variety of mediums of local art -- from photography to painting to film -- offers gift certificates in any amount over $10. Most gallery viewings are free. Mantis sells most of its original art, in addition to hand-blown glass, cards, jewelry, scarves, ornaments and a new line of bath salts, scrubs and lotions.

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra delivers the gift of music with its holiday gift card. Card holders have two options with the U-Pick4 or U-Pick2 gift cards and can choose any combination of tickets for the remaining HSO season. For example, the U-Pick4 plan can be used for two tickets to two concerts or four tickets to one concert.

Holiday gift card prices vary from $40 to $160 depending on options and seating areas.

For the foodie

Restaurant gift cards are simple and easy. Many local spots offer rechargeable cards and gifts in any monetary amount.

Bricco, the culinary collaboration between Harrisburg Area Community College and Hilton Harrisburg & Towers, offers gift cards to its restaurant that are also redeemable at Ciao Bakery and Olewine's Meat and Cheese, the Bricco-affiliated shops just around the corner from the restaurant on Third and Chestnut streets in Harrisburg.

Cornerstone Coffeehouse offers gift cards in any amount for the coffeeshop/bakery and the Cornerstone Culinary Kitchen and Cooking School. Or, create your own gift basket. The possibilities are endless.

At Flinchy's, buy your gift certificates in bulk. When you spend $100 in gift cards, you earn yourself a free lunch. Buy $500 and keep $50 for yourself. Or, for the true fan, get one of Flinchy's T-shirts, $10 each or two for $15. Choose from, "I got my crabs at Flinchy's" (referring to their summer crabfests on the deck), "Eat Out More" and the new "Authentica" beer bottle cap design.

For a gift that keeps giving, log onto BurgBlurb.com and register for the V.I.P. Club Card. For $10, all of which benefits the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, you get a variety of discounts and freebies at local businesses, including free cover charges at clubs, free desserts, buy-one-get-one-free deals, $1 off drafts and more, depending on retailer. A list of V.I.P. participants is available on www.burgblurb.com. New restaurants and other businesses will continue to be added.

Plus, don't forget, state liquor stores offer great wine and liquor packages, plus gift cards in any amount. Info: www.pawineandspirits.com.

The gift of possibility

For the single folks in your life, PreDating and Lock & Key offer gift certificates. Local organizer Jaynie has been running the events for years and knows of two weddings just this year whose couples met through these events.

PreDating (read: speed dating) gifts are $34. Lock & Key, a more mingling-oriented event, costs $20. Contact Jaynie at 576-5077 or jaynie@pre-dating.com. For more information, visit www.cupid.com/pre-dating and www.lockandkeyevents.com/hpa. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Buy holiday cheer, and fun on any budget

Buy holiday cheer, and fun on any budget
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
November 30, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

I think I've come to enjoy the holidays even more as an adult than I did as a toy-demanding child. I love shopping for friends and family (I'm nearly done with my list), taking time to wrap gifts and getting together to exchange gifts.
I love the cookies, the peppermint-flavored cocoa and the decadent truffles. The music keeps my mood up, even with long lines, holiday drivers and crowded malls. There are plenty of holiday-themed events to attend and participate in this season. Here are some ideas:

* Continue your shopping at the Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show, which runs through Sunday, at the state Farm Show Complex. More than 500 vendors will feature such specialty gifts as jewelry, arts and crafts, furniture and stocking stuffers and everything in-between from $2 to $700. And if you get tired of buying gifts, check out the cooking clinics, dance troupe and choral performances, a 120-foot train set and of course, Santa Claus. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the door. Info: www.pachristmasshow.com.

* Kids of all ages can have breakfast with Santa every weekend morning in December at Tom Sawyer Diner in downtown Harrisburg. Santa will visit 9-11 a.m. Chow down diner basics like eggs and pancakes, and remember breakfast is served all day. Info: 232-4499.

* For a cheap holiday event, stop by the Planetarium at The State Museum before the end of the year for its seasonal shows. Admission is an easy-on-the-wallet -- $3.50 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

In "George and Oatmeal Save Christmas," Santa is lost, and Oatmeal the Snowman and George the Planetarium Wizard use the stars to help St. Nick head home to the North Pole in time for Christmas. This show is geared toward young children and families. Shows are at 11 a.m. Saturdays; also there are weekday shows at 11 a.m. Dec. 26-29.

For the general public and families, "Season of Light" highlights winter customs from around the world, including religious and cultural practices of Christians, Jews, Irish, Nordic, Romans, Mexicans and Hopis. Shows are at 1 and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Additional weekday shows are at 1 and 2 p.m. Dec. 26-29. Info: 787-4980 or www.statemuseumpa.org.

* Santa will battle Frosty in the holiday IMAX hit, "Santa vs. the Snowman" which comes to the Select Medical IMAX Theater at the Whitaker Center Dec. 8 and runs through the end of the year. Tickets are $6.75 to $8.75. This 45-minute, 3-D show is not to be missed! Info: www.whitakercenter.org.

* If you have a bit more of a budget to play with, sign up for Historic Harrisburg Association's Candlelight House Tour, which is 1-5 p.m. Dec. 10. The tours are an annual tradition since the society's inception in 1973, and highlight the best in urban living and a home-for-the-holidays feel. This year, the tour showcases the area from Verbeke to Kelker Streets, including part of the Old Uptown Municipal Historic District. Admission is $12 in advance; $15 day of event. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at various businesses. Info: 233-4646 or www.historicharrisburg.com.

Following the tours, Friends of Midtown hosts a free art exhibit at Rent This Gallery at 1417 and 1419 N. Third St. in midtown Harrisburg. Stroll through the Christmas Wonderland designed by local artists or pick up a Christmas present in the form of a painting or other artwork created by Harrisburg's own. The gallery is open 6-9 p.m. on the exhibit's opening night, Dec 8; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on the Candlelight House Tour day; 5-8 p.m. Dec. 11-15 and noon-7 p.m. Dec. 16-17. Info: www.friendsofmidtown.org.

Drinks of the week

SKYY 'TIS THE CITRUS

There's no better way to ring in the holidays than with this festive cocktail. Kick-start the celebrations with a burst of tangy citrus and tart pomegranate. The drink is courtesy of SKYY Spirits.

2 ounces SKYY Citrus Fresh pomegranate juice Splash of triple sec

Shake ingredients in shaker over ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed glass.

SKYY WALKING IN A VANILLA WONDERLAND

The tree has been trimmed and the halls have been decked. Now it's time to kick back with a creamy cocktail as you admire all of your holiday handiwork. 3 ounces SKYY Vanilla 1/2 ounce Frangelico 1/2 ounce triple sec Splash of cream

Pour SKYY Vanilla, Frangelico, and triple sec over rocks in a low-ball glass. Add a splash of cream. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com and SaraBozich.com. Celebrate responsibly.

This is official start of season of excess

This is official start of season of excess
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
November 23, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The simple and nationwide celebration revolves around two things: food and football.
The cuisine, as you all know, is typically based on a big turkey and stuffing and pumpkin pie. And overindulgence. Few other times during the year is it acceptable, if not expected, to unbutton your pants at the dinner table after multiple helpings of turkey and the accompanying sides.

Tomorrow, hordes of folks will kick off the Christmas season by lining up outside the Target and Kohl's stores for early-bird shopping specials. Sales galore rule the country as holiday shopping officially begins.

As of tomorrow, it is also officially A-OK to start playing Christmas music (although some stores started just after Halloween), hang sparkling lights and red and green decorations and purchase your Christmas tree.

Time to tree up

A tree vendor will operate at the lot at 1301 N. Front St., between Sayford and Verbeke streets in midtown Harrisburg. Midtown's Home for the Holidays & Tree Stand opens tomorrow and sells Christmas trees and decorations. Local school choirs and organizations will entertain with carols as customers browse. Hot cocoa with marshmallows will be on hand next to a roaring fire.

The stand has partnered with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and Salvation Army to operate as a drop spot for canned goods and other nonperishable items, unwrapped toy donations and clothing old and new. Remember, it is the season to give.

Midtown's Home for The Holidays & Tree Stand will be open from 4 to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends. Ample parking is available on site. For information, call 379-9222 or e-mail midtown.hbg.holidays@gmail.com.

Beaujolais Nouveau Day

If you're feeling Scroogelike or just aren't ready to kick off the holiday season yet, grab a few friends and uncork a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau. Last Thursday was Beaujolais Nouveau Day, the third Thursday in November, when the batch of this baby wine is released.

The story of Beaujolais Nouveau is fascinating, and I learned this from slashfood.com. Using the harvest of specific gamay noir grapes (purple-colored grapes used to make red wine) from France's Beaujolais region, the wine is made through a fermentation process that doesn't involve crushing the grapes, but throwing them into a vat whole. As fermentation occurs, the grapes release carbon dioxide, which bubbles to the top, aiding the process further. The drinkable product is ready just 10 short weeks from harvest.

The result is a fruity, low-alcohol red wine with no tannins or bitter taste. It's a white-wine drinker's red and is not meant to be taken seriously, tasted or kept and aged.

Beaujolais Day began in the Beaujolais region as locals would drink the early harvest from jugs dipped in the wine casks. Drinkers considered it a preview of the Beaujolais harvest for each year. Eventually, word spread, and requests came from all over the world. The original Beaujolais Day was Nov. 15, but as demand increased, the date was moved to the third Thursday in November.

Every year, Flinchy's in Lower Allen Twp. orders a case of Georges Duboef Beaujolais Nouveau for its customers, available by the bottle or the glass. So far, they're the only local venue I've found that celebrates the occasion (an announcement appeared on Flinchys.com and via e-mail newsletter). But check with your bar/restaurant to see if they offer the wine, or visit a liquor store (the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board hosted a tasting at Hilton Harrisburg & Towers over lunch hour on Beaujolais Day).

Drink of the week

On my mom's side of the family, we drink champagne on Thanksgiving, and on my dad's, we have wine or beer. However, there are plenty of good cocktails to try with your turkey dinner today.

THANKSGIVING COCKTAIL

1 1/2 ounces lemon juice 1 ounce apricot brandy 1 ounce dry vermouth 1 ounce Plymouth gin

Shake all the ingredients with ice. Strain into an old-fashioned glass. Add ice. Happy Thanksgiving!

For a nonalcoholic treat, which will make your home smell wonderful, try this cider

MULLED CIDER

3 cinnamon sticks 1/2 gallon apple cider 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon allspice berries (whole) 1 teaspoon cloves (whole) 1 teaspoon nutmeg

In a large saucepan bring apple cider and brown sugar to a boil. Put nutmeg, cloves and allspice into a cheesecloth bag and place in the saucepan with the cider and brown sugar mixture. Add cinnamon sticks, stir over a low flame and simmer for a few minutes until spice flavors have an opportunity to dissipate. Remove spice bag and ladle into warmed cups in which you have put an apple ring and a cinnamon stick. Makes 16 servings.

Tips: If you don't have cheesecloth handy, use a tea ball or a coffee filter to hold the spices. For a decorative touch, stud an apple with cloves and allow that to float in your cider pot instead of adding cloves to your spice bag.

You can spike this version by simply adding an ounce of rum, brandy or Cognac for each serving (one to two cups).

SOURCE: ThatstheSpirit.com SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Bricco, Gamut Theatre Group, FireHouse Martini: SEASONAL FAVES

Bricco, Gamut Theatre Group, FireHouse Martini: SEASONAL FAVES
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
November 16, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

I hope you've heard of Bricco, the culinary school/fine Mediterranean restaurant that is a partnership between the Olewine School of Culinary Arts at Harrisburg Area Community College and Harrisburg Hotel Corp. (Hilton Harrisburg & Towers). It's tucked into the south end of downtown at Third and Chestnut streets.
I've been meaning for some time to go in just for a happy hour -- share a bottle of wine with a friend and take pleasure in their cheese selection, or perhaps the house specialty seafood tower, an assortment of fresh oysters, clams, crabs and more.

Instead, I've been in for dinner a handful of times, each time as good as the last. I've found a favorite dish (Chianti-braised beef short ribs, a staple on the menu as Bricco's signature dish $26), a wine to accompany it (Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz, $38.94) and have developed a new appreciation for mussels (with baby leeks and red wine ver jus, $9). If mussels tasted like this elsewhere, I'd order them everywhere I go.

Another highlight of Bricco is the wine selection, which has been fairly well advertised for its unique pricing: all bottles of wine are $10 over cost. If two people are ordering the same wine, it is often most cost-effective to buy the bottle. Don't worry about hurrying to finish it if it's too much. Pennsylvania law allows you to recork the bottle to take home with you.

We booked our dinner for 5: 30 p.m. Friday, as we had show tickets to Gamut Theatre Group's performance of "A Company of Wayward Saints" at 7: 30 p.m. The timing of dinner was perfect, and we enjoyed a relaxed and delicious meal.

We tried the grilled day boat scallops with wild mushrooms, leeks and preserved lemon corn butter ($11) as an appetizer, then shared a more casual meal with one of Bricco's stone oven pizzas (fresh Roma tomato, $11) and the appetizer size of the Strozzapretti ($9) with crispy braised beef, green beans and black truffle cream. (I sneak those short ribs in where I can.)

After dinner, we enjoyed coffee while we chatted about menu suggestions with guests at the table beside us, a lively group out for a birthday dinner. Then it was time to move down the street for our night of theater.

Gamut Theatre Group is the combination of Popcorn Hat Players Children's Theatre and Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival. Together, they inhabit the Gamut Classic Theatre on the third floor of Strawberry Square, next to Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the former space of the Museum of Scientific Discovery.

The space is intimate, and players perform to all three sides of the low stage. Refreshments are offered and may be brought to the seats. On the bill Friday night was George Herman's "A Company of Wayward Saints," a story of an improvisational comedy troupe, stranded away from home (though where they are is never clear). The group's leader, Harlequin, is approached by a wealthy duke, who promises to pay for their way home if they can perform one show for him.

The characters, however, would rather upstage and insult one another, allowing for some great humor, both witty and physical. The actors were incredible, showing impressive range in emotion and fantastic comedic timing.

The show runs through this weekend, and tickets are still available. Shows are at 7: 30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2: 30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $17 for students and seniors. Also, on Bring-A-Friend Fridays, tickets are buy one, get one free. Sundays are Bring Your Own Price, where any donation grants you entrance to the show. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Party planning vital to festive holiday soiree

Party planning vital to festive holiday soiree
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
November 9, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 4

Well, the Halloween decorations have been put away, costume rentals returned and dentist appointments updated. That could only mean that the holiday season is upon us. Turkeys are hot commodities and there's a jingle in the air; it's only a matter of time before we're playing reindeer games and hanging stockings by the chimney with care.
An overlooked, but often anticipated part of the season is holiday parties -- especially if you want to hold one at a restaurant. I talked to service professionals Toni Treece, general manager of Scott's Grille in downtown Harrisburg, and Michelle Schmidt, a chef at The FireHouse Restaurant & Bar, about party options, the dos and don'ts and other tips to help make the holiday party a hit, no matter what the size.

Treece has worked as a server and manager for eight years, and Schmidt has been in the business for 15 years.

First of all, the time is nigh. Make a call to the venue of your choice sooner rather than later. Large parties are the most difficult to book, but even smaller parties are best planned in advance, both for the restaurant and your guests.

What is your vision?

The first thing to think about is how you envision the party. Have a date and the number of guests in mind. Then, decide whether it is a lunch or a dinner. Sit-down or cocktails.

Treece's note: Don't ask which dates are available, date-wise; most venues will do their best to accommodate any party. It all depends on timing and size of your party. Have a few dates in mind when you call.

What are your options?

You have a variety of options when it comes to hosting your party in a restaurant. Not every venue has the same options, so check with the manager before you book.

* Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres -- This kind of party provides the most in flexibility with guest numbers and cost to the host. It also provides a number of options, depending on your budget. Let's examine:

Serving alcohol

* Open bar -- This is a free for all for your guests, could get expensive.

* Limited open bar -- All drinks go on one tab and only includes certain drinks as free (usually draft beer and house wine).

* Cash -- Each person pays for herself/himself.

* Open with cash limit -- Free for all until the host says stop after a certain dollar amount or particular hour.

* Drink tickets -- Only different for the guest. The host might decide to pay for two drinks per person, and the venue will determine the price of a ticket. The host pays a total for the tickets and distributes them to the guests at his/her discretion, usually before the event or upon entrance.

Serving food

At a party, you're talking hors d'oeuvres no matter what, but you can choose hot or cold, butlered (staff carries trays around the room, offering to guests) or stations (tables full of finger food).

* Sit-down dinner: A fancier event, this version calls for more planning. At Scott's, for example, guests have three options for creating a menu. The first, the host picks three items from the menu (usually a chicken, beef and fish) and guests can select from those three at the dinner.

If the host wants to provide more choices the second option is to select five items off the menu. In this case guests must make their choices ahead of time, and the host must call in the final order 48 hours in advance of the party.

A third option you'll see at some restaurants during the holiday season is dinner packages, usually involving several courses for one lump sum.

* Buffet: This dinner-related version of the sit-down dinner is a little easier on the planner, but the restaurant requires a total attendee confirmation no later than 48 hours before the event. It's important to know that unless otherwise stated, buffet-style dinners for your private party are NOT all-you-can-eat. If you RSVP 50 people, that's enough food for 50 people. If fewer show, you're still responsible for 50. If more people come than anticipated, the restaurant will do its best to accommodate you (for a price), but you run the risk of running out of food.

* Lunch party: Next to the cocktail party, lunch is most flexible when it comes to holiday parties. These are best for small offices. A party between 10 and 30 people can order anything off the menu. Pre-ordering makes this easiest, and your restaurant can likely fax a menu in advance.

If you are having party for more than 30 people, it should be handled in the same manner as a sit-down dinner.

Have your cake, eat it too

When it comes to desserts, most restaurants are flexible. At Scott's, you can bring your own. Scott's charges a fee of $10 for the dessert table, linens, plates and silverware. When it comes to ordering, it also provides almost anything you want, from large cakes to such finger desserts as mini cheesecakes and éclairs. Like hors d'oeuvres, these can be butlered or placed at stations.

How to pay

Talk to the venue manager about payment options. For lunches, separate checks are a possibility, especially with smaller parties, but this will take time, and if you're on a strict lunch hour you'll want to prepare in advance. Exact change and credit cards are the best payment options, but note that running 10 credit cards will take time for your server.

I suggest planning in advance with a per-person price and collecting money at the office before lunch. Then, when the meal is over, there is just one check and little confusion.

For dinners, speak with your manager about how to pay. In most cases, there will be one check, but again, you can work to develop a per-person rate and have guests pony up before the event for a smooth evening.

* Tipping: Gratuity will likely be included, but around 16 to 18 percent, and the standard tip today is 20 percent. If you had a good experience, feel free to be generous -- it is the season of giving after all.

* Extras: Most venues will allow you to bring extras like desserts, gifts, centerpieces, balloons, and you can come in early (a manager will give you an appropriate time) to set up visuals for your party.

Some local venues might host nightly entertainment, which depending on the timing of your event, can provide an additional bonus to the night.

Bottom line

Plan in advance, especially if you have a large party or want intricate plans. Once you have a date and number of guests in mind, talk to your front-of-house manager (call the venue during the day, before or after the lunch hour is usually best) about your options. These folks have years of experience planning parties like yours. It's not too late to book, but for the best results, you want to get started now.

Good luck and happy holidays! SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Never mind the décor, Prive has good drinks

Never mind the décor, Prive has good drinks
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
November 2, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

I've wanted to check out Prive again since my first visit because I've continued to hear good things about the lounge.
As one of Prive's "friends," one is privy to its calendar of events and announcements via myspace.com's bulletin feature. Last Friday, the lounge held The Colorless Cause, a black-and white-attire-themed fundraiser for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Patrons were asked to bring nonperishable donations. Those who brought two or more were offered a drink coupon for a beer or a rail drink.

Music was provided by Premium Blend DJs, featuring Ca$hmere, Eloc, Epitomee, DJ Matt Hart and DJ Mr. Magnum. The bass thumped in my chest and I enjoyed the cool beats. In the back, near the deejay booth, a small crowd gathered to dance.

I snagged seats at the bar and ordered a classic Cosmopolitan (vodka, cranberry, triple sec, lime). Bartender John makes a mean cocktail -- I would definitely recommend trying any of his concoctions.

My only negative about Prive is that the décor's a little too white, and therefore, a little too bright -- much like the first version of NOMA. However, you can't please everyone all the time, and something minor like that isn't going to prohibit me from returning, especially when the drinks are so good.

Friday night's event brought in more than 300 food donations for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

Prive is amping up the promotions with afterwork happy hours.

As for the music, the Premium Blend DJs alternate with Matt Hart and Epitomee on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. On the second and fourth Thursdays, Jerramey Sin and Kevin S play Top 40 Club and Electro House from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

On Friday and Saturday nights, Ca$hmere spins a mix of Top 40 dance, Classic House and Electrofunk from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Drink of the week

We're in the heart of autumn. Leaves have changed, pumpkins abound and it's time to bring out the spice of the season. Try it with this twist on the classic Cosmopolitan from CocktailTimes.com.

Spicy Citri-Politan 4 parts lemon-flavored vodka 2 parts pink triple sec 1 part pink grapefruit juice 1 teaspoon superfine sugar 1/2 teaspoon Frank's Redhot Chilie 'n Lime hot sauce Pink grapefruit wedge for garnish

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

A taste of downtown on the West Shore

A taste of downtown on the West Shore
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
October 26, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

It was a little more than four years ago when the Hardware Bar, attached to Eclipse Nightclub and the former residence of Hornung's hardware store, opened to a line of anticipatory customers. The bar -- love it or hate it -- quickly became a downtown staple and one of the most popular and "must see" stops on Second Street.
The controversial though undeniably popular hot spot has reinvented itself yet again on the West Shore. At the former home of Wanda's Deck & Beach Club in Hampden Twp., the West Shore Hardware Bar opened last weekend.

A small portion of Legends, namely the original U-shaped bar, remains through a separate entrance. The deck, called Saloon, opens at 5 p.m. daily and remains substantially unchanged save for a new floor.

What was the dance floor is now a baby Hardware Bar (I say that, though the space is slightly greater than the downtown location), replete with blue and yellow paint; a wall of liquor; fire-breathing, bar top-dancing bartenders; cover bands; and wheelbarrows o' beer.

The West Shore Hardware Bar boasts a lower cover charge ($5) and free parking in the hotel lot. The bathrooms, unfortunately, are still where they were at Wanda's -- in-between the Hardware Bar and the deck and up the stairs. Security personnel man the otherwise isolated hallway and remind folks they can't take their drinks in the bathroom.

While the bar technically opened to a full house Thursday with Poptart Monkeys, the "grand opening" was Friday night, featuring local favorite and former Wanda's house band, Green Eggs. Always fun and on the cutting edge of hit music (who else is already covering Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack?"), the band is not afraid to play whatever people are listening to. From Kelly Clarkson to KT Tunstall to Usher and Warren G, Green Eggs hits every current or always popular catchy sing-along you can imagine.

OK, but bottom line: why Hardware West Shore? Well, the swing seems to be moving in that direction. With an Appalachian Brewing Company West in Hampden Twp., the Brew House in Lower Allen Twp. and the upcoming Coliseum (Trindle and St. Johns Church Road in Hampden Twp.) and McGrath's Grill in Lower Allen Twp., the West Shore has options it's never had before: quality, hot night life closer in the heart of the suburbs.

Inn on the river

Last week I toured the new Milestone Inn on North Front Street in Harrisburg. The property formerly housed the United Way but was built as a single-family home. It has since been renovated into an event venue and luxury bed and breakfast.

The space is amazing and beautiful. It sits on Front Street, next to the Beth El Temple, overlooking the Susquehanna. This time of year, with changing leaves and bright skies, the view is outstanding.

The front lawn is large enough to accommodate a 300-guest wedding, while the library can host a 34-person board meeting (or 72-person cocktail hour).

Robin and Sean Adams own and run the property, which they purchased in October 2004 and have spent two years restoring it to its original look.

Stock's on Second is the venue's exclusive caterer, and they've worked with the couple to compose three menus for guests to choose. They offer wedding packages starting at $48 per person, corporate menus comprised of breakfasts or luncheons for board meetings and cocktail party packages starting at $9 per person.

Scope out the Milestone Inn at its open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Light fare, courtesy of Stock's, will be served.Drink of the week Hankering for a perfect spooktacular cocktail for Halloween? Check out Devil's Tail from ThatstheSpirit.com and then give a toast to all those devils.

Devil's Tail 1/2 ounce apricot liqueur 1/2 teaspoon grenadine 1/2 ounce lime juice 1/2 ounce vodka 1 1/2 ounce gold rum Lime peel for garnish

Mix all ingredients (except lime peel) with ice in a blender. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Twist lime peel over drink and drop into glass. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Smalls brings big changes to 2nd Street

Smalls brings big changes to 2nd Street
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
October 19, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

In the revolving world of night life in downtown Harrisburg, Smalls, the newest spot on the strip, was welcomed last Saturday.
At Second and South streets, Smalls is in the location of the former Mars and, most recently, the South Street Tavern. The red motif is long gone, and the peanut shells and pool table have been stripped. Yellow walls are now black, and graffiti-covered shades block out the windows. Two chandeliers hang above the bar, flanked by an even odder decorative item -- stuffed wildlife that include squirrels with Mohawks and cigarettes hanging out of their mouths.

Smalls is a different kind of bar. The initial impression is that it's a punk-rock bar. And to an extent, it does cater to that genre. For instance, there is a tribute case to Joey Ramone (of punk pioneers The Ramones) where Mars' waterfall once ran and the jukebox has a good sampling of music, which was selected by patrons who submitted their disc choices via MySpace.com.

It's no-frills, yet cool. It's not a martini bar, though you can get a martini. Writing on the mirror behind the bar advertises martinis, no problem, for $30. But you'll get a T-shirt, too, when you order one. I'd stick to the cheap domestic beers such as Miller Lite and Pabst Blue Ribbon. I can't vouch for the latter brand, but it seemed to be the hot beverage on Saturday.

For $5, you can get a can of PBR and a shot. The "house drinks" are a Mad Dog spritzer and a Guinness milkshake, which is like a root beer float with Guinness substituted for the root beer.

Folks seemed pumped about the venue, commenting on how cool and different it was from anything else on the strip.

Ross Bowman, 30, of Harrisburg, said: "Harrisburg is one step closer to being a real city."

There also were several references to the Vault, both in aesthetic and vibe. Those who miss some of the aspects of the old days of the Vault can find a home here.

Comments on the venue's MySpace page (www.myspace.com/smallscapcity) are filled with bands wanting to play and customers raving about the opening-night turnout.

It wasn't for everyone -- at one point a couple walked in clearly expecting something else, as they had a look of disgust on their faces. Another person asked me, "Why did they close Mars again?"

To each his own, I say. Smalls is surely unlike anything else we have in the area, a spot that caters to an unspecified crowd, but stays away from the mainstream.

Even the rest rooms are decorated in crazy form. The ladies room is splashed with Pepto pink and fluorescent pink, as if a strawberry shortcake had exploded. The men's room walls are converted to chalk boards that patrons can decorate to their liking.

Another niche Smalls hopes to reach is the vegan crowd. A menu of animal-free items is in the works.

The venue is going to have music occasionally, but the management plans to be selective, keeping things to a bearable level. The space is small, so the concept isn't to blow everyone's ears out. Smalls is looking at acoustic versions of bands and starting a live-band punk rock karaoke during the week.

Drink of the week

This recipe from cocktailtimes.com is fairly irrelevant to Smalls, except it uses the word "punk" and looks fun.

Raspberri Punk 2 parts Absolut Raspberri vodka 1 part cranberry juice 1 part pineapple juice

Pour vodka over ice into a tall glass. Fill with cranberry and pineapple juices and stir well. Garnish with pineapple spear and raspberry. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

CAJUN ON THE CORNER // Bayou serves southern specialties

CAJUN ON THE CORNER // Bayou serves southern specialties
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
October 12, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

You wouldn't think central Pennsylvania has the proper terrain for a bayou. But somehow, Chef Matt Black has managed to take the culture and taste of the bayou -- a lick of New Orleans, in fact -- and plop it down in a corner spot in midtown Harrisburg.
You'll recall Black's culinary skills from his time at Pesce and Al Mediterraneano, but at Bayou at Second and Harris streets, he experiments with Cajun and Creole cuisines.

The location has housed a number of restaurants, most recently Simoson's, and prior to that, The Corner Cafe. It's small, cozy and BYOB. I stopped in solo last Wednesday for the first time, in the mood for something new and different, and ready to splurge if need be.

I sat in the back booth, facing the restaurant and the full-length windows that give views of both streets. I glanced at the menu and ordered a cup of the turtle soup and a Saratoga Springs sparkling water. Behind me, the Blue Plate Specials and desserts were chalked onto the wall. Wednesday's Blue Plate Special was Creole meatloaf, and it was immediately recommended by my server. How could I go wrong?

For $14 (all Blue Plate Specials are the same price), I got three thick slices of meatloaf crusted with bacon, buttermilk smashed potatoes, fresh corn and a smoked tomato gravy. The meal was outstanding -- and outrageously generous.

Black told me he goes through a lot of "to go" boxes. "I finally figured out a way to feed people for not a lot of money."

He told me he's often shocked when customers are able to finish some of his meals. "I can't, and I'm a big boy," he said.

After the turtle soup, I handled one of the three gigantic meatloaf slices and opted for dessert and a "to go" box, so I could sample all courses (the leftovers made a full dinner the following night).

Bayou offers a sizable dessert menu, all for $7, and I opted for the berry cobbler with lemon mint ice cream. This amazing treat was so good that I managed to finish the entire thing -- even after soup and meatloaf.

There will be a return trip to Bayou in my future. Next time, though, I might give breakfast a try.

On Saturdays, Black mimics a New Orleans hot spot, Café du Monde, a coffee shop best known for its beignets (sort of a French-style doughnut) and Café au Laits. At Bayou, Black serves beignets and café au lait, plus a few other small breakfast items like eggs, with Creole homefries, cheese biscuits and Pain Purdue, which is apple, peach and cream cheese stuffed French toast. Everything on Saturday's menu is just $4 each.

On Sundays, Bayou does a more formal brunch, with soups, appetizers like fried green tomatoes and entrees from biscuits and gravy to Eggs Nouvelle Orleans and Oyster Benedict.

Symphony-going 101

Last weekend, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra opened its 2006-07 season with Masterworks I, featuring Billy Joel's piano concerto, "Symphonic Fantasies for Piano & Orchestra."

Guest pianist Jeffrey Biegel is responsible for the arrangement, for which he was given permission from Joel to create. Last weekend's concert was the Pennsylvania debut of the work.

This was my first trip to HSO, so I consulted the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Web site (www.harrisburgsymphony.org) and a list of frequently asked questions that came with my tickets about etiquette, for instance, and what to wear.

I feared such an occasion might require formal wear, but the dress code called for business formal or business casual. I opted for suit pants and a nice short-sleeved sweater. Outfits varied, but anything that's suitable for work or church is appropriate.

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra performs at The Forum in downtown Harrisburg, so even on a Sunday, parking can be tricky. The orchestra advises you get to the building 15 minutes before concert time, but I would recommend that you aim for up to 30 minutes early to allow for parking and walking. Concertgoers are also welcome to arrive up to an hour early for the pre-concert lecture.

Maestro Stuart Malina leads the symphony, and concisely and spiritedly explained the music we would hear. The concert began with Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 3, from his only opera, "Fidelio," and continued with Dvorak's Eighth Symphony in the second act.

Malina warned, for anyone who might have expected a rock 'n' roll symphony performance, that we would not be hearing "Uptown Girl" or "We Didn't Start the Fire" or any other Billy Joel hit for that matter. However, I found Joel's style recognizable in the arrangement and Biegel's talent was well-exhibited.

The concert lasted a little bit more than two hours, with a 20-minute intermission. In-between acts, refreshments of brownies, baklava, coffee, water and iced chai tea were available.

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra's next performance, From Sea to Shining Sea: An All-American Pops -- Capital BlueCross Pops, will be held Oct. 28-29.

Single tickets for all Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra events can be purchased at www.harrisburgsymphony.org or by calling the ticket office at 717-545-5527.

SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly. SARA'S DRINK OF THE WEEK

Sip this warm coffee-based cocktail at night on your porch, bundled in a sweatshirt or cozy blanket. It's perfect for the chilly weather.

SPANISH COFFEE

3/4 ounce brandy 1/4 ounce coffee liqueur Coffee Sugar Whipped cream

Mixing instructions: Rim a snifter glass with sugar. Add brandy and coffee liqueur to hot coffee. Top with whipped cream.

SOURCE: ThatstheSpirit.com

One-nighter // Restaurant-based art exhibits offer food for mind, body

One-nighter // Restaurant-based art exhibits offer food for mind, body
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
October 5, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Everyone's had a one-night stand, no?
Now you can witness one yourself at any number of night-life venues in the area. Come now, I'm talking about the Art Association of Harrisburg's One Night Stand Exhibitions. These One Night only exhibits highlight local artists at local bars and taverns, giving a hip, younger feel to the word art.

The kickoff event occurred Sept. 26 at the historic Village Inn in West Fairview. The spot was cozy and classy. When I drove up to the parking lot, an attendant for the event directed me toward additional parking because the lot was full. Golf carts taxied guests to and from the alternate parking areas, though the walk wasn't far.

Outside the Village, four cocktail tables were set up for anyone who chose to go al fresco, and men in tuxedos greeted guests. Also, the outdoor area gave smokers a retreat because the Village Inn is nonsmoking.

Inside, for a $10 donation to the Art Association of Harrisburg, attendees viewed the works of five local artists amid complimentary hors d'oeuvres, a full-stocked cash bar and music by vocalists Allison Bordlemay and Lindsay Bretzfood.

The show was interesting not only because of the venue and a great turnout, but also because of the high variation in style of talent. From photographs of City Island to detailed fantasy pencil drawings and paintings in-between, there was a variety of style to take in. Most of the artwork was available for sale.

The other exhibitions to be held this year for one night only are:

* 6-9 p.m. Oct. 20 -- Red Door, 110 N. Second St., Harrisburg.

* 4-7 p.m. Nov. 19 -- Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg.

Done Out for charity

For the 15th consecutive year, the AIDS Community Alliance has paved a way for folks to easily contribute to its cause. It is as simple as eating at your favorite restaurant on a given night.

More than 50 area restaurants participated in the 15th annual Dine Out night last Wednesday by contributing 25 percent of their meal proceeds to benefit AIDS Community Alliance and the United Services Programs Partners, Caring Together in York County and Planned Parenthood of Central PA's HIV Peer Education Program. The program supports HIV/AIDS services and prevention/education programs in the area.

The system was simple. Identify a participating restaurant by logging on to www.dineoutsouthcentralpa.org, invite friends and family, make a reservation and then dig in and enjoy your dinner (and splurge on dessert).

We stopped in at Leed's on Eisenhower Boulevard where the Dine Out night was amped up with DJ Scottie, a Scott's Grille alum, and a drag show.

Our party of 10 ordered tons of food -- calamari, mussels, more calamari, followed by salads and full meals.

About halfway through dinner, we were entertained by "Biscuit," who helped raise money for Dine Out as she lip-synched to vampy hits and went from table to table for dollar donations.

Leed's also put together an extensive 50/50 raffle for a variety of gift baskets and other treats.

Drink of the week

It is that time of the year to imbibe spicy, warm, autumn-related cocktails to warm the chilly nights. Try this dessertlike treat from Cocktail Times.com to kick off Oktoberfest.

German Chocolate Caketini

2 ounces dark chocolate liqueur 1 ounce Malibu rum 1 ounce caramel Splash of Frangelico 1 part chocolate syrup 3 parts heavy cream Toasted coconut for garnish

Pour dark chocolate liqueur, Malibu rum, caramel and splash of Frangelico into a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a prepared martini glass about a half-inch from the rim.

Add chocolate syrup and heavy cream into a tumbler. Shake the ingredients and strain on top of the martini using back of spoon placed closely to the ingredients and against the side of the glass. Pour slowly to layer on top. Lightly sprinkle top with toasted coconut. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Sweet treat

Sweet treat
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
September 28, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 4

So much to do -- work, running errands, household chores, bill paying, business dinners, happy hours, dinners, television premieres -- one hardly has appropriate time to relax. I read my book club book while watching TV and pay my bills amid vacuuming and bathroom cleaning. I move from the dry cleaners to Monday Night Football engagements to dinner with parents, sleep, work and do it all over again. I'm sure most of your schedules are like mine -- running and running.
Sometimes, however, we need a break. And we're lucky enough to live close to one of the most decadent of relaxation spots, The Spa at The Hotel Hershey.

Done alone -- or better yet, as a "girlfriend getaway" -- the Spa at The Hotel Hershey offers the most exquisite pampering.

I'm not a regular spa attendee. I might get a few pedicures a year (particularly in the summer), and I might have had a half dozen massages in my life. Nothing quite compares to the full-on experience available at Hershey's flagship hotel.

The first trick to the Hershey spa is getting an appointment. There are a million occasions to have a spa day -- weddings, birthdays, reunions, holidays -- and people use them all. Know that when you're booking, especially for a weekend, you might have to wait several weeks, if not months, for an open date. We opted for a Sunday morning to expedite our appointment and still booked a month in advance.

When our day finally came, we woke up early to be a half-hour early for our first appointment. The early arrival is a Hershey request, and for good reason. First, you'll be asked to fill out a medical form so the spa specialists can be aware of any physical, medical or allergy concerns. Then, once you check in, a guide will escort you into the locker room, give you a robe and slip-on sandals and show you to the Quiet Room, giving you a chance to relax before your first treatment.

The Quiet Room is just as it sounds, and guests are asked to refrain from conversation inside. So, we went outside for coffee and a muffin on the small veranda, where we could chat a bit before our massages.

The Spa at The Hotel Hershey is famous, naturally, for its chocolate-infused treatments. The Whipped Cocoa Bath, Chocolate Sugar Scrub, Chocolate Fondue Wrap -- you get the idea. However, they also offer another theme of services called The Cuban Experience, from which we chose our treatments for the day.

Hershey's tie to Cuba is this: In 1916, Milton S. Hershey realized his chocolate empire hinged on sugar, which was in short supply during World War I. This need took Hershey to Cuba, where he not only fell in love with the country but purchased six sugar plantations and mills to produce sugar for Hershey Chocolate. Though Hershey's Cuba-based factories were sold to the Cuban Atlantic Sugar Co. in 1946, The Spa at Hotel Hershey preserves this history through 10 Cuban-themed treatments.

At 9 a.m., we were taken separately for our Noche Azul Massage, a classic Swedish massage that utilizes the aroma of jasmine oil. This massage is available in three lengths, 20 minutes ($50), 50 minutes ($95) and 80 minutes ($150).

Afterward, with our faces lined from the massage table head rests and sleep in our eyes, we returned to the Quiet Room for more relaxation, before our Cuban pedicure. We read magazines, drank coffee and lots of water, which was recommended following the massage to help keep your body relaxed.

The Cuban Feet pedicure was amazing. We were able to have this done together, so we could chat when we weren't nodding off from the sheer comfort of the cozy chairs and warm paraffin wrap. The pedicure lasted an hour and included all of the usual amenities -- a foot bath, followed by a Mojito Foot Scrub, callus softening, moisturizing, nail trimming, etc. -- plus a foot mask, the paraffin wrap (which came in individual booties instead of having to dip feet into a vat of wax) and foot and lower-leg massage.

Once our tootsies were cleaned, scrubbed, polished and otherwise pampered, we were led to The Oasis for lunch. Keep in mind, we're still in our robes at this point, which makes the treat all the more fun. We enjoyed a light lunch buffet with a variety of salads, wraps and desserts, plus coffee, water and juices. A small drink menu with wine and champagne was also available at extra cost.

We took our time, lucky that the weather allowed us to sit outdoors.

Once we finished, we headed back to the locker room to change and return to the real world, checking out and paying in the lobby where we entered. Many of the spa's lotions, scrubs and washes are available for sale here and can be purchased upon checkout.

During your stay at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey you also have access to the indoor swimming pool, fitness center, plus yoga, meditation and stretching classes.

Our experience barely touched the tip of the iceberg of decadent indulgences. For more information about the spa and its available services, log on to www.chocolatespa.com or call 520-5888 or 877-772-9988. Gift certificates are available and are great ideas for birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com.

INFOBOX:

SPA TIPS

1. Book in advance 2. Get there early. At least 30 minutes is recommended at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey. 3. Dress as you wish on your way. I wore sweats, while my girlfriend wore jeans and heels. It doesn't matter, since you're otherwise in a bathrobe. Under your robe, however, you're most comfortable. If you plan to use the Hershey Rain Shower, indoor pool, whirlpool or hydrotherapy services, pack a swimsuit. 4. Leave jewelry and valuables at home or in the safe deposit boxes at the hotel front desk. This should be a no-brainer, but turn cell phones off or put them on silent, and keep them inside your locker. 5. Tipping: 15 percent to 20 percent is standard. At Hershey, a 20 percent service charge is automatically added to your bill for all a la carte services. This fee is distributed to the spa therapists and support staff who aided in your experience. SARA'S DRINK OF THE WEEK

To go with our Cuban spa theme, try this classic cocktail from CocktailTimes.com.

CLASSIC MOJITO COCKTAIL

4 parts Mojito Club, a citrus-flavored, rum-based spirit distilled in Venezuela and bottled in Mexico One-half part lime juice Sugar Mint leaves Watermelon Club soda

Put the chopped flesh of the watermelon in a shaker, crush it slightly. Crush mint leaves in a glass and add Mojito Club, lime juice and sugar. Fill with club soda and serve over ice.

Event has local flavor

Event has local flavor
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
September 21, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Last Friday, I attended the appropriately subtitled, "Food Event of the Season!" -- the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture Harvest Benefit dinner -- held at Whitaker Center and Hilton Harrisburg & Towers.
The Harvest Benefit dinner, the first of what is planned to be an annual event in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, brings together area farmers, brewers and wineries, as well as those who support their efforts, for a night of food, drink and fun.

The reception kicked off at happy hour at the Kunkel Lobby at Whitaker Center. Though I missed most of it because of other engagements, I made it in time to bid at the silent auction and enjoy the soothing sounds of local jazz musicians The Ken Jankura Trio.

The "Pennsylvania Bounty" reception of canapes and hors d'oeuvres featured such items as antipasti, mushrooms stuffed with roasted eggplant, apple cider fondue with crisp bread, goat cheese and exotic mushroom tarts and an artisan cheese board, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Farmstead & Artisan Cheese Alliance.

Troegs Brewing Co. of Harrisburg provided ales and wheat beer, while Brookmere Winery, Chaddsford Winery, Shade Mountain Vineyards and West Hanover Winery provided a variety of wines. Tait Farm Foods shared its fruit shrub spritzers, and fresh-pressed apple cider was by North Star Orchard.

This finger-food fest was followed by a move to the Hilton, where an extensive meal awaited the 175 guests. Food stations were set up around the ballroom and all gorged on gourmet dishes of fresh foods donated by local farmers and prepared by John Reis, Hilton executive chef, and Joe Wiles, chef de cuisine.

My favorites included the rosemary-crusted leg of lamb with walnut and mint pesto, smashed potatoes with parsley and horseradish, green beans with citrus mint butter, harvest squash soup, spinach and endive salad with marinated onions and warm bacon dressing. There also were desserts, but I was much too stuffed to indulge.

We sat at a table with three farmers from New Morning Farm in Maddensville, Huntingdon County. They provided the basil, butter lettuce, green beans and leeks. Before knowing this, at one point during dinner, I began going on and on about how great the green beans were, and one of them said, "It's compliments like that that make me proud to be a farmer."

Every bit of every dish Friday was fresh and delicious. Wiles said his staff was excited about the event and did only the simplest of cooking because of the quality ingredients. The fare spoke for itself.

After dinner, PASA presented a short presentation about the importance and value of local agriculture, followed by an announcement of winners of the silent auction. I wasn't lucky enough to walk away with a goody basket of local products, but items ranged from food and drink to skin care and crafts.

If you want to make the effort to help support local agriculture, visit www.pasafarming.org. Also, check out PA Preferred (www.papreferred.com), which holds a directory to find local "PA Preferred" products.

Restaurants around the state have partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and made the commitment to use as many Pennsylvania-produced products and services as they can and to try to purchase from small businesses and local farmers.

Local participants:

* Crowne Plaza -- 23 S. Second St., Harrisburg. 234-5021, www.crowneplazaharrisburg.com.

* Hilton Harrisburg & Towers -- 1 N. Second St., Harrisburg. 233-6000.

* Bricco -- 31 S. Third St., Harrisburg. 724-0222, www.briccopa.com.

* Mangia Qui -- 272 North St., Harrisburg. 233-7358, www.mangiaqui.com.

* Molly Brannigans -- 31 N. Second St., Harrisburg. 260-9242, www.mollybrannigans.com.

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

* Flinchy's -- 1833 Hummel Ave., Lower Allen Twp. 761-9000, www.flinchys.com.

* JDK Catering -- One Bishop Place, Camp Hill. 730-4661, www.jdkcatering.com.

Drink of the week

After giant meals like the one I had on Friday, the best way to get over that over-full feeling is sometimes with an after-dinner cocktail. I like ones with coffee in them, but this creamy and minty concoction is a good way to soothe an overstuffed belly. Variations of this also are known as Dirty Girl Scout. This drink can be served on the rocks or as shooters.

VODKA GRASSHOPPER (cocktailtimes.com) 1 ounce vodka 1 ounce creme de menthe (green) 1 ounce creme de cacao (white)

Shake all the ingredients in a shaker with ice cubes and strain into martini glass. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Get a jump on partying with football game nights

Get a jump on partying with football game nights
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
September 14, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

There was a ton of coverage leading up to last Saturday's Penn State vs. Notre Dame game, and rightfully so.
In downtown Harrisburg, two parties kicked off a local tailgate for fans, most of whom were Penn Staters, though there was Notre Dame representation at each venue.

On Walnut Street, between Second and Court streets, Pep Grill and Molly Brannigans co-hosted a block party starting at 3 p.m. Television sets were positioned outside under tents and umbrellas, and the two spots sold easy-to-eat meals and beer in plastic bottles on the sidewalk.

The Pep, which also houses Spero's Gyros (formerly at the Camp Hill Mall), sold its famous gyros and spinach pies, and Molly's offered chicken wraps and burgers. The game was also on inside both bars.

Because the night also marked Molly's "Halfway to St. Patty's Day" party, after the game, 2U, a U2 tribute band, performed until 11 p.m., and folks danced in the street. Inside, DJ Mad Hatter spun his party mix from 10 p.m. until close, while inside the Pep, the jukebox entertained folks at the bar.

The block party also served as a benefit for Downtown Daily Bread. There was no cover charge for entrance, but the attendees could make donations at a table set up by the organization.

Down the street at Tom Sawyer Diner, the pre-game party began at 1: 30 p.m. with $1 hot dogs, hamburgers and $4.50 pitchers.

Here, the game was projected on three movie theater-type screens inside a tent. Tables were set up to face the screens, and staff were on hand in referee and cheerleader outfits. In the back, a game room with pool table, basketball games and other arcade fun was set up.

During halftime, "girls on trampoline" entertained the male-dominant crowd as two diner employees jumped on a trampoline while tossing T-shirts to the crowd.

Managing partner Ron Kamionka hit the mark with this latest adaptation of the entertainment complex. Hindered by impending weather, he has transformed the outdoor playhouse into a sports-heavy ESPN Zone-style theme, which is interactive and makes sports watching fun and easy.

Kamionka kicked off the change last Thursday for the NFL's season opener of Pittsburgh vs. Miami. The event was packed and with Pittsburgh fans.

The theme and specials will stick around every Sunday and Monday throughout the football season. There is no cover charge, and the diner's full menu will be available. For more details, visit www.downtownafterdark.com.

Fair-minded

Every year, more than 600,000 people attend the York Fair, "America's First Fair," and last Friday I attended it for the first time.

The York Fair is known for attracting big-name artists and this year it is host to Gretchen Wilson, Staind, Styx, Dierks Bentley, The Charlie Daniels Band and "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood.

We paid the $6 for parking (though lower-priced lots were available at a walking distance) and $5 for admission, my friend's 2-year-old daughter got in for free, as was admission for any child under age 5. Admission for children ages 6-11 is $2.

Families strolled around the fair sampling classic fair food like funnel cakes, milkshakes and corn dogs. We stopped by Sensenig's Meats & Catering for its smoky pulled-pork barbecue sandwiches and home-cut french fries. Cost for both and a drink was $7 and well worth it.

We walked around the aisles and played a few games for prizes. Twenty dollars and an Elmo doll later, my friend's daughter was happy as could be.

We spent $1 each to view "The World's Smallest Horse," a miniature, but hefty, pony in a cage. At one corner, a woman guessed ages and weights, and wasn't shy about attracting passers-by to her stand. "Tonight, we've got Gretchen Wilson, and you've got me right now," she shouted with apology. And to others, "You look all right for your age."

There also were such carnival amusements as the Ferris wheel, a fun house and a haunted house, which we skipped in favor of the kiddie rides.

Other attractions revolved around livestock. We missed the racing pigs, but we did check out the exhibit hall filled with rabbits and poultry. On our way out, we realized we had missed the Elephant Encounter, featuring two Asian elephants, but my friend and her 2-year-old did manage to get one of the last elephant rides ($5 each), which was a great photo op.

The York Fair runs through Sunday. For more information, check out www.yorkfair.org.

Sarah's Pub food of the week

If you're catching a game at home, try these hot wings made with one of my favorite liquors, Crown Royal. The recipe by cocktailtimes.com serves four. Chow down the wings with cold mugs of beer, sitting in your coziest armchair before the game of your choice for ultimate enjoyment.

Royal Hot Chicken Wings

1 jar (16 ounces) of hot sauce 2 tablespoons horseradish 16-20 chicken wings 1/2 cup of Crown Royal whisky

Wash chicken wings and pat them dry. Cut off and discard chicken wing tips; cut each wing in half at the joint.

Preheat broiler to 400 degrees. Line inside of broiler pan with foil to catch drips. Arrange chicken wings on broiler pan. Broil chicken wings about 6 inches from heat for 15 minutes, turning frequently to keep them from burning.

Combine hot sauce and horseradish with whisky. Bring to a boil. Brush wings with sauce; turn and brush the other side. Continue broiling and basting for 10 to 15 minutes longer, removing smaller, flatter pieces earlier as needed. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Downtown art gallery focuses on cityscapes

Downtown art gallery focuses on cityscapes
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
September 7, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

Tara Chickey and Andrew Guth opened Mantis Collective to provide a modern, avant-garde experience to downtown Harrisburg.
The small multimedia art space, off the beaten path on North Street, regularly showcases local artists, including Chickey and Guth, who spotlighted the latest exhibit, "City: An exhibit of paintings, linocuts and found object sculptures inspired by urban dwelling."

The exhibit coincides with Sunday's 18th annual Harrisburg Gallery Walk, which focuses on local artists in local galleries throughout downtown and midtown Harrisburg.

With that theme in mind, Guth and Chickey focused their pieces on abstract cityscapes of the area. The opening reception was last Friday, and friends gathered at the small gallery for a first glance at the pieces. On Sunday, the exhibit will be complemented with the soothing sounds of DJ Ill Cosby, a friend of the artists and a spinmaster at such spots as Epic, Dragonfly, Appalachian Brewing Company and Jackie Blue. Check out his schedule at www.condsc.com.

If you've never been to a gallery opening reception before, don't be intimidated. There isn't a dress code, and at Mantis, folks are often rather dressed down. The gallery usually provides a small helping of wine and cheese; this is not dinner, so please plan accordingly.

Entry is free, and the paintings are for sale. "City" prices varied from as low as $50 to as high as $750 and the works were unlike anything you'd find in a store or anywhere else for that matter. Pieces are numbered and a sheet is provided at the front door to guide you around the gallery. If you're interested in making a purchase, simply look for Guth or Chickey. Or you can e-mail the gallery at themantiscollective@yahoo.com.

I was particularly drawn to Guth's pieces, which used acrylics (primarily a contrast of red and black) on newspaper. The result was pieces with a written subtext, some of which added value to their meaning. For instance, in "Where They Go," Guth used a Patriot-News opinion page where readers lambasted the paper for its extensive coverage on Restaurant Row on a recent Sunday.

The "City" exhibit runs through the month.Drink of the week

SARA'S DRINK OF THE WEEK

To stick with the "city" theme, I found a cocktail on thatsthespirit.com, Quaker City Cooler, which I felt defined our area well.

QUAKER CITY COOLER

Several dashes vanilla extract 3 ounces white wine 1/2 ounce lemon juice 1/2 ounce sugar syrup 1 teaspoon Grenadine 1 ounce vodka

Mix all ingredients, except Grenadine, in a shaker or blender with cracked ice and pour into a chilled wine goblet. Top with Grenadine. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

As the nights get cooler, warm up at arts events

As the nights get cooler, warm up at arts events
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
August 31, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Summer will soon be over, and while days of dining al fresco and afternoon drinking will soon settle, there will be plenty of things to look forward to in central Pennsylvania besides fall foliage, Penn State football and new seasons of prime-time television shows.
Here are a list of events to take you right into sweater season.

Woof it up

Grab your pooch Sept. 17 for Woofstock. It takes place on Harrisburg's riverfront at Kunkel Plaza (that's at State Street) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and dog owners and their pups can check out live entertainment including the Appalachian Air Canines' Frisbee skills and music from Loose Cannon, Thunderhawk, Whiskey Business and Pat Cusick. Plus, check out the animal communicator, the Rev. Pamela Saylor, or Ask the Trainer with Mary Smallwood from Keystone Dog Training.

Join the Grateful Dog Walk, Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance's stroll along Riverfront Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on City Island for the dogged or dogless.

The Grateful Dog Walk and Woofstock are fundraisers to benefit CPAA's member organizations and CPAA's DeSex in the City Spay/Neuter and Vaccine Program. For information or to become a sponsor, visit www.cpaawoofstock.com.

Folk scene

Singer/songwriter David Wilcox brings his baritone vocals and poetic lyrics Sept. 22 to the Midtown Scholar, an independent bookstore in midtown Harrisburg. The acoustic guitarist, often compared to James Taylor, blends soft jazz with folk. The Midtown Scholar monthly concert series began this summer and continues through the year.

Shows begin at 8 p.m., and tickets are $25. For reservations, call 236-BOOK or visit www.midtownscholar.com.

The Midtown Scholar hosts artists each month. Look forward to singer/songwriters Catie Curtis with Mark Erreli on Oct. 22; Vance Gilbert on Nov. 4; and John Gorka on Dec. 15.

Just for laughs

You also can catch the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Tour at The Forum at 8 p.m. Sept. 22. The lineup includes comedians Michael Blackson, AJ Johnson, JB Smoove and headliner and Philadelphia native Kevin Hart. Enjoy a night of laughs, plus win door prizes and other surprise giveaways.

Tickets are $20 and $25 and are available at Mr. Mike's Records (234-3181), Music Man (233-4236), Sneaker Villa (236-4690), Big Heart Records (236-2554), Just Kut'n It Up (234-4844) and Ebony II (234-5741).

Calling all artists

Ever watched an artist in the moment? At the fifth annual Via Colori on Sept. 23-24, professional and amateur artists alike take to the street with pastel chalk and create. On Fourth Street in downtown Harrisburg between Walnut and Market or Market and Chestnut, chalk drawings will be sponsored to benefit Downtown Daily Bread and Habitat for Humanity.

Musical entertainment will set the tone, and International House's final Mediterranean Sunset movie, "Moonstruck," will fall in conjunction with the festival Saturday night.

An artists' reception before the movie will recognize participating artists. The festival hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For information, call 236-9762, ext. 105.

An artsy night

Five artists will showcase their works at the "One Night Stand Exhibitions" sponsored by Art Association of Harrisburg. The kickoff will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Village Inn off Routes 11/15 in West Fairview.

A $10 cover grants you entry to an evening of art, hors d'oeuvres, live music and a full cash bar.

The photos and paintings will be displayed through the year at various bars and restaurants, a concept catching on in metropolitan areas. The other venues this year in our area are: The Red Door, 110 N. Second St., Harrisburg on Oct. 20 and Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg on Nov. 19.

For information, call 236-1432 or visit www.artassocofhbg.com.

A wild ride

Attention XPN listeners! Philadelphia favorite Melody Gardot will perform from 9 p.m. to midnight at Café Fresco Center City Oct. 7. As usual, there is no cover charge, and you can indulge in the best of food and drink. I'd suggest getting there early to snag one of those modern-looking seats.

At 21, Gardot has overcome personal struggle after she was permanently injured in a car accident at 19. She took those troubles and spun her voice of gold to produce her debut EP, "Some Lessons -- The Bedroom Sessions."

Her song, "Wild Ride" is all over XPN (88.1 FM). For more on Gardot, check out her MySpace page (which is a little easier to maneuver than her site, www.melodygardot.com) at www.myspace.com/melody.

In step

I've heard of "The Capitol Steps" for years, but only recently, thanks to YouTube.com, did I get to see their hilarious political antics. Composed mostly of former political staffers, the troupe began 25 years ago when trying to plan entertainment for an office Christmas Party.

The Capitol Steps (www.capsteps.com) come near our Capitol steps on Oct. 12. The group will perform at 8 p.m. at The Forum. Tickets are $30 and are available by calling 214-ARTS or visiting www.whitakercenter.org.

And this is just the start. Pay attention and get involved for there is plenty to do in central Pennsylvania and have fun doing it.

As always, celebrate responsibly. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com

DipCo, Lancaster Brewing tap into beer lovers' tastes

DipCo, Lancaster Brewing tap into beer lovers' tastes
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
August 24, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

I have two great plans for you this week. Both places involving walking and good food, among other perks.
Beer train to Lancaster

A trip to the Lancaster Brewing Co. and Lancaster Dispensing Co. (aka "The DipCo") is as simple as this: Hop the Amtrak after work. Trains head southeast at 4: 30 and 5: 25 p.m., and tickets are $12 roundtrip (or $10.80 with an AAA discount).

The trip is about 30-45 minutes depending on the duration of stops in Middletown, Elizabethtown and Mount Joy. Once in Lancaster, it's about a 25-minute walk, or 11 blocks, to the Lancaster Brewing Co.

The brewery's bar is the first thing you encounter when you open the front door of this former tobacco warehouse, with beer tanks providing the backdrop. It seemed small until I realized I'm comparing it to Appalachian Brewing Co., which is truly unusual for its size.

The bar-restaurant, Walnut Street Grill, is nearly full for dinner on this Thursday. Several cocktail tables and maybe a dozen bar stools make up the bar space, along with arcade games such as Big Buck Hunter.

We quickly grabbed a low four-top table and ordered from the beer menu. Our party of three chose the Amish Four Grain, the Strawberry Wheat, and the Hefe Weizen, a seasonal wheat beer available from April to October.

At this point, having burned calories on our walk there, we wasted little time in placing our orders.

Had we been in the mood just to snack, we would have gone for the $5 white nachos, a special on Thursdays. (On Fridays, it has a free "Vulture Buffet," which, along with half-price beer specials, helps pack the place for happy hour.)

Instead, we ordered a variety of snacks -- the white chili, which is chicken and white chili beans, served with tortilla chips; Thai salad; coconut shrimp; smoked stack, which was layers of thin-toasted bagel, salmon, cream cheese and capers; and corn and crab balls. Everything was delicious. The smoked stack might've been my favorite, and the white chili would be perfect on a chillier day.

If you're there more for the beer than the grub, you can start out with Lancaster Brewing Co.'s sampler set, which is 5-ounce servings of its best beers, including award-winning milk stout and the popular HopHog IPA.

After one more beer each, (I tried the enjoyable, mild Pilsner this time), we decided to hightail it to the DipCo, which is next to the farmers market building in historic downtown Lancaster.

It wasn't quite as full as it is on Fridays, so we found three seats at the bar and had a final beer before our train ride back to Harrisburg. The DipCo is a hot spot for its great micros on tap and sometimes live entertainment on the weekends.

A bit of Moroccan

La Kasbah Deli opened last Friday on Harrisburg's North Second Street.

Its Moroccan fusion menu is something new and different for Harrisburg. While it's not a romantic venue, you can eat at small tables inside, or take your order to go, grab a blanket and have a picnic in Riverfront Park.

Buy a couple of salads in small sizes and share. Good choices are the cucumber salad, Mediterranean salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and feta cheese), or Kasbah salad (a couscous salad with corn, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, lemon and olive oil).

I tried the bastilla chicken, which is baked phyllo stuffed with chicken, caramelized onions, hard-boiled eggs and crushed almonds topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon. There also is a seafood version with shrimp, scallops and mahi mahi. It was unusual to eat something so sweet as my main course, but it was well-prepared and delicious.

Kabob sandwiches are affordable ($4.50-$6.50). Also be sure to try the couscous (Thursday and Friday only), wraps and tagines (a variety of Moroccan stews). For a light dessert, try Kasbah's homemade cookies or biscotti with the Moroccan tea. The tea is heavy on mint and pairs nicely with the subtle sweetness of the cookies.

La Kasbah Deli is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Indoors or out, hot dogs go great with summer

Indoors or out, hot dogs go great with summer
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
August 17, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Humphrey Bogart once said that he'd rather eat a hot dog at the ballpark than a steak at the Ritz.
I can't say the same, since I do like a good filet mignon, but I have spent my summer eating a ridiculous number of hot dogs. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume more than 7 billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Hot dogs are the quintessential outdoor food. Pre-cooked before reaching restaurants, lunch carts and your refrigerator, they are easy to prepare. Wrapped in a bun and decorated to your liking (dressings vary by region and taste) there is never a wrong time for a hot dog.

And the lunch carts and stadiums attest to that.

My friend, Rachel, who also is a dog aficionado, and I chose four brands of hot dogs and tried to keep it local -- Kunzler Chicken Franks (Lancaster), Kessler Nittany Lion Franks (Lemoyne), Berks Original Franks (Reading) and Boars Head Pork & Beef Frankfurters with Natural Casings (New York City).

We paired these dogs with a variety of condiments -- French's yellow mustard, French's spicy brown mustard, a snappy roasted garlic mustard that I had picked up in Philadelphia, Carl Hursh's homemade sauerkraut, Heinz relish, Bush's microwavable baked beans and ketchup. We opened a bottle of Stags Leap 2002 Napa Valley Chardonnay and set ourselves up for a mini taste-test.

Using Rachel's gas grill, we fired up the dogs and tried them in the order I listed above. We immediately dismissed the chicken dog, partly because it cooks faster than other dogs and so did not have quite the flavor.

The Kessler Nittany Lion Franks were a godsend after eating the chicken franks and were Rachel's top choice. I was more intrigued by the Berks Original, which had a smoky, over-the-fire taste.

The Boars Head Pork & Beef was a must. Hot dog aficionados will tell you that the natural casing (sheep intestine) is the best. The dogs snap when you bite into them.

The roasted garlic mustard was delicious, although a little overpowering with the mild taste of the Kessler's. Hursh's sauerkraut (he supplies Flinchy's with a stash every New Year's Day) goes great with everything. Bush's Baked Beans is a summer barbecue standard, but even the microwaved portion was as delicious as ever.

All the dogs are available at grocery stores. If you head downtown, check out the lunch carts, such as Jack & Lin's Hot Dog Deli at Third and State streets or Let's Do Lunch Harrisburg (www.letsdolunchharrisburg.com) at Third and South streets. Let's Do Lunch uses a good part of the cow for its kosher Hebrew National Franks.

By night, don't miss PD's Pretzel Dogs, outside of Dee and Deb's at 221 Second St., or The Spot for "Spot Dogs," which are loaded with the famous Spot chili, cheese, mustard and onions.

Also, you can always have a dog at the place for which it is best known - a baseball game. Check the Senators schedule (www.senatorsbaseball.com) to take in a game, some dogs, beer and family-friendly entertainment.

There are great hot dog stands in the parking lots outside stores such as Home Depot. The truck carries ballpark franks and Nathan's all-beef dogs plus condiments from the basics to sauerkraut and peppers.

The Hot Dog Council (www.hotdog.org) has a set of dos and don'ts for eating hot dogs. Drinking wine with dogs is a major no-no. Beer, soda, lemonade or tea would be more suitable.

It also advocates to dressing the dog and not the bun when applying condiments; remember, no ketchup. A true fan downs the dog in five bites, though seven are permitted for foot-longs. Use paper napkins and paper plates and most important -- eat with your hands. Dogs are no-frill grills.

My favorite rule: Don't think there is ever a wrong time to serve hot dogs. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Fire burns for reprieve from heat at Pep Grill

Fire burns for reprieve from heat at Pep Grill
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
August 10, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Last week it was hot, like hot-hot.
I hate to complain about the heat -- I can take a good bit of it. I even sort of like the humidity. I've lived without air conditioning for years. And I hope Mother Nature or Karma or whoever is in charge of the temperature won't remember that I complained, because I despise winter. I don't really care how pretty snow is. It's cold and wet, and I'm not down with that.

But, sometimes, the heat comes to a head. I now have a newly installed air-conditioning window unit, which doesn't actually keep my third-floor apartment cool but, rather, just keeps it a few levels below death in the 100-plus heat index.

And so, there were nights when I sought reprieve on Second Street. On Wednesday, I met my friend, Beth, for a glass of Pinot grigio and a Caprese salad at The Firehouse Restaurant & Bar, and then traveled to a nearly deserted downtown. Garage doors were rolled down at Fisaga; The Quarter looked empty with its doors shut tightly.

We stopped at the Pep Grill simply because it has been awhile. We went immediately to the jukebox. This is my favorite jukebox downtown, and yes, because there's a ton of Earth, Wind & Fire and other funky, disco-y treats. Add to that the classic rock and the Dean and the Frank (Martin and Sinatra, respectively).

The Pep was not packed on a Wednesday night; a few folks sat around the bar. With adherence to the Sara law, I had one Flaming Dr Pepper. The Pep is famous for this shot, because it is the only place around here who does the "on fire" version.

To do this, fill a small draft mug halfway with something light, like Coors Light. In a shot glass, combine root beer schnapps and amaretto. Ignite, carefully. Drop into mug of beer and chug. I don't usually encourage chugging, but you have to drink this fast enough for it to maintain its impression of the Dr Pepper soft drink.

Note: Bobby, the bartender, closes up at 1 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Just for laughs

I love comedy -- real, good comedy.

A friend mentioned a place in Lancaster that hosts stand-up, so after a quick Google of "comedy Lancaster, PA," I booked dinner and two tickets to the late show at Italian Villa East on U.S. Route 30 near Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster.

We had a reservation for 8, and though I didn't feel a bustling vibe, every table was full. There was no dress code at the Villa. Attire varied from casual to sweats and sneakers. We went with dressy jeans and nice tops.

The Italian Villa, true to its name, served authentic Italian fare in a comfortable setting. Calamari, which came with marinara sauce, was an appetizing way to start dinner.

We had tickets for the late comedy show at 10: 15 p.m. The early show, at 8, was going on during our dinner in the adjacent room, and since we could hear parts of the act, we moved to the bar while we waited for our show to start.

The bar was busy, mostly with folks waiting for the late show, and we ordered a Miller Lite each, which ran at an astonishing $3.25. A quarter isn't a lot, but I was shocked prices for a domestic bottle were higher than bars in downtown Harrisburg.

When it was time for our show, we were routed back through the dining room to the comedy room. It looked like a full house.

Waitresses tended tables, and a tab was delivered near the end of the final act, allowing customers to pay the admission and bar tab at one time.

Three comedians took the stage for almost two hours and finished up just before midnight. The first of them was Glenn Tanner, who, while not a Lancaster native, has lived there for four years. His jokes primarily picked on the area.

Tanner introduced Chris Mata and, finally, headliner Laurie Kilmartin. Mata and Kilmartin are engaged and have a child on the way. There were plenty of jokes about this, as well as race (Tanner is black, Mata, Mexican, and Kilmartin, white).

The main shtick, however, was about the audience. Most of the lines were targeted toward the crowd and there were collective and individual interactions. The lines were good-natured, and the audience howled with laughter throughout the show. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Celebrate hump day with a midweek party

Celebrate hump day with a midweek party
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
July 27, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

Wednesday is the proverbial "hump day" -- the day that, once passed, gets you rolling toward the weekend.
According to Wikipedia.com, "The term 'hump day' was first used by the media on a Minneapolis radio station in 1965. It was thought to have been originated by an employee of Pako Corp." It's the middle of the week, the bump in the road -- once you make it over the hump, it's a clear shot to the weekend.

Weekdays around here are typically hit or miss. If the weather's not right, people tend to stay in, and, until recently, there hasn't been a good reason to head out after work on a Wednesday.

So, next week, grab your co-workers and meet at Scott's Grille in Harrisburg for their "Hump Day After Work" party.

First, the really important stuff -- a FREE taco bar, but only from 5 to 7 p.m., so do get there early.

Scott's regular Wednesday special is $2.50 Corona and Corona Light, so these should complement the Mexican fare perfectly. Also on special every day during happy hour are $1 domestic drafts (they have it all) and $2 well drinks.

From 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy live music on the deck, weather permitting (or inside on the mezzanine if it rains). Next week, check out cuts from Darcie Miner's new EP, "the fragile."

Last Wednesday, the Hershey Bears Alumni Association sweetened the event with a charity celebrity bartending event during the Hump Day Happy Hour.

Former National Hockey League players and Hershey Bears alumni along with current players signed autographs and guest-bartended.

Bob Wilkie, former Detroit Red Wings player; Dave Parro, former Washington Capitals player, and Tony Horacek of the Philadelphia Flyers joined Hershey Bears players Freddie Cassivi (2005-06 AHL Calder Cup MVP), Stefon Walby and Louis Robitaille.

Players signed autographs from the mezzanine, a line flowing down into the bar for a time.

Others served (and consumed) plenty of drinks, everyone laughed and had a good time (except for Scott's actual bartenders, though of course they were good sports; these "guest bartending" stints are never easy for any bartender, because they essentially have to do everything with a bunch of extra people in their way behind the bar.)

Tips went to the Hershey Bears Alumni Association.

Grantham Road, (www.granthamroad.com), a Harrisburg-based band named for a road in Mechanicsburg where frontman and guitarist Flint Zeigler spent many a summer being inspired by the music of Neil Young, performed outside on Scott's deck.

The trio (featuring Steve Geyer on drums and Jason Shaffer on bass) returns Aug. 9 to Scott's.

Scott's Wednesday "Hump Day After Work" entertainment schedule:

* Aug. 2 -- Darcie Miner

* Aug. 9 -- Grantham Road

* Aug. 16 -- Bret Alexander from the Badlees with drummer Jeremy Hummel formerly of Breaking Benjamin

* Aug. 23 -- Hot Wing Jones

* Aug. 30 --Trespassengers

SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Middle East restaurant skews toward kabobs

Middle East restaurant skews toward kabobs
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
July 20, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

Earlier this month, the "kabob joint" opened without fanfare on Second Street, next to Ceoltas Irish Pub. Owner Javid Mohmand invited a few friends and welcomed passers-by.
"Come in and try it," he told groups on the street.

The building that previously housed Mezzaluna, the oft-open Italian restaurant, has had a face-lift. The sandy yellow dining room has new tables and chairs. A bar in the back corner houses glassware. (Skewers is BYOB.)

Seating is tight in this cozy restaurant. We happened to sit next to friends and shared bottles of wine -- it's that kind of place.

Outdoor seating also is available, but since Skewers does not have a liquor license, according to state law, alcohol may not be drunk there.

Skewers' menu is an approachable venture into Middle Eastern cuisine. With items like shish kabobs (minced lamb kabobs spiced with ginger, cilantro and whole spices) and beef kabobs (beef loin chunks marinated and roasted with spices) or even the whole spring chicken (eight pieces of marinated spring chicken roasted over charcoal), newbies can test flavors before going for less familiar items such as lamb and fish.

For dinner, we ordered two of the entrees, all of which come with Afghan bread (along with a tasty sauce), soup (choice of two) and choice of vegetable rice pilaf or roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

The yellow lentil and vegetable soups were outstanding. The former seemed to rank most popular with customers on opening night

I tried the marinated shrimp, which were roasted and skewered, while my friend ordered the Skewers special kabobs of chicken thigh morsels, which were marinated in sour cream and sharp cheddar.

Dinner entree prices ranged from $18-$26, which initially surprised us, but you get a lot of food for the money.

Skewers offers kabob wraps for lunch. The wraps are layered with thin omelet, onions and sauces and served with soup. For the lunch-sized portions, some of the dinner entrees like vegetable skewer and dry rub salmon kabobs are served wrap-style for $9 to $11.

Another late-night haunt

For other late-night eats, you can't beat PD's Pretzel Dogs. Stationed on a cart outside Dee & Deb's Catering at 221 N. Second Street in downtown Harrisburg, PD's serves Hebrew National hot dogs wrapped in salty, doughy pretzel.

They are dee-lish-ous. The hot dogs are two for $5 or one for $3. I recommend splurging the extra 25 cents for a small tub of cheese for dipping, or try mustard for the same price.

PD's is open from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Drink of the week

This lovely concoction was created by Garrason's Tavern bartender, Rob "Hollywood" Fogleman. A great treat for brunch or any time in the summer. Hollywood recommends Stoli vodka in this recipe, but you can use your favorite.

Hollywood Crush

Half an orange 1 1/2 ounces vodka 1/2 ounce Triple Sec Sprite

Squeeze orange into pint glass. Fill with ice; add liquors and fill with Sprite. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Champagne cocktails, martinis reign at Prive

Champagne cocktails, martinis reign at Prive
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
July 6, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

This might be a lot to take, but the building formerly known as NOMA and then Cabana and then NOMA Remixed has undergone yet another name change. Now it is Prive.
Max Randazzo of Max's Italian Restaurant purchased the business from owners Rick Galiardo and Ron Kamionka, and with the help of Harrisburg designer Neil Choquette, has taken Prive (pronounced pree-vay) back to its stark white origin.

Prive is a derivative of the word "privileged." Surely this connotation is reminiscent of the pristine pretension of the first NOMA, but manager Tommy Pavlovic said the new management's interpretation of the word is "secrets." Prive aims to be special, a place you want to be, but not snooty.

Prive's drink menu is loaded with martinis and champagne cocktails. Pavlovic has already planned a different fall drink menu, daring away from the familiar.

The summer list includes a decent selection of options, but nothing truly groundbreaking. There's the traditional dry martini (does anyone drink these anymore besides my father?).

Then there's the signature cocktail, PriveTini, which is a souped-up Cosmo using a Chambord bottom and Stoli Elite (a high-end vodka). Also available, are the BelliniTini -- peach vodka, peach schnapps and champagne with an orange slice -- and the French Martini, which I've seen on every martini list in the last five years, but have never seen anyone order it. It's a sticky sweet combination of Stoli Vanilla, Chambord and pineapple juice.

Things get more creative with the Prive Tall Drink List. Despite offering the same mojito as everyone else, Pavlovic promises the difference in his cocktails is that Prive never uses mixes or pre-made shots. Everything is freshly made, muddled and blended for each customer. Prive boasts unusual garnishes like starfruit and kiwi and uses papaya mixes.

Prive also offers a small wine menu -- three whites, three reds -- all with the easy price tag of $7.

Speaking of prices, Prive seems to have found a fair balance with price. Cocktails aren't cheap, but reasonable for the quality ingredients and technique used. Martinis range between $8 and $10; Champagne cocktails are $8-$9 and Tall Drinks are $7-$8.

If these prices are a little out of your budget, at least stop in during Happy Hour, which runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and features three $5 martinis, one of which is always the signature PriveTini. Last Friday, the Sea Foam martini (99 Bananas, Apple Pucker, Blue Maui, pineapple juice) and Key Lime Pie martini (Stoli Vanilla, lime juice, Liquor 43, pineapple juice) joined the ranks.

Entertainment at Prive has not been finalized, but it will feature lounge music.

Bartender Boxing

On an otherwise quiet but sticky evening last Sunday, Tom Sawyer Diner's outdoor stage was blocked by a huge, inflatable boxing ring. Manager Jason Melhorn was dressed in a referee's uniform as he ran around confirming sign-ups for the impending matches.

It was Bartender Boxing, and for starters Melhorn and managing partner Ron Kamionka matched up Harrisburg and York properties like York Hardware Bar vs. Harrisburg Hardware Bar, Market Street Saloon (York) vs. Bourbon Street Saloon (Harrisburg) with a bartender from each place.

Melhorn gave a play-by-play on a microphone from the ring (early reports were that his potty mouth could be heard two blocks away) as girls and guys pummeled each other with oversized boxing gloves.

There were three one-minute rounds (a "ring girl" held up flimsy signs in-between), designated by Melhorn providing an audible ding to stop, and an "OK" to start fighting. Winners were decided by audience applause.

The best view was from atop the deck. Things were a little more dangerous near the ring where bartenders could come flying or rolling through at any time.

The grand finale and the most hilarious of the bouts was the battle of the Saloon Managers. It was Leah Shope from Bourbon Street Saloon against "Little Nicky" Krupa from Market Street Saloon. Bets were all on Shope, who is nothing if not scrappy.

The two, longtime co-workers, opted to do shots (of Jagermeister and tequila, no less) between rounds, though they never really made it through Round 3. Shope attacked Krupa initially without her gloves on, though took a smack to the kisser in retaliation, landing her on her back.

In Round 2, Shope tried the boxing gloves, but found that wrestling moves were a more effective means of beating her opponent. After Melhorn dinged the end of Round 2 and Krupa held the second round of shots for the two, Shope came barreling at Krupa with giant red gloves and knocked the shots out over the ring and Krupa into the corner.

Shope was declared the winner, hands-down.

Her prize? Bragging rights. SARA BOZICH: Sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

For summertime fun, hit area's outdoor decks

For summertime fun, hit area's outdoor decks
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
June 29, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

With summer officially here, I was working on my top 10 list of things I love about the season. Driving barefoot, iced coffees and hot dogs top the list. And then there is drinking alfresco. It is somehow more acceptable when the day is warm. Heck, it's even an excuse.
If you're planning to relax outdoors this summer (and you should for everyone needs some vitamin D), slap on some sunscreen and consider this guide to area decks.

I've not detailed every venue where you can imbibe outdoors, since all that requires is a few plastic chairs or wooden tables on the sidewalk, but instead mentioned spots that actually offer a comfortable and purposeful open-air option.

Angelina's Restaurant and Sports Bar

Its location by the river lets boaters dock below Angelina's deck and walk up for refreshment. There is a full-service bar on the deck, entertainment inside on the weekends. Check its happy hour specials for cheap domestic bottles every day.

449 S. Front St., Wormleysburg. 761-6000 or www.angelinas.net

Appalachian Brewing Company

Enjoy original Harrisburg brews outdoors at ABC's spacious wooden deck. The July specialty brew is Hinterland Hefe Weizen, a German wheat beer with spicy and fruity flavors from the clove and banana.

50 S. Cameron St., Harrisburg. 221-1080 or www.abcbrew.com

Duke's Riverside

On the west side of the Susquehanna River, Duke's boasts a huge menu, an open-year-round deck and a great view of the city. A favorite is the crab pretzel -- a big, soft pretzel loaded with crab meat and cheese.

313 S. Front St., Wormleysburg. 737-1313 or www.dukesriverside.com

Flinchy's

You can't miss Flinchy's Train Wreck Deck, where you toast to your friends as the train passes by. Also, check out its all-you-can-eat crab fest on Thursdays or try the new Hot Rock dining that lets you cook your own filet or tuna steak.

1833 Hummel Ave., Lower Allen Twp. 761-9000 or www.flinchys.com

Legends Bar & Grille

They have cabanas and tiki bars and volleyball. Legends has specials every night, including a 40-foot food buffet on Fridays. Try its signature cocktail, banana boat. The party-size concoction, which can be shared, has Parrot Bay Rum, DeKuyper Banana and pineapple juice, and is laced with Bacardi 151.

5401 Carlisle Pike, Hampden Twp. 691-0321 or www.legendsharrisburg.com

Marysville Tavern

Sitting right on the Susquehanna, just north of the Perry County line, the tavern offers an array of live entertainment, including a Sunday open-mike night. Be sure to look into its selection of microbrews such as Dogfishead and Troegs.

13 S. Main St., Marysville. 957-9900

Maxine's (at Haydn's on Pine)

Maxine's ups the ante on outdoor dining with its cozy covered deck. Decorated with padded seats, lush greens and plasma television, Maxine's deck will be open year-round.

215 Pine St., Harrisburg. 909-5161 or www.haydnsonpine.com

Morgans Place

Enjoy American steak and seafood fare on Morgans' patio. Live entertainment is offered Thursday through Saturday.

4425 N. Front St., Harrisburg. 234-8103 or www.morgans-place.com

Scott's Grille

It has one of the best happy hour specials in the city. Try the strawberry basil martini for something truly different.

212 Locust St., Harrisburg. 234-7599 or www.scottsgrille.com

Scott's Old Towne Mediterranean

Scott's West Shore counterpart offers a quaint courtyard with table seating, full bar and a bocce court. Check out the white cranberry martini. It's a favorite without being too froufrou, combining cranberry vodka and white cranberry juice. There is live jazz on Friday nights throughout the summer.

324 Market St., New Cumberland. 774-2365 or www.scottsgrille.com

Tom Sawyer Diner

It's a diner, but it's also the largest outdoor dining spot in downtown Harrisburg. Enjoy classic diner fare or stop by for the live music from 9 to 11 p.m. on weekends. The Friday barbecue features burgers, dogs and corn on the cob.

210 N. Second St., Harrisburg. 232-4499 or www.downtownafterdark.com

Drinks of the Week

June is National Iced Tea Month. Enjoy these twists on iced tea throughout the summer. The alcoholic recipes are from Beefeater, and the one for the teetotalers is from Martha Stewart Living.

Gin & Tea-Nic

1 1/2 ounces Wet by Beefeater gin 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice 1 ounce simple syrup 3 ounces iced tea Tonic water

Mix all the ingredients over ice in a highball glass and top with tonic.

Stoli Persik Iced Tea 2 ounces Stoli Persik vodka 1 ounce peach puree 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice 3 ounces iced tea mix

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with mint leaves.

Green Tea Martini 1 1/2 ounces Stoli Citros 1 ounce iced green tea 3/4 ounce triple sec

Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and then strain into martini glass.

Rhubarb Iced Tea 8 stalks rhubarb, cut into 3-inch lengths 8 cups water 1/3 cup sugar Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

In a large saucepan, combine rhubarb and 8 cups water; bring to a boil, and simmer for 1 hour. Strain the liquid, add sugar to taste, stirring to dissolve, and allow to cool. Serve over ice with a sprig of mint. SARA BOZICH: ara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Millennium Music Conference // MMC packed with girl power, bar specials

Millennium Music Conference // MMC packed with girl power, bar specials
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
June 22, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Yeah, the workshops and panel discussions are back and so are the showcases at area clubs. But at least one thing has changed at the 10th annual Millennium Music Conference.
In past years, the best bang for your buck was the $20 wristband, which granted the wearer easy access to every single showcase without any additional cost.

This year, however, the wristband concept has been tossed aside and most shows are cover-free. The Crowne Plaza, the keystone venue of Millennium Music Conference, is for all ages and will have three stages -- two upstairs and one downstairs.

Upstairs is the priciest of the conference at $8 a night, but this is where you'll spot the biggest and best acts, including local stars such as Bridges and a Bottle (Jim Beam Stage, 10 p.m. Saturday), Running From Dharma (Rolling Rock Stage, 10: 30 p.m. tomorrow), and Lancaster's The Mint (Jim Beam Stage, 8 tonight).

Downstairs at the Crowne, it's free.

The safest and most cost-effective plan is to pick a night and spend it downtown, where the majority of participating venues are. Bands begin around 9 or 10 p.m.

At downtown places such as Molly Brannigans, The Pep Grill, Fisaga, Cafe Fresco, The FireHouse and KoKoMo's, the concerts are free.

"I'd spend the $25 on drinks and go to the free places, but that doesn't do much downtown now, does it?" asked event originator and organizer John Harris.

Oh, John, where there's a will, there's a way. If you're on a budget, try planning your night by these specials.

* At KoKoMo's Downtown, go for the "Crazy Happy Hour" from 10 p.m. to midnight tomorrow and Saturday. It features $1 domestic drafts, $3 well drinks and martinis, and $3 bar menu.

Get some wings and a couple of Miller Lites or share with friends and get a pitcher (Miller Lite and Bud Light pitchers are just $5 every day), then check out Apollo's Sun (10 p.m. tomorrow) from York, followed by Middletown native J Jurkin (10: 30 p.m. tomorrow).

If you plan it right, you could probably hang out here all night and not spend more than $25. Plus, you can hop around wherever you want downtown.

* Another downtown hot spot is the Dragonfly. It has its usual $7 cover, but you get admission to all three levels, including District (the basement level), which hosts the Millennium showcase, including Harrisburg's DJ Ben3Man (10 p.m. Saturday). Also on Saturday, the first floor features DJ Herk, spinning reggae, hip-hop and Baltimore Club, and the second floor is hosted by DJ Smooth spinning hip-hop and R&B.

* Try Angelina's for another great deal. Each night, it offers a different North American bottle for just $2 -- Thursdays, Yuengling; Friday, Budweiser; and Saturday, Labatt Blue.

Tonight, from 9 to 11 p.m., while you're checking out Philadelphia's Ernest Goodlife Band, snack on the 25-cent wings.

Tomorrow, stay late for local jammers Funktion and fill up on $1 french fries from 9 to 11 p.m.

On Saturday, the special doubles when you add cheese ($2 cheese fries) from 9 to 11 p.m.

So you're not the beer-swilling type, but you want to hear some new music? Hit up some of the coffeeshops, and spend your $25 on a double mocha latte and a good book.

* At Borders Books Music Movies & Cafe in Lower Paxton Twp., check native son David Carr at 7 p.m. tomorrow followed by Pittsburgher Erin Dragan at 7: 45 p.m.

* Crimson Frog Coffeehouse in Lower Allen Twp., one of my favorite coffee stops, which hosts a full slate of local acoustic talent tonight -- Alicia Keister (8 p.m.), Hannah Bingman (8: 45 p.m.), Will Markley (9: 30 p.m.) and Nathaniel Hohol (10: 15 p.m.).

Everything's cheaper in the suburbs. In New Cumberland, Carnahans Tavern, known best for its blues and karaoke nights, hosts Camp Hill natives Off the Wagon (9: 30 tonight) and Harrisburg rockers Psycho A-Go-Go!!! (11: 30 p.m. Saturday). You can also check out the other New Cumberland neighborhood bars Coakley's and Scott's Old Towne Mediterranean for a change of pace. SARA BOZICH: ara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Amid changes and upgrades, downtown goes with the flow

Amid changes and upgrades, downtown goes with the flow
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
June 15, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

For three years, I've written this column detailing Harrisburg-area night life, other after-5 p.m. and weekend activities. Often, I am asked about how I manage to find something to write about week after week and whether Harrisburg is worthy of an after hours column etc.
The answer in most cases is, yes, Harrisburg does have a night life. In the last three years, countless bars and restaurants have been unveiled in Harrisburg, each one meriting a column.

The bars change hands, change themes, upgrade facilities, build additions. They host fundraisers, feature local and national artists, throw theme parties. New menus are offered, times are changed. It is not a stagnant industry.

In cases such as these, my column often writes itself.

Then, there are other weeks, when I haven't gone anywhere but Garrason's Tavern for the millionth time.

This week, I thought I would look at how the scene has changed and evolved in Harrisburg.

In my first "Out with Sara" column, I wrote about what was then considered the top five downtown hot spots: NOMA, Fisaga, Brick Haus, Hardware Bar and Mars. At the time, I would hit each of these places and usually in that order every weekend.

Then, NOMA changed themes, from its brief stint as the unpopular Cabana Beach Bar last summer to NOMA Remixed, a red-tinted version of the original. Now, NOMA is no more, as Max Randazzo of Max's recently purchased the business.

Randazzo has not yet announced what he plans for the space, which was originally a bank and then a coffee shop before transforming into the popular lounge. But my spies tell me that ideas range from a Latin-themed club to a throwback to the original NOMA in the shape of a pristine martini bar.

Second Street's subsequent bookend, Mars, also has changed form. The former martini bar (this one not so pristine, but very, very red), lost its shape as a lounge and went to being a simple pub. Now called South Street Tavern (it sits at South and Second streets), $2 drafts "all day every day" is the draw here, along with a pool table and jukebox and Texas Hold'em poker tourneys.

Cragin's Brick Haus and Fisaga remain fairly unchanged, as does Hardware Bar. The Brick Haus has added a downstairs bar to deal with the bigger weekend crowds and upgraded its interior with new paint. The second floor dining area is now home to dart boards and a foosball table.

I still spend time at the Brick Haus, but these days, my routine is fairly different -- because there is so much more to do.

I spend a lot of my free time at Garrason's; it's close to where I live, it's cheap, the food is good and it's one of those places where undoubtedly you become best friends (if only for the night) with the folks sitting around you.

Garrason's also offers a full food menu, which I think is consistently good. I recommend burgers and wings and any pasta or steak dishes on the dinner menu.

McGrath's Pub is my regular favorite. The bar upstairs is open Wednesday through Saturday, and the front room is decked out like a living room with comfy couches. There are now two bathrooms upstairs. Another small room upstairs hosts such games as Golden Tee and darts.

The outdoor deck at Maxine's Lounge at Haydn's on Pine is nearing its full upgrade. A bar has been added outside, and there's a new menu.

On late nights, we find ourselves at the brand spankin' new multilevel complex, The Quarter. "The Gin Mill" (in the basement level) is definitely the coolest spot in the huge building. They often have live music -- blues, rock, jams -- on Wednesdays and the weekend. My only complaint is that you have to walk upstairs to get to the bathroom. But at least that gives you a chance to check out the crowd on the first floor.

Recently, The Caribbean Mermaid, a tiny deli opened at 402 Second St., next to the South Street Tavern. While open for the downtown lunch crowd, The Caribbean Mermaid also reopens from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday nights for the late night revelers.

The simple menu features sandwich items such as egg salad, turkey and provolone, wraps, panini and BLTs. They are all under $6 each. Side orders (none more than $3) consist of potato and macaroni salads, mini plain pizza and hot dogs.

Coming soon is Skewers, next to Ceoltas at 316 N. Second St., which will serve kebabs with a global theme until 2 a.m.

Next time you're downtown, try to hit something out of the ordinary and give a new spot (if only new to you) a try. The area has an unending supply of venues and activities -- a little something for everyone. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Brunch bunch will find new options for dining

Brunch bunch will find new options for dining
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
June 8, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

The best thing to follow up a weekend night out with the girls or the guys is the morning-after recap. Who ran into whom? Who went home with whom? And what better way to do it than retell the previous night's jokes and relive the fun over eggs, bacon and Bloody Marys.
There are two new places you can stop for these recaps or just brunch. Angelina's Restaurant and Sports Bar, known best for live music and its Sunday night parties, opens for breakfast at 8 on the weekends.

The other place is North Street Zephyr Express, affectionately known as the best little restaurant in Harrisburg. It began serving brunch over Memorial Day weekend.

Angelina's

Last weekend was a little chilly for an outdoor brunch, but I could not resist when I envisioned a brunch on the deck.

Angelina's brunch menu covers the basics. We ordered the "Classic Plate," which was two eggs, any style, and two bacon or sausage links, served with toast and home fries, all for $2.99.

Angelina's does not skimp on portions, but if that's not enough for you, try the "Hungry Plate," which takes the Classic and adds both meats plus two pancakes for $4.75.

Three-egg omelets come in three varieties -- All-American, with cheese and ham; Angelina's, with salami, capicola, provolone, peppers and onions; and Greek, with feta cheese, tomatoes, black olives and spinach. Sweet potato pancakes, creamed chip beef on toast, and corn beef hash and eggs round out the menu; the priciest items top out at just $5.25.

The generous portions were delicious and cheap. A small children's menu is available.

Beverage options include coffee, tea and juices, plus Virgin Marys ($3) and Red Bull ($4.50).

The bar opens at 8 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday.

North Street Zephyr Express

You can dine in Zephyr's hidden courtyard, the best in Harrisburg's outdoor dining, or inside.

We began with the Bloody Mary. Made with Absolut Citron and served in a pepper-rimmed Zephyr pint glass, this drink was tops. My friend Beth Darlington, a Bloody Mary aficionado, said it might have been the best Bloody Mary she had ever had. I concurred. Zephyr owner David Lurch, who made the concoction, hit it right with just the right amount of spice and flavor. We could have sat outside all afternoon drinking these.

Also on the morning drink menu are mimosas (virgin or regular), a tasty blend of orange juice and champagne, and berry mojitos made with blueberry or blackberry. Zephyr's full bar also is available.

On the menu are classics such as omelets. The seafood omelet ($7.95) features shrimp, lobster, crab and smoked Gouda covered with a crab cream sauce and scallions. The bleu steak combines flat-iron steak, sauteed onions and a bleu cream sauce for $8.95.

We sampled the delicious baked brie. It came warm and was covered by honey and served with crackers and berries.

Beth tried the quiche of the week -- a yummy egg pie with sausage, cheese and onions, which came with red-skinned potatoes. I opted for the breakfast wrap -- a flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, red onions, green peppers, bacon and cheddar cheese. Top it off with some hot sauce or salsa for a little bite, and you're good to go.

Stuffed french toast, eggs Benedict and baked oatmeal balance the menu's more lunch-like fare of club sandwiches, wraps and salads. The citrus shrimp and spinach salad with shrimp, onion, mandarin oranges and fresh spinach with a citrus ginger vinaigrette sounds delicious.

While there was not a specific kids' menu, Zephyr was accommodating to little ones, allowing for side orders and small-portion orders.

Brunch is served from 10: 30 a.m. to 2: 30 p.m. Sundays.

Drink of the week

If you can't make it out to try Zephyr's Bloody Mary, or you want to host a brunch at home, check out these cocktails adapted from CocktailTimes.com:

Velvet Rose

Champagne or a white sparkling wine such as Cava (Spain) or Prosecco (Italy) 1 ounce blackberry liqueur 1 ounce pomegranate juice 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice Blackberry

Mix blackberry liqueur, pomegranate juice and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with a blackberry.

Raspberry Sensation

1 part raspberry vodka 1 sugar cube 3 parts chilled champagne Frozen raspberry

Drop the sugar cube into a champagne flute and pour in chilled vodka. Top off with champagne. Garnish with a frozen raspberry.

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

Stop puttering around and get into the swing

Stop puttering around and get into the swing
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
June 1, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

It is an old wives' tale -- or perhaps an old husbands' tale -- that golf stands for "Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden."
Instead, the word is believed to come from the medieval Dutch word "kolf" or "kolve," meaning club, which, when passed to the Scots became "golve" or "gowf." By the 16th century, the word evolved to today's "golf."

Golf is the unofficial sport of the business world, and weekday courses are typically brimming with client meetings, fundraiser outings and those whose schedules allow free time during the week, such as retired folks and bartenders.

The sport has seemed to catch on at a growing rate -- at least my exposure to it certainly has. It is no longer a game reserved for corporate hot shots and rich old men; the game can be played at nearly any age and income.

With the warm days here, it's all anyone can talk about. Offices empty; workers play hooky on the fairway and in the clubhouse. At the bars, golfers recount their day on the course and set up the following day's tee time.

My dad learned to play golf two years ago, and was immediately hooked and for a time it was nearly all he would talk about. After listening to him and countless friends go on and on about their gorgeous and leisurely afternoons on the golf course, finally I decided it was time for me to try it out.

Now, I haven't actually played golf as of yet. Last weekend, I went to a driving range for the first time. I bet you I'll be there again this weekend.

Driving ranges, aside from being a natural practice spot for newbies and pros alike, are also a great cheap date idea.

For a couple of bucks, you can spend an hour or so practicing (or in my case, learning) your golf swing, enjoy some great weather and laugh when you miss the ball completely.

My dad and I hit the Silver Spring Driving Range on Memorial Day weekend, and he taught me how to swing a club. We practiced for about two hours in the heat.

Because, like beer, hot dogs are synonymous with golf, we went to Home Depot to get hot dogs, fries and soda at the hot dog truck in the parking lot. They were really good.

Ballpark franks, Nathan's all-beef dogs, Kielbasa, hot Italian sausage -- the truck has got the works, plus a variety of condiments from the basics to sauerkraut and peppers. The fresh-cut french fries were delicious with salt and vinegar, and Stewarts Creamsicle (I) and Birch Beer (dad) washed everything down perfectly.

Drink of the week

Try this twist on the classic martini after playing the back nine. Use premium gin like Bombay Sapphire for best results. And the more olives, the better. Adapted from Epicurious.com, the recipe says to stir the cocktail, but it can be shaken, if you desire.

Golf Martini 1 1/2 ounces gin 1/2 ounce dry vermouth 2 dashes bitters Olive garnish

Combine all ingredients except the olive in a shaker with ice and stir well. Strain into a martini glass and add the olive. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

INFOBOX:

IF YOU GO

Many local golf courses feature a practice area or driving range. To get started, check out the these spots:

* Silver Spring Driving Range, 135 Sample Bridge Road, Hampden Twp. Bucket price: $3 small; $6 large.

* Liberty Forge, 3804 Lisburn Road, Lower Allen Twp. 795-9880, www.libertyforge.net. Bucket price: $3. Hours: Open daily dawn to dusk

* Bumble Bee Hollow West, 2104 Old Hollow Road, Upper Allen Twp. 766-1925 or www.bumblebeehollow.com. Bucket price: $5 for 45; $7 for 75; $10 for 120. Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

* Bumble Bee Hollow East, 4201 Linglestown Road, Lower Paxton Twp. 540-7177 or www.bumblebeehollow.com. Bucket price: $5 for 45; $7 for 75; $10 for 120. Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

* Felicita Garden Resort & Spa, 511 Lakewood Drive, Middle Paxton Twp. Dress code: No jeans, must have collared shirt. 599-5028 or www.felicitaresort.com. Bucket price: $10 for unlimited. Hours: 8 a.m.-dusk Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.-dusk weekends and holidays.

* Dauphin Highlands, 650 S. Harrisburg St., Swatara Twp. 986-1984. Bucket price: $6 for 40; $9 for 80; $13 for 120. Hours: Hours: 7 a.m.-dusk Monday through Friday; 5: 30 a.m.-dusk weekends.
Edition:  FINAL

Haydn's on Pine opens its indoor/outdoor deck

Haydn's on Pine opens its indoor/outdoor deck
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
May 25, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

By the time you read this, our rainy, windy days should have blossomed into sunny, 80-degree afternoons, perfect for appetizers al fresco or happy hours on the deck.
Haydn's on Pine unveils its new indoor/outdoor deck tomorrow. The second-story addition unfortunately doesn't have much of a view, but Haydn's makes up for that with luxurious seating, ceiling fans and hanging plants.

Access to the deck is via the second floor, through the hallway to the back. A full bar and kitchen have been added to accommodate the new seating area, and will feature a special deck menu with such summery items as barbecued quesadillas and grilled vegetable kebabs.

The deck will be open year-round and will hold the same hours as Haydn's and Maxine's Martini Lounge, inside Haydn's.

Don't miss Maxine's new happy hour (also available on the deck), which kicked off several weeks ago along with its grand opening. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres complement $5 martinis, $5 cocktails and $2 off wine by the glass and bottled beer from 4: 30 to 6: 30 p.m.

Touring homes

The eighth annual Harrisburg Young Professionals Home Tour was held last Saturday. Each year, the organization showcases a number of homes in various areas in Harrisburg, and last weekend, the group hosted the ever-growing event in historic Shipoke.

Registration began at Conoy Street Playground, and from there, guests could tour the 14 featured houses at their leisure. We were encouraged to meet owners and ask questions, all the while enjoying refreshments (beer, soda, water) and food from Mangia Qui, Passage to India and The FireHouse Restaurant & Bar.

We explored a number of homes, many of which were for sale. Other owners of homes in the neighborhood that were not listed on the tour took advantage of the foot traffic and hosted open houses as well.

It was interesting to see how modern homes made use of historic buildings that weren't constructed for today's big-screen TVs, king-size mattresses and overstuffed furniture. The blend of new and old is part of what makes a lot of Harrisburg's homes beautiful and unique.

Shipoke homeowners face the additional challenge of being in a floodplain. Although it has been only two years since Hurricane Ivan damaged many of these homes, the scars were not visible. I noticed that in every home we toured, the owner had Harrisburg-related artwork prominently displayed throughout the house. Clearly, these residents are proud of where they live.

Immediately following the home tour was the after-party, hosted for the second consecutive year at Webclients, 2201 N. Front St. The party, which was free with the home tour ticket, offered live entertainment, free burgers, hot dogs, cookies and beverages. This year's entertainment featured the Luv Gods, DJ Ray Rossi and the classic rock band, Someday Soon.

There wasn't a lot of dancing, but folks spread out with blankets on the front lawn overlooking the river, and spent an evening of good music, weather, food and conversation. Mayor Stephen R. Reed dropped by and spoke about HYP's dedication to Harrisburg through events such as these.

Drink of the week

Summer unofficially begins this long weekend, so let's celebrate it with what's called a "long drink."

A long drink is a beverage that holds more than 5 ounces and less than 9 ounces. According to Wikipedia.com, it hasn't been used much in the past two decades but is making a comeback. It says the beverage is "typically a long drink [that] will have lots of ice and mixer, perfect for warmer days, as opposed to a short drink."

A classic "long drink" is the Harvey Wallbanger, which is rumored to be named after a surfer named Harvey who enjoyed the libation and ran into a wall after overimbibing one night, according to ThatstheSpirit.com.

Harvey Wallbanger

4 ounces orange juice 1/2 ounce Galliano 1 1/2 ounce vodka

Pour vodka and orange juice into a chilled Collins glass (see note) with several ice cubes and stir well. Top with the Italian liqueur Galliano.

Note: A Collins glass is a longer version of the highball glass that can hold 10 to 14 ounces. This glass, often used for specialty drinks like a Zombie or Singapore Sling, also is known as a chimney glass. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Approval greets arrival of Tom Sawyer Diner

Approval greets arrival of Tom Sawyer Diner
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
May 18, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

If you're anyone in Harrisburg, you were at Tom Sawyer Diner for its grand opening last Friday. It began with a ribbon-cutting at 4: 30 p.m. By 5: 30, it was a veritable who's who of Harrisburg.
Owned by three local businessmen, Ron Kamionka, Rick Galiardo and Andy Giorgione, it came as no surprise that the invite list brought out the area's top movers and shakers. Notables such as Mayor Stephen R. Reed, Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick, Clark Resources' Fred Clark, Greenlee Partners' Stan Rapp and state Rep. Ron Buxton were present at the new addition to Second Street.

The media were well-represented (and in this area sometimes classify as celebs themselves) and included Harrisburg Magazine editor Lisa Paige; WINK 104's Stretch(!), John Paul Shaffer and program director John O'Dea; Jen Shade from 105.7 the X, and Giorgione's wife, WHP-TV anchor Kirsten Page.

Reports were positive about the initially controversial diner. Following weeks of comments from people on the street curious about the venture and concerned about its potential as a downtown eyesore, the reaction from patrons was amazement and approval.

The actual diner rests right on the sidewalk. Inside, it is decorated much like a traditional diner in stainless steel and padded booths and tables, and sits 88, which includes counter seating. The entrance to the right of the diner leads to the outdoor area, where tables on indoor/outdoor carpet and propane heat lamps dot the lawn. This area seats an additional 200. In the back corner (closest to the parking garage entrance) sits the stage, where Bill Haley's Comets rang in the entertainment complex's opening.

The Luv Gods followed and wasted no time in getting folks on the grass dancing to its mix of party songs.

At the back, there are additional seats and a walk-up outdoor bar. Up the steps is a rooftop deck that looks out to the crowd and stage. Benches replace tables here, and California fireplaces help keep the temperature comfy in the shade. I have a feeling this is going to be one of summer's spots to be.

The menu is consistent with that of a nonalcoholic diner. The most expensive menu item, chicken and waffles, is $9.99. Kamionka said the most popular items so far have been burgers and meat loaf. He added that people are going nuts over even simple items such as cornbread.

Tom Sawyer Diner's hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week; the kitchen closes at midnight. In the next couple of weeks, hours will expand to include breakfast and late-night snacking.

This Friday night, catch Full Effect performing live.

West Shore getting an ABC

Appalachian Brewing Company recently signed a lease on the building at 3721 Market St. (Carlisle Pike) in Hampden Twp., and owner Artie Tafoya asked me to try not to refer to the new ABC location as the "Old KoKoMo's." The new ABC, as Tafoya prefers to call it, is set to open Aug. 1 and will be a brewery and a restaurant much like its charter location. The brewery is a stainless steel and copper Newlands Brewing System and will be constructed in the middle of the building.

"We will feature our fresh handcrafted beers, Belgian beer selections and 12 draft wines along with an expanded wine selection that will be implemented at all locations," Tafoya said.

ABC also plans a new menu that will highlight favorites. But it also plans to experiment with fun, eclectic and health-conscious food choices designed by new chef and nutritionist George Sporay.

Tafoya said the new ABC will not focus as much on entertainment but plans to provide fun acoustic music as needed.

Drinks of the week

Just as the Kentucky Derby has an official drink (the mint julep) so, too, does the Preakness, which is Saturday. Named for the official flower of Maryland, the Black-eyed Susan is the cocktail of choice on Preakness day.

Black-eyed Susan 1 1/4 cup vodka 1 1/4 cup light rum 3/4 cup triple sec Juice from one lime 4 cups orange juice 4 cups pineapple juice Lime slices or maraschino cherries (optional) for garnish

Chill all ingredients. Combine in a punch bowl. Serve over crushed or chipped ice in tall glasses or punch glasses. Makes 10 large or 20 small servings. Garnish, if you prefer, with a slice of lime and/or a maraschino cherry. The Washington Post

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

Quarter opens packed, and the good times roll

Quarter opens packed, and the good times roll
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
May 11, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

Long-awaited and much-anticipated, The Quarter opened last Wednesday for a friends-and-family party at 321 N. Second St., Harrisburg. The five-level entertainment complex was open Thursday, also for the party, and folks passing by stopped in and joined the party without incident.
Only three of the five levels are open so far. The basement (my favorite, and so far, the least packed), called the "Gin Mill," has a boatload of potential. For now it's got the atmosphere of a private, underground club, decorated with an actual gin mill complete with steam, although no actual distillation of gin (or anything else, for that matter) occurs. On Wednesday, Nate Myers and the Aces (which includes members of the former Krypton City Blues) rocked the crowd with their swingy, bluesy sounds.

The first floor, Oceans 321, is the main floor, from which outdoor diners can gawk at passing crowds and vice versa. Seafood is the theme here, and it has a raw bar featuring clams, mussels, oysters and more.

"I was shucking, another guy was shucking -- we could have a full-time shucker," said owner Braam Hattingh.

Knockers, the second floor sports bar, has a huge middle bar, and flat-screen TVs abound. Eight pool tables line the back of this level, available by the hour for $10. See the bartenders to play. Megatouch games also are available on bartops throughout the venue, and I think I spotted some dart machines, too.

Another bar, or extension of the main bar, protrudes to another seating area, this section overlooking Second Street.

Word of the opening got out fast, and by Friday, the three floors were packed, especially the bar/restaurant and the sports bar. The remaining two levels, La Vie, the third floor dance club, and The Quarter Deck, on the rooftop, are slated to open later this month. Oh boys, no hats are allowed, so leave the dirty baseball cap at home.

My traditional outing

For Cinco de Mayo, I headed to the Sierra Madre as per tradition. I arrived early, but parking already was scarce. The lots surrounding the Madre were blocked off for a $5 parking donation.

Patrons ranged from children to adults, and early on the crowd was definitely family-oriented. Hip hop the clown painted kids' faces, and the local rock band, Echoburn, started around 7 p.m.

The Cuervo Girls handed out samples of the new Cuervo Black Medallion tequila, which is labeled as "anejo." Anejo means aged in Spanish and the result is a smoother tequila flavor. Cuervo Black is aged for a year in oak barrels. It is good with Coca-Cola as a mixed drink and also a good sipping tequila.

The Cuervo Girls presented the shooters in a board resembling a ski and had three people line up along the board and do the shot simultaneously. Participants also got to keep the Cuervo shot glass. People seemed to have a great response to it, and using the board kept things fun and lively at the Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Drink of the week

Sometimes the best cocktails taste like childhood treats. Take, for example, the Grapesicle, available at Fisaga. It tastes just like a grape Popsicle and is the perfect refreshment on a hot day. Careful with these, though -- while they taste like kiddie stuff, they can pack a punch.

The Grapesicle

1 1/2 ounces Three Olives Grape Vodka Sprite or 7-Up Cranberry juice

Add the Three Olives Grape Vodka to a pint glass full of ice. Fill with Sprite and add a splash of Cranberry juice. Happy summer! SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

'The Brit' gets a taste of Harrisburg bar scene

'The Brit' gets a taste of Harrisburg bar scene
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
May 4, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

My cell phone was on silent and so when I looked at an unfamiliar phone number and then heard a corresponding voice-mail from a stranger with a thick British accent, it came as quite a surprise.
"The Brit," as David Zeff was quickly dubbed, was from London and was in town for exactly one night as part of his three-month tour of America's night life. Zeff, a freelancer for The Metro, had wandered into The Patriot-News office looking for the writer covering night life and the club scene, and my editor connected me.

I offered to meet Zeff downtown and show him around.

I was a little disappointed that I was only able to showcase a Tuesday night, and a rainy one at that, but we had a fine time. Zeff loved talking to strangers and getting to know the area.

We first stopped at Fisaga, then McGrath's, then the Hardware Bar and finally to Cragin's Brick Haus. I called it a night at that point, and my roommate took Zeff to Molly Brannigans.

I wasn't sure what Zeff would make of the "Coyote Ugly"-like anything goes Hardware Bar. It was HbgOnline.com's "Twisted Tuesday," the weekday original music showcase that kicks off each spring, at the bar. This night, local band Holis manned the stage.

Zeff said the bar reminded him of a spot in a trendy part of London called Dingwalls where a lot of big bands played in their early days. "It has a similar size stage and bar area," Zeff said. The vibe was very similar, and people seemed genuinely happy to be there to hear the music, he said. "It always p----me off when people turn up to a club and talk their way through a band's set."

Zeff said even when the band is bad, which Holis was not, "out of respect I like to listen while a band plays."

He walked around excitedly, snapping photos of the band, the patrons, the employees and girls on the bar.

Zeff said the one thing he did not quite understand was the Irish-theme bars.

"I've been to Ireland a few times, and it's a great place, but most of the cool bars in Dublin are trying to escape from the old stereotypes," he said.

He acknowledged that "people always see things through tinted glasses if they have a heritage in and are from a particular country." In London, right now, he said they're going through a phase where Australian-themed pubs are the new hot thing to do. But Zeff does not care for the Aussie-themed ones either.

"Why can't a bar owner take a chance and try and find their own style I don't know," Zeff said. "I've always found that the best places reflect the owner rather than a particular business model."

So would "the Brit" return to Harrisburg? In a follow-up e-mail, Zeff told me: "Absolutely. I think I would like to be there on a weekend and get the vibe when it's really buzzing. Call me naive but I found the city safe, clean and very friendly, what more could a traveler ask from a place?"

Should I ever make it to London, Zeff has promised me to reciprocate the hospitality. I think I'd like to check out those Aussie-themed bars.

Spreading its wings

The Wing Company, known for its meaty wings, sauce choices and barnyard rice, has a second location on Paxton Street in Harrisburg. Friends and family stopped by last Monday night at the new location, which was decorated appropriately in black, white and orange. The Luv Gods played a special performance to kick off the new eat-in and take-out location. Sara's Drinks of the week

Hosting your own Cinco de Mayo party tomorrow? Celebrate in authentic style with this recipe from CocktailTimes.com:

Margarita Orendain

1 1/2 ounces Don Eduardo Silver tequila 1/2 ounce lime juice 3/4 ounce orange liqueur 1 tablespoon simple syrup Salt (for rimming) Lime slice for garnish

Pour the first four ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and pour the mixture into a salt-rimmed cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.

The 132nd Kentucky Derby, the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, will be held Saturday. According to CocktailTimes.com, more than 80,000 Mint Juleps, the Derby's signature drink, are sold at Churchill Downs.

Mint Julep Martini

2 parts Kentucky Bourbon 1 part Orange Liqueur 1 teaspoon superfine sugar 1/4 ounce Peppermint Schnapps Mint leaves for garnish

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with mint leaves. SARA BOZICH: sara.bozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Stand-ups stand tall in comedy event

Stand-ups stand tall in comedy event
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
April 27, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

Last Friday was the finale of 105.7 the X's "Biggest Joke."
The event showcased the winner of 105.7 the X's second annual comedy contest, encouraging local amateur or wannabe-comedians to test their stand-up skills in front of a live audience.

After a few weeks of preliminary contests at the York and Harrisburg Hardware Bars, Tom Sanford of Millersburg was declared the winner, earning the opening spot at Friday's event.

He opened Friday's comedy show at the Sunoco Performance Theater at Harrisburg's Whitaker Center with a five-minute original routine, the finale of which involved Sanford cutting loose "'80s style," explaining why '80s dancing will never come back. Sanford's routine also involved a "trip around the world" involving a world full of accents and one-line quips.

The X's morning show ran the sold-out event, with Jen Shade as emcee and Nipsey performing his original comedy following Sanford. The two opened for Earl David Reed, the morning show's third costar and professional comedian.

Nipsey waxed about family life and everyday observations that the audience -- composed not entirely, but primarily of X listeners -- loved.

Reed enlivened the audience quickly. The man is just funny.

Pacing quickly back and forth on the stage, Reed showed a style that was largely improvisational and revolved around crowd participation, finding his jokes in interviews with folks in the front few rows and the topics that sprang to mind from that interaction.

Reed performed for well over an hour before dismissing the audience to the after-party at the Hardware Bar. Directly after the show, the X Morning Show crew posed with fans for photos and autographs, and Reed sold copies of his comedy CD.

Spring has sprung

Deck season is upon us!

Flinchy's Train Wreck Deck, 1833 Hummel Ave., Camp Hill, is now open for the season. Enjoy live music Saturday nights and Stella Artois drafts (Flinchy's says that Stella is so popular, it's actually outselling local favorite Yuengling Lager.)

Legends Bar & Grill, once upon a time called Wanda's, opens its deck this weekend. I'll be there Friday for the kickoff. Show up to sign up for the summer volleyball league.

Other night life news

Harrisburg's own Troegs Brewery recently won a place in the Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2006.

One of Troegs' signature brews, the Troegenator Doublebock took home a bronze medal in the Traditional German-Style Bock category April 14 at the World Beer Cup Gala Awards Ceremony and Dinner in Seattle. Click on www.beercup.org or www.troegs.com for more information.

Troegs' third annual Brewers' Fest hits downtown Harrisburg on June 17, rain or shine. The yearly beer festival invites 35 breweries from across the region for an evening of great beer, food and music. Tickets and more information are available at www.harrisburgbrewfest.com.

Wifi in Harrisburg

I'm working on compiling a list of Wi-Fi (wireless internet) access points throughout the area.

Please contact me at sara.bozich@gmail.com with any WiFi hot spots in your area. Note whether the access is free or if it requires a credit card for payment.

Tips of the trade

Finished drinking, but aren't ready to head home yet? Place your cocktail napkin over your beverage to signal to your bartender that you don't want another round. Sara's Drink of the Week

I can't tell you what's in this, because when I asked I was told it's "Top Secret," but ask Adam Gardner at Cragin's Brick Haus for his lemon meringue pie shot. But please, don't do it at last call or when the bar is swamped. It has a bunch of ingredients (which, again, he refuses to reveal) and tastes just like the dessert -- crust and all! A must try. sara.bozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

Brazilian band gives fans a new beat

Brazilian band gives fans a new beat
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
April 20, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 4

Our first stop on Saturday night was to Suba, the tapas bar on the second floor above Mangia Qui on North Street. We were there to see the Brazilian band Oba Oba Brasil, featuring three percussionists, a guitar player and a saxophonist.
The small space was packed when we arrived, but we watched carefully and snagged better bar space when a couple left. Suba always has an interesting featured drink selection, and the bartender said that we must try the Basil Gimlet. A fan of basil, vodka and lime, I found this an easy "yes." The perfectly blended and chilled concoctions were the beverage highlight of the night.

During a short break between the band's three sets, percussionist (and pennlive.com blogger) Fred Otteson apologized, saying it was the first time the musicians had played together. I thought he must be kidding, but when we chatted later, he reaffirmed his claim. Now, I know next to nothing about Brazilian music, but I know that I liked what I heard, a percussion-driven, upbeat sound that eventually got people dancing.

We left before the third set, but Otteson told me that it wasn't until then that folks started moving around. "I always feel like I've rhythmically succeeded when I see grandparents and 20-somethings up dancing, and I like the music."

Oba Oba Brasil is scheduled to play Suba on the third Saturday of every month. Their next gig is May 13 at Jackie Blue, 1313 N. Second St., Harrisburg.

The rise of the coffeehouse

The coffee shop is a simple thing. Hot coffee, good greasy food and your conversation are the highlights. They're synonymous with diners -- just think of Seinfeld and crew's favorite haunt, Monk's Cafe.

A coffeehouse, on the other hand, is a different cat altogether. Just go to Google Local and type in the above keywords. The former will show you diners and small coffee-to-go kind of spots; the latter pulls up places like Cornerstone Coffeehouse and Culinary Kitchen.

Cornerstone's original location houses a culinary kitchen, where it hosts cooking classes and other events for the community, which I covered in this column last year. As much as Cornerstone is a go-to for coffee drinks and pastries, it's become so much more.

Perhaps it's a trend or even the rebirth of the coffeehouse. Near New Cumberland, across from Gullifty's, sits Crimson Frog, a coffeehouse with a night-life kick.

Most Friday and Saturday nights, it hosts local musicians like Milkshake Jones. Open-mike night is held every second and fourth Wednesday, and, as recently as last week, Crimson Frog began holding a "Free Verse" Poetry Night, hosted by Maria James, at 8 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month.

The coffeehouse is quaint and comfortable. A set of couches sits in a front window, while other tables and chairs fill the remaining space. During a daytime weekday visit, a number of people were in with laptops, surfing the free Crimson Frog wifi, or wireless Internet.

Art on the walls changes monthly, featuring local artists. This month's pieces were provided by Cedar Cliff High School's art department.

Crimson Frog's menu consists of the usual coffeehouse fare with lattes and espressos and frappes and smoothies. It featured a few specials du jour on a chalkboard near the door. My friend and I found its coffee to be exceptionally good, opting for lattes and a vanilla frappe, respectively.

Still on the West Shore, in fact, just three miles away, is another relatively new coffeehouse -- and this one really does things differently.

A lot of people to whom I've mentioned Coyote Joe's were surprised to learn that it is a cafe. The "Coyote" in the name gave the impression of a southwest motif, which Coyote Joe's definitely does have. In fact, it even serves Tex-Mex food, like the great quesadillas that were on special for $4.95 when we stopped in last week.

But Coyote Joe's, in the plaza across from the Capital City Mall, is a coffeehouse, and its Web site, www.coyotejoescafe.com, details more than a dozen varieties of coffee which it roasts on-site.

The decor is Southwestern, and the space is huge. The tables seemed unusual in a coffeehouse -- no cozy couches or plush perches here. The menu is quite extensive, as well, featuring gourmet sandwiches, salads, wraps and breakfast items on top of the long list of smoothies, iced coffee drinks and Italian sodas.

Coyote Joe's also offers free wireless Internet access and even provides a few computers on-site for those who need to check e-mail on the fly. A plasma TV and one couch sit in the very back of the cafe, providing a little hangout in the corner.

On Friday and Saturday nights, Coyote Joe's hosts live bands. Bands play on a small stage in the front of the building, allowing plenty of room for patrons to sit and enjoy. The entertainment runs the gamut from solo acoustic to full bands playing both cover songs and original material. Shows run from 7 to 10 p.m. It also hosts an open-mike night on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.

And coming soon

Local attorney Kirstin Messner is soon opening up Sensi's Cafe, at 614 N. Second St. in downtown Harrisburg. While Messner's location (and the size of the first floor) might initially limit her to "coffee shop" status, she plans to eventually expand to the second floor, where she'll offer free wifi and host poetry readings and acoustic acts.

In the meantime, Messner plans to open the cafe between July and November of this year, working on making it a local version of big-time coffee and pastry spot Panera Bread, featuring "panini sandwiches, coffee, desserts, etc.," Messner says. "The menu won't be really big, but everything will be really good."

The unusual moniker is the nickname of her 2-year-old daughter, Crescentia.

Drink of the Week

Enjoy the warm weather and bright sun with this cocktail, courtesy of CocktailTimes.com.

Raspberry Mint Island Tea

1/2 Monin Mojito Mix 3/4 ounce Monin Raspberry 8 ounce fresh brewed tea 1 1/2 ounce raspberry flavored vodka Garnish: mint sprig and raspberries

Combine all ingredients in a highball glass over ice. Stir well and garnish with the mint sprig and raspberries. (Cocktail created by Monin Gourmet Flavorings)

sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

More area bars add smoke-free events

More area bars add smoke-free events
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
April 13, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Where there's smoke, there's fire.
The concept of a smoke-free environment is no longer novel. In fact, it's commonplace in many cities, states and even countries. The idea has circled around Pennsylvania and, most recently, has been brought up by Harrisburg's City Council, which is spearheading an effort to ban smoking on city property.

As proposed, the ban could extend to outdoor city-owned property such as City Island and Riverfront Park. It would not extend to privately owned property such as bars and restaurants. Interesting, because many would tell you that is where the problem lies.

Regardless of whether the city or state moves on these laws, individual property owners are making their own changes.

Cafe Fresco's center-city location, which opened last summer, and Suba, the second floor lounge at Mangia Qui, are the city's only legitimate smoke-free bars. For this luxury, however, you must pay. Neither is known for inexpensive drinks or draft beer specials. Instead, higher quality (and therefore, higher priced) beverages like Mojitos, sake-tinis, martinis and sangria round out the menus.

In an effort to meet nonsmoking customers halfway, however, some venues are offering special nonsmoking events to their entertainment lineups.

At the Comedy Zone at Doc Holliday's Steakhouse & Saloon, Fairview Twp., which offers four comedy shows every weekend, the early Friday show -- 8 p.m. -- is always smoke free.

A few weeks ago at Gullifty's, hypnotist Sailesh performed two shows over two days, the first of which was booked as a nonsmoking gig.

Coming up at Appalachian Brewing Company next Thursday, in its usually smoky Abbey Bar, is a special "nonsmoking show" featuring the eco-friendly bluegrass band, Hot Buttered Rum.

"The premise, ultimately, is a healthy, welcoming environment for everyone who attends the event," said Mike Van Jura of Roundtable Presents, which books a lot of ABC's entertainment. "There are far more nonsmokers than there are smokers, and we want everyone to feel like they can hang out and not go home smelling like an ashtray."

ABC won't be banning smoking altogether, and smokers on these special nights need only to sneak outside to the deck to puff away. But Van Jura, even as a smoker himself, sees the advantage of nonsmoking venues.

"Hot Buttered Rum is very eco-friendly and active in issues like clean energy and environmental preservation, and they requested the show be nonsmoking as well," Van Jura said. "I've been looking for a reason to see how well it would take, and this is the perfect opportunity."

After seeing nonsmoking rules in effect at concerts in places such as Philadelphia's World Cafe, he sees the positives to it. "Even as a smoker, I'd like to see that all venues eventually become smoke free," Van Jura said.

Mike Zarcone, who runs local Web site HarrisburgNightlife.com, agrees, although he'd rather see bars and restaurants eliminate smoking on their own.

"I challenge the restaurants downtown to host a 'smoke-free weekend' sometime this summer and see if it increases their business," Zarcone said. "I believe there are a lot of people who enjoy going out, but don't because it's too smoky in most bars and clubs."

Others yet recognize the value of pleasing the customer. Dave Lerch, owner of Zephyr Express, doesn't smoke and never has, but he said: "It's part of the business. It's what I've agreed to put up with by becoming a bartender, a manager and now an owner."

What do customers think?

Amy Barrett, 24, of Camp Hill, has a unique view.

"Personally, I'm a 'smoke-when-I-drink' kind of girl. It drives me crazy if I can't have one, so it would definitely affect where I go to drink," she said. "Although at the risk of sounding hypocritical, when I'm not drinking, I definitely prefer a smoke-free scene, so I don't think banning smoking in restaurants is horrible -- but outside city property like Riverfront and City Island is a bit of a stretch," Barrett said.

Summer Setzer, 27, of Harrisburg, thinks a ban on smoking is a fantastic idea. "When we were in New York City, it was great. So you go outside to have a cigarette -- what's the big deal?"

I, too, am guilty of the smoke-when-I-drink behavior, and I love hanging out at Suba and Cafe Fresco to quell that desire. While I'm sure I'd likely pop outside for a cigarette from time to time in a night, I know that, with a ban on smoking, I'd love not smelling as much like an ashtray and working on completely eliminating that bad habit of mine.

To sign an online petition requesting a ban on public smoking in Pennsylvania, log on to http: //www.petitiononline.com/NSPPA/petition.html.

Sara's Drink of the Week

Just in time for Easter, try this sweet concoction from drinkoftheweek.com.

Easter Bunny Cocktail

1 1/2 oz. dark creme de cacao Half oz. vodka 1 tsp. chocolate syrup 1 tsp. cherry brandy

Shake creme de cacao and vodka with ice. Strain over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Top with a float of chocolate syrup and cherry brandy.

sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

Drink responsibly -- learn your limits

Drink responsibly -- learn your limits
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
March 30, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Within the past several weeks, we've been privy to the bizarre, reckless and unrelated deaths of two young, promising women. The first, who fell 23 stories from a window of her boyfriend's Pennsylvania Place apartment; and the second, who fell between two buildings from the 11th level of the Walnut Street Parking Garage after a night of drinking on St. Patrick's Day.
What the young ladies have in common is that both were reportedly drinking at a number of bars before their deaths.

I'm not going to tell you that drinking downtown causes you to fall off a building. However, it is important to drink responsibly. Alcohol strongly affects the mind and body -- and more with women than men.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol affects women differently than men, even in small amounts, and heavy drinking is much riskier. Women absorb alcohol faster into the bloodstream than men, and then metabolize it slower.

Your blood alcohol content levels can vary based on weight and gender. For instance, a 200-pound man can drink approximately four drinks before hitting Pennsylvania law's 0.08 limit for drunken driving. A 140-pound woman who has four drinks will find herself above that limit at 0.13.

Log on to www.brad21.org/bac_charts.html for BAC charts based on gender and weight and learn how to be responsible about drinking.

According to www.intox.com, the two stages of intoxication from 0.03 to 0.18 percent blood alcohol content are labeled euphoria and excitement. At euphoria, people begin to experience diminished judgment and control. At excitement, perception is impaired, sensory response decreases, coordination slows and vision is compromised.

In the confusion stage between BAC 0.18 and 0.30, drinkers experience disorientation, dizziness, exaggerated mental states, increased pain threshold. Coordination is out the door; staggering and slurring take place. A 140-pound woman reaches this level of intoxication from five to nine drinks.

To manage your BAC while you're out, be sure to eat a full meal and alternate your beverages with nonalcoholic drinks. This also helps stave off hangovers. Try to keep track of what you're drinking, and don't mix alcohol with other drugs, even prescriptions.

Remember to celebrate with alcohol responsibly. Everyone's body handles and processes alcohol differently, and it is important to know your limits.

Frankly, don't be stupid. There is a lot to celebrate in this world. Just remember to do so with your head still on so you can keep doing it for a long time to come.

Thrills in the chill

Last Friday, I checked out the frozen T-shirt contest at KoKoMo's in downtown Harrisburg. Yes, that's a frozen T-shirt contest, not a wet T-shirt contest.

It was scheduled for 9 p.m., but the event didn't kick off until much closer to 10 p.m. because of the overtime Villanova basketball game.

This is how the contest works: T-shirts are rolled into tight balls, wet thoroughly and frozen. Contestants have to unroll their frozen T-shirt completely and put it on over their clothes. The first to do so gets a $50 gift card.

Only girls were involved in the contest while men gathered to watch. Before the contest began, Jess Horn, the Wilsbach representative running the contest, had to call out one of the girls for cheating. Here she was, pre-start, with a mostly unrolled T-shirt. When Horn demanded it back, he could tell it had been run under warm water.

A lot of the girls gathered in the back of the bar for the contest and used the pool table as a means to undo their T-shirts, throwing and banging the frozen bundles onto the sides of the table. Other girls worked defense, trying to rip off a girl's T as she attempted to put it over her head. Another two grabbed over one shirt. I was not sure whether they were fighting over it or trying to help each other.

The frenzied ordeal took all of five minutes. Horn kept the girls going even after the first T-shirt was done to keep up the momentum and fun.

The next frozen T-shirt contest is 8 p.m. tomorrow at KoKoMo's West Hanover location on Route 22.

For more details, visit www.kokomossportsbar.com. Sara's drink of the week

While most of my drinks of the week have been alcohol-based, I have found that there is room for creativity in nonalcoholic beverages, too. If you're pregnant, the designated driver or just a nondrinker, you don't have to be relegated to bottled water or sodas.

Try this classic, even though it is generally thought of as a kid's cocktail. CocktailTimes.com named the Shirley Temple the best nonalcoholic cocktail of the century.

Shirley Temple 4 ounces lemon-lime mix 3 ounces 7-Up or Sprite 3-5 drops grenadine syrup Maraschino cherry

Combine the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker with crushed ice and shake well. Pour into an iced New Orleans High Ball glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry. Add a colored umbrella for decoration.

Also, if you're on the wagon, don't forget about nonalcoholic beers. O'Doul's and St. Pauli Girl are ones to try. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

Party starts early on Paddy's Day

Party starts early on Paddy's Day
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
March 23, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Wow, what can I say? Heck of a showing on St. Paddy's Day, folks. Well done.
By nightfall in downtown Harrisburg, nearly every bar had a line for entry, and partyers were held to the "one in, one out" rule to keep things manageable and legal.

All three Irish bars downtown -- McGrath's Pub, Molly Brannigans and Ceoltas Irish Pub -- featured Irish entertainment and were probably the most highly attended. But as the saying goes, "everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day," and nearly every local pub featured holiday specials.

I started early. Not so early as some, like the friend of mine who called me at 7: 51 a.m. to go to Flinchy's for green eggs and Guinness. I said that I'd meet him for lunch instead and went there around 11: 30. I had one green beer, and it was time to move to Angelina's for a non-Irish meal and in time for the NCAA men's Division I bnasketball tournament.

A few of my friends took half or entire days off from work Friday to start the fun early. While I know some people always take the day off for St. Patrick's Day, I think that number grew exponentially this year because the day fell on a Friday. Add to that the throngs who took long lunches or time off to watch the first round of the tournament, and well, it was like night life in the daytime.

Angelina's crowd was definitely more sports-oriented. I'm not much of a basketball fan, but everyone else I was with had copies of the tournament brackets with their picks for each game marked. We bypassed the lunch buffet of pizza and salad, and instead sampled the delicious strombolis and drank draft Miller Lite.

Before long, we relocated to McGrath's Pub, where my friend, Nixon from 105.7 the X, was broadcasting his radio show from the newly renovated part of the second floor. The jukebox overshadowed the radio, so we couldn't listen to his broadcast, but he reported via wireless mike to listeners about the big crowds at McGrath's from 2 to 6 p.m.

My friends and I ended up having nearly the entire room to ourselves while other revelers jammed in at the bars on both floors. Here, we did a Car Bomb (full name is Irish Car Bomb), which if not drunk fast enough, is gross. The Bomb is a mixed shot of Bailey's Irish Cream and Jameson Irish whiskey dropped into a half pint of Guinness. Unless you chug this super quickly, the Bailey's can coagulate in the glass. While that bothers me, this is a favorite of many, Irish or not, any time of the year.

Once Nixon's radio show ended, a couple of us walked up the street to Cragin's Brick Haus for 50 cent tacos and $2 Coronas. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated here every year with a Mexican twist. We stayed at the downstairs bar where things were busy but manageable, avoiding the swollen crowds on the second floor.

Before 8 p.m., my friend and I looked at each other in boredom. "We can't go home yet. It's hardly even night yet." Another three hours zoomed by as friends came and went before we decided to call it a long day.

Partying with Reed

On Saturday night, I attended Mayor Stephen R. Reed's 25th anniversary party. This year, Reed celebrates his 25th year in office since taking his first oath as mayor in 1982.

The party, which was emceed by ABC27's Dennis Owens, brought together around 400 Reed supporters for a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, dinner, video program and guest speakers, including state Rep. Ron Buxton, former Gov. Mark Schweiker and president of the Greater Harrisburg NAACP, Clare Jones.

The guests spoke of their personal history with Reed. Jones went back to their high school days and spoke of meeting Reed at a Young Democrats meeting as teens.

Owens' commentary was lighter. He talked about a shared hug between the two at a history-making Senators baseball game in 1999 and ragged on the mayor about his historically lengthy speeches. He reminded Reed that his first speech was 12 minutes, "And you haven't had a 12-minute speech since then," Owens said joking.

After the speakers, Reed took the stage. He told the crowd that his forensic teacher taught him that when people speak before you and say nice things, you should just stand up and say thank you and good night. Reed then moved on to one of his more classically timed orations, discussing his plans for the future.

The event served a dual purpose as a fundraiser for the National Sports Hall of Fame, and proceeds from the auctions and the $150 admission went toward the Reed-supported project.

Auction items included sports memorabilia, Lasik eye surgery, dinner for 10 at the Hilton, stays at private condominiums in warm locales such as Key West and Miami and tickets to the private after-party.Drink of the weekSpring has sprung. Try this Irish-inspired cocktail from cocktailtimes.com as the weather (hopefully) grows warmer.

DRINK OF THE WEEK

Spring has sprung. Try this Irish-inspired cocktail from cocktailtimes.com as the weather (hopefully) grows warmer.

Emerald Cocktail

1 part Jameson Irish whiskey 1 part Midori melon liqueur Top with Ginger Ale Fresh lime slice

Pour all ingredients over ice and serve in a tall glass. Garnish with a slice of fresh lime. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

Judging was delight for palate

Judging was delight for palate
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
March 16, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

I'm beginning to think I should add "professional judge" to my resume. In the past three years, I've been involved in determining the winners of chili cook-offs, costume contests, last year's Harrisburg Idol, my alma mater's talent show and now last week, I was asked to serve as a judge for the fifth anniversary of "Chef Wars" at Gullifty's in Lower Allen Twp.
I was surprised to learn this was a 5-year commemoration, as I only heard of "Chef Wars," a localized version of the Food Network's "Iron Chef" and "Iron Chef America," when I attended its last event, Battle Pumpkin, in October. This meet-up was arranged somewhat differently than last time.

Last time, David Davare, co-founder of "Chef Wars" and Gullifty's chef, battled one opponent, both were armed with a sous chef and significant preparatory works were permitted. This time, Davare was positioned against local chefs, Matt Black of Al Mediterranean in Hummelstown and Brian Matlick of Brian Kents in Derry Twp. There was no sous, no prep, no idea what the main ingredient would be.

Like the television show, the chefs' ingredients were revealed at the beginning of the battle -- a mixed basket of 12 random ingredients picked by Chris Passamonte, "Chef Wars" marketing director and master of ceremonies. The chefs were able to bring such basics as flour, sugar, milk and spices. Matlick converted a large vitamin organizer into a makeshift, portable spice container for the event.

The secret ingredients were: Japanese buckwheat pasta; Jamaican Mountain Coffee Bean; Gorgonzola; yam; Vietnamese pepino melon, which is similar to a cantaloupe; Sharon fruit, which is like a tart cherry; pepitas, Mexican pumpkin seeds; sage; Polish sausage; wild Icelandic frozen whitefish; and spinach.

As a judge, I was permitted 15 minutes to ask the chefs questions and browse through in Gullifty's kitchen. With a mere 70 minutes to examine the basket's contents and begin cooking, the chefs didn't have time to think about a menu. They just had to go, and some of the results were quite interesting.

As the chefs completed a dish, a server brought it downstairs to the "arena" and once the time was up, patrons could check out what had been created. The chefs presented their dishes to the judges one at a time, Matlick going first followed by Black and then Davare.

We offered our comments after sampling each dish. We then rated each dish by giving from zero to 10 points in the categories of presentation, taste and originality. Up to three additional points could be added to the total for use of the mystery basket.

Each chef did four courses, though the rules required only three, and determining a clear winner was a difficult task. One of my favorites was Black's spinach, garlic, Gorgonzola and pepito soup, served in an espresso cup. It was rich and delicious.

I also was a huge fan of Davare's final course, a grilled melon salad.

The killer dish, though, was Matlick's main course, and it contained the one ingredient he found most challenging.

"The coffee really threw me," he told us in the kitchen.

Matlick used the Jamaican coffee beans to make a coffee cream sauce to top his whitefish and noodles. The topping was outstanding, complementing the fish and pasta perfectly. It was truly an original creation; never would I have thought to combine coffee and fish.

Matlick also gained points for taste in his other dishes and was the only competitor to use all 12 mystery ingredients.

The next "Chef Wars" will be in April when Davare's brother, Michael, will square off against his brother, re-enacting the original "Chef Wars," which took place between the two in their parents' kitchen years ago.

If you are interested in being a challenger or judge in Chef Wars, call 230-7426 or e-mail chefwars@yahoo.com.

Drink of the week

Tomorrow is the big day, well, for drinking. Try these cocktails for St. Patrick's Day. They are from "The Spirits of Ireland" by Ray Foley.

Bushmills O'Thentic Irish Kiss

1 1/2 ounces Bushmills Irish whiskey 1 ounce peach schnapps 2 ounces orange juice 5 ounces ginger ale

Build ingredients in a rocks glass with ice and garnish with a wedge of lime.

Irish Eyes

1 ounce Kilbeggan Irish whiskey 1/4 ounce green creme de menthe 2 ounces heavy cream

Shake ingredients with ice, strain and serve in a rocks glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Dublin Handshake

1/2 ounce Baileys Irish cream 1/2 ounce Irish whiskey 3/4 ounce Sloe gin

Combine ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass with ice. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

Pen, ink 'Works.' on display at Mantis

Pen, ink 'Works.' on display at Mantis
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
March 9, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Local artist Daniel Clarke celebrated his solo debut with the exhibit "Works." at a gallery opening at The Mantis Collective last Friday. Clarke's works, which have appeared locally in other art shows, were created using primarily pen and ink and watercolor as the medium.
Clarke shows strength in his portrayals of jazz musicians, a subject he discovered a passion for in 2003 when he produced a promotional image for the Harrisburg Jazz Festival. This sparked his interest in jazz music, and Clarke began attending performances at the Hilton.

Three of his show pieces were featured in the Central PA Friends of Jazz's 25th anniversary book, which was released last year.

Clarke says he is inspired when he attends the jazz events in and around Harrisburg and through the visual research he executed while working on the illustrations for the CPFJ book.

"For that [book], I was able to go in and look through the archives of the last 25 years, which were well documented," said Clarke. "I'm hoping to produce a poster for the upcoming jazz festival this summer as well."

Triple birthday party

Two of my girlfriends and I all have birthdays within three weeks of one another, so for no good reason besides that, we decided to have a combined birthday party in between the dates last Saturday at NOMA Remixed.

Our planning for this started months ago; in fact, we had big plans, but unfortunately, little execution.

We gave the bash a "Black & White" theme, asking guests to wear either one or both of the two non-colors. Initially, as the birthday girls, we intended on wearing red dresses (think Oprah at her Legends Ball), but couldn't find any this time of year. Next, we opted to wear cheesy tiaras and boas with our black dresses, but never really got around to that either.

NOMA's decor served perfectly for our theme, and we added a few birthday touches with black and white balloons and some red sparkler table decorations. DJ Epitome, NOMA's house deejay, provided fun dance music with remixes of old and new songs. For a short period of time, the back VIP area became a dance floor as we danced to Madonna's, "Like A Prayer," followed by some '90s hip-hop.

The party was well-attended, and just before midnight, the place began streaming with people -- turns out NOMA Remixed offers free drinks from midnight until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights (an undisclosed third party picks up the tab).

Not wanting to fight this crowd, my co-birthday girls and I headed across the street to Molly Brannigans, where we met up with other friends. Molly's was extraordinarily busy, also. I was shocked to see a straight-up dance party in the middle of the floor, as DJ Mad Hatter spun current hits.

Turn up the heat

Turn Up the Heat Chili Cook-off was held Sunday at Strawberry Square. Put together by Belches & Burps, the International Chili Society event took place from 1 to 4 p.m. and had more than three dozen chili competitors that included such restaurants as Flinchy's, The FireHouse Restaurant & Bar and Pete's Cafe.

I was scheduled to judge chili verde, which uses green chilies for color and flavor. There were eight contestants in this lesser-known category. Red chili is the most popular. Salsa and restaurant chili were the other categories. For attendees, cups of chili and salsa cost a quarter each, but the event was otherwise free. Some places served up other specialties like Pete's chorizo-stuffed jalapeno and cornbread.

Local band Tropical Soul performed its Caribbean-sounding tunes. More than $3,000 was raised at the event and it went to the American Cancer Society.

Drink of the week

The drink of the week honors "Crash" for winning the Oscar for best picture and was featured on Martha Stewart's show last week. The recipe comes from Francesco Lafranconi, a world-famous mixologist.

CRASH

3 orange wedges, unpeeled and cut in small pieces 1/2 ounce simple syrup 1 1/2 ounces orange-flavored vodka Juice of 1/2 lime 1 ounce pomegranate juice 1/4 ounce Cruzan mango-flavored rum 1 sprig fresh mint, for garnish

In a large glass, combine the orange pieces, without straining, and simple syrup. Using a muddler or a wooden spoon, press to break down the orange pieces. Add the lime and pomegranate juices and the vodka. Fill shaker with ice, cover and shake vigorously. Pour into tumbler. Top with rum. Garnish with sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

Simple syrup (makes about 2 1/2 cups) 3 cups fine sugar 1 cup water

Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, and transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside until cooled. It can be refrigerated in an airtight container, up to one month. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

Sunday services well-attended at ABC's Abbey Bar

Sunday services well-attended at ABC's Abbey Bar
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
March 2, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Sunday services are back at the Abbey Bar at Appalachian Brewing Company.
Two weeks ago, we got DJ Ill Cosby's birthday show, a four-turntable spinning and scratching collaboration between Cosby and DJ Geoffro. A strong showing turned out for the occasion, which truly was quite special. Geoffro has had a strong following throughout the region, and Cosby is coming into his own as well. The two spun and scratched a crazy mix of beats and rhythms, old songs and new, into a unique blend. This was a show not to miss, but if you did, catch the next "Mass," as Cosby calls his Sunday night gigs, on March 19. On his Web site, www.condsc.com, he calls it "Welcome to Shamrock -- a post-St. Patrick's Day reggae shakedown."

The Abbey Bar, a second-floor pub at ABC, boasts a menu of strictly Belgian beers, beyond the brewery's signature brews. If none of this is convincing enough, remember there is no cover charge and pool tables are free.

Where music is live

Garrason's Tavern has been blowing up the live acoustic music lately. Last Friday night, Hector Munoz and Adam Synder, who used to play together in local hard rock band, Fith (Munoz has since left the band), performed an acoustic set. The duo played a variety of cover songs and were involved with the audience.

Currently, there isn't a designated schedule for the live music at Garrason's, but it seems to be occurring about every two weeks, on Fridays. Get there early, though -- entertainment brings a crowd. Garrason's doesn't have a cover charge, either.

I ended up at Legends last weekend to meet up with an old college buddy. To be honest, I didn't expect much. I paid the semi-shocking $3 cover, and wondered for what. Legends' Web site had said Dueling Pianos performed on Friday nights, and I was excited since it has been some time since I've seen them. But instead, there was a DJ on the dance floor side of Legends.

The inside deck, formerly Shmackpappy's Wharf and then Margaritas, holds tons of television sets, darts, a basketball game, various arcade games and beer pong tables. After one game of catch-up, my friend and were freezing despite the hanging propane lamps. So we moved into the old Wanda's area, where we took up some tables on the dance floor.

At first, there was just one lone girl on the dance floor, and it wasn't long before two young men joined her. The DJ played an unusual variety of music, hitting every genre from Kanye West to Sandstorm to AC/DC, back to Black Eyed Peas to Def Leppard.

By the end of the night, the dance floor, while not full, was definitely busy, and oddly, most of the dancers were men, save for a small handful of women. Both took turns in the cages on either side of the stage, and the boys attempted silly stunts and dance moves, perhaps in an effort to compete for the girls' attention.

The bar inside the original Legends (closest to the hotel side) was packed the entire night. Behind us, couples played pool, fooseball and hung out in the VIP section, a roped-off area with comfy couches and coffee tables.

Legends offers specials every day of the week. As warm weather approaches, stay tuned for the deck's season opening.

INFOBOX:

IF YOU GO

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

* Garrason's Tavern, 400 Forster St., Harrisburg. 232-2028.

* Legends, 5401 Carlisle Pike, Hampden Twp. 697-0321 or www.harrisburglegends.com.

Drinks of the Week

To get in the mood for Sunday's 78th annual Academy Awards, try out these cocktails from CocktailTimes.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Melonade of a Geisha

1 ounce Skyy Melon Vodka 2 ounces pineapple juice 1/2 ounce Grenadine Orange slice for garnish

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over ice. Garnish with orange slice.

Man in Blackberry 2 ounces Skyy Berry Vodka 3/4 ounce Chambord Blueberries for garnish

Mix Skyy Berry Vodka and Chambord liqueur in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with blueberries on a stick.

Capote Cosmo 2 ounces Skyy Berry Vodka

1 ounce Triple Sec Splash of red cranberry juice Squeeze of fresh lime juice

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain the mix into a chilled martini glass. Top with a squeeze of fresh lime. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

Bo Bice draws 'American Idol' fans to Dragonfly

Bo Bice draws 'American Idol' fans to Dragonfly
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
February 23, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

I'm the one who yells, "Free Bird!" at music concerts. I think it's funny -- and I actually like the tune.
And lucky me, Bo Bice, runner-up in last year's "American Idol," performed Lynyrd Skynyrd's classic rock tune -- along with my class song, "Sweet Home Alabama," as his encore at last Thursday's concert at Dragonfly.

You know there will be an encore in any concert when the stage crew doesn't start tearing down the set after the performers leave the stage. It helped that the crowd chanted, "We want Bo!"

Bo answered with the two Skynyrd tunes, closing up his hourlong concert, which included songs from his new album, "The Real Thing."

More than 400 people showed up at Dragonfly for the 8: 30 p.m. concert, filling the first floor of the nightclub. Doors opened at 7 p.m., and local rock band Bridges and a Bottle opened for Bice.

The crowd was a more mature audience, although the 21-and-over show prohibited underage fans. The night prior, Bice sold out an all-ages concert at the Chameleon Club in Lancaster.

I was asked to cover the Bo Bice concert at Dragonfly a day before the show last week. I admit it's not something I would have otherwise attended.

Being in tune with most pop culture, I did know who he was. When I told my mom I was going she said, "Oh, he was my favorite. I really wanted him to win." And such was the case with the concert attendees -- the people there were big Bice fans. People clamored to be near the front of the stage and folks were armed with digital cameras and camera-phones snapping evidence of their experience.

After the show, 30 or so guests who had won an opportunity to meet Bice attended the post-show meet 'n' greet. We waited in line for about 15 minutes, then were escorted in groups of 10 downstairs to District, Dragonfly's basement-level club.

Here, we lined up again and were permitted to see Bice in pairs. We were given 8-by-10 glossies photos of Bice, which he signed for us. At this time, we also were allowed to have our picture taken with him. We were told to stand on either side of him in front of the table and Bice would lean over.

Bice was very friendly, and I told him that even though I hadn't watched the show, I had enjoyed his performance. Bice is a passionate performer, and his fans are clearly supportive. He told me it was them that made his entire experience so great.

"They are tremendous," he said.

KISS 99.3, which is in the process of changing its format to the otherwise WINK audience, hosted the event. Morning show hosts Gavin, Kelly and Jason introduced Bice, and the station gave away 200 tickets to listeners.

'American Idol' Drinking Game

I try to stick with themes for these weekly drink recipes, so I scoured the Internet for an "American Idol" or Bo Bice-related beverage, but didn't have any luck. What I did find, however, was an "American Idol" drinking game. Save this game for at-home gatherings.

From Jacksonville, Fla.'s radio station WAPE-FM 95.1, its morning crew concocted this game for "Idol" watchers. It can be found at its Web site at http: //wape951.com/morningzoo/americanidoldrinking.html.

The game:

* Drink every time Randy says "Dawg," "Dude" or "Man" ... drink twice if he says it to a woman.

* Drink every time a guy sings a Stevie Wonder song.

* Drink whenever Simon uses the title of the song as part of his insult.

* Drink every time Simon says this is a SINGING competition.

* Drink every time Paula is hot and bothered by a male contestant. Drink twice if he sings directly to her.

* Drink every time someone tells Simon, Well, that's just YOUR opinion! SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

Pub trivia quiz warms up action on a cold night

Pub trivia quiz warms up action on a cold night
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
February 16, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

There isn't a lot going on midweek around here.
Let's face it, winter isn't the best bar-hopping or activity-based time, particularly in this area, where snow and freezing temps keep us huddled inside our homes watching other people perform great feats in snow and freezing temperatures during the Olympics.

I appreciate a night (or week) inside as much as the next person -- and who wants to wander out into the cold without promise of good fun? However, if you get that hankering for a midweek romp, I suggest you check out Pub Quiz Trivia Night at Molly Brannigans.

Held on Wednesday nights and hosted by DJ Mad Hatter, Pub Quiz Trivia has become the latest thing on my weekly "to do" list. People play in teams of any size (one week we had eight or so; last week, we had four players). If you like, you can even play alone, but I recommend the extra help.

The quiz is divided into five rounds of questions, and the categories range from general trivia (DJ Mad Hatter confided that he sometimes steals his questions off the popular MegaTouch games) to word association or specialized topics such as "beer" or "Valentine's Day."

Two of my friends make a point to "study" the newspapers each week now to be ready for the current events round.

DJ Mad Hatter (real name, Adam DiCarlo) reads a round at a time aloud from his station in the middle of the bar. At the end of the round, he allows for customers to request a repeat of any question the team missed.

Then he collects the sheets and grades them. On a huge white board behind his makeshift booth, Mad Hatter records each team's score, then returns the papers and goes through the answers.

After all five rounds, a special 10-point bonus question is asked. It is always either on Harrisburg or Irish history, and, although Mad Hatter takes some of the Harrisburg trivia from the historical posts mounted around downtown, these questions are never easy. Then again, a few weeks ago, we didn't know that St. Patrick's Cathedral in Ireland is on St. Patrick Street. Go figure.

The Pub Quiz Trivia is a fun, if not addicting, way to spend the middle of the week. Trivia is slated for 7 p.m., but it usually gets kicked off a little later -- I wouldn't recommend getting there later than 7: 30 p.m. Because it goes only until about 10 p.m., the night can still end early enough to get a good night's sleep before work the next day.

At Molly's, Miller Lite and Yuengling Lager drafts are only $2, so it's a cheap excursion, too.

DJ Mad Hatter is also running Pub Quiz Trivia Nights at Ceoltas Irish Pub on Tuesday nights.

Mars eclipsed

In the ever-changing downtown Harrisburg scene, we say goodbye to another lounge and hello to a new bar.

Feb. 4 was Mars Lounge's last night of existence. Just short of one week later, South Street Tavern opened Feb. 10, in its place at the corner of Second and South streets.

Gone are the red walls and dark corners. Instead, a walk into South Street Tavern, which somehow manages to bear no resemblance to its former occupant, presents you with a comfortable, mildly lighted basic "bar" atmosphere.

In a way, there is nothing truly remarkable about the place (aside from the makeover). Beer mirrors adorn the walls; a pool table, Golden Tee arcade game and cocktail tables take up floor space. A jukebox belting country and rock music has replaced the DJ. The red walls have become a pale yellow. Red lights behind the bar are now a mild copper.

The place is comfortable, and patrons looked so throughout the evening, sipping $2 draft beers and eating the free nachos (gas station-style with the pour-over cheese). A $2 roast beef sandwich is advertised sloppily on a table tent. You can see that food isn't the highlight here, rather the atmosphere. Owner Ron Kamionka explained his objective was merely "to become the favorite corner bar for this end of the street."

Drinks of the Week

To honor the 2006 Winter Olympics going on in Turin, Italy, CocktailTimes.com has created Gold, Silver and Bronze martinis to symbolize the traditional Olympic medals.

Gold Cocktail 2 1/2 ounces Stolichnaya elite vodka (or your favorite unflavored vodka) 1 1/2 ounces Malibu coconut rum 1 tsp. shredded coconut Garnish: coconut flakes Edible gold powder (available at bakery and cake decorating outlets)

Coat the bottom of a martini glass with gold powder. Combine remaining ingredients into a shaker with ice and strain into gold-coated martini glass. The gold powder should float to the top. Sprinkle extra powder to deepen color. Garnish with coconut flakes.

Silver Cocktail 2 ounces Malibu rum 2 ounces cupuacu puree (substitute Godiva white chocolate if you can't find this Brazilian cocoalike fruit.) Splash of fresh lime juice Edible silver powder (available at bakery and cake decorating outlets) Garnish: lime wedge

Coat the bottom of a martini glass with silver powder. Combine remaining ingredients into a shaker with ice and strain into silver-coated martini glass. The silver powder should float to the top. Sprinkle extra powder to deepen color. Garnish with lime wedge.

Bronze Cocktail 1 1/2 ounce Kahlua 2 ounces Monte Cristo 12-year-old (or any good rum will do.) Half ounce Grand Marnier Edible bronze powder (available at bakery and cake decorating outlets) Garnish: Coffee beans

Coat the bottom of a martini glass with bronze powder. Combine remaining ingredients into a shaker with ice and strain into bronze-coated martini glass. Sprinkle extra powder to deepen color. The bronze powder should float to the top. Garnish with coffee beans. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Hershey pairs its home product with beer, food

Hershey pairs its home product with beer, food
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
February 9, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Hershey might be called "Chocolate Town, USA" year-round, but February is its occasion to honor all things chocolate with its aptly named Chocolate-Covered February, a monthlong festival dedicated to the town's founding.
Last Friday's Chocolate Dinner Extraordinaire kicked off the celebration. Held in The Hotel Hershey's Circular Dining Room, the four-course meal and accompanying wine flight delighted a sold-out crowd. Each course involved the ingredient of the month, often used in a subtle but interesting fashion.

The first course of butternut risotto featured seared shrimp, walnuts and white chocolate gremolata. The result was a delicious combination of sweet, creamy and citrus.

Following that, red endive and micro-greens were accented with a tomato confit and chocolate-raspberry vinaigrette. This was served with a Banfi Rosa Regale 2004, a sparkling red wine. Bubbles and sweetness delighted our tongues and complemented the bitterness of the red endive.

Before the main course, we were served a chocolate champagne sorbet to cleanse our palates. For many of us, this dessertlike treat was much too sweet, but it did serve its purpose.

A choice of three entrees included grilled sea bass, cumin dusted duck breast or cocoa-braised short ribs and grilled petit filet. I opted for the beef. Roasted grits cake, asparagus and a rich port sauce appropriately accented the fullness of the chocolate in this feature. A sterling Cabernet Sauvignon accompanied this course and was a definite palate-pleaser.

One couldn't imagine room for dessert, but this is Hershey, so we made room for the dessert sampling -- four chocolate-laden (of course) treats - including chocolate hazelnut panna cotta, milk chocolate creme brulee, white chocolate raspberry mousse and chocolate almond financierand chocolate sherbet. The table favorite seemed to be the white chocolate raspberry mousse because its lightness was an appropriate conclusion to the wonderfully rich meal.

These events and more go on all month long in Hershey. Be sure to check its Web site for more great chocolate-themed activities: www.hersheypa.com/chocolate--covered--february.

Chocolate and Beer Pairing

On Saturday, I attended the Chocolate and Beer Pairing at the Hershey Lodge. In Cocoa Suite 1, a smattering of folks gathered (most from out of town, here for the events).

Karl McCall, Hershey Lodge beverage manager, led our group in a pairing of brews and chocolate, a combination some may find strange. However, a couple at my table said they regularly ate chocolates when drinking beer at home or even at the bar.

I didn't find the combo strange, either, although I can't say it's a regular thing for me. We tried six beers (6-ounce tasting-size servings) with six Hershey's chocolate products.

The first was local brew Troegs Pale Ale with Hershey's Whopper (malted milk chocolate). This was actually my favorite of the bunch. With each course, McCall instructed, sip the beer first, then eat part or all of the candy. Then, with a little left in the mouth to keep the flavor, sip the beer again to experience the flavor combinations.

He used like flavors, such as Hershey's Cherry Cordial Kiss with the Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat -- which I found too, well, cherry. To experiment, however, I later cut the Cherry Wheat with the Troegs Oatmeal Stout for a less-powerful taste.

Using a light beer, we tasted Hershey's white chocolate with almonds alongside Stella Artois Belgium Lager. Another favorite was the Hershey Nugget -- extra creamy milk chocolate with toffee and almonds -- and Troegs Oatmeal Stout, a thicker, very dark beer.

Finally -- and this was a favorite for nearly the whole group, even those who were a little hesitant about the dark brews -- we paired a Hershey's chocolate-covered strawberry with Young's Double Chocolate Stout. The Double Chocolate isn't a sweet beer, but a rich one, so the mingling of the two is not overpowering but complimentary.

The Chocolate-Covered February Beer and Chocolate Tasting is held every Saturday in February at 4 p.m. in Hershey Lodge, Route 322. The cost is $25. For details, go to www.hersheypa.com/chocolate-covered-february or call the lodge at 520-5410.

Drink of the Week

Sticking with the theme of next week's St. Valentine's Day, here is a duo of "passionate" 'tinis to test your palate.

From CocktailTimes.com:

The Pink Passion Martini 3 oz. Asti Spumante 3 oz. sparkling pink lemonade A dash of sweet and sour

Shake ingredients in a martini shaker and served in a martini glass. Garnish with a raspberry or pink edible rose petal.

The Purple Passion Martini 3 1/2 oz. Asti Spumante 1 1/2 oz. Chambord 1 dash of orange liqueur

Shake in a martini shaker and serve in a martini glass. Garnish with a blackberry or purple grape. (Recipe by Diann Valentine)

Asti Spumante is a sparkling wine composed of 100 percent Muscat grapes. CocktailTimes describes it as, "Sweet, full-bodied and aromatic, it's a perfect accompaniment with dessert or cheese." SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Find a date in 6 minutes at Doc Holliday's

Find a date in 6 minutes at Doc Holliday's
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
February 2, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Valentine's Day is the time for cards, candies and flowers. The holiday is exciting to some, particularly new and old loves, but frustrating for those without a date.
Some women even have anti-Valentine's Day parties, where they wear black and revel in their anti-love. If you're single this year, however, this doesn't have to be you.

Check out speed dating. The not-so-new trend is guaranteed to help you; and at the worst, you meet new people.

Cupid.com/PreDating will host the "World's Largest Speed Dating Event" Wednesday. The company, which holds events in 109 cities nationwide (plus Canada and Puerto Rico), is looking to set a Guinness World Record next week for the largest simultaneous speed-dating event.

At press time, Cupid.com/PreDating had scheduled 123 events in 75 cities. The local event will be at Doc Holliday's Steakhouse & Saloon in Fairview Twp.

If you're not familiar with speed dating, the gist is fairly simple. Singles pre-register by age (and sometimes by interest or other qualifications), so that the group has an even male/female ratio. After a period of group mingling, the dates begin. Women sit at tables for two while men rotate after each six-minute "date."

Each single is given a scorecard with which to essentially rate each "date," and decide whether they would like to meet again. At the end of the evening, the host collects the scorecards and within 24 hours, match results are sent via e-mail. A person can only contact another participant if they both choose each other as a "match." According to the Cupid.com/PreDating Web site, more than two-thirds of pre-daters match at least one other person.

The event at Doc Holliday's Steakhouse in Fairview Twp. has two sessions, by age -- a 6: 20 p.m. meeting for ages 35-45 and 8: 30 p.m. for ages 25-35. Cost for each session is $35. For more details and to register, log on to pre-dating.com.

Steeler mania

Last week, I asked fellow Steelers fans about plans for this Sunday's game when Pittsburgh meets the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. Here's what they said:

1. As a transplanted Pittsburgher to central Pennsylvania, I have had a 59-year love affair with the Black and Gold. Through good times and bad the Steelers have been my team. We raised three sons here who have shared that passion. During Super Sunday, we will watch the game wearing our various shirts, waving Terrible Towels, eating sausage and drinking Iron City. Win or lose we will enjoy the moment that may not come again for a while. No matter what the outcome, the Steelers will remain our team.

Chuck Schaeffer, Mechanicsburg

2. My hubby and I will be on our first cruise, and I will be watching the Steelers win the Super Bowl aboard the Norwegian Dawn. I am sure they will have some kind of Super Bowl Party. I just bought a new Steelers T-shirt for this special occasion!

I am getting nervous already. I get too emotionally invested.

Joanne Byrnes, Hershey

3. We thought the best place to celebrate the Super Bowl, other than Detroit, is in the 'Burgh with a lot of Steeler fans. My husband, Gene, and I and our very good friends, Dave and Karen Schmid, will be heading to the 'Burgh Saturday. Our plans are for bar-hopping on the South Side on Saturday night and to be at the Sports Rock Sunday, waving our Terrible Towels.

Go Steelers!

Victoria Brown, Mechanicsburg

4. This year, as a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and season ticket holder, was different for us. The last couple of years we've been at the playoff games in Pittsburgh tailgating, so being "home" was a change for us. I was born and raised in Greensburg and have always been a Steelers fan. Our TV room is set with Steelers and Super Bowl XL balloons along with a Terrible Towel hanging under the TV. I've even found my "One for the Thumb" hat from the '80s that my parents got me.

Here we go, Steelers!!!

Francis L. DeNaro, Elliottsburg

5. I'm having more folks over -- more couples, more seating.

I'm putting a bigger TV in the bathroom. There will be six TVs in total. The TV audio will play through the sound system to the living room, kitchen and bedroom. Also, I will be recording the game on my hard drive for replays of controversial calls. Three Terrible Towels will be in use.

On the menu is Carlossalsa nachos; sweet bologna slices and hot pepper cheese platter; cheese and Wheat Thins; artichoke dip with Triscuits; crudities with French onion dip; jalapeno pepper-stuffed olives; pretzels; wings; dried apricots and raisins; salted cashews; sauerkraut; pork kielbasa; poppy-seed rolls; Iron City for good luck with optional Yuengling Lager for non-natives; Bow Cider; ginger ale; and freshly squeezed orange juice.

There will be two recycling bins.

Carl Hursh, Mechanicsburg

Drink of the week

"For V-Day you want to avoid beer, drinks containing milk and ultra-sweet libations," said Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School. "They make your breath stink. If you want to pucker-up and control breath, drink citrus-containing cocktails."

Citrus Blast Martini 1 ounce Grey Goose Le Citron 1 ounce Grey Goose Le Orange Splash of lime juice (use fresh lime for best results) Splash of cranberry juice

Chill ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and pour into a prechilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

Catch that sparkling Steelers spirit

Catch that sparkling Steelers spirit
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
January 26, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

As born Pittsburgh Steelers fans, my family found this past weekend greatly exciting. We don't hit Damon's or KoKoMo's for the games, though; we watch from home. I've been "under contract" for the last four football seasons to watch at my dad's house each week.
There's always plenty of food for the whopping three of us, and we dress for the occasion -- nothing ridiculous. I always wear the Steelers socks, and my pewter pin on a Steelers T or a black shirt of some kind. I have two "Terrible Towels," but they only come out for championship games or if I go to a game.

For the big games, the inflatable linebacker sits in the front yard to warn passers-by of our affiliation. Flags go up in the backyard and inside the house.

I noticed over last weekend how some of the local media found the Steelers fans' behavior strange. Then again, what can we expect from a town with no home team. If Harrisburg had a nationally recognized professional football team, this wouldn't seem so strange.

We don't answer the phone during games, and unless my dad's satellite blows we don't forage into the bar world, where there is too much distraction.

I would like to know how other Steelers fans plan to spend Super Bowl XL. Will you be watching at home, or are you planning to catch the game at a bar? Write to me at sarabozich@gmail.com with your plans.

Jaunts around town

During my traipses around town last week, I sampled some interesting cocktails.

At Suba, the second-floor tapas bar at Mangia Qui, our foursome sampled from the chalkboard drink menu. We each ordered something different and passed them around (this, after a discussion on oral hygiene from the dentist in the group). The first was a pomegranate sparkler. This is Spanish sparkling wine with pomegranate juice and Cava. The light bubbles burst into a delightful fizz and made the garnish of pomegranate seeds dance like Mexican jumping beans.

I ordered a sake-tini, which was a blend of pomegranate juice and seeds and sake and served in a chilled martini glass.

The dentist ordered a mango margarita, which he described as "definitely a summer drink." Tasting the sweet but potent concoction brought back memories of warmer days.

My favorite was the pineapple mojito, another typical warm-weather drink. The mojito, a Cuban specialty, is made by muddling fresh mint leaves with sugar syrup and rum. The mix is tossed with ice and filled with club soda.

Suba also offered sangria and the traditional Brazilian drink, caipirinhas. These are made with cachaca, a sugarcane-based liquor, sugar and lots of limes.

At Café Fresco, we tried the signature Frescopalitan, a twist on the classic Cosmo using citrus vodka, Grand Marnier and white cranberry juice. A pink sugar rim and a lime wedge served as garnishes. The lime pulled the cocktail together, but I would forgo the sugar. The large granules provided an unnecessary crunch and seemed to lack in sweetness.

Red Door, known best as a wine bar, also offers a select number of signature cocktails such as the Red Door Bellini. It is a mix of Zygo, a peach-flavored vodka, orange juice and champagne. Another interesting martini was the Bodanga, which was a combination of cranberry juice, Triple Sec and tequila and made for a surprising treat. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

McGrath's birthday party surprises disc jockey

McGrath's birthday party surprises disc jockey
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
January 19, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

The highlight of last weekend was a surprise party for one of my good friends -- Nixon of 105.7 FM. His roommate, Maria Davis, rigged the whole deal, snowing the birthday boy so well that Nixon almost walked right past his own celebration.
Nixon (the X radio guy), who celebrated his actual birthday in Las Vegas and even planned to hold his own party later, was clueless about the plans. Davis booked the party at their hangout on the second floor of McGrath's and convinced Nixon that they were going to dinner.

Friends stood by with cameras and a balloon drop to commemorate the passing of Nixon's 30th birthday. When Nixon reached the top of the stairs, he didn't notice the party was for him. When he realized it, the look of bewilderment in his eyes was priceless.

"None of you screwed this up?" Nixon said. "I really would expect one of you to screw this up."

Using the Web site, Evite.com, Davis had invited around 100 guests from as far as New York City and Washington, D.C., including most of the radio station's current and former staff.

McGrath's second floor has gone through a major revamp. The former office space has been made into two party rooms. The first room features games such as Golden Tee, Megatouch and darts. The second has the floor's second bathroom and is decorated luxuriously with comfy couches, wooden coffee tables, upscale lamps and coordinating curtains.

McGrath's second floor was open only on Friday and Saturday nights, but with the additional room, they will now be open Wednesday through Saturday nights.

There is an additional bar in the main room that offers four drafts and several bottled beers. But if you order something upstairs that they don't have stocked, not to worry. The fine bartenders at McGrath's will run downstairs to get whatever you need.

In other news ...

The Martini Czar, Andrew Gerofsky, most recently of Maxine's at Haydn's on Pine, has relocated. According to the Czar's newsletter, he is at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel off Union Deposit Road Monday through Thursday after 4 p.m. He calls his new home "a quiet, mature atmosphere for discriminating tastes."

Gerofsky said he will serve light fare with his famous martinis between 4 and 8 p.m. The Atrium at the Four Points Sheraton is smoke-free.

Speaking of snuffing out the cigarette, I neglected to mention in last week's column that Suba, the upstairs tapas and wine bar at Mangia Qui, also is nonsmoking, as is the restaurant downstairs.

Drink of the week

Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School says Love Potion 69 is guaranteed to get you in the mood.

Love Potion 69

1/4 ounce Chambord 1/4 ounce Jagermeister 1/4 ounce Bombay sapphire gin 1/4 ounce Crown Royal whiskey A splash of cranberry juice Sprite

Combine the first five ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a shooter glass. Add a splash of Sprite.

Or, for a full cocktail rather than a shot, add the first five ingredients over ice, add more cranberry juice, shake and fill the rest with Sprite. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

New tapas bar has flavors to tempt hip, urban crowd

New tapas bar has flavors to tempt hip, urban crowd
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
January 12, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 2

North Street has the potential to become its own mini strip. I'd love to see someone reopen Brian's Place, the corner pub that sits empty on Susquehanna and North streets. It looks like it could be beyond repair, but what a neat little spot for a pub.
You have North Street Zephyr Express for its flatbread pizzas, among other goodies, and Mantis Collective for local art. At the other end of the block, you have the incognito gay bar Neptune Lounge. Roxy's, on the corner of Third and North, provides one of the best-bang-for-your-buck breakfasts in the city, and, finally, Mangia Qui tempts palates with fine Italian dining.

Maybe Mangia Qui senses the potential, as it recently added a second floor lounge called Suba, which is Spanish for "go up."

The newly renovated space is a bit cozier than the downstairs restaurant. The menu consists of a varied selection of tapas and wine.

Tapas were originally small food portions that were served atop the wine glass, as tapa means "to cover." There are a number of stories as to how this originated, but the most popular seems to be that a piece of bread or cheese was laid across a glass of wine to protect it from fruit flies and other insects.

Succinctly, tapas are tiny portions, or snacks -- a piece of meat, cheese or olives. Today, the presentation of the tiny portions or snacks is on plates, not glasses, but wine is a common accompaniment.

Suba's menu features such items as boquerones (marinated anchovies), pulpo a la parilla (grilled baby octopus), caracoles a la riojana (snails steeped in red wine, herbs and paprika) and more common items such as asparagus, cheeses, breads and seafood including clams and calamari.

The wine list includes 11 by-the-glass or bottle options, both red and white, including a sparkling and nine additional choices by the bottle only. I sampled the Marques de Gelida Cava '00, a sweet sparkling similar to champagne.

Suba's decor is intimate and warm. Exposed brick walls on either side are a highlight of Harrisburg architecture, and the high pointed ceiling is accented by a beautiful chandelier. The wooden tables with no linens give the room a modern look. Candles illuminate each seating area, gently adding to the coziness.

Suba opened on New Year's Eve, and it has not settled into a routine just yet. Some of the tables might be replaced with a couch, and a banquette could go in place of chairs along the wall.

Music is "metropolitan eclectic" according to DJ Tenspeed (Jamie Pascotti). The mix features Latin, down-tempo soulful house, nu jazz and even a little Bee Gees. The beats and rhythms add the final modern edge on the hip lounge. Live entertainment is planned, and Suba wants to do it in style. It hopes to book a French singer in March.

Suba also plans to open on Sunday nights, so keep your eyes peeled.

Drinks of the week

Nadine Riess of Capitol Bartending School offers two drinks this week to spice up your cocktail library.

Celebrate the final days of the Pennsylvania State Farm Show with a Rum Cow.

Rum Cow 1 1/2 ounce Bacardi rum 1/2 ounce Myers dark rum Dash of angostura bitters 1 cup vanilla ice cream

Mix all the ingredients in a blender. Serve with whipped cream and top it with a cherry.

El Creepo 1 ounce Cabo Wabo tequila 1/2 ounce Limoncello 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier Splash of lime juice Splash of orange juice

Mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a shooter glass.

"Watch out for El Creepo," Riess said. "It lives up to its name -- it really creeps up on you." SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com Celebrate responsibly.

Adjust habits to have fun without much pain

Adjust habits to have fun without much pain
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
January 5, 2006
Author: Sara Bozich; For the Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

How do you keep your resolutions and still have some fun this year?
It is said that the tradition of New Year's resolutions began with Babylonians (who lived in what is now Iraq). The new year was considered a time for beginnings, and early Christians felt that Jan. 1 should be spent reflecting on mistakes and making goals to better one's self.

In central Pennsylvania, we chow down on pork and sauerkraut for good luck and do crazy things like jumping into the freezing Susquehanna River. Then we make our resolutions.

The Babylonians often resolved to return borrowed farm equipment. In present day, the most common resolutions are things like quitting smoking or drinking, eating better, working out and saving money.

I am not advocating that, and neither are the bars, clubs and restaurants. That said, here are ways to adjust your usual habits to help you stick to your New Year's resolutions without sacrificing your social life.

* Quit smoking. For many of you, this might already be an everyday resolution. How about just doing it in '06. Quitting now adds years to your life, will save you money ($6 a pack in bars probably isn't included in the average $1,643 a pack a day smoker spends each year, according to the state Department of Health) -- and let's face it, you'll just smell better. Hang out at smoke-free Cafe Fresco or Mangia Qui so as not to be tempted. Log onto www.state.pa.us and keyword "health," and click on "Quit Smoking Now" for tips and resources.

* Switch to light beer and diet drinks. A friend of mine recently switched from drinking a lot of Yuengling Lager to a lot of Miller Lite. And because he's a man (and they tend to lose weight more easily than gals), the difference should be noticeable any day now. Also, if you're into "bombs," ask your server or bartender if they offer Sugar Free Red Bull. Hey, it's fewer calories.

There also are a host of "low carb" beers out there. Any beer with less sugar is better for you, but don't expect to drop pounds immediately after drinking Michelob Ultra unless you convert to a low-carb diet.

This March, look for the new Heineken Premium Light Lager, a "luxury light" beer. The new beer is said to have only 99 calories and 6.8 carbs.

If you're more a cocktail drinker, visit www.cocktailtimes.com/indepth/diet to find out how many calories your favorite liquor has, and to find better-for-you alternatives.

* Scope happy hours. Ask your favorite bars for daily happy hour specials. Typically, discounts are offered after the work day, from 5 to 7 p.m., though there are some exceptions. Often bars take this opportunity to showcase a new beer or malt beverage or such favorite domestics as Miller Lite and Coors Light, at a discount.

Sometimes, at some places, you can even nab some free grub during happy hour, and many bars do offer food discounts. You can see your tab shrink. The key, of course, is to stop after happy hour.

* Reward yourself. So you made it to the gym every day this week, or you have finally signed up for those language-learning classes you've been putting on the list since '99. Why not pop out for a quick beverage with a friend you've been meaning to catch up with? Instead of going out late three nights a week, check out those happy hours and end your nights earlier with your bar tab a little lighter. After a month, host a party at your pad with the money you've saved.

Drink of the week

Nadine Riess of the Capitol Bartending School says Malibu Suntan is perfect for a day spent on the slopes.

The recipe was created by Riess and other employees of a Northeastern restaurant chain, The 99, when it opened a location near Boston.

Malibu Suntan 1 ounce Malibu coconut rum 1/4 ounce butterscotch schnapps 1/4 ounce Bailey's Irish Cream Hot chocolate Chocolate syrup

Combine ingredients in a coffee mug. Fill the rest with hot chocolate. Top with chocolate syrup and sprinkle some nutmeg or cocoa powder to garnish. SARA BOZICH: sarabozich@gmail.com. Celebrate responsibly.

Entertainment scene to grow in new year

Entertainment scene to grow in new year
Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA)
January 1, 2006
Author: SARA BOZICH; For The Patriot-News
Estimated printed pages: 3

Central Pennsylvania is not done evolving. It has come a long way in terms of entertainment, but still lacks elements in the night-life scene. This year, expect to see businesses and entrepreneurs continue to fill these gaps and further develop happenings between dawn and dusk.
"It is my firm belief that Harrisburg still has a lot more room for growth in shopping, entertainment, center city living and dining," said Fred Clark, president of Clark Resources.

Some argue that the area -- specifically downtown Harrisburg -- has "maxed out." Owner Edward Tubbs of Scott's Grille warned it has been "too fast, too furious." But 2006 could be a year for maturity, if not additional growth.

Quench that thirst

* Nadine Riess, director of Capitol Bartending School, said a local protein beer, Surpass, will be launched this year. "Surpass will be safe for diabetic consumption," she said. Riess added that it could change some drinking trends.

* Bernie Strackhouse of Diageo, sees an increase in healthier drinks with low carbs and low sugars. Strackhouse said there is an increase in flavored vodka and rum sales, in part, because of drinks like Red Bull. "The flavored vodkas with the high-energy drinks continue to be a greater trend due to the many available flavors of vodka," he said.

* New energy drinks also will be launched this year. Tab is launching a sports drink for women in February. Tab Energy will be pink, sugar-free and have a five calories.

* Coca-Cola's Full Throttle will offer a sugar-free version this month, and Powerade is coming out with Advance, a combo of a sports and energy drink.

Music

Jim O'Hara, who runs the music-focused local entertainment Web site HbgOnline.com, said Harrisburg is on the verge of a local music explosion.

"The quality of local bands gets better with each year. Record labels are actively pursuing a handful of bands, and word of our local music scene is spreading throughout the country."

Jersey Mike of Roundtable Presents, a local music promotion company, is excited about this potential growth. He said he would like to see more venues host original music.

"Small cities like Harrisburg across the country have become hotbeds for music trends -- Austin, Texas; Omaha, Neb.; and Asheville, N.C., to name a few," Mike said. "I don't think that our town is any different than those places. The talent is here. The venues are here. The people are certainly here. It's only a matter of time until a few of our local acts break into the national touring circuit and more national media pays attention to Harrisburg."

Night life

Galiardo said bars and clubs will develop personalities.

"I believe visitors will fine-tune their likes and dislikes as the general 'novelty' of downtown matures," he said. "We are already beginning to see the personalities developing -- nonsmoking, hip-hop, dance and pubs."

Dave Sheranko, who runs the Web site Floor-9.com, sees a shift toward night life for adults.

"The idea has been anchored by Red Door and The District, and it's expanding with venues like Max's and Maxine's," Sheranko said. "Having just turned 30 this past year, I don't necessarily feel at home with the 21-25 crowd anymore. I'd rather spend a night at District surrounded by the retro-hip 28-plus crowd."

Sheranko said developers and owners are beginning to realize that the late-20s to early-30-somethings hit nightclubs every now and then and are willing to spend time and money at these venues.

What's hot

Riess says it's customer service.

"Let's face it, people want to be recognized and spoiled when they go out. They don't want to battle over a bartender's attention or feel neglected when they have to wait 10 minutes for a drink that ends up disappointing them anyway because it's not what they expected. People want friendly faces, a smile, someone who remembers their name and what they drink."

Dawson Flinchbaugh, owner of Flinchy's, said the West Shore and its neighborhood bars and grills will be the hot spot for 2006. "People like knowing people when they go someplace, and an old-fashioned [camaraderie] seems to be being reborn," he added.

"We will see more weekly concert series sprouting up in 2006," O'Hara said. The continued success of Twisted Tuesday's hosted by the Hardware Bar, followed by a successful Cranked Up Thursday's at the Dragonfly, are opening other venues for local/regional original music.

What's not

"Smoking will continue to be a struggle," Strackhouse said. "The cities and state are looking into this ban. We might have to build special outside areas in bars to permit the customer to smoke while they are in establishments."

What's new

* Tom Sawyer's Diner, which already is beginning to be delivered in front of the parking garage on Second Street, is scheduled to open May 1. The project will be the largest outdoor complex in the downtown area. The area will be fenced in and will host concerts and other entertainment. By day, the diner will be family oriented, but at night the focus will be on the over-21 crowd.

* The long-awaited Quarter, the New Orleans-themed club on Second Street that has been in progress for about a year, is planning to open in phases, starting with Mardi Gras on Feb. 28.

The 16,000-square foot, four-story building will have a different theme in each level and will include a jazz club, pool hall, restaurant and rooftop deck with hot tubs.

* The "Superclub," originally slated for 2005, is still on. Beryl Healey, who is behind the project, said it is coming along, but there is no word on a proposed opening date.