Sara Bozich

Weekend roundup 9/4

For a preview of some of the month's hottest events, see my September Preview post, or check today's "Out with Sara" column.

Also, take just a minute to answer my Fall Football Survey.

This weekend, I'm dining and barhopping in Hershey, judging salsa at the annual Chili Cookoff (a part of Kipona), and - um - painting my kitchen. Woo. Wish me luck on the last endeavor. Here's the skinny on the long weekend.

• HYP hosts its First Friday HH at Shady McGrady's.
• In the arts world, it's also First Friday.
• Check out Smoke the Groove tonight at Suba.
• Flinchy's hosts a new band - stop out to the Train Wreck Deck tonight for the Valerie Nicole Band.
• If that's not enough, The April Skies are at ABC.
• Confit chef Matt Black hosts a cooking demo at Cinema Center at 6 p.m., before Julie & Julia (drool). Also, Confit now has 75 cent oysters every Tuesday.
• In the nature world, Wildwood Park has a class on Edible Plants on Saturday - and Hawks of Pennsylvania on Sunday
• Molly Brannigans now features 1/2 price Sundays - all food is 1/2 price; drinks are 1/2 price from 4-6 p.m.
• Holy crap it's a three-day weekend! If you haven't yet, check out the new Grotto Pub Sports & Raw Bar at the former Village Inn in West Fairview. Get fresh steamed shrimp and clams, Wing Co. wings, plus they boast $1 Jell-O shots and $3.50 Jagermeister shots every day, all day (barf). Add to that a separate take-out entrance for beer and wings on the fly - and 9 big screen TVs for all your NFL and college football action. Full review coming next week. 

Don't forget it's Kipona weekend - the best part is the Chili Cookoff happening Saturday. Be sure to plan for downtown Harrisburg traffic, and of course, please travel responsibly.

Weekend wind-down

Sorry about the weekend roundup this week, folks! It's a low key weekend for me, watching more West Wing with the boyfriend and hopefully going out to see I Love You, Man. But let's dig right in to what's going down.

• Flinchy's is advertising its own stimulus plan: Every Monday through April, they'll offer two drawings during dinner. If your table is drawn, dinner is free (max 4 people/table); go in tonight for Q Uncut.
• George Thorogood and the Destroyers are rocking The Forum on Sunday night
• Giotti's is now serving all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch for $13.99
• Be sure to check out the Restaurant and Local Bloggers pages - there have been a few updates. Also, if you write a local blog and you're not listed, e-mail me to add you.
• Susqueats has photos and info on Shady McGrady's
• Zembo Shrine Circus is coming later this week
• Enter your mother in a contest to win a spa day at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey.
• Check out Open Stage Harrisburg's Studio classes, forming now for adults and children.
• I'm signing up for the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community

Weekend roundup 3/6

I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time - I have two close girlfriends whose birthdays, with mine, fall within about three weeks of one another. We usually try to do something together - a few years ago it was a blowout bash at Noma (Remixed) - but this year, we decided to treat ourselves to The Spa at The Hotel Hershey. We're going for massages, pedicures and lunch at the Oasis, so it's sure to be a treat. And it's a busy weekend in the Harrisburg area, too. Here's what's going on:

• It's First Friday in Harrisburg, which means a celebration of the arts, including new exhibition space, Gallery Blu. View the flier: Download FF_March
• Ken blogged about Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center unveiling its first layer this weekend. P-N has info, too.
• Mantis hosts Shawn Michael Vennel 's "Homework" with a reception tonight from 8-10 p.m.
• Shady's, Arooga's and Sam Bucca's all have Saturday UFC fight, no cover charge anywhere.
• PAadventure is featuring One Good Woman in Camp Hill
• BurritoGo at the Broad Street Market has a website
• Char's Bella Mundo offers its "bistro special" - 3 courses for $34 - on Thursdays and Sundays
• Molly's is doing "open bar" for $25/person every Thursday night from 9-11 p.m. Includes all liquors, bottles, shots, etc.

Weekend Roundup 1/29

Instead of writing your weekend roundup last night, I caught up with a couple of friends, so forgive me. If anyone went to the scotch tasting at Level 2, however, let me know how it was. That leaves HH tonight with the work gals, the market and hanging with dad tomorrow, somewhere fitting in organizing my tax info, cleaning, doing laundry and freelance work. Phew. It's going to be a busy one. Here's what's on tap:

• Out downtown tonight? Look for the infamous MODE characters and join along their martini tour.
• There's also a THON Fundraiser at Ceoltas' Rafferty Room tonight. Did you know if you have dinner at Ceoltas, you can book their courtesy limousine?
• Vino, Java & Jazz for the Easter Seals is going on tonight at Level 2
• Arooga's has the UFC Pay-Per-View fight on Saturday night, and I'm sure so does Shady's. No cover either place.
• Sunday is the PITTSBURGH STEELERS v. the Arizona Cardinals in the SUPER BOWL (in case you hadn't heard). Check out my post on where to go and eat.
• February kicks off Chocolate-Covered February. Look for an upcoming column on Valentine-related chocolate events.
• Starting Monday, The Spa @ The Hotel Hershey is offering special "girlfriend" packages weekdays through Apr. 30.
• I'm really bummed I'm going to miss the Pennsylvania Ballet at Whitaker Center on Tuesday evening.

Mobile Hop Cast: Shady McGrady's

Hat tip to my boy, Jersey.

Smoking Ban Exceptions: Dauphin County

You can find the list of approved smoking ban exceptions for Dauphin County here, or after the jump:

Weekend roundup 6/20/08

OK - first of all, June 20? Are you kidding me? Where is the time going? Second - c'mon people, give me a little nudge if you don't see a new post up here. I have plenty to say. Anyway, I actually AM around this weekend. Tonight, it's Mexican delights at El Sol then off to a colleague's one-woman comedy show, "Oh Crap, I Forgot to Have Kids." Here's the lowdown on the rest of the weekend:

• You're going to the 5th annual Harrisburg Brewer's Fest, right? My friend, Paul, is flying all the way back from California for this, if that speaks to its greatness. a pre-event will be held tonight at Shady's; post-party fun is at McGrath's. 
• Saturday is also Summerfest at the Boiling Springs Pool. 
• On Sunday, stop into Arts at 510 for their first ever Art Auction. Doors open at noon.
• Starting Monday, Carmella's will no longer be open for lunch. Stay tuned for udpates on changes at the Mediterranean bar and restaurant.
• The Chinese Cultural & Arts Institute presents Liao Wen-Ho Glove Puppet Theater at Open Stage on Tuesday. Admission is $15.
• Also, if you missed this week's column, be sure to check out Tuesday Bluesday at the Maennerchor each week. Free admission; cheap booze. Can't beat it.