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Penn State season is one to remember

After barely surviving the most tumultuous off-season in college football history, the Penn State football program and first-year head coach Bill O'Brien had their backs squarely against the wall heading into the 2012 football season.

A successful season, by most standards, was considered to be a .500 record and maybe wins in a few Big Ten games. Most non-Nittany Lions fans scoffed at the notion that even three wins was possible considering the sanctions, the transfers and new coaching staff. 

And after a disappointing 0-2 start to the season -- two games that Penn State could have realistically won -- the naysayers seemed right, and the doubters got louder. But O'Brien leaned on his senior class that kept the team together through it all and the wins started piling up; left-for-dead two games into the season, the Nittany Lions won eight of their final 10 games.

Like O'Brien eloquently stated after Saturday's emotional overtime win over Wisconsin, this team really was "a bunch of f@#$%rs." 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Running the Carlisle Turkey Trot this morning for the second year in a row!

Friends, I'm going to take the extended holiday weekend to take a short, somewhat unprecedented break from the blog. It's been a couple years since I haven't posted almost daily, but it's something I'm certain my web designer will be happy to hear.

When we return, you'll (hopefully) see a brand new face to SaraBozich.com, something I've been working on and planning for for the better part of this year.

In the interim, here are some posts to keep you busy. Be sure to check out the (early) Weekend Roundup, which features which bars will be open later today - and find tomorrow's Out with Sara column in The Patriot-News with ideas for Black Friday fun (Dogfish Head Tap takeover at Arooga's downtown and Toys for Tots at Vineyard at Hershey are my top 2 picks - and you can do both!).

• Weekend Roundup: Thanksgiving Eve Edition
• Saturday night comedy: Paula Poundstone at Strand-Capitol Nov. 24
• Jersey
• Challenge yourself to try new things: 1,000 Unique beers and counting!
• A look at our last #sbhh Happy Hour - Happy Hour Recap {MoMo's BBQ & Grill}
• Don't forget to buy yourself an early Christmas gift: HOLIDAY PARTY: Vineyard at Hershey Dec. 14
• Plus, you can find more on Twitter and Facebook.

Please remember to take time to be thankful for the people in your life. It's much too short. Give some extra hugs this weekend.

Weekend Roundup: Thanksgiving Eve Edition

Your Weekend Roundup arrives one day early to (sort of) guide you through the biggest bar night of the year, steer you into Thanksgiving morning (plus where to escape relatives by evening) and finally land you on the weekend.

This week's events remind me to be extra thankful not just tomorrow, but throughout the year. Please hold your loved ones tight when you see them, give a hug, say an "I love you." Make time for a friend you haven't seen in a long time and for goodness' sake, be patient and kind to strangers, too.

Dave, Jersey Mike and I at the Abbey Bar deck celebrating the 5th anniversary of the #hbgtweetup

Here's the game plan: tonight, hit the bars. Come to the Abbey Bar and toast one for our dear friend, Jersey Mike. Music by Quagmire Swim Team and DJ Geoffro. However, please be careful, celebrate responsibly, take a cab.

Other ideas for tonight (Thanksgiving Eve):

• The Speakeasy has a firkin of Troegs Dead Reckoning Porter.
• Green Drinks group is hosting its first dinner at Fraiche in Camp Hill.
• The Machine is at Whitaker Center.
• Suba hosts Steve Rudolph and Jonathan Ragonese.
• That's What She Said plays Arooga's 39.
• Ten Tigers are at Brewhouse Grille.
• Autumn Theory at Johnny Joe's.
• $4 craft beer drafts at Paxtang Grill.
• See Rhyne McCormick at Pete's Olde Towne.
• Enjoy Carols & Eggnog at Cafe di Luna.
• WTPA Birthday Bash with Kix and The Luv Gods at the Radisson.
• Earl David Reed & Nipsey's annual Thanksgiving Comedy Show.
• BEER ALERT: 3 new Belgians at all ABC locations.
• DJ SAT ONE at Level 2.
• Karaoke at Flinchy's with Big John.
• The Bare Creek Junction at The Field House.
• Dem Guise at Market Cross Pub. 

Thanksgiving Day buffets:

• Harrisburg and West Shore-area Thanksgiving buffets.
• Hershey/Grantville-area Thanksgiving buffets.
• A traditional, family-style Thanksgiving meal at The Holiday Inn New Cumberland.
• Thanksgiving Buffet at the Park Inn.

Bars open on Thanksgiving Day:

• The Wharf from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fire Alley from 1-9 pm., serving turkey dinners for $17.50.
• Maennerchor at 2 p.m.
• Brewhouse Grill at 3 p.m.
• All Arooga's locations at 4 p.m.
• Overtime Sports Bar (Shaky's) at 4 p.m.
• The Sturges Speakeasy at 7 p.m. with light food.
• Hollywood Casino - Open all day/night.

Black Friday events:

• Please see my column in Friday's The Patriot-News for more.
• Nate Myers & the Aces at the Abbey Bar.
• Shea & Swish at Big Woody's.
• Mark Focazio Band at MoMo's.
• CapLive presents Hoots & Hellmouth at Strand-Capitol.
• Video Premier event at Roundtop. Includes free craft beer tasting.
• Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Open House.
• The April Skies are at Stage on Herr at HMAC.

Saturday

• Everyday People at Ted's.
• Smooth Like Clyde at Hollywood Casino.
• Paula Poundstone performs at the Strand Capitol.
• OddOnes Holiday Bizarre at Second City Church.
• Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Open House.
• Mike McMonagle plays Midtown Scholar.
• 5th annual MODE OTK Boot Party at Level 2.
• Suba hosts Batida.
• The Hip Pocket play HMAC.

Sunday

• The 1 p.m. Steelers game is NOT televised. Find out where to watch it. 
• Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Open House.

I'm incredibly thankful for my family, good health and you - my loyal readers! I wish you all a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

Paula Poundstone at Strand-Capitol Nov. 24

By the time Saturday comes around, most Thanksgiving food-comas will have subsided and most of us will be looking for an excuse to take a break from the family.

Look no further for that excuse: the hilarious Paula Poundstone is bringing her critically acclaimed stand-up comedy tour to York's Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 24.

"I'm really looking forward to going to York," Poundstone said in a recent phone interview. "Pennsylvania -- for whatever long-term challenges it may have -- in the short term, it's fabulous."

Jersey

Last night, Tara Leo Auchey told me that Jersey Mike and Sara Bozich were two names that went together, that people often thought of one with the other.

When Mike and I first really became close friends, we thought that part of a reason to do a podcast - besides finding ourselves incredibly interesting and amusing - was because people would be surprised to learn that we're friends. We definitely broke through that idea, something I was humbled and honored to be reminded of yesterday as my phone and every social media channel blew up with the news and consolation.

Recently, Mike and I had randomly reminisced about our friendship. In a search for something else, I stumbled upon one of our early email exchanges - from February 2005. I told him about it, and he said, "Forward it to me!" That guy was awesomely sentimental.

I had emailed him about a new venture I heard about, looking to see what he knew of it (as an aside, I could write a book about the things that were supposed to happen in Harrisburg). We often would chat about industry news and gossip - and of course more so as we got closer over the years - and he took the opportunity to invite me to a show.

Kidding about the 'pumping for info' thing--

Not sure about Duckdown..but what I am sure of is the RTP Anniversary Bash at ABC on 2/11 which you are guestlisted for (not banned there too, are you?) ;-)

herbie, The April Skies, Sara B, ADG, Mike Banks, Finks Constant, The Green Onions and Spotus 8-1AM
Launching RTP Merch and the first ever Compilation Disc.

THAT's some newsworthy shee-yot...

I went to the show, took three people with me, and covered it for my Out with Sara column. Mike replied later that he hadn't invited me simply for coverage, but instead just wanted some 20-something people in the room, trying to build the Abbey Bar as a spot for the young and hip. We were both in our 20s then - ha! In fact, around that time, The Patriot-News recognized Mike as a "Top 20 in their 20s."

I don't know what made us get super tight, become "boys" as we would say. I just know that when we sat in Shady's, smoking cigarettes, drinking cheap beer and probably having a couple too many Washington Apple shots, we got way too excited about sharing stories with each other. But it was Mike who thought we were entertaining enough for a podcast. It often makes me nervous to be near a live mic because I am a writer - I like to be behind the keyboard where I can put thought into crafting my words.

While working on the site redesign last week, I stumbled upon our podcast and listened to most of Episode 1. He was right, we were pretty damn funny. I texted him, "Listening to OTR Ep1. We are great."

His response, "Want to start another podcast?"

I told him, Yes, a million percent. We just needed time.

On Tuesday, he texted me, "Impromptu beers?"

I will kick myself forever for not going. I had too many deadlines, two big projects on top of my usual weekly work, and I said, "Next time!" A tiny little part of me even then thought, what if there isn't a next time? But you can't live life like that either, in constant fear of losing people. I wish I went. I wish I'd had one more night. I wish I didn't fill up my schedule so much that I couldn't grab a beer with someone I'd never see again. But hindsight, right? What can I do?

I fear that you're expecting something more compelling from me. That because I'm a writer, I'm supposed to craft something perfect for our friend. But I don't know how. This all feels so hollow to me.

Yes, Mike was everything people are saying about him. He was the most well-intentioned, big-hearted person I know. What is amazing is that so many of us have our own relationship with him. So much love, man. My heart aches, as yours does. And we will keep on, as he would.

Remember his family, his friends, his children. Continue to let him inspire you. We will do big things in his name. We have to.

I'll re-post all of our old podcasts, which you can find on our old Facebook page. Such trendsetters!

And let's add to this -- Fun Facts about Jersey Mike:

• There was a time in Harrisburg he went by "Mike Powers" - took a while 'til I figured that one out.
• He used to operate a Christmas tree farm in the city. Way cool. Much missed right now.
• He was recognized by The Patriot-News in 2005 as part of their "Top 20 in their 20s" series.
• Mike was all about developing Harrisburg, but knew Starbucks and other big chains wasn't the answer.
• In the last couple years, we switched our hijinks from drinks to dinner. We always got ourselves into too much trouble together, ending our nights at 2 a.m. in McGrath's (by the way, that was our super secret location - upstairs at McGrath's), talking to Mayor Reed. As much as Mike had criticized Reed, he respected him and was giddy over meeting him.
• Please email me yours! (Unfortunately, comments won't transfer in my site design next week, so please let me post them for you here.)

This week on SaraBozich.com

As you read this, I'll be on my way to State College for my first-ever home game at Beaver Stadium (I thought it was my first PSU game, but upon further review I saw them play Pitt in Pittsburgh sometime in college).

I'm also excited to unveil a pretty massive change on the blog next week (ish): A full and total overhaul. You'll see better organization, easier to read posts - even a F.A.Q. section! Plus, Sarabozich.com will *finally* be mobile-friendly. Stay tuned!

It's a good time to remind you to BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW for the first-ever SaraBozich.com Holiday Party at Vineyard at Hershey before they sell out! We're adding new prizes - and expecting a visit from "Seyval Claus" to deliver all kinds of goodies. Plus, of course, wine tastings; exclusive, first-time wine previews; chef demos; music from DJ Geoffro and loads more. $20/person or $35/couple.

More info.     Buy tickets!

Been asleep at the wheel? Here's what we tackled this week:

• Oh yeah, that thing? HOLIDAY PARTY: Vineyard at Hershey Dec. 14
• Giveaway: 717 Crossfit - Congrats to Colleen!
• Still time to enter for tomorrow's party! Giveaway: SteeleRavens Tailgate
• Giveaway: Arooga's 15 celebrates 4 years - Congrats to Tim!
• Did you catch these guys last night? Ducky & The Vintage at FED LIVE Nov. 16
• Hey! Kelly's going to Boston! Harrisburg Marathon Recap
• It's Beaujolais Day! - ON SALE for $9.99 at PA Wine & Spirits store through Sunday. 
• You'll still find some nuggets for the weekend in the Weekend Roundup 11/15
• Tierney hits 1,000! 1,000 Unique beers and counting!

P.S. - Since two of my friends hit 1,000 in beers this week, I celebrated by finally joining UnTappd myself. Find me, "sarabozich."

1,000 Unique beers and counting!

The date was Saturday, Nov. 10. The time was approximately 9:30 p.m. The location? My friend Rich's birthday shenanigans. The event: my 1,000th unique beer on Untappd!

Continue reading "1,000 Unique beers and counting!" »

It's BEAUJOLAIS DAY PEOPLE! Don't know what the heck that is? Let me tell you.

So, this month - oh, this month! I am keeping on, I swear, and I hate to bore with tales of woe and work. We're all busy, right? Right.

Tonight Andy and I are planning to head back to MoMo's, scene of the latest SB.com Happy Hour, for a Sam Adams Beer Dinner. I think there may be some seats open, so check it out.

Also on deck this weekend: My first Penn State home game! That's right, we're off to Beaver Stadium for the day. I think we have some snazzy hookup, so I'm pretty excited.

On Sunday, we're *finally* going to see Skyfall. Even I am pretty pumped about this James Bond flick. I'm hearing great reviews and look forward to seeing Daniel Craig in action.

Lots going on as we near the holidays! What are you doing this weekend?

It's Beaujolais Day!

If this means nothing to you, listen up. (And if it does mean something, head to The Hotel Hershey or your local PA Wine & Spirits store for a taste - it's good this year!).

Here's a quick primer: In the Beaujolais region of France, it has long been tradition to share the first press of the year's harvest with the townspeople on the third Thursday in November.

This unaged, "nouveau" (=new) wine made from Gamay grapes is a fruit-forward, sometimes grapey wine in bright purple-pink tones, meant for light-hearted enjoyment, kicking off the holidays and copious good times. (Wine snobs will thrust that nose in the air, turn on their heels and scurry away from such a thing, however.) Beaujolais Nouveau is meant to be enjoyed while it's young and fresh - this isn't one for the wine cellar. It's great served chilled - ever straight from the fridge - though ideal temperature is 55 degrees.

It's also a great wine to bring to Thanksgiving dinner.

Read: 10 Fascinating Facts about Beaujolais Nouveau.

Click through to learn about free Beaujolais Nouveau samples:

Last September, Sara had us write out our bucket list. If you look back, my number one was this:

1. Run a marathon (+ eventually qualify for the Boston Marathon).

In October 2011, I completed half that goal. I ran a marathon.

And on Sunday, I completed the other half of that goal during the Harrisburg Marathon. I qualified for the Boston Marathon.

It's not that Second Street was completely void of live music in the past -- there are a few places to see bands -- but the cherry-picked cover band set lists at the Hardware Bar don't necessarily attract live, original music-loving crowds. With the addition of FED LIVE, music fans now have another downtown venue to enjoy live local and nationally touring bands.

Located on the second floor of the old Dragonfly night club, FED LIVE has a capacity of 500 people and so far has received rave reviews.

I recently caught up with local rocker Ducky Duke, who worked closely on the design of FED LIVE and whose band -- Ducky & The Vintage -- will headline the new venue on Friday night, Nov. 16.

"I love the place and I believe it's definitely going to change downtown Harrisburg for live music in a positive way," Duke said. "I think the vibe, sound and beer selection is going to draw people in gradually. It really could be a staple in Harrisburg."

**Congrats to Mc22ff!**

Arooga's 15 celebrates four years this weekend! To celebrate, they're kicking off the weekend with the usual packed schedule of drink and wing specials, music and contests to get you in the mood.

Plus, Arooga's is giving away an Arooga's prize pack of 4-pack of Arooga's own sauces, a growler, 2 shot glasses and a $10 Arooga's gift card to one lucky reader! To enter to win the Arooga's prize pack, leave a comment below.

For extra entries (you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry in order for each to count), you can:

• Follow Arooga's Original on Twitter.
• Follow Arooga's on Twitter. (Follow this corporate account for daily trivia and prizes)
• "Like" Arooga's on Facebook.
• "Like" Arooga's corporate page on Facebook.
• "Like" SaraBozich.com on Facebook.
• "Like" Out with Sara on Facebook.
• Follow @sarabozich on Twitter.
• RT this giveaway post (be sure to mention @sarabozich).
• Sign-up for Out Early with Sara to get my column a day early plus exclusive content (Be sure to click "Out Early" under "Email newsletters").
• Share this giveaway on Facebook.

Enter early and often. A winner will be selected at random at the end of the week.

**Congrats to Melissa Mazzur!**

Calling all Pittsburgh Steelers AND all Baltimore Ravens fans:

It's one of the nastiest rivalries in the NFL. So, why not build a party around it for a good cause?

The third annual SteeleRavens Tailgate is going on this Sunday, Nov. 18 in preparation for the 8:20 pm. Sunday Night Football game.

Join friends and foes at Sawyer's for this private event featuring all-you-can-drink and eat from 1 to 8 p.m. -- including grub from Grotto Pub, Agostina's Pizza, MoMo's BBQ & Grill - plus burgers and dogs and much more.

Party events include beer pong, corn hole and flip cup - plus fan prizes for "Best Fan," "Craziest Fan" and "Sexiest Fan."

Day games will be broadcast live outside on TVs and projection screens. The party moves to Mulligan's Downtown for the Steelers/Ravens game itself.

This event is $25/person and benefits the American Cancer Society. All fans are welcome!

To enter to win tickets for 2 to the SteeleRavens Tailgate, leave a comment below and tell us who you're rooting for.

For extra entries (you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry in order for each to count), you can:

• "Like" SaraBozich.com on Facebook.
• "Like" Out with Sara on Facebook.
• Follow @sarabozich on Twitter.
• RT this giveaway post (be sure to mention @sarabozich).
• Sign-up for Out Early with Sara to get my column a day early plus exclusive content (Be sure to click "Out Early" under "Email newsletters").
• Share this giveaway on Facebook.

Enter early and often. A winner will be selected at random at the end of the week.

Don't want to leave it to a coin toss? You can purchase tickets online via Paypal to [email protected] - must be as a gift (under the personal tab) for no fees - include all names/email addresses.

For questions/donations, email: [email protected]

**Congrats to Colleen, who gets a beginner membership for 2 to 717 Crossfit!**

Crossfit 717 in Lemoyne is hosting its 2nd annual breast cancer awareness fundraiser, "Endure for a Cure," this Friday, Nov. 16 at its Lemoyne location.

The event draws more than 60 participants competing in a timed workout. The top male and female competitors receive prizes - and every dime Crossfit 717 makes is donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Walk-in registration is welcome! Spectators are invited as well - last year, more than 100 people cheered on friends and family in this workout for a cause!

Interested participants can register online (doing so by noon on Wednesday scores you a t-shirt) for just $20.

Plus, "Endure for A Cure" also features a paleo bake sale, beer and additional challenges and events throughout the night.

Doors open at 5 p.m.; Heat 1 starts at 6:30 p.m. Awards will be announced at 8:45 p.m.

Curious about crossfit? It's your lucky week. Crossfit 717 is giving away 2 free beginner memberships to a lucky reader (and his/her luckier friend/relative). Beginner memberships include 8 sessions, plus a free one-on-one wrap-up. Makes a great holiday gift!

To enter to win a FREE beginner crossfit membership to Crossfit 717, leave a comment below.

For extra entries (you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry in order for each to count), you can:

• "Like" Crossfit 717 on Facebook.
• "Like" SaraBozich.com on Facebook.
• "Like" Out with Sara on Facebook.
• Follow @sarabozich on Twitter.
• RT this giveaway post (be sure to mention @sarabozich).
• Sign-up for Out Early with Sara to get my column a day early plus exclusive content (Be sure to click "Out Early" under "Email newsletters").
• Share this giveaway on Facebook.

Enter early and often. A winner will be selected at random at the end of the week.

Can't leave it to luck? Crossfit 717 also offers FREE introductory classes. Sign up here.

I hope you'll join us for the first-ever SaraBozich.com Holiday Party on Friday, Dec. 14!

Buy tickets

Who: The SaraBozich.com team & YOU!

What: Celebrate the Holidays with wine & food samples, music & great prizes!

When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14

Where: The Farmhouse/VIP Rooms at The Vineyard at Hershey

Why: Wine samplings, private tastings of not-yet-released varietals, great music from DJ Geoffro, chef demonstrations and amazing prizes from Santa!

How:  Order tickets online via Greenbelt Events - $20/person or $35/couple

Buy tickets

The Vineyard at Hershey is providing complimentary wine tastings and tours of their facility, plus special straight-from-the-barrel sneak tastes of two brand new wines! Check out chef demonstrations (with samples), plus light food.

DJ Geoffro will provide chill remixes of holiday songs and more all evening long.

Plus -- great prizes worth the cost of admission alone! Giveaways include:

• 2 tickets to the Hilton Harrisburg's 2012 New Year's Eve Party, including overnight accommodations
• Greenbelt Events 2013 Season Pass
• Polished Spa & Salon spa package
• Troegs Brewing Co. Mad Elf gift pack
• Torchbearer Sauces gift pack + t-shirt
• Dinner & Movie package to Digiplex Destinations (Cinema Center) & Fusion Fire Asian Restaurant
• and more!

Buy tickets

Last night's Chopped PA at the PA Gourmet Show was fantastic! I joined two highly regarded chefs - Pippa Calland of international cooking show fame and Spencer Mundy (clearly, I was the soft vote) - for a Chopped-like experience on the stage at the Toyota Arena at the York Expo Center.

This was the first time for the event, and it was great -- I was honored to taste the impressive dishes created by the local chef contestants.

I finished up the night with some girl time at The Speakeasy.

We drank good beer from "The Big Beer List," gabbed - and there may even have been a little chair dancing.

Oops - Also, this happened.

Take a few minutes now and order your tickets for the SaraBozich.com Holiday Party at The Vineyard at Hershey.

And, in case you missed anything this week:

• Giveaway: PA Gourmet - The giveaway is over, but you can still get to PA Gourmet today until 6 p.m.!
• Dinner review: Wild Game & Mushroom Dinner
• 5 Ways Whole30 changed my diet: Kelly rehabbed her eating habits in one month!
• The lowdown on what's going on in Harrisburg & beyond - Weekend Roundup 11/8
• Learn about stouts from Tierney: Happy (Belated) Stout Day!
• PHOTOS: We had an amazing time on Wednesday - Happy Hour Recap {MoMo's BBQ & Grill}

I am completely in love with my readers. Thank you to everyone who came out to MoMo's BBQ & Grill on Wednesday for an outstanding Happy Hour with the SaraBozich.com crew.

Thanks go out to Dave & Mike at MoMo's for hosting - and supplying the tasty smoked pierogies and sausages for us to nosh on (hope everyone got to try these!).

Thank you to W&L Sales, who brought in the Coors Light team for free drafts, commemorative Steelers pint glasses, t-shirts and more!

Thanks to Bernie with Southern Wine for sharing samples of Crown Royal Maple - wow, a shot that tastes like a pancake breakfast but does the job of any good whiskey.

Thank you to Greg Grasa for providing live entertainment for the evening. Did you even take a break?

And thanks go out to Bart Kaminski, our photographer for the evening. You can check out all of his photos from the event on Facebook (tag yourselves) and on G+.

A shout-out to Scot Giambalvo and MODE for joining us, as well! Look for your pic in December's MODE At Large!

And finally - and by no means least - THANK YOU to everyone who came out for a midweek break to party and catch-up. You guys are the greatest. I'm continually humbled by your support. Can't wait for the next one!

You can view the rest of the night's photos on Facebook and G+.

Speaking of -- If you haven't gotten your SaraBozich.com Holiday Party tickets yet, you'll want to get on that. I'll have a full post this weekend with all the details (including the incredible prizes we have lined up). The Dec. 14 event at The Vineyard at Hershey includes wine tastings and tours, food, music from DJ Geoffro and much more. Buy them online at Greenbelt Events.

Thursday, Nov. 8 is designated as International Stout Day! The day was designed much like IPA Day to be:

A worldwide celebration of the iconic beer style, Stout. Taking place in homes, pubs, breweries and restaurants, it's all about celebrating the craft beer revolution, relishing in this beloved beer style, sharing your photos, tasting notes and events with the world.

With stouts being my most favorite style of beer, this day seems to have been created just for me! Even though the holiday was technically yesterday, you can still celebrate today and every day just by enjoying a lovely stout.

First, let's talk about what makes a stout a stout? Stouts started as Porters, a favorite among the London working-class, in the 1700s. The name "stout" was given to higher ABV porters to show their strength, although stouts can range anywhere between 4-18+% ABV. Stouts are traditionally characterized by their dark color and roasted malt flavor with little to no hoppiness. There are approximately nine different styles of stouts: Dry or Irish Stout, Imperial Stout (my favorite), Porter, Baltic Porter, Milk Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Chocolate Stout, Coffee Stout and Oyster Stout. 

Next, which stout should you drink? Most will head straight towards the ever classic Guinness. That's a lovely starting point, but there are a vast amount of other stouts worth trying.

Locally, experiment with Troeg's Java Head, Pizza Boy Sunny Side Up, Dogfish Head Bitches Brew, Oskar Blues Ten FIDY, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Appalachian Brewing Susquehanna Stout, DuClaw Double Naked Fish, Founder's Breakfast Stout and Lancaster Brewing Milk Stout on tap. Remember, since stouts are often higher in ABV, always drink responsibly!

Pizza Boy Sunny Side Up

So, how did I celebrate? I kicked off my stout enjoyment a day early at the SaraBozich.com Happy Hour at Momo's with a Founder's Breakfast stout. Then, to celebrate Stout Day, I opened up a Bourbon County Stout and slowly sipped away.

What's your favorite stout?

Tierney Pomone is our in-house craft beer aficionado and clotheshorse. She also blogs at Stouts & Stilettos. Follow her on Twitter.

Another tremendous Happy Hour! Thank you to MoMo's, W&L Sales, Greg Grasa, Southern Wine & Spirits and everyone who came out for the event! I hope to have photos posted by the weekend, so stay tuned. 

My weekend will be a balance of work and play, but the play is for work, so ... ? Tomorrow night I'm one of three judges for Chopped PA, the  food competition at PA Gourmet (There's still time to enter to win tickets!). Saturday night, I'll visit the Circular Dining Room at The Hotel Hershey to get the story on its status before it closes and is re-branded in 2013.

Tickets are going fast for the SaraBozich.com Holiday Party! Buy them online via Greenbelt Events.

So ... What are you doing this weekend?

Weekend Roundup 11/15

It's BEAUJOLAIS DAY PEOPLE! Don't know what the heck that is? Let me tell you.

So, this month - oh, this month! I am keeping on, I swear, and I hate to bore with tales of woe and work. We're all busy, right? Right.

Tonight Andy and I are planning to head back to MoMo's, scene of the latest SB.com Happy Hour, for a Sam Adams Beer Dinner. I think there may be some seats open, so check it out.

Also on deck this weekend: My first Penn State home game! That's right, we're off to Beaver Stadium for the day. I think we have some snazzy hookup, so I'm pretty excited.

On Sunday, we're *finally* going to see Skyfall. Even I am pretty pumped about this James Bond flick. I'm hearing great reviews and look forward to seeing Daniel Craig in action.

Lots going on as we near the holidays! What are you doing this weekend?

It's Beaujolais Day!

It's Beaujolais Day!

If this means nothing to you, listen up. (And if it does mean something, head to The Hotel Hershey or your local PA Wine & Spirits store for a taste - it's good this year!).

Here's a quick primer: In the Beaujolais region of France, it has long been tradition to share the first press of the year's harvest with the townspeople on the third Thursday in November.

This unaged, "nouveau" (=new) wine made from Gamay grapes is a fruit-forward, sometimes grapey wine in bright purple-pink tones, meant for light-hearted enjoyment, kicking off the holidays and copious good times. (Wine snobs will thrust that nose in the air, turn on their heels and scurry away from such a thing, however.) Beaujolais Nouveau is meant to be enjoyed while it's young and fresh - this isn't one for the wine cellar. It's great served chilled - ever straight from the fridge - though ideal temperature is 55 degrees.

It's also a great wine to bring to Thanksgiving dinner.

Read: 10 Fascinating Facts about Beaujolais Nouveau.

Click through to learn about free Beaujolais Nouveau samples:

Harrisburg Marathon Recap

Last September, Sara had us write out our bucket list. If you look back, my number one was this:

1. Run a marathon (+ eventually qualify for the Boston Marathon).

In October 2011, I completed half that goal. I ran a marathon.

And on Sunday, I completed the other half of that goal during the Harrisburg Marathon. I qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Ducky & The Vintage at FED LIVE Nov. 16

It's not that Second Street was completely void of live music in the past -- there are a few places to see bands -- but the cherry-picked cover band set lists at the Hardware Bar don't necessarily attract live, original music-loving crowds. With the addition of FED LIVE, music fans now have another downtown venue to enjoy live local and nationally touring bands.

Located on the second floor of the old Dragonfly night club, FED LIVE has a capacity of 500 people and so far has received rave reviews.

I recently caught up with local rocker Ducky Duke, who worked closely on the design of FED LIVE and whose band -- Ducky & The Vintage -- will headline the new venue on Friday night, Nov. 16.

"I love the place and I believe it's definitely going to change downtown Harrisburg for live music in a positive way," Duke said. "I think the vibe, sound and beer selection is going to draw people in gradually. It really could be a staple in Harrisburg."

Giveaway: Arooga's 15 celebrates 4 years

**Congrats to Mc22ff!**

Arooga's 15 celebrates four years this weekend! To celebrate, they're kicking off the weekend with the usual packed schedule of drink and wing specials, music and contests to get you in the mood.

Plus, Arooga's is giving away an Arooga's prize pack of 4-pack of Arooga's own sauces, a growler, 2 shot glasses and a $10 Arooga's gift card to one lucky reader! To enter to win the Arooga's prize pack, leave a comment below.

For extra entries (you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry in order for each to count), you can:

• Follow Arooga's Original on Twitter.
• Follow Arooga's on Twitter. (Follow this corporate account for daily trivia and prizes)
• "Like" Arooga's on Facebook.
• "Like" Arooga's corporate page on Facebook.
• "Like" SaraBozich.com on Facebook.
• "Like" Out with Sara on Facebook.
• Follow @sarabozich on Twitter.
• RT this giveaway post (be sure to mention @sarabozich).
• Sign-up for Out Early with Sara to get my column a day early plus exclusive content (Be sure to click "Out Early" under "Email newsletters").
• Share this giveaway on Facebook.

Enter early and often. A winner will be selected at random at the end of the week.

Giveaway: SteeleRavens Tailgate

**Congrats to Melissa Mazzur!**

Calling all Pittsburgh Steelers AND all Baltimore Ravens fans:

It's one of the nastiest rivalries in the NFL. So, why not build a party around it for a good cause?

The third annual SteeleRavens Tailgate is going on this Sunday, Nov. 18 in preparation for the 8:20 pm. Sunday Night Football game.

Join friends and foes at Sawyer's for this private event featuring all-you-can-drink and eat from 1 to 8 p.m. -- including grub from Grotto Pub, Agostina's Pizza, MoMo's BBQ & Grill - plus burgers and dogs and much more.

Party events include beer pong, corn hole and flip cup - plus fan prizes for "Best Fan," "Craziest Fan" and "Sexiest Fan."

Day games will be broadcast live outside on TVs and projection screens. The party moves to Mulligan's Downtown for the Steelers/Ravens game itself.

This event is $25/person and benefits the American Cancer Society. All fans are welcome!

To enter to win tickets for 2 to the SteeleRavens Tailgate, leave a comment below and tell us who you're rooting for.

For extra entries (you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry in order for each to count), you can:

• "Like" SaraBozich.com on Facebook.
• "Like" Out with Sara on Facebook.
• Follow @sarabozich on Twitter.
• RT this giveaway post (be sure to mention @sarabozich).
• Sign-up for Out Early with Sara to get my column a day early plus exclusive content (Be sure to click "Out Early" under "Email newsletters").
• Share this giveaway on Facebook.

Enter early and often. A winner will be selected at random at the end of the week.

Don't want to leave it to a coin toss? You can purchase tickets online via Paypal to [email protected] - must be as a gift (under the personal tab) for no fees - include all names/email addresses.

For questions/donations, email: [email protected]

Giveaway: 717 Crossfit

**Congrats to Colleen, who gets a beginner membership for 2 to 717 Crossfit!**

Crossfit 717 in Lemoyne is hosting its 2nd annual breast cancer awareness fundraiser, "Endure for a Cure," this Friday, Nov. 16 at its Lemoyne location.

The event draws more than 60 participants competing in a timed workout. The top male and female competitors receive prizes - and every dime Crossfit 717 makes is donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Walk-in registration is welcome! Spectators are invited as well - last year, more than 100 people cheered on friends and family in this workout for a cause!

Interested participants can register online (doing so by noon on Wednesday scores you a t-shirt) for just $20.

Plus, "Endure for A Cure" also features a paleo bake sale, beer and additional challenges and events throughout the night.

Doors open at 5 p.m.; Heat 1 starts at 6:30 p.m. Awards will be announced at 8:45 p.m.

Curious about crossfit? It's your lucky week. Crossfit 717 is giving away 2 free beginner memberships to a lucky reader (and his/her luckier friend/relative). Beginner memberships include 8 sessions, plus a free one-on-one wrap-up. Makes a great holiday gift!

To enter to win a FREE beginner crossfit membership to Crossfit 717, leave a comment below.

For extra entries (you must leave a separate comment for each extra entry in order for each to count), you can:

• "Like" Crossfit 717 on Facebook.
• "Like" SaraBozich.com on Facebook.
• "Like" Out with Sara on Facebook.
• Follow @sarabozich on Twitter.
• RT this giveaway post (be sure to mention @sarabozich).
• Sign-up for Out Early with Sara to get my column a day early plus exclusive content (Be sure to click "Out Early" under "Email newsletters").
• Share this giveaway on Facebook.

Enter early and often. A winner will be selected at random at the end of the week.

Can't leave it to luck? Crossfit 717 also offers FREE introductory classes. Sign up here.

HOLIDAY PARTY: Vineyard at Hershey Dec. 14

I hope you'll join us for the first-ever SaraBozich.com Holiday Party on Friday, Dec. 14!

Buy tickets

Who: The SaraBozich.com team & YOU!

What: Celebrate the Holidays with wine & food samples, music & great prizes!

When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14

Where: The Farmhouse/VIP Rooms at The Vineyard at Hershey

Why: Wine samplings, private tastings of not-yet-released varietals, great music from DJ Geoffro, chef demonstrations and amazing prizes from Santa!

How:  Order tickets online via Greenbelt Events - $20/person or $35/couple

Buy tickets

The Vineyard at Hershey is providing complimentary wine tastings and tours of their facility, plus special straight-from-the-barrel sneak tastes of two brand new wines! Check out chef demonstrations (with samples), plus light food.

DJ Geoffro will provide chill remixes of holiday songs and more all evening long.

Plus -- great prizes worth the cost of admission alone! Giveaways include:

• 2 tickets to the Hilton Harrisburg's 2012 New Year's Eve Party, including overnight accommodations
• Greenbelt Events 2013 Season Pass
• Polished Spa & Salon spa package
• Troegs Brewing Co. Mad Elf gift pack
• Torchbearer Sauces gift pack + t-shirt
• Dinner & Movie package to Digiplex Destinations (Cinema Center) & Fusion Fire Asian Restaurant
• and more!

Buy tickets

This week on SaraBozich.com

Last night's Chopped PA at the PA Gourmet Show was fantastic! I joined two highly regarded chefs - Pippa Calland of international cooking show fame and Spencer Mundy (clearly, I was the soft vote) - for a Chopped-like experience on the stage at the Toyota Arena at the York Expo Center.

This was the first time for the event, and it was great -- I was honored to taste the impressive dishes created by the local chef contestants.

I finished up the night with some girl time at The Speakeasy.

We drank good beer from "The Big Beer List," gabbed - and there may even have been a little chair dancing.

Oops - Also, this happened.

Take a few minutes now and order your tickets for the SaraBozich.com Holiday Party at The Vineyard at Hershey.

And, in case you missed anything this week:

• Giveaway: PA Gourmet - The giveaway is over, but you can still get to PA Gourmet today until 6 p.m.!
• Dinner review: Wild Game & Mushroom Dinner
• 5 Ways Whole30 changed my diet: Kelly rehabbed her eating habits in one month!
• The lowdown on what's going on in Harrisburg & beyond - Weekend Roundup 11/8
• Learn about stouts from Tierney: Happy (Belated) Stout Day!
• PHOTOS: We had an amazing time on Wednesday - Happy Hour Recap {MoMo's BBQ & Grill}

Happy Hour Recap {MoMo's BBQ & Grill}

I am completely in love with my readers. Thank you to everyone who came out to MoMo's BBQ & Grill on Wednesday for an outstanding Happy Hour with the SaraBozich.com crew.

Thanks go out to Dave & Mike at MoMo's for hosting - and supplying the tasty smoked pierogies and sausages for us to nosh on (hope everyone got to try these!).

Thank you to W&L Sales, who brought in the Coors Light team for free drafts, commemorative Steelers pint glasses, t-shirts and more!

Thanks to Bernie with Southern Wine for sharing samples of Crown Royal Maple - wow, a shot that tastes like a pancake breakfast but does the job of any good whiskey.

Thank you to Greg Grasa for providing live entertainment for the evening. Did you even take a break?

And thanks go out to Bart Kaminski, our photographer for the evening. You can check out all of his photos from the event on Facebook (tag yourselves) and on G+.

A shout-out to Scot Giambalvo and MODE for joining us, as well! Look for your pic in December's MODE At Large!

And finally - and by no means least - THANK YOU to everyone who came out for a midweek break to party and catch-up. You guys are the greatest. I'm continually humbled by your support. Can't wait for the next one!

You can view the rest of the night's photos on Facebook and G+.

Speaking of -- If you haven't gotten your SaraBozich.com Holiday Party tickets yet, you'll want to get on that. I'll have a full post this weekend with all the details (including the incredible prizes we have lined up). The Dec. 14 event at The Vineyard at Hershey includes wine tastings and tours, food, music from DJ Geoffro and much more. Buy them online at Greenbelt Events.

Happy (Belated) Stout Day!

Thursday, Nov. 8 is designated as International Stout Day! The day was designed much like IPA Day to be:

A worldwide celebration of the iconic beer style, Stout. Taking place in homes, pubs, breweries and restaurants, it's all about celebrating the craft beer revolution, relishing in this beloved beer style, sharing your photos, tasting notes and events with the world.

With stouts being my most favorite style of beer, this day seems to have been created just for me! Even though the holiday was technically yesterday, you can still celebrate today and every day just by enjoying a lovely stout.

First, let's talk about what makes a stout a stout? Stouts started as Porters, a favorite among the London working-class, in the 1700s. The name "stout" was given to higher ABV porters to show their strength, although stouts can range anywhere between 4-18+% ABV. Stouts are traditionally characterized by their dark color and roasted malt flavor with little to no hoppiness. There are approximately nine different styles of stouts: Dry or Irish Stout, Imperial Stout (my favorite), Porter, Baltic Porter, Milk Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Chocolate Stout, Coffee Stout and Oyster Stout. 

Next, which stout should you drink? Most will head straight towards the ever classic Guinness. That's a lovely starting point, but there are a vast amount of other stouts worth trying.

Locally, experiment with Troeg's Java Head, Pizza Boy Sunny Side Up, Dogfish Head Bitches Brew, Oskar Blues Ten FIDY, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Appalachian Brewing Susquehanna Stout, DuClaw Double Naked Fish, Founder's Breakfast Stout and Lancaster Brewing Milk Stout on tap. Remember, since stouts are often higher in ABV, always drink responsibly!

Pizza Boy Sunny Side Up

So, how did I celebrate? I kicked off my stout enjoyment a day early at the SaraBozich.com Happy Hour at Momo's with a Founder's Breakfast stout. Then, to celebrate Stout Day, I opened up a Bourbon County Stout and slowly sipped away.

What's your favorite stout?

Tierney Pomone is our in-house craft beer aficionado and clotheshorse. She also blogs at Stouts & Stilettos. Follow her on Twitter.

Weekend Roundup 11/8

Another tremendous Happy Hour! Thank you to MoMo's, W&L Sales, Greg Grasa, Southern Wine & Spirits and everyone who came out for the event! I hope to have photos posted by the weekend, so stay tuned. 

My weekend will be a balance of work and play, but the play is for work, so ... ? Tomorrow night I'm one of three judges for Chopped PA, the  food competition at PA Gourmet (There's still time to enter to win tickets!). Saturday night, I'll visit the Circular Dining Room at The Hotel Hershey to get the story on its status before it closes and is re-branded in 2013.

Tickets are going fast for the SaraBozich.com Holiday Party! Buy them online via Greenbelt Events.

So ... What are you doing this weekend?