site title
WILLIAM WORLD NEWS | PROFILE | PHOTOS | TRANSPORTATION | SEARCH | YURASKO.NET
About this site
v12

Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.

Syndication
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Subscribe with Bloglines
Feedburner
XML
Topics
Alexandria
Arlington
Arts & Culture
Beano Watch
Best of WWN
BeltwayLand
Bicycling
Blogging/WWW
Blue White Roundtable
Capitals/NHL
DC United/MLS
Fairfax County
Family & Friends
Food & Drink
History
International
Interviews
Maryland
Media
Metro
Movies
Muppets
Music
Music Tuesday
Nats/MLB 2010
Nats/MLB 2009
Nats/MLB 2008
Nats/MLB 2007
Nats/MLB 2006
Nats/MLB 2005
New Jersey
New York
Northeast Corridor
Observations
Pennsylvania
Photography
PSU Football/2009
PSU Football/2008
PSU Football/2007
PSU Football/2006
PSU Football/2005
PSU/Happy Valley
PSU Sports
Redskins/NFL
San Francisco
Silver Line
Skiing
Sports
Star Wars
Tabloids
The District
Transportation
Travel
Tysons Corner
Video
Virginia
Wagers
Weather
Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot
Wizards/NBA
Yale
Yankees

Archives


Search

yurasko.net
WWW

That hockey blog

La Coupe Hauxer


My Flickr Stream
www.flickr.com
wfyurasko's photos More of wfyurasko's photos
WWN title

2010 National Chili Day is today -- free bowl at Hard Times - William World News

Thursday, February 25, 2010

2010 National Chili Day is today -- free bowl at Hard Times

National Chili Day means a free bowl of chili tomorrow, February 25, 2010, at Hard Times Cafe with any other purchase for dine-in customers.

They have locations throughout Virginia, Maryland and even one in Raleigh, N.C.

, ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 5:35 AM | |

2010 National Chili Day is tomorrow -- free bowl at Hard Times - William World News
Wednesday, February 24, 2010

2010 National Chili Day is tomorrow -- free bowl at Hard Times

National Chili Day means a free bowl of chili tomorrow, February 25, 2010, at Hard Times Cafe with any other purchase for dine-in customers.

They have locations throughout Virginia, Maryland and even one in Raleigh, N.C.

, ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 5:21 AM | |

Out of a chili rivalry came Hard Times Cafe - William World News
Thursday, February 18, 2010

Out of a chili rivalry came Hard Times Cafe

How D.C. Invented Texas Chili Mac - CityPaper
First off this is a misleading headline. This article is really about the rivalry between former co-owners of the late Texas Chili Parlor Hazel Calloway and Barbara Abbott. The two bought the place and couldn't stand each other within 2 years. Eventually, they split and Calloway opened Hazel's Texas Chili Parlor in 1966. Hard Times Cafe founder Fred Parker fondly remembered Hazel's and in 1980 opened Hard Times Cafe in Old Town Alexandria with a similar recipe and spirit. The article is well worth a read as it expands on the origin story posted on the Hard Times Web site.

Also, next Thursday, February 25 is National Chili Day, so Hard Times will be giving away a free bowl of chili with a dine-in purchase.

Labels: , ,

posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

Another Vienna Inn 50th anniversary article - William World News
Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Another Vienna Inn 50th anniversary article

Vienna Inn Turns 50 - The Connection
A good article about the official dive of La Coupe Hauxer, the Vienna Inn. Lots of history is shared in this latest article.

Labels: , , ,

posted by WFY @ 12:00 PM | |

In celebration of such, I think a visit is in order!

# posted by Blogger Fritz : Wednesday, February 17, 2010 2:22:00 PM  

Post a Comment

Joe Riley: The man, the cocktail - William World News
Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Joe Riley: The man, the cocktail

Spirits: How liquor wholesalers hobble consumer choice - The Post
I believe my friend Joe Riley (a former Nats blogger) is the first person I know who has a cocktail named after him. Why does he have a cocktail named after him? Because he's a frickin' American hero, pilgrim -- a single combat warrior against the liquor wholesalers who limit consumer choice.

In what Joe describes as "quite possibly the oddest segue in spirits-writing history" the author of the link above wonders aloud if Sarah Palin will call out the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America when she gives the keynote address at their convention in April. It is really an unnecessary setup for the main point -- Joe is relentless is finding that liquor you want. That dedication inspired The Passenger to name a cocktail after him. The cocktail is wheated bourbon with falernum, Domaine de Canton Ginger and elderflower liqueurs and lemon juice. Sounds interesting, I'll have to check it out soon.

COCKTAIL RECIPE:
Joe Riley - The Post

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

Review: Yocco's - William World News
Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Review: Yocco's

yoccos1
ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- For several years now, I've been wanting to try Yocco's The Hot Dog King on the way back from my annual ski trip in the Poconos. Yocco's goes back to 1922 and is perhaps the best known Lehigh Valley eatery. We stopped by the location near Lehigh Valley International Airport, just off of the Airport Road exit of US 22-Lehigh Valley Thruway (or the Double-Duece according to my friend Tom).

Going in, I had heard mixed reviews of Yocco's. Tom said "really, Yocco's?" while another acquaintance gave it the thumbs up. Tom's contention was that Yocco's wasn't bad, but nothing special. After eating there, I have to agree with Tom.

yoccos2

My wife and I each ordered two hot dogs each with chili sauce, onions and mustard. She also added cheese; Kraft singles or something similar that is put in the bottom of the roll. The franks are Hatfield, a tasty brand that are the official hot dog of Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia. Ours were not very fresh though, having sat on the cooler side of the stove for an indeterminate amount of time. The chili sauce was fairly tasty, but not very hearty and overall nothing special. One cannot expect much for $1.24 each I suppose. I also ordered the crinkle cut french fries which were fine, but nothing special. Mrs. T's pierogies are also available as a side, but we did not order them.

Yocco's is so named because the indigenous Pennsylvania Dutch population had trouble pronouncing Iacocca, the family who opened the restaurant and runs it to this day. Yes, it is the same family as former Chrysler chairman and Snoop Dog pal Lee Iacocca -- he's the nephew of the founder. Know run by a fourth Iacocca generation Yocco's has six locations. They also have a great "hot dog king" logo that looks like the kind of sticker a pre-teen's skateboard might have on it.

Yocco's is cheap, decent and the backstory is good, but nothing really special. I may stop a Yocco's again some time if I'm in the Lehigh Valley, but I am not going out of my way to do it.

Labels: , ,

posted by WFY @ 10:41 AM | |

So how do their chili dogs rate vs the Vienna Inn?

# posted by Anonymous TMBC : Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:39:00 PM  

Yocco's chili dogs aren't as good as the Vienna Inn's by a long shot.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:51:00 PM  

Post a Comment

Pepsi Throwback is back - William World News
Thursday, January 07, 2010

Pepsi Throwback is back

pepsithrowback
TYSONS CORNER, Va. -- This morning while going through Harris Teeter, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Pepsi Throwback is available again. This time around, the red, white and blue packaging from the early 1980s is being used. I will be stocking up. While it doesn't have quite the bite of regular Pepsi, any chance to consume less high fructose corn syrup is a good one -- take that subsidized corn farmers!

According the Pepsi Throwback Web site, the "real sugar" cola is available December 28, 2009 through February 22, 2010.

PREVIOUSLY: Review: Pepsi Throwback - 06.24.2009

, , ,

Labels: , , , ,

posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

A Scottish band at Murphy's? - William World News
Tuesday, December 08, 2009

A Scottish band at Murphy's?

The Scottish got bagpipes from Ireland. What we didn't tell them was that it was a joke.

- a friend from Belfast

Murphy's in Old Town Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- I don't get out much, so it figures that when I actually get an evening to hit Murphy's in Old Town for some Irish music they have...Scottish bagpipers. Now, I dont' feel the same way about pipers as my Northern Irish friend, but it was not what I was expecting. Just my luck right? Normally I'd get a photo of the band playing, but it turns out bagpipers sets are pretty short and I didn't have time, so I just went with the exterior of Murphy's. Also, I tried Bushmills while I was there and I won't bother again.

, , ,

Labels: , , , ,

posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

Seems to me that anything Scottish would be an improvement over Murphy's.

# posted by Blogger A : Tuesday, December 08, 2009 11:16:00 AM  

Post a Comment

Vienna Inn's semicentennial nears - William World News
Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Vienna Inn's semicentennial nears

Vienna Inn prepares to turn 50 - The Fairfax Times
The beloved Vienna Inn is approaching 50 years in business. This is just a fairly standard article about the history of my hometown bar, but I quibble with this statement:
The walls, saturated with the smell and color of smoke...
Hardly -- at least compared to what it used to be. When Mike and Mollie Abraham still owned it, the ceiling was really dirty from all of the smoke. Now, it is nothing like that -- I suspect when it changed hands the health inspector said something along the lines of "we were letting Mike slide a little, but you are bringing this joint up to code!"

Also, some specifics to something I've been saying for years -- they used to sell more Budweiser than anybody:
"In 1979, when the drinking age in Virginia was still 18, the Vienna Inn sold more Budweiser beer that year than any other bar or sports stadium in the United States, except Yankee Stadium — over 10,000 kegs..."
This is why the Clydesdales used to show up in the Vienna Halloween Parade every year. Apparently, they don't just show up for everyone.

, ,

Labels: , , , ,

posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

More on Ben Ali, founder of Ben's Chili Bowl - William World News
Friday, October 09, 2009

More on Ben Ali, founder of Ben's Chili Bowl


He Added Spice to Our Lives - The Post
Death of a Washington legend - The Wash. Times
Ben Ali's Son: "We're All OK." - CityPaper
Ben Ali, founder of Ben's Chili Bowl, dies - AP/WTOP
Ben Ali obituaries from the two D.C. broadsheets, plus the alternate tabloid and AP. The great irony of his life -- he never had a half-smoke because his Muslim faith prohibits pork.

Despite Founder’s Death, It Was Business As Usual at Ben's - CityPaper
Life Goes On in Rhythm of Ben's - The Post
It was just a little busier at Ben's Chili Bowl yesterday -- Sounds like a good tribute to me.

For much of yesterday, "Ben's Chili Bowl" and later "Ben Ali" were trending on Twitter.

The Death of Ben Ali: What Others Had to Say - CityPaper
What others are saying about Ali. What are you saying?

PREVIOUSLY
Ben Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl dead at 82 - 10.08.2009
Fifty years of Ben's Chili Bowl - 04.21.2008

, , , ,

Labels: , ,

posted by WFY @ 7:45 AM | |

Ben Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl dead at 82 - William World News
Thursday, October 08, 2009

Ben Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl dead at 82

Ben Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl Dies - Port Mortem, The Post
Ben Ali, the 82 year old founder of Ben's Chili Bowl, the most prominent half-smoke restaurant and Washginton D.C. institution has died. Washington is a richer place for him being here.

I expect there will be a lot more coverage over the next few days. He

PREVIOUSLY
Fifty years of Ben's Chili Bowl - 04.21.2008

, , , ,

Labels: , ,

posted by WFY @ 12:36 PM | |

Now this is tragic. In his honor, I think a visit to Ben's is in order. What better way to honor Ben Ali's memory than to continue patronizing his business?

# posted by Blogger Fritz : Thursday, October 08, 2009 1:17:00 PM  

Post a Comment

Apple picking at Crooked Run Orchard - William World News
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Apple picking at Crooked Run Orchard

Look for this sign from Business Route 7
PURCELLVILLE, Va. -- Last Sunday, we took my son apple-picking for the first time. In fact, it was my first time too. Based on my wife's research, we selected Crooked Run Orchard in Purcellville in Loudon County, the closest (45 miles away) to our home in Alexandria. We were pleased with what we found. The farm is located off of Business VA 7, just west of the intersection with VA 287. There was no admission to enter/park and there were scores of apple trees of several varieties, though we mostly stuck with the delicious ones, red and golden. Next time, we'll find the other varieties. Our son tried picking a few, but was mostly interested in picking up apples from the ground.

[flickr : Apple-picking at Crooked Run Orchard /slideshow]

We wound up with two buckets full and gallon of cider for under $30. We have a lot of apples to eat now, but that's the idea. We'll do it again next year.

, , , , ,

Labels: , ,

posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

Why does New York get their own Pepsi cans? - William World News
Monday, August 31, 2009

Why does New York get their own Pepsi cans?

Why do Pepsi cans always say "NEW YORK"?
NEW YORK -- Since at least the mid 1990s, Pepsi cans sold by food carts in Manhattan have always said NEW YORK. I don't recall seeing this in any other city. Granted the other cities that tend to buy from food carts are Washington and Arlington (actually a county, of course) so I can't speak to say Boston or Chicago, but I have a feeling its just a New York thing. Why don't other cities do it?

By the way, a Sabrett and a can of Pepsi is a requirement of any trip to New York for me.

Lunch in New York

, , ,

Labels: , , , ,

posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

Might it have something to do with the 5-cent (or whatever) deposit that (I'm guessing) you can get back for turning in your Pepsi can in New York for recycling? Again, I'm just groping here, but it would keep New York from shelling out money on out-of-state Pepsi cans.

Do Coke and other beverages do this, I wonder?

# posted by Blogger Hendo : Monday, August 31, 2009 6:58:00 PM  

That is a pretty strong theory Hendo. I believe other cans do have "NEW YORK" on them

# posted by Blogger WFY : Monday, August 31, 2009 8:23:00 PM  

I own a Pepsi Route in Lower East Side, and that is exactly right. The NYC on each can is so we can identify them easily when looking for product from other states...

# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Saturday, September 12, 2009 11:57:00 PM  

The Pepsi-Cola bottling co. of NY puts that on all of their cans of Pepsi products. They also make Canada Dry products, but they don't put the "new york" on on those, only Pepsi products. Both say on the back "PREPARED BY PEPSI-COLA BOTTLING CO. OF NY, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356", but only Pepsi products say "NEW YORK' over the logo. Strange how that works.

You probably don't see them anywhere else because they only have Pepsi bottling territory in the 5 boroughs and Westchester Co. They have Canada Dry territory as far south as Monmouth, NJ.

It has nothing to do with the refund. I buy drinks in NJ which are made by Pepsi Bottling Group and have no "NEW YORK" on top, but it still says "NY-5cent Refund" on the back.

# posted by Anonymous Araman Osama Muhammad : Monday, September 28, 2009 6:48:00 PM   Post a Comment

Doughnut Plant on the Lower East Side - William World News
Friday, August 28, 2009

Doughnut Plant on the Lower East Side

Doughnut Plant
NEW YORK -- I visited my friend David for six hours last Saturday. We wound up at the Lower East Side's Doughnut Plant after breakfast at a dive near his apartment in the East Village. Had I known beforehand about Doughnut Plant, I would have insisted we just go there for breakfast. The bakery, with its very small customer area, stays open until they run out of donuts.

David talked up the creme brulee donut and awful lot, so I went with that one. It met his high expectations. The standard yeast raised glazed was also quite good. I might even make a special trip the next time I'm in Manhattan.

, , , ,

Labels: , , , , ,

posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

Glad you enjoyed it.

# posted by Anonymous Jim Jeffcoat : Friday, August 28, 2009 10:46:00 AM  

Post a Comment

Wawa vs. Sheetz: The point is moot - William World News
Thursday, August 27, 2009

Wawa vs. Sheetz: The point is moot

Wawa vs. Sheetz: Isn't That Convenient? - The Post
Hank Stuever has a long column comparing and contrasting two Pennsylvania based convenience stores, Wawa (of the Philadelphia suburbs) and Sheetz (of Altoona). The former tends to be found as your get closer to the ocean and the latter closer to the mountains. Basically, I-95/The Fall Line is the Wawa/Sheetz line and each represents the cultures of those living, vacationing on each side, according to Stuever.

Whatever -- it is a moot point as neither is has set up shop in any of the core Northern Virginia suburbs. Prince William County is the closest either of them has come and that probably the only place their footprints really overlap. I know Sheetz won't be coming any closer, since their business model doesn't believe in paying a lot for real estate. Wawa, I'm not so sure, but it looks like they may be following the Sheetz model -- around here at least.

I like both stores, they are each unique and way better than the local convenience market leader, 7-Eleven. I'd gladly stop by either one of them if it were available.

PREVIOUSLY

Gotta have a Wawa? - 03.06.2008
Sammichs - 12.13.2006

, , ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 12:37 PM | |

You are incorrect. Sheetz is vastly superior when it comes to food. Not only can you get sandwhiches, hot dogs etc. But also, french fries, pizza, good burgers, nachos, salads, and pizza. At the anchor store on 17th street in Altoona they have pasta, gelatto, and gourmet coffee. I love Sheetz. (But their gas is crap)

# posted by Blogger The Yurasko Family : Thursday, August 27, 2009 2:38:00 PM  

Both great companies focusing on the customer in the Grocerant niche! I hope they both continue to do well. But I sure wish that either would open units on the West Coast.

# posted by Blogger grocerant : Thursday, August 27, 2009 4:45:00 PM  

TYF: I've eaten well at Wawa, just not lately. I spend a lot more time in Sheetz's footprint than Wawa's these days.

Grocerant: How about we let you have one of them and we get In-N-Out?

# posted by Blogger WFY : Thursday, August 27, 2009 8:49:00 PM   Post a Comment

This almost makes it okay to get McDonald's on a boardwalk - William World News
Friday, August 21, 2009

This almost makes it okay to get McDonald's on a boardwalk

Speedee
WILDWOOD, N.J. -- This retro neon Speedee sign on the Wildwood boardwalk may have been there from before it could be considered retro. That almost makes it okay in my mind to get McDonald's on a boardwalk. When on a boardwalk, support the indigenous grease merchants, mmmkay? You can still stop for McDonald's on the way home.

, , , , ,

Labels: ,

posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

We have been going to Springer's for five generations - William World News
Wednesday, August 19, 2009

We have been going to Springer's for five generations

Springer's with lens flare
STONE HARBOR, NJ -- I have mentioned Springer's before, but I'll do it again. The place has great ice cream and is a Seven Mile Beach institution. By my calculations, my son and his cousin, became the fifth generation of my family to enjoy ice cream there. Will had chocolate and banana on separate visits. My dad had rum raisin as always and my mom had lemon. I don't know what the rest of us had, but I went with my usual. We went there only three times during our visit, though it'd be pretty fun to go nightly.

Springer's has been owned by Barbara and Neil Humphreys of central Virginia since 1975. He took the famed Penn State Ice Cream Short Course. Next year, they are inviting back anybody whoever worked at Springer's since they bought it for a reunion.

P8150711

[flickr : Photos tagged with springers/slideshow]

, , , , ,

Labels: , ,

posted by WFY @ 12:06 PM | |

The Joe Paterno Debate: Whiskey - William World News
Monday, August 03, 2009

The Joe Paterno Debate: Whiskey

This is the kind of game you love. I'm going to go home and get in trouble with a good stiff bourbon. Then I'm going to take a nap and get out some Ohio State tapes.

-- Joe Paterno, October 20, 2001
The origin of the tradition of post-game bourbon toasts to celebrate Penn State wins is oft told by me, but for the uninitiated, here is the story. Penn State started the 2001 season 0-4 with Paterno one game behind Bear Byrant for the all time major college football wins record. After a thrilling last second win, Paterno uttered the quote above. The following week, the Nittany Lions behind freshmen QB Zack Mills came back from 22 down in the second half to beat Ohio State. Following the game, I established the tradition and have toasted to many Nittany Lions triumphs responsibly.

Over the years, the tradition has continued and is enjoyed by several of my friends whether we are together at the time or not. However, one friend, The Maryland Bureau Chief, has on occasion suggested he would rather do it differently. TMBC prefers Jack Daniel's, which is Tennessee Sipping Whiskey. Though it is similar to bourbon, Jack Daniel's adds a filtering process that bourbon does not. I prefer the unfiltered Kentucky spirit over the Tennessee one. We are a little uncertain about what Coach Paterno's preference is though.

From time to time, Paterno is linked to Jack Daniel's rather than bourbon. I recall when I was an undergraduate, his son Scott mentioned Jim Beam in a Collegian column. However, The Lion in Autumn, Frank Fitzpatrick's book about the end of the Paterno era (except it wasn't! JoePa was right, he just needed a few more players like Derrick Williams, who was mentioned at the end of the book, to show up) in the early 2000s mentioned Jack Daniel's. So, in short we don't know his preference, but with a week before practice and over a month before kickoff, I decided to see if I could solve the mystery. Perhaps @JayPaterno can be of help.

UPDATE 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Jay Paterno followed up on my tweet about his father's choice of whiskey:
JayPaterno @doubleuefwhy It is neither Jack nor Jim for Joe--given his choice it is Old Granddad with lots of ice. Fitting for a guy with 17 grandkids.
So, it is official, bourbon is Joe Paterno's preferred whiskey, not Jack Daniel's. The great debate has at last been settled. Thank you Jay, you are a scholar and a gentleman. Also, glad you liked the "This Game is Fixed" poster at the 1999 Blue White Game. I really need to find that photo and rescan it.

Oh and as a Maker's Mark Ambassador, I'll put in the good word for that fine bourbon, an excellent choice for post-game victory toasts.

, , , , ,

Labels: ,

posted by WFY @ 12:46 PM | |

I have to second the JD preference.

# posted by Blogger Fritz : Monday, August 03, 2009 1:11:00 PM  

Post a Comment

Today is National Chili Dog Day: Free Coney at Hard Times - William World News
Thursday, July 30, 2009

Today is National Chili Dog Day: Free Coney at Hard Times

Today is National Chili Dog Day and Hard Times Café is celebrating by offering a free Coney Chili Dog (Cincinnati style) with a purchase. I'm not big on Cincy style, but who knows I may take them up on this one anyway. July is National Hot Dog Month, but you knew that right?

Hard Times Café has locations throughout Virginia, Maryland and even one in Raleigh, N.C. Tell them I sent you.

, ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 9:30 AM | |

National Chili Dog Day 07.30.2009: Free Coney at Hard Times Cafe with purchase - William World News
Wednesday, July 29, 2009

National Chili Dog Day 07.30.2009: Free Coney at Hard Times Cafe with purchase

I got tipped off by an email from the Nationals that tomorrow is National Chili Dog Day and Hard Times Café is celebrating by offering a free Coney Chili Dog (Cincinnati style) with a purchase. I'm not big on Cincy style, but who knows I may take them up on this one anyway. July is National Hot Dog Month, but you knew that right?

Hard Times Café has locations throughout Virginia, Maryland and even one in Raleigh, N.C. Tell them I sent you.

, ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 5:47 PM | |

State College: Tony's Big Easy, Lulu's lose liquor license - William World News
Friday, July 17, 2009

State College: Tony's Big Easy, Lulu's lose liquor license

Tony's license taken - The Collegian
Court closes troubled taverns - CDT
The once great Tony's Big Easy and associated bars are probably done for good:
Tony’s Big Easy, Lulu’s Nightspot, and Candy Bar and Lounge, were notified by the state Liquor Control Board on Thursday that they no longer have a valid license to sell liquor because their attorney never filed the papers required for their appeal to move onto a higher court.
Sounds like the owner just threw in the towel, probably a wise move.

I think this will be the last I blog about these bars.

-
, , ,

Labels: , ,

posted by WFY @ 2:30 PM | |

Decent D.C. area cheesesteaks - William World News
Friday, July 10, 2009

Decent D.C. area cheesesteaks

philly cheesesteak factory cheesesteak, whiz wit onions (raw)
Stealing Home: A Philly Love Song - CityPaper
I am not a Philadelphia expatriate, but I do love a good Philly cheesesteak wit whiz. I don't tend to even try getting them around here because I don't want to eat all of that fat, calories, salt, etc. for an inferior product. This article suggests I can come close at a few locations.
In our area, you can eat a cheese steak on genuine Amoroso rolls at Philadelphia Water Ice Factory, at Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory, and at South Street Steaks. The bread, in fact, is often a selling point for these shops. Why? Because the only cheese steak ingredient that can't be fudged is the roll, says Peter Mossaidis, a Philly native and owner of the small Cheesesteak Factory chain. South Street's owner Danny Uhr agrees.
I'll second the Amoroso roll statement, they make a big difference. I have been to Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory and found the steak (pictured above) I got there okay -- they use a little too much whiz that might be watered down. I am disappointed that one place I had been interested in, Al's Steaks in Del Ray, Alexandria gets the "no whiz" rating. I may try it anyway someday.

By the way, if I ever move away from the D.C. area the first thing I am going to do is complain about how you can't get a decent half-smoke around my new home.

Also, the story opens up by saying "you can't get an authentic cheese steak an hour outside (of Philly)." Circa 1995, there was a place in Bloomsburg, Pa. that advertised on the radio that they served the "best cheesesteaks north of Allentown" which I thought was one of the weakest advertising slogans I had ever heard.

, , ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

Tony's Big Easy not playing by the rules - William World News
Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Tony's Big Easy not playing by the rules

Police: Bars ignore court order - CDT
Since I still get a fair number of searches for Tony's Big Easy which was once a great State College bar, I feel like I should post this link about them ignoring court orders:
But now Tony’s Big Easy has again been cited by the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

Police said they found on seven different occasions that the bar wasn’t complying with terms Grine put in place in March that allowed the bars to stay open until the appeal is decided.

“It didn’t appear to us that (Sapia) was even making an effort to comply with the provisions of the court order,” said district office commander Sgt. Wayne A. Bush.
I haven't been there in exactly four years, one day and I don't plan on going back. It used to be such a good bar.

, , ,

Labels: ,

posted by WFY @ 12:20 PM | |

Review: Pepsi Throwback - William World News
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Review: Pepsi Throwback

Pepsi Throwback can
A while back my brother told me about a version of Pepsi flavored with sugar instead of corn syrup. Last week, I saw that version, Pepsi Throwback, in the stores for the first time and I picked up several packs. Part of me was hoping it would be better than regular Pepsi, but since it has a limited release, I was worried that if it was I would be spoiled by something that would soon go away. Having now had 3 or 4 cans, I can say that I do taste a bit of a difference. Throwback is not quite as sweet as regular Pepsi -- it is a little more nuanced, if that is even possible in carbonated sugar water. I've gone back and forth between Throwback and the regular stuff and not had a strong reaction either way, so I say the difference is not very significant. That being said, I'll probably stock up on the Throwback just because regular sugar isn't as bad for you as corn syrup.

I think I'm going to have to do the Pepsi Throwback Challenge though and blog the results.

, , ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

National Donut Day means free Krispy Kreme - William World News
Friday, June 05, 2009

National Donut Day means free Krispy Kreme

Free food alert: Friday is National Donut Day - Pop Candy, USA Today
Krispy Kreme is giving out donuts today. Find a location near you.

I won't be making it out to any of them, but hopefully this week's department breakfast will observe National Doughnut Day (Holiday Insights).

What is your preferred spelling, donut or doughnut? I prefer the former.

, , ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 6:00 AM | |

Hail 2thelion tailgate - William World News
Monday, April 27, 2009

Hail 2thelion tailgate

P4250240
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- For a few years know, I've been reading PSUGirl's football blog and hearing about the 2thelion tailgate. I've been intrigued, but since I stopped going to Penn State football games other than the Blue White game for the most part, this was my first opportunity to see it for myself.

I counted four canopies, two grills, two stoves, one oven and one turkey fryer. I did not even try to count the number of coolers. Among the offerings were ginger chicken wings, french toast sticks, pierogies, meatballs, pork sandwiches, deep fried turkey (wasn't there for that though), fried shrimp and other stuff I cannot remember two days after the fact. I am probably missing a lot. This was just spring practice for them too.

Thanks for the invitation Maddy, I enjoyed meeting you and the other tailgaters. I'll be back, someday.

[flickr : Photos tagged wtih 2thelion/slideshow]

, , ,

Labels: , ,

posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

we all really enjoyed meeting you. It was a great day , and a great tailgate. You are always welcome and we look forward to seeing you again!

# posted by Blogger PSUgirl : Monday, April 27, 2009 11:57:00 AM  

Post a Comment

Happy Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day 2009 - William World News
Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Happy Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day 2009

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day is today -- find a location near you.

, ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 8:00 AM | |

Ben & Jerrry's Free Cone Day 2009 is tomorrow - William World News
Monday, April 20, 2009

Ben & Jerrry's Free Cone Day 2009 is tomorrow

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day is tomorrow -- find a location near you. I am not sure we'll bother, could be a bit of trouble with a stroller, but you never know.

, ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 9:30 AM | |

George Washington, master distiller - William World News
Friday, April 17, 2009

George Washington, master distiller

Washington's whiskey hits the barrel after 200 year hiatus - USA Today
I have been hearing about plans to distill whiskey according to George Washington's recipe for several years.
In April, the Mount Vernon distillery and adjacent gristmill will open to the public for the season. And for the first time in nearly 200 years, liquor fans will soon be able to purchase whiskey made in the distillery, following Washington's own recipe.

"There's nowhere else in the country you can see what a distillery was like in the 18th century," said Dennis Pogue, Mount Vernon's associate director of preservation who oversaw the distillery's reconstruction. And the experience shows visitors an intriguing side of George Washington. "It's an opportunity to talk about different aspects of Washington's career that most people don't know about," he said.
I am quite interested to check out the distillery, though when I learned in the article that the whiskey was not barrel aged, I became less enthusiastic for actual product. Nevertheless, I'll be happy to give it a try.

, , ,

Labels: , , ,

posted by WFY @ 12:11 PM | |

Maggie Moo's giving out free scoops of ice cream - William World News
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Maggie Moo's giving out free scoops of ice cream

Maggie Moo's iis giving out a free scoop of ice cream today for Tax Day, April 15. Locations

H/T We Love DC

, , ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 8:00 AM | |

Free MaggieMoo's ice cream tomorrow - William World News
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Free MaggieMoo's ice cream tomorrow

Maggie Moo's iis giving out a free scoop of ice cream tomorrow in honor of Tax Day, April 15. Locations

H/T We Love DC

, , ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 12:06 PM | |

Nationals Park area bar scene still lacking, but hope on the way - William World News
Friday, April 10, 2009

Nationals Park area bar scene still lacking, but hope on the way

A Game Plan for Beers and Ball - The Post
Following up on yesterday's Marc Fisher column about the fledgling neighborhood around Nationals Park, a look at the bar scene that is coming for late this season or next season.
Some relief may be on the way later this year: The Velocity Capitol Riverfront condominiums, slated to open at First and L streets SE in the fall, will have a sports bar as part of its ground floor retail space.

And the real estate firm Akridge, which plans to eventually turn the space of a former Metrobus garage at Half and M streets into shops, offices and residential units, is hoping to convert the now-empty lot across from the centerfield gate on N Street into something of a block party this season. "The concept is a tented event space -- partially tented, mostly open -- with live entertainment, food and beverages," says Akridge Development Manager Adam Gooch. "Half Street is supposed to be the entertainment area. . . . We're trying to get some life down here."

Permits, schedules and most of the details of the project have yet to be finalized, but, well, the idea is promising
Right now, Capital Hill and 8th Street (Barracks Row) seem to be as close as you can get to Nationals Park.

JD Land if the place to go to keep up with the growth of the Nationals Park neighborhood.

, , ,

Labels: , , ,

posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

How Yuengling became one of the largest American owned brewers - William World News
Monday, March 30, 2009

How Yuengling became one of the largest American owned brewers

Yuengling poised to become largest American-owned brewer - Patriot-News
When Dick Yuengling bought the Yuengling Brewery from his father, it was a small, dying business. He revitalized it and now only Boston Beer Co. (Samuel Adams) is a larger American-owned brewer. Previously owned American breweries, Miller and Busch, have since been purchased by foreign conglomerates.

I do not feel as strongly about Yuengling Lager as some of my friends, but generally speaking, if I have beer in the house or at a tailgate, it is Yuengling. The quality to price ratio is quite good and I find Nittany Lion beef franks taste pretty good when they have "marinated" in it.

Oh and sorry, Matthew, Yuengling does not appear to be heading to Massachusetts anytime soon.

, ,

Labels: ,

posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

If you ever have the chance, tour the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville.

# posted by Blogger Fritz : Monday, March 30, 2009 2:30:00 PM  

Post a Comment

Tony's Big Easy still fighting for liquor license - William World News
Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Tony's Big Easy still fighting for liquor license

No decision in case of local bars - The Collegian
Sammark Inc., owners of the once great Tony's Big Easy and two other bars, will continue its battle to retain its liquor license at a Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court hearing in Harrisburg, date to be determined.

, , ,

Labels: ,

posted by WFY @ 8:14 PM | |

National Chili Day is TODAY -- free bowl of chili at Hard Times - William World News
Thursday, February 26, 2009

National Chili Day is TODAY -- free bowl of chili at Hard Times

Judging by the traffic I got yesterday, a lot of you are very happy that today is National Chili Day. I am afraid my wait will be considerably longer to get served my free bowl of Hard Times Café chili (with any purchase) now.



Hard Times Café has locations throughout Virginia, Maryland and even one in Raleigh, N.C. Tell them I sent you.

, ,

Labels:

posted by WFY @ 8:00 AM | |

FYI, the free bowl of chili does not apply to carry-out orders. I learned this when I ordered lunch from the Bethesda Hard Times today.

# posted by Blogger Fritz : Thursday, February 26, 2009 2:44:00 PM  

Post a Comment

copywrite
 William F. & William R. Yurasko
 December 20, 2009
 Alexandria, Va.
 Photo by Erica Yurasko

Twitter

spacer

Google Reader

spacer

The peoples

Scrappled
Eric Folley
dl004d

On probation
The BS Sports Blog
Fritz's World
Tortcaeser aka Brenda
Off Wing Opinion
spacer


Washington Nationals

Blogs
Just a Nats Fan
We've Got Heart
NationalsFanboyLooser
Fire Jim Bowden
Nationals Farm Authority
Federal Baseball
President's Race: Let Teddy Win
Nationals Inquisition
Nationals News Network
Oleanders & Morning Glories
Nationals Enquirer
Nats320
JD Land's SE Ballpark
Church of Baseball
Nationals Nation
Nats Triple Play
Nationals Baseball Fan
National Record
The Nationals Review

NationalsPride
Official
nationals.com
Harrisburg Senators
Potomac Nationals
Hagerstown Suns

Media
Post coverage
Nationals Journal
Wash. Times coverage
City Desk coverage
Examiner coverage
spacer


BeltwayLand

Blogs
We Love DC
DCRTV
City Desk
Fishbowl DC
Capital Weather
Get There

Media
The Post
The Wash. Times
The Wash. Examiner
Ch. 4 WRC
Ch. 5 WTTG
Ch. 7 WJLA
Ch. 9 W*USA
103.5 FM WTOP
88.5 FM WAMU
90.9 FM WETA
CityPaper
Vienna Times
Vienna/Oakton Connection


Pro sports teams
Nationals
Capitals
Redskins
Les Boulez
D.C. United
Mystics
Federals

DC Sports Blogs

DC Sports Bog
DC Pro Sports Report
Japers Rink
Ted Leonsis
Dump and Chase
Mr. Irrelevant
On Frozen Blog
AwfulAnnouncing


spacer


Down the Shore!

Down the Shore with Jen

nj.com (Star-Ledger)
Everything Shore
Jersey Shore Blogs

philly.com (The Inky & Philly Daily News)
Shore Guide
Downashore
spacer


Lion Country

Official
Penn State Univ.
College of Communications
COMM BLOG
Penn State Football
Penn State Football video
Penn State Sports
Penn State Sports

Media (PSU Sports)
CDT coverage
Patriot-News coverage
Post-Gazette coverage
Tribune-Review coverage
YDR coverage
Blue White Illustrated
Fight on State

Media (in general)
CDT
The Collegian

Sports Blogs
Black Shoe Diaries
2thelion FOOTBALL
The Nittany Line
The Nittany Notebook
There is No Name on My Jersey
Zombie Nation
The Lion's Den
50 Yard Lion
NittPickers
The Other Joe
Nittany Lines
Jeff Rice's blog
Monday Morning Quarterback
Ask Jeff

Happy Valley (past & present)
By Daniel Victor
Kevin McGuire's Ramblings 1.5
spacer


Outside the Beltway

Media
NPR (not literally)
The Times
Daily News
NY Post
The Sun
The Inky
USA Today (barely)
CDT
The Collegian
Patriot-News
Boston Globe
Post-Gazette
Tribune-Review
The Morning Call
The Onion

Sports
Yankees
Yale football
UniWatch
Chris Creamer's sportslogos.net
spacer