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.
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
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.
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.
So how do their chili dogs rate vs the Vienna Inn?
# posted by 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 WFY :
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:51:00 PM
Post a CommentPepsi Throwback is back - William World News
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Pepsi Throwback is back
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.
The Scottish got bagpipes from Ireland. What we didn't tell them was that it was a joke.
- a friend from Belfast
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.
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.
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
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 Fritz :
Thursday, October 08, 2009 1:17:00 PM
Apple picking at Crooked Run Orchard - William World News
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Apple picking at Crooked Run Orchard
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.
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.
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?
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.
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 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 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 :
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 Araman Osama Muhammad :
Monday, September 28, 2009 6:48:00 PMPost a Comment
Doughnut Plant on the Lower East Side - William World News
Friday, August 28, 2009
Doughnut Plant on the Lower East Side
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.
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.
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)
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 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?
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
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.
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
STONE HARBOR, NJ -- I have mentionedSpringer'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Decent D.C. area cheesesteaks - William World News
Friday, July 10, 2009
Decent D.C. area cheesesteaks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are Fajita Wars the new Cola Wars? - William World News
Are Fajita Wars the new Cola Wars?
TYSON'S CORNER, Va. -- On a recent excusion to one of Tysons Corner's casual dining restaurants, On the Border, I learned that it is home to the FAJITA REVOLUTION. Apparently, they are revolutionizing the way I enjoy fajitas. I disagree as I had brisket tacos instead. That is not the point though, apparently fajitas are much more serious than I could have possibly imagined. You may recall that On the Border's neighbor, Chili's, told me I could control my own Fajita Destiny. Are fajitas the next conflict in foodstuff marketing, like the Cola Wars* of the late 1980s?
I wonder how much further marketers will take this trend. Will be seeing things like Fajita Century, Generation Fajita, or Fajita Reich?
*My Advertising 320 professor told the class a couple of times, in muted tones, that he was a "veteran of the Cola Wars."
Strange for positing that question, especially since On the Border and Chili's are owned by the same company.
# posted by Muha :
Monday, February 23, 2009 2:23:00 PM
So, it is a civil war?
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 8:18:00 AM
Post a CommentAnother food service vendor for Nationals Park - William World News
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Another food service vendor for Nationals Park
Washington Nationals Introduce Levy Restaurants as restaurant partner at Nationals Park - The Post Centerplate is out as concessionaire after one year in Nationals Park by what appears to be mutual agreement. They lost money on the deal and the front office wants better service. Don't we all. Levy Restaurants becomes the third vendor in as many years for the Nationals. In the end, if they cannot find employees dedicated to more than sloth, the concessionaire will be a moot point. Seriously, the inefficiency of concession stand staff makes my head hurt. Why is it that I get better, more efficient service from student volunteers at Penn State games than professionals at Nats games?
An aside, I'm dreaming of a half-smoke, I assume Ben's Chili Bowl will still be featured with Levy on board.
At this rate, anything is an improvement over Aramark.
And don't forget cheaper-priced items at Beaver Stadium! After acclimating to an $8 chicken wing basket at RFK, I about fainted when I found nachos for $2 at a Penn State game.
# posted by Fritz :
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 12:02:00 PM
I think Centerplate was a slight improvement over Aramark, but not enough. Hopefully, Levy will be better, but realistically, I am not expecting much.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 12:34:00 PM
The problem isn't Aramark or Centerplate. The problem is the people that they hire to run the stands and quite frankly, unless Levy Restaurants, the Nationals, and WSEC decide to use non-profit groups to staff the concession stands, nothing in terms of service is going to change.
Pepsi fixes what wasn't broken - William World News
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Pepsi fixes what wasn't broken
My favorite soft drink, Pepsi Cola just changed their logo. Why, I cannot say. Looking at them side-to-side, it is clear to me the old "Pepsi ball" is better and the new one is just weird. I do like the new script though, especially the "e" which has a wave like the old Pepsi logo, but that reinforces that I don't like the new Pepsi ball. Why "fix" was is not broken?*
Pepsi has a flash presentation about the new and old designs on their Web site.
At least the product still tastes good. I might have to save an old can.
*Of course, by blogging about the change, I fell into the trap they set by creating a new logo.
Cooking with William & Erica: Pigs 'n blankets - William World News
Friday, December 19, 2008
Cooking with William & Erica: Pigs 'n blankets
While we could argue semantics about what pig 'n blankets are I am going simply say that little sausages wrapped in dough are what we call pigs 'n blankets. Now that this is established, I'll talk about making these simple hors d'œuvres.
Ingredients
1 package Hillshire Farms Lit'l Beef Smokies 2 tubes of crescent rolls (store brand works fine) 1 cookie sheet preheat the oven to 375° F.
Directions
Open up the crescent rolls and unwrap them. For each triangle, halve or third it, depending on dough-to-sausage preference. Wrap cut triangle around each sausage. Place wrapped sausages onto ungreased pan in preheated oven. Cook for 10 - 12 minutes.
Olga's Diner in Marlton closes for good - Courier-Post, Cherry Hill Olga's, a staple of the NJ 70/73 circle in Marlton, N.J., is closed for good. There were several shutdowns over the past year.
The diner was shut down Oct. 17 because, Stavros said, he owed nearly $17,000 to PSE&G for gas and electric service.
It was the fourth time this year the diner closed because of financial trouble. Olga's closed July 2-4, also because of a PSE&G bill; and July 24-29 because of $37,000 in delinquent state taxes. That closure was extended until Aug. 1 because of yet another PSE&G suspension.
I might have eaten at Olga's two or three times in all the years I passed it on the way to Grandma's and Long Beach Island.
Customs officials searching the bags of an African man who flew into Dulles International Airport on Friday discovered three charred monkeys in his luggage, as well as deer meat and dried beef, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said yesterday.
While it is very odd and possibly concerning, the monkey meat found in someone's luggage at Dulles Aiport means at least one thing -- a replay of Mike O'Meara's classic "Monkey, its what's for dinner" ad.
Last week we went to Harrisburg, but it was closed* - William World News
Monday, December 01, 2008
Last week we went to Harrisburg, but it was closed*
The best part of Celota's -- sun shining through their sign
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- On Black Friday, The Ombudsman, aka Cliff/Matthew/Matt came to visit while I up at my in-laws and we decided to go to Harrisburg for a drink. I had inquired with several people on where to go and got a list of places in the so-called "Restaurant Row." We figured that would be a safe bet for a place to find a decent selection of bourbons. Wrong! The places I had selected were closed, though their Web sites said there were open.
We wound up going to Ceoltas Irish Pub which had the apparently unique distinction of being open. It also had a waitress who knew nothing of whiskey such as the difference between Irish whiskey, Scotch and bourbon. Oh well, at least the company was good, but when it comes to Harrisburg, color me unimpressed. If there is a next time, we'll wait until after 4 p.m. and try the Iberian Lounge in Hershey.
Serves you right for trying to find something classy and interesting to do here. Next time, I'll just have you guys over at my place for some homebrew and Senape's pizza.
# posted by Run Up The Score :
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 9:17:00 AM
Perhaps after a day of skiing.
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 9:53:00 AM
Post a CommentFinal week of Henny's - William World News
On Tuesday, I got word from We Love DC and Fritz that one of my favorite places to eat in D.C., Les Halles, has closed. Erica and I loved their frites, martinis and the atmosphere. I also loved the arguments over the correct pronunciation of Les Halles. Maybe we will hit one in New York sometime. I am really mad we kept missing the Bastille Day waiter race too.
Free Taco Bell today, but who cares? - William World News
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Free Taco Bell today, but who cares?
Rather than give customers free tacos just because, Taco Bell came up with a contrived World Series tie-in -- Steal A Base, Steal a Taco. Yes, because someone stole a base during one of the early games of this year's World Series, Taco Bell is giving out free tacos for four hours starting at 2 p.m. today. Frankly, I think that is a really weak criterion since there is not much risk that a base won't be stolen in the World Series. They out to make it something like an outfield assist, triple or infield fly rule occurrence -- that would be much more interesting.
Penn State finally beats Michigan - William World News
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Penn State finally beats Michigan
At last the streak of losing to Michigan is over. The last time Penn State had beaten Michigan was in 1996, my sophomore year. That is way too long -- now let us never speak of it again. From now on, Michigan is just another game on the schedule and not a black cloud flying over our heads.
After A.Q. Shipley snapped the ball over Daryll Clark's head on the first play of the game, I got madder than I had been about sports in a many years. It wasn't until the Penn State safety in the second half that I began to calm down. All's well that ends well I suppose.
In the end Penn State beat a 2-4 team at home, let's not get too carried away. I did not even reach for the top shelf for the victory bourbon, Jim Beam is good enough. I'll have some premium stuff if Penn State wins next week.
Ben's Chili Bowl at 50 chat right now - William World News
Monday, August 25, 2008
Ben's Chili Bowl at 50 chat right now
Ben's Chili Bowl Turns 50 - The Post "D.C. culinary institution Ben's Chili Bowl turned 50 this month. Nizam Ali, son of founders Ben and Virginia, who runs the family business with his brother Kamal, will be online Monday, Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m. ET to take your questions about the restaurant's past, present and future."
Fifty years of Ben's Chili Bowl - William World News
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Fifty years of Ben's Chili Bowl
Ben's Celebrates Chili Power - The Post This week is the 50th anniversary of Ben's Chili Bowl*, the venerable U Street institution. Bill Cosby loves it more than Jello pudding:
By far, Ben's biggest celebrity fan is Cosby, who will serve as master of ceremonies for tonight's Lincoln Theatre event. The comic helped propel Ben's to the national spotlight in 1985 when he held a news conference there to talk about his No. 1 television program, "The Cosby Show."
Cosby became a fan when he was in the Navy and stationed in Bethesda in 1958. During that time, he was a regular at jazz clubs on U Street. And he also took his soon-to-be wife, Camille, who was a student at the University of Maryland, to Ben's on late-night dates, where he would eat as many as six half-smokes at a time. Cosby likens a Ben's half-smoke, a plump beef and pork sausage, to a fine wine.
"You can describe it the same way a wine connoisseur would be able to tell difference between a pinot noir and a merlot," Cosby said in a telephone interview. "When you bite into a half-smoke, the skin and the way the texture and firmness and the toppings you can get on it . . . "
His voice trailed off, as if he was caught in the memory of the taste.
Six?! The man had a stomach of steel. By the way, that is not recommended date behavior.
Oh and it looks like I will be taking Cliff there real soon -- his Phillies beat the Nats for the eighth time in eleven games. The Phillies need two more victories over the Nats to clinch a Ben's half-smoke for Cliff. The Nats need to win every remaining game against Philadelphia to win me a cheesesteak. Given that the Nats haven't won in 13 games overall, I am not feeling too good about this one.
*The bandwidth limit was exceeded earlier this morning.
More details on the end of Henny's - William World News
Thursday, August 07, 2008
More details on the end of Henny's
I searched for Henny's news, but only found out about this when my dad mentioned that he saw something in the Cape May News Herald:
The vacant lot on the corner of 96th Street and Third Avenue will soon host the highly anticipated resort, as will the current Henny’s Restaurant property on the corner of 97th Street and Third Avenue; this will be its last season open. The resort will gain the Henny’s liquor license once the sale is finalized.
The reconstructed Henny’s property will include a large day spa, cafe, wine bar, and restaurant with 12 bi-level suites in a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building, an environmental standard in creating eco-friendly buildings. Construction will not begin until next winter, Architect Richard Stokes said.
I don't care whether its called pork roll or Taylor ham - William World News
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
I don't care whether its called pork roll or Taylor ham
STONE HARBOR, N.J. -- I am a late adopter when it comes to pork roll, but better late than never, right? This processed meat could probably qualify as N.J.'s state foodstuff, provided you are not including Jersey fresh produce like tomatoes, corn (soooo good), peaches or blueberries (Hammonton boasts being the blueberry capital of the world). Taylor, of Trenton is probably the best known variety although there are a few others.
I like my pork roll grilled with the traditional four cuts to keep it from curling up. I eat them on a hamburger roll, no condiments, but many people have mustard and/or relish or have it on an english muffin with an egg.
# posted by Fritz :
Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:07:00 PM
You want to call them steamed hams, despite the fact that they clearly are not burgers? Does the dateline indicate it was from upstate N.Y.? Now, if you'll excuse me I'm watching aurora borealis in my kitchen.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:31:00 AM
Love pork roll. I also love the Simpsons. Makes me want to watch that episode right now...or when I get home.
By the way, for my dad's birthday, we gave him the book Jersey Diners by Peter Genovese, now of the Star-Ledger who runs the Munchmobile blog. Check out the Munch Map. Anyway, my dad is really enjoying the book. I took at a look at it; Olga's is in there.
Overheard: Henny's to be sold, demolished - William World News
Monday, August 04, 2008
Overheard: Henny's to be sold, demolished
STONE HARBOR, N.J. -- I was surprised to hear the rumor that Henny's, now in its 77th summer, may not see a 78th. Apparently, the land is for sale and a potential buyer has been found. The new buyer would knock the venerable Stone Harbor institution down and replace it with a hotel.
When I was a kid Henny's had honey-dipped fried chicken that I thought was out of this world. When I started going back to Avalon/Stone Harbor, I was kind of disappointed they did not have it. Henny's has been Yurasko favorite for most of those 77 years, it will be sad to see it go if this rumor is accurate.
Tony's Big Easy in big trouble with liquor board - William World News
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tony's Big Easy in big trouble with liquor board
Bars fight to regain licenses - The Collegian Three State College bars, including my former favorite Tony's Big Easy, might be losing their liquor licenses.
The future of Tony's Big Easy and two accompanying bars is uncertain after the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) declined to renew their parent company's liquor license last week.
After multiple incidents and violations on the premises -- including a murder in 2006 and a February fight which saw four arrests and a crowd of 200 surge into the street -- the board voted against renewing the license for Sammark Inc., owner of Tony's Big Easy, Lulu's Nightspot and Candy Bar & Lounge, all located at 129 1/2 S. Pugh St.
The Big Easy, circa 1998-99 was one of my favorite bars ever. It had good background music -- jazz, salsa, swing, big band, and great martinis. That Penn State's sweet young things thought the bar was worthy of little black dresses also had something going for it too. However, in the years after I graduated, the bar went downhill. The music was changed the same thing in every other bar in town and the service went downhill. After a lackluster evening their the night before I got married, I decided I would not bother going back, it was merely a shell of the bar it used to be.
Dress like a cow, get free Chick-fil-A - William World News
Friday, July 11, 2008
Dress like a cow, get free Chick-fil-A
I don't think I am going out on a limb when I say that dressing like a cow to get a free Chick-fil-A combo meal makes more sense than getting a free Slurpee for doing nothing. Chick-fil-A is pretty good stuff, so if you have a cow costume lying around, I say go for it, celebrate "Cow Appreciation Day" with them and get some free food.
You can download official Chick-fil-A "cow parts" too.
Free slurpees are probably overpriced - William World News
Free slurpees are probably overpriced
Since today is 07.11, 7-Eleven is giving out free Slurpees, if you are into that kind of thing. I have had about four1 in my life and after having one last year2. I remembered why pretty quickly.
I will not think less of you if you get one though, honestly.
I don't think I even need to post a store locater.
There is even better free food news coming up at 10:00.
1One of them came in a Fernando Valenzuela cup that is probably still in a cabinet in my parents' basement. For some reason, he had something that looked like a tear near one of his eyes.
TYSON'S CORNER, Va. -- A recent excusion to the Tyson's Chili's with co-workers revealed this unusual marketing campaign for fajitas.
I did not get the fajitas for three reasons:
Economical: When dining at Chili's, Friday's, Flingers, etc. I find the best way to handle the situation is order the least expensive tolerable food possible. Fajita's were something like $15 I think. I wound getting some sort of chicken fingers selection for something like $8. Think of it as damage control.
Gastronomical: I am not a big fan of fajitas and all those peppers don't work too well for me.
Semantic: I'm no Calvinist, but isn't destiny preordained? Fajita destiny is just a bit over the top, no?
July is National Hot Dog month - William World News
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
July is National Hot Dog month
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council has a good video on hot dog etiquette, but I'll use ketchup (and prepositions at the end of sentences) if I want to!
Bourbon producers see amber-colored future - AP/MSNBC Lionel Hutz must be pleased to know that the "brownest of the brown liquors" is so popular at home and abroad. Bourbon distilleries Wild Turkey, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam and others are all expanding to meet increasing demand. Sales are robust enough for the distilleries that they won't be passing along the rising cost of corn onto consumers for some time too.
One pet peeve about the article though, it mentions Jack Daniel's, a Tennessee sipping whiskey. Bourbon does not need to be charcoal filtered like Jack.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Eammon's bills itself as a Dublin Chipper, but having never been to that Irish city, I cannot validate the claim. I can say that it is a hole in the wall that is tastefully done. The interior is dark stained wood with big windows facing the corner of King and Columbus. The tables are wooden with benches along with a small counter with stools. If the seating capacity exceeds 25, I would be quite surprised. It is a pleasant place to have a meal. Diners order from the front and take what ever seats are available, so be prepared for a little jockeying.
As for the meal, the cod is breaded and fried and is fairly unremarkable – it is cod after all. It comes in two sizes, small which a bit wider and deeper than a deck of cards and large, which is double the small size. The chips (french fries to the rest of the English speaking world) are quite attractive to the eye -- thick and golden brown. They are not that flavorful though, so plenty of ketchup is required which is fine if you like ketchup. Malt vinegar is also on the table if that is how go like your potatoes. All in all, okay but nothing special.
Beverage-wise everything is in bottles except for Guinesss which is on tap. I ordered a bottle of Harp, since that compliments fish and chips better in my mind.
Our final bill came to $32 with a tip that was overly generous. It struck me as a little pricey. For that reason, plus the limited space, I would only recommend Eammons as a impulse decision if you are in the mood for fish n' chips while walking around Old Town.
LaVar turning Sports Cafe into Linebacker U. bar - William World News
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
LaVar turning Sports Cafe into Linebacker U. bar
LaVar eyes 'Linebacker U' bar - CDT LaVar Arrington is one of the investors in "Linebacker U." the new bar that is coming to the old Sports Cafe location on W. College Ave. in State College.
Actually, I was right about Cereality - William World News
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Actually, I was right about Cereality
Downtown cereal spot closes shop - The Collegian I did not need to backtrack from my "not enough for a successful business model" comment about the State College Cereality after all. The store on W. College Ave. has closed.
Ballparks food tour omits half-smoke - William World News
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Ballparks food tour omits half-smoke
Buy Me Some Sushi and Baby Back Ribs - The Times A Travel writer samples food at all MLB ballparks and comes up with hits and misses. For some reason, he does not sample a Ben's Half-Smoke all the way, getting the curly W pretzel instead. Endless Simmer has a great follow-up post that wonders how that could happen.
I still have to get a curly W pretzel. It was a concept I endorsed in the Nationals Instant Tradition contest back in 2006. I also submitted "Heart," thereby disqualifying myself by entering twice. By the way, was there ever an actual winner of that contest?
I will concur avoiding the Geno's cheesesteak in Philly's Citizen's Bank Park too, the one I had on Opening Day 2005 was disappointing.
Free A&W Root Beer floats today - William World News
Monday, June 16, 2008
Free A&W Root Beer floats today
A&W is giving away free root beer floats (Business Wire), no purchase necessary, today. There are not that many locations on my side of the Potomac (Chantilly and Woodbridge), but Maryland has a few.
Truth be told, I don't like floats that much (despite liking ice cream and root beer in frosty mugs, individually), but I bet a number of you do.
J. R. Simplot, a billionaire who grew up in a sod-roofed log cabin and dropped out of school at 14, then marshaled luck, spunk and inventiveness to fashion an entrepreneurial career that included developing the first commercial frozen French fry, died on Sunday at his home in Boise, Idaho. He was 99.
I paid tribute this American hero last night with some tasty Ore Idas. If he only knew how much I appreciate his innovations.
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