Thursday, August 2, 2007
RIVER STREET JAZZ CAFE IS TOP FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT MECCA
Plains, Pa. is hardly the place one would expect to find a top-notch entertainment venue, but River Street Jazz Cafe, at 667 N. River Street fills the bill.
Rob Friedman, of Friedman Electric Supply, opened the establishment some 15 years ago, and, under the general management of Tom Moran, the “joint is jumping”!
Featuring a delectable array of foods, and beverages, one would be hard-pressed to find a better place to “hang-out” or to seek a variety of entertainment in the NEPA area.
Open Wednesday thru Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., River Street is available for special events and fund raisers, but the highlight has to be the entertainment provided to a public “starved” for a variety of music and good food.
The smokefree environment (until midnight), really hops on Wednesday nights when an “Open Mic” session is available for musicians and bands to promote their particular brand of music to an appreciative audience. The “no cover” sessions draw an audience which knows no age boundaries, and the performers vary from solo artists such as Scranton’s young Dan Dalrymple, contemporary keyboard performer/composer, to more seasoned performers like Bare Knuckles, a trio of professional-level heavy metal rockers Charlie Russello, Tony Garuba and Kevin Brislin who can blow away a crowd with their sounds.
Be it electronic, jazz, funk, contemporary, blues, rock, soul, bluegrass or reggae, music aficionados are bound to come away entertained and happy.
Thursday nights are usually occupied by the “house band” of Dylan, Dirk and Josh who perform an appetizing variety of jazz, funk jam and electronic.
Friday and Saturday nights are booked well in advance and offer such favorites as Cabinet & Big Leg Emma (bluegrass & jam); Clarence Spady Band (blues & rock), DJ Williams Project (soul, funk & blues); George Wesley & Roamin’ Gabriel (jazz, funk & reggae); Indobox Electronic (jazz & jam); Lotus (electronic, trance & jam); Rouge, Chimp & Telepath (trance, jazz & funk); and special nights.
Upcoming dates include Aug. 7th, “Tom’s Birthday Bash” with Peter Prince & Moon Boot Lover, and a special guest star; Aug. 25th with a “Tribute to Pearl Jam” by Ten; and a Sept. 1st special with Abilene Bluegrass & Rock.
The Friday and Saturday dates are free of a “cover” until 8 p.m.
Tom (Moran) has been the general manager at the River Street venue for over five years and is a graduate of Lackawanna Community College with a degree in restaurant and hotel management. A knowledgeable and die-hard music fan, he is proud of his “charges” and offers young musicians and bands an opportunity to perform, with parents or chaperones on hand, in the early stages of the Open Mic sessions.
S
ign up is required for performers and most entertainers are allocated at least three numbers to perform. With 6 mixes on stage, an excellent sound system and lighting system, and
professional-grade technicians on hand, Moran maintains a “hands-on” approach and, while he tries to strictly adhere to a time schedule, he treats everyone fair and equitably and is always available to offer constructive criticism if needed. Performers also have a “green room” available for their breaks and a spot to “kick back” before going on stage.
Recognizing that many performers are young, and with limited experience, he nevertheless treats them with respect and encourages them to pursue their goals.
In past years, River Street has hosted such notables as Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton, Average White Band, Bo Diddley and Yellow Jackets among a long list of nationally known acts.
The full-service bar offers a great variety of drinks, and a very capable wait staff is fast and courteous. Food items are served direct from kitchen to table in a manner consistent with any fine restaurant.
Boneless wings are a Wednesday night specialty and the servings are adequate and tasty at $4 per person. Thursday night’s Burger special features quality Angus beef and are a bargain at $4 per. Friday night highlights a Brazilian Rock Lobster Tail Dinner special for just $21.98 and the Saturday New York Strip Dinner, at $11.98, is highly prized.
The menu offers a complete variety, at reasonable costs, and the food, price and service are comparable, if not superior, to any restaurant in the NEPA area. But, once again, the entertainment is the main attraction and River Street Jazz Cafe is probably NEPA’s top value for music lovers of all ages a
nd persuasions.
Incidentally, smokers are welcome to use a covered patio area or to step outside for a smoke. Or, they can wait until after midnight to light up inside.
The venue will celebrate its 15th year of operation on Nov. 13th and plans are underway to make it a rousing occasion. Call 570-822-2992 for further information and don’t be reluctant to visit the area’s best entertainment & dining spot. JT
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Recipe of the Week 8/3/07
Time: 8 to 10 Hours (low)/4 to 5 hours (high)
Servings: 6
1 - 2 to 3 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast
1 - tablespoon of cooking oil
1 - medium onion, sliced
1 - 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic, undrained
1/4 - cup of sliced, pitted ripe olives
1 - tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
2 - teaspoons of dried herbes de Provence, crushed
1 - teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 - cup crumbled feta cheese (2 ounces)
1. Trim fat from meat. If necessary, cut meat to fit into a 3 1/2 quart or 4 quart slow cooker. In a large skillet, brown meat on all sides in hot oil. Drain off fat. Set aside.
2. Place onion in cooker; top with meat. In a medium bowl combine undrained to matoes, olives, Wocestershire sauce, herbes de Provence, and pepper; pour over meat in cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
4. Remove meat from cooker. Cut meat into six serving-size pieces. Arrange meat on a serving platter. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetable to serving platter, reserving juices. Spoon enough of the juices over meat and vegetables to mois ten. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
Peckville Woman Offers Mouthwatering “Sweet Obsessions by Amber”
Nowadays, not many women are willing to modify their careers to enable themselves to raise their children. In fact, not many women even consider staying at home to raise their kids, with the rise of new daycares, as well as the cost of living
However, Amber Meinzer has found something that she can enjoy, and allow her to raise her two year old son, Christopher, at the same time.
Chris and Amber Meinzer
In 2005, the Peckville resident started a home-based bakery called ‘Sweet Obsessions by Amber’.
“I was trying to think of something that I could do from home, so I could be with my son”, she said
“I considered opening a daycare, but I found more talent with baking.”
Sweet Obsessions, the only bakery in Peckville, boasts a variety of gourmet cookies, such as Italian, traditional, and specialty favorites, gourmet candy covered apples and pears, homemade breads, including seasonal classics like pumpkin rolls and Irish soda bread, and chocolate covered strawberries, all derived from Meinzer’s original recipes.
Ambers makes desserts for all occasions, including birthdays, weddings, Christmas, Valentines Day, including special gifts. She also works alongside a local caterer, making desserts for different parties and events.
Besides her vast menu, she also takes special requests, such as chocolate covered popcorn, for a recent Bar Mitzvah.
While ‘Sweet Obsessions’ is currently run out of her home, she plans to expand to a storefront in the future.
“Every year I expand on something; two years ago I began with just gourmet cookies, then I added fruit and candy to the menu. The next will probably be a website so I can take orders over the web”, she explains.
Besides having some of the most delectable sweets in the area, she also boats significantly lower prices than most area bakeries.
Along with being a loving mother, Amber also enjoys fishing, camping, swimming, cooking and baking for her family and friends, and computers. She is currently five months pregnant, with a baby girl.
She happily married to her husband of 3 years, Chris, who is an employee at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Her husband is very supportive of her endeavor and is as loving a parent as she is.
Amber should be looked at as a role model for young mothers, who are faced at a crossroad when deciding whether to stay at home with their children or work full time at a career, especially in an age where such an emphasis is put on money.
With her delightful assortments, ‘Sweet Obsessions by Amber’ will surely keep expanding towards a bright, sweet future. RM
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Joe Talamini
Publicity, Public Relations
Personal Management
P.O. Box 305
Scranton, Pa 18501
(570)-961-7476
Reader’s Contest
What famous bassist was married to jazz great Ella Fitzgerald?
Answer this question and be eligible to win a $25.00 gift certificate to a local dining spot.
One winner will be chosen from all correct entries received by August 13th.
Entries should be mailed to:
La Ristorante NEPA
P.O. Box 305
Scranton, PA 18501
Submit your entry on any sized paper and include your name, address, city, zip code and phone number. Only the name and hometown of the winner will be published.
The winner will be selected in a random drawing of all correct entries and the winner will be announced in the following publication. Winners will not eligible for subsequent drawings for a minimum of four issues. We are not responsible for late or lost entries. – The Editors
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Contemporary Keyboard Artistry
Available for your Entertainment
www.dandalrymple.com
Or Call:
570-342-1033
This Week In NEPA
Coming event submissions for this column will be accepted in writing only and must be signed by writer, including name, address, and contact number. Submissions must be related to restaurant and entertainment areas only, and are subject to editing for content and may be rejected at the sole discretion of publisher.
Special Dessert Recipe
Triple Chocolate Tiramisu
Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
2 3-ounce packages of ladyfingers, split
1/4 cup of brewed espresso or strong coffee
1 8-ounce carton mascarpone cheese
1 cup of whipping cream
1/4 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1/3 cup of chocolate liqeur
1 ounce of white chocolate baking squares or white baking bars, grated
1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, grated
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Chopped chocolate-covered coffee beans (optional)
1. Line the bottom of an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with enough ladyfingers to cover; cut to fit. Drizzle half of the espresso over the ladyfingers.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer just until stiff peaks form (tips stand up straight), scrapping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in the chocolate liqeur until combined.
3. Evenly spread half of the mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers. Sprinkle white chocolate and bittersweet chocolate over the mascarpone mixture. Top another layer of ladyfingers (reserve any remaining ladyfingers for another use), remaining espresso, and remaining mascarpone mixture.
4. Cover and chill for 6 to 23 hours. Sift cocoa powder over top of dessert. If desired, garnish with chocolate covered coffee beans.
Entertainment Guide
Submissions for inclusion in this section must include address, name of authorized agent, and telephone number, and will be subject to acceptance by publisher. Nonprofit activities will accepted free of charge from any governmental, civic, or social agency, and are subject to editing for content and space requirements. Any commercial submissions will be subject to $10 cost per 5 lines and must include accurate dates. Subject matter must be suitable for inclusion in family-type publication and publisher reserves the right to reject any content which we deem inappropriate. Commercial submissions must include prepayment for the period of specified activity. Checks should be payable to: JT Publications and submitted to P.O. Box 305 Scranton, Pa 18501 or call: 570– 961-7476 for any questions. Any photos will be charged at standard ad rates.
Publisher reserves the right to attend any performance and will have the sole decision as to continuance of any submissions subject to any agreement between agency and publisher. We will attempt to present a fair and equitable
Thursday, July 19, 2007
HONESDALE’S “ARTHUR AVE. ITALIAN DELI” TOPS THE CHART IN QUALITY, CHARM & PRICE
Northeast Pennsylvania can boast an abundance of delicatessens, but few can compare with the Arthur Ave. Italian Deli in Honesdale. Now in its second year, the specialty dining establishment is situated in the Route 6 Mall (K-Mart) in Honesdale.
When brothers Peter and Paul Pons decided to relocate to Wayne County from their, what else, Arthur Ave., Bronx, N.Y. roots, they had a vision of opening a business which would offer them a comfortable living and a great place to raise their families. Just a few short months later, they have surpassed their goals and are contributing to a growing NEPA community.
The personable young men have brought their charm, dedication and business acumen to the busy “strip” and, along with a touch of the Bronx’s famed Arthur Ave. Italian “food capitol”, a charming and super clean little spot for even the finest gourmet taste.
Specializing in the “hero” sandwich market, the brothers have not neglected to provide hot platters and a wide array of Italian cookies, meats, pastas and salads at prices which are comparable, if not more reasonable than the average “run-of-the-mill” deli.
Hot or cold heroes are available in 6” or 12” versions, ranging in price from $3.95 to $5.95, the only exception being the fabulous sausage, peppers and onions sandwich at $4.50 and $6.50 respectively.
Among our favorites are the cold prosciutto, fresh mozzarella
and roasted pepper sandwich at $5.95 and generously adorned with lettuce, tomato & mayo on a fresh hero roll. The prosciutto (Italian ham) , has a unique taste of its own and is far superior to anything outside the famed Bronx market area, home for most of the finest imported Italian food products. Another outstanding hero is the roast beef, delicately sliced and heaped onto a hero roll with the usual lettuce, tomato and mayo.
Sopresatta (hot or sweet), capocollo (hot or sweet) and mortadella heroes are also available and are prepared for even the most discriminating taste buds. Among the hot heroes are chicken, eggplant or meatball parmigiana sandwiches, along with a variety of others. Newcomers to the gourmet deli environment might want to try the grilled eggplant, zucchini and
roasted pepper hero, a vegetarian delight.
Dinner platters include chicken marsala, chicken francese and a mouthwatering chicken scrapallelo combing white wine, lemon, garlic sauc with chunks of chicken and sausage and served with a side of pasta. The chicken sorrentino, prepared in a marsala wine sauce, is topped with eggplant, prosciutto, mozzarella and is highly recommended. All platters are prepared fresh and include a side of pasta. At $9.95 all the hot platters are sure to tantalize the most discerning palates.
Freshly prepared salads, including Italian specialty salads are also available and an array of Italian cookies, pastry and desserts top off the menu. The ever popular “cannoli” is
priced at $3.50 and the gourmet treat “Tiramisu” is available at $3.95. Other Italian specialty desserts include Tartufo and Tortoni.
While all items are freshly made, and available for dining in or take out, many patrons also avail themselves of the Arthur Ave. catering service as well. A wide variety of trays are available ranging in pri
ce from $19.95 for house or Caesar salads, to $29.95 for the cold antipasto salad. Entrees are available from $29.95 for the penne vodka, or rigatoni tomato basil, to $45.95 for the sausage, peppers and onions tray. Many trays are priced at $41.95, including the chicken specialties, and all are designed to feed 10 to 15 people.
Needless to say, an array of frozen or dry pasta is available for home cooking, along with breads, cookies and drinks.
Overall, the Arthur Ave. Italian Deli can boast one of the finest lines of deli food available this side of New York City at prices which are considerably more reasonable for the quality and quantity than those available at lesser establishments.
Peter and Paul can also boast of a clean and friendly, though somewhat confined, dining area, and can be proud if their achievements. Customers are greeted with a warm and friendly smile, fast service and are made to feel at home and like old friends. The well-lighted and comfortable surroundings are impeccably clean.
Business hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. six days per week. Closed on Tuesdays, the Pons brothers are to be commended for their quality foods, service and prices. We first encountered them a few months ago and delight in making the occasional trip from Scranton to partake of their excellent offerings.
If a deli can be rated as a gourmet dining spot, Arthur Ave. Italian Deli in Honesdale merits a 5 star award., and many dining establishments in NEPA could learn from the brothers’ personal charm and speed of service. No matter your location, a trip to Honesdale and the deli should prove a delight to anyone. Orders can be placed ahead by calling 570-253-6095. Tell them you heard about them here! JT