by Nikki M. MascaliStaff Writer
HOT DIGGITY DOG
While it’s not quite summer, Bart & Urby’s (119 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre) is ready for some hot dogs. And by hot dogs I mean it’s time for the downtown establishment’s second annual Hot Dog eating contest, which will take place this Thursday, May 7 at 9:30 p.m.
“We had quite a response last year,” said Brian Urbanas, who co-owns Bart & Urby’s with Eric Bartoletti.
Urbanas estimates the contest drew 100 spectators and 10 eaters last year. Russ “The Animal” Keeler won after he downed 18 hot dogs in 12 minutes. Urbanas plans to make a minimum of 150 hot dogs, giving 10-15 to each contestant. There is an entrance fee of $10 for contestants, who will be in the running not only for bragging rights, but also a $300 cash prize. Eaters can sign up at the bar.
TASTING A GOOD CAUSE
“Taste of the Valley,” a fundraiser for The Geneva School in Olyphant will be held Thursday, May 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Genetti Manor (1505 Main St., Dickson City). The school is the only classical Christian school in NEPA and isn’t supported by any church or the government. It relies on tuition for 85 percent of its funds and fundraisers for the rest.
“We have tried a number of events over the years, and this is our most successful — people like to eat,” said Cindy Cox, chairperson of the event and a Geneva School board member. “This is our fifth year.”
Food includes desserts, entrees, appetizers and more. Tickets are $15 in advance for adults or $20 at the door. Tickets for children under 12 are $5. For more info, call 570.489.7620 or visit www.genevataste.org.
SONIC BOOM SOON
If you’ve driven by the Wyoming Valley Mall recently, you’ve seen that construction on the new Sonic Drive-In is coming along swimmingly. (I doubt, though, you’re as excited as I am that the chain is finally coming to NEPA). We can all thank Sean Kelly of Mountaintop, his business partner Jody McGrail of Clarks Summit and Deana Irwin of Lebanon for bringing the Southern-based franchise here.
“We looked at several concepts and found that there’s no brand quite like Sonic,” Kelly told Dish this week. “It’s a unique concept from the menu to the carhops.”
Though construction began last November in the former location of KFC, bringing Sonic to NEPA has been an 18-month project. Kelly, McGrail and Irwin have seven more Sonics up their sleeves in five counties — though the next focus will be on Scranton and Hazleton. Kelly said Wilkes-Barre’s is slated to open in early June.
Naturally, I asked him what his favorite menu item is.
“The Oreo Blast, but I don’t think I should eat them everyday, or multiple ones every day,” he said with a laugh. He also cites the extreme tots — tater tots smothered in chili and cheese, topped with onions, jalapenos and sour cream — as another contender.
CHARMED AT BENTLEY’S
Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes — featured in the Food Network’s popular series “Ace of Cakes” — made a delivery to Bentley’s (2300 Route 309, Ashley) this past weekend.
In the shape of St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church of Wilkes-Barre Twp.’s choir loft, the cake was part of a celebration that honored George Daru, a 50-year parishioner, while also celebrating the parish’s 80th anniversary. The cake featured the church’s stained-glass window and Daru’s likeness at a podium.
PHILLY MISSION
I took Dish on the road to Philadelphia over the weekend. My main goal was to eat a cheesesteak at the infamous Geno’s Steaks. I had even practiced my “one Whiz, without” (translation: one cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz instead of American or provolone, no onion) so as not to be banned for life.
Geno’s didn’t happen, but I discovered a place I would gladly drive to Philly just to eat at: The Mission Grill on the corner of 19th and Arch streets. Being a hardcore foodie, I naturally scoped the place out online beforehand ( www.themissiongrill.com). Burglars call this “casing a joint” — I call it “pre-ordering.”
Reason No. 1 it’s awesome: It’s a tequila bar. Reason No. 2: Its homemade guacamole was ridiculously good and was heavy on the cilantro. Ditto on the salsa. Reason No. 3: The turkey wrap, featuring corn and black bean salsa, hickory smoked bacon, pepper-jack cheese, cilantro ranch dressing and a side of pineapple and cantaloupe. So good!
If you find yourself in the neighborhood of Logan Circle/Square, do not miss Mission Grill.
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