by Nikki M. MascaliStaff Writer
UP IN SMOKE
NEPA may soon see its first hookah lounges. Michael Pasquini hopes to open The Crimson Lion at 35-37 E. South St. in Wilkes-Barre in February. A hookah is a communal water pipe used to smoke tobacco, and hookah lounges have grown popular in cities across the country over the past few years.
The Crimson Lion will also offer gourmet coffee and more than 20 different tobaccos in flavors like blueberry, mint and apple. Pasquini will appear before the city zoning hearing board on Jan. 20 for a permit for the lounge.
Mohammad Tajak already has approval from the city for his Hookah Lounge & Kabob in downtown Scranton. He told Dish Tuesday via e-mail he’s now only waiting on lease approval from his landlord.
PINNACK’S PUNCHES OUT
Pinnack’s Bar & Grill (199 Division St., Pringle) has closed. The establishment opened last year in the location that was previously Leary’s Kork & Keg.
LONG LIVE THE KING
Cork Bar & Restaurant (463 Madison St., Wilkes-Barre) is hosting an Elvis Birthday Bash Friday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. Friday would have been “The King’s” 75th birthday. The night features live music by Elvis tribute artist Jimmy T, Elvis drink and dinner specials, trivia for prizes and more.
Cork’s Winter Wine school kicks off Tuesday, Jan. 12 with Fine Wine on a Tight Budget. The class is $15 per person. Future dates are Jan. 26 and Feb. 9 and 23. Call 570.270.3818 to reserve a spot.
For more info on Cork, visit www.corkdining.com.
BENNIGAN’S TURNING JAPANESE
Mizu, a Japanese restaurant, will open next month in the former Bennigan’s on Highland Park Boulevard in Wilkes-Barre Twp. Bennigan’s closed in September. One of Mizu’s owners, Hang Lin, told The Times Leader that plans are to have the restaurant open before Valentine’s Day.
The restaurant will serve lunch Monday through Saturday and dinner seven days a week. It will have six hibachi tables, a sushi bar and full-service bar.
HERE’S TO 25 MORE, CIRCLES!
I’d like to wish a very happy anniversary to Circles on the Square (9 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre)! My favorite downtown lunch spot recently celebrated its 25th anniversary of offering amazing sandwiches, funky finds and exceptional service — and not to mention the best pickles this side of the Susquehanna.
Circles is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in season. For more info, visit www.circlesonthesquare.biz or call 570.829.4005. (Note to local businesses: You might want to sign up for Circles’ daily specials fax list, the names always make me laugh.)
THE PERFECT STEAK
Last week, my family and I ate a truly fantastic meal together at Ruth’s Chris Steak House inside Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs (1280 Route 315, Plains Twp.). It was my first time eating at the steak house, and it certainly will not be my last.
We started with the crabtini, veal osso buco ravioli (little pillows of heaven, if you ask me) and sweet potato casserole which would make a perfect dessert. My filet was incredible — seared at Ruth’s Chris’ signature 1,800 degrees — and I got a side of au poivre sauce, made with brandy and pepper, that was exquisite.
Honestly, I’m still dreaming about this meal, but see for yourself: Ruth’s Chris is open Monday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m.-midnight (the restaurant closes at 11 p.m.), Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. (restaurant closes at midnight) and Sundays from 1-11 p.m. (restaurant closes at 9 p.m.). Call 570.208.2266 or visit www.poconodowns.com/dining.
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