Chocolate Ave. Chatter

Hershey Happenings

Despite an almost quiet end to September, the changing leaves and fall-like weather won’t slow the season in Hershey.

One of the largest antique car shows in the country, the annual Eastern Divison AACA National Fall Meet is coming around the corner, kicking off the first full week of October. Hershey has hosted this car show and flea market since 1955.

Check out more than 1,500 show cars and 9,000 flea market spaces on the grounds surrounding Hersheypark and The Giant Center. Admission is free!

As many of you know, Hershey Theatre is a good friend of ours. If you haven’t had the chance, I highly recommend their SPOTLIGHT TOUR. It runs twice a week -- 11 a.m. on Fridays and 1 p.m. on Sundays with a $7 adult admission; $5.50 for kids under 12.

The tour takes you behind the scenes at Hershey Theatre and investigates the building’s grand architecture and history. Did you know that Hershey Theatre was built as part of Milton S. Hershey’s “Great Building Campaign”? It was originally the town’s community center and through its history housed a library, a hospital and a dormitory!

Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. For groups of 20 or more, call 717-533-6299.

Homecoming in Hershey

The foray from summer to fall will be complete this weekend when our two local school districts, Hershey and Milton Hershey, both celebrate their Homecoming weekends.

Hershey High School’s Homecoming parade kicks off at 6 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 24, starting at the Derry Township School District Building and proceeding through downtown to Hersheypark Stadium for the 7 p.m. Homecoming football game against Cedar Cliff High School.

Floats from each grade, the Hershey High School Marching Band, football players, cheerleaders, the Hershey Volunteer Fire Company and the the KISSmobile will all be a part of the parade.

The Milton Hershey School’s 80th Annual Homecoming include the 7th annual Spartan Hall of Fame induction ceremony and reception on Friday at Founders Hall. From 3-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, the community can visit the School’s Horticultural Center, where students will be selling perennial plants and houseplants.

The MHS Spartan football team takes on the Camp Hill Lions on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Henry Hershey Field.

R is for ... Restaurant & RVs

This week is just crazy in Chocolate Town. First, we have two different Restaurant Weeks going on right now here in Hershey through Saturday, Sept. 18.

The Hershey Resorts’ restaurants – including the Circular Dining Room, newbie Harvest and Highlands Grill, plus Houlihan’s and Devon – have three course special menus for lunch ($15) and dinner ($30). It’s a great chance to sample some of the local favorites you haven’t been out to yet. You can check out participating restaurants and their menus here.

Several members of the Hershey Independent Restaurant Association, including yours truly, also are hosting Restaurant Week specials. At Fenicci’s, we’re offering three courses – an appetizer, salad and Parmesan entree for $30 per couple. You can read the rest of HIRA’s Restaurant Week specials online here.

And the second big event in Hershey this week is the Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show – the largest of its kind in the country, and drawing huge crowds to the Hershey area. The show starts today at the Giant Center and runs through the weekend. You can even follow all the action via Twitter at @PARVing.

The RV Show runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $8, $5 after 3 p.m. Or, plan ahead and pay $16 for a three-day pass. 

Happy for happy hour

We just upgraded our happy hour menu, offered Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 5 p.m. -- in the barroom only.

First, try one of our famous meatballs -- have as many as you want at just 50 cents each.

Other fantastic specials include your choice of three chicken, beef or fish sliders for less than $5. Sausage and peppers are just $3.95, and personal upside-down pizzas are $4.95 (add toppings for 50 cents extra).

We also have wings and wing-dings for 35 cents a piece -- add on celery and blue cheese for just 75 cents. The deep fried pork with Hoisin sauce is a fun treat at $3.95 -- or get our crazy loaded onion rings or French fries - piled high with onions, peppers, cheese and more - for $4.95.

Finally -- get kids’ portions of our favorite adult entrees -- spaghetti, ravioli or fettuccine for just $3.95.

Plus, 12 oz. Miller Lite bottles are $1.50 or get Rolling Rock ponies for just $1 each. Feeling fancier -- we have $5 martinis to boot.

Stop in and see us after exploring the fall sights in Hershey!

September fun: Hersheypark’s fall hours

Vacations may be winding down now that school has begun (or is very close) for most kids, but Hersheypark isn’t quite ready to shutter its gates.

For its last full week in operation, the park will shorten its hours to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., from Monday, Aug. 30 through Thursday, Sept. 2 and Labor Day Monday. This Friday, Sept. 3 through Sunday, Sept. 5 Hersheypark is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

After Labor Day, Hersheypark is closed weekdays, but you can still ride the rides and cruise the coasters (however, The Boardwalk is now closed for the season) throughout the month every weekend.

Every Saturday, hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit Hersheypark.com!

September fun: Harrisburg’s Kipona festival

The kids are heading back to school, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had this summer.

Labor Day weekend in Harrisburg always means Kipona time. Kipona is the city’s longest standing street festival. The name comes from the Native American, meaning “sparkling waters.”

The weekend-long festivities include everything from the chili cookoff to a canoe race, arts and crafts, rides – even live music. But everyone’s really in it for the classic, old-time fair food – turkey legs, pulled pork sandwiches, funnel cakes, fresh-squeezed lemonade and so much more.

The festival is free and family friendly. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday. Click here for the list of events and activities.

Like it hot? Try a ‘ghost pepper’

In the garden behind Fenicci’s, where we grow fresh tomatoes for caprese salads and fresh herbs like the mint for top notch mojitos - I also am growing 20 pepper plants, including the Bhut Jolokia pepper, or “ghost pepper” - the hottest known pepper there is.

With nine different varieties, including Thai peppers, super chilis, tabascos and more - we wanted to find a use for these beyond the usual. So, we’re drying the peppers in a dehydrator right at the bar, then crushing them in a coffee grinder for customers based on the degree of heat they want to experience on their wings or pizza.

Haven’t tried it yet? Come on it and ask for your freshly ground hot peppers - but be sure you can handle the heat!

We have enough peppers to last us through the winter and into next season, so don’t feat - these aren’t going anywhere yet!

End of summer entertainment

Summer may be winding down as kids and parents prepare for back to school and temperatures begin to dip to a more comfortable level, but Hershey’s concert series is still HOT.

Tonight, Rascal Flatts, the top selling and most awarded country music band this decade, takes the stage at the Giant Center.

Saturday, the Jonas Brothers with special guest Demi Lovato are at Hersheypark Stadium.

Then, next Saturday, Rihanna performs at Hersheypark Stadium. And that’s not all. September brings even more amazing national talent into Hershey, including Kings of Leon, Jackson Browne and Nickelback. You can purchase tickets here.  

Reservations are still available for dinner before these shows. Just call the restaurant to reserve your table now. And don’t forget, Fenicci’s is open late -- so stop back for cocktails after the show!

Charity Golf Outing

On Friday, June 25, Fenicci’s of Hershey and Overtime Sports Bar and Grille are hosting their 3^rd annual golf outing benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network and Ronald McDonald House. This charitable event still has a couple of foursomes available as well as a few slots for single golfers.  

Come on out to Fairview Golf Course for an enjoyable afternoon of golf and then a dinner featuring BBQ chicken, steaks, and draft beers. This 4 person scramble has a shotgun start at 1:30, with dinner beginning at 6:30. If you are interested, a foursome is $260 or $65 per person including cart, green fees, awards and dinner. If you are not a golfer, join us for dinner for just $25. 

So come on out and support two important local charities and enjoy a perfect afternoon of friendship, golf, food and drink. I hope to see you on the 25^th. If you have any questions or would like to register feel free to email me at pguarno@aol.com or call me at 717-533-7159. Space is limited.

Gas Station joins HIRA

As a founding member of the Hershey Independent Restaurant Association, I'm pleased to announce the Gas Station Kitchen & Pub (formerly Al Mediterraneo) has joined our group. You can learn more about HIRA here.

The Gas Station is serving up gourmet-style "comfort" foods and great drinks (including pour-your-own beer tables) in a laid-back, hip atmosphere. Try them on Tuesday for "Troegs Taco Tuesday Trivia" when they serve up Troegs Nugget Nectar and street-style tacos, plus prizes and giveaways for trivia winners. They host DJs most nights, including weekends.

Also new in nightlife, Fenicci's is back to hosting live local music from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. This weekend, we're featuring Tribe of One on Friday and Rick Emery on Saturday. Stop in and check it out -- plus Thursday is now Karaoke night!

And while you're investigating area nightlife, don't forget to swing out to the Boro Bar for their world-class wings. Home of the area's top wings (they've won award after award), snag them for a steal on "Wacky Wing Wednesday" when wings are $5.45/dozen (for eat-in only).  

Late night eats

With summer almost officially here, casual evenings easily turn to late nights, taking in all the heat that the season has to offer. Here in Hershey, it can be challenging to find bars or restaurants servings food after 10 pm, but I have a quick primer for you on where you can find the late night dining options this summer.

The Cocoa Grill, the area's quintessential diner is open 24 hours a day.

Fenicci's serves until midnight Sunday through Thursday, and the kitchen stays open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights, including 50 cent meatballs at the bar Sunday through Thursday (4 pm to close only) - plus our "fresh from the garden" summer specialties.

The What If ... ? Cafe of Hershey serves a late night bar menu during the summer season, available until 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday. The bar menu includes tasty vittles like sliders, wraps, salads, wings and What If ... ? specialties like their Southwest Shrimp Cocktail. 

Miracle Maker

Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and the Children's Miracle Network are close to my family's heart. My daughter, now a junior at Hershey High School, is a childhood cancer survivor. The Children's Miracle Network helped us, and we like to take every chance we have to give back. In fact, as a member of the Hershey Independent Restaurant Association (HIRA), we will be helping to provide breakfast and lunch to the families participating in the telethon.

Starting at 7 p.m. this Saturday, June 5 through 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 6 is the Children's Miracle Network Telethon, held at WITF. It will air on WGAL Channel 8.

During the Telethon, you can become a "Miracle Maker" by pledging $25/month for one year to help purchase a life-saving cardiac mapping system for Children's Heart Group at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. For your commitment, you'll receive a special "Miracle Maker" t-shirt, designed by 6 year-old "miracle child" Devon Sabasino.

To pledge, call 1-877-KIDS-365 during the telethon, or donate online now. Please pass this on and share with friends how we can help our children.

Hershey for the whole family

Summer is here! Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and here in Hershey, everyone is ready. Bring the whole family to check out the many kid-friendly possibilities, like ZooAmerica, which is home to 200 North American animals of 75 species.

The 11-acre park showcases plants and animals from five regions - from the crocs and gators of the Southern Swamps to Big Sky Country's elk, bison and mountain lions. See Butch and Sally, the zoo's own black bears and check out roadrunners, skunks and snakes in the Great Southwest.

After the zoo, bring the family to Phillip Arthur's for a pizza party and ice cream. Or bring a crowd (or host your child's birthday party) for a "Pizza and Build-Your-Own Sundae Party." Call us at 717-520-1719 for more information!

Hershey also offers other family friendly attractions, from Hersheypark (of course) to Adventure Sports (now with outdoor laser tag). Or, you can explore Indian Echo Caverns (with a petting zoo for the kids) or The Butterfly House at Hershey Gardens (which opens for the season today). 

Garden Fresh

It's that time of year – digging, rota-tilling, fertilizing, buying the right seeds, plants and utensils – to build the perfect garden.

I'm excited that the Fenicci's garden has now been planted for the summer 2010 season. We've planted fresh herbs, including mint and basil, tomatoes and 10 hot pepper varieties!

As some of you know, we only serve Caprese salads in the summer months at Fenicci's so we can use those fresh, juicy tomatoes from our garden. There's no point in a Caprese salad if all you have is out of season, tasteless tomatoes. The fresh basil, too, will pair nicely with the fresh mozzarella.

Other herbs will find homes in so many of our dishes – and cocktails, as well. The mint will make a refreshing mojito, once it's muddled and topped with white rum, simple syrup and soda.

We also have our four-year-old fig tree that I'm excited to implement in appetizers or perhaps a new dessert. Stop in soon to try some of our fresh-from-the-garden favorites!

The World's Biggest Meatball

In conjunction with Fenicci's 75th Anniversary, a group of Milton Hershey School culinary students will attempt to assemble the "world's largest meatball" at 3 p.m. this Thursday, May 20, as a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House. 

As some of you may know, I'm no stranger to breaking Guinness World Records. Along with Adam Spivak from the Electric Factory, I actually hold the record for riding the most roller coasters in a 24-hour period and for creating the largest line of Hershey Kisses. The goal is to raise money for local charities -- to date I've raised $350,000. Sponsors for worlds largest meatball attempt include Feniccis, Singer Equipment Company, the Electric Factory and the Hershey Company.

On Thursday, the students will utilize the Milton Hershey School Supply Center Kitchen for about two hours to assemble the 400 lbs of donated hamburger into a massive meatball. It will refrigerate overnight then be transferred to a stand-up oven Friday morning to bake for approximately 10 hours. When fully cooked, the meatball is expected to weigh 350 lbs. 

What other chance will you have to see a giant-sized meatball? 

Bon Jovi in Hershey

Take a trip back to the 80s and 90s when American rock leged Bon Jovi returns to Hersheypark Stadium, tomorrow, Wednesday, May 19! Richie Sambora is back for "The Circle World Tour," which follows the band's 11th studio album, "The Circle."

Locals will remember the opener, special guests, Fuel, who got their start in the midstate.

Tickets for the concert are $95, $59.50 and $29.50. You can still purchase tickets here.

Don't forget, Fenicci's will be open before and after the concert -- stop in for great cocktails and vittles. 

Race to the Calder Cup

The Hershey Bears' run for the Calder Cup resumed last night at the Giant Center, where they rallied over the Manchester Monarchs, 4-2, to win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Go Bears!

The Eastern Conference Finals are a seven game series, and the Hershey Bears host Manchester again this Saturday, May 15 at 7 pm. Throughout the series, come visit Fenicci's after the game. You'll get a 20 percent discount when you show your game ticket stub.

The Bears face off at Manchester at 7 pm on Monday, May 17 and Tuesday, May 18. Watch live on AHL.com or listen on 100.1 WQIC FM!

High Five to Apple

It was one of those days. The dog ate my iPhone and my watch. A sinkhole opened in front of the restaurant. And it was my birthday. 

In today's age of Twitter and Facebook, losing your phone can be like losing your limb. I couldn't call, e-mail or surf the web at will. As a small business owner who has become increasingly reliant on my smartphone, I was not only crushed, but stumped. Feeling out of touch (when you don't want to be) is the worst. 

History of the Philly Cheesesteak

Pennsylvania is home to many wonderful and famous foods. Though the legendary Geno's and Pat's and their endless rivalry are considered the kings, the Philadelphia Cheesesteak is a favorite far beyond the city limits.

Made since the 1930s, these delicious and often messy sandwiches are a combination of thinly sliced and grilled steak, onions and cheese, ideally served in a Liscio's or Amoroso roll. Variations on cheese - Cheez Whiz, provolone, mozzarella and American white - occur to taste, as do toppings of peppers or tomato sauce.

At Phillip Arthur's, we buy those signature Liscio's rolls fresh to incorporate the authentic taste so many love. For a taste of Pennsylvania, indulge in a Philadelphia cheesesteak on your next visit.

Hershey Art, Authors

While Hershey may celebrate chocolate every day of the year, it's a less often event that its able to pay homage to its local craftsman and artisans. That's why the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society began celebrating its local artists at an annual festival. This Sunday kicks off the 5th Annual Local Artists, Authors and Artisans event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday, April 25, at their location across from the Starbucks at the Hershey Outlets.

Grease comes to Hershey!

This week, everyone's favorite sing-along musical comes to Hershey: Broadway's Grease! The Musical. While John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John made this 1950s-centric movie a screaming hit, this rock'n roll celebration of teenage love is celebrated by all ages. And this all-star cast includes American Idol's Taylor Hicks as "Teen Angel," and Josh Franklin returns as "Danny."

I scream, you scream - we all scream for Hershey's Ice Cream!

At Phillip Arthur's Pizza Subs & Old Fashioned Ice Cream, we serve only Hershey's Ice Cream. Contrary to popular belief, Hershey's Creamery is not, in fact, affiliated with Hershey's Chocolate and its many delicious products based here in Hershey. However, they do have similar origins. Begun in Lancaster in 1894, Hershey's Creamery was started by Jacob Hershey and his brothers -- no relation to Hershey, Pa.'s founder, Milton Snavely Hershey.

Phillip Arthur's kicks off the season

I'm really excited for tomorrow's opening of Phillip Arthur's Pizza Subs & Old Fashioned Ice Cream. This year, as I mentioned briefly in a previous post, we've revamped the old-fashioned ice cream shoppe to go beyond dessert. We installed a pizza oven and are focusing on good quality, homemade food and fast service.

Weekend warmer

After too many rainy days, the weather looks like it will be nice this weekend and is sure to inspire you to get outside and do anything. As I mentioned in my last post, this is a great time to get a sneak preview of Hersheypark.

Easter spring preview

If you're in town this Easter holiday, take the opportunity to get a sneak preview of Hersheypark!

Hersheypark will open on Friday, April 2 with its annual Springtime in the Park, taking advantage of early nice weather to give locals and visitors a taste of the summer's fun – this year for two consecutive weekends. 

A scoop of nostalgia

We're maybe two weeks away from old-fashioned sundaes, cheesesteaks and delicious slices of pizza at Phillip Arthur's. I can almost taste it now. We've redesigned Phillip Arthur's to add more hot food - like the pizza oven - but the ice cream specialties remain. It's like the old soda fountain at the drugstore in the early to 1900s, a place to people to enjoy a easy (and delicious) snack or meal and congregate with friends or other locals. 

Spring has sprung!

All signs point to spring finally being on its way. We've been enjoying milder temperatures and sunny days. I can't wait for next week when Hershey Gardens reopens for its 2010 summer season on Friday, March 26. It's always such a pleasure of the senses to take a stroll around The Hotel Hershey to see all of the tulips in bloom.

Hershey Theatre: A town landmark

One of Hershey's gems is the historic Hershey Theatre, just a short block down from Fenicci's. The Theatre is steeped in history, originating as the town's community center, and built during The Great Depression as part of Milton Hershey's Great Building Campaign. It served as a meeting place for Hershey residents, housed a hospital, a junior college (complete with dormitory) and the library. 

My kind of town

I first moved to Hershey with Marriott, more than 10 years ago. After six years here, I had to move back to New York to open a hotel. It took me leaving Hershey to realize how much I loved and missed the town. Luckily, I was able to get back to Hershey and plant my roots here for good. I know my daughter, Melissa, appreciates it because she loves this town as much as I do.