text: Dept. of Kindness January 20, 2014 Issue Breadline By Ian Frazier Table of Contents On the first morning of the New Year, a few dozen people stood in a line on the sidewalk in front of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, at 135 West Thirty-first Street. The sky was still dark. Nearby, in an entry to Penn Station, leftover New Year's Eve partyers lay here and there. Crushed plastic top hats, shish-kebab skewers, ribbons, tassels, and other festive detritus littered the streets. One man waiting in the line wore outsized spectacles that spelled out "2014" in green lights, but he was otherwise as subdued as those around him. They were the early arrivals to the church's daily breadline, which gives out food, coffee, and sometimes clothes or other necessities every morning at seven o'clock. The breadline has existed since September, 1930, and is the oldest continuously operated breadline in the United States. An apartment building behind the church rose six times as high as the steeple. In the firehouse across the street, the fire engines still had big Christmas wreaths above their front bumpers. The line quickly grew longer, stretching past a row of forty bright-blue Citibikes along the curb. Dawn came up Thirty-first Street one way, while a cold wind went the other. In photographs taken during the Depression, almost everybody in breadlines is wearing cloth caps or fedoras, but in this line the common headgear was hoods. People hunched under them and smoked or talked quietly. A gaunt-looking woman, a regular of the Penn Station waiting rooms, was smiling—an unfamiliar expression—and wishing her neighbors a happy New Year through skeleton teeth. Church workers arrived with boxes of gloves to give away, and people crowded around. Once they had their gloves, they went back to their former places in the line. Volunteers wheeled a cart of food from a side entrance of the church. With them was Father Paul Lostritto, the program's executive director, a fifty-seven-year-old Franciscan friar who lives in the church's monastery. He wore glasses, a baseball cap, and a hooded brown habit cinched at the waist by a white rope with three knots at one end, representing the Franciscan vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Some friars prefer leather sandals, but Father Paul's were orange Crocs. At seven exactly, the church's first set of bells began to chime, followed soon by its second set, which filled the canyon of Thirty-first Street with a pleasing antiphony. Moving quickly down the line, Father Paul and other staff members handed out about four hundred and fifty white plastic bags containing a turkey sandwich on a kaiser roll, crackers, cake, and a carton of juice. The bags had the "I ♥ NY" logo on them and were biodegradable; St. Francis is considered to have been the most environmentally conscious of the saints. As the line continued past the coffee urns, it was met by Sikhs who were giving out bags of fresh fruit. The Sikhs, from Long Island, had read about Pope Francis in the news, admired him, and looked up information about the saint whose name he had taken. "We like very much what we learn about St. Francis," Baldev Srichawla, one of the Sikhs, told a bystander. "He was not a lavish person. He lived humbly and cared for the poor, and we Sikhs believe in helping the needy. When we found out about this church named after him, we wished to participate in this food line, too." Afterward, in a small meeting room in the church offices, Father Paul said that he began training for the order in 1989 and was ordained in 1996. In 2001, he left, worked in a homeless shelter in Harlem, and then became the director of a hospice organization. In 2006, he almost died from a pulmonary embolism. When he recovered, he decided to return to the order. By then, he owned a co-op apartment in Washington Heights, a car, and many works of art. As the order requires, he gave almost everything away. Now he has only a few possessions and spends more than half of his five-hundred-dollar-a-month allowance on food and medicine for his twelve-year-old cat, Clement. "Not many people have any idea how poor a lot of the folks around here are," he said. "Elderly folks, especially. In the public-housing apartment buildings on the West Side in the Twenties, there are people worse off than some who are in the breadline, but they can't get out. That's why we've started a program to take groceries to them—right now we're serving over a hundred families with bags of groceries a week. And how about starting a laundromat? With a community center, maybe, and nurses to help people with medical problems? There are almost no inexpensive places for people to do their wash in Manhattan anymore. Starting a laundromat is my dream." ♦ Ian Frazier is a staff writer at The New Yorker. Bio All work & You Might Like Jigsaw Puzzle Strongbox Submissions Goings On App About Us Caption Contest The New Yorker Festival ✕ The New Yorker Strongbox Strongbox is a new way for you to share information, messages, and files with our writers and editors and is designed to provide you with a greater degree of anonymity and security than afforded by conventional e-mail. To help protect your anonymity, Strongbox is only accessible using the Tor network (https://www.torproject.org). When using Strongbox, The New Yorker will not record your I.P. address or information about your browser, computer, or operating system, nor will we embed third-party content or deliver cookies to your browser. You can read our full privacy promise here. The New Yorker Strongbox is powered by SecureDrop. 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text: MotoCentric 16" Tire Tool Rating 4.69 of 5 (29Reviews) Never show this again Product Images Alternate Views prev next X X $5.99 You save $11.00 (65%) Rating 4.69 of 5 (29 Reviews) Please Select a Size Please select your bike Please Select a Size Sorry, this item is no longer available. You may be interested in some of the items below. Share: Email Product Information MotoCentric 16" Tire ToolWhen changing a tire, more leverage is always better and MotoCentric is here to deliver with a 16" tire iron. Made of alloy steel with a black hardened finish, the iron is specially shaped to give proper fitment while not damaging the rim. With the MotoCentric tire iron, swap tires with confidence.Features: 16" long body Special design for easier tire changing Drop forged steel Installation end will not abuse tire bead Less risk of damaging tube or rim Item # 28910 SKU #262613 Mfr. Part # 0 Product Reviews Showing 15 of 29 Reviews Overall Rating: 4.69 of 5 (29 Reviews) Read All Reviews Rate This Product 5 Star 22 4 Star 5 3 Star 1 2 Star 0 1 Star 1 Sort By: Highest Rating Lowest Rating Latest Review What Other Riders Are Saying... Fit Quality Installation Recommend Tire tool Well I'm sure it'll work, but it ain't easy. Same principal as changing a bike tire, but I had a hell of a time. ended up taking the tire to the shop for mounting. I just don't have the garage setup to work on tires, and I didn't want to damage anything trying to do this. I'm sure it'll come in good for something, but I'll leave the tire changing to the shop and pay the $35.oo to have it done. James - September 28, 2010 (Mt Home, ID) Fit Quality Installation Recommend Great lever This lever works great when teamed with a pair of spoons. The lever is plenty strong. I've bent some cheap aluminum levers. This one barely flexes. The curve is quite helpful. 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I bought 3 of them to install a shinko sr568r on my burgman 650 and it made it an easy install. Kyle - June 26, 2012 (Adair, OK) Related Links View MotoCentric All MotoCentric Tire Accessories Rate This Product Your Information Name Email Address City Country United States Australia Canada Puerto Rico United Kingdom State Select a State/Region Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Europe Alaska Alabama Armed Forces Pacific Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut District of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Europe Alaska Alabama Armed Forces Pacific Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut District of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming Your Ratings Fit Quality Installation Recommend Your Comments Title Review: Back to Top

subset: commoncrawl


text:
What should I eat in Alexandria?
- Adrienne Mar 30, 2008 12:30 PM
I'm going to be working from Pineville (across the river from Alexandria) for the month of April. Any suggestions?
Sadly for the traveler, the best cooking of CenLA is in home kitchens, not in restaurants. Try Tunk's Cypress Inn (http://tunkscypressinn.com/index.htm) or Bistro on the Bayou (http://www.bistroonthebayou.com/). Chain restaurants abound, so you won't starve....Semolina is probably the best of the "chain" places, though you can also find Chili's, Outback, etc. Old-school italian & pizza can be found at Suburban Garden on Jackson St., too.
Strangely enough, the Western Sizzlin' used to have a home-cooking buffet at lunch (greens, fried okra, etc), but I haven't tried it in years, so I don't know if it still exists, or if it's worth the $6.95.
re: Hungry Celeste
Suburban Garden is a hoot---gondolas, wishing well, tile bar..I love the place. And the view out back! The Midas Muffler sign just makes you feel like you're back in The Old Country
re: Hungry Celeste
Thanks for those recs -- they look like excellent reprives from Popeye's :)
re: Hungry Celeste
Don't go to Bistro on the Bayou. I was there this fall for a work lunch. The grilled "gulf shrimp" were tiny and obviously previously frozen (and not grilled) and the molton cake, which the server described as oozy and delectable, was completely cooked through and solid. And, if they wanted to be accurate, they should have named it Bistro on the Parking Lot. My meal at Outback was a lot more enjoyable!
Try The Diamond Grill... it's fun to sip martinis at the bar before dinner. Last time I was there I had the soft shell crabs and they were really good. Also love Tunk's for sitting on the water and eating boiled crawfish, and Suburban Gardens (the fried shrimp platter is really good).
Semolina closed some years ago and Western Sizzlin' hasn't been around in ages either.
For lunch, try The Cottage or Portabella, for more than just a burger or sandwich, though theirs are good. Also good for lunch is the Main Dish, with soups, salads and sandwiches.
Red Kettle Grill is good for standard breakfast. Always crowded, so be prepared for that. Its popular.
For seafood, Robbie G's is open for lunch and dinner, along with Tunk's. Robbie's G's was an old grocery store and its a hole in the wall with charm. The food is very good.
Nice dining is the Bistro and Diamond Grill, already mentioned. The Bistro was originally located on a bayou, but had to move due to a golf course being built in the old location. The food is good, but pricey. The chef at DG formerly owned La Martinique in New Orleans.
Suburban Gardens is very much a hoot. Its been around forever and some of the waitresses have been there forever as well. The food is okay, though the canneloni is very good (ask for alfredo and tomato sauces) and the Italian salad is old style and good. They make all of the bread in house. There is also have an oyster bar.
There's another Italian restaurant opened by relatives of the Suburban Gardens folks, called Bellino's.
For good hoagies, oven grinders etc..., go to Critic's Choice. The one downtown is only open for lunch. There's another open at night. They make a good spaghetti sauce as well for a hot meal. The Italian sausage is very good.
Another seafood and steak restaurant is Cajun Landing. Catfish is excellent and they do a good job on steaks.
Sammy's Steak and Ribs is good for steaks. Nice atmosphere and people. The filet is very good.
If you're a sushi fan, try Sake Sushi (sushi bar and Asian fusion) or the Oriental Wok. There is also a Hana Japanese steakhouse, which might be a chain, but its very good. The other restaurants I've mentioned are not chains.
Swamp Daddy's is another hole in the wall with darn good fried catfish and shrimp. They serve crawfish as well.
In the Pineville area, there is a seafood restaurant called Fant's. The owner worked at Robbie G's for a while. There's also one called Paradise Catfish or something like that. Its supposed to be good, but remember that this area is dry, so if you want wine or beer etc.., you're out of luck. There's not much in Pineville, unfortunately.
Locally owned Mexican restaurants are El Reparo and Las Portales.
For casual eating, day or night, go to Spirits. It has a large menu of pastas, sandwiches, salads and grilled fish.
In Pineville, there's a buffet style lunch joint called Lee J's. You can good a get hot lunch there with plenty of vegetables and fruits.
Take a drive to Lecompte for good ham sandwiches and a little going back in time at Lea's Lunch Room. They are famous for the pies, which are okay. The ham there is the star, though.
There are other local joints, but that will get you started.
re: calliope
Wow, it sure will! Thank you for this detailed information -- I leave Sunday and I'm excited to have this list.... but what is this "dry" issue? Does that mean no alcohol at all or not in restaurants? In Pineville only or Alexandria too? A dry month... that would be hard :)
re: Adrienne
Pineville is dry, meaning no alcohol anywhere in the city limits. Alexandria is NOT dry.
re: calliope
So like, if I buy beer in Alexandria, I can't bring it back to the room I'm being put up in?
re: Adrienne
Yes, you may. You may drink it. You just can't buy or sell it there.
Are you in a hotel? I didn't think there were any in Pineville, but they were building one, I believe.
re: calliope
I am working at a hospital and live on their grounds. It's a kindof strange setup. Thank you for all of your help!
re: Adrienne
I understand. Hope you can find some good food and drink while you're there.
I'm from Alexandria and now live in Indianapolis and reading about all of these restaurants (especially tunks and lee j's has made me homesick) :)
Everyone has really hit the nail on the head with thier suggestions. I hope you enjoy your stay in my hometown!
Report Week 1
I've gotten a slow start on the list y'all have made for me, but I also received news this week that I will be working out of Alexandria until mid-June, so I have lots of time to try all these restaurants. Here's where I went this week:
El Reparo is the only one off this board, but it was really good. DC and I both ordered the Fiesta Platter, which for a little under $10 comes as TWO full-sized plates containing a tamale, an enchilada, a taco, a chalupa, a chile relleno and lots of rice and beans. The Chile relleno was exceptional; I intend to go back and just get that a la carte because this was SO much more food than I could eat. The tamale was very good too, and everything else was good and definitely the right price. Very cute inside too, with plaster done to resemble stucco and lots of Mexican paraphernalia.
My supervisor took me to Outlaw's for burgers (pretty good) and onion loaf (amazing), another great buy. And they have a very impressive fixins bar, with every kind of sauce and pickles. The onion loaf was really the highlight.
One night we got takeout from Little Greek which has a strange combination of Middle Eastern and American food, but their felafel was good enough -- could have been spicier -- and the hummus was good. The guy who helped us on the phone was a little confused; he told us that he didn't have the kind of pita they use for felafel so could he use a gyro pita, and I said sure, but then he actually put gyro in it, and the friend I was eating with is a vegetarian, and we had to correct him, so it was kind of a fiasco but it ended very well.
I will continue to report back -- thanks again everyone for your help!
re: Adrienne
Little Greek is okay. The hummus is pretty good. They do the seasoned pita bread, which has a certain name that I can't think of, but its good.
If you pick up take out crawfish, go to Debarge's. Good stuff.
Lots of fresh corn is grown around that area and if you're around in June, you can take some home with you. You can buy it within hours of being picked. Its so fresh that you can eat it right then and there.
There's also a good catfish hole in the wall restaurant off Hwy 107 near Pineville, but it might be outside of city limits. Nothing fancy at all, but the catfish is darn good.
re: calliope
The Za'atar bread? Yeah my first thought when I opened my food at my room was that I should have asked for Za'atar and hot sauce and it would have been elevated.
I didn't see Debarge's when I googled... any chance they have a longer name?
I can't wait for fresh corn -- fresh corn is amazing.
Thanks again for your tips!
re: Adrienne
That's the bread. I ordered the spice mix from Penzey's to make the bread at home.
Debarge's is not a sit down restaurant and is just listed in the White Pages, I believe. Its only open during crawfish season.
I can't speak to the food, as I have never been there, but my friend's dad owns a restaurant there called Brocato's. It's a breakfast and lunch place.
If you try it, I'll be interested to hear your review.
re: miss sarah
Any chance that this Brocato's is related to the old Brocato's in downtown Vidalia?
re: miss sarah
That's interesting. I hadn't heard of Brocato's. The same folks, or at least one of them, had a Brocato's some years ago, but it closed a good while back. It was just okay. Interesting that this one is cafeteria style. and not open at night.
Dining Report Week 2
I get to go home (to New Orleans) for the weekend, so my week ends tonight. This was a good food week...
Sake Sushi
Sunday night a coworker and I drove to Sake Sushi for dinner. We enjoyed it. In general I would say that the quality of the things we ordered was uneven. He had 3 types of rolls and I had tuna rolls and 3 or 4 types of nigiri, and some were really good and others just ok. We also brought home a rainbow roll for another coworker, who said that everything was pretty good except the tuna, which she actually had to peel off, and we could see that it was drying out to the point of being translucent. On the other hand, the crab salad we were served at the sushi bar was really delicious. We also liked the vibe of the place, quiet with good service, reasonable prices, open solid hours, friendly guys behind the sushi bar, etc. I'm going to plan to go back and order some cooked food and see how that goes.
Fire Mountain
Tuesday night my supervisor and I went to Fire Mountain, which had been recommended by someone who used to work here --- we were pretty surprised to discover that it was a buffet, definitely not what we were planning, but the food was better than I expected, honestly: everything was fresh, nothing was too greasy and there was quite a bit of salad and salad toppings. There was a beef stew and a pea salad that were kindof inedible flavor-wise, but other than that not bad.
Oriental Wok
The high point of the week was last night, when I finally got take out from Oriental Wok. I had the wonderful shrimp, which somehow lived up to its name. It's shrimp with pork, brocolli and mushrooms in brown sauce, and it was delicious. I told all my coworkers to go there and order the wonderful shrimp. I also had lo mein (I picked up dinner for last night and tonight). The lo mein had good flavor but was a little starchy for me, like maybe they didn't rinse their noodles enough. Still enjoyable though. I will definitely be back to Oriental Wok.
Atwood's Bakery
Tonight after Chinese leftovers most of my team went to Atwood's bakery for dessert, with mixed results. I tasted a few ice cream flavors that I DID NOT like (a coffee caramel one and a wedding cake one) but then I tried the raspberry lemonade ice cream, which was AMAZING, and everyone who tasted it agreed. In one coworker's words, "It has a Willy Wonka quality" -- in that it really tasted like a raspberry lemonade (the Schnozzberries taste like Schnozzberries!) Cakes were good, coffees were good, marzipan didn't taste like almond. Free wireless didn't hurt.
Meanwhile I am trying to adjust my "to eat" list a bit... we've been advised that the only fine dining around here is very overpriced for what you get... which has led me to not want to drag friends to those places, but I may still sneak off to Diamond Grill alone, their menu is very appealing to me... and I definitely want to try Tunk's and Suburban Gardens soon... and everyone seems to think Spirits is good... also someone mentioned Lou and Laura's or something like that, if anyone has feedback on that let me know. For now I'm kindof neglecting lunch-only places because I'm usually working from 6 am to 3pm at least, but I haven't forgotten they were recommended and appreciate all of y'all's help!
re: Adrienne
I'm surprised Fire Mountain had anything good. Its a chain owned by Ryan's which is not described too favorably. I've never been in one of them, but I've heard about it.
Near there is Cajun Landing, which would be much more appealing and has darn good fried catfish, among other things, and hushpuppies which are long and thin and tasty.
I had drinks and apps at Diamond Grill this week. The crabcake was just okay. The fried oysters were very good. The extra large grilled shrimp were okay. The atmosphere is lovely. There's a neat story behind it. It was a family owned jewelry store for eons. They finally closed it to move to a growing area of the city since downtown had gotten a bit slow. Now, you know the origin of the name. The folks who renovated really brought out the best features of the old building. You should try it while you in Alexandria to make your own decision about the former New Orleans chef. The architecture is worth the visit.
Lou and Laura's has been around forever, though I've been told ownership has changed. The fellow running it makes his own Italian sausage, which is excellent. I heard he was now selling it in the restaurant. Its a very casual place, famous for broasted chicken. It never served alchohol and I doubt it does now. I'm not sure if its open at night.
Sorry to hear that Sake Sushi has mixed reviews. Its been around for about a year, maybe. I've attended some catered events at which they had sushi set ups. Folks just flocked to it and never seemed to leave.
You might enjoy the Hana Japanese Steakhouse, which is new to the city. I've heard it is very good and fun. Reservations may be necessary, though, for night dining. It may still have the "new restaurant" crowds.
If you get to the Main Dish before it closes at 5:30, you can pick up some of the old fashioned shredded chicken salad like grandmothers used to make for easy lunches while you're at work. Throw in some green grape halves and almonds for variety.
Put Robbie G's on your list if you like fried shrimp or catfish. You'll enjoy the hole in the wall atmosphere.
If you go back to the wok, people seem to like a dish called "Effie's chicken". I think its like an almond chicken, but I'm not sure. Their "Japanese" dumplings are very good, but you have to specifically ask for the "Japanese" version and I'm not sure they are actually on the main menu.
Take the "old" way back to NO through Cheneyville, Lecompte and Bunkie to hit Krotz Springs. The scenery is quaint and you can run into Lea's in Lecompte and get a ham sandwich for the road. OR, stop at Stelly's in Lebeau and they'll fry up a decent meatpie for you. Its a good "rest" stop and its a hoot. The old route actually cuts time on the trip even though the speed limits are lower. I drove that route a million times coming from NO to Alexandria.
re: Adrienne
If you like oriental fare, you might try the Bangkok. Its hit and miss,depending on what you order, but they also have some Thai dishes, if you like that. Its near Saki Sushi next to Books A Million. There's another Mexican restaurant, locally owned, near there as well, in a strip center just before Wally World. I think the folks are related to the folks at El Reparo, but its a bit different. The flan is very good.
I grew up in Pineville (actually Tioga), so this thread is making me a little homesick. I would recommend Fant's for pretty good fried seafood. It's in Tioga, so if you're working at Pinecrest, it's pretty close to where you are. Robbie G's is also good for seafood, and I think they have good boiled shrimp. Lighthouse in Tioga also does pretty good burgers.
Last I heard Bracato's is no longer open, and I wouldn't recommend Bellino's-- we had an awful meal there. We recently went to Suburban Gardens, and everyone had a great meal-- the veal scallopini was especially delicious. For lunch, I second the suggestions of The Cottage and Portabella's, although the latter can be a little hit or miss.
My favorite Mexican place in Alex is Julia's; however, people either love this or hate it. I love, love their tacos and cheese enchiladas. I also like El Reparo/El Rodeo (which is in Ball and probably much closer to you), but hate Los Portales.
Finally, on the topic of fine dining, Bistro once had amazing sushi, and we would go just for that. They recently changed sushi chefs, so I'm hopeful it's as good as it used to be. We had the worst dining experience of my life at Diamond Grill, so I wouldn't recommend it. I've heard Red River Grill in Marksville is wonderful, but I haven't had the chance to try it myself.
re: trkydnr
Thanks for your post! I'm actually working at Huey P Long. I have also heard about the Red River Grill but I haven't had a chance to go to Marksville yet.... you have definitely moved sub gardens up on my list... I think I might just go have a drink at Diamond Grill just so I can see it... I really liked El Reparo so I may just go back there for more Mexican but I will add Julia's to the list.
BTW, to all, I'm kindof ignoring some of the fried food suggestions because we get free food at the hospital that is very heavy, so whenever I have a chance to eat out I'm leaning towards lighter or non-regional food for a change of pace.
re: Adrienne
You can get some lighter fare at any of the "fried" seafood restaurants, such as grilled fish, for example. Tunk's, Robbie G's and Cajun Landing will all have something lighter if that's what you prefer.
You can get some light fare at Diamond Grill as well.
Lots of people love Julia's. Too much velveeta like cheese for me.
Agree on the Red River Grill. Debarge's crawfish are the best I've had anywhere, ever, other than a good backyard boil, on occasion.
I also forgot to mention that I second the recommendation for crawfish from DeBarge's. It's fantastic. Just be sure to place your order early in the day.
Report Week 3
This was a week largely of second-takes, but I did finally get to try Robbie G's. It was great! My supervisor and I shared an appetizer platter with fried crabcakes (yum), boudin balls (a little heavy), crawfish tails, tomatoes (amazing), jalapenos and mozzarella, and also got halforders of the fried pickles (WOW, I am in love) and onion rings which were made from red onions and not white, which was an excellent substitution -- better than white even. That and a few beers set us back only $15 apiece. This was a great suggestion for delicious, local food.
The rest of the week we went back to some prior places and ordered with more savvy:
-At Little Greek Deli, we asked for hot sauce and Za'atar, which both vastly improved the hummus and felafel for me, and we also got some Moussaka which had a really lovely, creamy bechamel.
-At Oriental Wok I tried, per the board suggestions, the Effie's chicken, which was amazingly crispy and had very subtle saucing with good vegetables, and the Japanese dumplings which were good with an awesome sauce. Not better than "wonderful shrimp," but very good.
-At Sake Sushi, a Doctor working here told me you have to ask them what's the freshest or best that day. I followed his advice, ordered the BMW (kindof like a rainbow roll with crispy in it and several saucings and some roe) and thought it was delicious. Also they have chili paste they'll bring in a little dish which I prefer to wasabi for my soy sauce.
-At Atwood's I had a cannoli. I will not say it was an amazing cannoli, because I lived in Philly for 6 years and I know cannoli, but I will say it was a legitimate cannoli, with a shell that wasn't sweetened (as is appropriate) and a filling that had texture to it instead of being whipped cream or something. They did put a lot of chocolate sauce on it, which decreased its authenticity, but otherwise it was pretty good.
This week I'm spending in New Orleans but I will be back next week with more adventures in Alexandria, Louisiana :)
re: Adrienne
Thanks for the report! Keep 'em comin'. I'm learing some things. I'm glad you got to Robbie G's.
re: Adrienne
greetings from the "supervisor"...just had to add my two cents about the atwoods experience...my choice definitely trumped my "supervisee's"!
the warm blackberry cobbler with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a scoop of roasted almond gellato on the side was definitely worthy of its "nightly special" status
re: cellar_door77
umn, cannoli obviously trumps backberries... haven't you ever played cannoli/blackberry/icream before? ;
re: calliope
Indeed! Report week 5 is here.
I have now moved from Huey P Long to a clinic associated with Rapides, where we are actually getting fed by Pharm reps at lunchtime(!) And I actually haven't found the mall at all yet... where's that at?
Anyway back to the food :) This week I have tried:
Oriental Wok Sushi Bar
I promise to stop posting repeats when they become irrelevant, but I felt like the Wok's Sushi bar was almost a separate entity from the restaurant. I had a seaweed salad and a rainbow roll and everything was really delicious, fresh and... turgid. But the air conditioner was on superhigh and I actually rushed through dinner to get away from the cold. I will definitely be getting take-out sushi from them in the future.
Critic's Choice
Pharm reps brought us hoagies from Critic's choice that were very good. I tried the meatball grinder and the Italian hoagie, and they brought me back to my years in Philadelphia. The red sauce was delicious and had that Philadelphia-red-gravy taste I've missed. The Italian hoagie had a good bite and lots of those little marinated peppers.
Po-Boy Express
I had a Cajun Turkey poboy that was mediocre, but I sortof blame myself because I should have seen the mayonnaise coming, and I do NOT eat warm mayonnaise and should have requested they not use it. They did have a choice of wheat roll which was good, and lots of chopped veggies for the sandwiches, and I wouldn't rule out giving them another chance with more specific directions.
Coffee Connection
Ok, not really food, but I had to mention that I had the second worst cup of coffee of my life yesterday at Coffee Connection. It was significantly worse than the free coffee at Huey P. And their "espresso drinks" come out of a cafeteria style machine but they call themselves a coffee house! I actually bought a diet coke to replace my horrible coffee after a few sips. Yuck.
Suburban Gardens
Tonight I finally made it to Suburban Gardens! It was the experience y'all described. Very homey and real inside. I sat at the bar next to a guy around my age who told me how great it was and how he'd been coming his whole life and how he loves it. I had an Italian salad which was very good, great dressing with nice marinated olives and peppers, served with saltines which were a non-sequitor but I just ignored them. Then I had the canneloni, as recommended, which were very good. It tasted like it came out of someone's Mom's oven... you could really taste all the elements, the spinach flavor showed through, the meat was fairly subtle, the red sauce was nice -- though I would have liked a little more sauce. The portion was generous; I couldn't finish it all in one sitting but finished it off at home a little while later. Dude at the bar says to go back, get the Chicken parm and the cannoli, which I may do. He says their desserts are from Angelo Brocato's in New Orleans. He also reiterated recs for Cajun Landing, Lou and Laura's, and a few I've already tried - Critic's Choice and Robbie G's especially.
I am now living at the Air Base so Bistro on the Bayou is definitely on my to-do list... I'm also definitely going to hit Spirit's....and I think it's time to try some more Mexican and maybe Bangkok. I heard my office is having a crawfish boil next week from Bordelon's, I hope that and our other lunches will be good :)
re: Adrienne
The mall is easy to find. Go out hwy 28 from the base and you'll hit MacArthur Drive. Veer right onto MacArthur Dr. and follow it, going around the South Traffic Circle. The mall will be on your left. Sister's is in the back, just inside the back entrance.
Glad you've had some nice meals. If you end up at Suburban again, ask for extra red and some white sauce on the side. Mix them and put the sauce on the canneloni. It's much better than just the red sauce, which I find too sweet for my taste. The white sauce tempers the sweetness. Suburban Gardens just cracks me up. The music, the decor...it's a blast from the past. It also has an oyster bar, if you like them raw.
Love the red gravy at Critic's. It has a kick to it.
Report Week 6
Just a warning... I'm feeling chatty tonight :)
The Pharm reps have been very generous all week... but I've still gotten to try some good food. One sponsored lunch came from Johnny Carino's which I realize is a chain, but it's one we don't have where I'm from and I was impressed by their lasagna. It had a good, meaty flavor to the sauce.
The staff picnic was this week and as I mentioned last week, crawfish were brought from Bordelon's. They were *great* and everyone thought so, even those from the area were commenting that they were done perfectly -- not ridiculously spicy, though I do enjoy a kick. They bring their potatoes and corn separately, those were fine. The guy who came from Bordelon's also stayed and helped scoop crawfish onto our trays and came back later to pick up the coolers emptied of food.
Last night I finally went to Bistro on the Bayou -- which I walked to from my apartment; it was so close. I was struck by the decor and found it pleasing and strangely familiar. I decided halfway through my meal that the room looked exactly like a cigar room on a cruiseship. Specific, I know. But that's how it looked to me. Anyhow, I dined alone and was the only one there throughout my meal, so I had quite a bit of attention from the servers who were young and capable. I asked my server for advice on the menu --which offers quite a few large cuts of red meat, and a $43 rack of lamb -- and she advised me that two appetizers would be plenty of food -- she was correct, and I really appreciate when a waiter stops me from ordering too much food. First I had an appetizer of cold-smoked salmon (i.e., lox) with herbed cream cheese, capers, vidalia onions, tomato and toast points ($15). Other than the slightly soggy toast points, each component of this dish was very good or even excellent, but the proportion was off. There could easily have been a quarter of a pound of salmon, and plenty of cream cheese, but nowhere near enough bread, slightly fewer capers and bits of onion than I would have liked, and one small, lonely slice of delicious, ruby-red tomato. I would have liked twice as much bread (and had it not buttered in advance) and I could have easily eaten an entire tomato with my lox. But this is because the one tomato slice I received was *perfect*. Since I was eating alone the proportion was not a huge issue (I just scooped lots of lovely salmon into my mouth), but had I tried to eat in front of anyone or even to share this dish, I think the meager bread would have become a major limitation. The moment I finished and rested my cutlery, appetizer 2 arrived: "tempura" green beans ($9). The green beans were good and not overcooked (I almost always find vegetables overcooked) but they were NOT tempura. They were batter-fried. It was fine, but not as to my taste as tempura. Also there was too much batter (it kept falling everywhere) and it was served with a chipotle sour cream which was pretty good and a soy lyonnaise which did not work for me-- I think she said white wine, butter, pesto and soy sauce... just not for me. Half the green beans came home with me and a little while later (they were still warm, my server did an amazing wrap job on them) they were really good with some plain American mustard. Overall a nice experience, and I thought all of the ingredients were very high quality, which seems to be their self-proclaimed selling point.
Tonight I tried to go to Spirits but found that they were closed. Ok honestly, I have a very hard time understanding how restaurants could be closed on a Saturday night... there was some culture shock for me, for sure. But I drove around trying to think of where would be next on my list and I drove right by Cajun Landing, so I stopped there. Good choice. The place is cute, wooden exterior and a softly nautical blue and white interior, which made me feel that I could have as easily been in Maine. The menu reinforced this feeling with their deep fried fish platters etc., though the deep-fried dinner roll was certainly a new experience for me (tasted good, felt weird going down). The waiter steered me wisely towards the stuffed red snapper ($18). I kindof have a problem with it being called stuffed -- fish is flat, how could you really stuff it? The dish was more like a piece of snapper with a big crab cake on top of it, crab meat over that and a creamy sauce. But, not-technically-stuffed though it may have been, it was delicious. I was very hungry by the time I had driven around looking for a place to eat, so maybe that made it taste better, but I really enjoyed it and found it a highlight of my time here so far. The sautee of zucchini, squash and red onions was also very good and a little spicy. The portion was generous but not overwhelming, and the noise level was very low. A lovely meal.
And now I have to figure out if *anything* but the wok is open here on Sundays :)
re: Adrienne
I would think that the chains and Asian and Mexican restaurants are all open on Sundays.
You are quite close to Tunk's for a meal on a weeknight or Saturday night. It might be closed on Mondays, though.
Spirits has always been closed on Saturdays, which seems odd, but historically, they've done booming day business during the week and pretty good business at night as well. It has a band on Friday nights quite often, also. The current owners are a young couple with small children and both of them have plenty of money of their own outside of the restaurant income. They can do what they want, but they work hard at it during the week. It probably nearly runs itself at this point.
It's possible Sister's in the mall could be open, but call first.
Lea's Lunchroom in Lecompte is open until mid afternoon, generally, and is a pleasant drive for a good ham sandwich, rootbeer served in the bottle with an accompanying small clear glass of ice, the old fashioned way. I've never been wild about the pies, but have a slice to say you ate at the "pie capital of the world". I don't believe anything at Lea's has changed since I was a child at least. It's pretty nostalgic and just a crack up to go there. I really love the ham sandwiches.
There's a map if you hit the home page.
Do not speed in Lecompte, though. You will be nailed if you do.
re: calliope
One additional limitation to my search for food is that I am not a very good driver... or more accurately, I am an ok driver but a very poor navigator. I wound up on MacArthur South the other day and it took me a very long time to figure out how to get back to North... pretty sad, I know. But I can try the mall again maybe... :) I thought maybe Bangkok would be open tonight but I still haven't been able to find them.
Re Tunks, I've heard that they're almost equivalent to Robbie G's but more expensive. Is that true? I loved Robbie G's but don't necessarily need to pay more for equivalent food.
And I can forgive Spirits for their weird schedule. I just feel a little like I'm in the twilight zone.
Today I'm on call so I can't go to LeCompte but I think I'm going to go to Lea's on Friday the 30th, when I will be driving back to New Orleans for the weekend so it will be on my way... I do think I have to get a slice of pie, and I will definitely try their ham sandwich, assuming I can find them :) I've heard they hide themselves a bit on purpose.
re: Adrienne
Bangkok should be open. I think they are open 7 days a week. They are near the Mall and, if you were on Mac South, you should have seen the Mall. They are located on North Drive in the strip mall which has Books-A-Million. North Drive hits MacArthur at a lighted intersection. Logan's is on the right there and I Hop, I believe will be on the left in front of another strip center which houses Bath and Body Works, PetSmart and Shoe Carnival, among others. Sam's is right around there as well.
Lea's is not hidden. It's been on the main drag through Lecompte since it first opened a million years ago and before I-49, that was the only option (other than through Marksville) to drive from Shreveport to Baton Rouge. It actually suffered when I-49 opened. It was always packed to the max when you drove through there.
Tunk's is not as good as Robbie G's in my opinion, but it has a much larger menu and serves good cocktails. You can eat in the bar area downstairs with a good view of the lake and even eat outside if the weather is suitable. Good view of the sunset on the lake or the moon rising. The beef filet is surprisingly tasty there.
Sammy's had pretty good steaks as well. It's just off MacArthur near the Pizza Hut across from the Power Center shopping center.
Maybe this map will help you.
If you enjoy bbq with the vinegar based sauce, try Westside just before you get to Robbie G's on Jackson St. Extension. It's cheap, so that should fit your bill. The chipped beef sandwich is good. Get extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Not open on Sundays, unfortunately.
re: calliope
Couldn't find the thread! So where did you eat on Sunday?
re: calliope
Report Version 6.1
Bangkok Restaurant
This restaurant was interesting... they have Chinese, Japanese and Thai food... they have a buffet some of the time I guess and sushi and a Habachi grill... it's like a really casual version of some of the hip NorthEast places :) Anyway I asked my server what to have and told her I was familiar with Thai and she brought me the biggest pork dumplings I've ever seen (the portion was 4 pieces and each was at least twice as big as the biggest dumplings I'd ever had before... the dough was almost like eating big noodles, I liked them a lot) and a bowl of curry with shrimp, vegetables, red curry base and lots of lemon grass. It tasted somewhere midway between a red curry and a Tom Yum. It was good, and spicy enough. My server was very friendly and pleasant, and I will definitely go back if I'm nearby... I read somewhere else that they'll try to make anything you request, so it's a fun place for me to go, being that I really like authentic, spicy Asian food.
(& Today I had my Pharm-supported lunch break at 4pm, so that's pretty much it for me :) )
re: Adrienne
I'll have to remember that shrimp dish. What was it called on the menu? The people there have always been very nice folks. Glad you were able to find the place. I think those dumplings are new. The dumplings I've had there are good, but they've been the normal size.
re: calliope
I asked the waitress what I should eat and she asked what I liked and made several suggestions, one of which was curry -- I stopped her on curry. She asked what kind of meat and I said shrimp. That's the extent of my knowledge on the entree.
The dumplings were marked "clear" or something equivalent, she said something about their not having the clear dough right now... maybe my dumplings were a new creation with whatever dough they did have.
Report Week 7
I know, it's Wednesday. My weeks are off. But I have more reports!
Westside Barbeque
This place and its servers were very charming and very cheap, but my ($4.50) half-chicken was very dry. The flavor was good, as was the sauce. Being that my only other BBQ experience here at Eddie's left me with almost exactly the same impression (good flavor, too dry) I think maybe I just like my meat less cooked than is in style here. Anyway, at that price I'm not complaining too much.
Ok it's not a restaurant but I ate their sushi. I had a rainbow roll, which I've also had from both Sake Sushi and the Wok now, and I'd say so far the Wok is winning with Sake and Kroger tied -- Sake lost points for the fish itself, Kroger for the overall roll, but their fish actually tasted a tiny bit better. I'm going to try to get to Hana to complete my sushi review of Alexandria.
Ok I just got back from Tunk's and this is why I'm posting now. Tunk's is in a lovely spot right on the Lake, which was very nice. Inside it has a mess-hall kind of feel to it, with a plastic salad bar (I mean, the salad itself wasn't plastic... not quite) and a bunch of semi-random fishy decorations. Cute. I was seated by a pleasant lady and I ordered and unrolled my cutlery to start my salad and... it was sticky. Very sticky. And, upon inspection, it looked unclean as well. So I grabbed the cutlery from the seat next to me (my table was set for 4) and it was also sticky. My waitress got me the cutlery from the next table -- still sticky. I'm considering leaving but I decide to give them a real chance and I let the hostess know. She apologized and walked into the kitchen to get me fresh cutlery. She brought it and it was perfect - clean, and warm and steamy like it had just come out of a dishwasher. Thank goodness. I ate my salad which was fine -- the lettuce was white, and the salad bar had a lot more fat than vitamins or crunch on it but everything tasted good. Then I got my alligator and everything changed. The alligator was fried perfectly. It didn't even need the tartar or cocktail sauce I was given -- though the wedge of lemon brought out some more nice flavor. Some bits tasted more fishy and others more like chicken which was kindof interesting. Anway it was very good, and they substituted corn for the fried sides and the corn was pretty good. Service was very attentive and pleasant. Overall my experience evened out, and I'm certainly glad to have finally tried this place.
Next up: Lea's in Lecompte
re: Adrienne
so atmosphere aside, tunks or robbie g's??
re: cellar_door77
It's not really a fair comparison because I had that whole basket of different fried yummies at Robbie G's... the fried Alligator at Tunk's was on par with the fried mixed at Robbig G's, but the salad was pretty eh and the corn was just ok. I'd say the highest points of Robbie G's (fried pickles, tomatoes, onions) were better than the high point of Tunk's (alligator).
re: Adrienne
I've never had the chicken at Westside. Initially, the menu was small and you could basically get chipped beef, sliced beef or ham with potato salad or slaw and that was pretty much it. As the owners changed, they expanded, but the original meats are still prepared as they always were, so I stick with those. Probably should have told you that.
Don't know what was up with the silverware problem at Tunk's. That's unusual. You're right about the salad bar. It's just there for a filler, in my opinion. I've rarely dined upstairs. I like the view of the water downstairs. Glad you liked the gator.
Cellar door, Robbie G's is better for seafood, in my opinion, though the menu is smaller. Tunks is an okay seafood restaurant and kind of fun because of it's quirks.
Report Week N-1
I have only one more week here in Alexandria! And though I don't have very much to report, I wanted to let y'all know that Lea's pie was really special. We got a lemon meringue and my friends (to whom I transported the pie on the way back to New Orleans... very carefully) all thought it was delicious. The meringue to custard ratio was VERY high, higher than I've ever seen, and I think that's what made it so good. The custard was very rich and the meringue was so light and the crust was very flaky and it was just all kinds of contrasty and not too much of any one part. Yum! Ham sandwich was fine, not that exciting.
Also this week the Pharm reps brought us lunch from Zoes Kitchen... I guess it's the new one in Lafayette. It was great -- they have mediterranean takes on all kinds of standard foods (mediterranean quesadillas, rubens, chicken wraps, etc.). I know it's not quite from Alec but I ate it here :)
re: Adrienne
I love the ham sandwiches at Lea's and the ham itself is delicious, but part of the allure of the sandwich is probably nostalgic for me.
If you get a chance to have the fried shrimp and catfish at Robbie G's before you leave, I recommend that.
Before you leave or on your way home, stop in Cheneyville at Poole's produce and pick up some of the sweet corn coming in. I was lucky enough to have some from there last year and it was outstanding. It's off the main road, but very easy to find and not far from your route. Take 71 out of town rather than I-49, like you are going to Lea's. You can call Poole's before you go and tell him what you want as far as corn and he'll give you directions. Here's the info.
Sweet Corn, Pooles Home Grown Produce. 318-279-2429 or 318-452-7061
If you like corn, you will find this hard to beat.
If you like fresh purple hull peas or speckled butterbeans, the new crops are coming in and they are flash frozen the day they are picked. They keep in the freezer extremely well and taste just as good as fresh, not frozen. I've eaten some I had in the freezer for well over a year without any flavor or texture differences. This is good old country cookin' food. The tomatoes coming in are very good as well, though not Creoles!
re: calliope
Wait what do you mean take 71 to Lea's? I took 49 and got off at 66. Hmn. Also never heard of purple peas, will keep an eye out for that for sure. I've already gotten to taste how great the tomatoes here are -- for sure. Yum.
re: Adrienne
We always go the "old" pre-49 route and I assumed you did as well because it's longer to take 49 to Lea's. You head straight out of town on MacArthur Dr. Go straight under 49 rather than getting on. If you go straight on that hwy through Cheneyville, Lecompte, Bunkie etc..., it will take you to the hwy just before you hit Krotz Springs. (I'm assuming you are not taking the long route to NO through Lafayette)
Anyway, going that way takes you right in front of Lea's. After Lecompte, you will hit Cheneyville. You turn left on the first street (there may only be 2 streets). Go over a little bridge, turn right and go until you see the Poole's veggie signs. That's it. There's a veggie stand off Hwy 28, closer to you, but they don't usually get the corn this early. You could call them, though. The name is Bayou Best Produce, I believe.
There's a fellow out at Lake Buhlow right now, during the day, just off the bridge past the Buhlow Fun Park who has some great purple hull peas and specks. Purples hulls are similar to black eye peas, but much better, in my opinion. They are grown in the area. We stock up in the summer.
re: calliope
Hmn... I have been taking the 49 straight to 10 route... I know it's physically longer but I obey speed limits and they're much higher that way. We'll see if I can make time this weekend to go get corn; I don't think this will be practical driving back to New Orleans after work on Wednesday -- my last day here!
re: Adrienne
That's a longer route regardless of obeying the speed limits. We take 49 to Opelousas and get off to Port Barre. Much shorter. Also, if you've ever been in 10 between Lafayette and BR when there's been an accident, you'll never do it again. You are stuck over the spillways. Maybe there will be some corn at one of the closer markets before you leave. If I see any, I'll let you know.
re: Adrienne
When you get to Cheneyville, you turn left on Klock St. and go until you reach the point of having to turn right or left on Bayou Rd. You turn right at that point and it's several miles on your left. The corn is worth the trouble. I can promise you that.
Alexandria: Last weekly report
I got some good eating in over the weekend, one final attempt to cover the list y'all made me 3 months ago. I SO appreciate all of your help and suggestions... and driving directions :) and I wish I could have gotten a chance to try every single suggestion... I didn't but I think I did a pretty good job. And later tonight or tomorrow I will post a review of all this with some best-ofs and least-best-ofs etc.
But this week...
Peking Buffet
I had lunch at Peking Buffet. It was approximately what I expected: Maybe a dozen types of fried foods - dumplings, eggrolls, chicken, shrimp, unknowns, "chinese donuts," a few types of non-fish sushi, lo mein, mei fun, a few deep-fried-sauced chicken dishes, several sauteed or stir-fried dishes with quite a bit of vegetables in them especially brocolli, and a few little pieces of cake. Overall the food was ok, not amazing, but the veg were fresh and the price is $6.39! For all you can eat! I couldn't believe how cheap it was. They get credit for keeping the food fresh for that price, for real.
Well this was long coming, because I'd heard about this place from the board and from coworkers... it was an interesting experience. It was like eating at a friend's. A friend who argues in front of you, has a cement kitchen and uses too much ammonia... while you're eating... but who makes great food. My dish - grilled shrimp over wheat pasta with brocolli, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc., was very good, and the sauce had this nice quality of being formed of veggie sweat and pasta water instead of being a heavy, creamy or oily sauce. It was way healthier feeling to eat it with those veg, the brown pasta, the grilled shrimp and the lack of heavy sauce -- and I like that, definitely. It also tasted really good. I didn't really mind the arguing or cement kitchen... it would have been really nice if the server could have not been cleaning right in front of my face while I was eating but as an overall package it was a pretty good meal.
Well. This was the weirdest one this week. So, I got a rainbow roll so that I could compare rainbow rolls throughout the various sushi purveyors here. I ordered a seaweed salad and a rainbow roll. The waiter, who clearly is having some trouble with understanding me because I guess he's from Asia somewhere, writes it down, and leaves. He comes back a few minutes later and tells me I've only ordered one roll. I say yes. He says again it is only one roll. I say that's right. He says it's not enough. Now I'm just staring at him. I say again, he's got it right. Now he gets up in my face (like, within a foot of my face) and starts yelling that I didn't order enough food. Now I'm obviously annoyed, I point at the ticket, I said "THAT'S what I WANT." And he leaves. Fine. So the kicker is, he never brought me the seaweed salad. The roll was plenty -- not huge, but enough, certainly enough that it shouldn't have been questioned -- and it was pretty tasty, with reasonably turgid, fresh fish but the avocado was brown. I peeled that off and enjoyed. I got out of there quickly to avoid interacting with my waiter any more. I mentioned the situation to the hostess who apologized, told me she would report this to her manager right away, and added under her breath that he yells at her all the time just like how I'd said. The sushi was fine but I wouldn't consider going back in there alone and if I were taken by others I would make a special request not to have this man wait on me again. Jeesh.
Best of the Pineville / Alexandria Louisiana Area Restaurants
Alright, so if you've been reading along, you know every last thing I ate in the past 10 weeks. But what was the best? Read on!
5 Highlights:
Oriental Wok
Cajun Landing
Robbie G's
Lee J's on the Levee
Critic's Choice
5 Best Dishes:
Oriental Wok: Wonderful Shrimp
Lea's Lunchroom: Lemon Meringue Pie
Robbie G's: Fried Pickles
Bordelon's: Crawfish
El Reparo: Chile Relleno
5 Best Buys:
Westside BBQ
Peking Buffet
El Reparo
Fire Mountain
Healthy options:
Spirits Food and Friends
Little Greek Deli
5 Most Underwhelming:
Bistro on the Bayou
Sake Sushi
It's been a great 10 weeks. Thank you all again for your help -- I have had some delicious eating and I appreciate ya!
re: Adrienne
Thanks for your reports. Have a safe trip home.


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The harassment case involving Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones and a homeless man was settled on Tuesday, after all charges were dropped.
Via Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:
"A harassment charge against Rockets forward Terrence Jones was dropped on Tuesday after a compromise was reached on the civil case, the Portland Oregonian reported citing court records. Jones agreed to pay $10,000 to a charity that benefits the homeless to be designated by the alleged victim's lawyer."
The incident happened last July when Jones allegedly stomped on Daniel John Kellerher, who was sleeping on a sidewalk at the time. No additional actions will be needed from Jones as he is free from all charges now.
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The Fan On The Streets 2/25-3/4
February 26, 2013 10:04 AM
Tuesday February 26
Join RAGE Live at Quaker Steak and Lube at Parkwood and 121 in Plano! Come enjoy some amazing wings and….it's your chance to win tickets to see Daytona 500 winner Jimmie Johnson with Texas Motor Speedway at the House of Blues tomorrow!
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(Source: iures, via mrnathandrake)
(Source: onthegreatsea, via ofchocobosandmen)
→ ᴍᴀʀʟᴜxɪᴀ: ʀᴇᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴀɴᴅ
─── ʙʟᴀᴅᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ
(Source: kurtzisa, via sionbarzahd)
Concept art of Yuna, Tidus and two new character on the new drama that follows after the credits of the recently released remastered version. Apparently Sin is back and as a result, Yuna and Tidus are no longer a couple. Suggesting a sequel (or FINAL FANTASY X-3, if you prefer) is inevitable.
(Source: crystamined, via ohhaiserah)
If Final Fantasy VII can get a prequel, spin-off, movie and anime, and Final Fantasy XII can get a spin-off and Final Fantasy XIII can get two sequels while there is rumor of a third installment for the Final Fantasy X series then I think it's time Final Fantasy VIII gets something.
(Source: thinkyoucanridethischocobo, via buymeunic0rns)
(Source: idontwantyouasaghost, via buymeunic0rns)


text:
Results 1 to 1 of 1
- Join Date
- Aug 2005
- Location
Need heip: Have you guys seen this cartoon? I want
This is a cartoon about knowledge of animals. Main role are two little children, one is a boy who wears red clothes, other is a girl who wears yellow clothes and holds a doll. Every episode two children meet an animal and learn knowledge of this kind of animal.
Have you guys seen this cartoon? Could you tell me its name?


text:
It seems counterintuitive for a business book to tout the virtues of unpopularity, but author Erika Napoletano has thoroughly embraced the concept of unpopularity -- which is not a pejorative term, as she explains in the Q&A that follows. Basically, unpopularity means you don't have mass appeal for ... More >>
Well, the deadline for the big television conversion to digital is only a month away and I missed my shot at getting the government vouchers for the converter box. Last week, the Commerce Department announced they had hit the $1.34 billion funding limit set by Congress for the coupon program, which ... More >>
Ben Schulz issued the battle cry that echoed across World of Warcraft.
From the week of September 21, 2006
From the week of September 14, 2006
Internet TV died on the coasts, but it's alive and well at 5,280 feet.
Rising political powerhouse Jared Polis is rich, tireless and filled with contradictions.
Crossword-puzzler Al Sanders has had his ups and downs.
Get Wet's Les Fradkin made history with one simple guitar riff. Now he's making waves as an Internet innovator and surf-rock guru.
A local author takes the detective novel to the cleaners.


text:
Redefining the way people think about the role of Education in Restoring Communities
2014 Hart Vision Charter School of the Year
SF Grand Jury Findings, July 3, 2014
Civil Grand Jury, City and County of San Francisco
San Francisco Civil Grand Jury Finds: The Five Keys Charter School is an excellent implementation of an important rehabilitation program in the San Francisco County Jail
SF Gate, June 10, 2014
Catherine Bigelow, San Francisco Chronicle
News Hour, April 2, 2014
Jeffrey Brown, PBS News
Read more...
SF Gate, March 4, 2014
Marisa Lagos
San Francisco Sheriff's Department's Five Keys Charter School, the one-of-a-kind school that offers San Francisco jail inmates an education, was chosen Tuesday as the best charter school in Northern California.
California Charter Schools Association, March 4, 2014
Dannie Tillman, CCSA
Read more...
Five Keys Charter School Board Meeting
Click here for Agenda Notes from the most recent meeting.
Local Control Accountability Plan - Public Notice
April 24, 2014
Five Keys wants to hear from you!
1st Annual Five Keys Art Show - Los Angeles
June 24th, 5:00PM at the Los Angeles Central Public Library
Now accepting submission from Los Angeles Five Keys students for the show
5th Annual Five Keys Art Show - San Francisco
June 10th, 5:30PM in the Koret Auditorium of the San Francisco Main Library
Now accepting submission from San Franciso Five Keys students for the show


text:
James Hetfield has been one of my fantasy men for a long time. He's so rugged and sexy. He just screams "Dirty Daddy" . I also really like Metallica's music, but I like James just a little bit more :)
I wonder if he makes some of these faces during sex?


text:
The modern Villager Ebony Bamboo Area Rug speaks class and style to your visitors.
Designed to be durable and water-resistant, this area rug will compliment your indoor décor and bring rave reviews from your guests. Created out of perfectly aged bamboo, this rug is a cut above all other bamboo rugs. This rug resists cracking and warping due to the kiln-dried process and boasts about the special hand-sanding that goes into each bamboo rug.
An added feature is the specially designed non-slip, ventilated backing that is attached to your rug.
No longer will you worry that your family or guests will slip and fall due to your area rug!
Durability, reliability, and style; what more could you ask for in your area rug?


text:
The Division of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery performs exams and procedures on the second floor of the Ambulatory Care Center next to Strong Memorial Hospital. Arrangements also can be made to see your surgeon at Park Ridge Hospital or at Clifton Springs Hospital. Talk with your surgeon for more information.
At the time of your appointment, please bring with you the following items:
If you do not have an authorization form from your HMO physician at the time of your visit, you will be responsible for payment at the time of your appointment.
If you do not have any type of insurance coverage, you will be responsible for payment at the time of your appointment. We accept cash or check.
It is important that you are on time for your appointment. If you are unable to keep this appointment, please notify the office as soon as possible.


text:
These Girlfriend Love poems are examples of Love poems about Girlfriend. These are the best examples of Girlfriend Love poems written by international PoetrySoup poets
Tell me that this fear is just paranoia in my mind,
we're not straining, we're not struggling,
we're not sinking, we're just fine.
I'm not perfect my dearest, but damn have I tried,
and I'll try harder but I know I'll have the same results every time.
Do you want me all the ways that I am?
With all the struggles and the tears and the clinging to your hand.
I fear your getting further and Im left on the shore to stand,
watching you in the distance with a bullet in my hand.
Tell me all this worry, its just clutter in my mind,
tell me not to worry that we're doing just fine.
Cause Im scared to run you off and I feel Im falling deep.
And Im so frightened of these thoughts that its getting hard to sleep.
All I know is that the heart wants what it desires,
because of you the match inside has turned into a fire.
And I feel the broken glass thats sticking from my skin,
Wondering if you'll remove the pain or push it back in.
My hearts frantic wondering if you feel the same,
pleading and begging for more than just a saying,
but to feel and to see that im not alone,
with being in this love thats overwhelming.
Once I told you that we didnt have a spark,
but you were lighting up and I was sitting in the dark.
And this fire, this blaze its wrapped in desire.
Im terrified to lose you, I think I might die or,
maybe disappear from all the pieces falling out,
im going crazy but when i open my mouth, nothing comes out,
and I cant explain to you why I just need to hold you close,
why every time you leave Im scared to let you go,
why these tears are building up behind my eyes,
all I know is that the heart wants what it desires
and it desires to be your wife.
So tell me in my panic, that your words are true,
tell my my dearest what I mean to you,
tell me that this paranoia is all within my mind
we're not struggling, we're not sinking tell me we're just fine
Who Knew Your Forever Was
Who knew your forever was eleven months and a day
me trying to keep you , buckets of love in each play
Girl, your sexy body was the drug I desperately needed
yet you went to ice cold as my hurting heart pleaded!
Who knew my faithful love, sadly was never enough
you would hit me with heartbreak and say tough
Girl, your body set my heart burning in a blaze
now your leaving sent this man into a drunken haze!
Who knew your paradise was to be a future dark Hell
deeper the false ride you gave the farther I fell
Girl, I thought to love and your life truly save
now you cast me into this dark and lonely grave!
I am just too far gone to now be rightly thinking
I sit here my mind rotting , heart rapidly sinking
Girl, your leaving rips me apart, sets me to drinking
I sit here in darkness, my broken soul all bleeding!
Robert Lindley
August 17th 1977
note: I wrote this over three decades ago, while drunk,
on a Saturday night.
Beaten down by a woman that broke my soul . That cut
my heart out and ate it with relish. I tried to get
her to see her folly but no dice. Life is like that.
People run their own path picking up pleasure and
then casting it away. Youth must suffer from its lack
of experience...
Yesterday I dreamed a dream,
that had no end.
You in your white gown, and long, black hair flowing.
You were calling my name.
I heard you, but I couldn't reach you!
And when I say your soul was tainted.
You went out in the night life.
You dressed in your black, evening ball gown.
You danced till the Red Sun came out, over the horizon.
You smiled at me.
A flame in my heart burned red hot!
My knees and hands shook with nerves;
Nerves of love and joy.
I blew you a kiss,
but you turned away!
Oh, please don't turn away from me,
for I would die, if it happened again!
Your beautiful and golden heart showed me the truth.
The truth that every gentleman wants to hear.
I've seen you walk the streets,
in the blue dawn of August.
As I followed you, you stopped and looked at me.
You smiled so beautifully, and my heart fluttered into oblivion!
You walked with your friends and I went my way.
I couldn't find a single trace of you that day.
I cried out "Why did I leave her like this?!"
I looked for you, all over the courtyards and town squares!
Yet no sight of your beauty.
... No sight of your golden heart, that I hold so dear to mine.
Where did you go?
Why did you leave?
Why did I leave... that is the question!
I should have stayed by your side,
till the ends of time.
Yet I had left.
One gloomy and parish midnight.
I came along a road,
and soon found myself in front of a wayward cafe.
Smiling faces all around me.
I spotted a beautiful face that outstood all the other faces around me.
It was yours.
Your face brought me to sanity and I went over too you!
You spotted me and tried to run!
I caught you in the dirty hallway and pulled you in.
Our eyes met and I fell in love once again.
Sanity re-entered my mind, body and soul.
I kissed you and you kissed back.
You held my hand, and we left the cafe and walked down the street.
The street was gloomy, yet we together brightened the dark street.
We went back to the lit up city streets, of the lands filled with smiling faces,
and we fell in love and slept together.
You lay there in my restless arms and I gave you a sweet kiss,
upon your sweet and soft head.
Your dark hair was sweet smelling and felt of silk.
I closed my eyes and fell asleep with you,
there in my arms and we dreamed together
till the morning came and woke me up,
and took you away from my weak and weary arms.
I dreamed a dream of you.
Princess, princess, please calm down,
Wear your diamond, glory crown.
I'll make you queen, someday, you'll see,
As long as you will marry me.
Princess, princess, don't hate me,
I only wish that you could see.
That I love you with all my heart,
I wish that we will never part.
Princess, princess, don't you die,
I promise you, I'll never lie.
Stay with me through life and death,
And please don't ever hold your breathe.
Princess, princess, don't you cry,
I will never say goodbye.
It hurts too much to leave your side,
Like all of me has stopped and died.
Princess, princess, don't you see,
I'm your prince, and groom to be.
Forever together, and never apart,
I give you my all, and even my heart.
I've Scribbled This Song For You...
I'm wasting my days,
my empty nights too,
I should have held on,
but I simply lost you,
now I stagger along,
wearing broken smiles,
in between hell and you,
there's a million miles,
yes, I should have kept,
you close to my skin,
soaking your warmth,
but you were laughing,
at my foolish grin...
now I'm all broken,
and torn apart,
but what the hell,
I was always late,
for the tolling of the bell,
and now...
now I stagger along,
wearing broken smiles,
in between hell and you,
there's a million miles,
so kiss me now like you once did,
I'm tired of being so carefully hid,
la laa laa la laa laa laa...
(repeat to fade)
The sweet songs of birds,
We hand in hand across the
Pansies white yellow and violet
Tossing their heads in the
Somewhere the sound of falling
The sound of squirrel cracking
the walnut.
Calm weather warm sun,
White fluffy clouds forming
different shapes,
A passenger flight in the blue
Sun born in the horizon and
about to fade in the horizon,
Both our heartbeats echo
inside of chest,
Shutting and opening of our
Your unkempt hair flying
Yellowish west sky.
Heart shaped fig leaf's shadow.
If I could stop this world from
I would do so,
Just to be with you
In this autumn evening.
Here I lie beside you
My heart goes thump.thump.thump.
My soul dances inside you
Reveling in the texture of your own.
Electric and flowing
The currents of our love
Glow like neon lights
Illuminating the hope in my eyes.
Though we're not moving
I feel so incredibly alive
Invincible to my past
Untouchable by all who lack
That gentle touch of when
You lean in and brush my face
Your lips grazing my skin
Softer than a butterfly.
And then you gaze into my eyes
I fall into your depths
Twirling like the autumn leaves
Melting into your smile
Your soul reminiscent of summer.
You pull me into your arms
And for a moment I'm lost
Breathless and in awe
Staring in the face of pure exquisite love
And there you are - holding it
Glowing in the moonlight of my stare.
My heart beats - its drum pounding away
Echoing a song thats lost its words
I touch your cheek and smile
My hands cant stay away
My lips s l o w l y, draw near yours
Hovering, and then -
Part, a soft warmth against them.
My eye lids pulling shut
Dragging me into a silent heaven
I pull away - and what seemed millennia
Lasted only a moment, a second in time
But this is our love
This is what you do to me
You make me invincible and fragile
Lost forever in a beautiful reverie.
I look in your eyes and my heart breaks.
How will I remove you from my mind?
I would Never have imagined such pain.
How will I Love with this broken heart.
You have made me this shell of a man.
I can not explain the way I feel
I know I will never love again.
Read first word first line
Second word second line
Third word third line
Forth word fourth line
Fifth word fifth line
Sixth word sixth line
Seventh word Seventh line
Nine Sylables per line including understepping line
I would like to call this form Understepping because
of the underlying message stepping down with each line..
Here we have a poem within a poem.
her life is on the tip of his tongue
the sparkle leaves her eyes
an arrow to his chest
drawing her to her death
a feather falling from the sky
the death of an angel
her wings turn blood red
like the color of the red sea
the sword drawn out of the ground
by her own hands
what he could not do himself
she has done for him
He falls unto to his knees
the arrow she had put into his chest
the greatest of betrayals
She asked for her death wish
Holding the ring in her palm
He looks into her eyes
watching the love she had left for him disappear
Falling into despair
Her face hitting the ground
Blood surrounded her body
He watched as she died
He couldn't move from the love that had pierced his chest
I were asked
My dear,
What in you I would like
To change,
My answer, emphatically,
NOTHING, would be,
Unchanged, I wish you
To remain,
How could I dare
With your splendid being
In any way,
The Lord, in HIS wisdom
Has, you my love,
Perfectly MADE?
©Demetrios Trifiatis
15 February 2013


text:
HOME NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Gear Pittsburgh Steelers Mens Pittsburgh Steelers Mens T-Shirts (326 items) Product ID: 1484007
Main Content
Look sharp while cheering on your Steelers with this Pittsburgh Steelers Nike Old-School long-sleeve top. Brought to you by Nike, this Pittsburgh Steelers long-sleeve T-shirt features printed graphics and comes with a comfy rib-knit collar. This piece of Steelers team gear is a must-have for any die-hard fan.
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Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


text:
The Dumbing Down of America
Do You Have a Cosby Dad?
You May Be Surprised to Learn Just How Many Parents Have a Favorite Child
Finally, Parents Take the Heat for Spoiling Their Children During the Holidays — Survey of the Day
It's usually everyone else's kids who are spoiled (never our own), but a new Parents.com survey reveals that moms and dads are admitting they have a problem when it comes to spoiling their kids during the holidays.
Should an Obese Child Be Taken From His Parents? Some Authorities Thought So and Did
A boy in Cleveland, OH, who weighs more than 200 pounds, was taken from his mother by authorities last week. Officials were forced to remove the third-grader from his home when caseworkers decided that his mother's inability to reduce his weight constituted medical neglect.
Still Living With Your Parents as an Adult? Well, You're Hurting the Economy
While many college grads are only too happy to fly their parents' nest and get a place of their own, the dip in the economy has meant some can't — or won't — until they feel more financially able to do so comfortably. What does this mean for the economy? Unfortunately, nothing good.
Parents Who Gave Kids Nazi Names Lose Custody Battle
The parents of three children, who gave each of them Nazi names, including Adolf Hitler, have finally lost custody of all three kids.
On Thursday, a New Jersey appeals court ruled that the children, who have been in foster care, should not be returned to the couple due to evidence of domestic violence in the home. The court has returned the case to family court for further reconsideration.
Eight Percent of Parents Regret Their Child's Name — Survey of the Day
Parents Warned Against Using Bumper Pads in Cribs
In its latest guidelines for doctors, the American Academy of Pediatrics is advising against the usage of bumper pads in cribs, saying they may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.


text:
Platinum Air Duct Cleaning
236 Lumahai Place
Honolulu, HI 96825
Honolulu, HI 96825
Your use of our services is governed by our Terms & Conditions
Platinum Air Duct Cleaning
Finally A Company You Can Depend On!
Our goal at Platinum Air Duct Cleaning is to educate consumers about the importance of indoor air quality and the importance of clean dryer ducts.
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Service Area
- Honolulu
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- Camp H M Smith
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- Wheeler Army Airfield
- Tripler Army Medical Center
- Aiea
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Areas of Expertise
- Air Duct Cleaning
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Business Hours(Please call to confirm)
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- Bilingual
In Business Since: 2007
Memberships & Affiliations
- Rotobrush Technologies International, LLC.
- National Association of Residential Property Managers
ScreeningHomeAdvisor Screened. View Details
Business Overview
How We Got Started
I chose to work in this industry because We felt the importance of educating people of the importance of duct cleaning. .
We started in this industry in 2007.
We describe our business as Family owned and operated
Platinum Air Duct Cleaning
866-334-2751236 Lumahai Place
Honolulu, HI 96825
Find More


text:
Is it crazy…
Is it crazy that life being too short is EXACTLY the reason I have no intentions on telling my crush that they are the object of my affection?
I mean seriously, the argument could be made saying that I have nothing to lose. However, I see that there is so much to lose. Making things awkward could just kill any hope at a potential friendship which is really all I am equipped to deal with in the first place. You can never be too sure who can appreciate the idea of a crush and not make it out to be the end of the world or the beginning of forever.
I am leaning heavily towards letting nature take its course. If it is meant to be there isn't a damn thing I can do to stop it from happening. I am not planning on fighting it. I simply don't want to make the mistake of skipping steps.
Does that make any sense?
Waking up
The one…
You see… I woke up in those arms. Those small yet powerful arms wrapped around me and holding me like I was the softest, most favored teddy bear. I stretched and my hips rocked my butt back drawing the sweetest moan to fill my ears. A hand slid slowly up my belly, traced across my bare breast, and around my neck. My untamed hair was moved from the back of my neck to be replaced with three soft kisses.
"Good morning."
"Amazing morning."
A chuckle was followed my four more kisses. "I need to get to the gym."
"Let me be your gym."
Lips smiled while still against the back of my neck. "You are already my playground."
I smiled at the words. I giggled as the hand met its match and both began to cup my breasts. Massaging caused an unexpected moan to escape my lips. My bottom lip quivered. "You need to get to the gym."
Lips moved to my ears and whispered. "Are you still afraid?"
"Yes." I admitted after a few reluctant moments.
"Even after what happened last night?"
"That was your first time ever…"
"Do you want me to go?"
Lips formed a smile against my neck. Kisses were interrupted by a simple "Okay". Hands slipped down my waist and wrapped around my thighs.
Out of Reach
***inspired by a crazy dream, a scene in my novel, & my new obsession with 6 word lines***
ever desired someon just outta reach?
you watch them from behind glass
wanting to smash it and dive
right into an abyss of discovery
touching. tasting. exploring. nibbling. scratching. moaning.
you want them to experience something
they boast about doing to others
unsure if you have the nerve
not caring. blinded by desire. craving.
zero fucks given to lacking experience
you ready to scoop them up
have them screaming out your name
vision blurry hyperventilating sporadic body tremors
attempting reconnection with their favorite diety
walking off rookie of the year
ego on high. heart on pause.
reality reminds you what they need
it's the game of your life
not the season. not a career.
so you pull out the windex
clean the glass infront of you
hands in pockets. keep on looking
at what is out of reach.
Day 243
- so no… at this time i can't see myself ever fighting for love or a friendship again… as much as i still value the two i have to accept the fact that every time i go to war i end up just learning that my cause was not even worth fighting for…
- low key romance makes me smile. i am not a big fan of PDA. i love observing a glance, a gesture, something someone thinks no one else saw… even better something they don't care if someone else saw… it seems like a secret language at times.
- this short story i am writing has got my mind all messed up… i can't even seem to choose a proper crush… oh well… maybe once i am finished it…
- sleep…
*a twitter convo inspired this bit of rambling*
i miss having a crush
they let me know that i am still alive
blood pumping through my veins
hormones get to flowing
and my creativity gets moving
i mean it is hard to write about relationships and love
if you have no muse
granted i could write an epic novel on depression
but who the hell would want to read that?
i want to write about the warm chill that
dances through your body when you
see that special someone
the imagery playing in your mind
when they are in it with you
the throb between your thighs
when they are really in it with you,
(Source: randombitsofsweetness.blogspot.com)


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This 295-room Sheraton high-rise is located in the trendy Uptown district, close to shopping and restaurants. The hotel has contemporary interiors: There's a hip lobby lounge, a spacious business center with big computer monitors, and clean rooms with white bedding and dark wood furniture. Some of the east-facing rooms have excellent views of the mountains. The circular indoor pool and Jacuzzi are appealing, though the Albuquerque Marriott's indoor/outdoor pool is larger and nicer. The daily fee for Wi-Fi and minor wear and tear in the rooms are downsides.
The 405-room Albuquerque Marriott offers exactly what you'd expect in a mega-chain of this size and price point: a large pool, modern fitness center, and decent-to-great views from its high-rise rooms. Room decor, though, is also what you'd expect -- comfortable yet basic furniture, hospitality style carpeting, and little personality. The bathrooms are nice, though. And large flat-screen TVs and modern coffeemakers with free coffee are a nice touch. Be prepared to pay a high fee for Wi-Fi, which is an annoyance considering comparable properties like the nearby Crowne Plaza Albuquerque offer it for free.
Straddling I-25, the Nativo Lodge is a centrally located, mid-range hotel with an impressive display of unique Native American art in the lobby . Out back, there's a heated, half-indoor/half-outdoor pool and a teepee containing a hookah lounge. The lack of high-tech features like iPod docks and flat-screen TVs in the guest rooms means that nearby chain hotels such as the Staybridge Suites offer more amenities -- if less cultural interest -- at the same price point.
This business-friendly hotel provides almost everything expected from a mid-range chain. The 24-hour cafe, spacious rooms with huge flat-screen TVs, and free shuttle, Wi-Fi, and breakfast all equal good value. However, this property is lacking some amenities -- such as a Jacuzzi, and microwaves in every room -- which are found at the nearby Holiday Inn Express Albuquerque Airport.
This Holiday Inn Express delivers everything expected of a business- and family-friendly mid-range hotel, plus a few unexpected extras, like spacious and surprisingly sleek rooms. The nice heated-indoor pool and decently equipped fitness center, plus free breakfast (standard at Holiday Inn Express locations), are added perks.
The business-friendly Staybridge Suites Albuquerque Airport provides everything expected from a mid-range chain hotel. The free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, meeting spaces, guest laundry, free breakfast, and kitchenettes make extended stays convenient. However, guest complaints have surfaced about attention to detail and inconsistent breakfast service. Extra perks, though, include a market for snacks, a small media room, a putting green, barbecue grills, a Jacuzzi, and a nice fitness center. Overall, though, the nearby Holiday Inn Express Suites is a better value at the same price point.
For a mid-range chain hotel, this Holiday Inn Suites offers more than most at a price point below its competitors. Rooms have modern amenities and kitchenettes, and the lobby is handsome with a fireplace, water fountain, and clean tan tile floors. There's not much in the way of regional decor, but most guests don't come to chain hotels for a slice of local culture. The free hot breakfast served in a great room beside the lobby has more to offer than the typical continental breakfast, and in the evening free cookies and milk are served. There's a nice heated pool available (open seasonally), but the lack of a Jacuzzi stands out (many other mid-range hotels nearby have one). Overall, the hotel offers good value, with a central location and perks such as a free shuttle.
The Homewood Suites, one of several mid-range chain hotels near the airport, has attractive decor throughout and a number of freebies, including a hot breakfast, self-parking, and shuttle service. Rooms have kitchenettes with fridges, microwaves, stovetops, and sinks, and many rooms have separate living rooms -- all of which helps explain this property's slightly higher price point. There's also an outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, open seasonally. The nearby Holiday Inn Express Suites and Hyatt Place Albuquerque Airport both have contemporary decor and (usually) lower rates, but neither have rooms with full kitchenettes, and the Hyatt Place lacks a Jacuzzi.
The business- and family-friendly Staybridge Suites Albuquerque North nicely fits into the expectations of a mid-range chain hotel, with a few extra perks. The free Wi-Fi, spacious and clean rooms, guest laundry, free breakfast, and large kitchenettes are all nice amenities -- especially for extended stays. The fitness center is open 24 hours, and there's a nice picnic and BBQ grilling area out back. The market is handy for grabbing snacks, and the free evening appetizers (three days a week) is a nice addition. However, the nearby Holiday Inn Express Suites offers nearly the same amenities and nicer rooms at a lower price point.
The Residence Inn Albuquerque North is a mid-range option offering more space than its competitors. Rooms are ideal for business travelers and families, with full kitchens, dining areas, work desks, and living rooms. Inviting interior spaces have a clean, modern look and are complete with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Additional perks include a heated pool and basketball/tennis court. Located in north Albuquerque, this hotel is a great pick for the annual Balloon Fiesta held nearby. While some guests complain about slow Internet speeds or highway noise, this amenities-packed hotel offers good value.
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As election season heats up, the candidates for Lancaster County Council's District 4 race are addressing a number of issues on the minds of voters, from county budget concerns to higher wages for county employees to crumbling roads.
Name: John Hess
Position running for: Lancaster County Council District 4
Age: 46
Address: P.O. Box 887, Lancaster, SC 29721
Contact information: email@example.com or (803) 283-9988
Website: www.nicholshess.com; Facebook, John Hess for County Council
Family: Wife, Malissa (married 28 years); one daughter, Morganne, and a son-in-law, Matt; one son Drake; and two grandsons
Name: Larry Honeycutt
Name: Charlene McGriff
Name: Jack Estridge
INDIAN LAND – About 100 people turned out for the Before You Vote 2014 Candidate Forum held Thursday, Oct. 16, in the City of Light chapel to meet candidates on this year's Indian Land general election ballot.
Investigators are still searching for at least two men who assaulted and robbed a storage unit worker at gunpoint Friday, Oct. 17.
The Lancaster County Council of the Arts is sponsoring Night of the Living Arts –ARToberfest, its annual adult fall arts crawl, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at downtown Lancaster businesses and galleries.
Like the wardrobe doors that lead to Narnia, the doors of the Barr Street Auditorium, 612 E. Meeting St., open at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Oct. 17, for Community Playhouse of Lancaster County's production of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."
This year's general election ballot includes candidates for three national level races, including U.S. House District 5 and both of South Carolina's U.S. Senate seats.
Copyright © 2014
The Lancaster News is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Lancaster County and Lancaster, South Carolina, and the surrounding area..


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Adoptable Pet of the Week 4/30
Updated: Friday, August 2 2013, 09:23 PM EDT
Adopt this pet at the Animal Protective Foundation in Scotia!
Call (518) 374-3944 for more information or [click here] to visit the APF website.
Animal Protective Foundation
53 Maple Avenue
Scotia, NY 12302.
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