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Ever feel like just taking a drive somewhere new?
There’s something to be said about going somewhere different – and if you’re a regular reader of this space, you know I like to try new places.
So, last Saturday, my ever-fun friends Kim and Lonn ventured to Springbrook Township with me.
The short, half-hour trip from Wilkes-Barre was worth it, considering our end destination: a newly remodeled restaurant called Olde Brook Inn.
Entering through the large wooden doors at the front, you step into an inviting inn, featuring a large main dining room with ample seating, two outdoor dining areas with heated floors and a fireplace for cozy dining, and a long bar with seating for 40.
A three-meatball appetizer covered in cheese to start, followed by chicken pesto with prosciutto and mozzarella over linguini was a-maz-ing — truly perfect.
Manager Barry stopped over to say hi too, and we couldn’t help but gush over all things Olde Brook.
We promised to be back, especially later in spring when outdoor dining is all the rage. After all, who doesn’t love to try a new deck?
Another stop around town last week was Cork.
You know it as the popular restaurant and wine bar opened in 2007 by local public relations pro Ruth Corcoran.
A regular diner there for years, I hadn’t been there as much as of late, but was glad I stopped in last Friday.
The bagpipers popped in to kick off parade weekend, but the packed house wasn’t just because of them, as I first surmised.
Joe and Mary Beth Pacuska, a wonderful couple I’ve gotten to know over the years, came in shortly after me, and apparently are quite the regulars there.
They were part of the loyal customer base settling in that evening.
While Corcoran sold the restaurant in 2017 to area businessman Rob Friedman, many familiar faces were holding court and manager Carolyn Saporito was running the show.
I’ve always marveled at how Carolyn could manage an entire bar and handle the table drink orders with little to no assistance on busy weekend nights (just FYI: Her Sangria is my favorite).
With the bar and its high-top tables full and a packed dining room upstairs, it was clear there’s been no strain on the business since changing hands.
On another note, I’d be remiss not to mention St. Patrick’s Day a bit more.
If you read this column two weeks ago, I introduced my new friend, Patrick, a Byers’ Choice little leprechaun that’s jollier than most people I know.
He had a fantastic time at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Wilkes-Barre last Sunday – from our Market Street office to the end of the parade route on Public Square, he was dressed in green attire and rode on a company truck with the Weekender staff.
He’s become especially close with my work neighbor, Hartt, and she held onto him as our truck made its way down Main Street.
Over the last week or so, Patrick has made his rounds around the office, visiting other departments, desks and offices; he’s quite social.
Seems each morning this week I’ve found him in a different spot.
He’s been particularly fond of the newsroom staff (I guess) since I found him nestled atop reporter Bill O’Boyle’s desk early Friday morning. No doubt this setup was arranged by Executive Editor Joe Soprano.
And, despite a comical ransom note from an unnamed Times Leader colleague (an investigation is ongoing) Patrick was back in my possession before the weekend.
Just call it the luck of the Irish.