MAN ABOUT TOWN
THAT WAS THEN, AND THIS IS NOW
TAKE A JOURNEY WITH DR. AUBREY D. SHARPE, AS THE MAN ABOUT TOWN REVEALS THE HOTTEST RESTAURANTS IN EAST TEXAS.
The first “Man About Town” article appeared in the January/February 2004 issue of BSCENE. WOW! That was eight years ago. The event was the Christmas party of the “Happy Hour Group,” a gathering of self-proclaimed “crotchety guys” who met weekly for cocktails. The idea was conceived over martinis by Greg Whalan and the late Jim Sargent. The “Man’s” dear friend, Dick Davies, convinced the group to allow a younger fella to join in – and I’ve been a part ever since. Now, “the Group” has morphed into a weekly group with Captain Don Teeple in command. Don recommends different eateries around the county for each successive meeting. He is quite adept in finding unique places with good food at great prices. heritage – was awestruck with the flavors. This food is not just “some good, but TUSCANI ITALIAN RESTAURANT plum good!” HAS THE MOOD OF A Chef Joe Salinas has 20 years of NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY experience and is methodically learning PROVIDING DELECTABLE all of the new recipes. The sauces are FOOD FOR BUSINESS LUNCHES, typically prepared by Bob Kapay and all the dishes are prepared from scratch as CASUAL FAMILY DINING, OR ordered. The pasta is 100 percent ItalianLARGE PARTIES. made and specially ordered for Tuscani’s. As ya might imagine, we are all somewhat The new restaurant has been open older, but “wiser” now. We may have moved since March 1. Throughout the month from night to noon for our gatherings, and from of February it got a face lift. The walls martinis to iced tea for our drinks of choice, but have been repainted in Tuscany gold we are still a-meetin’! with an Old World look and all of the So, for this meeting we took a stroll down prints, pictures, and accessories have been memory lane and reflected on that original party, converted to give a European feel to the and first issue for the “Man About Town.” In atmosphere. All of the dining rooms have typical fashion, Don Teeple, who always does his a light and airy appearance. There are homework, brought us a copy of the 2004 article. also plans to replace the chairs, add some It was a hoot! We were like ole school chums outside landscaping, and revive the patio laughing our way through pictures in the high deck area. school yearbook while reminiscing about “those thrilling days of yesteryear.” LISTEN, TUSCANI ITALIAN The venue of choice was the new Tuscani HAS GREAT FOOD, GREAT Italian Restaurant located at 2202 East 5th SERVICE, GREAT PRICES, A Street, formerly Joe’s Italian. Owner/operator GREAT OWNER, WHOM YOU Bob Kapay, recently bought the place and will WILL JUST LOVE, AND IS A be moving his wife and three children to Tyler GREAT EXPERIENCE. soon. Bob has been in the U.S. for 23 years and has been in the Italian restaurant business Tuscani Italian Restaurant has the entire time. He is of Greek and Italian the mood of a neighborhood eatery and heritage, from Calabria, Sicily. The menu has provides delectable food for business been completely revamped and includes original lunches, casual family dining, or large recipes learned from Bob’s mother, and over 20 parties. The party room will seat up to years cooking and serving Italian food. He will 50 folks and is off to itself to guarantee tell you, “It’s all about fresh ingredients and exact privacy. At the present time the measurements to create the flavors.” Let me tell restaurant is BYOB, though there are ya, the flavors in this food explode delightfully plans to eventually serve beer and wine. in your mouth. Everyone in our group – one This wonderfully unique place is of them, John Giustra, of very serious Italian charming and affordable. Lunch includes BS CENEMAG.CO M
an entrée, salad, and fresh garlic bread for just $5.95. Dinner entrees start at $8.95, and the special chicken, veal, and seafood dishes average $11.95, (some are as low as $8.95). They’re all good values, but once you try the food, you’ll think it’s a steal! I promise! Listen, Tuscani Italian has great food, great service, great prices, a great owner, whom you will just love, and is a great experience. The “Man” will be back often for both lunch and dinner. After our fun-filled reunion of the “lunch group,” several of us just sat around in the lobby and enjoyed old friendships, and the easy-going atmosphere. You can do the same. So, if you’re out and about, look for us, we’ ll be about town.
MIDDLE PHOTO: DR. AUBREY D. SHARPE, DICK DAVIES, BOB KAPAY, DON TEEPLE, GREG WHALAN, JOHN GIUSTRA
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No. 51