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Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013
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LOCALSCENE
Choosing the right restaurant for your party Getting together with family and friends for a good meal is a great opportunity to reconnect and share a few laughs. Though such gatherings have traditionally taken place at private homes, today’s busy adults are increasingly turning to restaurants to host their mini reunions. Restaurants don’t require hosts and guests to wash any dishes, and hosts won’t have to find time to clean their homes top to bottom like they would if they were to have a party at home. Such a reality makes a dinner party at a local restaurant a lot less stressful for the hosts. There are a number of things to emphasize when looking for the right restaurant to host the next dinner party. Proximity Whether entertaining family and friends or a business dinner, the restaurant where you will be gathering should be easily accessible to all people who plan to attend. A centrally located restaurant that’s only a short drive for guests and hosts alike is ideal, as it cuts back on the time people will spend driving to and from the restaurant. Try to accommodate those guests who don’t drive by choosing a restaurant that’s accessible via public transportation.
Accessibility When looking for a restaurant, try to find one that’s easily accessible for any older guests who might not get around as easily as they used to or any guests who might have a disability that requires handicap accessible seating and restrooms. Many restaurants can fill both of these needs, but it’s still up to hosts to ask in advance so all guests have a comfortable evening. The parking lot should not be too far away, but if it is, ask the restaurant manager if valet service is available for those guests who might prefer it. A dinner party at a restaurant with family, friends or even professional colleagues often makes for an enjoyable evening for guests and
choosing where they and their guests will dine.
Virginia State Parks | Westmoreland
WE’RE DECKING THE HALLS Enjoy the spirit of the holidays with music, hot chocolate, children’s crafts, hayrides and roasted marshmallows. Look for a special sale in the gift shop and Santa’s visit from 1-3 p.m.
Dec. 14 12 – 4 p.m.
1714 State Park Road, Montross, Virginia 22520
804-493-8821 • www.virginiastateparks.gov
WE_AB_HolidayFest.indd
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12/10/2013
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Dec 9th - Dec 24th CHRISTMAS SALE!
25% off select items & Mon, Tues & Weds Buy 3 Get the 4th for $1
*dairy free NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
GENEROUS PORTIONS, FRESH MADE TO ORDER
(804) 224-7578 Just a short drive from Colonial Beach or Montross
4099 Kings Hwy. • Oak Grove, VA (formerly Bowie’s Restaurant)
Congratulations DYLAN ROCH! for being our winner of the drawing contest for October - Pilgrims & Indians. New Winter Hours: Mon-Thurs 12:00 - 9:00 • Fri-Sat 12:00 - 10:00 Sun 12:30-9:30
540-413-1024•www.sweetfrogyogurt.com 16428 Consumer Row • Dahlgren, VA 22485
Come for our Holiday Special Restaurant and Crabhouse
Live Acoustical Entertainment Saturdays December 14th & 21st • 3-7 pm
Virginia Seafood • Chicken • Crabs & Succulent Steak!
Serving Tapas
Join us for a tasty beverage and snack while out doing your holiday shopping Tim’s gift cards make great stocking stuffers!
Wednesday - Friday 7-5, Saturday 7-7 & Sunday 7-2
from
Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!!
* Home of the Empanada * 323 First St. • Colonial Beach • 540-621-1365 Winter Hours: Mon. thru Thur. 11-7:30 Fri. & Sat. 11 - 8:30 • Closed on Sunday ** Holiday Platters Available By Order **
Open Monday thru Thursday from 3 - 10, serving our limited winter menu in the bar area Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to midnite offering all of your favorites from our regular menu. 5411 Pavilion Drive, King George, VA (540) 775-7500
Sher’s Snack Shack
— Richard Leggitt
14 Delightful Flavors
Riverboat on the Potomac
Happy Holidays
“We serve all of everyone’s favorites.”
Original Tart • Mango •Cookie n Cream Cake Batter • Barista Coffee • Egg Nog Caramel Sea Salt Gelato • Taramisu Gelato Chocolate • Peppermint • Orange Burst* Vanilla (no sugar added) • Very Strawberry • Lime
Happy Holidays Christmas Day Buffet • Noon - 5 p.m. Adults $19.95 • Children 10 & Under $12.95 ~Reservations Suggested~
“Business has been very good,” said Wease. “We have been blessed.” The Weases purchased a “kitchen on wheels” in Tampa, FL, that has two grills, a smoker, stove, oven, microwave and steam tables. “We —Bobby do a lot of Wease c a t e r i n g ,” said Wease. Plan B does catering work at Stratford Hall and has catered events for as many as 600 people. They were one of the most popular vendors at Stratford Hall’s recent wine and oyster festival. During the winter, Plan B is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is (804) 456-7906.
2:20:27 PM
Comfort Food At Its Finest
We're Not! The Journal is still the Same Size
Bobby Wease has Plan B BBQ of Montross Smoking Bobby Wease was in the sand and gravel business for 30 years. But today, he and his wife, Shirley, are known for pulled pork, barbecued ribs and smoked chicken. The Weases operate Plan B BBQ of Montross, along with their daughter, Christine Hamilton, and thanks to their hard work, Plan B’s business is smoking. “We serve all of everyone’s favorites,” said Wease. “Pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, Italian sausage, fried fish and hot dogs.” Chili and crab cakes are also frequently available. Wease, who moved to Westmoreland County from Maryland 12 years ago, began operating Plan B as a part-time business several years ago from a location on Kings Highway he shared with a real estate firm. This year, the family moved the barbecue business several blocks west, to 16829 Kings Highway, and began cooking, grilling and smoking their delicious specialties full time.
(of Murphy Hall)
Price Perhaps the only downside to hosting a dinner party at a restaurant is that such gatherings tend to be more expensive than parties at private residences. Hosts should first determine who will be paying the bill. If everyone has agreed to pay their own portion of the bill, this gives you a little more flexibility when choosing a restaurant. If you, as the host, intend to pick up the tab for everyone, then you might want to find a nice restaurant with reasonably priced entrees. A five-star restaurant might break the bank, but you might be able to find a three- or four-star restaurant that’s still elegant and more affordable. If each guest intends to pay for his or her own meal, discuss with guests how much they would like to spend before making a reservation. Once you have an idea of what everyone is willing to spend, you can start to narrow down your options. Menu The menu is an important thing for hosts to consider when choosing a restaurant for their next dinner party. Many men and women adhere to certain diets or lifestyles that restrict what they can and cannot eat, and you will want to find a restaurant that can cater to as many of your guests’ needs as possible. Discuss any dietary restrictions with your guests before you begin the process of finding a restaurant. If the responses are slow to come in, you can still go ahead with your search, but look for restaurants that offer vegetarian and gluten-free fare. When examining the menu, take into consideration any offerings for kids if any guests are planning to bring their children along. Kids tend to prefer chicken fingers and fries over filet mignon and baked potatoes, so the restaurant should have some menu items for young children if kids will be joining in the festivities.
hosts alike. But hosts must consider several factors before ultimately
Tattletale Cafe & Coffee Shop 215 Washington Avenue • Colonial Beach, VA
804-224-0045