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| Beshear: Revenue is key Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:04 -0500 Gov. Steve Beshear took a lot of questions Wednesday at a town hall meeting in Bowling Green, but his answer was generally the same: The state needs more revenue. |
| Warren above average Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:05 -0500 A report released Wednesday revealed that Kentucky has a higher rate of preterm births, teen births and low birthweight babies than the national average, but Warren County has experienced lower numbers than the state in all those categories. |
| Simpson, Russellville, Hart school systems fail to meet 2007-08 goals Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:05 -0500 Several school districts across the region are facing sanctions under the federal No Child Left Behind Act after failing to meet target goals. |
| Police find loads of marijuana in Allen Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:06 -0500 Law enforcement officers found 137 marijuana plants Wednesday afternoon in a rural area of Allen County 12 miles east of Scottsville. |
| Electric customers likely to see big rate hike Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:06 -0500 Local electric customers are very likely to see their power bills go up starting Oct. 1, perhaps by the largest margin in 30 years. |
| GRREC to get new facility Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:07 -0500 It started out with a six-member staff, but a Bowling Green-based educational group has now outgrown its current headquarters. |
| Police dept. receives 5-year accreditation Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:07 -0500 The Bowling Green Police Department continues to meet state standards for the department, becoming the second agency in the state to receive accreditation four consecutive times by the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police. |
| Judge dismisses lawsuit against Western claiming discrimination Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:08 -0500 A discrimination lawsuit against Western Kentucky University by a former employee was dismissed Monday by Warren Circuit Judge Steve Wilson. |
| Schools, industries closed in Simpson County after Franklin water problem Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:08 -0500 The city of Franklin was without water this morning, forcing Simpson County Schools to call off classes and some industries to shutdown. |
| Light at Nashville, Cave Mill removed Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:09 -0500 Kentucky Transportation Department crews removed the signal at Nashville and Cave Mill roads Tuesday morning. |
| Volunteers planning diabetes fundraiser Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:41:09 -0500 A group of volunteers will be spending the next few months showing how walking can do yourself, and several others, a lot of good. |
| POLICE NEWS: BG woman, 21, killed after being hit by car Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:45:35 -0500 A 21-year-old Bowling Green woman was killed after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday night on Cumberland Trace Road. |
| Rock ’n Roll Heaven Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:02:37 -0500 Chuck Barris, who was creator and host of “The Gong Show” before becoming a best-selling author, remembers some of the late singers who’ll be honored during the Bowling Green Chamber Orchestra’s upcoming Retro Series concert. He met Jim Croce, best known for the 1970s hits “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” and “Time in a Bottle,” in Philadelphia. “He was doing a concert in Philly,” Barris said. “We spent an evening together. He was a good guy.” The singer he knew best was Mama Cass Elliot of the hit pop quartet The Mamas and the Papas. “I did a (television) special for Cass. It was ‘Mama Cass and Friends,’ ” he remembered. “I didn’t date her, but I took her out to dinner a bunch of times. I’m sorry she’s gone, because she was a good friend.” BGCO will pay tribute to what the artists were able to accomplish before their untimely deaths with Rock ’n Roll Heaven - which will feature songs by various late artists including Croce, Elliot, Otis Redding, Jim Morrison, Karen Carpenter, Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye and Buddy Holly. Hosted by Barris, the show will be at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Capitol Arts Center. The songs will be performed by the orchestra, the Rewinders and various guest vocalists. Tickets are $28 for balcony seats and $33 for main floor seating, plus a $3 box office fee. The show is sponsored by Franklin Bank & Trust, Claudia and Stevey Downey and Betty and Ronnie Moore. BGCO marketing director Heather Higgins said the concert will offer songs from the 1950s to the 1980s. “You can hit so many different genres that everybody’s going to find something they will like,” she said. BGCO music director and conductor Jeff Reed agreed. “There’s a lot of variety. We’re doing one of the early Bobby Darin tunes, which has the big band sound,” he said. “We’re doing songs with a country flavor and different styles of rock.” Reed said he got the idea for the concert after listening to The Righteous Brothers’ “Rock and Roll Heaven,” which pays tribute to singers who died young. “This is a tribute concert to those who were superstars but passed away early in their careers,” he said. “It makes you think what they could have been if they could have been here longer.” Barris - who will sing Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” - believes the concert will be a fitting tribute to the artists. “I never realized how many of these people died so young,” he said “They wrote great songs. I think it’s going to be a great show.” — For ticket information, call the orchestra office at 846-2426 or visit the group’s Web site at www.bgco.com. |
| Art on display: It’s hip to hop Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:02:38 -0500 Eight galleries will give people a taste of what art in Bowling Green is all about with the third Bowling Green Gallery Hop. The show will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Admission is free. Maps with locations and addresses of participating galleries will be available at each site. The maps will also list stops of GO bg Transit, which will offer free rides to people attending the Gallery Hop. The shuttles and most of the galleries are accessible to people with disabilities. “Drivers of the transit buses will have passes. People need to tell the drivers they are going to the Gallery Hop,” Ginny Miller, executive director of VSA arts of Kentucky, said. “If someone decides they want to ride the transit and park their cars, the drop offs are at places accessible to the galleries.” The Gallery Hops, which began in February, have been pretty successful, although the last one in May seemed to have a lower turnout, Miller said. “It was kind of mixed,” she said. “We had horrendous weather, and it was the week before the (Kentucky) Derby.” Organizers hope for a different turnout this time. Exhibits will include “Sizzle,” an interpretation of the word by 16 artists, at Memphis Marsha’s Art Gallery and Classes and “Final Destination 2008 - A Matter of Perspective” at VSA arts of Kentucky. “It’s a student traveling exhibit from students all across the state,” Miller said. “It has been traveling since January. The final destination is here. We’re having cupcakes.” The Presbyterian Church’s exhibit will feature 50 to 60 photos taken by 19 photographers who attend the church and food donated by local restaurants, Peg Truman, co-chairwoman of the church’s art board, said. “It’s an all-church photography show,” she said. “Most of the time we’ve had shows that are not connected with the church.” Truman said the Gallery Hop seems like a natural fit for the church’s gallery. Choir director David Paul Gibson, who is co-chairman of the church’s art board, came up with idea of having a gallery at the church. “We’re a downtown church, and we wanted something to promote arts to people in the community,” she said. “We have a good location for that. It’s a good way to use our fellowship hall and to celebrate people’s gifts.” Organizers hope to add to the list of galleries and artists who participate in the hop, Miller said. They will meet soon to set next year’s schedule. “We definitely want to make this an ongoing thing,” she said. The Gallery Hop is a great night out, Miller said. “You don’t have to pay for the Gallery Hop. You get refreshments, see cool art and don’t have to purchase any of it,” she said. “You see work from children through professionals. It’s a good mix of work people will get to view.” Truman agreed. “There are a lot of interesting art exhibits,” she said. “I hope people will take advantage of the Hop and enjoy the evening.” The next Gallery Hop will be Dec. 12. Those who ride GO BG Transit should arrive at their stop five minutes early. For more information about the shuttle schedule, call 782-3162. For more information about the Gallery Hop, call any of the participating galleries. — A map of all the locations on the Gallery Hop can be found at www.bgdailynews.com/hop.jpg; note that Arlene’s, Retrograde Studios and the Capitol Arts Center are not participating in the event this time around. The Gallery at 916 916 State St. Phone: 843-5511 Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday www.thegalleryat916.com Memphis Marsha’s Art Gallery & Classes 524 E. 12th Ave. Phone: 843-1726 or toll free (877) 640-7973 Hours: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday or by appointment www.memphismarshas.com Rickman Pottery 1121 E. 14th Ave. Phone: 782-8550 Hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday-Friday Pushin Building Artists’ Studio 400 E. Main Ave. Phone: 791-3617 Hours: By appointment and select gallery events Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Gallery Western Kentucky University, IWFAC, Second Floor Phone: 745-6568 Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays The Kentucky Library and Museum Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11092 Phone: 745-2592 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday www.wku.edu/library/kylm The Presbyterian Church 1003 State St. Phone: 843-4707 (Peg Truman 842-4162) Church office hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays www.bgpres.org VSA arts of Kentucky 515 E. 10th Ave. Phone: 781-0872 (Voice/TTY) or (877) 417-9594 (toll free) Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays www.vsartsky.org |
| Pageants, artwork kick off weekend’s Duncan Hines Fest Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:02:38 -0500 The Duncan Hines Festival will kick off this weekend with children’s pageants and an art exhibition. The children’s pageants will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Kentucky Museum. Awards will include a trophy and a $50 savings bond for first place and trophies for “Best Dress” and “Best Smile.” Kentucky artists can submit work for the art contest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at the Kentucky Museum. The fee to enter art will be $10. An awards presentation and silent auction of the artwork will be at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Awards will include $200 for first place, $100 for second place, $75 for third place and $50 for the Duncan Hines Family Merit Award and Bowling Green Junior Woman’s Club Merit Award. For more information, visit www.duncanhinesfestival.com and see next week’s Time Out section. The following is a schedule for the festival: Sunday 2 p.m.: Children’s pageants at the Kentucky Museum Monday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Art contest at the Kentucky Museum. Aug. 14 4:30 p.m.: Recipe contest at the Kentucky Museum 5:30 p.m.: Art awards presentation and silent auction at the Kentucky Museum. Aug. 15 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.: Duck Derby at Circus Square between College and State streets 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.: Street Dance at Circus Square 6:30 p.m.: Music by “Blue Light Special” 9 p.m.: Music by “Exit 4” |
| ‘Express’ can’t hold its momentum Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:02:39 -0500 he Judd Apatow factory is at it again with “Pineapple Express,” the latest adult comedy from the man behind “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up” and “Superbad.” Apatow only gets producer and story credits (with “Express” co-star Seth Rogan and “Superbad” cowriter Evan Goldberg), but this still has all the elements of an Apatow film - but this time there are a few more misses and a few less hits. Rogan stars as Dale Denton, a stoner working as a process server who accidentally witnesses a murder by a crooked cop (Rosie Perez) and a ruthless drug lord (Gary Cole). Dale soon discovers the weed he just purchased from his dealer Saul (James Franco) is a rare strain that the drug lord can trace back to him, forcing Dale and Saul to run for their lives. “Express” definitely has some memorable moments, but the film suffers in comparison to films like “Superbad” and “Knocked Up.” The stoners are essentially the same kind of slacker characters seen in Cheech and Chong movies, or even “Half Baked,” although they’re in a film that feels a little more high brow (or as high brow as you can get with pothead humor). To Rogan’s and Franco’s credit, both give performances that are a cut above their clich/d characters - especially Franco, who is able to generate chuckles with a simple clueless facial expression. Rogan and Franco are aided by several funny supporting performances - including Danny R. McBride as Saul’s supplier and Craig Robinson as a sensitive hit man trying to track down Dale and Saul. The script is also full of little moments - like Dale’s interaction with his high school girlfriend and her family - that really tease the film is about to completely take off. Unfortunately, director David Gordon Green (who directed the indie-sensation “Snow Angels”) is never able to sustain any comic momentum - mainly because the film has such a violent undertone to it. Don’t get me wrong, “Express” is still good enough that I left entertained - just not nearly as much as I hoped I would. Also in theaters There are some movies that you can just put your brain on autopilot and enjoy, and then there are movies like “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” (D), which are so mind-numbingly dumb that even autopilot can’t save it. This third installment of “The Mummy” franchise is full of action sequences that try to thrill, but ultimately just crash together into a rather predictable ball of mediocrity. “Tomb” picks up in the 1940s with Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) and his wife, Evelyn (Maria Bello, who replaces Rachel Wiesz), lured out of retirement when their son Alex (Luke Ford) awakens an ancient Chinese dragon emperor (Jet Li) who was cursed more than 2,000 years ago. Before long the emperor has resurrected his 10,000 warriors, with intentions of taking over the world. Now it is up to the O’Connells and a mysterious sorceress (Michelle Yeoh) to put an end to the emperor’s plans and banish him back into exile forever. I was a fan of the first “Mummy” film and the second one was OK, but really not very good. Both are “The Dark Knight” compared to this pile of garbage, which feels like something that was just rushed together just so everyone involved could get a quick payday. Fraser, who was pretty good in “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” looks bored and tired here, with a performance that is so underplayed it seems like he just wanted to forget this experience as soon as possible. I’ve been a fan of Bello’s for a long time, but she is absolutely dreadful - with one of the worst English accents in the history of film. I realize it was going to be tough to get Wiesz, who has won an Oscar in the seven years since the last film, but why not just kill the character off instead of replacing her with someone who is unable to pull it off. Li and Yeoh probably fare the best of all the cast, but that really isn’t saying much. Director Rob Cohen tries to hide his uninterested cast under a sea of special effects, but after a while even that wears out its welcome - much like this past-its-prime franchise. “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” is rated PG-13 for adventure action and violence and is now playing at the Great Escape 12, Franklin Drive-In and Highland Cinemas in Glasgow. — When he’s not getting major scoops on WWE wrestling events (do YOU know who’s going to be in the main event at SummerSlam?), sportswriter/movie reviewer Micheal Compton can be reached by e-mailing mcompton@bgdailynews.com. |
| Group plans 8th of August Celebration Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:02:40 -0500 Members of the Martin Luther King Planning Committee want people to come out and celebrate the historical signing of the Emancipation Proclamation with the group’s first 8th of August Celebration. The event - which will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Girls Inc. - will include live entertainment, silent auctions, games, raffles, a dunking booth, face painting and a cake walk. Concessions will be available. “We had wanted to find some type of fundraising and outreach event for the community besides what we already have, and this is what the committee settled upon,” Bowling Green Human Rights Commission executive director Linda McCray said. “It’s for kids, adults - for everyone.” Similar events are held throughout the year in the United States to celebrate when various areas found out the slaves were freed. “It’s an important celebration not everyone is aware of. It’s an important holiday that we need to observe,” McCray said. “It’s a really good event for the community to come together.” It’s also a chance for people to register to vote, McCray said. “Many people are interested in registering to vote,” she said. In the past few years, there have been obstacles to people wanting to have their voting rights restored, McCray said. For instance, people who have committed felonies and served time in prison have had difficulties with registration. Those who have experienced this will be referred to the Department for Public Advocacy. “Everyone who has a right to vote should be able to vote,” she said. |
| Around town Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:02:40 -0500 Events, exhibits, plays, concerts ... To add your event, go to www.bgdailynews.com/calendar Art The Scottsville Art Guild will have its annual Summer’s End Art Festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Allen County-Scottsville Community Center. Refreshments will be served and residents will be able to pick their favorite for The People’s Choice Award. For more information, call (270) 622-8343 or (270) 618-4430. Memphis Marsha’s Art Gallery & Classes will host an exhibition including 16 regional artists’ interpretation of the theme “Sizzle” from Friday to Sept. 6. A reception will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday in conjunction with the Gallery Hop. Expected media will include glass, ceramics, mixed media, printmaking, photography, drawing and painting. Artists include Antigone and Jennifer Stone, both of Franklin, Michaele Ann Harper of New Orleans, Mary Crutcher, Nancy Keyser, Matt Lundberg, Nell Peperis, Tom Poole, Delaire Rowe, Andee Rudloff, Rita Rudloff, Kim Soule and Peg Truman, all of Bowling Green, Bill Van Tassel of Aberdeen, Tony Mennite of Hermitage, Tenn., and Davie Reneau of Glasgow. Memphis Marsha’s will be hosting a free card-making workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 16. Visitors ages 3 and up (with an adult) can participate. The cards will be delivered to children patients at The Medical Center at Bowling Green throughout the year. A variety of supplies and techniques will be explored. The gallery is at 524 E 12th Ave. For groups of three or more, reservations must be made at 843-1726; or toll free at (877) 640-7973. VSA arts of Kentucky is hosting “A Matter of Perspective” through Aug. 29, with a reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday to coincide with the Bowling Green Gallery Hop. For more information, call 781-0872 or visit the gallery at 515 E. 10th Ave. The Capitol Arts Houchens Gallery will feature an exhibit of painted constructions by Claude Robertson and the photography of Nashville artist Byron Jorjorian through Aug. 19. Showing in the Mezzanine Gallery will be the drawings, paintings and prints of Gayle Novick through Aug. 19. Peg Truman’s paintings are on display at the Cancer Center at The Medical Center through Sept. 15. The Health & Wellness Center at Greenwood Mall is exhibiting the work of Myra Renee Dwyer in the classroom through September. Paintings by Barren County artists Tommie St. Charles Birge and Shelia Williams Oliver are on exhibit at the Glasgow-Barren County Chamber of Commerce through Tuesday during chamber business hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Green River Museum in Woodbury will be open from noon until 4 p.m. Saturdays through September. The museum features exhibits from around Butler County and the Green River. Art from Angela Kuprion, Marion Parcusta and Allison Bacovillard is on display at the Capitol Arts Center. Campus An exhibition of work from Art of France: Studio Response, a 2008 study abroad course for students and alumni, is on display through Aug. 15 in Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center University Main Gallery on the second floor. A closing reception will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 14. Warren County Sights and Sounds, an exhibit presenting the history and culture of Bowling Green and Warren County in photographs and film, will be in Western Kentucky University’s Kentucky Library & Museum. The exhibit is the result of a two-year joint project during which about 150 photographs and 45 feet of moving film related to Bowling Green and Warren County were collected. Sponsors of the project and exhibit are The Landmark Association, The Bowling Green/Warren County Historic Preservation Board, Insight Communications and The Kentucky Library & Museum. Sights and Sounds of Warren County will be in the Museum’s Garden Gallery and continues through Dec. 7. “Beyond Our Borders,” an exhibit of international photographs by Western Kentucky University photojournalism students, is on display at Mass Media and Technology Hall. The exhibit includes photographs taken by students in France, Spain, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru and others and will be on display in the gallery through August. Exhibits at the Kentucky Building on Western Kentucky University’s campus include: “U.S. Bank Celebration of the Arts,” which opens Sunday; “VSA Arts: Side by Side,” “Recommended by Duncan Hines,” “Western 100,” “Growing Up Victorian,” “Roads, Rails and Rivers,” “Hascal Haile: Guitar-maker to the Stars” and “Taking the Mystery out of Prehistory.” For more information, contact the Kentucky Building at 745-2592. Clubs Karaoke with Rick Dunn will be at Miss Kitty’s, 3315 Louisville Road, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 782-7777. The Factory at Cave City will feature The Moon Woods Band from 8 p.m. to midnight on the first Saturday of each month. The facility is on U.S. 31-W, just north of the Ky. 90 intersection across from Dollar General. Saturday Night Karaoke with Wayne Hallet will be from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. each Saturday at Burgers On The Square in Franklin. The smoke-free facility is for the entire family, with the bar for adults only after 9 p.m. For more information, go to www.burgersonthesquare.com. Ricky Beavers has karaoke Friday nights at the Brown Jug, U.S. 31-W By-Pass in Bowling Green, beginning at 8 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays at Flealand in Bowling Green. Miss Kitty’s, 3315 Louisville Road, has live bands beginning at 9 p.m. each Friday and Saturday; Wednesdays feature karaoke and Thursdays feature acoustic music, nightly specials and pool tables. There is no cover charge. For more information, call 782-7777. Miss Kitty’s also offers a safe ride home program. Betty’s Bar has karaoke with Sheila on Wednesday and karaoke each Friday and Saturday. The Brewing Company, 423 Park Row, has live music from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday. Good Tymes 2, 1607 U.S. 31-W By-Pass, has top 40 hits from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Wednesday through Saturday. Music Franklin’s Summer Nights Concert featuring The Soul Searchers will be at 7 p.m. Friday on the courthouse square. The Soul Searchers are a classic ’60s style soul and R&B band. Tickets are available for the Sept. 13 Hoedown at Shakertown at South Union featuring bluegrass artist John Cowan and the Bowling Green Chamber Orchestra. A wide variety of ticket prices is available. A garden table seat with a meal catered by Brickyard Cafe in Franklin is $63. Barbecue, drinks and ice cream will be available for purchase. Gates for the event open at 5:30 p.m. with the concert at 7:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by BB&T and Logan Aluminum. To purchase tickets, go to www.bgco.com or call 846-2426. Tickets are on sale for Glen Campbell in concert with the Bowling Green Chamber Orchestra at 8 p.m. Sept. 26, sponsored by The Encore, Carol and Denny Wedge and Bob Evans Farms, co-sponsored by Vicki and Dan Renshaw and Dr. Robert and Pat Goodwin. Special guest is Debby Campbell. A Southern Nights barbecue dinner and pre-concert party will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. presented by The Encore to benefit the chamber orchestra. For ticket information, call 846-2426. Bowling Green Chamber Orchestra Retro Series single tickets and subscriptions are on sale. “Rock ‘n Roll Heaven” will be Friday and Saturday; “Countrymadness” will be Nov. 14 and 15; and “One-Hit Wonders” will be Feb. 6 and 7. Subscribe now and save 10 percent off single ticket prices. For tickets or subscriptions, call 846-2426 (BGCO) or go to www.BGCO.com. Fresh Fridays will be the first Friday of each month at Bread & Bagel, 871 Broadway Ave. This month’s band will be Waterseed, playing at 9 p.m. Friday. The cost is $5 for anyone 18 and over. Calvin Ray’s Live Music & Restaurant in Leitchfield features live music with Calvin Ray and The Blue Moon Highway Band from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. each Saturday. For more information, call (502) 538-2893. Dumplin’s Diner in Adairville has a karaoke contest each Saturday night. Entry fee is $5 and first prize gets $100. For more information, call (270) 539-5413. Lucio, along with The Rose Band, performs at Main St. Music in Morgantown from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays. Simply Country Band performs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays at Main St. The facility is behind McDonald’s. Theater Pine Knob Theatre will present “Lucy And Ruth’s Diner-LARD” at 8 p.m. Friday and “Daddy Took the T-Bird Away” at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $15 or two for $25. Car Club Cruise Night will be on Saturday night. For more information, go to www.pineknob.com or call (270) 879-8190. Tickets are available for the Franklin-Simpson Arts Council performance of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 and 16 and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at Goodnight Auditorium. Tickets are $8 each and are available by calling (270) 586-6799 or by e-mail to artsfkln@bellsouth.net. Expressions Performing Arts wants to start a Creative Workshop Group for those interested in the performing arts, including traditional and improvisational storytelling, comedy, drama and Imagination Theatre as an art form. For more information, contact Robin Baldwin at 746-2988 Odds & Ends The Woodburn Volunteer Fire Department will have its annual Ice Cream Supper at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Woodburn Ballpark. Activities will begin at 6 p.m. and will include games, inflatables, food, ice cream from Chaney’s Dairy Barn, music from Blue Highway Band, prize drawings, a cake walk and an auction. Proceeds will help support emergency services in the Woodburn district. For more information or to donate a cake or auction item, call the station at 529-2301 and leave a message. Chaney’s Dairy Barn will have Ice Cream and a Moovie on Fridays. The schedule for the free event will be Aug. 15, “Babe The Gallant Pig;” and Aug. 29; “Field of Dreams.” All movies are free and begin at dusk. Participants are asked to bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the outdoor movie. In case of the rain, movies will be shown in the pavilion. It will be shown a second time at dusk Saturday at Chaney’s 830 Fairview location. That showing will be canceled in case of rain. For more information, call 843-5567. The American Red Cross has blood drives from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each Friday at its office, 430 Center St. Additional drives will be from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Auburn Baptist Church, 115 North Lincoln St.; from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Community Education Complex, 799 Veteran’s Way in Morgantown; from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Kroger, 711 Campbell Lane; and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Eastwood Baptist Church, 500 Eastwood Drive; from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at Highland Baptist Church at 2592 Highland Church Road in Scottsville; and from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at Scottsville Baptist Church, 301 E. Main St. in Scottsville. Kentucky State Parks are offering 10 percent off lodging and camping rates for current and former members of the military. The discount is good for lodge rooms, cottages and campgrounds any time of the year, based on availability. To get the discount, guests will need to show some proof of service such as discharge papers, military ID or VFW member card, at check-in. Shaker Museum at South Union will have broom making demonstrations this weekend. For more information, call (800) 811-8379 or go to www.shakermuseum.com. Franklin’s Garden Spot run will be Saturday beginning at the courthouse. A community event since 1982, there will be trophies, cash prizes, merchandise given away and door prizes. Registration is $15 and is from at 6 a.m. to 7:25 a.m. at the bandstand the day of the event. The run will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the walk at 7:35 a.m. For more information, contact Stacie Goosetree at stacie. goosetree@franklinky.org or go to www.f-schamber.com. Butler County Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club will have an Antique Tractor Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Pamida. Outdoor author Johnny Molloy will speak at 6 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Warren County Public Library, main branch. Attend the discussion and enter to win a one-year membership to the indoor archery range at Gander Mountain and purchase one of Malloy’s outdoor books. The Childress Family will perform at a benefit gospel concert for Shirley Wilson Bailey, who needs a liver transplant, at Warren Central High School Auditorium from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. The concert is being sponsored by Brenda Petty and the Warren County Parks and Recreation department. There will be food and fun for the entire family. Sante Fe Restaurant also is sponsoring a benefit for Bailey. A car show will begin at 5 p.m. Aug. 14. Door prizes will be given away and Sante Fe will donate 10 percent of its proceeds that evening to the fund. Paul Smith’s 1998 Corvette recently tagged as the overall winner on Speed TV’s “Pinks All Out” will be on display as part of the National Corvette Museum’s anniversary Aug. 28-30, which will also include live entertainment in the museum’s amphitheater; the Corvette Hall of Fame Induction featuring 2008 inductees, Allan and Don Barker, Reeves Callaway and Maurice Olley; a Celebrity Choice car show; road tour excursions; Lifetime Member/VIP banquet; 2009 Red Corvette raffle drawing and many more activities. For more information, go to www.corvette museum.com/registration/celebration/agenda.shtml or call (800) 53-VETTE. Guests at Dinosaur World in Cave City can visit any day in August and receive a free ticket to return any day in December, except Christmas Day. Registration can be made now for the Sept. 13 Run for Autism, sponsored by LifeSkills and the Kiwanis Club. Proceeds from the event will go to the Kelly Autism Program. The events will include an 8k Run, 8k Wheelchair race and 1 Mile Family Walk. This 8k will be a Bowling Green Road Runners Grand Prix event. The start/finish line will be at the site of the Western Kentucky University Clinical Education Complex, which houses the Kelly Autism Program. Participants will receive a short-sleeved LifeSkills Run for Autism shirt, and all who complete their event will receive a commemorative event pin. To learn more or to register for the event online, go to www.autism run.org. A barbeque supper and auction will be Aug. 16 at the Boyce Community Center on Hwy. 240, across from Martha’s Chapel Church. The event is sponsored by the community center and Neel Lodge No. 833 F&AM. Raffles and door prizes will be offered. Dinner will be at 4 p.m., the Wagoners will perform at 4:30 p.m. and the auction will be at 6 p.m. The SKY Farmers Market will be open from 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays in front of the Riverside Building at The Medical Center on U.S. 31-W By-Pass. Kentucky-grown agricultural, horticultural and artisan products will be available for purchase. Karaoke is at Southern Lanes every Friday and Saturday night from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. There is no cover charge. A regional chess club meets at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Players of all ages and talents are welcome. For more information, call 991-0126. Friendly Hands Squares monthly dance is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. the second Friday of each month at Cave Mill and Smallhouse roads in Bowling Green. For more information, call 781-6382. A veteran’s representative will be at The Salvation Army, 400 E. Main Ave., at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month. For more information, call 746-7425, Ext. 104. |
| Pizza Hut’s new pastas a cut above the rest Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:02:41 -0500 Have you seen the recent television advertisements for Pizza Hut? Pizza Hut takes over an Italian restaurant, serves its new pastas to the patrons, who love it, then reveal it’s actually pasta from Pizza Hut. Well I’m just like everyone else, and occasionally I love to have pizza delivered, but if I can also get a pasta that’s a cut above your average pizza parlor pasta, I’m all for that, so I gave it a try. I had hoped to have the same blind experiment with a friend who I invited by, but just like trying to plan the timing for a surprise party, the jig was up when she and the pasta arrived at the same time. It was a warm day and while the driver did not have air conditioning in his car while delivering hot pastas and hot pizzas, he was pleasant, friendly and the pastas arrived 10 minutes before the suggested time. Pizza Hut also delivers wings, breadsticks, cheese sticks, and a twist on the jalapeno popper called Quepapas, which are potato bites with cheese and a hint of jalapeno pepper. What they don’t deliver are salads, which was disappointing because I really need greenery if I carb out - which I did. I tried the creamy chicken Alfredo first. I could taste right away they used not just one cheese, but a tasteful variety of cheeses. Like putting a top-shelf liquor in a drink instead of the well brands, it amped up the flavor enough to make a difference. On my second bite I noticed a hint of what seemed like fresh ground pepper, which created a pleasing overall flavor combination. Next I tried the meaty marinara, thinking that while the Alfredo might be easier to improve upon, it may be harder to elevate the taste of such a classic pasta. I have to admit, though, perhaps because I was paying such close attention to every nuance of taste in each bite, I noticed a hint of sausage flavor in addition to the regular ground beef. “A rhapsody of flavor” was the phrase used by one of my dining companions because you could taste both the sweetness of the marinara with a little kick from the meat. I will say that, in my experience (this one and the ones I’ve had of pasta at fine Italian restaurants), the ad is a bit of a stretch. Pizza Hut uses rotini pasta for both dishes and most notably, pasta at a fine restaurant would certainly be cooked al dente, which in Italian means “to the tooth.” In this way, pasta is cooked so there is more than a hint of resistance in each bite, firm not soft. I do review, however, based on my personal experience that day (which can vary), and by what I believe most patrons expect based on the type of restaurant, be it pizza or fine dining, which in this case was claiming to be both. Well, it’s delivered pasta from a fast food delivery chain, so al dente would be very hard to attain - but the flavors were appetizing and a cut above. What pushed me over the edge to try this experiment were Pizza Hut’s most recent ads at a French bakery serving chocolate-covered dessert sticks. I invited a locally trained pastry chef to help me with this one, since chocolate is my number one comfort food and, try as I might, may not have made the most objective decision (salmon is a comforting close second - I’m odd that way). The Hershey’s chocolate dunkers are baked dessert sticks (aka bread sticks) frosted with milk chocolate and sprinkles of white chocolate. It was agreed and my pastry chef friend noted, the chewy texture gave Pizza Hut away. They really were just bread sticks with chocolate on top and the taste incongruency was clear. I will say, as a chocolate lover, I did enjoy the toppings blend and the chocolate dipping sauce. It was the best delivered pizza parlor dessert I’ve ever had. I know these warm days don’t lend themselves to hot pasta dishes, but if you’re in the mood for something different from pizza delivery, I recommend the new pastas from Pizza Hut. You can even order online and if your cloak and dagger skills are better than mine, you can hide the boxes and make a taste-testing game of it all! — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact managing editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com. PIZZA HUT DELIVERY 1200 Smallhouse Road, Suite C |
| Kenny Adams Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:19 -0500 HORSE CAVE — Kenny Adams, 51, of Horse Cave died Aug. 5, 2008, in Brownsville. The Cleveland, Ohio, native was the Houchins Ferry operator for Mammoth Cave National Park. He was a son of the late Tommy Adams and Carolyn Thomas of Horse Cave, who survives. Funeral is at 2 p.m. Saturday at Winn Funeral Home, with a private burial. Visitation is from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Other survivors include his wife, Debbie Adams; four sons, Kenneth Adams Jr. of Cleveland and Brandon, Curtis and Cody Adams, all of Horse Cave; several grandchildren; a brother, Darryl Davis of Pittsburgh; six sisters, Sheila Jones, Roberta Davis, Stephanie Thomas, Melody Davis, Adrian Phillips and Katrina Thomas, all of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. |
| Gary W. Alvey Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:20 -0500 Gary Wayne Alvey, 49, of Bowling Green died Aug. 5, 2008, at The Medical Center. The Warren County native was an employee of Brooks Cabinet Co. and a Baptist. He was a son of the late Burl Lee Alvey and Flora Elizabeth Brooks Alvey. He was preceded in death by a son, Shaun Dewayne Alvey; and a half brother, Leroy Alvey. Funeral is at 1 p.m. Friday at Heritage Funeral Services, with burial in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation is in progress until 8 p.m. today and begins at 9 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Survivors include his wife, Brenda Wooten Alvey; two sons, Michael Dale Alvey and his wife, Jennifer, and Jason Lee Alvey and his wife, Rachel, all of Bowling Green; two stepsons, Stanley McCoy of Smiths Grove and Robert Lee Brown and his wife, April, of Bowling Green; two stepdaughters, Amy Sowash and her husband, David, and Nickie Brown, all of Smiths Grove; two brothers, Daryl Alvey and Donald Alvey and his wife, Cynthia, all of Bowling Green; two sisters, Doris Cummings of Woodburn and Beverly Meredith and her husband, Roger, of Brownsville; 12 grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. |
| Dorothy R. Bush Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:20 -0500 MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Dorothy Rhea Haley Bush of Bowling Green, Ky., formerly of Murfreesboro, died Aug. 5, 2008, at a Brownsville, Ky., nursing home. The Cannon County, Tenn., native was a member of Lost River Church of Christ in Bowling Green and a former member of the Minerva Driver Church of Christ in Murfreesboro. She was a graduate of Woodbury High School in Woodbury, Tenn., and a retired bookkeeper. She was a beloved mother and friend who loved God, her family and friends. She loved gardening and was a former member of several garden clubs. She was a daughter of the late William Frank and Georgia Alice Haley. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Walter C. Bush; a grandson, Gary W. Goins; and two sisters, Irene Milillo and Ruth Shelton. Funeral is at 11 a.m. Friday at Minerva Drive Church of Christ, with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation begins today at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10001. Survivors include a son, Jerry C. Bush of Bowling Green; three daughters, Linda Goins of White Lake, Mich., Barbara Hawkins of Brentwood, Tenn., and Sandra Schinner of Old Hickory, Tenn.; a brother, Lyndon Haley of Paris, Ill.; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. |
| James D. Depp Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:21 -0500 GLASGOW — James David Depp, 67, died Aug. 5, 2008, in Glasgow. The Barren County native was a retired employee of the Kentucky Department of Transportation, a Coast Guard veteran and a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He graduated from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville and worked for W.G. Hardy Funeral Home. Later, he was employed by T.W. Crow & Son in Scottsville, J.C. Kirby in Bowling Green, Hatcher & Saddler in Glasgow and Aaron Smith Funeral Home in Lexington. He was also a former part-owner and manager of A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home in Glasgow. He was a son of the late James W. Depp and Amy Browning Depp. He was preceded in death by a son, James P. Christopher “Kip” Depp. Graveside service is at 3 p.m. Friday at Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Visitation begins at noon Friday at A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to his favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., or Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville or to the charity of one’s choice. Survivors include his wife, Deborah Jackson Depp; a daughter, Crystal Depp of Glasgow; a sister, Martha Ellen Jones of Bowling Green; a brother, Doug Depp of Glasgow; two grandchildren, James Weston Depp and Zachary Tarrants; and a daughter, Amy Nanellyn Tarrants. |
| Joe D. Elliott Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:21 -0500 Joe David Elliott, 82, of Bowling Green died at 11:54 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008, at The Medical Center. The Simpson County native was a retired chemist with World Carpets in Dalton, Ga. After retirement, he was one of the original employees of the National Corvette Museum. He was a graduate of Simpson County High School and the University of Kentucky, where he received his master’s degree. He was a World War II Army-Air Corp veteran holding the rank of corporal. He was the vice president of Habitat for Humanity in Dalton, a member of A.S.T.M., and a former deacon and Sunday school teacher and a current member of First Baptist Church of Franklin. He was a son of the late Hubert B. Elliott and Josephine Butler Elliott. Graveside service is at 11 a.m. Friday at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin. Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Johnson-Vaughn-Phelps Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Alzheimer’s Association, Louisville Chapter-Memorial, 3703 Taylorsville Road, Suite 102, Louisville, KY 40220-1330 or to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 303 E. Cedar, Franklin, KY 42134. Words of condolence may be sent to jvpfh@bellsouth.net. Survivors include his wife, Betty Elliott; a son, David L. Elliott and his wife, Rebekah Elliott, of Merida Yucatan, Mexico; a daughter, Lynne Jones and her husband, James C. Jones II, of Bowling Green; two brothers, Ben Elliott and his wife, Dorothy Elliott, of Nashville and H.B. Elliott and his wife, Dorothy Elliott, of Rancho Cordova, Calif.; two sisters, Virginia Smith and Nancy Cooke, both of Vacaville, Calif.; five grandchildren, Madeleine and Megan Jones, both of Bowling Green, and Megan, Kendall and Josh Elliott, all of Merida Yucatan; and several nieces and nephews. |
| Ruth A. Hogue Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:22 -0500 SCOTTSVILLE — Ruth Ashford Hogue, 94, of Austin, formerly of Scottsville, died at 1:50 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008, at T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow. The Allen County native was a homemaker, a former housekeeper for the Allen County War Memorial Hospital and a member of Cedar Cross Missionary Baptist Church. She was a daughter of the late Jim Tom Ashford and Mayme Ethel Spencer Ashford and the wife of the late Jason Chambers Hogue. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Harold Frankin Carver; two sisters, Lois Fisher and Bertha Brady; and a brother, Bobby Ashford. Funeral is at 2 p.m. Saturday at Goad Funeral Home, with burial in Cedar Cross Cemetery. Visitation begins at noon Friday at the funeral home. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley Faye Carver of Austin; eight grandchildren, Whitney, Dylan, Joshua and Carrie Ann Carver, Jamie White, Alice and Crystal McGuffin and Ryan Payne; and a great-grandson, Skylar Robinson. |
| Helen Lang Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:22 -0500 Helen Lang, 91, of Bowling Green died at 7:05 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008, at Greenview Regional Hospital. The New York native was born Dec. 31, 1916. She was a faithful wife, a hard worker and loved her cat, Miss Kitty. Graveside service is at 11 a.m. Saturday at Bowling Green Gardens. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Home, Broadway Avenue chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.jckirbyandson.com. Survivors include her friends and caregivers. |
| Thelma L. Lewis Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:23 -0500 Thelma Louise Lewis, 86, of Bowling Green died at 4:40 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008, at T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow. The Warren County native was born Sept. 10, 1921. She was retired from the cafeteria at Bowling Green High School, Bowling Green City Schools. She was a member of West End Church of Christ in Bowling Green and Tracy United Methodist Church in Barren County. She was a daughter of the late Sylvester Taylor Flowers and Goldie May Morgan Flowers and the wife of the late Malcolm Filmore Lewis. She was preceded in death by two sons, Ronnie and Fred Lewis; and two brothers, Roy and Henry Flowers. Funeral is at 2 p.m. Friday at J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Home, Lovers Lane chapel, with burial in Bowling Green Gardens. Visitation is from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.jckirbyandson.com. Survivors include four daughters, Barbara Centers and Shirley Lewis of Bowling Green, Sue Skaggs and her husband, Lonnie, of Barren County and Patricia Cook and her husband, Bill, of Whitebluff, Tenn.; two sons, Charles Webb and his wife, Judy, of Paducah and Tony Lewis and his wife, Diana, of Whitebluff; two sisters, Dorothy Stewart of Anna and Mary Wilcox of Bowling Green; 18 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. |
| Almeada E. Norvell Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:23 -0500 GLASGOW — Almeada Elizabeth Norvell, 85, of Scottsville died Aug. 5, 2008, at a Bowling Green nursing home. The Barren County native was a homemaker and a Baptist. She was a daughter of the late Frank Martin and Hattie Belle Scott. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Samuel Martin; and a sister, Ruby Ellen Disman. Graveside service is at 11 a.m. Friday at Union No. 2 Cemetery in Barren County. Visitation begins at 3 p.m. Thursday at T.W. Crow & Son Funeral Home in Scottsville. A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include her husband, Robert Norvell; a son, Ronnie Norvell of Scottsville; a daughter, Randy Kay Waters of Scottsville; a grandson, Donald Leroy Waters of Scottsville; and three great-grandsons, Jacob, Chase and Jagger. |
| Kimberly V. Ripley-Adams Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:24 -0500 NORFOLK, Va. — Kimberly V. Ripley-Adams, 36, formerly of Bowling Green, died Aug. 4, 2008, surrounded by family and loved ones after an extended and courageous battle with breast cancer. The Portsmouth, Va., native was born May 2, 1972, and was the youngest of five children. Kim pursued her desire to help others by obtaining her bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in women’s studies from Old Dominion University and completed the ROTC program. She also served two years in the Army Reserves. Kim spent more than 18 years assisting clients in financial planning and customer service. Kim served as president of the Suburban Norfolk Kiwanis Foundation, chaired the Pink Martini Fundraiser for the Tidewater Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, served as a Sister of the Norfolk Temple No. 3 and was a member of the Democratic Party of Norfolk. She also served as a coach and manager for the Azalea Little League among other volunteer efforts. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2001, when she bravely underwent a lumpectomy, radiation and intense chemotherapy. After five years in remission, Kim experienced a recurrence in August 2006. Kim touched so many lives, to know her was to love her. She was a daughter of Ronald and Muriel Verschelde, who survive. Her family would like to thank her caregivers and hospice workers who took such good care of Kim over this past year. Memorial service is at noon EDT Friday at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends and family at the Knights of Pythias Charity Lodge No. 10 in Norfolk following the service. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Kim’s memory Other survivors include her adoring husband, Scott R. Adams; their brave children, Madison Rhea, 12, and Austin Scott, 13; her siblings, Bradley, Roddy, Gary and Allyson and their spouses; her in-laws, Robert and Joyce Adams, and their children, Danny, Tammy and Shelley and their spouses; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. |
| Glena J. Sharp Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:25 -0500 LEWISBURG — Glena June Sharp, 73, of Lewisburg died at 3:25 a.m. Aug. 6, 2008, at Hospice of Southern Kentucky in Bowling Green. The Clifty native was born Aug. 4, 1935. She was a homemaker and a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Clifty. She was a daughter of the late Walter Slaughter and Briza Chapman Slaughter. Funeral is at 11 a.m. Friday at Price Funeral Home, with burial in Slaughters Cemetery in Todd County. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. today at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.pricefuneralhome .com. Survivors include her husband, Clarence Sharp; three daughters, Sheila Higgins and her husband, Will, and Sandra Crafton and her husband, Jerry, all of Lewisburg, and Sherry Hoots and her husband, Chuck, of Russellville; a son, DeWayne Sharp and his wife, Rebecca, of Lewisburg; two sisters, Irene Wilson of Clifty and Virginia McGehee of Antioch, Tenn.; a brother, Oscar Slaughter of Hopkinsville; four grandchildren, Lora Jenkins of Russellville, Brandon and Dustin Higgins, both of Bowling Green, and Jason Crafton of Lewisburg; and two great-grandchildren, Emma and Lydia Jenkins, both of Russellville; |
| Ina R. Smith Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:26 -0500 Ina Ree Smith, 81, of Bowling Green died Aug. 6, 2008, at her residence. The Warren County native was a Methodist, an accountant and owner of Smiths Bookkeeping. She was a 1973 graduate of Western Kentucky University and a member of ABWA, for which she was voted Woman of the Year in 1973. She was a loving mother and caregiver. She was a daughter of the late Raymond “Boots” Moulder and Faye Claypool Moulder. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathryn Smith; and two sisters, Shirley Downey and Doris Bellamy. Funeral is at noon Saturday at Heritage Funeral Services, with burial in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the funeral home. Survivors include a daughter, Marvina Smith of Bowling Green; a sister, Kittie Green and her husband, Jim, of Bowling Green; a granddaughter, Melanie Bennett and her husband, Jeremy, of Evansville, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews. |
| Emily Stevens Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:26 -0500 Emily Stevens, 21, of Bowling Green died Aug. 6, 2008. Funeral arrangements, which are incomplete, are under the direction of Heritage Funeral Services. |
| Donna K. Westerfield Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:26 -0500 LEWISPORT — Donna Kaye Basham Westerfield, 50, of Lewisport died Aug. 5, 2008, at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born March 25, 1958. She was a 1976 graduate of Daviess County High School and the Owensboro Business College. Donna was employed by National Southwire Aluminum for 16 years. Her current position was an instructional assistant with the Hancock County School System. With this position, Donna found her calling of working with her students she loved so dearly. Donna was a member of Lewisport Baptist Church, where she touched so many lives. She left a wonderful, fulfilling life filled with many passions. Her favorite time was being with her husband, Keith, and “her girls,” Kori and Ami. She loved being with her mother-in-law, sister and brother, brother and sister-in-law, nieces and nephews and her wonderful host of friends. Donna’s dedication to her family, friends, students and co-workers was an example to others. Her passion to help others was genuine and caring. She was a daughter of the late Yewell and Mary Emma Basham. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clovis and Verna Mae Basham and Cora Viola Parker; her father-in-law, John A. Westerfield; and a sister-in-law, Cheri Westerfield Burbach. Funeral is at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lewisport Baptist Church, with burial in Lewisport Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Taylor-Wood Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Hospice or Lewisport Baptist Church Building Fund. Survivors include her loving husband of 27 years, Keith Westerfield; her loving daughters, Kori Rae Westerfield and Ami Nicole Westerfield; a sister, Sheila Basham Houchins and her husband, Jeff, of Chalybeate Springs; a brother, Barry Basham and his wife, Denise, of Maceo; her precious mother-in-law, Marlene Westerfield; several nieces and nephews, Kelly Ann and Hunter Houchins of Chalybeate Springs, Cortney and Seth Basham of Maceo and Luke and Tyler Burbach of Dubuque, Iowa; and her brother-in-law, Dan Burbach of Dubuque. |
| Mary F. Whiteside Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:27 -0500 GLASGOW — Mary Florence Hayes Whiteside, 95, died Aug. 5, 2008, at T.J. Samson Community Hospital. The Monroe County native was born Jan. 27, 1913, near the community of Gamaliel. She was a graduate of David Lipscomb High School in Nashville, where she was valedictorian of her graduating class and a member of the ladies basketball team. After graduating from Western Kentucky University, she taught school in both Monroe County and Glasgow. A longtime resident of Glasgow, Mrs. Whiteside was active in the community, a longtime member of the Glasgow Garden Club and the National Council of Judges and a member of South Green Street Church of Christ. She was a daughter of the late Vanus Hayes and Edna Harlin Hayes and wife of the late Dr. George P. Whiteside. Funeral is at 11 a.m. Friday at Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home, with burial in Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Visitation begins at 4 p.m. today at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Glasgow Independent School Foundation. Survivors include three children, Drs. Philip Whiteside and his wife, Cookie, and Jim Whiteside and his wife, Mary, of Glasgow; a daughter, Ann Dickson and her husband, Bob, of Lexington; eight grandchildren, Jane Ann Dempsey of Asheville, N.C., Julie Hires of Atlanta, Dr. Will Whiteside, Andrew and George Whiteside, all of Glasgow, Adam Whiteside of Louisville, John Whiteside of Bowling Green and Ann Robert Dickson of Lexington; and four great-grandchildren, Edward and Mary Bea Hires, Harlan Dempsey and Kilbourne Whiteside. |
| Gertrude E. Whitman Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:27 -0500 RUSSELLVILLE — Gertrude Elizabeth Whitman, 74, of Russellville died Aug. 5, 2008, at Hospice of Southern Kentucky in Bowling Green. The Baltimore native was born Aug. 4, 1934. She was retired from Rockwell International. She was a daughter of the late Edmund V. Jones and Agnes Bauer Jones and the wife of the late William “Bill” Whitman. She was preceded in death by a son, William L. Whitman. Funeral Mass is at 10 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she was a member, with burial in Greenridge Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Young Funeral Home, Russellville chapel. Rosary service is at 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Survivors include five daughters, Deborah Jean Roman of Hackensack, N.J., Christine Hazel Glover of Brooksville, Fla., and Lois K. Page, Ginny Shoemake and Lisa Cox, all of Russellville; four sisters, Emma McMannis, Mary Bauchman and Patricia Whalen, all of Maryland, and Netta Gledich of Florida; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. |
| Nina G. Young Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:22:28 -0500 TOMPKINSVILLE — Nina Glaydell Young, 88, of Tompkinsville died Aug. 6, 2008. The Monroe County native was born March 1, 1920. She was a homemaker. She was a daughter of the late Erie K. and Nora Page Hagan and the wife of the late Fred Young. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clifton and Dale Hagan; a sister, Sara Graves; and a longtime friend, Thomas Blythe. Funeral is at 3 p.m. Friday at Monroe Baptist Church, where she was a longtime member, with burial in Old Mount Herman Cemetery. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. today at Strode Funeral Home. Survivors include two sons, Larry Young and Harvey Young and his wife, Connie, all of Tompkinsville; two daughters, Kathleen Copas and her husband, J.W., of Red Boiling Springs, Tenn., and Carolyn Turner and her husband, Leon, of Tompkinsville; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Chloe Johnson and Katherine Strode, both of Tompkinsville; a brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Andrew Young and his wife, Christine, and Arlis Hagan; several nieces and nephews; and longtime friends, Reggie and Wanda Copas. |
| Figures are impressive for our city Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:21:32 -0500 It speaks volumes for the vitality of Bowling Green and Warren County that, in these times of economic softness, housing sales and unemployment rates in our county generally are healthier than in most areas of our state and nation. The federal Commerce Department and the U.S. Census Bureau reported that sales of new single-family homes reached 530,000 in June, 0.6 percent below the 533,000 sold in May and 33.2 percent below the 793,000 sales reported in June 2007. While home sales locally have also declined, Warren County is still above the national trend. From March 1 to June 30 this year, 471 have been sold, compared to 567 for the same period in 2007. While this is a decrease in sales in our county, it shows that our diverse local economy is keeping home sales above other regions of the country. It also shows that at a time when the housing market could be better and some people are apprehensive about buying a house, home sales activity has continued for Bowling Green and Warren County. Lonnie Gann, a Realtor and auctioneer for Hunt Real Estate and current president of the local Realtors association, made a good observation when he pointed to favorable interest rates and the housing rescue bill, which extends a tax credit of up to $7,500 to first-time homebuyers, as positive for housing sales. The fact that our unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the state at 5.8 percent points to the relative strength of our local economy and should be good for the housing market. While up from May, when the unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, and in June 2007, when the rate was 4.9 percent, the state average by comparison was 6.6 percent. Could those numbers be better? Of course, but compared to most surrounding counties and the state as a whole, we are ahead of the game. Our local economy has taken some hits, but our relatively low unemployment rate and relativley strong real estate market show that we are a lot better off than other areas thanks to our diverse economy. |
| Verdi specializes in European fare Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:28:35 -0500 The last time I experienced Verdi Restaurant and Bar was an early spring day when my dining companion and I enjoyed a light meal of salads under the cherry blossoms. This week, even though it was summer, Verdi became a shelter from a killer storm with a broad, heavy meal of pasta and German delights. When we entered I noticed the restaurant had been livened up with a rich red wall color that complements the stone arches and deep wood trim. The d/cor is alive with color, yet at the same time is as comforting as home. Comforting too was the wait staff. I wouldn’t say it was the perfect dining experience. The timing of our food was slightly off with salad on top of appetizers, then a long wait for dinner, but it was wickedly busy that night and our waitress was honest, clear and appreciated our patience. I will say we were able to be patient because she kept us informed. (Note to wait staff all over Bowling Green: customers love this). We began with a favorite of mine, and something I hadn’t had in a while, brochette. When I see brochette on a menu, I get a vision of what I believe it to be and I didn’t even bother reading the description. I should know better, because I don’t think I’ve had the same brochette twice. Verdi’s brochette is especially unique, so this is somewhat of a warning for brochette lovers. Not that it was bad, but it was served in a ramekin with mozzarella melted on top and the tomatoes and spices on the bottom, all at room temperature. It looked more like French onion soup than brochette. As I said, the taste was good, but spooning it on pita bread was awkward. Verdi’s entrees do not come with salad, but my dining companion and I ordered one to split. The Greek salad dressing was delicious. At this point in the meal, Verdi was getting high marks for flavor that was inviting and enlivening. Even the pita bread with herbed butter that was served with the salad was a great treat. Those high marks just kept coming when my tilapia with pasta arrived. I don’t usually eat pasta with fish, but the pasta was shaped like little bags of gold and filled with cheese. The sauce was a light tomato/cheese sauce and was perfect with the slightly crispy tilapia. My dining companion opted for the German platter. Did you know you could get German food in Bowling Green? My aunt moved to the U.S. from Germany about 50 years ago, so I have had truly authentic German food from an outstanding cook. Verdi’s was just as good, with the addition of some unique flavorful twists. For instance, the sauerkraut had little slices of green apple. What a great way to enjoy the pungent taste of sauerkraut with just a hint of sweetness. The platter also included bratwurst, asparagus, Vienna schnitzel and, a fun way to round out the meal, one German beer. Both my dining companion and I were unsure about Vienna schnitzel, and it turns out it is actually a slice of veal coated in breadcrumbs. We had not planned to stay for dessert, but by this time the restaurant had become more like a party with guests mingling about than a restaurant. The concert in the park had been rained out and everyone flocked into the downtown eating establishments. The staff handled this so well that everyone just seemed to be going with the flow, so we ordered the tiramisu. Just as we had started the meal with a unique twist on an otherwise obvious appetizer, so was the same with dessert. The tiramisu was also served in a ramekin, making it possible to really saturate the sweet biscuits and cream in rum then dust the top with a thick layer of cocoa and coffee flavorings. Again, the contrast was unique and enjoyable, just not what I expected. In my experience, Verdi was a truly a bevy of new and exciting dishes from Greek to German to Mediterranean and more. I highly recommend a trip around the world without using a drop of gasoline by enjoying a meal at Verdi today. — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact managing editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com. VERDI RESTAURANT AND BAR 410 Main Ave. |
| Longhorn Steakhouse quick to fix problems Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:51:37 -0500 If you saw the animated film “Ratatouille” last summer, you caught a glimpse of a New York food critic. He was a critic who nitpicked about the smallest imperfection and who found great pleasure whenever he wrote a negative word. I, on the other hand, am a restaurant reviewer living in the quaint community of Bowling Green. I’ve been asked to write about my experience when I visit a restaurant. I always prefer to have a good experience, but occasionally I don’t. I wrestle with the dilemma of what to do when a good restaurant seems to just have a bad night - hey, it can happen to any of us. My answer is two-fold. First, I don’t just look at what happened, because stuff happens. I’m more interested in how the restaurant handles the mishap(s). Second, I think it gives the restaurant a chance to review its policies, procedures and methods. I know I appreciate feedback from those closest to me, that is, if it’s not too harsh. Here goes. My dining companion and I entered Longhorn Steakhouse and immediately were uncomfortable. It turned out the air conditioning wasn’t working well - on one of the hottest days of the year - and we were seated in a stifling corner booth next to a table of 20 or so. We couldn’t breathe. After five minutes of not seeing our wait staff, I walked back up to the hostess (noticing a couple of pockets of cold air as I went) and asked to be seated in a specifically, semi-cool location. She was more than happy to allow me to sit wherever I wanted, and apologized that the air was to be fixed that coming Tuesday. And this is exactly what I mean by how does the restaurant handle the mishap? At Longhorn, as the evening went on, they refreshingly just kept doing their best to meet our needs and made sure to either improve the experience or just wipe it from my memory. By that I mean, I ended up not even paying for my meal. In my mind this was admirable, because perfection cannot be guaranteed, but if I can count on someone to do the right thing when things go wrong, I want them on my team. My dining companion and I started with the firecracker chicken wraps. These were an island of perfection in our evening. These crispy mini-wraps are flour tortillas stuffed with chicken and cheese. The cheese had a deliciously spicy kick to it and the avocado-lime dipping sauce was an effective and appetizing cool-down. I was overjoyed to see my favorite steak with my favorite fish and couldn’t remember ever seeing them together on a menu before (just ask my dining companion, whom I ask to order steak to my seafood, then do a split). I also had the option of ordering a special favorite of mine - a summer salad of mozzarella and tomatoes. Now here’s where things went really wrong. The salad never arrived, the filet came out without the fish, my dining companion was served his meal at the same time, and we were planning on seeing a movie after dinner. We talked amongst ourselves. What we wanted to do was get the salad, send the steak back and wait for the salmon and steak combo to come out together. However, we were splitting the salad, which would mean sending back his perfectly acceptable honey mustard chicken sandwich - which didn’t seem fair. As we blankly stared at each other trying to decide what to do, a manager arrived. We decided to tell her all the facts and let her in on the decision-making process. She apologized and, knowing there wasn’t enough time for her to fully remedy the problem and for us to make the movie, she told us my meal would be comped. After that, the salad was delivered right away. It was a delectable grouping of soft mozzarella, greens and grape tomatoes with a balsamic vinaigrette. The steak was tender and flavorful and the salmon, which arrived just before the check, was appetizingly marinated in bourbon and grilled fork tender. In this column, I hope to remind you of all the great places there are to eat in Bowling Green and what you can expect in the way of food, service and experience. At Longhorn, you can expect a delicious meal with a large and unique number of menu choices, friendly service (calm within chaos sometimes), and even on a bad day you can count on the Longhorn staff to do the right thing - without even having to ask. That’s community spirit that goes a “long” way with me! — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, please contact Managing Editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com. LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE 2635 Scottsville Road |
| BG’s Quiznos gone, but definitely not forgotten Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:36:25 -0500 Does anyone else miss the Quiznos Sub that used to be in Bowling Green? On a recent trip to Glasgow it was a case of you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, when my dining companion and I lunched on the patio at the Quiznos across from the movie theaters in Glasgow. Of course, this patio is like many, with just a few tables on the sidewalk outside the restaurant, but we were able to create a little inspired ambiance by turning the music on in our nearby car. Inspired, too, is the menu. In my experience that day, Quiznos was a chain-style sandwich shop with local ownership flair and abundant menu fair. To begin with, Quiznos has some new, one-of-a-kind sandwiches called flatbread sammies. This is a variety of unique meats like chicken cantina, roadhouse steak and Sonoma turkey served between a round piece of flat bread. My dining companion ordered the chicken cantina, which is chicken in a honey bourbon mustard sauce with tomatoes and onions. It was small, but even so, he finished it in record time it was so good. Also in the flatbread category are chopped salads served with flat bread. There are five types and it was hard to choose just one for me and my dining companion to share. I went with the black and bleu, which is a black angus steak with bleu cheese, tomatoes and red onions. It was acceptable, but not the ideal salad for a sandwich shop to do well. Next time, I may order the raspberry chipotle chicken and hope for the best. A cup of the chili turned out to be exceptional for a sandwich shop. Hearty red beans and chunks of beef, tomato and onion made this chili like homemade. It was a little on the spicy side, but the well-made sweet tea was a helpful balancer from time to time. Finally, I had a regular chicken sub on whole wheat bread. The chicken carbonara is a delicious blend of chicken strips, bacon and mozzarella cheese all in a creamy bacon alfredo sauce. There was an abundance of meat in each sandwich and my choice of vegetables, including a pepper and sauce bar near the soft drinks. So, as sandwich shops go, Quiznos in Glasgow has variety, abundance, value and a new, clean environment. If we closed our eyes while listening to the music, we could have been in any of the sandwiches places we’ve visited coast to coast - we wouldn’t have had to miss something that had slipped away from our hometown. — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact managing editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff @bgdailynews.com. |
| O’Charley’s good for something new Thu, 3 Jul 2008 11:02:54 -0500 After last week’s offbeat coffee chronicles, it was back to normalcy. What’s more “normal” than a typical dinner at O’Charley’s to step back into the reality of the many chain restaurants we are fortunate to have here in Bowling Green. O’Charley’s offers a local touch as well, with a huge mural of Bowling Green and Kentucky favorites, like a red Corvette and the Corvette Museum served on a platter, as well as a beautiful woman with a derby hat at least 100 times actual size. Another pleasing part of the chain restaurant scene is that they are always offering something new and exciting. Today, my dining companion and I tried everything new, starting with drinks, but not ending with dessert because a stomach is a limited container for newness. By the end of the meal, my dining companion described our wait staff as delightful, which she was, but at the beginning of the meal we had to wait so long, the management comped our appetizer. I will say O’Charley’s restaurant staff was attentive and seemed to be aware of our every move! In the spirit of newness (and because the menu noted I’d never tasted anything like it) I ordered the pretzel crunch chicken tenders with Dijon dipping sauce. They were right. The pretzel breading offered a unique taste and a light, extra crispy texture. It was like dipping a pretzel into mustard, with the added bonus of tender chicken breast in between. Our drinks arrived after the appetizer, which never sits well with me. I’m a stickler for the “dining experience” which to me means, drinks right away, appetizers or bread to quickly follow (because liquor does have a more intense effect on an empty stomach), then salads just after the appetizer has been mostly eaten, and finally entrees just about five minutes after my salad has had time to settle. The tangerine pineapple margarita I had was delicious. What a perfect balance between the too-sweet-for-me strawberry margaritas and the tartness of a regular margarita. My dining companion was not so lucky with his mojito because O’Charley’s was out of fresh mint. He sent the drink back. This is not exclusive to O’Charley’s, but I’d like to suggest to restaurants that if you’re out of a main ingredient, please let us patrons know ahead of time. We really can think for ourselves and will probably opt to order something else, instead of feeling like you are trying to put one over on us. For dinner, I had the Key West mahi. This was a flavorful fish served with a tropical salsa on top with rice on the side. The taste overall was acceptable, but the fruit was hard to bite into. My dining companion (who normally doesn’t like fish) actually enjoyed the fruit that seemed to lift the fish taste. My dining companion ordered the pecan chicken tender salad, which is not as new as the other items we ordered, but it was new to us. This was a delicious blend of honey-roasted Georgia pecans, chicken tenders, bleu cheese, mandarin oranges and cranberries on romaine lettuce served with a balsamic vinaigrette. My sense was right and O’Charley’s was the perfect step back into the customary world of dining that I realized is anything but ordinary. Looking at the staff, from the hostess to the wait staff to the manager, there’s a lot of time, energy, sweat and maybe even some tears that go into creating meals for hundreds of people each day. How fortunate we are to live in a country like this. Happy Fourth! — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact managing editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com. O’CHARLEY’S RESTAURANT 2717 Scottsville Road |
| Coffee shops offer more than just caffeine Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:37:50 -0500 emember when food and a lap meant TV dinners at home with the food brought to the entertainment? Now you can bring entertainment to the food. What I’m fumbling around trying to say is that this week I toted my lap top computer with wireless Internet to visit as many local coffee shops as I could until my nerves gave out. No more than two in one day, however, because otherwise this column might sound like a Picasso painting looks! I ordered an iced medium caramel macchiato at each place, and took my lap top to write my experiences on the spot. There are two shots of espresso (shot-glass sized portions of pure caffeine), milk and caramel in a macchiato. My first stop: Spencer’s Coffeehouse on the square. It was late in the afternoon and there was a row of what looked like regular patrons sitting outside looking relaxed and full of life at the same time. The counter staff was attentive and helpful when I entered and there were a bevy of local people, even some of whom I knew. Spencer’s wireless Internet was a little choppy that day, but as far as food goes, it offers muffins, bagels, cinnamon rolls and pastries, and for lunch, a full menu of sandwiches and salads. The macchiato was also an effective blend of coffee, caramel and milk flavor. My next stop was the new Starbucks on Campbell Lane. I wasn’t going to go in unless it offered a wireless connection, which it noted on the door, so I went in. The staff was vibrant and friendly. I was now on my second medium macchiato, which translates into four shots of espresso. This macchiato was equally good. It turned out, however, that you must subscribe to a specific Internet service, so the wi-fi at Starbucks is not free. A staff member actually said that sometimes people pick up the signal from Buckhead Caf/. I ended up leaving earlier than I planned because of this. Starbucks offers a variety of cakes, muffins, cookies and other baked goods, both in regular and low calorie versions. And, I will say, it was a peaceful place to write and research - if only I could have picked up Buckhead’s signal. So, the next day, I headed to Buckhead Caf/. Buckhead has a pleasant and expansive atmosphere for Internet working and a huge menu of eclectic sandwiches, salads, pizzas, burgers, etc. It’s not as quaint as Spencer’s and during the lunch rush you can’t even hear yourself think; however, this was the best macchiato to date. It had a punch of coffee flavor, with the milk and caramel just there to take the edge off. At least, that’s the way I like it! I decided one caf/ a day was enough and I knew that Mug Shotz would be open on a Saturday, so I waited a day. Unfortunately, even though the sign said it would be open, it wasn’t, so I can’t report on the atmosphere or macchiato, because I wasn’t able to make it back there by press time. I did call and Mug Shotz does have free wireless Internet service (with purchase) and offers wraps, sandwiches, muffins and desserts. Finally, I went to another local hang out with wi-fi, Bread and Bagels. While Bread and Bagels no longer has an espresso machine for macchiatos, it does have flavored coffees. And, much to my surprise, it has added pastas to its one-of-a-kind menu of sandwiches, salads and pizza. In the morning it also has muffins, scones, pastries, etc. The walls are covered with artwork from young local artists. The wait staff was helpful, but distracted by a large phone order (which I’m sure was just an in-the-moment experience). The wi-fi worked well and the atmosphere was upbeat yet relaxed and I opted to sit outside on the enclosed patio. So that wraps up the coffee and wi-fi chronicles for the week. Although I highly recommend people watching, toting a lap top computer along is a little something different for those times when you don’t have a dining companion. I wouldn’t recommend trying to write a column, however, because looking back over this, I can spot the moments the coffee kicked in and kicked out! — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact managing editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com. Spencer’s Coffee House: 915 College St., 393-7060 Buckhead Caf/: 760 Campbell Lane, 846-0110 Starbucks: 710 Campbell Lane, 842-6201 Mug Shotz: 116 Old Morgantown Road, 796-4143 Bread and Bagel: 871 Broadway Ave., 781-1473 |
| Mandolin perfect for a light summer meal Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:18:06 -0500 What to do on a hot summer night when you’re in the mood for fine food, but the intense heat keeps you from wanting anything but watermelon and Gatorade? How about a light meal at one of the finest eating establishments in Bowling Green, the Mandolin. My dining companion and I thought patio dining might be doable once the sun went down, but were not disappointed when air conditioning still made more sense at 8 o’clock at night. Mainly because the Mandolin is owned and operated by two wildly artistic Bowling Green residents: One creates the atmosphere, and the other works her magic creating and executing a four-star menu. Each room is donned in rich grained woods and striking rosined wood etchings, as well as a variety of international artwork. The fireplace mantle in the room in which we dined was a bit chaotic, but a quick glance out the window to the relaxing porch patio outdoors made it feel as if I were outside after all. To execute the light meal genre idea, we ordered two light appetizers then split an entr/e. We chose the crespella pockets as one appetizer, then looked to the salad menu for another light, chilled appetizer, the mozzarella and roma tomato salad. The crespella pockets, even though they were fried, were the perfect light meal choice: Crispy crepes folded into small triangular shapes, stuffed with light cheeses and meats. The mozzarella and roma tomato salad had an abundance of soft mozzarella cheese. Soft mozzarella has an appetizing texture when eaten chilled on a hot summer day, but with just a hint of flavor and when eaten alone is lacking. Add a slice of tomato drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette and a side of greens, which is exactly how the Mandolin served it, and you have a dish delicious to the eye and the palate. We opted for the fish special that evening, a lightly breaded Italian cod with wild rice. The wait staff graciously split the meal, for a small fee, which allowed each of us to have a house salad with the dressing of our choice. We both chose the house specialty, gorgonzola - a light, creamy dressing with chunks of gorgonzola cheese for an occasional kick. The cod was rolled, then breaded with seasonings bursting with flavors, some I recognized, others I didn’t, but the blendings made this otherwise light meal a rich treat. The rice, too, a blend of brown and other wild rice varieties, made for a slender summer alternative to potatoes. With all this weightless eating, we had room for dessert. Of course there were the heavier favorites, like chocolate cake or even tiramisu, but we opted for the pineapple cake and it was a delicate ending to this modest, delicious meal. Thin layers of cake soaked in pineapple juice with layers of a whipped cream frosting was served with pineapple rounds on the side. Even though, as of this moment at least, the heat has settled down a bit, I would highly recommend the Mandolin for a meal on a whim or a special night out because in my experience it is a singularly, extraordinary eating establishment in our town. — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact managing editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com. MANDOLIN 712 Chestnut St. |
| Nothing but ‘amore’ at Mancino’s Grinders Thu, 29 May 2008 12:08:18 -0500 "Amore” and pizza go together in songs and movies, so why not in Bowling Green. What I’m referring to here is Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza’s motto, which is: “I love that place!” Which both my dining companion and I did. While I reviewed Mancino’s at Greenwood almost two years ago, since this column is mainly about experience, I thought it was time for a visit to Mancino’s in Lost River. Love is not lost here, either. To begin with, the counter staff was jovial, friendly and not the least bit nosey, even when the two of us ordered just about one item in every category (in the name of trying as much as we could), which ended up being enough food for twice as many people. Love has to be pouring from everywhere if the kitchen is as exposed as it is at Mancino’s. A clean, cutting board wood and stainless cooking station looks to be about half the size of a football field and sits in the center, surrounded by pizza ovens and other work stations. The cook staff delightfully buzzes around each other as if they were choreographed by the workers in the Wizard of Oz, who “get up at 12, start to work at one, take an hour for lunch and then at two are done!” The entire experience was like a scene from a movie as the staff assisted with a pizza that sadly slipped off the tray and onto the floor and then mopped up a water spill with ease. Oh, and did I mention they can cook with consistency as well? At the counter my dining companion and I opted for soup, salad, a grinder, lasagna, a small pizza, a brownie and two oatmeal cookies. We were given the brownie and cookies right away and ended up eating dessert first, because what’s not to love about eating dessert first? The brownie had a cake-like quality and literally crumbled before reaching my mouth. Not even the frosting stayed put, but it was a chocolate treat overall. There are two types of oatmeal cookies: moist and chewy, that bend and don’t break, and the crispy, dryer version that snap and send oatmeal flakes a-flying. My dining companion prefers the soft version, yet Mancino’s bakes the latter, but we both agreed the cookies were quite flavorful. The soup was a cheesy, bacon potato that tasted best when it was hot. Small melt-in-your-mouth pieces of potato, with cheese and bacon tastes balanced nicely in a thick, creamy base. The Greek salad was excellent, with an abundance of olives, crumbly feta cheese, red onions, tomatoes and a packaged dressing. Both the pizza and the grinder exemplified taste. The Cajun chicken grinder wasn’t too spicy hot, but was spicy tasteful with tender, Cajun-rubbed chicken, onions, cheese, lettuce and tomato. We opted for the Mancino’s pride pizza with an effective combination of meats and veggies, a lovely crisp crust and just enough sauce! That appetizing sauce was generously poured over my personal favorite of the day, the lasagna. Even if you’ve only read this column a couple of times, you know I’m big on the perfect balance of flavor combinations and this lasagna had it going on! The sauce was plentiful, as I said, the noodles present, but it was the real ricotta with spices and cheeses hidden between the layers in just the right amount that made it truly delicious. Mancio’s also has other baked pastas, calzones, nachos, five other salads and cinnamon sticks with sides of vanilla icing for dipping, so surely you’ll find something to love. Actually we were on our way to a movie after pizza, but saved the ticket price partially due to the entertainingly delicious and enchanting visit to Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza. — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact managing editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff @bgdailynews.com. |
| Moe’s offers color, options and vibrant food Thu, 15 May 2008 10:59:35 -0500 When I think of the Southwest, I think of places like Santa Fe, N.M., and Sedona, Ariz. And when I remember passing through from one town to the other, I remember the vibrant contrasting colors of red earth, black rock and blue sky. Moe’s Southwestern Grill cuisine reflects this topography with a colorful flair added via ingredients, ingredients, ingredients. Black beans, olives, corn, tomatoes, avocado, onion and cilantro translate into appetizing shades of yellow, red, green, white and even black. Not to mention Moe’s also offers a plethora of multi-hued sauces. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Entering Moe’s, you can’t miss the oversized menu board with item names reflective of random pop culture, that don’t seem so random once you know that MOE’s is actually an acronym for: “musicians, outlaws and entertainers.” I had to look up the “Joey bag of donuts burrito,” which apparently hails from the movie, “My Cousin Vinny.” What I did not get when I entered was the “Welcome to Moe’s!” that was present when the restaurant first arrived in town. This was reflective of my entire trip down the manned conveyor of Southwestern cuisine. I could barely get the wait staff to look at me, let alone engage in a dialogue that would help me with the many choices. After I left the restaurant, though, I realized there appeared to be no necessary managerial guidance and only three servers working - this during the lunch rush. The wait wasn’t too bad, but I felt like more of an intruder than a customer. Despite this, I was able to choose menu items and make choices with enthusiasm. I chose two limited timers not on the usual menu, the Southwestern cobb salad and a special chicken quesadilla, as well as a close talker salad (from that close talker “Seinfeld” episode). My dining companion and I ate outdoors and relished in the variety of vibrant colors and groupings of savory tastes. Everything was fresh, from the pico de gallo to the cilantro to the romaine and especially the olives - I don’t think I’ve ever tasted a black olive with so much flavor! And as I was digressing earlier, there were an abundance of appetizing sauces, salsas and dressings. Chipotle ranch, guacamole ranch and a southwestern vinaigrette dressing for the salads. A chunky guacamole with onions, peppers, tomatoes and cilantro worked for my taste. My dining companion, however, did not like the guacamole and after one bite he went back to the tomatillo salsa that he’d been originally drawn to. The key ingredient in a variety of Latin American sauces, the tomatillo, is referred to as a Mexican tomato. Deep green in color, this fruit is spherical in shape and a bit larger than a walnut. Moe’s purees the tomatillo and I detected flavors of spices and lime that added to the deliciousness. I built each menu choice with my choice of seasoned beef or chicken, pinto or black beans, bacon, cheese, olives, pico de gallo, cucumbers and mango for the cobb salad. Each dish was flavorful, but I will say the quesadilla stood out as my favorite because the heated chicken was especially moist, when compared to the cold beef and chicken on the salads. Each menu category at Moe’s (burritos, nachos, quesadillas and the like) offers at least one vegetarian option, or you can choose any menu item, skip the beef and begin with the beans. So, between the colorful music, (hits from the ’50s to the ’80s), unusual menu options and vibrant food, gaudy works to please the palate in the south bringing the hues of the Southwest to Bowling Green. — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact managing editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com. MOE’S SOUTHWESTERN GRILL 2020 Scottsville Road |
| Cave City’s El Mazatlan a good choice Thu, 8 May 2008 11:16:22 -0500 Que pasa? Which means: What’s up? It seems clich/ to begin a Mexican restaurant review with a Spanish urban phrase, yet I do so because it truly added to the enjoyment of my recent dining experience at El Mazatlan in Cave City. It all began with a friendly waiter, who genuinely called my dining companion and me “amigo” with every visit to the table, and who also humored us when we asked for translations, including the one that opened this review. Something I do always begin a Mexican meal with is a bowl of guacamole. El Mazatlan’s guacamole looked fresh and deep green in color, which made me think the only ingredient was avocado. This is usually a good thing, because I don’t like guacamole with fillers. In this case, however, the avocado must have been bland, because the guac was bland. I found one or two pieces of cilantro in the dip, but not enough to add flavor. My dining companion and I salted it, making it acceptable with chips. The appetizer we did vehemently enjoy was the cheese dip. It was the usual melted white cheese, but there seemed to be spices that added to the flavor as well. The d/cor at El Mazatlan was charming: Bright yellow, orange, brown and red colors on adobe-looking walls in a meandering floor plan and an occasional painted mural that looked like an open window on a sunny day. We sat far from the smoking section, because when we were seated near the door dividing the two sections, we still encountered smoke. El Mazatlan in Cave City is just off Interstate 65 north of Bowling Green. The word is with graduation, prom and Mother’s Day this weekend, the restaurants in Bowling Green will be full to capacity, so a trip north, if you don’t fall into any of those categories yet want to eat out, might be in order. And ... speaking of order, I can recommend a few items my dining companion and I enjoyed. The chimichangas were simple but delicious. They can be ordered with beef or spicy chicken. Both my dining companion and I had a chicken chimichanga on our combination plates. The chicken was moist - large flavorful chunks wrapped then fried in a flour tortilla that was flaky with deliciously substantial crunch at each end. Also on my el amigo special plate was a cheese quesadilla. This is a folded, then pan-fried flour tortilla filled with the same cheese as the queso dip. Unfortunately, as the meal cooled, the cheese separated and it was not as appetizing as it had been in the dip. Rounding off my plate was something I had never heard of called an ollita. This was a small, crispy, fried flour tortilla in the shape of a small cup with chicken chunks, spices, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and grated cheese layered inside. It was a unique, flavorful dish - and you could even eat the dish when you finished its contents. The chile in the egg batter then fried chile relleno was hotter than I’ve had at other restaurants. Both the beef taco and tamale had crumbly, fine pieces of ground beef with soft or crunchy corn meal for a classic Mexican combination and effective taste. El Mazatlan in Cave City has the same (or at least a very similar menu) to its sister restaurant in Bowling Green and also locations in Glasgow and Munfordville. I usually have either appetizers or dessert, but was tempted to enjoy both because El Mazatlan offers the Mexican classic flan, as well as unique desserts like fruit-filled burritos, churros with ice cream and tres leches cake. This translates into a cake made with three kinds of milk. And for my final Spanish expression: If you’re in “buen humor,” (a good mood) visit El Mazatlan and you will “que lo pases bien” (have a good time). — New restaurants are given a six-week grace period. Comments can be sent to managing editor Mike Alexieff by telephone at 783-3235 or by e-mail at malexieff@bgdailynews.com. 105 Garbner Lane |
| Hilton’s breakfast a luxurious escape Thu, 1 May 2008 10:33:01 -0500 There are several country-style, Southern breakfast eateries in Bowling Green that are deliciously greasy when I’m in the mood. But there is less than a handful of Tiffany-style breakfast establishments which I also find pleasurable. This is not to be confused with Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which was a simple menu outside the richest, most famous jewelry store in the country, but just the opposite - a breakfast with a well-to-do menu. I discovered the Hilton Garden Inn breakfast a few months ago, and finally made it in for a taste. While the Hilton did not have eggs Benedict on the menu (my personal standard for a lavish breakfast), it did offer a variety of breakfast items to enhance any morning meal. The restaurant, which also serves dinner, is housed just inside the lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn. I became enamored by the travel atmosphere, feeling as if I were actually away from home, and out of the blue began striking up conversations with the other guests about where they were from. My dining companion, on the other hand, sat at the table nostalgically noticing the upscale hotel d/cor that is a mirror image of any Hilton you might visit throughout the country. This luxury lends itself to the Tiffany-style breakfast, with thoughtful and soothing color combinations, deep grained decorative woods and opulent fixtures. The breakfast at Hilton Garden is a mix of buffet and made-to-order food. We each ordered at the made-to-order bar from a chalkboard menu. I ordered Texas-style French toast, my dining companion an omelet with potatoes. While we waited, we enjoyed a wide variety of fresh fruit housed in a bed of ice in the buffet. There were also the usual breakfast foods: bagels, doughnuts, toast, cereals - and even not so usual, soy milk. The buffet also included three kinds of juices, orange, apple and cranberry, in large ornamental carafes on the bar. I went for a cup of coffee and, by chance, discovered the Hilton Garden offers one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had. I don’t usually drink coffee black, but had overfilled the cup while chatting with a fellow traveler. I drank it down a bit so that I could add some of the flavored syrups they offered and was taken aback by the smooth flavor. Even my dining companion, who is not a coffee drinker, agreed. The first sip went down easy and lacked that usual bitter bite coffee can have. Our breakfasts arrived and while the omelet was not “fluffy” as the menu described, it was a flat, flavorful blend of eggs with a variety of chunky, abundant ingredients of your choice, like bacon, sausage, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, cheese and the like. It did not list mushrooms, but they were inadvertently included - so if you’re not a mushroom lover, take note and make sure to exclude them. The fried potatoes were tastefully unique and flavorful. The potatoes were uniformly cut into perfect half inch squares that were flawlessly fried in every direction - thick on the outside with a hint of soft potato on the inside. My Texas French toast was two pieces of thick bread, slightly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. It needed just a small amount of butter and syrup because the sweetness of the egg batter was adequately enjoyable on its own. Breakfast at the Hilton Garden also offers patio dinning and was a splendid way to start the rest of our day, as we ended up engulfed in the true richness of taking in the wilderness while traveling down the Green River in a canoe. How lucky we are to have the best of both worlds in Bowling Green. — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, please contact Managing Editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com. |
| Red Lobster all about the extras Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:13:11 -0500 I was fortunate recently to enjoy a celebratory Sunday night at Red Lobster. Many local fine dining establishments are closed on Sundays, and since this was the only day we could all meet for a birthday, I was grateful Red Lobster was so accommodating. Accommodating, too, was the atmosphere. It was a festive evening, yet we had the good fortune of getting into one of those huge booths in the back, which felt as if we were a party unto ourselves. This was a treat since I haven’t seen those booths making their way into restaurants lately. Red Lobster, of course, is a seafood haven, yet it also offers a variety of steaks, pastas and some appetizers that are either cleverly disguised or lack the taste of seafood. We ordered a combination platter of southwestern lobster egg rolls and lobster, crab and seafood stuffed mushrooms. Even though they were smothered in cheese, the mushrooms definitely had the texture and flavor combinations that seafood lovers would be drawn to. The southwestern lobster stuffed egg rolls, however, were just the opposite with black beans, corn, tomatoes and a hint of seafood taste all wrapped in an egg roll shell and fried lightly crispy. Our server was fun and jovial and the rest of the wait staff worked well together - tag-teaming our order and other needs as the night went on. This made for a very pleasant dining experience, especially since I was with a lively group that didn’t need a lot of attention, just service. We each had our own special drinks for the evening and were impressed with what Red Lobster had to offer and what we were served. From an apple-tini for the birthday girl to imported beer on tap to a stellar Long Island ice tea and a bottle of Pino Grigio, we were treated as if we were dining royalty. I guess it’s about high time (or should I say high “tide”) to get to the food, which was good, but not as impressive as some of our locally owned fine dining establishments. This would be fine, if the prices were also lower, but they were not. I had a fine New York steak and was fortunate enough to be able to substitute the lobster tail for tilapia in a bag, which was a Bowling Green special. It was served with my choice of side item and a vegetable. My particular meal was acceptable. The steak cut was tender and grilled well, the fish seasoned well for the moist benefits when cooked in a bag. The vegetables were a little over-cooked for my taste. Also ordered at the table were combinations that included plates of chicken, salmon and seafood. The literally dozens of choice combinations are a big part of the dining options at Red Lobster and those who ordered them felt the meal was enhanced by a spicy dipping sauce they ordered separately on the side. Others at the table did not enjoy their meals as much. The fried shrimp, calamari and scallops were average in size, preparation and flavor - nothing to write home about. The “jumbo” shrimp scampi platter looked similar to the regular shrimp combination, so I didn’t see the advantage in going big. The comment was, “without all extras like the salad, sides and the Cheddar Bay biscuits, I might have been disappointed.” Maybe that’s the point - it’s all the extras that Red Lobster has to offer that make the difference. The staff warned us about their singing abilities, but we all engaged in a lively round of “Happy Birthday,” accompanied by at least one professional level singer at the table - so all ended well. And if that wasn’t enough, any off-key voices were long forgotten once we were served the New York cheesecake covered with strawberries that was a perfectly thick, rich, yet not-too-sweet dessert we all could share. So if you’re looking for a day or evening, especially on Sunday, of fun and fish, I would recommend Red Lobster for the extras and the variety of options that make dining an individual treat. — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact Managing Editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdaily news.com. RED LOBSTER 2525 Scottsville Road |
| Country Mill’s buffet offering wide variety Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:33:36 -0500 I was invited by a couple of colleagues to dine at The Country Mill Restaurant this week. I didn’t know what to expect, but heard it had changed for the good since I’d last visited years ago. Upon entering, we discovered right away that there isn’t a menu, it is strictly buffet; however, that didn’t stop us from getting made-to-order food and a variety that rivals any menu in town. The conversation quickly turned to quality, standards, expectations and how all of us might effect change. We weren’t talking about the restaurant, but in the work place and academic worlds. As I listened and ate, I realized my experience at Country Mill was mirroring that very conversation. To begin with, Country Mill has a long-standing foundation of buffet-style country food. This included, but was not limited to, the collard greens with a hint of spice, the highlighted flavor of the pinto beans and the pulled pork that was lean, tender and seasoned to Southern perfection. Even with the catfish, which a fisherman at the table commented was the best he’s had in all surrounding counties, Country Mill was consistent while offering a large variety, all made from scratch - maybe not at any one’s “home,” but certainly homemade. Even the d/cor offered a big country welcome with a faux barn roof in the back, Southern paintings, era inspired music, and a sign that read: “Come on in and sit a spell.” Also, Country Mill now offers a saut/ bar, salad bar and an oasis of desserts. The saut/ bar offers made-to-order entrees that include appetizers, five made-to-order burgers, pasta dishes, wraps and even a chicken cordon bleu sandwich, which I gleefully ordered. While my sandwich was cooking, I headed off to the salad bar and created a monster of a salad with mixed greens, first of the season beefsteak tomatoes, green peppers, olives and a Caesar dressing. I returned to the table to find my sweet tea waiting for me, and this is where I experienced some disappointment. The sweet tea was barely sweet, which surprised me at a “country” restaurant. I certainly had the opportunity to add sugar, but it’s just not the same. Then, while the waitress was friendly and informative when I met her at the dessert counter later, she wasn’t very personable at the table. Again, nothing major, just some things my dining companions and I noticed when we visited. One area for improvement would be the consistency of the saut/ bar. We each noticed the dishes we ordered, the cordon bleu, a spicy ranch chicken wrap and a fettuccini alfredo with shrimp and broccoli, were all acceptable and appreciated, but also lacked the punch of flavor these dishes usually have. As the conversation meandered through academics, it was inevitable, with the huge selection of desserts, the subject of “pie-ology” brought us to the end of the week. I had a coconut cream pie that was clearly homemade - and the best I’ve ever had. Fresh, thick whipped cream; flavorful filling; flaky crust and baked crispy coconut on top. There was something like a derby pie that others at the table had, and reported the chocolate chips, nuts and abundant filling were delectable - as was much of the meal. It was a wonderful dining experience and an incredible value. And again, since we’re talking academics, I’ll use a spelling metaphor. To remember the difference in spelling desert (dry land) and dessert, I learned with dessert you always want a second helping, so it has a second “s.” If that’s the case, at County Mill everything should be spelled like this: dessssssssssssert! — Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact managing editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com. COUNTRY MILL RESTAURANT 600 U.S. 31-W By-Pass |
| Dining at Ichiban consistently good Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:54:22 -0500 t was a sunny Sunday afternoon and my dining companion and I were in the mood for Japanese food. Ichiban came to mind, because, as far as my memory serves me, it’s the only Japanese food in town with patio dining. We arrived to find we weren’t the only ones with this idea and a group of very verbal Sunday travelers on the patio prompted us to eat indoors. Ichiban has been in Bowling Green for close to two years now and the cuisine, variety, service, value and just down-right fun remain consistent after all this time. The long strip of dining area inside the patio window means you can still enjoy the great outdoors if the blinds are open, yet also means the acoustics get chaotic and noisy with even just a dozen or so tables occupied. Not to worry though, if you can handle a little noise, the food is definitely worth it. My dining compa |
