Cheers to Old Venice Pizza Company owner Jim Bulian for taking the initiative during the dog days of summer to set up a table outside of his restaurant that holds a decanter full of refreshing water infused with fruits, vegetables and herbs. Free to all passersby, it’s gestures such as these that make Oxford restaurants stand out against others.
If you’re searching for fun on Labor Day, Fun in the Country promises something for everyone with all proceeds from the event going toward a good cause. If activities such as hot air balloon rides; an old-fashioned fair; pony rides; a stuffed animal zoo; music; food; hay rides; and arts and crafts sound enticing to you, make your way out Highway 6 to the 125-acre home of Lynn and Trammell Wells at 38 CR 362 (just West of Oxford; turn at Cheapo Depot) on Labor Day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission is $10 per car and everyone is encouraged to pile ‘em in. The $10 admission fee gets you $8 in “Country Cash,” which you can use to purchase items at any St. Peter’s booth or event. Proceeds from the event will benefit local outreach programs in Oxford.
For more information, visit the Fun in the Country Facebook page here.
The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) has been selected as a finalist for a $20,000 award in the 50 States for Good program sponsored by Tom’s of Maine. Tom’s of Maine receives thousands of submissions for this program and has selected just 41 groups to consider as finalists. YAC’s project to renovate the Powerhouse Community Arts Center was the only project chosen from Mississippi, and, if selected, would help ensure that Oxford residents continue to enjoy a variety of events—including food-centric ones—at the venue for years to come.
The program has entered the public support phase and YAC needs our help with votes You can vote once per day until the deadline on September 9th.
Please take the time to vote and share the link.
UPDATE 9/7: Local restaurants are also supporting the Arts Council with 1/2 off gift certificates available here. Restaurants include: Newk’s, Burger King and Papa John’s (Ravine will be added soon).
When making lunch plans, it’s often common to discount a bakery, thinking that they only offer muffins, croissants and coffee. Thankfully, here in Oxford, the owners of our bakeries understand that Oxonians require more than bread for sustenance.
Bottletree Bakery on Van Buren Avenue is one such bakery, offering sausage biscuits, fruit cups and granola for breakfast along with a full lineup of soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch, including smoked turkey, chicken salad, roast beef, tuna salad and more. A chalkboard out front displays the ever-changing daily soup and sandwich special as well.
Bottletree Bakery hours are Tuesday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Who doesn’t love a good plate lunch, right? Well, if you’re looking to try something different, several newcomers to the plate lunch scene are cropping up around town…
For several weeks Red House Burgers & Blues has been offering a rotating daily plate lunch special featuring items such as fried chicken, hamburger steak, meatloaf, squash casserole, chicken with rice and more. On Sundays it’s just $6 for a plate lunch and tea. (Bring in your football game ticket stub and receive a free hot fudge brownie with your entree purchase.)
Emileigh’s Bakery has started its fall plate lunch menu as well. This Friday’s plate offering selection includes herb and Parmesan crusted chicken breast; honey cashew green beans; twice-baked potatoes; macaroni and cheese; sauteed squash and red peppers
LBs. Meat Market will begin serving daily plate lunches this Friday. The first offering will be pulled beef brisket, baked beans, coleslaw and potato salad. Check out the updated menu each week here.
And don’t let the name fool ya, Honest Abe’s Donuts is also serving up plate lunches everyday too!
Upon news from Waltz executive chef Erika Lipe that there was a new Fall menu at Waltz on The Square, I didn’t waste any time going in to check out the new offerings. Further inspiration came from a recent article written by Nature Humphries featuring Waltz in The Local Voice (see it here on page 7).
Those who have been to Waltz on The Square know how Lipe enjoys experimenting with menu items and ingredients; the new Fall menu keeps that tradition going (to see the full menu, visit the Waltz site here).
Cheese Plate and Portabella Pizzetta
Sweet Corn Crab Cake, Mussels and Patton Won Ton
Lobster Avocado salad
Grilled Spinach and Haloumi
New Texas Porkchop
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