When Karaoke Just Won’t Do
September 10th, 2008 categories: Entertainment, Relocating
One of the many pleasures in life is being entertained. For some of us, the convenience of the family room and big screen T.V. on a Sunday afternoon is about as good as it gets. I mean, how many armchair quarterbacks have ever been wrong?
But, hopefully, other than your daily back and forth to work, you get out every now and then to enjoy the people, places and things your community has to offer. Our Stafford & Fredericksburg area offers a variety of entertainment outlets for both young and old. One of the attractions that suits just about any taste is the Bella Cafe which sits on Route 1, just North of Stafford, VA.
The Cafe is not your everyday attraction. While it’s been called a restaurant or eatery, it’s anything but. Known for its Tuesday and Thursday Chess nights, the pieces and chess boards are actually in use whenever there’s table space and players ready to play. While the chess nights seem to attract an older crowd, it’s the Open Mic nights on Friday and Saturday that really draws the twenty-something and younger crowd. The “open mic” is just that.
While there is the line-up of regular performers, the microphone is open for all comers. As a matter of fact, it’s the ideal place for any and all beginners to get some experience. Whether its an instrument you play, or you just like to sing, there’s no better place to get your feet wet. For those with a bit more experience, what better place to hone their skills? Most of us do our best singing in the shower. For us, Bella offers us a comfortable place just to sit back and enjoy the entertainment. You won’t be disappointed. Of course, what’s a Cafe without food?
Bella is an all day affair. In other words, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. While open, food is served. Hours are:
Monday – Thursday 9:00AM – 10:00PM
Friday 9:00AM – 10:30PM
Saturday 9:00AM – 11:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Menu items include many different offerings of various types of sandwiches, wraps, bagels, & soups, among other things. Drinks available include expresso drinks, gourmet coffees, smoothies, custard shakes, and the regular lineup of soft drinks. Teens stand in line for the 21 oz custard Brainfreeze which comes in an assortment of flavors. While I have yet to have one, the numbers don’t lie. The Brainfrreze must be tasty! But, it’s their Shrimp and Roasted Corn Bisque that I find hard to pass up. If a soup can be labeled gourmet, then it is gourmet.
The Bella Cafe isn’t you’re everday hangout. Not only is the food very good and the entertainment enjoyable, but, what keeps the faithful coming back is its charm and sense of community. So, next time you decide to turn off the big screen T.V. and head out for a bite to eat, by yourself or with friends and family, stop by the Bella Cafe. If you’re lucky, you may have the chance to listen to the next star of “America’s Got Talent.”
