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.”
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Living to Fight Another Day
June 9th, 2008 categories: Entertainment, Military Installations, Relocating, Spouse Stuff
Road expansion is something most of us can’t get enough of in Northern Virginia. For those travelling North or South, Interstate 95, or Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway) are the only direct corridors available for vehicles heading toward a destination. While we applaud the road widening, the new development also resulted in some casualties along the way. When the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) decided to widen Route 1 in Prince William County, just north of Quantico, the Globe & Laurel restaurant found itself on the chopping block. 
In business for nearly 40 years, it now found itself out in the cold. The Globe & Laurel closed its doors on April 30th. For the second time, its owners, former Marine Major Rick Spooner & his wife Gloria, had to find a new home. Their first such venture occurred after the original Globe & Laurel, which opened in 1968, located in Quantico Town, burned down. After attempting unsuccessfully to find another location in Prince William county to begin again, the Spooner’s were able to find some help a little further South along Route 1, in Stafford County. With the assistance of Stafford’s Economic Development Authority, they were able to secure the building that formerly housed The Keep, and then Philly’s, both restaurants, similar to The Globe & Laurel. With loads of renvoations needed, Stafford’s EDA pitched in both short term and longer term contributions, the former being $50,000, the latter $33,000 per year for the next three years.
In the food business, one’s reputation is priceless. Do a google search for the The Globe & Laurel, and see what you find. What you’ll find is visitor after visitor, patron after patron, that can’t say enough about the food, the atmosphere, and the great hosts it has. It truly is a unique establishment. Beginning with the tartan carpet, you’ll find a familiar pub like interior design, a distinctive selection of wines, and the a local favorite brew, Leatherneck Lager. While the atmosphere sets it apart from the everyday eatery, Maj Spooner has never wavered from his desire to provide his patrons more than just a meal. He wants them to leave not only well fed, but also well cared for. The service is second to none with the Spooners leading by example as they greet those heading in to dine. Often , you’ll find the Major making his way around the restaurant, ensuring those already dining are enjoying themselves. 
The Globe & Laurel is a rare find. While you’ll enjoy the food & drink, you’ll take away much more after a visit. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a chance to chat with the Spooners, especially the old Marine who has already shown that it takes more than the government to keep him down. As Yogi likes to remind us, “It ain’t over til it’s over.” And, for Major Spooner, this new venture probably seems more like, ”deja vu all over again!”
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