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March 22nd, 2008 by PG Chic
The Washington Post City Guide finally posted a review of Lavar Arrington’s Sideline Sports Bar on Friday (3/21) — editor’s pick. The reporter covered the play-by-play from the menu to the dress code to the “airport-style search” at the door. I have to co-sign on the crab cake review.
BTW - Has anyone checked out Game Fridays with DJ Trini or Seductive Saturdays at The Sideline yet? Any reports back on the scene? Feel free to comment here. Also, read the many comments about Sideline from readers like you. Keep them coming!
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Posted in Entertainment, Prince Georges County, Dining, Did You Hear About? | 1 Comment »
February 2nd, 2008 by PG Chic
Note: All photos below are courtesy of PG Chic and are copyright protected.
After a lot of local anticipation and waiting, Lavar Arrington’s Sideline Sports Bar finally opened on Wednesday (1/30) in Largo, MD at The Blvd. — just in time for this weekend’s Super Bowl. I had an opportunity to check out the restaurant on Friday evening before the crowd. As I approached the front door, I was greeted by a bouncer who looked remarkably like Faizon Love — and I told him so (but I said “Big Worm”…lol) — who carded me. The rule is 21 and over after 8pm and a strict dress code is enforced (no shirt, no shoes, no entry…just kidding - the dress code is no athletic wear, hats, athletic caps or skull caps, tennis shoes, timberlands, or workboots).
As I entered the restaurant, I was promptly greeted by two hostesses. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Also, there were quite a few secret-service types in all black suits standing at their posts. Some of the highlights of the restaurant include the bar that sits inside the giant football, the 8 flat-screen TVs around the bar, the reservable VIP area on the main floor of the restaurant with optional semi-private curtains, the main large screen in the center of the restaurant, the flat screen TVs under the glass of some of the tables, and Lavar Arrington’s VIP lounge area that hovers over the restaurant.
Football Bar
Football Bar (Closer View)
Main Flat-Screen TV
I did not have time to indulge in food or “spirits”, so I will definitely post another blog entry in the near future to comment on food and service. I did look at the menu, which includes a wide assortment of appetizers (ranging from $5-10), seafood and steak entrees ($9-26), several burgers and sandwiches ($8-10), and soups and salads ($5-$14). Also, varying order sizes of wings from 10 wings to 100 wings (ranging from $8-$70) is on the menu with a variety of sauces to choose from–mild, medium, hot, super hot, Jamaican, BBQ, honey mustard, Cajun, Chesapeake, and teriyaki. I‘ll have to see how these wings rate against the area favorite Cluck-U. The menu looks appetizing and if you’re wondering, they have both a crab cake entrée (two 8oz jumbo lump) and a Maryland crab cake sandwich on the menu. Lastly, there is also a very reasonable 4-item kid’s menu at $4 each. Side note– I peeped the “18% gratuity may be added to any check” (yes, “any”) on the main menu…just a head up if you know you’re a bad tipper…lol.
Overall, I was impressed with the layout, decor, and ambience so far. The crowd was professional African Americans in business attire, which I am sure was directly related to the time and day that I went (Friday after work around 7pm). Again, I will post another blog entry in the near future with more commentary.
Reservable VIP Area on Main Floor of Restaurant
Note: I was told by the staff that the reservable VIP area (on the main floor of the restaurant) fee is $500, but please call the restaurant for current reservation information. The number is 301-336-0056 and the address is the location of the previous Red Star Tavern, 880 Capital Center Blvd. at the Boulevard at Capital Center in Largo, MD.
Football Bar Flat-Screen TVs
Football Bar Flat-Screen TVs (Side View)
Two Flat-Screen TVs under Glass on a Few Tables
Posted in Entertainment, Prince Georges County, Dining, Did You Hear About? | 21 Comments »
January 31st, 2008 by PG Chic
If you haven’t heard, Havard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. completed “African American Lives 2″, which is second of the PBS “African American Lives” special series that originally aired in February 2006. “African American Lives 2″ is a second, very interesting look at the geneaolgy of more African Americans. The four-part special premieres on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 9pm on PBS. The participants this year include Linda Johnson Rice, Don Cheadle, Chris Rock, Tome Joyner, Peter Gomes, Maya Angelou, Morgan Freeman, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Tina Turner, Kathleen Henderson, and Bliss Broyard.
Chris Rock was on Oprah last week helping to promote the PBS special and a few clips from his geneaology were shown. Can you believe that Chris Rock shed tears during the special? He became understandably emotional as Professor Gates revealed that his maternal great-great-grandfather was a slave for 20 years who went on to become an elected official and left 65 acres to his family upon his death. Chris Rock said that he doesn’t even own 65 acres. It was really powerful stuff and made me want to start tracing back my roots if not only for a better understanding of who I am. I think geneaology helps people to make sense of their life paths.Fascinating stuff…I am looking forward to the premiere.
Note: There have been a few repeats airing of the first series from February 2006, which included Oprah’s geneaolgy–she is a descendant of many educators. The other participants of part one included Dr. Ben Carson, Whoopi Goldberg, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Mae Jemison, Quincy Jones, Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, and Chris Tucker.
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January 30th, 2008 by PG Chic
I was so busy running my mouth about Roscoe Jenkins yesterday, I forgot to mention that Oprah announced on her show last week that The Color Purple musical is ending on Broadway on February 24, 2008. Just a few more weeks left to see Chaka Khan and Bebe Winans! Well, if you miss The Color Purple on Broadway, you can always see the musical at the Hippodrome in Baltimore, MD, coming April 29 - May 18.
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January 29th, 2008 by PG Chic
Why was the cast of “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” on Oprah yesterday? While catching up on my Tivo last night, I caught the second half of Oprah’s Monday show. I remember seeing the end of the Roscoe Jenkins trailer and thought it was another one of “those” silly movies that I would maybe catch on cable. However, because of the power of Oprah, I am giving this film a closer look. I was honestly a little shocked that this film received Oprah’s stamp of approval. Then again, Karrine Stephans made it to Oprah, so I guess anything is possible.
Upon second look, I realized that “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” was written, produced and directed by Malcolm D. Lee (Spike Lee’s cousin and director of Undercover Brother, The Best Man, and Roll Bounce), which gives me more of a reason to give the film a chance. Honestly, Oprah is the reason I saw Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman. I know, that was a brave confession (lol), but really, from the trailer of Diary, it looked like it would just be a bunch of played out jokes that everyone has heard before. I recall being pleasantly entertained when I finally saw Diary…kudos to Kimberly Elise.
Anyway, the “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” cast appearance on Oprah included Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer, and Mo’Nique–who definitely stole the show. Mo’Nique first met Oprah in 1978 as a young girl in Baltimore, MD on the set of People Are Talking and shared the emotional account of the meeting. Maybe I was just in an mushy mood, but Mo’Nique had me all choked up and teary-eyed…lol. Martin didn’t seem like himself, but then again I haven’t seen him interviewed in a while. I heard this role is more of a dramatic performance for him. Anyway, we’ll see how Roscoe Jenkins does on the big screen. The movie opens on February 8, 2008.
Side–I always want to support Martin because of his roots in Prince George’s County, specifically Landover and remember he went to Eleanor Roosevelt H.S. It was funny that Martin mentioned he used to buff the floors in K-Marts (yes “K-Mart” with an “s”…lol — you may remember my completely random thought about the area vernacular). Speaking of Martin, has anyone heard about him doing anything in the Prince George’s County area recently? I haven’t, but I could be wrong. I’ve read that he owns a place just a state line away. Maybe the movie should be called “Welcome Home Martin Lawrence”…we miss you Martin. Even Dave Chapelle came back as recently as last year for a Duke Ellington School of Arts Benefit Concert. Not a criticism, just an observation. What’s up with a local appearance?
Posted in Entertainment, Prince Georges County | 2 Comments »
January 22nd, 2008 by PG Chic
UPDATE: Lavar Arrington’s Sideline Sports Bar - Finally Open in Largo, Md. at The Blvd. (PG Chic, 02/01/2008)
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Another quick Lavar Arrington Sideline Sports Bar update…
The Sideline Sports Bar Web site has been updated with a Flash intro and you may also view 3D rendering of the restaurant. Actually, someone told me they saw Lavar (filmed inside the restaurant) on the news over the weekend talking about how The Sideline Sports Bar has always been a dream for him. I’ll find out tomorrow if they’re “officially” open to the public. Does anyone know?? I know one thing…I heard that My Place Sports Bar & Grill was packed on Sunday night (1/20).
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Posted in Entertainment, Prince Georges County, Dining | 2 Comments »
December 14th, 2007 by PG Chic
The Gazette has an interesting article about the African American Santa at Prince George’s Plaza. The mall has had a Black Santa since 2003 and evidently people travel for miles to visit. Read the article, “Some Parents Seek Out a Black Santa” (Gazette, 12/13/2007).
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December 11th, 2007 by PG Chic
Surprisingly, after months of blogging I have not mentioned Linganore Winecellars and Berrywine Plantations previously. The Linganore Vineyard is located in Mt. Airy, MD. I first went to Linganore during a Wine Festival where I discovered two of their semi-sweet grape wines Skipjack and Mountain White. Both are delicious wines if you enjoy a sweet wines. Their fruit wines are good too…Raspberry and Peach come to mind.
After independently discovering Skipjack as my favorite, I realized that there are quite a few Skipjack fans in the area. Linganore wines are available at several wine stores throughout Maryland, including Prince George’s County — see the Wine Finder to find retailers and restaurants. According to the Linganore Wine Finder, it looks like both Stonefish Grill and Gladys Knight and Ron Winan’s Chicken and Waffles serve Linganore wines. I have learned to buy early near holidays because Linganore wines, especially Skipjack, sells out often.
Since I’m talking about wine, I should also mention other favorites. Schmitt-Sohne Riesling is also a tasty dessert wine. White Merlot is a good blush for summer, similar to White Zinfandel, but generally not as sweet. As you can tell, dry white wines are not my favorite, but a Pinot Grigio is doable. If you’re into dry wines, I always hear good things about Yellowtail Chardonnay, but it’s too dry for my taste buds.
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December 4th, 2007 by PG Chic
Check out a few pictures from the Christmas Tree Lighting and Concert at The Blvd at the Capital Centre last Saturday, December 1. The Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, performed a concert, including an appearance by his daughter. Also, Little Benny was there and performed his “Cat in the Hat” classic go-go. After the Christmas tree lighting there were fireworks. In addition to the tree lighting and go-go concert, Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance. 
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December 3rd, 2007 by PG Chic
UPDATE: Lavar Arrington’s Sideline Sports Bar - Finally Open in Largo, Md. at The Blvd. (PG Chic, 02/01/2008)
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In Lavar Arrington’s first interview since his motorcycle crash in June 2007, he talked with New York’s Daily News about his recovery and among other topics, his latest venture - The Sideline Sports Bar.
The Sideline Sports bar is located at The Blvd. at Capital Centre in Largo, MD. It replaces the Red Star Tavern restaurant, which was completely gutted and renovated. The Daily News article describes the interior of the 7,500 square-foot Sideline as featuring “a bar that sits inside a towering makeshift football and a VIP lounge that hovers above the restaurant floor like a press box.” (Daily News, 09/23/2007) The initial opening of Sideline will be just after Christmas. See photo of Arrington in The Sideline Sports Bar.
Slightly unrelated — Remember BET Soundstage when it first opened? Remember the Chris Webber days? Wondering if we’ll get that type of celebrity athlete clientele in Prince George’s County again. I guess we’ll find out soon enough. I will be sure to report back once The Sideline Sports Bar opens later this month.
UPDATE (1/9/2008): My sources say that Sideline will open some time in January. Lavar, You have to open in time for the Super Bowl! We need Sideline! lol
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Posted in Entertainment, Prince Georges County, Dining | 1 Comment »
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