Big Sky, Media
There’s still time to soak in a little al fresco dining along one of my favorite Main Streets. Since the middle of May, Media’s unpretentious restaurant row (see list below) has been serving up a variety of international cuisine to hungry diners, all in the name of fun and to help raise money for area charities.
Sponsored by the Media Business Authority, the annual Dining Under the Stars series is a great way to savor the flavors of Media’s eclectic collection of eateries. If you’re not familiar with Media’s funky side, you should definitely make the effort to get there. It’s a great little town, chock-full of interesting stores (I love Earth and State) and a deceiving view from the top of State Street that always makes me feel like there is a big river waiting on the other side. (I grew up near the Hudson, so I have an affinity for big rivers.)
Though I’ve been to Media this summer for a very tasty meal at Azie, I haven’t made it out to these Wednesday-night dinners. My co-worker, Tara Behan, gave it a thumbs-up last month, so I figured it was high time that I wrote about it.
Because of Media’s layout and numerous cafés, pubs, restaurants and retail shops, the town really comes alive. The main drag is shut down 5-10 p.m. from Jackson to Orange streets, and there’s live entertainment, much of it musical. (Media has a great Blues Stroll each year, too.) And, with nearly all the restaurants in cahoots, you should be able to find a seat under the stars every Wednesday through Sept. 15.
This Wednesday, August 18, there will be a little play on Star Wars when “The Empire” invades Media as part of a fundraising effort to fight cancer. The evening’s entertainment also ties into the theme with an appearance by the Garrison Carida (7-9 p.m.), a Star Wars costuming group that serves Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. The performers will be dressed in movie-quality storm trooper costumes, which, of course, is super fun for the kids. “Vader’s Fist” will be available for photos and high-fives.
And you might want to bring some extra cash, as this week’s Dining Under the Stars will also kick off a weeklong raffle filled with gift certificates and art to support the same fundraiser.
Click here for updated information on the event’s Facebook page. That’s likely where you’ll find scoop on each week’s deals, too.
Participating restaurants include:
• Azie Global
• Stephen’s On State
• La Belle Époque
• Picasso
• Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant
• Fellini Café
• Margaret Kuo’s
• Sligo
• Lotus Farm to Table
• Shere-e-Punjab Indian Cuisine
• Sweet Potato Café & Bakery
• Little Anthony’s
• La Na Thai
• Plumstead Inn
• Koffee Korner
• Joclyn’s
White Dog Café Update
It IS happening. Expect a late-September opening. What a little mecca that’s going to be—the new Bean’s Beauty has settled in, and both it and White Dog are across the street from Anthropologie. Ladies’ lunch has taken on a whole new meaning!
Wayne’s Going South of the Border
So long, Taco Bell. Wayne is finally getting a new—wait, two—Mexican restaurants. Can’t imagine what the parking is going to be like now. College kids, teens and we adults LOVE Mexican food. It’s going to be one big fiesta come fall. Olé!
