YES, We survived it!

Last weekend was the CRAZIEST we've had at PHouse to date.  It started with a wildly busy Thursday... yes, Thursday.  Why?  We have no idea, but when a very lovely lady called and said "We surely don't need reservations on a Thursday..." we had to correct her.  Chris, Mike and I prevailed without a glitch. 

Then, on to Friday.  Oh my!  First, we bid good wishes to Chris for her hand surgery, then we jumped off the dock into deep water without a life preserver.  We were thrilled to welcome both Morris 2 Morris (hip jazz father/son team that rocked the house) and Dominic Burke, the new winemaker from Superior Estates.  The Morris team played up a storm.  Dom poured up a storm, then kicked his heels up with a few of the local ladies.  It was just too much fun.  Noelle & I survived the kitchen duty and as usual, Mike & Tina had it covered on the front end.  Todd, my friend... we missed you very much!  Come back to the PHouse kitchen SOON!

And, no rest for the wicked... on to "A Very Brady Murder Mystery!"  Joel & Erica arrived from Chicago around 5PM and 7PM was Show Time.  Joel makes a great Jan Brady, but needs to shave his legs.  A shout out to the DVM in the audience who performed the hymlic on "Jan", not only saving her life, but jeopardizing Joel's manhood :)  Also, a big thanks to Chuck & Mike, my old state capitol friends who ventured out with their wives for some good laughs!  It was legislative "old home week" with a call from my old committee page pal Jeff, and a visit from Dorothy, the former big cheese in the Approps office!  Good to see and hear from old friends, always!  Well, Sam did it... he's a jealous fool!

On to Sunday- a slow but steady day that started off with Passport Wine Tourers from Neligh, NE and a nice chat... wrapping up with Bumbleberry Tarts and vanilla ice cream for dessert with guests from Dorchester.  What a wild weekend.  We wouldn't want to tackle it every weekend, but it was a big success and lots of fun.  Could not do it without the local support of many, and the love and help of PHouse staff.

Cheers, until next time!

The Update from Me- Happy, Sad, A Nice Break!

Well, some weather we're having here huh?  And in Superior too, where I was at the Screenwriter's Colony Workshop... until Saturday.  I returned to PHouse to help... about 4 hours too late!  We had people standing, shoulder to shoulder... Kansas City, Topeka, Omaha, you name it and someone might have been there.  Crazy busy doesn't even come close.  I can't thank Mike, Tina, Chris, Todd, and our super volunteers Connie and Carolyn, for jumping up, jumping in and keeping up our fantastic service and great food reputation.  I got back just in time for a quick adult beverage- and 2 hours of dish washing.  Sunday, well belated happy Father's Day- Chris and Todd cranked out an amazing special- and I'm still snacking on the bread pudding (a new feature on Sundays)!

So, some sad news- we had an unexpected death in our family.  A good man; kind and generous.  Bob, I will miss you.  The Colony experience has been cut short.  There is just too much going on to focus on "The Undoing of Virigina Babcock"- but stay tuned.  We're about 3/4 done with Act I... it will become a script sooner or later.  We did have a special treat when Jon Bokenkamp visited us for a reading of his pilot (maybe HBO) drama mystery script.  WAY TOO MUCH fun!  So, my fellow Colony-ites and Lew bid me a teary and hug-filled "see you again soon" hug, complete with the traditional front porch picture... I'll post it when I get it.  A funny to end the sad departure-  our young Toni- the young woman who helps us with copies, coffee and laundry... DID not KNOW who JACK NICHOLSON was!  :)  Ahhh  blissful youth!  Where did mine go?

I digress... I swung past Superior Estates Winery to pick up our inventory (Nate- thanks again for loading my Jeep) and his mom Kelly, as super as always, made time from pruning in the 90 degree windy day to say hi.  I met their new winemaker, Dominic-  a charming man, not from here, who has a fantastic accent, an obvious gift for enology, and great goals.  Welcome to Nebraska Mr. Winemaker!  I hope you love Superior and you do great things! The "follow me and chat", taste this and that... now with 3% sugar (just a pinch too much) was a beautiful break from my sad day.  I appreciated it more than anyone will know.

So, now I'm back at home.  Cat's are thrilled I'm here.  I had some fantastic smoked ribs, courtesy of my 3 year old nephew Jake, my niece Kate and sis-in-law Tiphanie.  Am going to sip on a little wine- watch a re-run, then endulge in the leftover bread pudding before I call it a day. 

Cheers to you- stop past the PHouse- we're restocked with Nissen and Superior Estates (added a lovely new red) and we'll hope to be restocked on 11th Harvest by Thursday when we open again.

Hugs
Carey

Fundraising with Old Friends & Making A New One

This weekend was fun.  Thursday was just a run-of-the mill kind of evening.  Not too busy, not too boring.  Friday- Katie bar the door!  Another house full of fun.  Thanks to the Meridian Class who celebrated their 35th reunion with us.  I had a great time touring you all through the building, and really appreciate your interest in the Historical Society's restoration project. 

Saturday, the Society hosted a Riedel Wine Tasting Event as another fundraiser for our efforts to renovate the street level, and to eventually restore the opera house.  A good crowd of about 76 or so gathered to listen to Sean Petrie, the wine-guru of Riedel.  Sean and I met about 4 years ago, and it's always fun to see him.  Remarkably, this is the first visit in a while that I've reconnected with him and he HAS NOT had another baby- the man has 8... yes 8 kids.  Sean and Tom did a great job emceeing the event and repping Riedel.  Watch the PHouse website for details- we'll be working again with Sean and Tom later this fall.

Sunday was a lot of fun.  Malarie Yolen-Cohen, a writer and historian of Route  6, paid the PHouse a visit.  Malarie is traveling hwy 6, visiting unique places and cool spots.  She's currently blogging her travels.  Friend should be featured on her blog tomorrow- I'll share the link.  It was great to talk with her- she was kind of an old shoe- easy to talk with... fun to listen to.  After a hummus platter and a sip of Little Red Writinghood, Malarie was on her way to Hastings, and I was out the door on my way to Superior.

So, as of last night, I dove head first into my next screenplay.  Today, from the Screenwriter's Colony Workshop, I will pitch 3 ideas to my fellow writers, and we'll see what takes shape.  It's just fantastic being back in the house.  I'm again in the Dey sister's room (aka wicker room), and have now met all of my fellow attendees.  Lew is doing great- have not seen Pamela yet, but did run in to Prof. David from Ohio this morning in the kitchen.  He'll be guest teaching again (was a mentor in 2009)... so karma is good, familiarity is good, old friends are good... it's all good!  And best of all, Mike, Tina, Christine, Noelle & Todd have the PHouse under control.  The plant waterers are in place, the cat sitter is on retainer, Tank is still in puppy boot camp- so everything is taken care of!  

Stay tuned, we may blog a little from here in the Colony, and we may just make a little roadtrip to visit PHouse and sip some wine (to stimulate creative thoughts)... one day soon.  As Connie P says, "you gotta feed your soul".
Cheers, and as Lew says... Write On!  :)

Another F R I D A Y!

Hey wine-fans...  here we go again.  Another CRAZY Friday night on the books.   We are again booked-up, so please give me a shout if you're driving any distance.  We might not be able to seat you tonight.

It's been a busy week- prep station repairs, loading up on deliveries for my 2-week absence.  I'm heading to Superior for the Screenwriter's Colony workshop.  I'll be sipping a little wine from my beautiful guestroom in Lew & Pamela's beautiful Victorian colony house.  This year I'm being joined by 9 other writers from across the country.  Can't wait.  We pitch 3 ideas first thing Monday morning. 

We've also been busy tracking down the semi that delivered the Friend Historical Society's 400 Riedel wine glasses.  If you haven't signed up for this great fundraiser wine tasting set for tomorrow night, 6:30PM in the San Carlo next door to PHouse... do it!  It's fun.  Great food... great lesson, great wine.  Then bring your favorite Riedel glass to PHouse and we'll tag it, and give you $1 off your glass of wine (saves us doing the dishes :)

Do you follow Route 6 efforts to re-gain historic status?  Friend is on the list of Malerie's stops as she films the history and stories of Route 6 (hwy 6).  The Pour House and Warren Opera House could be featured in her film.  I've just emailed her- she's headed our way from Urbandale IA... hoping she'll make a stop this evening, or tomorrow.

If you caught Mason Douglas @ PHouse in May, stay tuned.  He's burnin' up the radio.  I caught him this AM on a Nashville station, doing an interview, and performing "People fall in love everyday" live.  What a voice that man has.  He'll be back- we're looking at October.  So, if you missed him in May- keep checking the blog, or http://www.visitthepourhouse.com/ events page. 

Cheers, and stay tuned.  Happy Friday!
c

Morris 2 Morris TONIGHT

We are so looking forward to welcoming Mike and Scott Morris!  We've got many reservations on the books!  Thanks to everyone!  See you tonight!

Here we go again!

OK- it's Thursday... again!  This week flew by (probably because I slept most of Monday, recouperating from the wild weekend of alumni visitors)!  Our book is filling up.  Friday we're welcoming Mike and Scott Morris aka Morris 2 Morris... cool jazz... and yep- we are filling up fast with reservations.  If you are planning to visit the PHouse Friday evening, you'd better give me a shout quickly.  We're at 22 for reservations as of today.  That's the majority of the front of PHouse, where the Morris duo will be performing.  We're also looking forward to welcoming a few golfers post-WMH tournament.  We'll plan to open early on Friday so I can say "HI" to some of my out-of-town friends and a few "celebrity" golfers too :)

Saturday we're looking forward to welcoming our ladies group for a special catered brunch.  Look out "German Baked Eggs"... one of my favorites and I don't like eggs!  Cousin Terri will be in to help us do another of our top-notch wine tastings.  PHouse currently has 7 great Nebraska wineries represented- and of course our own Betty White, Sknow White & Little Red Writinghood.

And speaking of Little Red... WOW have we gotten word that our fun new little commercial is a H I T!  We had 2 tables in on Sunday, joining us for Nebraska wines, Little Red, and some great food.  Sometimes my goofy sense of humor strikes a chord with others... COOL!  Working on another spot-  stay tuned.

OK-  more later- messing with salmon for lunch- may be announcing our Sunday special soon.
Cheers and best for a great Thursday
c

Lots to be thankful for this weekend!

Well, this weekend we remember our loved ones, make the traditional treks to the cemetaries, and honor our military.  It's a special time of reflection on many levels.  It's also the first anniversary of the Pour House Tasting Room's existence.  Yes!  One year ago Sherry, George, Lindsey, Rachel and I welcomed about 100 alumni folks into the brand-spankin' new tasting room.  We didn't have one clue what we were doing.  Hell, Rachel had NEVER used a Rabbit wine opener.  But we stumbled through it, and here we are a year later.
So, Sherry is out pursuing her crazy sales life, but she still pops in and bails us out when we're super busy.  George has moved on to another kitchen, here and/there, but he too is a trooper when the goin' gets tough.  Lindsey has a real job, but doesn't hesitate to bus the glasses or get a glass of water if we can't get to it quickly, and Ms Rachel has returned to her glam-life in the big city, but still pops in when she's visiting her folks.  I couldn't have done this little project without all of these people, my dad and brother, and of course, the volunteers from the Historical Society who put hours of construction and cleaning labor into getting the doors open. 
Things have evolved.  My "A" team is in place, and now I could not do what it is that PHouse does with out Tina, Noelle, Chris, Todd, Rebecca & Carolyn helping out in the kitchen, and of course my dear dear pretend husband Mike, who has my back, my front, my sanity and my admiration. I could not have been blessed more.  I rely on these peeps daily to keep my head above water.  We've welcomed thousands of people to Friend- YES, our sleepy little town has visitors... it's crazy cool!  We are selling literal boat-loads of some of the best Nebraska wines, and sharing the great renovation and restoration effort stories with everyone we can.  The word is out.  Our friend Mason Douglas says we're the "coolest wine bar in the Midwest"-  he gets aroud.. I'll take his word for it!  We're nestled beneath the coolest sleeping beauty of an opera house that there is (yep, 1 0f 9 of Nebraska's hidden treasures), and we are looking so forward to this next year.  Partnering with the new Mary Mary Quite Contrary gallery- we plan to bring even more wine tasters, talented artisans and musicians and eclectic wine sippers to Friend.  Onward.   Upward.  No clue what's next, but we'll roll with it!
My sincere thanks to everyone who has had a hand in this adventure.  My mid-life crisis project is officially a year old.  I could not be more appreciative or grateful.  Thank you, and much love to all.
c

What a great weekend!

Well, if you missed my new pal Mason Douglas... you really did miss out. Not only is he fantastically talented, and perfectly quirky (in a good way) but he's a truly kind and sweet man. Oh, and yeah, he's cute. Gotta tell you, Mike, Tina, Noelle and I took more than 15 calls the day of the show. We had to break the news that EVERY chair in the PHouse was reserved. There were more than a few "testy" women who were not happy with our fortune! Sorry ladies. Yes, he will be back. Next time everyone will know to CALL EARLY!

The total icing on the cake for me was to give Mason the tour of the Warren Opera House, and to listen to him sing on stage. He came up with an impromptu serenade for Frog Winslow. We agree, Frog is haunting us... he's waiting for a wine named after him. We'll need to figure out just what "Froggy Bottom" will become, but it's going to have to come to fruition. If you haven't seen the Facebook video (thanks Nebraska Outback) check it out. I'm listening from the balcony. No microphone, no amp... just accoustical beauty.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who came out and supported the show, and the entire weekend. It was a busy one, but really good.

In closing- good news / bad news... Dr. gave me the a-ok to dump the brace after this weekend... EXCEPT for when I'm at PHouse. So, good news for you! Chris and Todd will keep crankin' out the fantastic food, and tweaking the menu. Bad news... I'll be benched, at the bar, or in one of the red chairs... sipping on something; BUT, I'm really enjoying seeing and chatting with our customers.
Thanks for all. Cheers!
c

Ridiculous!

OK- alarm went off at PHouse at 12:53AM. What do I say? "Call the cops, I'll meet them there!" Well, no ghost this time, and no intruder... but a lot of rain leaking through the patio doors. Note to self- get the doors sealed.





So, now I'm up... 2 hours later... listening to it rain. Making lists. Checking reservations. If you didn't see Facebook- the front of PHouse is FULL for the Mason Douglas show on Saturday. So cool that he's comin' to town, and ya'll are comin' out for it! Thanks a million. We'll be singing happy birthday to my old friend Sherry S. She's coming from Lincoln to celebrate. Can't wait. We're gonna pull together a little birthday song, complete with my daddy, Auntie Ann from MA, and her friend Jean. Harmonious wishes on their way.





Apparently Mason's leaving a mark across Nebraska- have fans from western NE wanting to come to the show on Sat- perfect! Bring the folks to town. Just sorry we don't have a place for them to stay.





OK- one last treat for my dog Tank, then off to bed. Sweet dreams. Have a great Friday. See you at the MD show Sat!


Cheers!


c

Wine School for a Great Cause

If you have not caught up with a Friend Historical Society member, or visited www.FriendOperaHouse.com I'm going to ask you to consider joining us June 11 for the Riedel wine tasting school / fundraiser. $60 gets you an outstanding tasting workshop with reknown wino officianado Sean Petrie, a set of 4 beautiful crystal Riedel glasses (worth more than $100), tasting of 4 wonderful wines, and delicious food. Your donation goes to the Society to help us continue with structural repairs of the opera house building. If you didn't see the Opera House facebook page- we were named 1 of 9 "Hidden Treasures" in our great state. That's quite an honor! All funds are dedicated to our non-profit efforts to restore the building, and the Warren Opera House, and to continue the arts and entertainment that took place at the turn of the century. Awesome and beautiful auction items will be available too. Some are in the front window at PHouse. Consider it, please. We've got limited spaces. Any questions, let me know. Cheers!

Claim your seats!

Well, back to the grindstone today... of course on a beautiful, sunny and warm day. Why couldn't it have been like this on the weekend- always happens that way. Hoping it stays warm, so our friend Mason doesn't freeze. You know those Texans- they're a little fragile when it comes to the cold! Sending you a reminder- right now we'll plan to have Mason set up in the front of PHouse. We've got 8 reservations on the books right now, and we KNOW we'll have walk-ins. that leaves the bar open, and only 16 spaces in the front of the bldg. Of course, if you're seated in the back, you can hear the music, and will be welcome to stroll up, mingle, sit on some strangers lap- do as you will... but reservations for this weekend (and most every weekend) are recommended.
If you haven't had a chance to listen to his music- visit his site www.MasonDouglasMusic.com some really good songs are ready for download. Home Free is the one that makes me cry- just heartwarming and beautiful. Hope you'll join us Saturday.

Have a good Monday. Tonight- sipping on La Crema and watching Castle. That's one cool writer!


Cheers,


c

Have you made reservations yet?

Call us to reserve space for you and your friends next Saturday. Mason Douglas is just 6 days away, and we're getting a lot of calls. We'd recommend you come in early, grab a little snack, some great Nebraska wine, and be prepared to be ENTERTAINED! Hoping to get you the link to the new commercial soon... Join Mason, the crew at PHouse and me for a fun night. We're tickled pink to bring such awesome new entertainment to the Nebraska countryside!

Have dinner plans tonight? Chris has awesome specials... Stuffed ravioli in Alfredo sauce, topped with grilled chicken breast, green salad, roasted veggies and a freshly baked bread stick- OR, our new pesto roasted veggie pizza.... just YUMMY!

have a good evening- talk to you this coming week.


carey

Friday was CRAZY!

WOW! What a Friday night! The PHouse was PACKED. We didn't have one empty seat. Sorry to the couple from Seward who rolled the dice and came over- sorry we couldn't accommodate you and your friends. Come back again soon. If you're planning to head our way, we recommend you make reservations. Your reservation will be honored up to 30 minutes after reserved time.

As a reminder, the kitchen closes at 8PM on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Last call is 9:15 PM and we close at 10. On Saturday, we open at noon. Kitchen closes at 9PM. Last call is 10:15 PM and doors are locked at 11PM.

This coming memorial day weekend we are hosting the 20-30-50 and 60 year reunions! How cool is that? We're wondering what happened to the "40 year" bunch :) Anyway, because the PHouse will be very full Friday and Saturday, we will NOT have our regular menu. We'll be offering a sandwich/salad plate, and appetizers / crackers & cheese.

Stay warm... last week we had the airconditioner fixed. Today I have a fire going... GOOD OL' NEBRASKA!

Cheers

Great entertainment on the way!

Mark your calendars and join us for the beautiful music of Mason Douglas. Have you heard him sing? www.masondouglasmusic.com He's amazing- and cute too! The Pour House is in the process of shooting our 2nd TV commercial. We're doing a fairy-tale "play" on our new, exclusive Little Red Writinghood wine. Can't wait to share it with you- Little Red is walking through the forest, when a "big bad wolf..." you get it. What's in her basket? Yup! Little Red Writinghood wine... and guess who just happened to write a song about the Big Bad Wolf? Yup again! Mason. We've gotten the OK to use the track- now we're just trying to figure out how to cut it down to make it work... cool song. Great beat... sexy, funny... come see the show.

Exciting New Pour House "squared" Concert Series Coming Soon

The Pour House Tasting Room will welcome touring musicians from across the country to our "living room". Check out the calendar for upcoming house concert shows, including: Melissa Greener, The Neely's, Mason Douglas, Beth Wood and Rupert Wates! Kick back at the Pour House and enjoy some great music soon!

February 19 - "Piano Man" Tommy Swanson

Continue your Valentines Day date at the Pour House, listening to the piano tunes of the "Piano Man, Tommy Swanson".  Back for a 2nd appearance, his performance will please you.  $5. cover.

February 12 - Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre!

 **Sorry! Sold Out!**
Celebrate Valentines Day early with our "007 The Spy Who Killed Me!" Murder Mystery dinner theater.  Back by request, Without A Net Entertainment will bring their humor to the San Carlo Room.  $40 pperson includes 1st Drink, Dinner buffet and show.  Pre-paid reservations required.