Isabelle’s Southern Cuisine set to open, serving up family-inspired comfort food

March 16, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Isabelle’s Southern Cuisine at 306 Reily St., Harrisburg

As a little girl, Kim Ross remembers spending days with her grandmother, Isabelle Ross, cooking in her kitchen in the William Howard Day Homes in Harrisburg.

Ross’s grandma was losing her eyesight and wanted to pass on her family recipes. It was a great bonding time for the pair, Ross said.

Now, she plans to share those meals with the Harrisburg community at a new southern food restaurant coming to Reily Street in Midtown, the former location of the Red Boat Asian Fusion restaurant.

“I’m excited,” Ross said. “[My grandmother] would’ve been proud.”

Isabelle’s Southern Cuisine plans to open this Sunday for brunch, which will be a regular weekend event. Ross said that they have already sold out the first brunch.

Throughout the week, Isabelle’s will serve breakfast, lunch and, on some days, dinner. Ross said that the menu will include soul food staples like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, mac and cheese and candied sweet potatoes. They also plan to serve Fifth Acres Coffee, a Harrisburg company owned by Stefan Hawkins of Good Brotha’s Book Café, also in Midtown.

“Isabelle’s will be a great addition to an already growing restaurant community,” Hawkins said. “I know the owners, and I know the love and care they’ll put into bringing quality food to this community.”

Ross hopes that the restaurant will have a familial feel, especially since it will be a family-run operation. Ross will handle the sides, her brothers and son will tackle the main dishes and her cousin, a baker, will take on desserts.

Her son added his touch to the décor of the restaurant to create a modern, urban feel with trendy faux grass walls and neon signs, Ross said.

“I’m excited to see our family work together,” she said. “This is something new for us, but it’s pulling us closer together.”

She’s had many family members to look up to who owned local businesses, but Ross hadn’t considered owning one herself until her son encouraged her to open. He saw the potential she had. She said that she always had friends coming over to eat her food, and the family made Sunday dinners together a priority.

This winter wasn’t easy for Ross’s family as both an uncle and her mother passed away, but she sees the restaurant as a way to move forward with a new chapter. Even the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t stopping her.

“This is a new beginning for our family,” she said.

Isabelle’s Southern Cuisine is located at 306 Reily St., Harrisburg. It will be open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Thursday, 6 a.m. 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg eviction moratorium extended through mid-April

March 15, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Sign on N. 3rd and Kelker streets.

Harrisburg residents behind on rent are safe for another month.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse extended the city’s ban on evictions for tenants affected by the pandemic for another 30 days, through mid-April.

“This extension of the eviction moratorium will continue to help protect our residents during these challenging times,” Papenfuse said in a statement.

The city initially enacted the moratorium on Dec. 16, responding to what they feared could become a homelessness crisis. This is the third extension of the declaration, so far.

The ban protects those who are unable to pay rent and those whose lease has expired. Anyone facing eviction for other reasons, such as property damage or criminal activity, is not included under the moratorium and can still be evicted.

The city has the power to fine non-compliant landlords up to $10,000 or 90 days in jail.

Additionally, a nationwide halt on evictions by the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is in place through March 31.

The moratoriums do not, however, take away landlords’ rights to receive payment and renters may still be expected to pay once the eviction bans end.

Recently, Dauphin County officials announced their plan to address this proactively. They said that the county would receive up to $18 million in state and federal CARES Rent Relief Program funds that they would distribute to tenants in need. Under this program, renters can receive up to 12 months of rental and utility assistance.

Additionally, the city is in the process of issuing $500,000 in federal Emergency Shelter Grant COVID (ESG/CV) funds to Harrisburg residents behind on rent.

Papenfuse said previously that the city will continue to extend the eviction moratorium while the state’s public health emergency continues.

For questions or concerns related to Harrisburg’s eviction moratorium, email [email protected] or call the city’s hotline, 3-1-1.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Fire in downtown Harrisburg’s Crowne Plaza causes minimal damage, no injuries

March 15, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Firefighters outside the Crowne Plaza on S. 2nd Street.

A hotel fire sent plumes of white smoke above downtown Harrisburg at midday on Monday, blocking off streets for several hours as firefighters fought the blaze.

According to Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline, the bureau was dispatched at 11:25 a.m. and arrived to find smoke on the first floor of the Crowne Plaza on S. 2nd Street. Shortly after, smoke could be seen rising from an upper floor of the hotel.

He said that the fire started in the hotel’s blind shaft, a brick duct that runs from the basement to the top floor and contains utility pipes. According to the chief, the shaft contained years of dirt and debris that caused the fire to spread. The blaze started in a lower section of the shaft and spread the length of it.

The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated, Enterline said, but added that blind shaft fires are not uncommon.

There were no injuries, and there was no fire damage to any of the hotel rooms, only water damage to a few.

Enterline said that the risk to the rest of the building was low, as the Crowne Plaza has a sprinkler system. However, the entire response took around 2 1/2 hours and was “very labor-intensive,” he said.

Multiple fire departments arrived at the scene including firefighters from Harrisburg, Paxtonia, Swatara Township, Penbrook and Lower Allen Township, among others.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Wolf announces loosening of pandemic restrictions for restaurants, bars, other businesses

March 15, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

PA soon will loosen its dining restrictions, just as Zeroday Brewing Co. opens its new restaurant and tap room in Midtown Harrisburg.

Gov. Tom Wolf today announced a significant loosening of restrictions for restaurants and other businesses, citing falling rates of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.

Starting April 4, restaurants may resume bar service, and alcohol service will be allowed without the purchase of food, benefiting bars.

“Pennsylvanians have stepped up and done their part of help curb the spread of COVID-19,” Wolf said, in a statement. “Our case counts continue to go down, hospitalizations are declining, and the percent positivity rate gets lower every week—all very positive signs. The number of people getting vaccinated increases daily and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. It’s time to allow our restaurants, bars and other service businesses to get back to more normal operations.”

For the past year, restaurants, especially those that serve alcoholic beverages, have had to operate under a series of changing rules, including, at one time, a total ban on indoor dining. Today’s announcement represents the loosest restrictions on restaurants and bars since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

In addition, the curfew for removing alcoholic drinks from tables will be lifted, and the indoor dining capacity will be raised to 75% for restaurants that have agreed to the state’s certification requirements.

Restaurants and bars must still adhere to other COVID-mandated guidelines, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, including keeping unassociated diners at least six feet apart.

Besides restaurants, other restricted businesses will have their capacity increased to 75% on April 4, including entertainment venues, gyms and personal services facilities.

Wolf also announced an increase in event capacities, which will be 25% for indoor events and 75% for outdoor events.

“We’ve come so far and now is not the time to stop the safety measures we have in place to protect ourselves, our families and our communities,” Gov. Wolf said. “Keep wearing a mask, social distancing, and, please, get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 12, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

Political signs began to appear in Harrisburg as the mayor and City Council races started to take shape.

If you haven’t picked up our March issue of the magazine yet, get out in the sunshine and visit one of our many distribution locations. Of course, you can read it online too, but there’s nothing like a good old paper copy, agreed? Also, don’t miss our news coverage from this past week, listed and linked, below.

Bob’s Art Blog previews the annual “Art in the Wild” installation held at Wildwood Park. The process of coming up with and implementing a creative vision is no easy task, but artists always succeed in highlighting nature’s beauty.

In a Burg Blog, our editor commends the recent candidates running for political office in the city. He’s impressed, he said, with the recent level of civic engagement and thanks the candidates for being willing to serve.

Dauphin County is expected to receive up to $18 million in state and federal CARES Rent Relief Program funds that it plans to distribute to tenants behind on rent. Renters can possibly receive up to 12 months of rental and utility assistance, our online story reported.

Deco Grab & Go is a new café that recently opened in downtown Harrisburg. Our magazine article tells the story of owner Callie Alvanitakis and how she has managed her businesses during the pandemic.

Floyd Stokes, founder of the American Literacy Corporation, has been busy providing educational experiences for kids virtually during the pandemic. Since the beginning of October, the ALC has streamed book readings, which they plan to continue for a whole year, our online story reported.

Hamilton Health Center in Harrisburg has vaccinated 1,000 seniors this week through a partnership with Capital BlueCross and Rite Aid. Many of the community members reached were people of color who were struggling to receive the vaccine elsewhere, our online story reported.

Harrisburg City Council approved land development plans to convert a vacant church into an apartment building and another to build a six-story apartment and retail building, along with four other projects, our online story reported.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced that he will run for a third term, our online story reported. In an interview, he said that he had unfinished business that he felt he needed to follow through to completion.

Harrisburg voters will have a large field of candidates to choose from this May, our reporting found. Six hopefuls have filed for the mayoral primary and another 13 residents have filed for City Council nominations.

Home sales in the Harrisburg area dropped a bit in February, but price appreciation was strong, our online story reported. The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors reported that home sales fell to 458 units last month compared to 500 units in February 2020 across its three-county coverage area.

Little Amps Coffee Roasters and Get Better Records, a queer-run record label, are collaborating to support the LGBT Center of Central PA, our online story reported. Customers can pre-order the label’s upcoming album, along with Little Amps coffee and a mug to support the LGBT Center.

March is National Colorectal Cancer awareness month. In our magazine article, Dr. Thomas Mazza recommends practices to maintain good colon health.

Open Stage’s new show, “Everyman,” is now running virtually. According to our theater reviewer, it is a cutting-edge, loose rendering of a 15^th century morality play, in which “Everyman” represents all humankind and their journeys to Judgment Day.

TheBurg Podcast focuses on the one-year anniversary of the pandemic in the United States this month. Several Burg writers share their experience working, grieving and adapting throughout the year. You can read their reflections in our magazine article, as well.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup has plenty of ideas for how to enjoy this warm weather weekend. Plus, if you’re looking for ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s day early, she’s got you covered.

Sprocket Mural Works announced that they are kicking off the 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival by painting over 30 planters in the Allison Hill neighborhood. Sprocket is looking to hire artists from the city, our online story reported.

Whitaker Center reopened on a partial basis following a lengthy closure due to the pandemic, according to our online news story. The same story reports that, across the street, neighbor Strawberry Square will begin host a COVID-19 testing center beginning next week.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Downtown News: Whitaker Center partially reopens; Strawberry Square to be new COVID test site

March 12, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Whitaker Center has announced a partial re-opening.

Downtown Harrisburg was the scene of two notable announcements on Friday: a partial reopening of Whitaker Center and, across the street, a new COVID-19 test site inside Strawberry Square.

First, Whitaker Center held a ribbon-cutting to mark “phase one” of its reopening.

During this phase, the Harsco Science Center & Select Medical Digital Cinema are open Fridays and Saturdays only, by reservation, in two sessions: A morning session runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and an afternoon session runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Whitaker Center officials stated that they will use the 30-minute block of time between sessions for cleaning. Because of capacity limitations, visitors must purchase tickets in advance ($10 per person, children under 2 are free). Members receive free admission to the Harsco Science Center, but must reserve tickets in advance.

While at Whitaker Center, visitors can view several new exhibits, including a life-sized version of the game, Operation (pictured), the “X-Ray Table” and the center’s newest and largest single exhibit, “Pinball Falls.”

“We have reinvented ourselves over the past year as we’ve provided virtual programs and socially distant onsite group learning to the community, but now we are excited to reopen our doors,” said Meghan Clark, COO/CFO of Whitaker Center. “It’s so great to see young families back learning, exploring, and having a good time! I am excited for what the future holds for Whitaker and the impact we will have on the youth that come to visit us.”

Also downtown, Harristown Enterprises on Friday announced that Strawberry Square will serve as a walk-in COVID-19 testing site from March 16 through April 10. The site will be open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in a vacant retail space on the first floor, inside the Walnut Street entrance.

Testing will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis for ages 3 and older, at no charge and with no appointment required. As many as 450 people can be tested daily at the site to anyone who wishes to be tested.

This is an initiative between Strawberry Square, the city of Harrisburg, Park Harrisburg, the PA Department of Health and AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, which is administering the tests.

“We’re happy to provide space for this vital healthcare initiative,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown, the owner of Strawberry Square, in a statement. “The public deserves to have the opportunity to receive testing without obstacles, and we’d like to recognize Dauphin County Emergency Management for initiating the conversation to make this happen.”

Results will be available in two to seven days. Those testing positive will receive a phone call from AMI, while those testing negative will receive a secure email, according to Harristown.

“It is important that COVID-19 testing is accessible to everyone, and I am encouraged that residents will be able to utilize this site to get tested,” said Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

Whitaker Center is located at 222 Market St., Harrisburg.

Strawberry Square is located at 320 Market St., Harrisburg. The COVID-19 test site will be located near the Walnut Street entrance.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

This story has been updated.

Behind the Bylines: TheBurg Podcast, March 2021

March 11, 2021 | by Karen Hendricks

Covering TheBurg’s news through a pandemic has been a challenging experience filled with equally rewarding, innovative, heartbreaking and humorous moments for four of our freelance writers.

Writers Diane McCormick, Gina Napoli and Susan Ryder join Karen Hendricks for a conversation that expands upon “Pandemic Perspectives,” their essays published in the March 2021 issue of TheBurg.

From innovative interviews, poignant social justice stories, pivots in theater performances, challenging work-from-home environments, pandemic pet adoptions, and healthy doses of humor, our writers summarize a year’s worth of highs and lows.

Not to be outdone, Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, delivers this podcast’s “icing” on the cake through his “Most Harrisburg Thing.”

We give a warm welcome to podcast sponsor, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, in celebration of their 90th birthday and special online performance this month.

This episode marks the one-year anniversary of TheBurg Podcast’s magazine style format produced and hosted by Karen Hendricks, and we close out the show with a fun collection of bloopers and behind-the-scenes moments from the past year.

“Thank you” to all listeners and guests, and we look forward to sharing more fascinating interviews over the next year!

TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by Karen Hendricks, a lifelong journalist who also dabbles in PR/Marketing. Visit her website here.

TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, Pa.; Lawrance Binda, co-publisher/editor.

Interested in sponsoring TheBurg Podcast? Contact Lauren ([email protected])

Meet some of the Harrisburg area’s most fascinating people, and hear their own authentic stories, expanded from every month’s magazine, on TheBurg Podcast—because there’s always “more to the story.”

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Papenfuse announces re-election bid, sets priorities as he seeks third term as Harrisburg mayor

March 11, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse speaks at a press event in early 2020.

Four years ago, incumbent Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse stated that he planned to serve just one more term in office.

This week, he officially announced that he would be running again, for a total of three terms.

So, what changed his mind?

In an interview following the recent deadline for nominating petitions for the May 18 primary, Papenfuse stated that he had unfinished business that he felt he needed to follow through to completion.

“To make it clear, this will be my last term,” he said. “Originally, I had hoped that maybe I could do it in two terms. I think it will take one more term to make sure that we are sustainable and able to continue to be able to move forward.”

Papenfuse faces a crowded field of candidates for the Democratic nomination, more than in his two past campaigns. The field also includes City Council President Wanda Williams, former council member Otto Banks, former news publisher David Schankweiler and HMAC general manager Kevyn Knox.

If Papenfuse makes it past the May primary, he may face Allison Hill resident Timothy Rowbottom, who is unchallenged for the Republican nomination, in the general election.

Papenfuse stated that his first term was devoted to “stopping the bleeding” as the city emerged from its profound financial crisis. His current term, he said, has been to stabilize the city financially, and he cites consecutive balanced budgets and growing savings as an achievement.

He expects Harrisburg to finally break free this year of Act 47 after more than a decade in the state’s program for financially distressed municipalities.

If elected for a third term, Papenfuse said that he would focus on several key priorities.

The first would be to improve the city’s infrastructure. Papenfuse said that he wants to initiate a street-paving program that would include every city-owned street. Such a large undertaking will require the city to be able to re-enter the bond market, something it’s been unable to access for over a decade.

The city currently has several substantial road initiatives planned or started, including major changes and improvements to N. 2^nd and N. 7^th streets. Also, starting this year, safety improvements and a “road diet” are slated for State Street on Allison Hill. All of this work has been funded through grants and with the city’s own cash on hand.

“We need to address our neighborhood streets and roads,” he said. “The only way to do that responsibly is to fund it through a bond offering.”

Papenfuse said he also wants to guide implementation of the city’s proposed affordable housing program, continue to “civilianize” the police force, reduce crime and encourage re-development to reach more into the neighborhoods. Right now, some $600 million in building projects are “in the pipeline,” he said. He added that “more are coming,” some outside of the already established redevelopment areas in Midtown and downtown.

“One of the reasons that I’m committed to running for mayor is because I want to see us through COVID,” he said. “I want to get us towards the prosperity that I think is coming our way.”

Papenfuse said that he’s encouraged by the number of younger people on the political scene in Harrisburg. For instance, 13 candidates have declared for City Council, some having never run before.

“This is also why I’m pitching this as a transitional administration to the next group of leaders,” he said. “It’s all well and good to say we don’t want to go backwards, but we also need to train up and mentor and support younger folks.”

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Little Amps, queer-run record label team up to support LGBT Center of Central PA

March 11, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Little Amps’ Green Street location in Harrisburg.

Little Amps Coffee is brewing up something musically uplifting.

The Harrisburg-based coffee company is teaming up with Get Better Records, a queer-run record label, to announce a limited edition coffee and album bundle, with proceeds supporting the LGBT Center of Central PA.

“We are humbled to direct the coffee for this community driven project,” said Peter Leonard, CEO of Little Amps, in a statement.

Customers can purchase the bundle, including Little Amps’ “Super Tasty Instant Coffee,” a vinyl version of Get Better Records’ upcoming album, “Sunday, Someday” and a mug.

“Sunday, Someday” bundle

The album features a collaboration of queer, trans, non-binary and agender artists including KOJI and Full On Mone’t, two Harrisburg artists. Other artists Potty Mouth, Nervus, and Solstice Rey contributed to the album, as well.

When the artists’ UK tour was cancelled, they decided to record the album to support other LGBTQ people in the community. Leonard said Little Amps is happy to promote the label, as well as the LGBT Center, located in Midtown Harrisburg.

“Projects like our record and this coffee collaboration will hopefully show that you can use your time, talent and resources to grow more access to spaces for care and creativity,” said Koji Shiraki, who grew up in Harrisburg, in a statement.

The LGBT Center will use the money for its Common Roads program, which connects LGBTQ youth and young adults in Central PA with community and support. They plan to install an acoustic treatment to benefit youth with sensory needs.

To purchase the “Sunday, Someday” bundle, visit Little Amps Coffee Roasters’ website.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

March 11, 2021 | by Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, I got you! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:
Are you on the email list?
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Like this content?

Need something NEW to do? Listen to this new EP. Check out a new film. Try this new mead.

(Still) Worth noting: We revived our private Facebook group, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Photo shoot, birthday dinner at my mom’s.

Don’t forget to support your local brewery! Click here to find one near you.

For your weekend planning:

Support PA food; get cool swag
↬ 5 Ways to Support Local Restaurants Right Now
#CVEats Instagram Guide
View our local Restaurant Directory
Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are options for your weekend.

Things to Do in Harrisburg + Central PA | Weekend Roundup | Sara Bozich

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Join our CheersHBG Bracket Contest + WIN
Get inspired to cook
Upgrade your bar cart with these local spirits + fave tools
Some ideas for self-care
Binge Poured in PA: The Series!

COVID-19 Disclaimer: As always, please click through the links or call ahead to get the most up-to-date information about venues and/or events below. It should also go without saying, but I’ll say it — Mask up, follow the rules, and be nice. And tip extra!

What are you doing this weekend around Harrisburg? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Like this content?

You May Also Like