Around Town Food and Drink Wow! There’s a lot to love about this small business! Char’s doesn’t only sell classic hot dogs that make you feel like a kid again; they make signature burgers and offer plenty of vegan/vegetarian options, too! Order whatever catches your eye, don’t forget the basket of fries or onion rings, then grab a table there or head next door to sip on an ice-cold drink at Cullen’s pub. The lovely people at Char’s will bring your food directly to your table at either location. If you’re in the picnicking mood, then there’s an option for you, too. Char’s is only a few steps away from the First Street Green! Pack a frisbee, a speaker, and lots of sunscreen, then order your food to-go. After that, all you need to do is carry your food across the street, and you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and soak up the sun or play fetch with your pup. As businesses open and friends are able to meet up face to face again, a cold beer outside with your best buddies and an absolutely mouthwatering chili cheese dog is exactly what you deserve. So, whether you’re a returning customer or looking to try Char’s for the first time, I suggest you explore their menu at chars-hotdogs. com and follow them on Instagram @ hotdogsfromchars for updates. When you’re ready to run on down and enjoy some good eats, you can find Char’s in the old tannery building at 131 First Street.
“The flavor for price value!” —Tyler T.
“Friendly workers and easy access to the pub!” —Aly M.
“Love this place. The lovely ladies that work here are so nice, the food is fresh and delicious, and the service is fast...This place is a must-try!” —Lara N.
Dad is an
Old Fashioned kind of guy n
Maura Sullivan
Father’s Day, the holiday dedicated to your dad. When I think of Father’s Day, I run through the gift ideas list in my head. What did I get him last year? What interest has he been mentioning repeatedly? Preference for cut of meat? Favorite sports team? Quick thought interruption: remember the time he caught you joy riding without your license? Focus… Does he need more car wash supplies? Maybe a Home Depot gift card? I think I still have his shovel? Yes, definitely do. He might read this and want it back. I think I need to get him something that will impress but blur some memories of borrowed goods and adolescent mistakes. Let’s make an old fashioned, the “whiskey” business way. Like most dads, my father appreciates a good drink that will put some hair on your chest — or maybe burn it. Strong drink with subtle soft characteristics. An old fashioned is everything I’m looking for when making a “thank you” cocktail. Let us add a twist to this classic. Start off with the base of this cocktail, the bourbon. I like to stick with something on the warmer side, with a little hint of aromatic spices. A classic Kentucky bourbon will do the trick. I am reaching for Bulleit Bourbon. Make sure to go for the orange label, not the green, or else you will have a slap to the face of Rye. Don’t get me wrong, I love Rye whiskey with some ginger beer, but this is not the angle we’re going for with our old fashioned. Normally, the old fashioned just requires some bitters and a garnish of citrus. I want more of a twist. Let's add some blackberry syrup. Strong and stern our fathers may be, but there is always a sweet side to them. Blackberry syrup would be a great and delicious representation of their forgiving nature. Bitters are simple, orange will
bring out the aromas of the whiskey and bring a little acid back to this blackberrysweetened cocktail. The lemon peel is a must and needs to be fresh. If you’re worried about your bar wench skill set, I have an easy solution to peel your zest. The potato peeler is about to be your best friend. Hold the lemon in your palm, pick a spot and peel toward yourself at an angle. Now create:
Father’s Day Old Fashioned 2 oz Bourbon ½ teaspoon bitters ½ ounce blackberry syrup Garnish with lemon peel Choice of Whiskey Glass, One large ice cube or ball. Place in the glass while creating. In a separate glass, add your bourbon, blackberry syrup, a few dashes of orange bitters to your liking and lots of ice. Make sure to stir not shake. Roll that lemon peel like a Ho Ho and let the peel spring back. Garnish or drop into the side. Pour over that large ice cube/ball and serve. Blackberry syrup 1 cup fresh blackberries 1 cup sugar 1 cup water Simmer down while stirring frequently. Strain the solids into a jar and keep in the fridge after cooling down to room temperature. Leftovers go great over ice cream.
Serve several while gifting a shovel. BeniciaMagazine.com • 11
