Salutations hungry runners,
I was in my garage today sorting through all of my race expo stuff that I had stored neatly underneath my son's bikes and plastic swimming pool, when I recalled that at last year's expo, several hungry runners asked for advice on where they could eat while in Scranton. Rather than scribbling down restaurant addresses at the expo info table, I thought you'd be better served if we sent you that info in advance.
So here is this year's chow report:
Race Expo - a local cross country team will be selling lunch-type food at the expo and Steamtown sponsor A&W will be offering various snacks.
The Glider Dinner (excellent gravy fries), Sonic (that restaurant where you park outside and they roller skate to your car like on Happy Days) and Arby's are all within walking distance of the Expo.
Pasta Party - Please read your confirmation letter to get the details, but we do have a very nice pasta party that will be held on the campus of the University of Scranton. Reasonably priced pasta served with a side of musical entertainment. Please note that the pasta party is cash only.
Area Restaurants - I have three sons. They are 8, 12, and 15. Therefore, we usually only eat at Friendly's and Burger King because if we were to eat at a fancy Italian restaurant, the night would end very badly (moms, you know what I mean). Therefore, I can't give you a first hand critique of too many of the following restaurants but they do come recommended by members of our race committee.
Please use mapquest.com or your GPS or whatever technology you young people use nowadays to find things to plot your route to these local Italian restaurants:
www.lacucinadunmore.com
www.armettaspizza.com
www.anthonysoldforge.com
www.annamariasdunmore.com
www.revellos.com
www.alfredoscafe.com
www.arcarogenell.com
http://www.wix.com/scottwalsh/roasrios
Note: We have our racecommittee meetings at Alfredo's, which is the very same Alfredo's mentioned often on The Office. They are one of our food sponsors.
Note: My family did eat at Rosario's in Clarks Summit and had an excellent Italian dinner there - right after my 12 year old slammed (accidentally) the car door on my 8 year old's head. They have good ice at Rosario's.
Also, Cooper's Seafood House, which is a restaurant shaped like a boat and has a huge fake whale hanging from the ceiling, has all kinds of good food (not just seafood). It is also located on top of that bad hill at mile 25.5. Learn more at www.coopers-seafood.com.
We actually have many more nice restaurants in Greater Scranton. I'm sure your hotel staff can recommend some to you.
By the way, our weather report has changed. While it is going to rain tomorrow and Tuesday, it is supposed to be pleasant and sunny from Wednesday, through race day. If the forecast holds, the temperature at the starting line will be about 50 degrees and the temp at the finish at noon will be about 70.
Also, alert race committeee member Charlie Orlando reports that the Rails to Trails are in good shape.
One more summing it all up e-mail to come mid week.
See you soon.
Jim "Can I please have some ice?" Cummings
Asst. Race Director
