Liverpool has long been known for its hot dogs and hamburgers.
Heid’s has ruled the frankfurter field, and ground beef patties made the scene at the fondly remembered Tarbe’s Grill and now at Village Burger (which coincidentally does business at a former McDonald’s location).
Anyhow, on March 29 we were all reminded that Liverpool’s also a meatball mecca.
Santangelo’s Restaurant, 673 Old Liverpool Road, won the first-place trophy March 29 in the annual Meatball Madness event, which benefitted Elmcrest Children’s Center in Liverpool.
This is Santangelo’s sixth win in the 11-year history of the contest, which was conducted this year at the State Fairgrounds’ International Pavilion.
Meatball mecca
More than 500 hungry people sampled meatballs from 11 competitors including Attilio’s, Basil Leaf Ristorante, Bull and Bear, the Market Diner, the Palace Theatre and Vince’s Gourmet Imports.
But consider this: five of the 11 competitors sell their seasoned meatballs right here in Liverpool: Avicolli’s, Canale’s, Carnegie Café, Limp Lizard Barbecue and, of course, the consistent winner, Santangelo’s.
Vince’s Gourmet Imports, from 44 S. Main St. in North Syracuse, won second place in the official judges’ voting. Vince’s won the coveted People’s Choice Award in a vote of the attendees.
Eastwood’s Palace Theatre took third place in the judges’ voting.
So, dogs and burgers aside, Liverpool’s now a vibrant meatball marketplace…but, truth be told, everything on Santangelo’s menu is marvelous. Make your reservations by dialing 457-4447.
Ascioti’s also
And as long as we’re talking about meatballs in Liverpool, we can’t forget Ascioti’s To Go, which is located in the former Ponderosa Steakhouse building at 207 Oswego St.
Dawn and Marc Ascioti hail from Solvay, where the family meat market is a century-old landmark. The Asciotis proudly continue the family tradition creating meatballs from a secret recipe.
Ascioti’s sells a convenient “Bucket of Balls” along with a two-liter bottle of soda all for a mere $16.99. To order yours, call 457-0683.
President Ricky Ryder
On Jan. 1, Enable and Transitional Livings Services merged to form AccessCNY.
Now Ricky Ryder – who lives in Liverpool – is president of its board of directors.
On March 26, Ricky donned his suit and tie and sat at the head table when AccessCNY hosted its inaugural awards celebration at the Holiday Inn on Electronics Parkway.
The event recognized community members, participants and staff who have made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
While Ricky helms the AccessCNY board, Prudence York is the organization’s executive director; enablecny.org/accesscny.php.
No joke at Limp Lizard
Last week, patrons at Limp Lizard Barbecue, at 201 First St., were surprised by the sign they found on the front door: “Due to a clerical error, we are unable to serve any alcohol today…”
It was Wednesday, April 1. The joint remained open for lunch and dinner, albeit minus booze.
The following day, the beer taps flowed and bottles tipped as usual at the Limp.
“The hardest thing for me,” sighed barmaid Blair Dodge, “was explaining over and over to people that it wasn’t an April Fools’ joke.”
Chiefs rarin’ to go
The Syracuse Chiefs’ International League baseball club will debut “Springfest,” an open-house event at NBT Bank Stadium, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11.
Five days before the start of the Chiefs’ season Springfest gives fans a chance to participate in different activities at the ballpark, including catch on the field and clubhouse tours. Parking and admission to Springfest are free.
“With a late start this year, we’re kicking off 2015 at the stadium in style,” said Chiefs general manager Jason Smorol, who lives in Liverpool. “We’re ready for a sunny Springfest day and a great crowd to get on board for Chiefs baseball.”
The 2014 IL North Division Champions, the Chiefs open their home season at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 16, against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, top farm club of the New York Yankees.
Ticket prices range from $5 to $12, and parking at the stadium costs $5; syracusechiefs.com; 474-7833.
The columnist can be contacted at [email protected].
