For the love of Lewiston

It was an idyllic night in Lewiston. I’ve written that sentence before. But as “it was an idyllic day in Lewiston.”

A week ago, we visited Hustler’s Tavern and shared a Detroit Pizza, French onion style. Mozzarella, gruyere, thyme and carmelized onions.

It was a couple years ago we went there for the first time. We ordered a stuffed Hungarian. Stuffed peppers, mozzarella, tomato, sauce and garlic.

Both pizzas were thick, rectangular affairs, more casserole than traditional pizza, with bubbly, yummy crunchy brown cheese on the outside and perfectly browned onions.

We ate at the bar and watched a dervish of a bartender Jennifer spin in circles mixing drinks, pouring beer and never looking up, fully on her game and in her groove even if short staffed. She told us later there should have been a barback and a 2nd bartender.

Andrew Galarneau of https://fourbites.substack.com/ regularly lauds the exemplary offerings of Jay’s Artisan Pizza in Kenmore, including “Detroit.” I have not visited there and need to, just like Galarneau needs to hit Hustler’s and you need to support his Website.

Anyway, another thing happened that night of the French onion pizza. I picked up a promotion card. Mike Hibbard, of Hibbard’s Dairy, Hibbard’s Ice Cream and numerous Lewiston businesses has launched an October, November, December campaign to support the businesses he owns, rents to or perhaps one day hopes to own. (I have never met him but would like to. Here’s to capitalism.)

Anyway, here is how it works: “Save Your Receipts.” For all 3 months, for every $10 you spend at listed businesses, you can get $1 off at Hustler’s Tavern or Flip Burger.

When we have to choose between Center Street and other businesses for discretionary spending, we know where we will be going. Friday, we chose Apple Granny rather than Wine on Third.

After dinner we walked over to Gallo to hear Tiger Chung Lee’s funk. They reminded me of our friend Eddie Schmidt’s East Hill Garage in a good way. It’s not often you hear a band cover “Moonage Daydream” by David Bowie. Awesome to have a horn section as well.

Here are the businesses in the promotion:

Apple Granny, Ashley’s Lingerie and Swimwear, Brewed & Bottled, Cask & Cow, Cheri Amour, Hibbard’s Liquor, Hibbard’s Ice Cream, Inspirations on Canvas, Just Desserts by Aimeee, Lewiston Estates & Antiques, Lewiston Live Well, Plant Shack by H. Co., Queen B’s Cottage, Research & Design, Second Floor, Sgt. Pepper’s Hot Sauce, The Natural Link, Totally Buffalo, Townie, Viva Nostalgia and Warren’s Hardware.

As I typed that list, I realized the only business we have not visited is Ashley’s Lingerie and Swimwear. I rarely wear either, LOL.