Jul. 28--New big burger

If you're hankerin' for a big burger, Moosewood Smoke House can satisfy that craving. The restaurant at 5755 St. Joe Center Road has introduced a new sandwich, the Moose. They start with 1 1/4 pounds of beef and smoke it down to just under 1 pound. It's stuffed with smoked cheddar cheese and onions and sells for $7.95, including a side.

The Moosewood also is continuing its all-you-can-eat ribs and catfish on Saturdays and Sundays for $12.95, including fries and slaw. Monday-Friday, the Moosewood offers $5 lunch specials, and the restaurant has reduced its prices on full and half slabs of ribs and combo specials.

I found my thrill ...

... at Blueberry Hill Pancake House, 3710 E. State Blvd. It's finally about to open. The sign has been up for months, but the restaurant's opening has been delayed due to issues with the hood.

However, once it passes a final inspection it should open possibly as early as this weekend, said owner Constantina Roumbos. Once a Burger King, it now will be a sit-down restaurant open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. seven days a week.

Something's cookin'

Looks like something's going in where Fricker's used to be at 620 W. Washington Center Road. The building's been painted blue, and according to the state Alcohol and Tobacco Commission Web site, a restaurant doing business as Beach Bums Burgers is seeking a license to sell alcohol. Stay tuned, or contact me with more information via any of the methods listed at the end of this column.

Bootleggers reopens

After being closed about 2 1/2 years, Bootleggers Saloon and Galley, 2809 Main St., has reopened. It's the bar that sits in the triangle of land where Main Street intersects with West Jefferson Boulevard. Phil Firestine is the owner.

Bootleggers will sell typical bar food and drinks, and will have occasional entertainment. Hours: 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Wednesday; 3 p.m.-3 a.m. Thursday-Friday; noon-3 p.m. Saturday; and noon-midnight Sunday. Phone: 387-6307.

Tropic Chicken opens

Franklin and Lucy Hernandez have opened Tropic Chicken, a new restaurant at 1122 Taylor St. specializing in traditional Caribbean food.

The Hernandezes, who are from the Dominican Republic, serve rice and bean dishes, chicken, beef, pork, seafood and fried plantains at the eatery, among other items. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, and closed Mondays. Phone: 422-3012.

New Waynedale eatery

A new restaurant will open where Karen's Kitchen used to be in Waynedale.