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CLUB SCENE:
Rewinds400 7th North Street
(inside the Maplewood Inn)
Liverpool, NY
(315) 701-5899
(View Map)by Christopher Sinatra
With the door to Rewinds Pub and Eatery closed tightly behind me, I felt happy. And warm. The comfortable warmly lit ambiance of the barroom was a welcome shelter from the three foot tall snow banks that lined the parking lot of my apartment. In fact, all of my senses gave Rewinds a thumbs-up. The cheery fireplace in the corner was a necessary first stop, and black leather couches surrounding it made for a nice prelude to the evening. The sound of relaxing music and tinkling glasses was music to my now not- so-cold ears. Kudos to whoever decorated the barroom; its Italian elegance was tasteful and classy, but didn’t go over the top. The garlic and glass grapes gracing the walls and marble-like glass art on the wall separating Rewinds from Raquel’s Pasta House set the stage nicely, as well as the stone café tables spread out at a comfortable distance from each other that allow enough space to easily navigate through the Pub into Racquel’s Pasta House.
My companion and I opted for some appetizers with our drinks, and we were delighted when two steaming plates were placed in front of us by a friendly bartender. The Trinity Platter, which is a sample of Racquel’s cheese bread, fried mozzarella, and calamari was served with an assortment of dipping sauces; the marinara sauce was unprecedented. I asked Racquel what gave it the extra "mmmm," and she told me it spoke for itself, which was as good an answer as any! The Bruschetta was also tasty, and judging from the excellence of the appetizers, I predict a return visit to have an amazing dinner as soon as I can.
The Pub is owned by the wife and husband duo, Racquel and Jim Keller. Jim told me that everyone at Rewinds is looking forward to springtime, when the outdoor patio will be opened for guests. The couple, along with General Manager Donny Vassallo, like to think of Rewinds as "classy without being pretentious," and I agree. Some drinks that can be ordered are given funky names like the 7th North Sundae, the Willy Wonka Chocolate Martini, and Rewinds Metro Martini. They looked interesting, but when I asked Racquel what was her favorite drink to serve, she told me about the "Rock Hard!" It’s her own concoction that she’s been mixing since she was 21 years old and bartending herself. The seven drink combination that tasted like an amazing Long Island Iced Tea must have required a chemist’s precision, and the work paid off! I suggest going to Rewinds on a Thursday night and Racquel can mix you one herself. Shane, Heather, or any of the other bartenders will be more than gracious to serve you, and if you want to watch some TV at the bar there are flashy flat-screens playing an eclectic mix for your entertainment.
Monday nights are Karaoke night at Rewinds where the audience provides the entertainment, but do you just feel like sitting back and enjoying the music? Live entertainers such as Tiger, and Kim Fetters & Andy Rudy perform in the Pub on a regular basis. When I was there on a Monday, Laser, Lights and Love Productions had their equipment set up and put on a great show that I hear is the envy of the neighborhood!
Raquel’s Pasta House located in the next room serves delicious Italian dishes from 11 AM to 10 PM Monday thru Friday, and 4 PM to 10 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Try the Tuscan Sliced Steak, with choice aged beef that is seasoned, grilled and hand-sliced with a rich Madera sauce, mushrooms, peppers and onions and served with potato and vegetable of the day. Raquel’s Pasta Pie also sounds like a treat.
Rewinds and Racquel’s are located inside the Maplewood Inn and whether you’re staying in Syracuse at the Inn or are ordering lunch from work, Racquel’s has got you covered. Take out and catering are available everyday and if you’d like to pick up some Italian cuisine, or have it delivered to you, the restaurant can be reached at 701-5899.
You can also find our menu online at www.table-hopping.com.
As we were leaving Rewinds, I noticed a framed cross-stitch on the wall that cleanly summed up the evening:"Life cannot be measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."