The International Storytime will begin the Wednesday after Labor Day.  Did you happen to see the storytime highlighted in Thursday, July 28 DNR edition (http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=49226&CHID=2)?

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 20 for the next in our series exploring cultures and tastes from around the world.  We will be featuring Mediterranean Cuisine and Artisan’s Hope will provide discounts on arts & crafts from in and around the Mediterranean.

The International Storytime last Wednesday was a huge hit, so we will continue this Wednesday, July 14 with “Too Many Tamales” (featuring Tamale cuisine from Mexico & Guatemala) and July 21 with Beatrice’s Goat (featuring goat meat & flavors from Uganda and East Africa).

Beginning this Wednesday, July 7th, something will be happening that is NOT related to the World Cup at A Bowl of Good! For the month of July, on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., we’re hosting an International Storytime where we will discover culture through books and food with a complimentary snack provided. This Wednesday we will begin with “Yoko”: A kitten brings sushi to school, and shares Japanese culture with her classmates.

We look forward to seeing children of all ages!

We’d like to welcome to the Valley this Monday the cyclists from Bike Virginia (http://www.bikevirginia.org/). Let’s give them “Friendly City” hospitality as the cyclists will be here for five days traveling 50 miles per day throughout the Valley.  Let them know they can get a re-energizing, free cookie from A Bowl of Good throughout the week.

Finally, on Monday, June 27, we will be hosting a special, South African chef who will be providing a sampling of their cuisine, like the following:

1) Boerewors (farmer’s sausage) ARRIVING IN HARRISONBURG ON FRIDAY MORNING BY SPECIAL AIR WITH FEDEX.
2) Samp and beans with tomato gravy
3) Bobotie
4) Green beans – either with potatoes and onions or a salad.
5) S. African style Fish.
6) Appletizer, Grapetizer, Dry Lemon Drinks

With all of that going on, we’re sure to bump into you somewhere along the way.  Have a great weekend!

From June 11 until July 11 A Bowl of Good will be abuzz.  The 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament will be played mostly during the hours 7:30 am, 10:00 am and 2:30 pm and all of the games will be shown at A Bowl of Good’s 52″ HDTV.  The other sponsors of the event (Artisan’s Hope, Gift & Thrift, KICKS Soccer Camp, Advantage, The Int’l Festival and Shenandoah Valley United Soccer) will occasionally provide prizes.  A Bowl of Good will be providing

food specials throughout the event like “Fish Tacos” on Friday for the Mexico vs. South Africa game at 10:00.  The most anticipated game for many in the U.S. is the England vs. U.S.A. game on Saturday, June 12 at 2:30 pm.

A Bowl of Good has recently been voted in the DNR as the “Best Place to Take Your Family” for eats in the Valley so the environment and food is fantastic for kids and adults of all ages.  There will be no cover charge – all are welcome.  We will open the doors on Sunday to view the games but the kitchen will be closed so you will need to bring your own party food!  We encourage you to dress out for your favorite team and – dare we say it – bring noisemakers, like the infamous Vuvuzelas (http://bit.ly/UndtD)

buZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!  Do you hear it?  That buzzing noise going around?  Well, if you haven’t heard it yet, you are likely to begin hearing it – and increasingly louder – as June 11 approaches.  Every four years the world celebrates the sporting tournament that is the showcase for the world’s most popular sport: soccer (or futball as many refer to it around the world).  For one month, the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, held in South Africa this year, will be played until the culminating final on July 11.

The U.S. has a team that has demonstrated it could possibly make a deep run into the Cup, so many U.S.

fans will be eagerly looking on.  But for many in our area who have roots or experiences outside of the U.S., they know that in many parts of the world the World Cup brings the country to a halt as everyone looks on – even if their country does not participate.  This NIKE commercial conveys the passion and intensity of the World Cup http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idLG6jh23yE

And so, A Bowl of Good has teamed up with Artisans Hope, Shenandoah Valley United (soccer league), Advantage, Gift & Thrift, The International Festival and KICKS Soccer Camp to provide HDTV 52″ viewing of the World Cup for all 64 games!  Food specials, promotions, special prizes and more will be provided during this month long event as the games will be shown at 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.

A Bowl of Good and Artisans Hope will become WORLD CUP SOCCER CENTRAL for the Valley during the event.

We thought that since our food is globally inspired, we would help foster an environment where young and old would feel comfortable taking in this international event and help build community.  Some of the games will be played on Sundays so we will remain open for viewing the game but our kitchen will be closed – bring something to share and we’ll make it a party (we’re considering replaying some of the bigger games for those who are unable to view during the work day).  Some of the big, early games of note are: 1) South Africa vs. Mexico, June 11, 10:00 – hey, it’s the first game, the host country playing and our big soccer neighbor to the south; 2) U.S. vs. England, June 12, 2:30 p.m. – Wow!; Côte d’Ivoire vs. Portugal, June 15, 10:00 – Battle of the superstars, Drogba vs. Ronaldo.

We can’t wait to have fun watching with you.

These evenings continue to maintain their popularity as people eagerly look forward to what new, tasty dish is served.  There will be a choice of a Chicken dish and even a Goat dish.  Look for discounts at Artisans’ Hope and cultural activities related to the Caribbean.

We just got confirmation on an awesome lineup of discussion leaders and speakers in the Mennonite Central Committee Resource Center. Check this out:

5:45 pm Stories from Jamaica and Trinidad: Galen and Gloria Lehman are Virginia Mennonite Missions Representatives for the Caribbean, and have travelled in the Caribbean many times. They will share stories from Virginia Mennonite Mission work in Jamaica and Trinidad.

6:30 pm Earthquake Response in Haiti: Anje Cassel, an ER Nurse in Fishersville, VA, participated in a medical mission trip from the Shenandoah Valley (connected with VMM and MCC) to Haiti to respond to the disaster. MCC Rep Luke Schrock-Hurst will share briefly about MCC’s response.

We’re gearing up for the JMU Graduation this weekend.  ABOG’s reputation is growing for providing a good family alternative for a reasonably priced, healthy, tasty meal.  Come on in or find a relaxing outdoor table to celebrate your day!

On a side note, the Daily News Record is running a “Best of the Valley” contest again found here: http://www.dnronline.com/bestofvalley.php We wish they had a “Best Lunch” or “Best Soup” category but may we be so bold to suggest: “Best New Restaurant”, “Restaurant w/ Wireless”, “Cheap Eats”, “Place to take your family”, etc.  ;-) But we would also suggest that you vote for our neighbors Gift & Thrift and Artisan’s Hope!

On a completely different note, Comrade Karl Marx was here today to provide the first lesson in Haitian Creole.  For those interested in the language or who might be traveling there in the near future this is a great opportunity and very kind of Karl to offer it for free.