Dec. 10, 2011
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By Brian Ormiston, Eric DeSalvo, Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - A day after traveling around five BIG EAST football towns, UCFAthletics.com now takes a peak at five cities the Knights will visit during the 2013-14 basketball season.
For part one, CLICK HERE.
Basketball Season
DePaul (Chicago)
Good Eats
-Chicago Pizza And Oven Grinder Co. - When you think of Chicago eateries, you think deep dish pizza, right? But why not try something different when you are in the Windy City and hit up Chicago Pizza And Oven Grinder Co. for some Pizza Pot Pie. Conceived by its owner in his Chicago law office in 1972, the Pizza Pot Pie is an individual serving, "made from scratch" with triple-raised Sicilian bread-type dough; a homemade sauce consisting of olive oil, fresh garlic, onions, green peppers, whole plum tomatoes and a special blend of cheeses; sausage made from prime Boston butts; and doorknob-size, whole, fresh mushrooms. And don't fret over missing this delectable item when you head back home because these famous pies are available frozen to take home.
-Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba - Just saying this restaurant's name out loud is a fun time, so one can only imagine what it's like to dine in this Spanish-influenced establishment in Lincoln Park. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba is a premier Spanish tapas restaurant that specializes in the hot and cold appetizers of Spain. This flavorful café has many Pintxos (peen-chos), bite sized tapas popular in the bars of Northern Spain, to choose from, including chorizo-wrapped medjool date and cheese, short rib-stuffed piquillo pepper and mushroom and rice croqueta. Bringing the whole family? No problem, as the entire clan can savor the flavors of Valencia with classic rice dishes known as paellas. Each of the three to choose from serve up to 13 people.
Good Beats
-Buying a Home? - You need more than one day to see the sights of Chicago. So why not fork over $2 million to purchase this home in the suburb of Winnetka to give yourself a place to stay? Some UCF black and gold signs would look quite dandy in the front lawn of this iconic Home Alone house.
- Millennium Park Workouts - Just walking the city or taking the CTA to special destinations can be taxing on the body. To help relax, every Saturday morning on the Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion are soothing workouts. The best part? They are free, and in 2011 they were supported by McDonald's so there had to be Big Mac coupons available somewhere.
Good Feats
-The university takes its name from the 17th century French priest Saint Vincent de Paul. It is the nation's largest Catholic institution of higher education.
-The School of Music was named as one of the "Schools That Rock" in the 2005 Rolling Stone guidebook that evaluated collegiate music schools nationally.
Notable alumni/attendees/faculty
-Pete Wentz, bassist for the band Fall Out Boy
-Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for The Doors
-Tom Bosley, actor, played Howard Cunningham on Happy Days
-John C. Reilly, actor - Talladega Nights, Boogie Nights, Chicago
Georgetown (Washington, D.C.)
Good Eats
-Ray's Hell-Burger - A burger joint that even the President of the United States made it a point to visit? That must be some good beef! Ray's Hell-Burger in nearby Arlington, Va., offers premium aged 10-ounce burgers starting at $6.95. The bountiful menu was just what President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden had a hankering for when they showed up to the famed eatery in May 2009.
-Old Ebbitt Grill - Ever wanted to dine on the White House lawn? Well, Old Ebbitt Grill, which is located just one block from where the President calls home, will get you close enough. Since 1856, this famous Washington D.C., eatery has been serving the masses in the Capital Circle District. Using only fresh local produce instead of going the commercial route, Old Ebbitt Grill uses menus created around the fresh ingredients. Stopping by at various times of the year will give your taste buds a chance to savor only the best flavors.
Good Beats
-Washington Harbour Shopping Plaza - Of course visiting the monuments and museums are at the top of the list when checking out Washington, D.C., but this plaza right on the Potomac River is steps away from the Watergate Hotel and very close to Georgetown University. Empty the wallet on a pricey dinner while sitting and quietly making fun of each other as well as tourists passing by all night long.
-Torpedo Factory Art Center - Nestled in Old Town Alexandria, Va., this three-floor structure exhibits everything from enameling to sculptures, and it is free to the public. Admire works of all kinds as you realize you will never be as artistically talented as those whose works are on display here at the center. When you are done, hop on one of the nearby ferry rides to tour the Potomac.
Good Feats
-More than 1,100 students and alumni enlisted in the Civil War, and after the Second Battle of Bull run, several campus building were turned into a temporary hospital. Georgetown adopted its official colors of blue and gray following the Civil War, symbolizing the union of the north and south.
-Filming of The Exorcist, written by Georgetown alum William Peter Blatty, took place on campus in October 1972.
-William Gaston, Georgetown's first student, arrived on campus in 1791 at the age of 13.
Notable alumni/attendees/faculty
-Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States
-John Barrymore, actor and paternal grandfather of Drew Barrymore
-Jim Gaffigan, comedian and actor
-Carl Reiner, actor - The Dick Van Dyke Show, Ocean's Eleven
-Maria Shriver, journalist and estranged wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger
-David Yates, director of Harry Potter films 5-8
-NBA Players Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo
Providence
Good Eats
-Caserta Pizzeria - There is no denying that this list has a lot of pizza places, but who doesn't love a good pie? Caserta Pizzeria in Providence has been a local mainstay in the Historic Federal Hill district since 1946. Heralded as the best pizzeria in Providence, Caserta serves up rectangular-shaped pies from a brick oven, including the "Wimpy Skimpy" that even Popeye himself would come back for time and time again. This one-of-a-kind pizza offers loads of spinach with plenty of cheese and pepperoni. Open six days a week, don't make the mistake of coming by on a Monday, like this disappointed author did, or you will find the doors closed.
-Ichigo Ichie - Before heading to the Dunkin' Donuts Center to check out a basketball game, make sure to take the gang to Ichigo Ichie for some of the freshest sushi in the New England area. With an alluring ambiance, fun hibachi tables, well-prepared sushi and a large full menu, Ichigo Ichie serves as a great pregame dining spot for those in the mood for some eats from the "way" East Coast.
Good Beats
-WaterFire - Visitors are greeted to a free display of more than 80 sparkling bonfires in one of Providence's top traditions. However plan ahead since WaterFire does not occur every night. And do not get this confused as a possible tribute to the movie Waterworld.
-La Gondola - A perfect way to impress a date and also avoid having to talk the entire night, journey down the Woonasquatucket and Providence Rivers with a romantic Venetian gondola ride. Wine biscuits, complimentary glasses rimmed with 14k-gold, handmade chocolates, an ice bucket for a nice beverage and Italian music? Yes please!
Good Feats
-On the night before the final examinations for the Development of Western Civilization classes, students gather at the upper campus quad to scream in unison at midnight. It has become known as "Civ Scream."
-Providence's first Friars mascot was embodied by a live Dalmatian from 1937-63. In 1993, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the College, the Dominican brothers decided to bring back a live Dalmatian to the games and after his death in 2001, the current Friar mascot was adopted.
Notable alumni/attendees/faculty
-Peter Farrelly, director of Dumb and Dumber and There's Something About Mary
-Billy Donovan: Florida men's basketball head coach
-Numerous gold medalist women's ice hockey players
St. John's (New York)
Good Eats
-Dani's House of Pizza - Hey, yo! You can't make a trip to the Big Apple without grabbing some New York-style pizza, so when you are in Queens make sure to stop by Dani's House of Pizza. Their special "trademark" sweet sauce has kept fans of this delectable dish coming back for over 50 years. The pies are baked at the perfect temperature in their meticulously maintained and monitored pizza ovens. The result is a pizza-eating experience beyond comparison. While you are chowing down on some tasty 'za, look at the dessert menu that consists of only one item--the cannoli.
-The Door - What makes New York such a unique city is the multitude of cultures that inhabit the enormous metropolis. Located in Queens is the Jamaica borough that has some of the town's tastiest treats. The Door is one of those as it serves up an impressive list of Caribbean-influenced dishes including jerked, curried and stuffed chicken, goat and seafood. Garnering over a 92 percent "like" rating on Urban Spoon, visitors to the island-themed restaurant are almost certain to go home satisfied.
Good Beats
-Gossip Girl Tour - For just $40 plus a $2 ticket fee, spend 3.5 hours experiencing a day in the life with Serena and Blair. This tour provides an inside look at more than 40 locations which appear in the series. Make sure your camera is fully-charged.
- Grand Prix Driving School - You may be able to parallel park on UCF's East Plaza Drive in your quest to devour an Ultimate Porker sub at Jimmy John's, but you will have reason to brag the rest of your life if you can successfully pull it off in the parallel parking capital of the world. So enroll in the NYC Grand Prix Driving School, where you will not only master your skills, but also look just as happy as the guy on its homepage.
Good Feats
-Until 1994, St. John's mascot was known as the Redmen. Now, they are called the Red Storm.
-In addition to its New York campuses, St. John's also boasts a campus in Rome, Italy.
Notable alumni/attendees/faculty
-Ron Artest (also now known as Metta World Peace), L.A. Laker
-William J. Casey, director of the CIA
-Darryl McDaniels, co-founder of hip-hop group Run DMC
-Chris Mullin, NBA Hall of Famer
-Howie Schwab, star of ESPN's Stump the Schwab
Villanova (Philadelphia)
Good Eats
-Jim's Steaks - Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, Jim's Steaks is about as authentic a cheesecake you will find across town. Since 1939, Jim's has been serving up some of the freshest sandwiches to visitors from all around the globe. With stacks of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, spanish onions, hot peppers and seasonings all topped on a fresh roll, this fine establishment will have you feeling the love until the last bite.
-El Vez - With its motto, "Mexican-American meets East L.A. in a Tijuana Taxi," El Vez provides an exciting and fresh take on Mexican food in downtown Philadelphia. Your dining experience starts with the all-important guacamole. With over seven different flavors to choose from, patrons of this eatery will be able to excite their palates any which way they please. El Vez's entrees will leave you stunned with the endless possibilities of chicken, pork, beef or shrimp all packed inside of tacos, enchiladas or burritos. As is important with all special trips to a new city, don't skimp on dessert as the restaurant's self-titled treat brings you a flour less chocolate cake, peanut custard with caramelized bananas, chocolate sauce and peanut butter ice cream. Need we say more?
Good Beats
-Visit Delaware - If you are in Philadelphia and have not added Delaware to the list of states you have visited, then you are in luck. The First State is less than 30 minutes down I-95, and when you are there enjoy a little Wayne's World by being "magically whisked away" and publically expressing to someone, "Hi, I'm in Delaware."
-The Insectarium - If a museum has a live cockroach kitchen, then it might be worth the time to check it out. Also enjoy glowing scorpions, tarantulas and Indian walking sticks, as well as some very flavorful edible insects.
Good Feats
-Arboretum Villanova houses the only sequoia in the eastern United States.
-Villanova is home to the Liberty Bell's Sister Bell, the replacement bell ordered from the Whitechampel Bell Foundry after the original bell cracked in 1753.
-The men's basketball team won the NCAA Tournament in the first year of the 64-team field in 1985 in one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history against Georgetown.
Notable alumni/attendees/faculty
-Don McLean, singer of American Pie
-Bradley Cooper, actor The Hangover
-Toby Keith, country singer
-Edward Guinan, astronomer who discovered Neptune's ring system
-Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden
-Tim Donaghy, NBA referee indicted on federal racketeering and gambling charges
-Howie Long, Pro Football Hall of Famer