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Are you a fan of authentic, wood-fired pizza? If so, odds are you’re familiar with 800 Degrees Wood Fired Pizza on Lima Road. But did you know that there is a second location to satisfy your craving for delicious Napolese cuisine? Located at 5212 Illinois Road, 800 Degrees Three Fires has all the charm and authentic food as the original north restaurant, but offers a slightly different menu as well as full sit-down service.

On a recent visit to Three Fires, my husband and two sons and I had a wonderful, memorable meal. As Executive Chef Matt Rogers is a friend of ours, we were able to take a peek into the kitchen and see the famous wood fired ovens–the boys really enjoyed that. Once we were seated, the boys had Bambino Cheese Pizzas (perfect portions for both nine-year old and toddler-sized appetites), while my husband had his favorite artisan pizza, the Salsiccia with extra sauce. It’s a spicy, flavorful meat-topped pizza–and Kevin swears by requesting more of the tangy, homemade sauce to make it even more spectacular.

I decided on my usual, the Mista Salad, which is a mix of fresh greens, pine nuts, Parmesan, julienne carrots and fennel, plus a handmade dressing that is out of this world. At the north location, I always have the pasta with pesto, but since it wasn’t on the regular menu at Three Fires I was treated to a chef’s specialty salad of roasted squash, goat cheese and walnuts. Topped with a sweet-yet-savory dressing, I couldn’t get enough. I paired my meal with a nice Carmenere (a rich red wine), while my husband selected one of the countless IPA’s on the menu.

When dinner was over, my older son convinced us to get dessert. He selected the chocolate gelato, which he says is some of the best ice cream he’s ever had. A sweet, decadent finish to a terrific dining experience.

Whether you’re looking for a new date night option or a family-friendly place to take the kids, 800 Degrees Three Fires is a perfect choice. Though the artisan wood fired pizzas are the specialty, you can’t go wrong with a gourmet salad, vegetable dish or tasty pasta. And don’t forget to save room for dessert.

800 Degrees Three Fires

5212 Illinois Road

800degrees.net

Fort Wayne Philharmonic Pops presents Swingin’ with Sinatra and Dorsey

January 26, 8 pm

Spend your evening Swingin’ with Sinatra and Dorsey, and anything goes! The celebrated musical career of Ol’ Blue Eyes is well known to many, but how his popularity skyrocketed from the success of The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is lesser known to those outside of the Big Band circle.

Talented and legendary on his own, Dorsey and his orchestra became one of the best all-around dance bands—but the smooth vocals of Sinatra truly added that missing piece to a glorious musical puzzle. These two swingin’ giants played beautiful music together, adding richness to the genre loved by millions. Like birds of a feather, Dorsey and Sinatra played off one another with their sentimental music.

Come celebrate the songs of these musical giants, such as Fly Me To the Moon, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, New York, New York, and more. Led by Conductor Jeff Tyzik, the Phil Pops musicians are sure to make this an unforgettable evening. Also featured in this performance are the vocal stylings of Steve Lippa, as well as Jim Pugh on trombone and Dave Mancini on drums.

It’s a lovely day tomorrow… and I’ll be seeing you… at the Phil Pops Series with Sinatra and Dorsey!

Fort Wayne Philharmonic Pops

Embassy Theatre

125 W. Jefferson Blvd.

(260) 424-6287

December in Fort Wayne brings snowflakes, the holiday season, and of course, the Philharmonic Holiday Pops. This exciting musical performance has become a tradition at the Embassy Theatre and is once again back by popular demand.

Led by former associate conductor Bradley Thachuk, the Fort Wayne Phil will dazzle and delight in celebrating the holiday season. Joined by a talented cast from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the Phil brings to life all of your holiday favorites. Sit back and enjoy Sleigh Ride, the Hallelujah Chorus, and some new music that’s sure to keep you in the holiday spirit.

So dust off the snazzy duds and get out on the town! This spectacular holiday show is perfect for date night, for a big group of friends, or for the entire family (kids too!) to enjoy. Start the holidays off right with the Phil Holiday Pops!

December 7 @ 8 pm

December 8 @ 8 pm

December 14 @ 8 pm

December 15 @ 2 pm

December 15 @ 8 pm

Call the box office at 260-422-4226 or visit them online to purchase tickets.

Nowadays, it seems like our tech gadgets are the central focus of our busy lives. Phone calls, emails, texting, social media networking, TV, music… the list goes on and on. In an age where we seem to be losing the focus of family and real relationships, it’s nice to take a “tech break” and enjoy some wholesome family fun—especially around the holidays.

So turn off the devices and spend a traditional Christmas celebration on the farm at Salomon Farm Park!

On Saturday, December 1, Salomon Farm Park offers Christmas on the Farm from 6 to 9 pm. Salomon Farm is a wonderful place to take your family and see how life is lived in a rural setting any time of year. But with Christmas on the Farm, it becomes even more magical. At this celebration you’ll enjoy a live nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus, authentic horse- and tractor-drawn wagon rides, as well as cherished stories from St. Nicholas and yummy refreshments.

There’s honestly nothing better than seeing your children spend time together doing things outdoors, totally unplugged, and actually having a good time! Enjoy the holidays together, and be sure to drive up to Christmas on the Farm. It will definitely become an annual holiday tradition.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, visit them online.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!”

This magical phrase, uttered by one of the sweetest and most recognizable voices in American cinema, holds a special place in the hearts of many. From the 1946 film by Frank Capra, First Presbyterian Theater presents It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Thom Hofrichter.

Enjoy this classic together.

The stage performance of this holiday classic film tells the touching story of George Bailey, whose troubles have led up to his imminent suicide at Christmas. When the angels in Heaven hear the prayers from his loved ones, one angel in particular is assigned to help George. Guardian angel Clarence shows how many lives have been affected by George and how different they would be without his sacrifices. It is when Clarence earns his wings (and when little Zuzu delivers her famous line) that George truly understands how blessed he is and what a wonderful life it is.

It just wouldn’t be the holiday season without It’s a Wonderful Life. First Presbyterian Theater is running the show for the following dates:

November 29 and 30

December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16

Ticket prices are as follows:

• General      Admission: $20 pre-sale ($24 at the door)
• Patrons      65 and older: $18 pre-sale ($22 at the door)
• Full-time students (any age): Free with reservation to most shows (30 tickets each performance—please call or email the Box Office.) $10 at the door.
• Thursday night preview performances are $10.
• $15 tickets are available for groups of 20 or more. Please contact the Box Office at 260-422-6329 for further details or learn more online.