The River Horse, a bar/lounge on Center and Pierce is open for business. Formerly Tony’s place, the space has been completely renovated, with lava lamps, blue flames painted on the back room wall and all.


Nessun Dorma, the new bar/restaurant on Hadley and Weil, celebrated its grand opening with a Riverwest Currents benefit at the end of November. The bar was packed to capacity and the food was delicious. Soon the kitchen will offer soup and panini for $4-$7. Thanks to all who helped make this a successful weekend for Nessun Dorma and a successful benefit for the Riverwest Currents.


Packer’s Pizza is now open (formerly Romario’s) on the corner of Locust & Weil – look for the bright yellow & green signs. Jack Ricky, the new owner, is serving up pizza, chicken, burgers, lasagna, desserts, and more. Look for the “Neighborhood Special Coupon” on page 13.


Riverwest Resale on Center and Fratney turned over about three-fourths of its inventory in the first couple days it was open.


Lena’s Grocery, the locally-owned neighborhood grocery store on Holton and Concordia, will be opening soon. Interior and exterior remodeling has made the place much more attractive. Owners Derrick and Anthony Martin have done a great job remodeling the place, and the outside is no longer the eyesore it once was. The building is neatly painted a deep orange, and the parking lot has been repaved with sections of bushes and mulching running along it for a greatly improved curb appeal. Lena’s will provide a welcome alternative for many neighbors.


We’re sorry to see another neighborhood gallery close its doors… Funky Art World, owned by Eddie Davis, is closing. This comes on the heels of two other gallery closings: Luckystar moved to the Third Ward a few months ago, and RAA moved out of its gallery indefinitely because of water leakage problems recently (see announcement of RAA’s upcoming P.O. Box show in “Where Art Lives” on page 8)… but we are happy to welcome a new gallery which opened Nov. 23 at 800 E. Clarke. The Flying Fish Gallery is hosting “The Sock Monkey Show” through Dec. 30. Hours are noon-5 pm Saturdays or by appointment. Call 263-9290 for more information. Riverwest Currents – Volume 1 – Issue 11 – December 2002