The Mango Blogger

Justin Jennings Foundation and Tropical Icebreaker

2011-02-28T12:47:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! Mango's is hosting a benefit this Saturday March 5th from 5-8 pm. 100% of the proceeds go to the local charity "Justin Jennings Foundation". http//www.justinjennings.org Many of you know and are close with the family and friends. We will have an awesome silent auction available. We are also welcoming back the sounds of Jimmy and the Parrots for a thrid consecutive year, as they are the best cover band we have ever seen. Ticket price is $35 and includes appetizer buffet, one free dink, live music, and dancing. There will be a 50/50 raffle. For tickets please call 302.644.6557. This event has sold out every year, and we will sell out again! Look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday....Al

$12.95 Entrees on our "Cabin Fever Menu"

2011-01-10T17:30:00.003-05:00

Choose From 9 Different Entrees, all just $12.95!

Jerk Chicken Pasta
Single Crabcake Entree
Blackened Vera Cruz Tilapia
Bistro Tenderloin
Fried Shrimp & Chips Basket
Chicken Oscar
Porterhouse Jerk Pork Chop
Caribbean Shrimp Scampi
Mussels in Ecstasy Pasta

New Years Eve party and New Years Day Brunch

2010-12-23T15:36:00.003-05:00

Join Us for New Years Eve Tickets on Sale now. only $25 with advance purchase, $30 after the 30th.

or

New Years Day Hangover Brunch only $14.95. All you care to eat.

Happy Holidays from your Island on Duke Street.

Black Friday

2010-11-24T21:22:00.002-05:00

Mango Mike's Alexandria Halloween Costume Party

2010-10-18T18:06:00.002-04:00

Join us for Alexandria's Best Halloween Costume Party. Saturday October 30th.

Introducing the Beer Popsicle

2010-09-10T23:27:00.000-04:00

Take a can of beer.

Lift tab, tilt back, consume, repeat.

A well-worn formula, easily mastered. Yet in these dangerous times, we feel it may be necessary to unmaster it.

Warning: this involves a samurai sword.

Introducing The Hopsicle Experience, a frozen can of beer, sliced in half and served like a Push Pop for big kids, launching today at Diablo Royale Este.

Now, the thing about the hopsicle is that it looks like your standard can of Tecate: Red. Cylindrical. Icy cold. Except the barman-witchdoctors at Diablo have taken the “icy” bit quite literally, injecting the beer with simple syrup and lime juice, jamming a wooden stick into the hole of the can and then putting it in the freezer. For four days.

The result is a genuine beer popsicle, which the bartender must saw in half with a serrated steak knife (or samurai sword) to open. Then it’s up to you to push the wooden stick upward to dispense the hopsicle in true Push Pop style, and decide if you want your savory sweet frozen joyride bathed in tequila as well (note: you want this).

And on certain days, when those same barman-witchdoctors are feeling especially inspired, they may take their creation one step further and turn over an entire margarita machine to the conjuring of potent beer slushies.

No samurai sword required.

Thanks UrbanDaddy.com

Selling Beer

2010-09-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Old Milwaukee has resorted to this to sell their beer.

I guess it's working.

Labor Day Weekend At Bethany

2010-09-06T11:20:00.002-04:00

I think with the impending storm from Hurricane Earl a lot of folks decided to skip on the beach this weekend. This is the first Friday where my drive to the beach was interrupted by a large backup on Route 50 getting to the Bay Bridge. Good for the traffic flow, not good for the customer flow at Mango's in Bethany.

Everyone who didn't post at the beach missed the best weekend all summer. Incredible weather in the 80's w/ low humidity. It was perfect.

I brought my windsurfing gear down and was able to get on the water on Saturday with the winds blowing out of the west at about 15 -20. Working a 7.0 sail it was perfect.

My partner Dick has graduated from the wimpy windsurfing stuff and now is an excellent kite boarder.

Pictures from New Road just south of Dewey Beach.

Mango Island Brewery

2010-08-14T10:23:00.001-04:00

Originally when we opened we were going to brew our own beer, but as in a lot of good intentions, it never happened. Luckily we know some guys who are opening a brew pub and they can put this never used equipment to work. Look for their operation, xxxx in DC early Spring.

No easy task as the equipment being stainless steel is very heavy and we literally built part of Mango Mike's around the equipment. We had to remove door frames and a complete window assembly to remove the brew stuff from the buildind.

Congratulations Craig & Erica

2010-08-06T20:29:00.003-04:00

Craig Mark and Erica Arturi happened to meet at Mango Mike's Alexandria over 3 years ago. Thursday, Craig contacted us to let us know he needed our help. He was planning to propose to Erica on Friday at our bar, the same place they first meet. At 8PM sharp Craig and Erica showed up grabbed a few cocktails, at the same bar stools as three years ago, and five minutes later Craig was on one knee... she said yes.

4th of July at the Beach

2010-07-09T16:02:00.002-04:00

Everyone I talked with said this was one of the biggest 4th weekends ever. Perfect weather and everyone in Bethany had a blast.

Alex and Chelsea setup a bar on the deck and had a great turnout. As you can see the fireworks view from the deck was a "10".

4th of July means freedom....and Mangoritas!!!!

2010-06-28T12:24:00.000-04:00

Celebrate independence with Mango's on our favorite Holiday! We are shutting down the deck for a good ol' fashioned deck party on the Fourth of July! We will clear off the tables and chairs...set up a full bar and throw one heck of a party with front row seats to the best firework display on the Eastern Shore! The fireworks are set to go off around 9 pm, and we will have Reedo playing on the deck immediately following the fireworks. Cost is $25 a head to gain entry to the deck for the evening, and we will provide appetizers to keep your bellies full for the evening. Cash Bar! We are selling tickets fast...so call 302.537.6621 to provide credit card information or to obtain any more info about the night. Dress is casual, but dress to impress! See everyone this weekend! Cheers, Big Al

Taste of Coastal Delaware

2010-06-11T10:17:00.001-04:00

The 11th year for this Bethany/Fenwick Chamber of Commerce event.

Joslyn and I served Myers Rum Shrimp with Sweet Plantains cooked in a zesty orange compound butter.

Pig c/o Jammin' Jons in Fenwick.

kid's Shark Attack Review

2010-05-31T01:46:00.002-04:00

Review on the Kid's Shark Attack by Caitlin.

More Memorial Weekend at the Beach

2010-05-30T23:58:00.003-04:00

Fairfax Symphony performs on the bandstand.

The Puka Puka's flow and are always a favorite.

Memorial Weekend at the Beach

2010-05-29T22:18:00.005-04:00

The weather is here..
Wish you were beautiful...
Lyrics by Jimmy Buffet

It's over the top at Bethany Beach. Perfect weather and great crowds throughout the City. Mango's in Bethany is kicking it this weeekend.

Beatles Tribute Band playing on the main stage at Bethany.

The 2010 Hostess Team just waiting for your arrival. Mollie, Erin, Mary & Sara.

Brian and Zack of THESTIMS playing at the Island Bar at Mango's.

Rewards Network

2010-05-28T11:56:00.003-04:00

We belong to the Rewards Network and constantly receive feedback from their members.

Here are some comments:

5.17.2010
The crabcakes were great. Nothing but meat. My guest had a seafood pasta which was also delicious. The calamari was not as tasty as usual but still satisfying and the switched the sauce. I loved the sauce they used to serve with the calamari. Service was good. Margaritas a little too sour and I ended up ordering an extra shot to put in the drink. Overall, I recommend Mango Mikes.

5.19.2010
My favorit thing about Mango Mikes is the "Build your own Special" fish choice. You choose your fish, method of preparation, sauce and sides. You alwasy get what you want because you built it.

4.29.2010
Great deck area and happy hour specials for getting together with friends on a nice night.

The food was great, the waitress asked how our food was 2 seconds after it was brought out but otherwise a good experience.

3.30.2010
Drinks are wonderful. The bartenders do not water down or cheapen an alcoholic drink. However, bar service is not always fast, and it takes a while to get the check.

3.10.2010
the ceviche was excellent, and the jambalaya was fabulous. the mango-ritas are a great value, and all of the people who served us were wonderful. my wife loved...LOVED... the shrimp with old bay.

Save the Date: Mango Mike's 80's party 6-12-10

2010-05-27T00:41:00.000-04:00

BIG WEEKENDS COMING UP

2010-05-18T15:01:00.003-04:00

Ok Mango Heads...we have a couple of big weekends coming up! All the kiddies are graduating form school...looking to burn through that graduation money faster than you can say "Puka Puka!" Starting this week...we have 2 bands playing every weekend at Mangos in Bethany Beach. Reedo and the Front Porch Offering will be holding the place down as usual on Fridays. He has added another acoustic guitar and a small drum piece to his aresenal of musical awesomeness. Starting Memorial Day Saturday we will host TheStims acoustic duo at the Mango-bar for the Summer of 2010. They are playing a special set this Thursday evening...so swing on up and say whats up to the Mango-Bar crew as they head into another crazy summer in Bethany! So there you have it...Keep an eye on the blog to keep posted...or follow us on FACEBOOK under Mango's Bethany Beach. Cheers, A

New music at Mangos Bethany Beach

2010-04-19T21:47:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone...new music!!!!,

This weekend Reedo is out of town doing his triathalon thingy...make sure you wish him luck this week if you see him out. So.....we have booked some music this weekend to keep you all happy in Reedo's absence. The band is called "The Stims." They will be playing on Saturday this weekend the 23rd at the Mango-Bar. This duo has been playing all over DelMarva this spring. So come check 'em out. They are on myspace as well :: myspace.com/thestims . See you all this weekend. Cheers....the big guy

Mango Parrot Travels the World

2010-04-17T13:02:00.003-04:00

The Latest update from the traveling Green Parrot Cooler.

Parrot Cooler learning the control panel at the flight deck with the pilot Jean. Going to San Francisco! Get your own traveling Parrot Cooler at Mango Mike's today.

(just to be clear, there was no Alcohol in the cockpit)

Bartender Andres, honored again in OnTap magazine

2010-04-17T12:49:00.002-04:00

Last Month it was the Old Town Crier, this month Andres (Chucho) gets the nod from OnTap!
OnTap Click here
Want to get away to the Caribbean but can’t afford it? Head over to Mango Mike’s in Alexandria for a couple of hours and hang out with bartender Andres Lazo while he serves up a specialty margarita, pina colada or mimosa. As Andres will tell you, you just can’t go wrong at the Sunday brunch with island flare at Mango Mike’s.

On Tap: How did you get into bartending?
Andres Lazo: I started behind the bar shucking oysters and became a bartender from there.

OT: What’s the greatest part about working at Mango Mike’s?
AL: It’s a lot of fun working with the people here. I’ve been working with some of them for 25 years.

OT: What are the must-have items behind the bar?
AL: Bacardi Rum and a bottle opener.

OT: What’s the best thing about being the guy behind the bar?
AL: You girls are the best thing. I met my wife bartending 11 years ago.

OT: Do you have any advice for aspiring bartenders?
AL: Work hard and don’t be lazy.

OT: What’s the most popular drink for brunch?
AL: Mimosas.

OT: How many bottles of Champagne do you go through during brunch?
AL: Because we have an all-you-can-drink menu of mimosas, we go through three to four cases any Sunday.

OT: Do you have a signature drink?
AL: I don’t have a name for it but my customers love it. There are about eight different kinds of rum in it.

OT: It’s a hot summer day and you’re sitting on the patio outside. What’s the best drink to have?
AL: A frozen mango margarita. It’s our special margarita — it’s orange and really good. It’s one of those rare frozen drinks you have more than a few of.

OT: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from bartending?
AL: It’s like being a kindergarten teacher except they are older now. You have to have a lot of patience.

OT: If you could open a bar, where would you open it and what would you call it?
AL: I’d name it ChuCho’s [my nickname] and open it in Arlington.

OT: Have you had any celebrity encounters?
AL: Matthew McConaughey came in once at our old location to watch the Redskins game. He was really drunk and wore a bandanna.

OT: Did he have his shirt on?
AL: Yes.

OT: Do you have a favorite hangout?
AL: My house in Annandale. It’s great.

Catch Andres after 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and on Sundays during brunch at Mango Mike’s.

Mango Mike’s: 4580 Duke St., Alexandria, VA; 703-370-3800; www.mangomikes.com

Bacardi Rum's Willie Ramos

2010-04-17T12:26:00.003-04:00

Bacardi Brand Master Willie Ramos stopped by Mango Mike's for Rum tasting and education program. Willie is the head distiller for the family's operation in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We were honored to have him share his knowledge and stories with our staff. Thanks Willie, keep up the good work, we'll keep drinking it.

New Beach Cam in Bethany

2010-03-31T16:29:00.002-04:00

Check out the Boardwalk and ocean from the Mango's deck on the official Town of Bethany Beach website.

Cam Here

Great Story

2010-03-30T09:49:00.002-04:00

This family decided to grab the kids and hit the road on this 5 person "tandem" bike. With only $300 in their pockets they left their home in Kentucky and are heading to Alaska. (Probably to see Gov. Palin). So far they have made it to San Fransico. You can follow them on their blog and if you wish donate to their trip via Pay Pal. (Mango' sent some money). You can also follow them on Facebook.

Blog

Thanks Kevin Kelly

Bar Sign

2010-03-25T08:02:00.000-04:00

Sounds like just the place I want to take the Mangoettes.

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

2010-03-23T08:01:00.000-04:00

Bottle opener built into the remote. Now if you have a small fridge next to your Laz-y-Boy you never have to leave to open that Corona.
More Info Here.

Thanks BookofJoe.com and Crunchgear.com

Best Warning Sign

2010-03-22T08:01:00.000-04:00

What can you do with 12,500 plastic bottles?

2010-03-21T18:54:00.000-04:00

Build a catamaran of course. Call it Plastiki and sail it from Australia to San Fransico over a three month period.

Check out their website and follow their journey across the Pacific.

Click Here

MANGO'S BETHANY RE-OPENS THIS WEEKEND

2010-03-21T11:48:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone,

It't that time of year again. MANGOS at the beach reopens this weekend! We will be running just weekend for the time being. It's hard to believe that one month ago we were digging out of four plus feet of the white stuff, and now we are walking around in flip flops here at the beach! It has us all super excited to have all of our regulars back from the winter slumber...and it may even be warm enough to open our ocean front deck. Traditions rolling on this year again with Reedo playing every Friday night. I am back slinging the booze with the same old familiar faces that keep you all smiling ear to ear on your vacation or weekend getaways from the city. So make sure you say hey this weekend. Any questions on opening times, upcoming events, or any other details...don't hesitate to email me. HIDO80@GMAIL.COM CHEERS, AL

One Cool Sleeping Bag

2010-03-20T14:41:00.000-04:00

Unique enough to make the Mangoblog site.

Click Here

Thanks www.likecool.com

Bartender of the Month, Andres "Chucho" Lazo

2010-03-18T20:02:00.004-04:00

Special Congratulations to Mango Mike's Alexandria Bartender Andres "Chucho" Lazo for being selected as Bartender of the Month in the Old Town Crier Magazine. Be sure to stop by soon and have Andres autograph a copy for you.
Click here for interview

Deck Open - (Partially)

2010-03-17T16:35:00.002-04:00

Although the palm trees haven't arrived yet, we couldn't wait to take advantage of this great-we're-glad-winter-is-over weather.

Front cocktail section of the deck is open for the next couple of nights.

Here's a pix of the first group to enjoy this gorgeous St. Patrick's Day at Mango Mick's.

Can Grips

2010-03-11T13:21:00.002-05:00

Although no cans at Mango Mike's, this would be great on the home patio. Only $9.98 for 6.

Click Here

Thanks bookofjoe.com

Talk about too much Government Control

2010-03-10T21:15:00.002-05:00

A bill before the General Assembly in New York states that it will be illegal for a restaurant to add salt during the preparation of any meal.

You've got to be kidding me.

I can't believe this bill will pass, but stranger laws have passed.

Read in disbelief here

Delicious Food Rings

2010-03-09T17:47:00.001-05:00

Cheaper than a diamond and lot more tasty.

Click Here

Thanks bookofjoe.com

St. Patrick's Day Parade - Old Town

2010-03-08T09:15:00.002-05:00

The weather was parade perfect and everyone extremely tired of the winter drudge was out and in town. I don't know what the official numbers were, but it had to be record breaking attendance.

Our good friend Ken Lopez invited up to a St. Pat's party in his office overlooking the parade route, so we had the best of both worlds.

Hard Times w/ his cool 40's pickup and horse was in the parade as usual. And a new entry - Darth Vader, although I don't have a clue what his tie in w/ the Parade would be.

Mango's in Lima, Peru

2010-02-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

Received this photo from Terry a customer . I understand if you were a USA Mango's t-shirt into this joint you get a free meal.

Two Feet of Snow

2010-02-26T11:27:00.002-05:00

We dodged the bullet this go around, but I heard that New England received two feet.

TV Ad from 2000

2010-02-20T09:34:00.005-05:00

Thanks to a recommendation by my buddy JDUB, I tried out BING.com for the first time . I came across a couple of classic Comcast TV ads.
Click Here

One More from Old Mango's

Snowed Under!

2010-02-16T08:41:00.000-05:00

Check out these snow bound folks from around the world.

Click Here.

GREG FORTE MISSING....PLEASE HELP US

2010-02-15T12:11:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone...This is not a joke. Greg Forte, pictured left, disappeared last week on Tuesday around 11:30 pm. He was last seen with friends in a condo in Fenwick Island, DE. His friends say he left the condo without shoes, and when he did not return family and friends grew concerned. There was a horrible snow storm that evening and next day. Friends say that he made phone calls to friends and his girlfriend, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The search located his vehicle with his keys in the ignition and music playing with the drivers door open. His knit cap was found on the walkway to the beach, and his cell phone was left in the vehicle with a dead battery. Extensive searches of the outlaying areas and Fenwick have turned up no leads.

The circumstances of Greg's disappearance are very odd and inexplicable. If anyone has any information please contact the Delaware State Police at 302.645.6653. It would also help if we could get any national new coverages on this...I appreciate anyone who may be able to help. There is no excuse not to help his family at all costs!! Thank you, ALEX HEIDENBERGER

Tubing at Ski Liberty

2010-02-15T08:27:00.004-05:00

No Experience Necessary.

This is a great way to enjoy winter. Take a quick trip up to Ski Liberty (I 270 to Route 15 N) only 1.5 hours away from Alexandria and enjoy tubing at Ski Liberty. We went up in the bus in Saturday and had a blast. As you would guess plenty of snow and the tubing run was very fast. A motorized conveyor belt takes you to the top of the run, so virtually no physical work involved except the yelling on the way down.

SkiLiberty.com

It would be easier to have Valentines at Mango's

2010-02-13T10:20:00.001-05:00

Farmer creates a half mile wide valentine for his sweetie out of manure.

Story here:

Nothing says "I love you" like a half-mile wide heart made out of manure.

A southern Minnesota man created the Valentine's Day gift for his wife of 37 years in their farm field about 12 miles southwest of Albert Lea.

Bruce Andersland told the Alberta Lea Tribune that he started the project with his tractor and manure spreader Wednesday and finished Thursday.

His wife, Beth, says it's the biggest and most original Valentine she has ever received. She says some people might think it's gross but she says it's cute and "Why not do something fun with what you got?"

She says the heart would be darker except for recent heavy snowfall mixed with the cowplop, so the spreader ended up spreading manure and snow.

Refrigerator in Front of Bill's House

2010-02-12T12:53:00.000-05:00

Decisions, Decision.

We're Open Thursday Night Feb. 11th

2010-02-11T13:18:00.003-05:00

So Is Mango Mike's

This sign on a Diner in New Jersey.

The Second Whammie!

2010-02-09T20:04:00.002-05:00

We just finished digging out from the big snow and wham! Tonight we're expecting 10 - 20 inches. Photos taken after about 2" of snow, more to come.

Free Snow Shovels

2010-02-09T12:15:00.002-05:00

Thanks to our good friend and ex-manager, Bill Damman, Mango's is offering a free show shovel for anyone spending over a $100 tonight (Tuesday 2.9.10) at Mango Mike's.

Another big snow is on the way and were told Home Depot is out of shovels, so here's your chance to get ready.

There's been little snow in Michigan, so Bill was more than glad to let us fill up the bus for the trip back to Alexandria.

Join us for the "Superb owl"

2010-02-07T18:07:00.002-05:00

Mango Mike's Alexandria Open Sunday Night

2010-02-07T17:38:00.002-05:00

Join us in the bar as we are now open for Food and Drinks. Get out and come watch the game with us.

Join Pork Barrel BBQ for "Meat Week" at Mangos

2010-02-02T20:48:00.001-05:00

Join us Wed for a BBQ Meat celebration
$15.95 Pork Barrel BBQ Buffet 5-9 PM

Haitian Relief Night Monday 1-25-10

2010-01-20T13:18:00.001-05:00

The Island on Duke Street, will be hosting a Haitian
Benefit Dinner Dinner to Raise funds to help our our Caribbean Friends
in Desperate need. "Mango" Mike Anderson has agreed to donate 25% of
Dinner Sales on Monday January 25. "We have a long tradition of
supporting local Alexandria based Charities" Says Mr. Anderson, "but
we felt that with our Caribbean theme and the magnitude of this
tragedy, we would help to raise some funds for those in need outside
of the local area."

25% of dinner sales will given to Save the Children recommended by ABC
Channel 7 in Washington. Save the Children is responding to the
children and families most affected by Tuesday’s devastating
earthquake in Haiti. The agency, which has worked in Haiti for 25
years, has emergency responders on the ground there now, working to
meet the immediate needs of families – including food, water, shelter
supplies — and making sure that children separated from their families
are safe.

Additional funds will be accepted from those wishing to donate more.
Alexandrians are encouraged to come out to dine at Mango Mike's to
help support the cause.

Restaurant Week in Alexandria

2010-01-15T18:26:00.003-05:00

If you're not visiting Big Al in DC, don't miss restaurant week in Alexandria. Over 50 restaurants participating in this years food throw down.

Mango Mike's will be offering.

Choice of House or Caesar Salad

Entree Choice - 1 per person

Ultimate Crab Cake & Shrimp Scampi Combo

Pistachio and Papaya Crusted Salmon

Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs

Jerk Chicken Pailaird

$35 for two.

More Info here from the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association -ACVA

CAFE SOLEIL

2010-01-15T10:32:00.003-05:00

Hey Mango-Heads!! I know a lot of you all are in the DC/ VA/ MD area, and I am now spending my winter there away from Bethany Beach. I am working at Cafe Soleil in NW Washington DC. The address is 839 Seventeenth Street right next to the Farragut West Metro and Club Quarters Hotel. I am currently bartending Tues, Thurs, and Saturday night slinging the booze the same way we do at the lovely Mangos in Bethany! So swing by for a beer if your downtown...we have happy hour 5-8 pm every day. We feature some awesome specials including a $20.99 three course dinner on Saturday and Sunday, and a Manage A Trois Special on Tuesdays. Call for reservations and more details. 202.974.4260. Or call or text me personally.....202.302.2325. Cheers, Big Al

2009 Vendor of the Year Awards

2010-01-12T14:13:00.001-05:00

Mango Mike's Alexandria's 2009 Vendors of the Year, Grant Schulte/Sysco (top photo) and Sean Addison/Premium (bottom photo). Thanks for all your hard work and for putting up us for another year.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T20:02:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas From your Island on Duke Street. Please Join us on the 26th for our $12.95 Lobster Dinner.

Marijuana on the Menu

2009-12-22T20:52:00.001-05:00

At first we thought Denver restaurant Ganja Gourmet’s severely limited target demographic—medical marijuana cardholders—would preclude economic success. Then we noticed its pricing—$10 per cannabis-laden brownie, $89 for a pot-laced pizza. And we further learned 90 percent of its business is takeout, meaning cardholders are buying for a much-larger circle of friends. Now we think this could be the most lucrative restaurant concept ever…as long as it remains legal.

Via Restaurant Hospitality

Staff Christmas Party

2009-12-08T09:42:00.001-05:00

Even More Pixs

2009-12-08T09:41:00.001-05:00

More Pixs

2009-12-08T09:39:00.002-05:00

Mango Mike's Staff Christmas Party

2009-12-08T09:34:00.002-05:00

It's rare when a restaurant staff gathers for a party and good time was not had by all. Last night was no exception.

We had a great party, with some terrific food, (special thanks to our friends at Sysco and Keany for their donations).

Most of the action, as always, was focused around the bar. I'm not a big fan of karoake, but it worked well last night and the staff had a great time showing their Idol stuff.

I narrowed the 259 pictures I took down to these selected ones as a great respresentation of the evening.

Mango Mike

IDA...IDA...I DONT KNOW WHERE THE BEACH WENT

2009-11-15T12:16:00.003-05:00

Here are some photos from last weeks storm. Ida...Ida...I don't know where the beach went. Even though Ida was a few hundred miles south of the coast...the combination of the low pressure and the high pressure to our north provided us the perfect stage for an unbelievable display of mother nature's wrath. The dune is all but gone north and south of the boardwalk. The jetties are fully exposed, and most of the walkways are hanging over the beach like diving boards. The beach is pretty much shut down with police issuing citations to anyone walking out on their precious walkways that now serve nothing more than another lousy way for the town to make money for the inevitable millions that will have to be spent to repair our "glorious dune." The dune may have saved the boardwalk...but now we have another mess/ money pit with this dune. Last year the town spent another 10 million fixing a small mess from last winter. Many people coining Bethany's Boardwalk "$33 million dollar boardwalk"! Hopefully we are declared a federal emergency and we get some Obama Bucks. Bethany was bad...but other areas up and down the coast were hit just as hard. Houses were lost in Outer banks...and rt 12 just reopened. A huge 3 story barge washed up in va. beach...photos are there under www.swellinfo.com. Power was out for hours...even days is some spots. Most of the businesses were closed...Bethany Blues mostly underwater. Mango's remained open...serving as a hub for public viewing of the conditions. We should have charged $5 a head...we would be rich. The stormy conditions left us late Friday, and inland bay flooding is still present in Bethany and down Route 1. The bridge remains closed. Chelsea and I had quite the experience heading over the bridge on Thursday...as the ocean met the bay and slammed into the middle barracades. I couldn't believe it! We were one of the last cars over the bridge before DelDot shut her down. Needless to say...an awesome storm that many believe was the worst since 62'! I have more photos on my facebook page...CHEERS...ALEX

Best way to eat your Jerk Wings at the new 747 Happy Hour

2009-11-11T23:20:00.002-05:00

New 747 Happy Hour at Mango Mike's Alexandria
(7 days a week 4-7 PM)
with $1 Drafts and bar eats menu starting at $3.95
Heres a interesting video on the best way to get the most bang for your buck on Jerk Wings.

Captain Morgan Visits Mango's

2009-11-10T10:49:00.000-05:00

Captain Morgan and the Captainettes at Mango Mike's Alexandria

NEW 747 Happy Hour Mango's Alexandria

2009-11-09T17:21:00.005-05:00

7 Days a Week 4-7 PM
$1 Drafts 4-7 everyday
$2.95 Rails, House Wine and Frozen Mango Ritas
and New $3.95 Bar Eats Menu

Halloween Photos

2009-11-09T17:09:00.003-05:00

Heres a few shots from Halloween Weekend. Couple Great parties and the Joint looked extra spooky. Thanks to everyone that got into the Halloween Spirit. Many More photos at the Mango Mike's Alexandria Facebook Page

More Lee Street Pixs

2009-11-01T15:56:00.001-05:00

Halloween in Old Town

2009-11-01T15:51:00.003-05:00

On Lee Street. Had to leave early due to rain, but was able to capture some of the crowd.

MANGO'S MEAN WEDDINGS

2009-10-20T11:30:00.004-04:00

Another great fall at the beach. As usual, Mango's hosted a number of receptions and rehearsal dinners. I am usually caught up in keeping everyone happy and forget to snap any pics even though I always have my camera in my pocket. Over the course of two weeks, we had 3 rehearsal dinners and a reception for 200 people. Needless to say, I was bound to remember to grab my camera at least once.

These pictures are from the Lord wedding (yes that is really the last name), owners of Lord's Landscaping in Millville This was the first wedding at Mango's that actually closed the entire restaurant because they had such a huge guest list. Mango's staff members Jon, Chelsea, Zach, Val, and Laric did an unbelievable job. White table cloths, martinis, DJ's, and black tie attire transformed Mango's usually tropic atmosphere. Dinner changed from Coco Shrimp to Filet Mignon served with Chilean Sea Bass. Ketchup salt and pepper centerpieces were tossed for a beautiful flower arrangement. Reggae music was ditched for the electric slide and Al Green. I didn't even recognize the restaurant, but we still managed to throw one heck of a party as the newly named couple, Mike and Amy Lord, led a dancing frenzy late into the Mango Night. The night was topped with one of the nicest, most genuine thank you cards I have ever received. A great party for some great people. Looking forward to next wedding season because 2009 was a blast. Alex Heidenberger

FOR MORE PICTURES FROM THIS WEDDING. CHECK THEM OUT ON MANGO'S FACEBOOK PAGE.

http://www.facebook.com/mangos.bethanybeach?ref=name

Alexandria's Best Halloween Party

2009-10-19T13:00:00.001-04:00

Really?

2009-10-19T12:27:00.003-04:00

Do people buy this?

Future Millionaire

2009-10-17T15:29:00.001-04:00

Top Line Cook, Gilman Salvador, with what he assures me is going to be the winning Lottery ticket. "Don't Worry" he says, "When I win I will continue to work here". Now thats dedication, Good Luck, Gilman!!

Warning Sign

2009-10-16T15:21:00.000-04:00

I think this is pretty obvious but still a good reminder.

Friendly Contest

2009-10-15T14:31:00.000-04:00

During a pre shift moment of boredom the female staff decided to hold a Saltine Cracker Eating Contest. Inspired by a rerun of the Nathan's Hotdog Competition, the girls set out to see who could eat the most Saltine Crackers in one minute. I'm not sure who won, but they again proved the point that there is never a dull moment around here. Pictured in second photo from left to right: Barb, Amy, Chelsea, Tee and Jackie.

OnTap Magazine/Top Golf Bar League

2009-10-14T14:20:00.003-04:00

Team Mango Mike's Members Dave Mowry, Bill Blackburn, Michael "Woody" Brown, and ringer Brian Burnham enjoying some cold Bud Lights after the first week of On Tap's Bar League Top Golf Challenge.

JACK SPARROW?

2009-09-25T09:29:00.001-04:00

Well maybe not Johnny Depp...the girls would have been pounding down the door. This is one of our favorite happy hour customers, Rick, who hand made this entire costume himself! Down to real wooden pistols (which he left at home) and a woven in goatee and pirate hair, this costume takes Rick up to three hours to get into. Rick first wore the costume in summer 2008. When he walked in, I had thought someone had inadvertently scheduled a Captain Morgan promotion! I had no clue it was Rick, even after talking with him for five minutes about where the rest of the Captian Morgan promotional team was. I am just glad he didn't pillage anything. We all had a great time posing in the famous Captain stance, and Rick enjoyed chatting with customers about how he made the whole costume. Rick made the costume to take to Disney, and with huge success! This year, I invited Rick to put the costume on again to take some photos with customers and staff, after bribing him with a few of our frosty MangoRitas, of course! He gladly obliged! So here ya' arrrr Rick! This blogs for you all...Cheers, Al

Mango Mike's & Pork Barrel BBQ on FOX News Show

2009-09-20T14:36:00.001-04:00

Pork Barrel BBQ

2009-08-31T17:18:00.003-04:00

Mango Mike's Newest BBQ Concept Joins Forces with Areas Hottest BBQ Team.
We are pleased to announce that we signed a deal and are now teamed with Brett Thompson and Heath Hall, The DC Metro areas hottest BBQ Team, to bring a Pork Barrel BBQ Restaurant to the Del Ray Neighborhood of Alexandria. The Restaurant is currently under construction and we are extremely thrilled to soon be working with Brett and Heath, who are both extremely knowledgeable BBQ Guys.

Brett and Heath have been hard at work the past year with BBQ competitions and already have quite a few accolades and awards. The Pork Barrel Restaurant's Signature Sauce and Rub is already available in all Harris Teeters and several other Grocery locations in the VA,DC and MD area.

Check out the Pork Barrel Boys Here.

Volunteer Alexandria Fundraiser

2009-08-28T18:53:00.003-04:00

Here at Mango Mike's Alexandria we are always looking to help out our local charities. Yesterday, we hosted an event for the Volunteer Alexandria Group. We donated a portion of the evenings dinner sales to this worthy Alexandria based organization and helped them spread the their word in the progress. Thanks to everyone from Volunteer Alexandria for Making this another great night at Mangos. Volunteer Alexandria Website Click Here

Pictured above from left to right: Bill (Mango Mike's), Scooter Slade (Alexandria's Volunteer of the Year Award Winner) and Melinda Patrician (Executive Director, Volunteer Alexandria).

Last Day - Get Wet

2009-08-20T18:11:00.003-04:00

The kitchen team at the beach has started a tradition when it's your last night is Tsuamni Time. They show no mercy when it comes to the water show.

It was Pickels last night and they just let her have it with about 5 buckets of water, Danielle got caught in the crossfire and was doused too.

This right on the heels of Windell's appearance so it was a fun night at the beach.

Windell Middlebrooks from Miller High Life

2009-08-16T21:55:00.002-04:00

Windell made a huge splash at Mango's Bethany Beach this weekend.

He has adapted quite well to his celebrity status and everyone just ate it up. Really an all out fun night as Windell was everywhere in the restaurant. Behind the bar, in the kitchen, at tables with customers - it was great.

Celebrity at Mango's Bethany Beach

2009-08-15T11:50:00.002-04:00

Miller Lite Spokesman Windell Middlebrooks will be in the restaurant Saturday night from 7 - 8pm

Autographs - NO CHARGE, but you might have to drink a Miller Lite.

Is This a Great House or What

2009-08-14T16:46:00.005-04:00

For a couple in Mexico City who wanted to get back to nature. The Nautilus House. Very Cool.

More Here

Thanks bookofjoe.com

Tagged

2009-08-12T08:40:00.004-04:00

On the way back from working the beach, I always stop at Farmer Dan's late at night to pickup my pre ordered, freshly picked white sweet corn. Arriving at Mango Mike's about 3am to drop it off so that it's ready for the kitchen staff that morning.

I was depressed to find that someone had tagged our newly painted catering truck earlier that evening. Although the paint had dried, it was not completely set.

With the immediate help of Walter, Osman, Mark, Pedro and Brian we attacked the paint with TSP and green scrubby pads and 45 minutes later - clean truck.

Now these guys were all tired from working the last 10 hours, but they made it happen. Great team.

Psycho Donuts

2009-08-09T07:15:00.000-04:00

You got to be crazy for this one.

Stop in for a Bi Polar Donut. The Bipolar, half chocolate frosting and nuts, half coconut flakes.

From ABC News.
"Jordan Zweigoron, the owner of a little café in a strip center in Campbell, California, called Psycho Donuts, has found a way to attract both customers and unwanted media attention. It seems that his mental illness themed business is politically incorrect.

n Zweigoron's shop, Psycho Donuts, customers are handed bubble wrap to pop as they come through the door. Cashiers dress in old-fashioned nurses' outfits and patrons can get their picture taken in straight jackets near a mock padded room before they head out to sit in the "group therapy area".

Various strange confections such as The Bipolar, half chocolate frosting and nuts, half coconut flakes, the Manic Malt, and the Massive Head Trauma are served up by cashiers dressed up as old fashioned nurses. The Massive Head Trauma, a jelly filled doughnut with a frosting face with the letter "X" for eyes, is a special big seller.

Some people, Oscar Wright, CEO of the United Advocates for Children and Families, are not amused. Wright especially sees Psycho Donuts as being stigmatizing toward people with mental illness. "Here in California we've got approximately 1 million kids who have a mental health disorder and 600,000 of them will not receive appropriate treatment," he said. "Why is that? One is an issue of resources. But there are many parents who simply don't move forward with early prevention with their child because of social stigma," Wright said. "How do I know that? Because I was one of those parents."

The controversy appears to be that of Jordan Zweigoron's right to run a business and name his products whatever he wants to name them and people such as Oscar Wright who think that naming fattening food after mental conditions is somehow socially stigmatizing. One would want to have some kind of hard numbers that calculate the number of mentally ill people who do not seek treatment because of the social stigma and the number who do not do so because of some silly confection named CocoMarbles.

Good thing or not?

2009-08-09T04:00:00.001-04:00

Starbucks under the Radar w/ New Name

2009-08-08T08:02:00.000-04:00

Hoping to compete with the local Mom & Pop coffee shops (Watch out Nora at St. Elmo's in Del Ray), Starbucks is launching a line of new coffee shops called 15th Ave. Coffee and Tea.

From the Chicago Tribune:

"In the continued flailings of the Starbucks chain, here's a new one: the stealth Starbucks store.

A Seattle outlet of the 16,000-store coffee behemoth is being rebranded without visible Starbucks identifiers, as 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea.

Two other stores in Starbucks' native Seattle will follow suit, each getting its own name to make it sound more like a neighborhood hangout, less like Big Coffee, a Starbucks official told The Seattle Times on Thursday."

Never Change, Never Will

2009-08-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

Pepsi has changed it's logo 11 times since founded in 1898. Coca Cola hasn't changed once. You gotta love consistency.

I promise you'll never see the Mango Mike's Logo change.

Rice Paddy Murals

2009-08-06T18:39:00.004-04:00

This rice paddy art started in a village north of Tokyo about 16 years ago as a way to promote the town. It's apparently working.

I've been thinking about a Mango Man logo in the rice.

This might explain why you're getting some colored rice in your Uncle Ben's box.

More here thanks to Book of Joe.com

Weird Vodka infusions

2009-07-28T20:07:00.004-04:00

Seems like these days every Vodka company is introducing a new Vodka flavor infusion that is even more exotic than the last. Here are a few extremely creative Vodka infusions. Although the Bacon Infusion is not available at either Mango Mikes, we do keep up with the latest spirit creations. More Crazy Vodka infusions click here

Best Fudge Shop in Michigan

2009-07-24T00:50:00.003-04:00

On the Mango family vacation touring thru Michigan we stumbled upon this great fudge shop in Bay Harbor, just outside of Petoskey. Kilwin's.

The fudge girls took great care of the Mangoettes.

Johnny Artis Band

2009-07-23T10:20:00.002-04:00

Playing this Saturday at Mango Mike's.

History Note:

Johnny played at Mango Mike's wedding in 1988.

NO COVER.

Fresh Corn

2009-07-17T17:06:00.004-04:00

On the way back from Bethany Beach I stopped at my favorite roadside stand just east of Denton and picked up some fresh sweet white corn that was just picked this morning.

We'll be serving it tonight and Saturday night at Mango Mike's in Alexandria.

Great Strategy

2009-07-12T19:39:00.000-04:00

Will work at Mango's also.

Free Brunch this Sunday

2009-07-11T11:23:00.000-04:00

Plus the Island sounds of Michael George on the Steel Drums.

Bacon in a Can

2009-07-11T07:22:00.000-04:00

We're saved.

From the website:

With a shelf life in excess of 10 years, this bacon makes a perfect addition to your food storage program and it is great for every day use. Take some with you when you go camping, hiking or hunting — keep a case in the boat, RV, cabin or anywhere that you may need to prepare a meal but don't have refrigeration!

Thanks BookofJoe.com

Best Restaurant Kids Sign

2009-07-10T07:12:00.000-04:00

Must be from Clyde's.

10 Creative Ice Cube Trays

2009-07-09T20:59:00.002-04:00

Everyone needs ice in your drink in the summer, why stick with the boring cube shaped ice when you could have some bullets or even some lego shaped ice.

more here

Cone Pizza

2009-07-09T08:57:00.002-04:00

Although I haven't seen it in this area I understand it's the latest and hottest food craze.

How about cone "jerk" chicken

more here

Redneck Seafood Dinner

2009-07-07T08:02:00.000-04:00

Not at Mango Mike's though.