If you’re looking for a place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family, the Ashland Main Street folks have again partnered with Chef Paul Runnels to celebrate the holiday at Chimney Corner Cafe on Carter Avenue in Ashland.

I don’t have all of the information yet, but understand the celebration will be from noon until closing Wednesday, with a $7 sit-down dinner in addition to a choice of green malt beverages. One person I spoke to described the event as an Irish version of last fall’s Oktoberfest.

I’ll do my best to get a menu and further details about Ashland’s St. Patty’s Day event and pass the information along in a news story as soon as possible. And, of course, if you plan to enjoy an adult beverage or two on St. Patrick’s Day, make arrangements for a designated driver before you get the party started.

Roadside goodness

A friend who is sympathetic to my never-ending quest for good pork barbecue called me from the side of U.S. 23 last week to recommend the food at Absolute Barbecue, a roadside restaurant /barbecue pit “just past the Ky. 80 exit as you’re going toward Pikeville,” near the big auto dealership at the top of the next hill.

My buddy isn’t as pork crazed as I am, so he decided to try the barbecued chicken sandwich, which he rated as “excellent.” Absolute Barbecue owner/operator Christian Clark apparently makes a practice of providing samples, however, and tempted our scout with a bit of his pork ribs, which he liked so much he bought a half rack to take home to his wife.

The roadside stand, which has no tables or other fancy accommodations, has an on-site wood smoker where Clark does the “low and slow” technique on chicken and pork, and he also crafts his own version of three different barbecue sauces ranging from hot to mild. The place is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although Clark only smokes up a specific amount of pork and chicken each day, and when it’s gone it is gone. For more information, send an e-mail to absolutebbq@gmail.com or call (606) 230-0197.

Open at Kyova Mall

A pair of rather attractive ladies at Kyova Mall gave a thumbs up to the food and service from T-Bird’s Diner, the latest restaurant to open at the food court.

T-Bird’s Diner is owned and operated by Matthew Biggs and features cheeseburgers, fries, soups, salads, shakes and floats along with more unusual items including deep fried Twinkies, Oreos and Snickers bars.

The diner, complete with 50s-style decor, is open during regular mall hours and located between Chris’ Gyros and Knot Just Pretzels. For more information or to place an order, call (606) 928-5872.

Also at Kyova

The mall will host its annual Spring Spectacular, which is the spring version of a “Safe Trick or Treat” event, from 6 to 8 p.m. April 3.

Local business representatives are invited (free of charge) into the mall to set up tables and hand out business cards and information as well as candy to local children and their parents. Photos with the Easter Bunny will also be available.

Zumba curious?

I’ll admit I don’t have a clue about what Zumba is, but know many ladies who absolutely love it.

I spoke with Stacy Brock, who is certified to instruct all known forms of Zumba, last week and she told me about the classes she and fellow instructor Becky Lucie Isaacs offer at the National Guard Armory on Lexington Avenue in Ashland from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Brock explained Zumba lends itself to an individual’s ability to move, and allows participants to advance at their own pace. While typically labeled a lady’s activity in this area, Brock assures me Zumba has many male enthusiasts and emphasized men are welcome to participate in their sessions at the armory.

If you’re curious, Brock and Isaacs invite you to “join the party” and offer a first lesson/class free of charge. The instructor said participants need only show up before class to join in. If anyone has questions, however, they are encouraged to e-mail zumbachik@yahoo.com or zumbabikerchik@yahoo.com, or call (606) 465-0797 or 923-4423 for more information.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.