Here's some cool stuff I have run across in the greater Bangor area that I haven't had the opportunity to mention here at El Rocko Blogstero.

- The downstairs of Cristor's in Bangor is no longer an empty bar - now it's a swanky joint called the Red Martini, complete with fancy drinks and tapas. While I have not yet had the opportunity to try the food, last weekend I partook in an astoundingly delicious concoction called the Tequila Mockingbird. I can't recall exactly what was in it, but it involved tequila, some sort of fruit nectar, and then cilantro and tabasco. You might think that sounds gross, but trust me, if you like cilantro, you will LOVE this drink. There are plenty of other ones there that are just as tasty too.

- I certainly don't mean to step on ShopGirl's toes, but I'd just like to mention that Marden's in Brewer is insane right now. Bike parts, fishing rods, furniture, exercise equipment, about 80 bajillion dresses from Target, all for $9.99. Hit that, before it's gone.

- Favorite local food items of recent weeks: the Greek cabbage salad and the homemade bread at the Barking Cat Cafe, the foccacia at J.B. Parker's and the iced coffee at Coffee Express. My favorite way of drinking their iced coffee is to get a large made with half dark roast and half flavored - usually Yankee Express or something with chocolate in it. No cream, plenty of sweet. Perfect, especially cause it's been so darn nice out this week.

- The Ofelia's Resale Shop will reopen in a few weeks in a new location on Main Road in Hampden, across from R&K Variety.

- The new facade of the Bangor Opera House looks great! I can't wait 'til it's completely finished!

- The patio at Club Fuzion. Wait, that's always been great, whether it's been Benjamin's, Karma or Fuzion.

- I keep hearing these rumors about a new bar or nightspot or something in Bangor opening up, called the Speakeasy. Can someone confirm or deny this, or pass along any additional information? Inquiring minds, namely mine, want to know. Email me, kay?

- Here's an awesome sunrise I caught on 395 a few weeks ago, driving back from an assignment in Ellsworth: