Community Corner

5 Things to Know Today, April 24

Here's some things you might want to know this Easter Sunday.

1. It's more than simply Peeps and chocolate bunnies. For Christians, Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the New Testament, it's the day Jesus rose from the dead, the third day after His cruxifixion. Easter Day also marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and penance.

As to how the Easter Bunny got involved, he seems to have his origins in Germany where he's first mentioned in Germany writings in the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany in the early 1800s and were made of pastry and sugar.

The giant bunny who delivers colored eggs, candy and toys to children was introduced to America by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country in the 1700s as "Oschter Haws."

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Children believed if they were good, Oschter Haws would lay a nest of colored eggs. Children would build a nest using their caps and bonnets near their home for the Easter Bunny to use.

2. Stop by Park Square Cellar for Easter brunch. The restaurant at 16132 Churchview Drive in FishHawk Ranch will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, serving brunch and dinner all day. Reservations are recommended. Call 813-689-4560.

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3. Joel's Steakhouse, 1020 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, will be open from on Easter Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will have a prime rib special Easter Day in addition to a selection of filets, New York strips and bone-in ribeye cooked to order. Call 813-662-5635 for reservations.

4. If you attend a sunrise service Easter morning, drop by the Recipe Box afterward for a hearty breakfast. The Recipe Box Family Diner, 147 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, will open Easter morning at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 2:30 p.m. The Recipe Box serves French toasts with apricot preserves and cream cheese, eggs any stytgle, country-fried steak, omelets and pancakes. Reservations are not necessary. Call 813-655-2686.

5. For a Florida-style Easter, drop by J.F. Kick's Neighborhood Bar & Grill.  J.F. Kicks Neighborhood Bar & Grill, 3345 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Valrico, opens at 11:30 a.m. on Easter Day. Diners can choose from choice prime rib, grilled sesame tuna or tender white tilapia sauteed in J.F. Kicks' special Italian seasoning. Call 813-643-7777.


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