It's billed as a speakeasy, and these days, Jeff's Bucket Shop is feeling like one of those bars from the Prohibition era — no liquor. But the eclectic bar and restaurant on Montford Drive is not closing. Known for it's karaoke, Cheers like atmosphere (the website boasts there are no strangers here) and basement party vibe, the shop has been in business since 2003. Owner Jeff Laria, said the lack of booze is temporary.

"We're working on getting our liquor license back," he said. "There's a contractual problem between me and a partner that we need to get ironed out." Laria wouldn't name his partner and the partner's name isn't listed on the business license.

According to Laria, when the renewal period for liquor licenses rolled around, the dispute was still going on. In North Carolina, all business owners must be listed on the license for a renewal to happen.

"We're still operating, we're just brown-bagging right now," he said. That means, you can bring your own beer and wine into the shop — which you've purchased elsewhere; hard liquor, however, is prohibited. "We're going to start booking the place for parties and that kind of thing."

Without the ability to sell alcohol, Laria said it's been a challenge. Jeff's Bucket Shop has been dry since last Thursday.

"It's definitely crippled our business, but luckily we have a pretty loyal fan base," he said. The business's Facebook page has about 400 friends. "They've continued to support us. But it's definitely been crippling and I emphasis crippling."

Because Laria and his wife, Michaele, are expecting legal actions, they weren't able to give the specifics about what happened with their partner. But Laria said, the shop is still open and operating. "We still do karaoke, Wednesday-Saturday. They can come down and sing their favorite songs. We're still open," he said.

According to Michaele, now is a good time to sample the menu at Jeff's Bucket Shop. "I make really good fried chicken," she said with a laugh. "We've always served food in the evening — not that we're known for our food. It's always been too packed at night, especially on the weekends, to serve food because you can't get through the crowd to sit down. But, I would always do a special at night that ran from 5 p.m. to about 8:30 p.m. then it turned into the bar scene. Now, you can eat whenever you like, and we're contemplating opening for lunch."

Michaele Laria said she's disappointed that someone would say the restaurant is closing.

"My husband started it and he had a good vision. We're a team. We look the same, and we act the same, too. The Bucket Shop is not as strong as it was, [losing the liquor license] hurt our business tremendously, but we'll survive. We have a wonderful landlord and a wonderful client base. Our people are singing along still and are very happy. Our employees are very supportive, and while they've had to cut back their hours and be patient, we'll come back. And we'll come back strong, and they will be taken care of. We're a family at the Bucket Shop, and our guests who come through that door are family as well. That's how we operate our business, and family sticks together. We'll get through this."

If you do head out to Jeff's Bucket Shop with your own hooch, there is a cooling fee of $5 for a six pack of beer and a $5 cork fee for the wine.

* At the Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Rd., Executive Chef Mark Shook is teaching an “Elegant Sunday Brunch Cooking Class” on Monday, March 9, at 6 p.m. Recipes include Blood Orange Mimosas, Apricot Almond Scones, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Strata, and Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pie. $40 per person or $65 per couple, plus tax. 704-714-4400.

* Sonoma Modern American, 100 North Tryon St., is hosting a Fisher Vineyards dinner with winemaker Whitney Fisher, including the Rose of Syrah and Hidden Terrace Syrah, on Thursday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. $100 inclusive of tax and gratuity. 704-332-1132.

* The Wine Vault is hosting a four-course dinner at Ratcliffe's on the Green on Monday, March 23, with wines from Willm Gentil Pinot Gris, La Ferme Côtes du Rhône, Daniel de L'ansee Sauvignon Blanc, Les Jamelles Cabernet Sauvignon, and Les Jamelles Merlot. $58 inclusive of tax and tip. 704-548-9463.

Give up the soda pop.

The estrogen-mimicking chemical BPA, already banished from baby bottles and frowned upon in water jugs, has now shown up in significant levels in soft drinks.

Tests by Health Canada scientists revealed the highest levels were in energy drinks, the often caffeine-loaded beverages that have become popular with teenagers seeking a buzz and athletes chasing a quick pick-me-up. But the study also found the controversial compound in a wide variety of ginger ales, diet colas, root beers and citrus-flavoured sodas.

Bisphenol A was detected in 96 per cent of soft drinks tested, in quantities below regulatory limits. But a growing body of science suggests the chemical may have harmful effects at levels far below those limits.

Read the rest of this Globe and Mail article here.

* Soon to open is The Lodge, 7725 Colony Rd., in the space which was once the successful Oneo followed by a succession of Colony Grills. Veteran restaurateur J.D. Duncan of Bonterra, Mac’s Speed Shop and Las Ramblas, is opening the store with his partners. Executive Chef Blake Hardwick has designed the menu to include primarily burgers and friendly “casual” food. The place has been transformed with dead mammal heads, pheasants, and hunting guns; hence the name. Donny Anderson will manage.

* Kilimanjaro Restaurant & Lounge, 3001 Independence Blvd., is celebrating the Second Annual Ghana Independence Day and Afro Caribbean Celebration on Friday, March 6. No charge before 11 p.m.

* Wolfgang Puck Carolina Bistro, 5349 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, is offering half price on pizzas and wines by the glass from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily until April 15.

* Pewter Rose Bistro, 1820 South Blvd., turns 21 years old on March 8. In honor of that event, the eatery will host an official birthday party at 7 p.m. with complimentary hors d'oeuvres at the bar along with drink specials and live music. Also offered is a $21 prix fixe menu from March 8 through 21 that will include a choice of soup or salad, an entree (beef stroganoff, chicken marsala or scallop stuffed flounder) and a choice of a glass of wine from the cruvinet or a dessert. 704-332-8149 or www.pewterrose.com.

* Rooster's Wine Bar, 6601 Morrison Blvd., is hosting a wine dinner with winemaker Guillaume Gonnet, featuring Robert Kacher's wines, on Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. The cost is $75 (includes tax and gratuity). On the menu are cured foie gras, frisee, and brioche with Font de Michelle Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2007; sea scallops, sweetbreads, oxtail ravioli, and celeriac puree with Font du Vent Cotes du Rhone Villages "Notre Passion" 2005; rabbit loin with parsley mousse and Font de Michelle Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2005; and smoked palmetto squab and truffled foie gras stuffed squab leg with Font de Michelle Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge "Cuvee Etienne Gonnet" 2005. 704-366-8688.