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In December of 1993, folks were still talking about the fallout from the country's savings and loan crisis and the policies of the newly elected Democratic president. Janet Jackson's "Again" was at the top of the pop charts. And most people around here had never heard of a latte.

But when Ann and Matt Russ opened Tate Street Coffee (334 Tate St., Greensboro; 275-2754), you weren't likely to hear Janet Jackson over the speakers. Instead, it was Etta James or Frank Sinatra.

The Russes are celebrating the coffee shop's 15-year anniversary 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday. And Matt Russ continues to set the mood with jazz and R&B standards.

Tate Street Coffee -- one of only a handful of coffee shops in Greensboro at the time -- was on the cusp of the West Coast coffee house trend that soon swept the country. Since then, coffee shops have come and gone. But the Russes have maintained their special niche in the eclectic, fluid business district on the eastern edge of UNCG.

Here's looking at another 15 years.

New scoop shop opens

Baskin-Robbins is opening a new scoop shop at 425 Pisgah Church Road in Greensboro (288-7655).

The grand opening is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. To commemorate the opening, franchise owner Rahul Patel will donate $500 to No. 316 Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop.

The new location is Greensboro's third, following a longtime scoop shop on Battleground Avenue and a shop in Four Seasons Town Centre. The Pisgah Church shop showcases Baskin-Robbins' new look, including an updated logo and step-up bar where kids can get a peek at the chain's 31 signature flavors.

Through Dec. 28, buy one frozen beverage and get the other half off. The Pisgah Church location is also offering quarts of ice cream to go at $9 for one, $12 for two. Seven holiday flavors are available through Dec. 31 including Egg Nog, Peppermint, Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie.

Canned-food donations are also being accepted for a local food bank.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Mall food court perseveres

Struggling FantaCity International Mall has lost two more dining options. U&J Coffee and Cafe and Soldano's Bakery have both closed.

Despite hard times, the mall's food court remains open with two eateries.

Genova's Pizzeria (4925 W. Market St., Greensboro; 235-4043) is serving pizza, pasta, subs and salads.

Pizzas range from $8.99 for a 16-inch cheese to $15.99 for the 18-inch Hawaiian. There's also calzones ($5.75 meat-filled, $6.55 veggie) and stromboli ($5.49 meat-filled or veggie).

Pasta includes spaghetti with or without meatballs ($6.99 and $5.99), baked ziti ($6.99) and chicken and Broccoli Alfredo ($7.99).

Subs range from $5.49 for tuna to $6.99 for the loaded Milanesa.

Combination plates are available, and Genova's offers wings ($5.95-$10.99) and hamburgers.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.

Across the court, Jeff and Letia Bates continue to serve their infamous collard greens at Tia's Soul Food Express (4925 W. Market St., Greensboro; 235-2646).

In addition to West African-inspired items like marinated fish, beef and chicken served with their signature sauce, Tia's now offers Caribbean favorites like Curry and Jerk Chicken ($12.95) and Hawaiian Chicken ($12.95). Tia's also offers Ox Tail ($12.95) with red beans and rice and plantains.

An $8.99 lunch special, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, gets you a platter (chicken, fish or vegetables) that includes Tia's Rice. Add a buck after 3 p.m.

Don't forget the Liberian Hot Pepper Soup ($5.95, $6.99) and a side of their spicy collard greens and a helping of Sweet Potato Pie ($2.50).

Jeff Bates' commitment to the mall remains unwavering. He plans to open Game Day Sports Cafe ( 4925 W. Market St., Suite 1133) in the old U&J Coffee location just around the corner from the food court.

Bates says he will offer breakfast sandwiches and coffee in the mornings and "light" food in the afternoon. Targeting college students and sports-minded fans, Bates will offer wings in the evenings and screen games on the cafe's television sets.

Winter menu offered

The Bistro (5710-M High Point Road, Greensboro; 294-4610) is offering a new winter menu that includes Citrus Accented Duck Confit Spring Rolls ($10), Baked Brie with Raspberry Compote ($9), Yellow Fin Tuna over Soba and Cucumber Noodles ($24), Lump Crab Cake over Creamed Chive Hash ($24), Red Curry and Coffee Rubbed N.Y. Strip ($25) and Fried Chicken over Spaghetti Squash ($17).

The Bistro also offers vegetarian dishes created to order.

More winter offerings

Lucky 32 (1421 Westover Terrace, Greensboro; www.lucky32.com) is offering some classic Southern fair as part of it's early winter menu.

The menu includes comfort foods such as Stew Beef and Rice ($17), Roasted Beet Salad ($10) with Bleu Cheese, Buttermilk-fried Quail Breasts ($19) with Tasso Gravy, Carolina Trout ($20) with Mustard-braised Brussels Sprouts and Chicken and Dumplings ($14).

Call 370-0707 for reservations.

Soups added to menu

Jibaro Latin Cafe (401 Tate St., Greensboro; 273-9788) is now serving a daily hot soup.

Jibaro is also offering holiday catering including Pernil, a traditional slow-roasted pork shoulder.

For a coupon for a free beverage and more information on catering options, visit www.jibarolatincafe.com.

Have restaurant news for Short Orders? Contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or cwilson@news-record.com.