Gulf Coast Buzz (June 5 - 18, 2015)

gulf coast Your 14-day guide to fun, food and entertainment

National Fishing and Boating Week Alabama Free Fishing Day Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo Boat safety tips and more!

Market Days at the Chamber Restaurant Review: Cousin Vinny’s Easy summer beach reads JUNE 5 – 18, 2015

GULF COAST MEDIA

Vol. 2 Issue 4

JUNE 5 – 18

In-depth Baldwin County calendar and live music listings in every issue!

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June 5 –18, 2015

June 5 – 18, 2015

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Your 14-day guide to fun, food and entertainment

National Fishing and Boating Week Alabama Free Fishing Day Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo Boat safety tips and more!

Market Days at the Chamber

School’s out and summer vacation is here! The first weekend of June is full of events. June 6 is the date of the Olde Towne Daphne Farm and Art Faire in front of Daphne City Hall, Fuse Project’s Dragon Boat Races in Spanish Fort at 5 Rivers Delta and O Delta Day at Lower Bryant Landing / Matthews Landing in Stockton.

As close to the water as we are, many families find themselves out on the water for a day. Practice boat safety with your youngin’ (and family) with our Family Fun columnist Crystal Cole. She reminds us of what to look for and prepare for out on the water with a little one.

Use her helpful tips to take advantage of the mythical island of Gumbo Key, accessible by boat only. June 6 through 14 is National Fishing and Boating Week and June 6 is Alabama’s National Free Fishing Day. Our next waterlogged event is the Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo, June 12 through 14.

Art walks, farmer’s markets and cookouts abound. As always, check out our book, wine and food columns.

Get out and enjoy our Gulf Coasts Summer.

Restaurant Review: Cousin Vinny’s Easy summer beach reads JUNE 5 – 18, 2015

GULF COAST MEDIA

Vol. 2 Issue 4

JUNE 5 – 18

In-depth Baldwin County calendar and live music listings in every issue!

Cover photo is by Jay Sowers.

ABOUT THE COVER

Gulf Coast Buzz editor

Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week with boat safety tips, Alabama’s Free Fishing Day on June 6 and other events such as Flora-Bama’s Fishing Rodeo and the Gumbo Key Boat-In Concert.

Find out more on page 5.

LOOK FOR US SUBMISSIONS I In all four Gulf Coast Media newspapers: The Times Independent, The Foley Onlooker, The Islander and The Courier

I Comments and concerns

I In racks, boxes and locations throughout Baldwin County

I Live local music listings

I On GulfCoastNewsToday.com

gulf coast

Social Media I On Facebook: Gulf Coast Newspapers On Twitter: @gcntoday

Allison Woodham: allison@gulfcoastmedia.com

I Events calendar

Allison Woodham: allison@gulfcoastmedia.com Destiny Brown: dbrown@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

I Advertising

Eastern Shore frank@gulfcoastmedia.com and North Baldwin rebecca@gulfcoastmedia.com Central Baldwin and South Baldwin

jeniece@gulfcoastmedia.com brad@gulfcoastmedia.com

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment on the Gulf Coast.

Publishes the first and third Friday of each month.

Look for our next issue Friday, June 19.

gulf coast

4 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment on the Gulf Coast.

PUBLISHER Parks Rogers

parks@gulfcoastmedia.com

EDITOR Allison Woodham

allison@gulfcoastmedia.com

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Paige Renka paiger@theitem.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Destiny Brown Crystal Cole Cliff McCollum John Mullen Jay Sowers John Underwood Tony Whitehead

CONTRIBUTORS

C-Shelz Photography City of Foley Tina Covington Jill Clair Gentry Blake Maraman North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Jon Robitaille

ADVERTISING Jeniece Bouzan Rebecca Brookins Brad Day Frank Kustura

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

WHAT’S INSIDE COVER STORY

901 N. McKenzie St., Foley, AL 36535 251-943-2151 GulfCoastNewsToday.com

8

National Fishing and Boating Week Get out on the water and relax! 5

OUTDOORS Aiming and Angling Alabama Free Fishing Day and other fishing and boating events. 6

FAMILY FUN

16

Boating safety Tips for little ones. 7

WHERE TO GO Dragon Boat Races Popular outdoor race returns to Spanish Fort. 8 O Delta Days Enjoy tube racing, silent auction and lunch in Stockton. 13 Market Days at the Chamber Shop local in Bay Minette. 18

A&E Culturally Speaking Music and a Movie and Heritage Marketplace. 12 The Buzz on the Coast 14 Days, our comprehensive calendar. 9

Gulf Coast Media

June 5 –18, 2015

Local Live Music Baldwin County music listings. 19

FOOD

BOOKS/GAMES

Recipes Oléron Berry Tart. 14

Between the pages Easy beach reads. 15

Chew on This Restaurant review: Cousin Vinny’s. 16 Tastings Think inside the box this summer.

22

Puzzles Test your brain. 23

15

ABOUT THE COVER

Don’t miss

National Fishing and Boating Week It’s time to de-stress and get out on the water! National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW) is June 6 through 14, 2015, which includes this year’s Alabama Free Fishing Day on June 6. This special week emphasizes the importance of recreational boating and fishing to enhance people’s quality of life and preserve our country’s natural beauty.

Learn more about Alabama’s Free Fishing Day and other upcoming events on page 6 and get some boat safety tips from our family columnist Crystal Cole on page 7.

JAY SOWERS / STAFF

6 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

June 5 –18, 2015

AIMING AND ANGLING

Destress with Alabama’s Free Fishing Day blakemrn@gmail.com

ke Maram Bla a

Blake Maraman Registered nurse, photojournalist and outdoors enthusiast

On June 6, the state of Alabama is offering a free fishing day. It is the one day a year that the public is allowed to fish recreationally in public waters without a fishing license.

Some lakes may still require fees and permits, and owner’s permission is required to fish private ponds. n

Did you know n Simply being near the water can naturally help lower anxiety. n Boating is ranked as one of the top three stressrelieving activities. n There are 3.5 million miles of rivers in the U.S. n Ninety percent of Americans live within an hour of navigable water. n There are over 35,000 boat ramps in the U.S.

PHOTO BY BLAKE MARAMAN

if you go WHAT: Alabama’s Free Fishing Day WHEN: Saturday, June 6 WHERE: Public waters in Alabama COST: Free, although some lakes may still require fees and permits FIND OUT MORE: OutdoorAlabama.com/Free-Fishing-Day

More fishing and boating events FRIDAY, JUNE 12

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo Promoted as the “funnest” fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast, enjoy music food and activities for every one of all ages. Boats that can’t fit under the Ono Island Bridge will weigh in at Orange Beach Marina. Proceeds from the tourney will benefit Wounded Warrior Project.

• June 12 – 14; Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar • Kid’s Division, $20 per angler; Adult’s Division, $40 per angler; Competitive Angler Divisions, $200 per team • FloraBamaFishingRodeo.com; FloraBama.com; 850-492-0611

Gumbo Key Boat-In Concert Gumbo Key is a tropical, mythical place that appears from time to time.

This floating musical venue is a place for friends and family to meld together in our Gulf Coastal waters while soaking up the fine sounds of Live Southern bands. How do you get to Gumbo Key? By boat. What if I don’t have a boat? Find a friend with one, rent a pontoon, charter a boat and split the costs with a group, etc. When there’s a will, there’s a way.

• Noon – 5 p.m.; North of the Pass, near Orange Beach Islands • Free admission

June 5 – 18, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

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FAMILY FUN

Boating safety with little ones

By Crystal Cole stal Cole Cry

crystal@gulfcoastmedia.com

For those fortunate to have a boat, taking the kids on the water can be an exciting experience. Whether you’re seeing marine life for the first time, catching a wave or just cruising the canal, the ride is sure to be memorable.

It can also be a scary experience your first time out, and hard to know the right precautions to take.

Start with making sure you have the right size life jackets for everyone on your vessel. If you’re boating with an infant, make sure you have a Type II floatation device which has a special float for the child’s head.

Next, make sure you speak with your children about boat safety in a way that doesn’t scare them off completely.

Children shouldn’t lean over the sides of the boat, especially during times with a high volume of water traffic. They should be sitting at all times the boat is in motion.

I’m going to once again preach about the importance of

Eat. Shop. Play. Stay.

Everything you’re looking for is all in one place!

GulfVisitorGuide.com Alabama Gulf Coast

isitor Guide

Pick up our guide for coupons, maps, listings and more!

Visitor is FREE at various locations throughout Southern Alabama.

PHOTO BY BLAKE MARAMAN

sunscreen. As someone with the complexion of Casper, I cannot say enough how quickly an outing can turn south with too much sun exposure. Try and keep your top up as much as you can, and reapply often.

Now, I have yet to take Addy on the boat. So I am not speaking from a lot of experience, but I imagine I will only take her out during the week and not in “big” water. Any new experiences can be nerve-wracking for a new mom, so take your time and only stay out as long as you are comfortable.

It will probably be a tiring experience, taking your little ones out, but one they will be talking about for days.

Ahoy!

WHERE TO GO

if you go

SUBMITTED

WHAT: Dragon Boat Races WHEN: Saturday, June 6 WHERE: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort COST: Donation based FIND OUT MORE: FuseProject.com

Dragon Boat Races return

By Crystal Cole crystal@gulfcoastmedia.com

Y

ou might have the eye of the tiger in you, but Fuse Project is bringing the boat of the dragon.

Dragon boat racing is a family friendly event challenging you, your friends and co-workers to race 250 meters in a 46-foot Chinese row-boat with a dragon head on the bow.

The excitement and energy packed into each race makes you believe you are watching the final stretch of the Kentucky Derby. If you’re not into racing, you can enjoy daytime activities for children and array of local arts and craft vendors.

Rebecca Howard, executive director of the Fuse Project, said last year’s inaugural race had high expectations and surpassed them “Last year we raised over $100,000 and had thousands of people come and support,” Howard said. “After that kind of success, we as an organization took a step back and said we have such incredible support from our communities, let’s figure out where we can go from here.”

The team at Fuse Project had seen similar race festivals springing up across the country and thought the opportunity was too good to pass up.

“We started seeing these festivals going on,” Howard said. “We said, you know what? We are so blessed with

incredible water systems. We have a foundation that’s just waiting for us to do it.”

Space is still available for teams to sign up, and volunteers are greatly needed for the event.

Visit FuseProject.org to register and view footage from last year’s race. The causes to be supported this year include specific projects with immediate impact from Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mobile County Public School System, Prichard Preparatory School, Exploreum and Soccer4Life.

Fuse Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the spark for innovation, funding and implementation of projects benefiting children along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

“We started in 2012,” Howard said. “There was eight young professionals, and we said we had big ideas and big energy being as young as we are. Let’s make big things happen.”

Fuse Project invests in initiatives promoting the health, fitness, education and social responsibility of children. The goal is to support tangible, realistic projects that will benefit the children.

“We’re project-based,” Howard said. “We hold these wowfactor events, like dragon boat, to raise money for specific projects. It’s very results-driven, and you see exactly where your dollars go.”

June 5 – 18, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

THE BUZZ ON THE COAST

14 DAYS

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 9 Tag your event photos with @GulfCoastBuzz on Facebook.

Compiled by Allison Woodham Email calendar items to allison@gulfcoastmedia.com

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment ONGOING Summertide Theatre presents: “Ring of Fire” The University of Alabama’s professional summer theatre, SummerTide, will bring the man in black “down, down, down” to Gulf Shores during its 12th season. The cast of SummerTide will present “Ring of Fire,” a musical revue by Richard Maltby Jr. and Bill Meade.

Inspired by the life and lyrics of Johnny Cash, “Ring of Fire” brings universal stories of love, home and family to the stage. The revue features over two dozen songs by Cash including, “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and of course the title song, “Ring of Fire.”

I Through July 3; 8 p.m.; George C. Meyer Performing Arts Center, Gulf Shores I Adults, $20; children 12 and younger, $15 I SummerTide.org; 251-968-6721 Sunset Festival Aloha Hospitality and other sponsors have partnered to create an atmosphere of fun and entertainment with live music, street performers, drink specials and games for the whole family. Professional street performers straight out of Key West, South Beach and New Orleans will also be on site entertaining folks with their tight roping dog acts, fire breathers, jugglers, magicians, face painting clowns, sword swallowers and more.

I Thursdays through August; 7 – 11 p.m.; The Wharf I Free admission I ALWharf.com; 251-224-1000

Join local artists, farmers and produce and floral gardeners at Olde Towne Daphne Farm and Art Faire June 6.

Father’s Day Boston Butt Sale Sponsored by Family Promise of Baldwin County, a homeless shelter for homeless families with children.

Butts can be preordered and picked up by June 20. Pick up at location nearest you.

I Preorder anytime; pickup June 20; 9 a.m. – noon; Fairhope Trinity Presbyterian Church, Foley’s United Way Office, Gulf Shores’ M&M Bank or Daphne United Methodist Church I Tickets are $35 I FamilyPromiseBC.org; 251-947-5641 Music and a Movie and Heritage Marketplace Providing a variety of arts and crafts as well as herbs, plants, vegetables, fruits, baked goods, jellies, candy and gift items. Live entertainment begins at 6 p.m.,

followed by a family-friendly movie around dusk. The family-oriented event is presented each year by the city of Foley and generously supported by the community.

I Every Friday, May 22 – June 19; 4 – 7 p.m.; Heritage Park, Foley I Free admission; concessions available on-site I 251-943-1300 Fish Fry The public is invited to dine in or carry out. Each meal includes fried fish, baked beans, cake, coleslaw, hushpuppies and potato salad. The church is located at the intersection of County Road 10 and 49. The fish fry dates are July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3 and Oct. 1.

I First Thursday through October; 5 – 7 p.m.; St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Bon Secour

I Donation of $10 are welcome Gulf Coast Farmers Market Market open October through July.

I Saturdays; 8 a.m. – noon; Gulf State Park Pavilion I Free admission Ballroom Dance Classes Enjoy a buffet dinner, cash bar and one hour of dance instruction followed by one hour of open dance floor. Reservations are required. Partners are welcome, but not necessary.

I Wednesdays, 6 – 8 p.m.; Shipp’s Harbour Grill I $20 per person I 251-981-4119 Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market I Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; County Road 20, Foley

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GulfCoastNewsToday.com

THE BUZZ ON THE COAST

June 5 –18, 2015 Shindig in the Sand hosts three days of music on the beach to help local musicians.

I Free admission I CoastalAlabamaMarket.com; 251-943-1545 Ark of India: An Alabama artist explores Southern Asia An account of late 19th and early 20th century India as seen by Alabama artist Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his paintings, drawings, sculptures and most importantly, photographs and writings. MacKenzie spent more than a decade in India, a place he described as exotic, dangerous and colorful. MacKenzie was the official painter of the Delhi Durbar in 1903, which marked the coronation of King Edward VII. I Through Sept. 1; History Museum of Mobile I Adult, $7; seniors, $6; students, $5 I HistoryMuseumofMobile.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 Shindig in the Sand Three days of music on the beach, featuring more than 50 musical acts and 200 musicians. Funds go to the Flora-Bama’s Gulf Coast Musicians’ Assistance Fund (GCMAF), partnering with health providers to help cut the high cost of urgent medical care for its musicians.

I Through June 7; Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar, Orange Beach I $5 per day I FloraBama.com; 251-980-5118; Angela@florabama.com Annual Illuminating Autism Fun-raiser Benefits High Hopes 4 Autism, an autism spectrum disorder treatment center in Elberta. The Fun-raiser features food, fun and live music from local and nationally known bands and musicians. More than 200 businesses have donated silent auction items, including spa gift certificates, vacations, movie passes, artwork and fishing equipment.

The highlight of the fundraiser is

C-SHELZ PHOTOGRAPHY

the drawdown for a 2015 Jeep, provided by Gulf Chrysler in Foley.

Only 500 raffle tickets will be sold for the drawdown.

I Through June 7; Pirate’s Cove Marina and Restaurant I $10 per day I HighHope4Autism.com; 251-986-7007

Bay Minette I Free admission

First Friday Art Walk Begins at Fairhope Art Center, stroll through downtown Fairhope visiting art galleries and listening to music.

I 6 – 8 p.m.; downtown Fairhope I Free admission I 251-928-2228

O Delta Day For details, see pg. 13

First Friday Family Night The final movie shown of this series is “Monsters Inc.” This event will feature kid’s activities, freebies from NBCC chamber members, food trucks like Foosackly’s, Windcreek’s Good to Go food truck and Kona Ice and a free outdoor movie. The first 50 children to dress in costume will receive free popcorn.

I 8 p.m.; Blackburn Park,

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Alabama Free Fishing Day For details, see pg. 6 Dragon Boat Festival For details, see pg. 8

Olde Towne Daphne Farm and Art Faire Join local artists, farmers and produce and floral gardeners. Enjoy Bocci ball demonstrations, croquet, food vans and plenty of children’s activities.

I 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; 1705 Main St., Daphne I Free admission I 251-621-0659; daphne.art. center251@gmail.com Waterway Village Art Market Local and regional artists will set up their original works. This family friendly event will also include live musical entertainment, children’s

hands-on art activities and concessions.

I 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Art Gallery I Free admission I GulfCoastArtsAlliance.com; 251-233-3970

SUNDAY, JUNE 7 Mitch Brown Benefit: Battle Against Lung Cancer Mitch Brown of Salon Chameleon in Spanish Fort was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. This benefit will allow fundraising for this disease and will be fun for all attendees. Enjoy silent auctions, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres.

Monies raised will help Mitch with his medical expenses during this difficult battle.

I 2 – 5 p.m.; Lake Forest Yacht Club I 251-626-2221 Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and

June 5 – 18, 2015 meet one of the local critter inhabitants from the MobileTensaw Delta and beyond.

I 2 – 2:30 p.m.; 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort I Free admission I 251-625-0814 Sunday Matinee “Animal Homes: The Nest” Come out and join us for family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day.

This week’s movie looks at all shapes and sizes of bird nests, how they are built, and how they are a functional and remarkable work of art.

I Throughout the day; 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort I Free admission I 251-625-0814

FRIDAY, JUNE 12 Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo For details, see pg. 6

SATUDAY, JUNE 13 49th Annual Cookout on the Coast All proceeds raised will go toward providing the community with fire prevention and public education programs for our local schools, daycares, churches and senior groups.

The plate includes one pound of chopped pork, baked beans,

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 11

GulfCoastNewsToday.com coleslaw, bread, sauce and a pickle. Starting at noon, whole butts and bulk pork will be sold. Eat-in or drive thru is available.

The Ladies Auxiliary will be selling homemade baked goods as well as raffle tickets to the Bountiful Barbeque Basket. All items will be available at the drive thru as well. Tickets can be purchased at the Orange Beach Fire Department or at the door.

I 11 a.m. ‘til the ‘cue runs out; Orange Beach Community Center I $8; your choice of a plate or two sandwiches I 251-981-6166

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 “Predatory Birds” Join 5 Rivers Educator Mark Wetzel to learn about the different types of predatory birds and the tools they have to help make their living.

I 2 – 3 p.m.; 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort I Free admission “Sunset Serenade” An hour long program of beautiful classical, sacred and folk melodies from around the world, performed on the harp, violin, piano and voice by Atkinson Duo, the Gulf Coast’s

professional brother/sister harp and violin team and Andrew Atkinson, organist. This concert is designed to entertain and educate, while bringing an overarching sense of peace and relaxation. Titles include “Frasquita Serenade,” “Nearer My God to Thee,” “Gypsy Fantasy,” “He’s Got the Whole World” and more.

I 4 p.m.; St. Francis at the Point, Point Clear I Free admission

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Gumbo Key Boat-in Concert For details, see pg. 6 Holmes Babies’ Reunion Birthday Party If you were born at the Sibley Holmes Memorial Museum or delivered by Dr. W. C. Holmes, come join us for a birthday party as part of Foley’s centennial celebration.

I 2 – 5 p.m.; Holmes Medical Museum, Foley Ride Yellow Bike ride benefitting various organizations that fight cancer.

Six, 10, 16, 37 and 62-mile routes.

I 7 a.m.; Halliday Park, Bay Minette I Ages 10 – 23, $25; ages 24+, $50 I RideYellow.org

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Test your endurance on June 20 at the 2015 Ride Yellow, an Infirmary Health charity bike ride to raise cancer awareness.

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762 Nichols Ave Fairhope www.ingersollac.com

12 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

June 5 –18, 2015

City of Robertsdale CULTURALLY SPEAKING

2015

Summer Program ART CAMP WITH MRS. JAMES (CLASS LIMIT OF 30) June 8-11 (Ages 6-8) 8:00am-10:00am June 8-11 (Ages 9-12) 11:00am-2:00pm Robertsdale Elementary School

CSI CAMP MRS. SAWYER & ODOM (CLASS LIMIT OF 50) June 22-26 (Ages 6-9) 9:00am-12:00pm June 22-26 (Ages 10-12) 1:00pm-4:00pm Robertsdale Elementary

BOOKS ARE FUN! MRS. SAWYER & ODOM (CLASS LIMIT OF 50) June 29-July 3 (Ages 6-9) 9:00am-12:00pm June 29-July 3 (Ages 10-12) 1:00pm-4:00pm Robertsdale Elementary

EXPLORING SCIENCE MRS. SAWYER & ODOM (CLASS LIMIT OF 50) July 6-10 (Ages 6-9) 9:00am-12:00pm July 6-10 (Ages 10-12) 1:00pm-4:00pm Robertsdale Elementary

DANCE CAMP

BOYS & GIRLS TENNIS CAMP COACH FULKERSON & DAVIS June 9-11 1:00pm-3:00pm Robertsdale Tennis Complex

GIRLS SOFTBALL CAMP (12 & UNDER) COACH ROBERTS June 9-11 9:00am-12:00pm Girls Softball Complex

BOYS BASEBALL CAMP COACH BEZEREDI June 16-18 9:00am-12:00pm RHS Baseball Field

Music and a Movie and Heritage Marketplace

CITY LEAGUE COACHES & PLAYERS CAMP

t’s time to get out the picnic blankets and lawn chairs and head to Heritage Park as Music and a Movie continues through June. The popular Foley event kicks off at 4 p.m. with Heritage Park Marketplace, which will remain open from 4 to 7 p.m., providing a variety of arts and crafts as well as herbs, plants, vegetables, fruits, baked goods, jellies, candies and gift items. Live entertainment begins at 6 p.m., followed by a family-friendly movie around dusk. The marketplace and Music and a Movie will continue every Friday through June 19.

“With school out, Music and a Movie is a great evening of fun and free entertainment for families looking for things to do this summer,” said Linda Hula, event planner with the City of Foley. “We have a great entertainment line-up this year including the Baldwin Pops band, Christina Christian Duo, Kyle and Karl Band and the Coastal Chorale. Folks may bring a picnic or purchase concessions on-site. Everyone is encouraged to come early to enjoy the market and then get comfortable for the free entertainment and a movie under the stars,” Hula said.

The family-oriented event is presented each year by the city of Foley and generously supported by the community. Heritage Park is located near the intersection of Ala. 59 and U.S. 98 in Foley.

For a complete movie and entertainment schedule or to become a vendor, please contact Linda Hula at 251-943-1300, lhula@cityoffoley.org or visit VisitFoley.org.

(DEFENSIVE FOOTBALL) June 22-23 5:30am-8:00pm City Fields by Police Station

BOYS BASKETBALL CAMP COACH DAVIS & MOORE June 29-July 1 9:00am-12:00pm RHS Gym

BOYS & GIRLS SOCCER CAMP July 14-16 4:30pm-7:00pm RHS Practice Field

MRS. MOORE June 9-11 (Ages 4-8) 8:30am-10:00am July 9-11 (Ages 9-12) 10:00am-12:00pm Robertsdale Elementary

GIRLS CHEERLEADER CAMP

GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP

GIRLS SOFTBALL CAMP

COACH DAVIS & MOORE June 2-4 9:00am-12:00pm RHS Gym

(12 & OLDER) COACH ROBERTS July 14-16 5:30am-8:00pm RHS Softball Complex

BOYS FOOTBALL CAMP June 2-4 9:00am-12:00pm RHS Practice Field

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FOLEY

Heritage Place Marketplace includes arts and crafts, herbs plants, baked goods and more.

COACH ROBBINS July 7-9 9:00am-12:00pm RHS Gym

I

CITY LEAGUE COACHES & PLAYERS CAMP (OFFENSIVE FOOTBALL) June 27-28 5:30am-8:00pm RHS Practice Field

if you go

For More Info Call:

251-947-5467 or go to Website:

www.robertsdale.org

Families enjoy music and a movie in Heritage Park, a five-week event during late May and June in Foley.

WHAT: Music and a Movie and Heritage Marketplace WHEN: Every Friday through June 19 WHERE: Foley’s Heritage Park COST: Free admission FIND OUT MORE: VisitFoley.org; 251-943-1300; lhula@cityoffoley.org

June 5 – 18, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 13

WHERE TO GO

O Delta Day set for June 6

T

he sixth annual O Delta Day is set for June 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lower Bryant Pavilion in north Baldwin County.

The day’s activities will include intertube races, live entertainment, fish and chicken plates, a silent auction, dessert competition and more as funds are raised to benefit the Leah Ann Overstreet Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The fund, established in Overstreet’s memory, awards scholarships to members of the Baldwin County High School band. “Mrs. O” was principal of Delta Elementary School, a founding member and president of the North Baldwin Coalition for Excellence in Education.

The scholarship committee chose to honor band students because Overstreet’s son, A’Lanson Hoffman, was a member of the Baldwin County High School Band and the Million Dollar Band at the University of Alabama.

To date, the committee has awarded nearly $30,000 to area students in memory of Leah Ann Overstreet.

Catfish and chicken lunches, provided by Street’s Restaurant and Stagecoach Cafe, will be sold onsite and carry-outs will be available. Lunches will be available beginning at 11 a.m. and the cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

This year’s event will include the popular river raft races, and the return of the tube races and a “Rubber Duck” race. Each race entry fee is $5.

The tube races will be open to all ages, and participants will race in the river to determine winners. The tube races will begin at noon.

Patrons can sponsor a rubber duck and all ducks will be released into the water and the first duck to cross the finish line will win a cash prize for its sponsor. The ducks can be sponsored in advance or the day at the event up until race time. The “O What a Dessert” contest is open to all and

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Funds from the event will benefit members of the Baldwin County High School band through the Leah Ann Overstreet Memorial Scholarship Fund, in memory of “Mrs. O.”

winners will be selected in different categories. Desserts should arrive by 10:30 a.m. for judging and the winners will be announced that day. After judging, samples of the desserts will be available for purchase.

if you go WHAT: O Delta Day WHEN: Saturday, June 6; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: Lower Bryant Landing / Matthews Landing, Stockton COST: Lunch plates: Adults, $10; children, $5; race entry: $5 for each race FIND OUT MORE: 251-751-9216

The event includes water events such as river raft races, above, and tube races, below. Tube races will begin at noon.

14 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

ALL ABOUT FOOD

Bake a tart; go to France

By Jill Clair Gentry

I

ir Gentry Cla

jillianclair@gmail.com

PHOTO BY JILL CLAIR GENTRY

Jill

would love to go back to France.

I spent two weeks in Marseilles on a mission trip when I was 21, before I appreciated food and before I could drink wine. I definitely need to make a return trip.

I got all nostalgic about France the other day while I was reading Ruth Reichl’s “Tender at the Bone,” one of the most fantastic memoirs I have ever read. Throughout the book, the former editor of Gourmet magazine and New York Times restaurant critic includes hilarious stories from her life that revolve around food. She also generously in-

Oléron Berry Tart

From Ruth Reichl’s “Tender at the Bone”

Oléron Berry Tart

cludes recipes that go along with the events, including this raspberry tart recipe. Reichl recalls a summer she spent in France as a camp counselor. She and a friend sneak out to explore and end up discovering the baker of this tart, who shared her recipe.

I happened to be reading the book when I had some time off last month, and I decided to brave this seemingly intricate recipe. Although it is a bit time consuming, the absolute hardest part is rolling the pie crust into the tart pan.

But the beautiful thing about any kind of crust is it is delicious no matter how it looks, so give this one a try on a lazy Saturday. It took me right back to France for the morning.

Be brave! You can do it! fill with rice or dried beans and bake 20 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and filler and cook 4-5 more minutes, until golden.

Remove from oven and allow to cool while making filling.

Serves 8 Filling: Pastry: n n n n n

1 1/2 cup sifted flour 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 pound sweet butter 2 tablespoons cream 1 egg yolk

Put sugar and flour into a bowl. Cut the butter into small squares and add to flour/sugar mixture. Toss with your fingers until butter is coated with flour, and then rub until the mixture looks like cornmeal.

Add cream to egg and pour into flour mixture. Mix lightly with a fork until pastry holds together in a small ball. If not moist enough, add a tablespoon or so of water to bring it together.

Sprinkle flour across a counter and place pastry on flour. Push the dough with the heel of your hand until it has all been worked through. Gather into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and let rest in refrigerator for three hours.

Remove and allow to warm for ten minutes. Sprinkle more flour on the counter. Flatten ball into a disk and roll out in an eleven inch circle. Fit gently into an eight or nine inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press into pan gently, being careful not to stretch the dough.

Trim off edges and put into freezer for 10 minutes to firm.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line tart shell with aluminum foil and

n 3/4 cup blanched almonds (OK so this part is tedious: place almonds into boiling water for one minute. Drain; rinse with cool water. Remove skin from each almond) n 3/4 cup sugar n 3 tablespoons butter, softened n 3 large egg yolks n 1 teaspoon vanilla extract n 4 cups raspberries, or other seasonal berry

Put almonds and three tablespoons of the sugar in a food processor and grind to a fine powder.

In a large bowl, cream butter with remaining sugar. Add yolks, stirring until smooth. Add ground almond-sugar mixture and vanilla extract.

Spread almond cream into bottom of pre-baked tart shell.

Carefully cover the tart with 2 cups of the raspberries.

Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons sugar, bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool two hours.

Just before serving, cover the top of the tart with remaining 2 cups of raspberries.

Glaze is a matter of preference here: If you prefer a glaze you can melt 2 tablespoons of currant jam with 1 tablespoon of water in a pan, allow to cool and brush over the berries.

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 15

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

BETWEEN THE PAGES

Tell Cliff what you are reading at cliff@gulfcoastmedia.com

EASY BEACH READS

Cliff McC o

June 5 – 18, 2015

m llu

By Cliff McCollum cliff@gulfcoastmedia.com

Continuing the trend of spring/summer reading books, I thought it best to bring you dear readers several options for some tiny tomes to take with you as you go about your daily activities.

Whether basking on the beach or delighting in down time at home, these books aren’t a great commitment, but are a great read.

Any of the “Cat Who” murder mystery series

“Dad is Fat”

“Jaws”

“Charming, funny, and endearing” could also be the mantra of stand-up comic Gaffigan, who muses on life as the father of five young children in short pieces made to be read between fielding requests for beach snacks and breaking up water-splash fights.

You might raise some eyebrows pulling out this book as you sunbathe on the sand, but this is one of those texts that proves the old adage “The book is better than the movie.”

OK … maybe not better, but different enough to hold your attention.

by Jim Gaffigan

by Peter Benchley

by Lillian Jackson Braun

These murder mysteries center on retired journalist James Qwilleran and his extra-sensory Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum. Set in the town of Pickax, described as “400 miles north of everywhere,” you can enter into any book in the series and not have to worry about finding the first book — each mystery is selfcontained.

16 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

June 5 –18, 2015

CHEW ON THIS

Cousin Vinny's

By Jill Clair Gentry

Jill

ir Gentry Cla

jillianclair@gmail.com

M

y first experience at Cousin Vinny’s was a magical lunch with Daphne cookbook author Nancy Hughes after I interviewed her for a newspaper profile piece.

Nancy, who picked the restaurant, had the Shaved Ribeye sandwich and recommended I try the Grilled Yellowfin Tuna sandwich. That was a year and a half ago, and since then, I’ve revisited Vinny’s many, many times, and I’ve not been disappointed once.

What makes the food at Vinny’s special is attention to detail and refusal to skimp on the quality of the ingredients. Little additions like kalamata olives, capers, pine nuts, sprouts, homemade sauces and fresh bread take sandwiches and salads to the next level, while high-quality meats and fresh vegetables, combined with homemade sauce and crust, make the pizzas, calzones and stromboli shine.

If Vinny’s had better beer and wine selections (or was BYOB), it would be a perfect 10 in my book.

In addition to the great standard menu and fun specials, Vinny’s offers a comfortable atmosphere and surprisingly affordable prices — my kind of restaurant. If you follow this column, you’ve probably noticed a trend: I prefer to dine at a casual, more affordable place like Vinny’s and be relaxed and pleasantly surprised rather than at an expensive fine-dining restaurant, where I’ll

PHOTOS BY JILL CLAIR GENTRY

Next time you want to ditch the healthy eating and take yourself to carb heaven, try one of these rich, buttery calzones.

Foley • 251.987.5129 — Orange Beach • 251.965.5129

Local seafood tradition since 1973 Daily Chef Specials

Hand-Cut Steaks

Family Friendly

We cater!

WolfBayLodge.com

Waterfront Dining in Orange Beach

The Grilled Yellowfin Tuna sandwich was my first love at Cousin Vinny’s. Any sandwich on the menu is worth trying, but this is one of my favorites.

likely be disappointed in the overpriced food while I try to eat slowly and politely like the sophisticated lady I’m just … not.

In my opinion, food shouldn’t be intimidating; it should be comforting — like going home. And that’s how I feel every time I eat at Vinny’s.

restaurant profile NAME: Cousin Vinny’s LOCATION: 1709 Main St., Daphne HOURS: Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

CUISINE: Pizza, Italian, Sandwiches/Subs PRICE: $$$$$ FIND OUT MORE: 251-626-6082; Facebook.com/Cousin-Vinnys

“

In addition to the great standard menu and fun

specials, Vinny’s offers a comfortable atmosphere

”

and surprisingly affordable prices ...

… But if you’re like me and trying to cut out the carbs, healthier options, like this Greek salad, are still packed with flavor.

18 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

June 5 –18, 2015

WHERE TO GO

COURTESY OF NBCC

Start your summer at Market Days

M

arket Days at the Chamber will be held the third Saturday of June, July, August and September this year from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

Market Days at the Chamber hosts all types of community market vendors, from handmade, homemade and home grown to antiques, arts and crafts, jewelry and yard sale vendors. Market Days at the chamber hosts a variety of options for shopping and also includes local food vendors, kid's activities, live music and more!

“We are about to begin our second season of Market Days at the Chamber and we couldn't be more excited,” said Ashley Jones, executive director of the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. “This event offers something for everyone from arts and antiques to jams, jellies and produce; kid's activities, lunch plates and more. It is a great community event that gives everyone the opportunity to support local artists, businesses and fundraisers.”

Answers:

Puzzles on page 23

if you go WHAT: Market Days at the Chamber WHEN: June 20, July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE: North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, 301 McMeans Ave., Bay Minette COST: Free admission; vendor spaces available for $10 for chamber members and $15 for nonchamber members FIND OUT MORE: 251-937-5665

June 5 – 18, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC KARAOKE

Daphne Top of the Bay Friday and Sunday at 9 p.m.

Fairhope American Legion Post 199 Tuesday and Thursday at 8 p.m.

Gambino’s Italian Grill Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m.

Foley American Legion Post 99 Friday at 7 p.m.

Good Time Charley’s Tuesdays at 10 p.m.

The Office Lounge Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

Ft. Morgan Tacky Jacks Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Gulf Shores Behind the Pines Bar & Grill Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

Mudbugs Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

Pink Pony Pub every night at 8 p.m.

Tacky Jacks Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.

Lillian Lillian’s Cafe and Coffee

Compiled by Destiny Brown Email dbrown@gulfcoastnewspapers.com to update or add listings.

House Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Orange Beach Island Time Daiquiri Bar Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

Live Bait every night at 8 p.m.

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.

The Undertow Wednesday – Saturday at 9:30 p.m.

Robertsdale Buddy’s Lounge Friday and Saturday nights

Tacky Jacks Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.

Orange Beach Happy Harbor the Mothership Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Island Time Daiquiri Bar Tuesdays with Brittany Bell at 9 p.m.

Live Bait Sundays at 8 p.m.

Perdido Key Flora-Bama Mondays at 6 p.m.

OPEN MIC

Daphne Moe’s Bar B Que Wednesdays at 10 p.m.

Top of the Bay Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9 p.m.

Fairhope Ravenite Pizzeria Trivia Tuesdays, Sports Trivia Wednesdays Foley Good Time Charley’s everyday at 10 p.m.

The Office Lounge Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Fairhope American Legion 199 open guitar jams Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

The Gumbo Shack Thursdays at 6 p.m.

Old 27 Grill Bay Area Songwriter’s Association first and third Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

Plow every other Tuesday Foley American Legion Post 99 Sundays at 6 p.m.

The Office Lounge Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Gulf Shores Logan Spicer is performing at the Hot Spot June 10 and 17, and at Papa Rocco’s June 11, 18 and 19.

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 19

TRIVIA

BINGO

Foley American Legion Post 99 Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

Gulf Shores Tacky Jacks Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Orange Beach Bear Point Civic Association Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Tacky Jacks Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Mondays at 7 p.m.

Perdido Key Flora-Bama Monday through Friday 1-4 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

Foley American Legion Post 99 Tim Dean Moe’s Original Bar B Que Lee Yankie Duo Fairhope Old 27 Grill Acoustic Punch

with Brenda and Hollis Gulf Shores Bill’s by the Beach Lisa Zanghi and Scott Koehn LuLu’s Kyle and Karl Papa Rocco’s Logan and Jen Orange Beach Baumhower’s Roger Plemons Compleat Angler Destiny Brown Moe’s Original Bar B Que Ryan Balthorp Tacky Jacks The Budz Perdido Key Flora-Bama Shindig on the Sand

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

Fairhope Old 27 Grill Tyler Champion Windmill Market Cathy Brumback Foley Moe’s Original Bar B Que Lee Yankie American Legion Post 99 KAT Gulf Shores Bill’s by the Beach Barstool Surfers Hogwild BBQ Destiny Brown LuLu’s Shiny Objects Tacky Jacks Jimmy Lee Hanniford / Johnny B. Orange Beach Amphitheater at The Wharf Steve Miller Band Baumhowers Christina Christian Tacky Jacks Charlie Wilson Duo / Marty McIntosh Moe’s Original Bar B Que Kenny George Band Perdido Key Flora-Bama Shindig on the Sand

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

Fairhope Old 27 Grill Melissa Joiner Foley Moe’s Original Bar B Que Chris Bryant / James LeBlanc and Angela Hacker Gulf Shores LuLu’s Shiny Objects

20 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

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LIVE LOCAL MUSIC Orange Beach Bimini Bobs Destiny Brown Cobalt Coffee, Black Tacky Jacks Jonesy Gambino Perdido Key Flora-Bama Shindig on the Sand / Wayne Toups Band

MONDAY, JUNE 8

Perdido Key Flora-Bama Brittany Grimes / Marty McIntosh / Big Muddy / Smokin’ Elvis

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Alvarado Road Show Perdido Key Flora-Bama Ryan Conner / Zachary Diedrich / Perdido Brothers / Justin Jeansome Band / Shawna P

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

Fairhope Gambino’s Scott Morlock Gulf Shores LuLu’s Alvarado Road Show Orange Beach Compleat Angler Al and Kathy The Hot Spot Logan Spicer Perdido Key Flora-Bama Neil Dover / Johnny Barbato / Smokin’ Elvis / Hung Jury with Wade Reeves / Rebecca Barry Duo

THURSDAY, JUNE 11

Fairhope Gambino’s Scott Morlock Old 27 Grill Alan Hartzell Gulf Shores LuLu’s Sugarcane Jane Papa Rocco’s Logan Spicer Orange Beach Baumhower’s Destiny Brown Tacky Jacks Jimmie Lee Hanniford Sunset Festival at The Wharf Vibe Irie Perdido Key Flora-Bama Brittany Grimes / Mark Sherrill, John Joiner, Mel Knapp / Dave Jordan Band /

Four Unplugged Acoustic

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

Daphne Moe’s Bar B Que Rhythm Intervention Fairhope Gambino’s Scott Morlock Old 27 Grill Them Again Windmill Market Lonesome Mel / Harrison McInnis Foley American Legion Post 99 Tim Dean Moe’s Original Bar B Que Corey Rezner Fort Morgan Tacky Jacks Les Linton Gulf Shores Bill’s by the Beach Lisa Zanghi and Scott Koehn LuLu’s Lee Yankie Band Papa Rocco’s Logan and Jen Tacky Jacks Jimmy Lee Hanniford / Sarah Percy Orange Beach Amphitheater at The Wharf Eric Church Baumhower’s Double Dee Compleat Angler Sid Moore Tacky Jacks The Groovenators Moe’s Original Bar B Que Kristen Long Perdido Key Flora-Bama Four Unplugged

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

Fairhope Gambino’s Scott Morlock Old 27 Grill Hannah Wallace Foley American Legion Post 99 2 of Hearts Moe’s Original Bar B Que Harrison McInnis Gulf Shores Bill’s by the Beach Damien Lamb Duo Hogwild BBQ Destiny Brown LuLu’s Cornbred Orange Beach Baumhower’s Ronnie Presley Bimini Bobs Strickly Isbell Gilbey’s Marty McIntosh Tacky Jacks Melissa Joiner Duo

June 5 –18, 2015

Johnny B. will be playing at Papa Rocco’s June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21.

Moe’s Original Bar B Que Lee Yankie Perdido Key Flora-Bama Infant Richard

SUNDAY, JUNE 14

Fairhope Old 27 Grill Lisa Zanghi Foley Moe’s Original Bar B Que Nick Peraino Gulf Shores LuLu’s Cadillac Attack Orange Beach Bimini Bobs Destiny Brown Cobalt Coffee, Black Tacky Jacks Melissa Joiner Duo Perdido Key Flora-Bama Four Unplugged

TUESDAY, JUNE 16 Gulf Shores LuLu’s Jimmy Lumpkin

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

Fairhope Gambino’s Scott Morlock Gulf Shores LuLu’s Wes Loper Orange Beach Compleat Angler Al and Kathy The Hot Spot Logan Spicer

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

Fairhope Gambino’s Scott Morlock Gulf Shores LuLu’s Adam Holt Band

Papa Rocco’s Logan Spicer Orange Beach Baumhower’s Destiny Brown Tacky Jacks Damien Lamb Duo Sunset Festival at The Wharf Velcro Pygmies Moe’s Original Bar B Que Justin Kalk Orchestra

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Daphne Moe’s Bar B Que Pierce Edens Fairhope Gambino’s Scott Morlock Old 27 Grill Corey Rezner Windmill Market Jacob Brock Foley American Legion Post 99 Tim Dean Moe’s Original Bar B Que Winston Ramble Gulf Shores Bill’s by the Beach Rhythm Intervention LuLu’s Cool Rayz Papa Rocco’s Logan Spicer Tacky Jacks Johnny B. Orange Beach Baumhower’s Roger Plemons Compleat Angler Christina Christian Gilbey’s Joey Arata Tacky Jacks The Budz Moe’s Original Bar B Que Jon Cowart

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Fairhope

June 5 – 18, 2015 Gambino’s Scott Morlock Old 27 Grill The Budz Foley American Legion Post 99 Bruti Moe’s Original Bar B Que Jon Cowart Gulf Shores Hogwild BBQ Destiny Brown LuLu’s CoConut Radio Tacky Jacks Jimmy Lee Hanniford / Damien Lamb Duo Orange Beach Baumhower’s Ronnie Presley Bill’s by the Beach Rhythm Intervention Bimini Bobs Mario Mena Gilbey’s Joey Arata Tacky Jacks Charlie Wilson Duo / Soul Food Junkies Moe’s Original Bar B Que Lee Yankie

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

Fairhope Old 27 Grill Lonesome Mel Foley Moe’s Original Bar B Que Chris Bryant

GulfCoastNewsToday.com Catch Melissa Joiner at Old 27 Grill in Fairhope on Sunday, June 7.

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Crowned Jewelz Tacky Jacks Jimmy Lee Hanniford / Damien Lamb Duo Orange Beach Bill’s by the Beach Rhythm Intervention Bimini Bobs Destiny Brown Cobalt Coffee, Black Tacky Jacks Jonesy Gambino

ONGOING Fairhope

Bucky’s Birdcage Lounge at the Grand Hotel Adam Holt Piano Show every Wednesday night at 8 p.m.

Gambino’s Italian Grill Dueling Pianos every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Greg Brown every Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

LuLu’s Brent Burns every Monday at 4 p.m.

Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi every

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 21 Monday night Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Tuesday – Saturday Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey every Monday – Wednesday Papa Rocco’s Johnny B. every Saturday and Sunday Lillian Lillian’s Cafe Woody Street every Wednesday, Gary Story every Friday, Rhonda Hart and friends every Saturday and Ricky Rayburn every Sunday Robertsdale Magnolia Blossom Cafe live music every Friday night Silverhill The Porch live music every Saturday from 8 p.m. – midnight and Sunday from 4 – 7 p.m.

Wales West Live Bluegrass / Gospel every Tuesday Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Dale Drinkard Jr. every Friday and Sunday at 11 a.m.

Bluegill Restaurant Ross +1 every Wednesday night

22 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

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June 5 –18, 2015

TASTINGS

Think inside the box this summer Jon Robitaille

S

bitaille Ro

jrobitaille@cainsgrocery.com

Jo

n

Beer/Wine Specialist at Cain’s Piggly Wiggly

ummer is here and our attention turns toward outside activities — boating, the beach, picnics and the pool. These activities tend to be prohibitive of glass containers thus making wine not a viable option to enjoy on a hot summer day. Winemakers took notice and began selling wine in boxes with Franzia leading the way.

Boxed wines, also referred to as a BIB (Bag in Box), are typically produced in 3-, 4- and 5-liter sizes which is the equivalent to four to eight 750-milliliter bottles.

BIB packaging is less expensive, lighter and more environmentally friendly than glass-bottled wine. The tap greatly reduces oxidation of the wine during dispensing thus allowing for a shelf life of approximately three to four weeks after opening.

The question amongst the aisles of a wine shop this time of year is, “But are they any good? If it’s in a box, it can’t be that good.”

The answer is a simple “Yes; as good as any of the high volume brands of wine you would buy in a glass bottle.”

The fact of the matter is that high volume brands enjoy an economy of scale and you will find them in boxes more readily than premium wines. However, several companies are producing a product they consider premium.

By far one of the best brands is Delicato’s Bota Box. Ten varietals (including all the standards) are produced in a 3 liter box but their Redvolution is a must try. It’s a great everyday red blended with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Delicato is pioneering a new 1.5 liter box size this year marketed as the Bota Brick.

Vin Vault is Gallo’s newest entry in the 3-liter

b o x w i n e m a rket. It is marketed as a portfolio of premium wines available in six varietals, each crafted in a distinct style: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Red Blend.

If you are looking for something a bit more unique, seek out Arrumaco Garnacha Rose in a 3-liter box. The Spanish Rose is 100 percent Garnacha from vineyards in Galicia which offers a mild-Atlantic climate and sandy soils. The wine is fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks with no malolactic conversion. Lighter in color and body than many other Spanish rosés, this one is loaded with intense raspberry and plum aromas that follow to a crisp yet silky palate.

So get outside, enjoy the summer. Enjoy the outdoor activities, but don’t forget to enjoy the wine!

The question amongst the aisles of a wine shop this time of year is, “But are they any good?

June 5 – 18, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

PUZZLES

See page 18 for answers.

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 23