May 31 Issue

"I mean who can say "no" to beef tongue?"

“If you just stay true, some good things are coming back to you.”

"Pensacola is too small a town for fake IDs."

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IN's 2012

Summer Dining Guide page 9

Independent News | May 31, 2012 | Volume 13 | Number 22 | inweekly.net | cover model Ashley Hardaway / photo by Samantha Crooke

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publisher & editor Rick Outzen production manager Joani Delezen art director Samantha Crooke administration/ staff writer Jennie McKeon staff writer Jeremy Morrison contributing writers Bradley “B.J.� Davis, Jr., Joani Delezen, Hana Frenette, James Hagen, Ashley Hardaway, Brett Hutchins, Chelsa Jillard, Sarah McCartan, Kate Peterson, Chuck Shepherd intern Stephanie Sharp

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inweekly.net

winners & losers Rick Scott

Tommy Tait

winners

losers

TOMMY TAIT Summit Bank NA has named him president of its Pensacola, Fla. operations. Tait, formerly of Hancock Bank, is a seasoned banking veteran and a native of the Pensacola/Milton area. He has longstanding relationships in the area’s banking and finance sectors, and is also former CFO of the West Florida Medical Center Clinic.

RICK SCOTT Florida’s governor stepped into “it” again. When meeting Spain’s King Juan Carlos, Scott used as his icebreaker, “I’ve ridden elephants, I’ve never tried to shoot one.”

King Carlos had been hit in April with scathing criticism for going on an expensive elephant hunting trip in Botswana amid the nation's deep financial woes. He didn’t need another reminder from Scott. Of course, Spanish media gave the faux pas wide exposure. When he returned to Florida, Scott insisted that he had done nothing wrong.

BLAISE ADAMS The regional president

of PNC Bank is the unsung hero of the negotiations between 4-H, Escambia County and Navy Federal Credit Union over the financial institution’s purchase of the 240-acre Langley Bell 4-H Center for $3.6 million. Adams, a former chairman of the Greater Pensacola Chamber board of directors, worked tirelessly on the many hurdles involved in the deal. Navy Federal expects to add 600 employees there, bringing its Pensacola total to 3,000 within a year.

CYNDEE PENNINGTON Venues To-

day, an international trade publication, recently recognized the General Manager and Southeast Regional Director of Live Entertainment for SMG, as a nominee for the Women of Influence award. Pennington was nominated for her tireless dedication to the Pensacola Civic Center since opening its doors in 1985.

While hosting some of the largest touring acts throughout the years, Pennington has played an invaluable role by successfully managing almost 600 events just in 2011.

MALCOLM THOMAS The early Florida

Comprehensive Assessment Test results aren’t positive for the Escambia County Public School District that Superintendent Thomas runs. The district is behind state averages and those of neighboring Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Rather than spend his funds on improving classroom instruction, the first-term superintendent has chosen to nearly double his unrestricted reserves to over $68 million. The new tests and standards are tough, but the man at the top has to take some responsibility. To date, he has not.

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outtakes

by Rick Outzen

PAY ATTENTION The 2012 municipal elections have the potential to be a mid-term test for Mayor Ashton Hayward and the 2010 city charter. There are five city council seats up for election. If the anti-strong mayor crowd seizes control of council, then Hayward could be mired in biweekly power struggles for the remaining two years of his term.

When Hayward took office, the city was optimistic about the full implementation of the new city charter that placed the city government in the hands of the mayor for the first time in 80 years. The older members of the council, P.C. Wu, John Jerralds and Ronald Townsend, had not favored it or Hayward, but appeared willing to comply with the will of the voters.

Megan Pratt had stayed neutral during the charter referendum and the mayoral election, but the others, Maren DeWeese, Brian Spencer, Sam Hall, Larry Johnson and Sherri Myers, had all campaigned for the strong-mayor form of government.

DeWeese, Spencer, Hall and Johnson had supported Hayward.

The calm didn’t last long. However, even with DeWeese, Pratt and Myers forming a block against most of Hayward’s initiatives, the mayor got things done with the support of the other six council members.

Then came the “Council Spring.”

When Mayor Hayward worked out a deal to have Pen Air Federal Credit Union

buy the Thiesen Building and move over 100 jobs downtown, he needed the council to forgive an $80,000 loan to the Downtown Improvement Board that would provide financial support for its new economic development incentive program that offered Pen Air parking for its employees.

Johnson defected, Hall accused the mayor’s staff of strong-arm tactics and Hayward appeared to be on the brink of losing his first big vote.

Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed—after all Pen Air was bringing nearly $5 million in payroll to downtown. The measure passed 8—1, with DeWeese casting the dissenting vote.

However, the Pen Air/DIB debate gave us a taste of what could happen to Hayward’s initiatives when one council member switches his/her vote to the opposition.

Wu, DeWeese, Jerralds, Townsend and Hall are up for re-election. Only Wu and DeWeese have pre-filed to run. The qualifying period runs from June 4 to noon, June 8. The primary election is August 14. If run-offs are necessary, they will be November 6.

These elections will either push this city ahead or drag it into endless council debates that will deadlock the city’s progress and unravel the new charter. Pensacola needs to pay attention to its council races, now more than ever. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Pensacola needs to pay attention to its council races, now more than ever.

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THE BEST GUN SALESMAN IN AMERICA

Obama’s Re-Election Driving Gun Sales

by Adriana Dueck-Lyon In small brown-brick that sits in the shadow of Pensacola Christian College, Ammunition Sales Company has had brisk sales since the 2008 presidential election. Democratic presidents are very good for those in the gun and ammunition business.

“Just prior to the 2008 election, it was insane,” said Larry Blackburn, owner of Ammunition Sales Company. “You couldn’t get guns. The 380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) ammunition, which is used for self-defense, wasn’t available for up to a year after being sold out. Concealed carry

from the blog

handguns, such as the AR-15, I couldn’t even keep in stock.”

In the months leading up to the 2008 election, Pensacola firearms vendors saw a significant increase in sales, mainly concealed carry weapons and permits.

They also saw a new and diverse group of first-time gun owners and purchasers.

Blackburn, as well as several other local gun dealers interviewed by the IN, believe that the sales increase was due to fear of presidential frontrunner then-Sen. Barack Obama and rumors of more restrictive gun laws being enacted if he was elected.

“Fear of politics, crime, and increased restrictions all drove the increase in sales,” said Rick Bankston, owner of Buck & Bass Sporting Goods, a retailer on Pine Forest Road near the Pensacola Interstate Fairground. According to Bankston, people thought they needed to “get one before it’s too late.”

In the frenzy that normally surrounds leadership changes, the American way of business and entrepreneurship often makes opportunity for the waters between politics and good business to become murky.

“You may not like me; you may not always agree with me, but you don’t have the right to question my passion or ‘fire’ for this job.”— Commissioner Gene Valentino

Online gun retailer Ammo.net best summed up the situation when it labeled President Obama “the greatest gun salesman of the year” in an infographic published in February 2012. Websites and blogs recurrently supported by or affiliated with the Nation Rifle Association (NRA), such as gunbanobama.org, labeled Obama as “the most anti-gun President in American his-

“Fear of politics, crime, and increased restrictions all drove the increase in sales.”

Rick Bankston tory” and claimed during his 2008 presidential campaign that he had “endorsed a 500 percent increase in the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition.”

With 2012 presidential race settling down to a battle between Pres. Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, gun retailers expectantly wait for increased business as November approaches. Bankston said he has not seen a significant increase in sales

“I have an obligation to uphold and enforce the provisions of the Charter, effectively communicate with the city council and protect the employees from political interference.”—Mayor Ashton Hayward

since the beginning of the year, but he was anticipating a “strong fall season.”

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, a trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, said at its January 2012 trade show that many indicators show the firearms industry will continue to thrive in a down economy and that the potential exists for another strong sales year in 2012.“ The $4 billion firearms and ammunition industry stands apart from other industries that are struggling in the slow economy,” said NSSF officials in a press release. “Demand for guns has continued at a robust pace since late 2008. NSSF estimates the industry is responsible for approximately 180,000 jobs and has impact on the U.S. economy of $28 billion.”

The question remains whether guns and gun control will be an issue this election season. So far neither the NRA official website or the Barack Obama official re-election website mention anything directly involving the President and gun laws. Pres. Obama, not unlike his time spent in office or previous to his election, has kept his opinions and plans regarding gun control at minimum.

However, the president makes no pretenses that he is pro-gun; his record wouldn’t support that. After the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), Pres. Obama did say that he would work on developing new steps to gun safety, but how he intends to carry out those plans is still unclear.

In contrast, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is hard at work strengthening his base and appealing to one of the most powerful groups in the fall election: the NRA and its affiliates. “ We need a president who will enforce current laws, not create new ones that only serve to burden lawful gun owners. Pres. Obama has not; I will,” Romney said when addressing the NR A in April. “ We need a president who will stand up for the rights of hunters, sportsmen and those seeking to protect their homes and their families. Pres. Obama has not; I will.”

Those sound like the fighting words the NRA, NSSF, Larry Blackburn and Rick Bankston love to hear. {in}

"If we all lived like the honey badger, we would indeed be more fearless."—Huffington Post

“I want Kumbaya tonight.”— Council President Sam Hall

Rick’s Blog has been quoted in the New York Times, Newsweek and on dozens of websites, including The Daily Beast. Read it to find out the real story behind the news. Visit ricksblog.biz.

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inweekly.net

buzz LEGION FIELD UPDATE With plans to break ground by the end of summer, the city of Pensacola hosted another public input meeting last night for the Legion Field Resource Center.

Dave Flaherty, the city’s director of Neighborhood Services, opened the meeting by assuring that concerns pertaining to the library portion of the project had been heard during a previous public input session.

“It was very clear that the library was the number one issue on people’s minds,” Flaherty told the crowd of about twodozen people.

During the previous public meeting, concerns were raised over the size of the new home of the Westside Library. While he said that planners “went back and did their homework” pertaining to the library, the proposed plans remained much the same due to financial limitations.

“Quite honestly, to be up front with you,” Flaherty said, “you’re probably not going to see a lot of change from what you saw three weeks ago.”

DAG architect Pat Owen explained that the current Westside Library had been visited in order to get a feel for what the new facility would be housing. He also said that the facility would be bigger than had been previously stated; during the previous meeting the library size was listed at around 3500 square feet.

“We apologize, we kind of threw a number out there that was kind of a grenade,” he said, explaining that the library would be closer to 4300 square feet. “Hopefully, you see we are definitely not going to have less space.”

The architect also spoke about the resource center’s other aspects: t-ball fields, shade trees, and the basketball court. Owen said that the gymnasium could double as a multi-use facility.

“It’s limited by your imagination how that can be utilized,” he said.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents inquired about building standards and raised concerns about the impact on children and families who live near the current Westside Library. One woman wanted to know if the city had explored using any of the vacant school properties as a facility for a new library.

Diane Mack took issue with the library’s aesthetics. She said it needed to be a more welcoming facility.

“When I look at that,” Mack said, motioning toward the plans, “it looks sterile, it looks clinical—like something out of a bad movie, like ‘Gattaca’ or something.”

Another person was interested in the new resource center’s environmental building standards—“How green is it?”

Owen said that the building would meet Energy Star requirements, but not qualify for LEED certification. He also assured everyone that the building would be able to weather hurricanes as well as the day-to-day.

“Besides hurricanes,” Owen said, “we’re designing it for people who like to kick basketMay 31, 2012

all the political news and gossip fit to print balls against the wall and throw basketballs at ceilings—it’s designed for that, very durable.”

Flaherty said that concerns heard during these public input sessions will be factored into the project. The Legion Field Resource Center project is slated to begin by September.

Due to the public meetings, Flaherty said the original start-date of August had been pushed back a month. He said efforts would be made to speed up the process and start the 14-month project on time—“but that’s going to be very optimistic.”

The entire project should be wrapped up

by October or November of 2013.

COUNCIL PICKS ITS MAN As the appointed time for the Pensacola City Council’s special meeting to select its new executive came and went on Thursday, May 24, Councilwoman Megan Pratt began to wonder where the majority of her fellow council members were.

“Wasn’t that a unanimous vote that we meet at five?” she asked.

“We’ve got to have a quorum,” said Councilman Ronald Townsend.

“I’m not gonna say a word,” said City Administrator Bill Reynolds.

Earlier in the week, the city council had arranged for Thursday’s special Committee of the Whole meeting in order to choose between four candidates for the board’s long-sought council executive position.

Pratt, Townsend and Councilwoman Sherri Myers were eventually joined by councilmen John Jerralds, Brian Spencer and P.C Wu, but the remaining three members did not attend the meeting.

Townsend wasn’t happy about the members’ lack of participation.

“This is getting to be almost a fiasco in regards to the actions of the council,” he complained. “I’d use another characterization, but I’m Catholic.”

Before selecting their executive, council members needed to determine the process.

They had previously discussed using a rating system, with the top-scoring candidate getting the position. After some discussion, the council decided to stick with that method instead of taking a more traditional vote.

City Attorney Jim Messer then informed the board that Councilwoman Maren DeWeese, one of the absentees, had given him her sealed-ballot vote. The councilwoman had not used the ranking system.

“To add to the confusion, Councilwoman DeWeese voted by secret ballot,” Messer said.

“If you rank the candidates, obviously that nullifies her vote.”

Pratt suggested using DeWeese’s vote as a tiebreaker if necessary, but the other members weren’t receptive. They preferred to throw out the councilwoman’s vote entirely.

“The train has left the station and we’re ready to pull out,” Jerralds said.

“That’s like voting in abstention. That can’t be done,” added Myers. “And by the way, Councilwoman DeWeese is the one who sug-

gested that it be done by ranking. She brought that up and we agreed.”

At that point, Wu motioned that the board go ahead with the ranking method. The notion got unanimous support.

“Alright, let’s do it,” said Townsend. “Will somebody lend me a pencil?”

Council members rated the candidates 1 through 4, with their top pick receiving the lowest number. The candidate who got the lowest score in total would be the new council executive.

One of the four executive candidates did not show up during the council’s COW meeting earlier in the week. There had since been uncertainty as to her current status, which led to some council members not ranking that candidate, and using a 1 through 3 scale— which threw the math off. To clean up the math, the council decided to add eight points to candidate Marinda Spradley’s score.

The winning candidate was Terence Milstead, PhD (11 points)—a professor from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. The board’s second choice was Warrington Middle School teacher Vanessa Watson (13 points), with Donald Kelly (15 points), a Pensacola city planner, and Spradley (21 points), an office manager in Alabama, rounding it out.

Later, in the city council’s regular meeting, a member of the public scolded the board members who had missed the special session.

The entire council was present for the 5:30 p.m. meeting.

“It was quite an important decision being made,” Dottie Dubuisson told the council.

FCAT CRISIS Escambia County had 3,161

third-graders take the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test reading exam. Fifty-one percent of them scored a 3 or higher on the exam, compared to 72 percent in Santa Rosa County and 64 percent in Okaloosa County.

The statewide score was 56 percent.

The top Escambia County elementary schools were Pensacola Beach Charter 92 percent (24 students), the magnet school N.B. Cook 81 percent (117 students), A.K. Suter 80 percent (51 students) and Hellen Caro 71 percent (144 students). At the bottom were Montclair 15 percent (52 students), Weis 15 percent (78 students), O.J. Semmes 10 percent (52 students) and A.A. Dixon 9 percent (22 students).

Montclair and Weis were A schools last year; Semmes was a C. The touted Global Learning Academy that has had thousands of dollars pumped into it and thousands of volunteer man-hours had 30 percent score 3 or higher with 138 children taking the test.

The FCAT math results were also where Escambia County’s third-graders lagged behind the state and neighboring counties.

Thomas had only 51 percent score at Level 3 or higher—Santa Rosa 72 percent and Okaloosa 64 percent. The statewide percentage was 56 percent. {in}

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T IN's 2012

Summer Dining Guide May 31, 2012

he dog days of summer are officially here. We challenge anybody who doubts us on this one to try and stand outside in direct sunlight for ten minutes and avoid sweating. Yeah, it's not going to happen until at least mid-September.

One good thing about the changing of the seasons is the change in food pallets it brings about. From what restaurants cook up to what you actually crave and want to eat, summer grub is a whole new ballgame for most people. Lighter, fresher, literally cooler (gazpacho, anyone?) is what summer food is all about. Seasonal fruit and fresh seafood turn up just about everywhere. It's also a time when all people—no matter what age— scream for ice cream. And gelato, fro-yo and any other frozen treat they can get their hands on.

In honor of this sweltering, yet tasty, season, we present our annual Summer Eats issue. We ate at some new places, some old ones and we even ventured out to UWF to try their new food truck. Whether you're a beach bum who loves seafood and dining al fresco or a Downtown dweller, like us, stuck in an office enjoying AC but a limited lunch selection, we've got something for you. So read up, dig in and get ready for a long, hot summer full of good food.

9

EAT LIKE A…

by Ashley Hardaway

in the heart of what was once known as the “Harlem of the South” it makes a great story.

The fact that the counter guy gets annoyed when you ask if they still have ribs and they’re out, or if you can get cheese on your burger (you can’t), or if they have menus (they don’t) just adds to its appeal. It’s like Pensacola’s version of that Soup place on Seinfeld.

310 N. De Villiers St. 432-0644

SCENIC 90 CAFE

Daniel Vanderpool with New Yorker Deli's Marinated Artichoke Salad, Curried Chunky Turkey Salad, and Pasta Rockefeller / photo by Samantha Crooke

"S

ometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name…" Or, in the case of restaurants, where the waitress knows your order. But there are also times when you want to go somewhere totally new and eat something fresh and exciting. Or a place where the tourists outnumber locals and you can lie and say you're "Steve, from, um...

Michigan."

Whatever your fancy, the following list has you covered:

Eat Like a Local SLUGGO’S

Now that Sluggo’s has moved to just off Palafox downtown, dare I say it’s become

even more popular. Locals know that even non-vegans can get down with the menu as it offers a fantastic array of hearty, but healthy, items such as a Mushroom Walnut Burger, Peanut Thai Noodle Bowl and pot-stickers.

They also know that it’s the prime people watching post in downtown Pensacola. In one minute you can see a bike riding, townie hipster ordering a craft beer next to a lawyer in a suit who just ordered the tofu noodle bowl.

Come one, come all.

101 S. Jefferson St. 791-6501 sluggos.net

BLUE DOT BARBECUE

Locals like to brag when they’ve eaten here, and why not! In an unmarked location

For a quick breakfast on weekend mornings, or a relaxed dinner in the evening, this is where the locals go. On Saturday mornings it’s possible you’ll see some community meeting happening over hash browns and pumpkin pancakes, some awkward brunch dates and a few elderly couples who have perfected their breakfast routine. Grab a paper (like this one) and a booth and bask in the glory of your good choices!

701 Scenic Hwy. 433-8844 scenic90cafe.com

OZONE PIZZA PUB

With a loyal following, great music, extensive beer list and pizza creations so addictive they border being classified as a Level-1 narcotic—Ozone’s is a local mecca. Long-term residents know that fewer joys can be found in life greater than enjoying a Ponderosa Stomp pizza (bbq sauce, diced green onion, green peppers, bacon, cheddar cheese and spicy chicken drizzled with honey) with a side of cream cheese. Trust me.

1010 N. 12 Ave., Ste 111 433-7336 ozonepensacola.com

NEW YORKER DELI & PIZZERIA

Inside this small house is a Pensacola gem that locals have been going to since they were children—at least this local. Try one of the many deli salads (like their “Rockefeller Pasta Salad” made with spinach, sun dried tomatoes and feta, or their Pesto Tortellini) and order a pizza to share. Call ahead and take out.

3001 E. Cervantes St. 469-0029

Ozone's Ponderosa Stomp pizza / photo by Samantha Crooke

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COFFEE CUP

People eat at the Coffee Cup because since 1945 people have been saying, “I can’t believe you’ve never eaten at the Coffee Cup.” The interior hasn’t changed since its opening and neither have the recipes. For a truly oldfashioned diner food experience the Coffee Cup is where to go. Long waits on weekends speak to the fact that our southern sense of nostalgia is as strong as ever.

520 E. Cervantes St. 432-7060

DHARMA BLUE

Dharma Blue / photo by Samantha Crooke

CITY GROCERY

In the spring and summer the front patio of City Grocery resembles a neighborhood delicatessen in France: all parchment wrapped sandwiches and wine bottles. For leisurely afternoon lunches fewer places offer a retreat as welcoming as City Grocery. Order from the back deli counter, grab a bottle off the shelf, and think to yourself “why don’t I do this more often?” as the world slips by.

2050 N.12 Ave. 469-8100

Eat Like a Tourist PEG LEG PETE’S

For its fresh oysters, baked or raw, plenty of outside seating, live music on the weekends, and its relaxed view on what constitutes appropriate dining attire (bikini top, sandals and a sarong?—Sure!) Peg Leg Pete’s is always a hit with tourists and locals who know that this is one of those rare gems that actually lives up to its hype.

1010 Fort Pickens Road Pensacola Beach 932-4139 peglegpetes.com

them in the crowds and be sure to send them off to the bathroom—McGuire’s is a must see place for tourists and a weekly go-to spot for locals as the food is always spot on. End the night with stapling another dollar bill to the wall and an Irish sing-a-long or two. This is a place tourists wish they had back home and locals miss when they leave.

600 E. Gregory St. 433-6789 mcguiresirishpub.com

THE GRAND MARLIN

With fantastic views of the sound, a spacious open-floor deck bar and food that always delivers—it’s no wonder that The Grand Marlin is a must-visit place on any tourist’s list.

Heck, locals can’t enough of it either.

400 Pensacola Beach Blvd.

When people come to the South they want to feel it, and where better than in a refurbished manor home overlooking the park?

Its salads, sushi and entrees that cater to a wide variety of tastes keep them coming back, but it’s the charming interior that truly captivates. For locals and tourists wanting a night out that feels more Savannah than Panama City, this is the place to go.

300 S. Alcaniz St. 433-1275 dharmanblue.com

Eat Like A Foodie TU-DO VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT While the interior may not be anything amazing, true foodie aficionados know it’s the dishes that matter. With an abundance of fresh cilantro and mung sprouts and pho dishes that blow anything from a buffet back to where it came from, Tu-Do can live up to even the sternest of food snob opinions.

7130 N. Davis Hwy. 473-8877

FISH HOUSE

If your visitor exclaims, “I heard there was this dish I have to try—ya ya something!” then you know where you must go. While they’re chowing down on Grits a Ya Ya (smoked Gouda cheese grits smothered with Gulf shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, bacon and cream sauce) you can enjoy the view and the pretentious thought “only tourists eat that,” before seeing theirs and ordering one of your own.

600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 fishhouse.goodgrits.com

MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB AND BREWERY

Hold your guest’s hand so you don’t lose

May 31, 2012

Fish House's Grita a Ya Ya / courtesy photo 11

Eat Something New

RODIZIO GRILL

CARMEN’S LUNCH BAR

Opening in late summer this restaurant, which won the $50,000 Pensacola Business Challenge, has already built up a lot of hype.

Promising an “eclectic blend of southern and international cuisine” it has the downtown business crowd stomach’s grumbling already.

407 S. Palafox St.

Like meat? Like lots of meat? Then try out the Rodizio Grill where, in following with the traditional Brazilian steakhouse concept, they will literally just keep serving you until you say, “stop.” Their salad bar is also so fantastic that many come simply for that. A great addition to “restaurant row.”

605 E. Gregory St. 466-2113 rodiziogrill.com {in}

THE BODACIOUS OLIVE

Joe Patti's / photo by Samantha Crooke

THE EVER’DELI

For food snobs that react violently at the thought of pates and foie gras, there’s The Ever’Deli that serves up organic dishes and some vegan delights. With daily specials, an expansive selection of pre-made items and the feeling of satisfaction that results from eating a meal that’s actually good for you, The Ever’Deli is a favorite for those with discerning tastes and hot bodies.

315 W. Garden St. 438-0402 everman.org

FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL FOOD MARKET If you’ve ever been to a party and they’re serving Moldovan beer, Halal chicken and Halvah, chances are your host has been to Four Winds recently. And while the assistance can border on annoying (no, I don’t want to buy a whole rack leg of lamb) the store itself is worth browsing. Amongst its slightly chaotic shelves are delicacies from around the world.

The back deli also serves up some of the best sandwiches and spreads in town.

6895 N. 9th Ave. 477-2808 gofourwinds.com

JOE PATTI’S

When the only way to satisfy your tastes is to do it yourself, then you my friend are on a journey to Joe Patti’s. Yes, the tourists come here, but no one does it like you do! Here you can pacify your nerves by picking out the exact fillet you want, or ask questions about where your seafood came from and how it was processed. Fresh caught or farm raised? Deveined and shelled or heads on? The choices are yours. Rest easy OCD foodie—they understand your type here.

524 S. B St. 432-3315 joepattis.com

DINNER WITH CHEF BLAKE RUSHING AT THE LEE HOUSE

A simple dinner date at a restaurant will not do for you, unique experience foodie, crave the mystique of the unordinary. For that, there’s only one thing: Monday and Tuesday night dinners with Blake Rushing at The Lee House. Four courses with wine parings for $65. Reservations required.

400 Bayfront Pkwy.

383-4333 leehousepensacola.com

Finally Trucking Pensacola always takes a little time to catch up with food trends (the cupcake boom of 2010 can attest to this). However, better late than never, perhaps no gastronomic movement has been so looked forward to in this area as the arrival of the food truck. Unfortunately for downtowners, it’s over by UWF—leave it to the young-ins to get first dibs. Called Bistro Blue, UWF's food truck blasts jazz from its speakers as it serves up a menu of New Orleans inspired fare.

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The offerings include light breakfast (like “The Philly Bagel,” a toasted bagel with Philly steak, provolone cheese, sautéed onions and "argo" sauce for $4.50) while the later lunch menu includes items such as jambalaya and bistro style sandwiches (like curry chicken salad on a Farmhouse roll, mozzarella chicken on rosemary focaccia, and the muffaletta on Sicilian bread with olive relish for $7.70). Opened in May, Bistro Blue is a fully contained restaurant on wheels, allowing it

With marinated olives, fresh pasta, a dizzying array of infused olive oils (like cilantro and roasted onion and California garlic), to balsamic vinegars (like wild blueberry and ginger) and gourmet salts, this gorgeous boutique is worth exploring.

407-D S. Palafox St. 433-6505 bodaciousolive.com

TIN COW

Spiked milkshakes and a createyour-own-burger concept (you choose the bun, the meat, the toppings) make this place a welcome addition to Palafox. The good selection of canned beers make it a popular first stop on a night out downtown.

102 S. Palafox 466-2103 thetincow.com

Tin Cow's spiked Gorilla milkshake / photo by Samantha Crooke

Say Cheese

Have you ever posted a photo of a dish you made on your Facebook page? Or Tweeted a photo of what you're about to eat at a restaurant, before even trying it? Of course you have.

That's what social media is for, right?

We'd like to encourage you to explore and expand your food-tography skills with our Say Cheese contest. Here's what you do:

1. Take a photo of any dish you eat from any restaurant featured anywhere in Summer Eats.

2. Post the photo on our Facebook, tweet it to us or just email it (email: info@inweekly.net, tweet: @inpublisher).

3. Make sure you include what dish it is and where you are.

We'll pick our favorite and give them a $50 restaurant gift certificate. Contest ends July 31, 2012. {in}

to travel to various sides of campus to serve the students in a fun way that meets the school's needs for portable food service.

During the summer it will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and parked between buildings 12 and 18 on campus.

BISTRO BLUE 11000 University Pkwy.

474-2406 {in}

photo by Samantha Crooke inweekly.net

I

f you've ever bookmarked a recipe (bonus points for never actually making it), drooled over a photo of someone else's lunch or based your restaurant choice on a raving review, you're probably a fan of food blogs. We are too.

Here's a list of our favorite places to kill time while indulging our inner foodie.

SPOONFORKBACON.COM

What do you get when a food stylist and food photographer team up to blog recipes?

A blog that makes everything looking amazingly tasty—even shaved beetroot salad with sweet champagne vinaigrette. You can also follow them on Instagram if you want to get extra hungry.

HONEYANDJAM.COM

Hannah Queen is a Georgia based baker and photographer. There are muffins, cakes and tarts a plenty on her blog, which is food heaven for anyone who loves baked goods and gorgeous photos of said baked goods.

OH JOY EATS—PART OF OHJOY.BLOGS.COM Lifestyle blogger Joy Cho has a sweet

May 31, 2012

BLOG ROLL

by IN Staff

tooth and she's not afraid to blog about it.

She'll have you craving cupcakes and milkshakes at least once a week. She's also got a few really fun columns like "Oh Joy Eats Lunch With" and "Oh Joy Eats" where she reviews restaurants (mostly in her home-base LA).

101COOKBOOKS. COM

photos and descriptions of their specials—which change regularly. If you start following it, you'll probably be in there for dinner at least once a week we bet.

HOMESICKTEXAN.BLOGSPOT. COM

HUNGRYNOMADEATS. BLOGSPOT.COM

BROWNEYEDBAKER.COM

This blog is perfect for the traveling foodie because it features restaurant reviews from various cities, including a lot of New Orleans spots (since one of the "nomads" lives there).

An online recipe journal that's unique because the blogger behind The Magnolia's Lemon curd, pound it, Heidi, travels a lot. cake & blueberry trifle in a mason jar / courtesy photo She's into fresh, healthy foods, so the recipes JACOSBAYFRONTinclude tons of fruits, veggies and herbs.

BARANDGRILLE.COM/BLOG

PINTEREST.COM/THEMAGNOLIAEPH

Not exactly a "blog" but still worth bookmarking, the "What we're cooking" pinboard for local spot The Magnolia is full of

Did you know that Jaco's chef Tricia Horton has a blog? Neither did we until recently, but we're glad we stumbled upon it. Her recipe for cilantro tomato corn relish alone is worth putting the blog on your to read list.

A Texan moves to New York City and decides to blog about what she misses from home—the food, of course. A perfect blog for fans of BBQ, fried chicken, and Tex-Mex. Michelle, the Brown Eyed Baker, posts mostly about baked goods, but ventures into comfort foods and appetizers as well. Her recipes are easy to follow, so if you actually want to try and cook what you see, this is a good place to start.

ESQUIRE.COM/BLOGS/FOODFOR-MEN

Esquire magazine's Eat Like a Man blog isn't just for men, despite its name. But it is pretty man friendly and meat heavy, so vegetarians might not find too much except for the drink recipes—which are pretty great too, actually. Here's an example of a recent post that had us reading, laughing and cooking: "6 Better Things to Do with Eggs This Weekend." {in}

13

HUNGRY GAMES

by IN staff

it. I mean, if you know the burgers are great at Jerry's, for example, why would you ever go anywhere else, right?

Some members of the IN Staff, freelance team and even our INtern admit that we too fall victim to this routine logic. So we decided to venture out and try something new.

Whether it was one our favorite foods at a new place or just a restaurant that we've driven by hundreds of times but never stopped at, we all had a mini-food adventure. And most of us liked the new places so much they are probably going to become part of our routines.

Make a few things and make them well.

ProBoKnows bean soup / photo by Dan Fugate

M

ost people find themselves stuck in a food rut from time to time. Whether you go to the same place everyday for everyday lunch because it's cheap and quick (yeah,

414 1

we're talking about you, downtown Subway) or just frequent the same places over and over again, most of us rarely venture out of our comfort zones food wise. Maybe you try a new place when it opens, but that's about

TAS-T-O DONUTS AND SANDWICH SHOP

By Ashley Hardaway

We all know the building: the slightly tattered, but oddly captivating nook on the corner of E Street and Cervantes. Since childhood, I have watched people ordering from its window as I got stopped at the red light on the corner. I have always meant to go and try it, after all, it’s odd that you can live somewhere almost your entire life and yet consistently experience only mere fractions of it, so this weekend I decided that for lunch I was having donuts and barbecue.

The menu hangs taped to the interior of the window, divided into the lunch and breakfast options (they open at 6:30am) and the donuts. I got a cinnamon roll, a mini sweet potato pie, a cinnamon twist donut, a chicken sandwich and a large order of fries.

Grand total: $6 and some change. They make the sandwiches and fries to order so while I waited the five minutes it took to prepare those items, I dug into my baked goods. They were excellent, the highlight being the cinnamon roll that was smothered

inweekly.net

Tas-T-O Donuts and Sandwich Shop menus / photos by Ashley Hardaway in icing and not dry at all. The woman working the cash register and I chatted while my fries were cooking. We spoke about the area and how it was changing and about soul food in general (I now have many more places on my list to try).

As we finished talking I looked out to the corner and saw many faces peering at the shop from the red light of the corner.

Through their car windows you could see the curiosity in their faces, their yearning to try something new as they once again headed downtown.

And just in case you were wondering, yes, the chicken sandwich was delicious.

TAS-T-O DONUTS AND SANDWICH SHOP 801 N. E St. 433-0569

It’s odd that you can live somewhere almost your entire life and yet consistently experience only mere fractions of it.

even asked our table to help her pronounce "dessert." True story.) The service is fast— like almost Taco Bell fast.

And everything on the menu is pretty darn cheap, too. I think they need to add that to their tagline.

I played it safe and ordered a beef taco and chicken quesadilla. But if you want to channel your inner Andrew Zimmerman, you can definitely do that here. They have menu items like tacos de lengua (beef tongue) and, sometimes, even menudo— which is a traditional Mexican soup made with tripe (beef stomach).

Just remember when you visit Taqueria Olgy's (which you know you will now—I mean who can say "no" to beef tongue?) that's it's not a Tex-Mex joint— like most of the places we have around here.

So everything isn’t going to be deep fried and covered in melted cheese. But it's still going to be delicious.

TAQUERIA OLGY'S #2 5222 N. W St. 292-4642

Taqueria Olgy's #2's beef taco and chicken quesadilla / photo by Joani Delezen

TAQUERIA OLGY'S #2

By Joani Delezen I've never met a taco that I didn't like. I said this exact sentence recently to one of my friends (who just happens to be Mexican) and he replied with “Yeah? So that means you've been to Taqueria Olgy's?” I had not and clearly that had to change.

Billed as the "most authentic Mexican fast food in Pensacola" Taqueria Olgy's definitely lived up to the reviews I'd heard and my taco loving expectations. The food, atmosphere and even the staff are as authentic as you can get. (Our waitress May 31, 2012

PROBOKNOWS

By Dan Fugate If you’ve driven on West Gregory Street there’s no doubt you’ve seen ProBoKnows.

It’s the tan house with terracotta trim on the north side of the street. If that doesn’t ring a bell, maybe you’re familiar with the Ron Paul Revolution signs in the front yard. I like to try little mom & pop eateries.

They often surprise with great food and a comfortable, laid back atmosphere that’s just not available at other “cookie-cutter” establishments. So, one Tuesday, my wife and I stopped in for lunch.

The place is still set up very much like a house. To the left of the foyer is a bar area

Tas-T-O Donuts and Sandwich Shop / photo by Samantha Crooke

with limited seating and large windows. On the right, a larger dining area with a fireplace to keep you warm and a window air conditioner to keep you cool. All-weather comfort is important. ProBoKnows has a limited, yet enticing menu. This was refreshing. I hate it when a restaurant thinks they can serve everything under the sun and have it taste good. Make a few things and make them well. We ordered the Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich and a bowl of bean soup, both the day’s specials.

As we sat, waiting for our food, we talked. The owner’s dog came up for a visit.

He was as friendly as the rest of the staff.

Within a few minutes, we had a bowl of soup—with two spoons—and our sandwich. They even split the sandwich, put it on two plates, gave us an extra pickle, and an extra bag of chips. Cars and trucks drove by as their drivers searched for lunch, not knowing what a gem they were passing by.

The food, it was delicious, filling, and fresh.

Not a bad spot to have lunch on our anniversary. We’ll be going back again.

asparagus, to be exact. Zach ordered the Volcano Popcorn shrimp. Think BangBang shrimp from Bonefish Grill, but with rice. We shared edamame and shrimp tempura strips for an appetizer. I failed to convince them to try my miso soup, which was particularly rich and flavorful. I had the Volcano Roll and the Godzilla roll. The Godzilla roll was fantastic, but contrary to a comment I saw on Urbanspoon about the Volcano roll, it was way too spicy for me to handle. But then again, I’m a wimp when it comes to heat.

Overall, the food was very good and the service was great. I’m glad to know there’s a sushi joint downtown where you can relax for a bit, especially for lunch. Maybe I’m just sentimental, but I could almost taste the love in the food. It’s not any cheaper than other sushi joints, but its location is definitely a plus.

SUMO SUSHI 224 E. Garden St. #6 432-7520 {in}

PROBOKNOWS 400 W. Gregory St. 332-6134

SUMO SUSHI

By Stephanie Sharp It’s a tiny, little place nestled into the side of the Carlton Palms building and is the only sushi joint in Downtown, Sumo Sushi. I brought a sushi virgin (Zach) and a hesitant recent convert (Shelby) along with my sushi-obsessed self for a rice-wrapped lunch feast.

The restaurant is small, but cozy, with a very comfortable décor—sans the borderline cheesy design flourishes that can be spotted in other local sushi places. There were only two employees working: two women, the older in the kitchen cooking and the younger waiting tables.

Our server was very accommodating to Shelby, who actually got her sushi custom rolled—shrimp tempura, cucumber, and

Do you want in on the Hungry Games with us?

Then try one of the places in our "Featured Dining Guide" on page 16. Check in our Foursquare while you're there and tag the Independent News. We'll pick a winner at random and give them a $50 restaurant gift certificate. Contest ends July 31, 2012.

15

Summer Eats Featured Dining Guide ATLAS OYSTER HOUSE 600 S. Barracks St. 437-1961 atlas.goodgrits.com Atlas is the place to find local oysters prepared your way, whether it’s raw, baked or steamed. Locally caught fish and shellfish such as red snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, blue crab and Gulf shrimp are prepared in a variety of ways too. The menu also includes steaks, chicken, pasta entré CACTUS FLOWER 3425 N. 12 Ave. 432-8100 3309 Gulf Beach Hwy. 458-3833 8725 Ortega Park Dr., Navarre 936-4111 cactusflowercafe.net Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Burrito, Best Taco, Best Mexican Cuisine Lee Kafeety opened the first Cactus Flower Café in 2001. Having grown up in California with her Mexican-American parents, she was no stranger to Mexican food. Kafeety takes old family recipes and puts a fresh, California spin on them. The taste is traditional Mexican cuisine, but without animal fat or items that are refried.

DHARMA BLUE 300 S. Alcaniz St. 433-1275 dharmablue.com Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Outdoor Dining

Dharma Blue is truly a coastal restaurant with a full cocktail bar and sushi bar. With a great wine list by the glass and the bottle, a versatile menu from steaks to pastas to salads to locally caught seafood and outdoor seating, Dharma Blue seems to have it all. Located on historic Seville Square, the outdoor dining experience under the umbrellas gives you a real feel for old Pensacola.

END OF THE LINE CAFÉ 610 E. Wright St. 429-0336 eotlcafe.com End of the Line Café is an organic, vegan café with a full coffee bar, which also offers catering services and vegan cooking classes. Stop in on Thursday nights for a vegan organic dinner or on Sundays for a vegan organic brunch, which features a new menu every week. On the last Monday of the month, RSVP for the raw organic vegan dinner or just stop by for a cup of coffee on folk music night, every Wednesday.

GLOBAL GRILL 27 S. Palafox 469-9966 dineglobalgrill.com Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Desserts, Best Appetizers, Best Chef (Frank Taylor), Best Original Menu, Best Place for a Birthday Dinner, Best Place for a First Date, Best Restaurant (Downtown), Best Wait Staff Global Grill is a downtown tapas bar, which

also features entrees, desserts and salads that fuses world cuisine. From Mediterranean to Asian to Cajun, there’s a dish for everybody.

smoked bacon, garlic and shallots. The Fish House has a full bar and light night menu as well as brunch on Sundays.

THE GRAND MARLIN 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd. 677-9153 thegrandmarlin.com

HOPJACKS 10 S. Palafox 497-6073 204 E. Nine Mile Rd. 912-6181 hopjacks.com

Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Restaurant (Pensacola Beach) The Grand Marlin offers fresh Gulf Coast fish and shellfish, oysters from Apalachicola and East Bay shucked to order as well as steak and chicken dishes. With a full bar with over 80 bottles of wine to choose from, The Grand Marlin is the perfect place to meet friends for happy hour. With a lunch and dinner menu printed daily, there is a dish to meet every taste.

FISH HOUSE 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 fishhouse.goodgrits.com Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Salad (MoMa), Best Uniquely Pensacola Dish (Grits a Ya Ya), Best Brunch, Best Looking Wait Staff, Best Restaurant Overall The Fish House is an upscale, waterfront dining experience featuring an inventive menu of fresh, daily seafood selections, housesmoked steaks, sushi, a handpicked wine list and the famous Grits a Ya Ya, which is smoked Gouda cheese grits with sautéed Gulf shrimp, spinach, Portobello mushrooms, applewood-

Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Bar Menu, Best French Fries, Best Late Night Eats Hopjacks features specialty pizzas, pita folds, salads and snacks such as creamy brie, bacon and artichoke dip, sun-dried tomato hummus and the Belgian fries. You can also build your own pizza with pretty much as many options as there are beers on tap, which is 112.

ICHIBAN 5555 N. Davis Hwy. 494-2227 Ichibanpensacola.com Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Sushi, Best Japanese Cuisine Ichiban is a Japanese restaurant with an extensive sushi menu featuring inventive rolls such as the BMW roll, which includes grilled chicken, seaweed salad, crab stick and spicy sauce. Ichiban also has authentic Japanese cuisine.

JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE 400 S. Palafox 469-9898 jacksons.goodgrits.com

Upscale Chinese Dining

Where you can have a great meal and a great time Featuring a Full Bar & a Full Sushi Bar

Live Music at Shark Fin every Tuesday Night with Jones & Company Ste C, 5912 North Davis Highway (behind Rooms to Go) * (850) 912-8669 Monday-Thursday: 11am - 10pm | Friday-Saturday: 11am - 11pm | Sunday: 11am - 9pm 616 1

inweekly.net

Jackson’s Steakhouse prepares only Midwestern grain-fed beef from the heartland of America. Steaks and local seafood are hand-selected and artistically prepared to perfection.

JACO’S BAYFRONT BAR & GRILLE 997 S. Palafox 432-5226 jacosbayfrontbarandgrille.com Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best New Restaurant (Escambia County), Best Restaurant with a View Located at the end of Palafox overlooking the Palafox Pier Marina and Pensacola Bay, Jaco’s is the perfect spot for a relaxing meal with a view. The menu boasts inventive flatbreads, pasta dishes named after Pensacola and appetizers you won’t want to share.

LANDRY’S SEAFOOD 905 E. Gregory St. 434-3600 Landrysseafood.com

subs, sandwiches, salads, pizza, calzones and pasta dishes. Homemade soups change daily and complete any meal. Catering, take out and party trays are also available.

PORTABELLO MARKET 400 S. Jefferson St. 439-6545 theportabellomarket.com PORTABELLO EATERY AT GULF POWER 1 Energy Pl. 434-3287 portabelloeatery.com Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Salad Bar Located in the Pensacola Cultural Center, the Portabello Market serves fresh soups, sandwiches and salads. There is also the option of the Chef’s daily features. Portabello Market can also cater your parties and will deliver. Downtown deliveries are free.

SEVILLE QUARTER 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 sevillequarter.com

Originated in Lafayette, La., Landry’s serves the Gulf Coast-style seafood to more than 250 locations throughout United States.

Landry’s offers fresh fish of the day, seafood platters, pastas, as well as steak and chicken dishes in a casual atmosphere overlooking the water.

Whether you need a cup of coffee and order of beignets in the morning at Palace Café or need catering for your wedding reception in the Heritage Hall, Seville Quarter has it all within its seven rooms of entertainment.

MAXIMILIAN COFFEE 3419 N. 12 Ave. 432-7900 maximiliancoffee.com

SHARK FIN 5912 N. Davis Hwy. Ste. C 912-8669 sharkfinpensacola.com

Maximilian Coffee brings an eclectic mix of Mexican-style coffee and European pastry fare and authentic Mexican and Spanish breakfast items. Maximilian serves AmaVida coffee, which is 100 percent certified organic, locally roasted and created by a community-focused company.

Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Chinese Cuisine

NACHO DADDY’S 34 S. Palafox 433-5333 Nacho Daddy’s offers downtown TexMex style cuisine. The extensive menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks. You can even build your own tacos with fresh ingredients. Toppings include proteins such as beef, chicken, fish, pork and shrimp as well as vegetarian options like grilled zucchini and Portobello mushroom.

NEW YORK NICK’S 11 S. Palafox Pl. 469-1984 newyorknicks.net Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Restaurant for Sports Fanatics New York Nick’s serves bar food favorites such as cheesy fries, onion rings and nachos, but also offers a full menu from appetizers to hand-cut steaks. Almost everything on the menu hails from a long-standing recipe. And with 40 high definition flat screen televisions, no game goes unnoticed.

NEW YORKER DELI AND PIZZERIA 3001 E. Cervantes St. 469-0029 newyorkerdeliandpizzeria.com Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Deli, Best Lunch Spot New Yorker Deli and Pizzeria serves May 31, 2012

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Shark Fin serves affordable, yet high quality Chinese cuisine. From sushi to stir fry, you can enjoy your favorite Chinese dishes in an upscale ambience.

THE LEISURE CLUB 126 S. Palafox 912-4229 tlcdowntown.com Best of the Coast Winner 2011: Best Cup of Coffee, Best Coffee Shop The Leisure Club is a gourmet coffee bar, ice cream bar and café serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week. TLC serves Intelligentsia Coffee, High Road Ice Cream and Sorbet, gourmet burgers and sandwiches as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes.

THE NATIVE CAFÉ 45 A Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach 934-4848 thenativecafe.com The Native Café serves traditional and inventive breakfast and lunch dishes seven days a week. From omelets stuffed with Gulf Coast seafood to The Original Florida Fish Tacos, The Native Café offers food that represents its surroundings on the beach.

THE TIN COW 102 S. Palafox 466-2103 facebook.com/thetincow Build your own fresh, angus steak burger at The Tin Cow with a side of fresh-cut bacon-infused potato chips. Wash down your masterpiece with a craft canned beer, regular or spiked milkshake. {in} 17

DETAILS: fiestaoffiveflags.org/pensacolaseafood-festival

October:

GULF COAST OYSTER FESTIVAL

The Gulf Coast Oyster Festival celebrates the local oyster industry and promotes Gulf Coast shellfish farmers on October 6-7. For $40 you can eat all the oysters you want and wash them down with a beer from the Oktoberfest Beer Tent.

DETAILS: gulfcoastoysterfestival.com

DESTIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Pensacola Seafood Festival / photo courtesy of Fiesta of Five Flags

Festival Feats

The best festivals are ones that revolve around food. Here are a few—local and day-travel distance—that occur throughout the year.

June:

CREOLE TOMATO FESTIVAL

To celebrate the crops of creole tomatoes and the inevitable dishes that follow, The French Market in New Orleans holds a twoday festival with eight blocks of food booths and cooking demonstrations.

DETAILS: frenchmarket.org/2012-creoletomato-festival

32ND ANNUAL BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

The blueberry festival is for one day, June 16.

It’s worth the Saturday to travel to Brewton, Ala. to buy fresh blueberries and blueberry bushes. Cool off with a scoop of blueberry ice cream.

DETAILS: alabamablueberryfestival.com

July:

GRAND BAY WATERMELON FESTIVAL

What’s more American than eating watermelon on July 4? Entering the watermelon eating and the seed spitting contests.

DETAILS: grandbaywatermelonfestival.com

August:

If you didn’t get your seafood fix in September, Destin holds their annual Seafood Festival in October featuring live music, chef demonstrations and of course, lots of seafood.

DETAILS: destinseafoodfestival.org

41ST ANNUAL SHRIMP FESTIVAL

Pensacola honors crawfish and Gulf Shores, Ala. honors shrimp. This year’s festival takes place October 11-14. Admission is free and with over 300 vendors, there is something for everyone.

DETAILS: alagulfcoastchamber.com

53RD GREEK FESTIVAL

The three day cultural event will take place October 12-14 and will feature plenty of authentic Greek dishes such as pastitso, souvlakia, and baklava. All dishes are under $10.

DETAILS: annunciationgoc.org

CRESCENT CITY BLUES AND BBQ FESTIVAL

The festival offers up two of NOLA’s greatest attributes: food and music. Inventive barbecue dishes, desserts and even vegetarian options will be available. The festival will be held October 12-14.

DISHES: jazzandheritage.org/blues-fest

ELBERTA GERMAN SAUSAGE FESTIVAL

The Elberta, Ala. festival usually sells about 7,000 pounds of German sausage at each festival. This year, the festival will be held on October 27. Other foods include Germanstyle filled cabbage, potato salad, goulash, red beans and rice, barbecue sandwiches and the usually festival fare.

DETAILS: elbertafire.com

FLORIDA SCALLOP AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

If you happen to be traveling to Port St. Joe August 3-4 stop by the festival for mollusks in every which way desired.

DETAILS: scallopfest.com

September:

35TH ANNUAL SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Often times, Pensacola’s own Seafood Festival is a must-do for locals. The festival serves a variety of dishes from carefully selected vendors from September 28-30. Dishes you can look forward to include: grilled conch, seafood gumbo, oyster croquettes, soft shell crab, coconut shrimp, Caribbean crab cakes and more.

Pensacola Greek Festival / courtesy photo

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November:

NATIONAL PEANUT FESTIVAL Bet you didn’t know that half of the peanuts grown in the United States were grown within a 100-mile radius of Dothan, Ala. The National Peanut Festival is an eight day event, which will be held November 2-11, to honor peanut growers.

DETAILS: nationalpeanutfestival.com

ALABAMA PECAN FESTIVAL Peanuts aren’t the only glorified nut. The Mobile, Ala. festival offers pecan goodies, candies, cakes and cookies to satisfy any sweet tooth.

DETAILS: alabamapecanfestival.com

TASTE OF THE BEACH

This three day festival in Walton County offers wine tastings, auctions and private dinners.

DETAILS: tasteofthebeachfl.com

December:

TREME CREOLE GUMBO FESTIVAL

The two-day festival coincides with the city’s annual Jazz & Heritage Holiday Bazaar and

May 31, 2012

features Treme residents such as Kermit Ruffins. Gumbo is the main attraction, but other dishes served include macaroni and cheese, shrimp and grits, fried catfish and desserts such as bread pudding.

DETAILS: jazzandheritage.org/treme-gumbo

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Yes, Jazz Fest is mainly about music, but regular festival goers plan their day around the food.

The festival features Louisiana fare such as crawfish bread, fried chicken and gumbo just to name a few.

DETAILS: nojazzfest.com

March:

BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP AND HOG WILD FESTIVAL

Located in Mobile, Ala., this festival puts you in the judge’s chair, sampling vendor’s creations and naming the People’s Choice Champion.

DETAILS: bbqmobile.net

BEULAHFEST

It’s not called the Beulah Sausage Fest anymore, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deliver the same tasty fare. Go for the “Thompson Sausage” and stay for the live music.

DETAILS: beulahfest.com

ROADFOOD FESTIVAL

Held annually in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the Roadfood Festival offers up inexpensive food from around the country.

Where else can you taste Maine lobster and Texas barbecue in one day?

DETAILS: neworleansroadfoodfestival.com

New Orleans Roadfood Festival / pictured is Alligator Etouffe from Chad's Bistro, Metarie, LA

April:

BALDWIN COUNTY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

The festival sells hundreds of thousands of flats of strawberries. The festival has fried, vendor foods, but the main draw is the strawberry shortcake.

DETAILS: strawberryfestival.askbis.com

May:

CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

The Crawfish Festival is one of the biggest crawfish boils in the state and also serves Cajun foods such as: crawfish poboys, crawfish pies and over 16,000 pounds of boiled crawfish.

DETAILS: fiestaoffiveflags.org/pensacolacrawfish-festival {in}

19

020 2

BP Oil Spill

Settlement Announced THE PLAINTIFFS’ STEERING COMMITTEE (PSC) SPEARHEADING THE LITIGATION SURROUNDING THE 2010 BP GULF OIL SPILL ANNOUNCED THAT A SETTLEMENT IN PRINCIPLE HAS BEEN REACHED WITH BP THAT WILL FULLY COMPENSATE HUNDREDS OFTHOUSANDS OF VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY. THE SETTLEMENT IS TO BE FULLY FUNDED BY BP, WITH NO CAP ON THE AMOUNT BP WILL PAY. BP IS OBLIGATED TO FULLY SATISFY ALL ELIGIBLE CLAIMS UNDER THE TERMS OF THE COURT SUPERVISED SETTLEMENT, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE FUNDS PREVIOUSLY SET ASIDE. PLEASE CONSULT WITH OUR FIRM ABOUT POSSIBLE CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION.

Contact our law firm if you own a business South of I-10 and had decreased revenue in 2010.

WE CHARGE NO FEES OR COSTS UNLESS YOU COLLECT! WWW.LEVINLAW.COM 24 Hour Access | 7 Days A Week

435.7000 316 SOUTH BAYLEN STREET SUITE 400 | 850.435.7000 The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

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850-432-5226 • 997 PALAFOX ST.

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WEEK OF MAY 31 - JUNE 7

May 31, 2012

21

Arts & Entertainment a r t , f i l m , m u s i c , s ta g e , b o o k s a n d o t h e r s i g n s o f c i v i l i z a t i o n . . .

photo courtesy of Surfing Heritage Foundation

THROUGH SEPT 1

Soak It Up

MAY 29

Cocktail Swatches

Just in time for summer party season, one our favorite bloggers Mrs. Lilien has released a book of 50 colorful and glamorous cocktail recipes. Do yourself a favor and add "Mrs. Lilien's Cocktail Swatchbook" and her blog to your summer reading list right now. blog.mrslilien.com

Just in time for summer, Pensacola Museum of Art has opened a new exhibit of beautiful art called "Surfing Florida: A Photographic History." The exhibit features the work of more than 25 professional surf photographers.

On display until Sept.1. pensacolamuseumofart.org

MAY 31

Fiesta Days

JUNE 1

Snow White Again

Summer movie season is in full swing and this weekend brings us the much anticipated "Snow White and the Huntsman." This twist on the fairy tale classic stars Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth as the huntsman who is sent to kill Snow White. snowwhiteandthehuntsman.com

Summer in Florida means a lot of things, but in Pensacola it means Fiesta of Five Flags time. The 63rd annual Fiesta Celebration kicks off Thursday at Seville Quarter with the Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon Fiesta Days Celebration. There will be entertainment, decorations and delicious food in five rooms, each saluting our history. fiestaoffiveflags.org

222 2

music

inweekly.net

by Sarah McCartan

American Soft: Another Honest Story up recording back at his home in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Staples has done it again. He has signed, sealed and delivered another memorable and meaningful solo album.

From start to finish, the ten-track “American Soft” is reminiscent of past creations in that it communicates in a manner that is beautifully poignant. Although the album title itself was churned out

Chris Staples / courtesy photo Many know Chris Staples from one or more of the musical acts he has been a part of over the years—Twothirtyeight, Discover America or Telekinesis—depending on your stage in life or geographic location. For those who have experienced his music in any capacity, one thing is universal regardless of the nature of your familiarity—knowing Chris Staples as an unequivocally talented guitarist, singer and songwriter. And for those who have not yet heard, his new album “American Soft” serves as a prime introduction.

The last time the IN caught up with Staples, he was packing his bags in Seattle and hitting the road again, while well into the process of raising money to fund his in-progress album through his online Kickstarter campaign. And now? Well, after reaching 150 percent funding via Kickstarter; doing an old school, two week East Coast tour run in a van; and finishing

you just stay true, some good things are coming back to you,” perhaps setting a tone for the entire album, as he reassures listeners he is sharing another honest story about the moving seasons of life.

Midway through the album, “Wurlitzer” serves as an interlude of sorts, leading into the higher energy “Grand Coulee Band,” one of two tracks that had contributions from Tim Very, drummer of Manchester Orchestra, as well as Andy Prince, bass player of The Gills.

LOCALS SOUND-OFF

Various local musicians have had the opportunity to know Staples as both friend and fellow musician over the years and were eager to share their take on his music as well as the new album.

“I have grown up listening to Chris Staples progress, morph and grow into a songwriter who seems comfortable in being open and writing honest music. ‘American Soft’ is another chapter in the life of a great songwriter, who I'm really fortunate to also call my friend.” – Jason Leger, Pioneers!

O Pioneers!

“The funny thing about Chris is that it doesn't require any music for him to get your attention. His way with words and overall storytelling is a talent all of its own, but to hear his writings combined with his musical compositions is like learning the lesson with a little bit of conviction. You hear a glimpse of what he’s feeling. A lot of times I’ll listen to music and feel the need to go and play for the sake of figuring something out. When I listen to his music I am just content to listen.”

– Gio Lugo, Paloma “Chris Staples has been making fantastic music for years now. His lyrics have impact that’s rare to find these days.

"‘American Soft’ is a record I’ve been wanting to make for a long time."

Chris Staples from an automatic title generator, the pieces and parts of each track were given great thought and attention, making the entire album something remarkably genuine. “‘American Soft’ is a record I’ve been wanting to make for a long time,” said Staples. “All the vocals and rhythm guitar were tracked at the same time. I sort of produced around these performances, adding keys and other sounds where needed. This process really helped me simplify and focus on the essence, rather than tracking everything individually and obsessing.”

In the opening track Staples sings, “If

E r i c D. St e v e n s on

‘American Soft’ has a great feel to it that comes from the fact that he made it himself completely—paid for it, wrote it and recorded it. That’s real musician stuff. I am happy to be a small part of it.” – Tim Very, Manchester Orchestra “After looking up to Chris for a long time, it was awesome to be able to make music with him and be a part of his new album. I love the new album and am glad to see the fire is still burning within Chris.

Keep your ears open people, listen carefully, enjoy and pull the good from what you hear. That’s why us musicians do what we do.” – Andy Prince, The Gills

WHAT & WHERE TO BUY

Released May 29, “American Soft” is now available for download on iTunes, Amazon and chrisstaples.bandcamp.com.

Additionally, the album can be ordered from chrisstaplesmusic.com or purchased locally at Revolver Records.

Chrisstaplesmusic.com offers plenty of other goodies including recent live recordings from a show in Knoxville, Tenn. available for free download, in addition to an online store. Chrisstaples.bandcamp.com is also home to previous albums for purchase along with additional tracks from the past that Staples has recently shared.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Vinyl Music Hall—Chris Staples will be playing Saturday, June 9 at Vinyl Music Hall supporting The Gills for their album release show. For tickets and more information visit vinylmusichall.com.

DeLuna Fest—Tried and true Twothirtyeight fans’ mouths dropped at midnight last month just 41 seconds into the DeLuna Fest lineup video announcement when the band’s name flashed on screen. That’s right, the disbanded act will be reunited on the white, sugary sand this September. To view the full lineup visit delunafest.com. {in}

—Creative Organic Vegan Cuisine, Coffee & Catering—

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Vegan Cooking Classes twice a month — Sunday Brunch with champagne specials Thursday 3 Course Gourmet Dinner—Menu changes weekly.

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610 E. Wright St. | 429-0336 | eotlcafe.com

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May 31, 2012

happenings

Wahoo Stadium Offers Abundance of Food, Drink Options

By James Hagan

Is there a sport more appropriate for leisurely noshing on food and slowly drinking a frosty beverage than baseball? There’s something about the pace of the game, the way it unfolds at its own rate that creates a relaxed atmosphere conducive to enjoying good food and good drinks. A baseball game can last well into the night as it turns into a chess match of substitutions and strategy, each manager and player attempting to outthink the team on the opposing side.

When a game stretches into the fifteenth inning on a hot summer night there is nothing better than being able to grab a box of salty peanuts to satisfy your hunger so you can finish the game. Even the 1908 song, long the unofficial anthem of baseball, “Take Me Out To The Ball Game,” notes that if you “give me some peanuts and Cracker Jack” then “I don't care if I never get back.” The viability of existing solely on snack food aside, it is clear that the link between baseball and food is a long one.

It is beneficial then that the Community Maritime Park offers an abundance of food and drink choices for the discerning customer. During a recent game, I sampled some of the finest food the stadium had to offer and indulged in what, I assure you, was a very responsible number of alcoholic beverages. From my own analysis, as well as a sampling of my fellow fans, it is clear that the Italian sausage hot dog served at the park may be the most popular option. It’s such a large hot dog that I’m pretty sure Barry Bonds

THURSDAY 5.31

FEATURING ARTIST DONNA O’NEAL 7 a.m. through Jun 19. Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, Bldg 15, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Bldg 15. 484-2550 or pensacolastate.edu.

‘A ROADTRIP THROUGH FLORIDA ARCHAEOLOGY’ 10 a.m. DARC, 207 E. Main St. 595-0050, ext. 107 or flpublicarchaeology.org/darc.php.

‘GARDEN OF EDEN’ 10 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

‘SURFING FLORIDA: A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY’ 10 a.m. through Sep 2. Pensacola Museum of Art. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

‘DAZE OF WINE AND ROSES’ 10 a.m. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

‘YOUR SECRET WAR’ 10 a.m. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

BLACK AND WHITE AND SHADES OF GRAY 10 a.m. through June 9. Blue Morning Gallery, 21

to entertain you while you wait out an interminable pitching change.

The beer choices are also excellent.

While you’ll be paying a little bit more than market price for a cold one, holding a cold Coors Light in your hand while sitting on the outfield grass enjoying a perfect sunset over the water is one of the sublime pleasures the park can offer. For those with more refined tastes you can purchase higher content 24-ouce beers from such makers as Rogue and Southern tier. Of course, after the seventh-inning beer sales are cut off. The rule is unfortunately necessary because fans can sometimes get a little carried away after a triumphant victory, or a crushing defeat.

We don’t need drunken hooligans storm-

The viability of existing solely on snack food aside, it is clear that the link between baseball and food is a long one. used it to hit his 73 home runs in 2001. If there can ever be a hot dog accused of being on steroids this would be it. Other popular options are the nachos and the pretzel. Both items are perfect snacks

S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

‘TOUCH THE PAST’ ARCHAEOLOGY LAB VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 10 a.m. Thursdays.

FPAN Coordinating Center, 207 E. Main St. 5950050 ext. 103 or flpublicarchaeology.org.

‘IT’S 5 O’ CLOCK SOMEWHERE’ MARGARITA TASTING 2 p.m. Margaritaville Beach Hotel, 165 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach. 916-9755 or margaritavillehotel.com.

PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. Ninth Ave. 433-9463 or aragonwinemarket.com.

‘A TASTE OF THE SEASON’ 5:30 p.m. $75, reservations required. Jackson’s Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox. 469-9898 or jacksons.goodgrits.com.

HERB CLASS AT EVER’MAN 6 p.m. $2 for non-members. Ever’man Natural Foods, 315 W. Garden St. 438-0402 or everman.org.

VEGAN DINNER AT EOTL 6 p.m. End of the Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. 429-0336 or eotlcafe.com.

ing the park after a walk-off homer. It’s such a pretty park, let’s keep it that way.

Regardless of your diet or drinking preferences, Wahoo stadium offers plenty of choices sure to quench any thirst and satisfy any craving. Just remember to “root, root, root for the home team.” {in}

EMMANUEL SHEPPARD AND CONDON FIESTA DAYS CELEBRATION AND SURRENDER OF THE CITY 7 p.m. $30. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

live music

HOME GROWN NIGHT 5 p.m. Florabama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. 492-0611 or florabama.com.

JAZZ AT GREGORY STREET ASSEMBLY HALL 5 p.m. Gregory Street Assembly Hall, 501 E. Gregory St. 607-8633 or gregorystreet.com.

THE DAVENPORTS 6 p.m. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox. 912-4229 or tlcdowntown.com.

LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 6 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.

MIGHTY MUDD SHARKS 6 p.m. Peg Leg Pete’s, 1010 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach. 9324139 or peglegpetes.com.

EVENINGS IN OLDE SEVILLE SQUARE 7 p.m.

Seville Square, between Alcaniz and Adams streets. 438-6505 or pensacolaheritage.org.

HOLLY SHELTON WITH THE CLARENCE BELL TRIO 7 p.m. Five Sisters Blues Café, 421 W. Bel-

mont St. 912-4856 or fivesistersbluescafe.com.

MOTOR CITY JOSH 7 p.m. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach. 916-5087 or paradisebar-grill.com.

KARAOKE WITH BECKY 7:30 p.m. Sabine Sandbar, 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 934-3141 or dalesbigdeck.com.

CHRONIC JESTER 8 p.m. Bamboo Willie’s, 400 Quietwater Beach Rd., Pensacola Beach. 9169888 or bamboowillies.com.

TIM SPENCER 8 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 9322211 or sandshaker.com.

DUELING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

DJ MR LAO 8 p.m. Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

COLLEGE DANCE NIGHT 9 p.m. Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

ELAINE PETTY & CATHY PACE 9:30 p.m.

Florabama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. 492-0611 or florabama.com.

LUCKY DOGGS 10 p.m. Florabama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. 492-0611 or florabama.com.

FRIDAY 6.1

‘A ROADTRIP THROUGH FLORIDA ARCHAEOLOGY’ 10 a.m. DARC, 207 E. Main St. 595-0050, ext. 107 or flpublicarchaeology.org/darc.php.

‘GARDEN OF EDEN’ 10 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

‘SURFING FLORIDA: A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY’ 10 a.m. through Sep 2. Pensacola Museum of Art. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

‘DAZE OF WINE AND ROSES’ 10 a.m. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

‘YOUR SECRET WAR’ 10 a.m. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

BLACK AND WHITE AND SHADES OF GRAY 10 a.m. through June 9. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

T&L NAILS RIBBON CUTTING 1 p.m. T&L Nails, 10427 Sorrento Rd. 492-4660 or perdidochamber.com.

PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

WINE TASTING AT DK 4:30 p.m. Distinctive Kitchens, 29 S. Palafox. 438-4688 or dk4u.com.

WINE TASTING AT SEVILLE QUARTER 5 p.m.

Palace Café at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

T&L NAILS GRAN OPENING RECEPTION 5 p.m. T&L Nails, 10427 Sorrento Road. 492-4660 or perdidochamber.com.

WINE TASTING AT CITY GROCERY 5:15 p.m.

City Grocery, 2050 N. 12th Ave. 469-8100.

WINE TASTING AT EAST HILL MARKET 5:30 p.m. 1216 N. Ninth Ave. FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION DINNER HIKE 6 p.m. Wayside Park, 1500 E. Gregory St. Contact George Brinkman at 932-0125 or meetup.com/ ftawesterngate.

‘SEPIA’ 8 p.m. Loblolly Theatre, 1010 N. 12th Ave. 439-3010 or loblollytheatre.com.

SWING DANCING 8:30 p.m. American Legion, 1401 Intendencia St. $5. 437-5465 or pensacolaswing.com.

live music

TIM SPENCER 6 p.m. The Oar House, 1000 S. Pace Blvd. 549-4444 or the-oar-house.com.

JOHN HART & FATTY WATERS 7 p.m. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach.

916-5087 or paradisebar-grill.com.

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happenings JAMES ADKINS 9:30 p.m. Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom, 10 S. Palafox. 497-6073 or hopjacks.com.

SATURDAY 6.2

‘GARDEN OF EDEN’ / pictured is Still Life with 4024(USA), 4025(USA), 4049(Honduras), 4410(USA) and 4026(USA), 2011, Maciejewski SAWMILL BAND & GUESTS 7 p.m. Chumuckla’s Farmers’ Opry, 8897 Byrom Campbell Rd., Pace.

994-9219 or farmersopry.com.

THAT METAL SHOW’S DON JAMIESON- A NIGHT OF COMEDY AND METAL 7:30 p.m. $12-$15. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. 607-6758 or vinylmusichall.com.

DESTIN ATKINSON 8 p.m. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox. 912-4229 or tlcdowntown.com.

DUELING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

DJ MR LAO 8 p.m. Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

HOLLY SHELTON AND DAVID SHELANDER 8 p.m. Ragtyme Grille, 201 S. Jefferson St. 4299655 or ragtyme.net.

THE BENDERS 8:30 p.m. Hub Stacey’s Downtown, 312 E. Government St. 469-1001 or hubstaceys.com.

BANANA REPUBLIC 9 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.

BUZZ CUTT 9 p.m. LiliMarlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

DENTON HATCHER & THE SOAP BOX BLUES 9 p.m. The Grand Marlin, 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 677-9153 or thegrandmarlin.com.

WE

PALAFOX MARKET 8 a.m. Martin Luther King Plaza on North Palafox Street between Chase and Garden streets. palafoxmarket.com.

ZOOTOGRAPHY 9 a.m. $55-$65, registration forms on the website. Gulf Breeze Zoo, 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. 932-2229 or gulfbreezezoo.org.

‘A ROADTRIP THROUGH FLORIDA ARCHAEOLOGY’ 10 a.m. DARC, 207 E. Main St. 595-0050, ext. 107 or flpublicarchaeology.org/darc.php.

BLACK AND WHITE AND SHADES OF GRAY 10 a.m. through June 9. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

PSYCHIC FAIR 10 a.m. $5 Quality Inn, 51 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. For more information, call Verona Ellis 939-3222 or unlimitedhorizons.org.

HUMANE SOCIETY PET ADOPTION EVENT 10:30 a.m. PetSmart, 6251 N. Davis Highway.

432-42510 or humanesocietyofpensacola.org.

FIESTA PRAYER SERVICE 10:30 a.m. Old Christ Church, 120 E Church St. 595-5985 or historypensacola.org.

‘GARDEN OF EDEN’ 12 p.m. Pensacola Museum of Art. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

‘SURFING FLORIDA: A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY’ 12 p.m. through Sep 2. Pensacola Museum of Art. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

FIESTA BOAT PARADE 1 p.m. Pensacola Bay leaving from the mouth of Bayou Chico.

DELUNA LANDING CEREMONY 3 p.m. Porto-

fino Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach. 433-6512 or fiestaoffiveflags.org.

ROCK THE LEGION 3:30 p.m. $5-$7. Eighthour band contest, proceeds to benefit the Andrew Dill Memorial. Five local teen bands will compete: Said Simple, The Co-Pilots, Bohemia, Dylan Dalrymple & Band, and Lucas Westfall.

American Legion Post 33, 1401 W. Intendencia St. 449-5490.

PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

COLT FORD’S ‘DECLARATION OF INDEPENCE’ TOUR 6 p.m. $25. Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway. 944-4500 or pensacolafair.com.

BLUE WAHOOS VS JACKSONVILLE SUNS 6:30 p.m. Maritime Park, 449 W. Main St. 934-8444 or bluewahoos.com.

‘SEPIA’ 8 p.m. Loblolly Theatre, 1010 N. 12th Ave. 439-3010 or loblollytheatre.com.

live music

SCOTT BRYAN 6 p.m. The Oar House, 1000 S. Pace Blvd. 549-4444 or the-oar-house.com.

SAWMILL BAND & GUESTS 7 p.m. Chumuckla’s Farmers’ Opry, 8897 Byrom Campbell Rd, Pace.

994-9219 or farmersopry.com.

KRAZY GEORGE KARAOKE 7 p.m. Hub Stacey’s Downtown, 312 E. Government St. 4691001 or hubstaceys.com.

KARAOKE WITH MARK ESKEW 7 p.m. Hub Stacey’s at the Point, 5851 Galvez Rd. 497-0071 or hubstaceys.com.

THE BLENDERS 7:30 p.m. Sabine Sandbar, 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 9343141 or dalesbigdeck.com.

DASH RIP ROCK, THE SUZIES 8 p.m. $10. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. 607-6758 or vinylmusichall.com.

HAVE MORE THAN EXPERIENCED LAWYERS ON OUR STAFF. We have Super Lawyers.

Congratulations to our fine attorneys for being included in the 2012 list of Super Lawyers.

Since 1913, Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon has proudly served Pensacola in a variety of areas from construction to commercial law, real estate to personal injury.

ROBERT A. EMMANUEL, CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION, SUPER LAWYER

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May 31, 2012

happenings DUELING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

BANANA REPUBLIC 9 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.

BUZZ CUTT 9 p.m. LiliMarlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com BOUKOU GROOVE 9 p.m. The Grand Marlin, 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach.

677-9153 or thegrandmarlin.com.

KNEE DEEP BAND 9:30 p.m. Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom, 10 S. Palafox. 497-6073 or hopjacks.com.

SUNDAY 6.3

BLACK AND WHITE AND SHADES OF GRAY 10 a.m. through June 9. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

WORSHIP ON THE WATER 11 a.m. Tent Stage, Florabama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. 492-0611 or florabama.com.

BLUE WAHOOS VS JACKSONVILLE SUNS 2 p.m. Maritime Park, 449 W. Main St. 934-8444 or bluewahoos.com.

PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

live music

WHISKEY BAND 3 p.m. The Grand Marlin, 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 6779153 or thegrandmarlin.com.

TOMATO 4 p.m. The Oar House, 1000 S. Pace Blvd. 549-4444 or the-oar-house.com.

BENEFIT FOR LINDA DELGADO (MAMA LUCKY), SUPERHERO, THE ICARUS EFFECT,

THE UGLI STICK 5 p.m. $5. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. 607-6758 or vinylmusichall.com.

ERIC LYNDELL 6 p.m. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach. 916-5087 or paradisebar-grill.com.

BROOKS HUBBERT III 9 p.m. End O’ the Alley at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 4346211 or sevillequarter.com.

MONDAY 6.4

FEATURING ARTIST DONNA O’NEAL 7 a.m. through Jun 19. Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, Bldg 15, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Bldg 15. 484-2550 or pensacolastate.edu.

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE: LIVING HISTORY ENCAMPMENT 9:30 a.m. $8. Gulf Islands National Seashore, 1400 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach. 934-2600 or nps.gov/guis.

‘A ROADTRIP THROUGH FLORIDA ARCHAEOLOGY’ 10 a.m. DARC, 207 E. Main St. 595-0050, ext. 107 or flpublicarchaeology.org/ darc.php.

‘SURFING FLORIDA: A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY’ 10 a.m. through Sep 2. Pensacola Museum of Art. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

BLACK AND WHITE AND SHADES OF GRAY 10 a.m. through June 9. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

‘TOUCH THE PAST’ ARCHAEOLOGY LAB VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 10 a.m. Thursdays.

FPAN Coordinating Center, 207 E. Main St. 5950050 ext. 103 or flpublicarchaeology.org.

PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

OYSTER NIGHT AT ATLAS 5 p.m. First dozen are 25 cents apiece and $2 Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra drafts until close. Atlas, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or atlas.goodgrits.com.

BURGERS & BEER NIGHT AT SURF BURGER 6 p.m. Surf Burger, 500 Quietwater Beach Rd., Pensacola Beach. 932-1417 or thesurfburger.com.

WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING CLASSES 6:30 p.m. $5 general admission, $2 for students. Gull Point Community Center, 7000 Spanish Trail.

For more information call 291-2718 or visit hurreyupstageandfilmworks.com.

BLUE WAHOOS VS JACKSONVILLE SUNS 7 p.m. Maritime Park, 449 W. Main St. 934-8444 or bluewahoos.com.

TEXAS HOLD’EM 4 FUN 7 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 932-2211 or sandshaker.com.

GAMER’S NIGHT 8 p.m. Fast Eddie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

EXTREME TRIVIA 10:30 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

live music

JAZZ JAM SESSION @ THE UNIQUE CAFÉ 6:30 p.m. $5-$10. The Unique Café, 51 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. 433-8382 or jazzpensacola.com.

OPEN MIC WITH CATHY PACE 6 p.m. Florabama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. 492-0611 or florabama.com.

MUSICIANS ALLIANCE 9 p.m. LiliMarlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

LIVIN’ THE DREAM 9 p.m. End O’ the Alley at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

TUESDAY 6.5

FEATURING ARTIST DONNA O’NEAL 7 a.m. through Jun 19. Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, Bldg 15, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Bldg 15. 484-2550 or pensacolastate.edu.

BLUE ANGELS PRACTICE 8:30 a.m. Museum of Naval Aviation viewing area, 1750 Radford Blvd.

452-3604 or blueangels.navy.mil.

‘A ROADTRIP THROUGH FLORIDA ARCHAEOLOGY’ 10 a.m. DARC, 207 E. Main St. 595-0050, ext. 107 or flpublicarchaeology.org/darc.php.

‘SURFING FLORIDA: A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY’ 10 a.m. through Sep 2. Pensacola Museum of Art. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org.

BLACK AND WHITE AND SHADES OF GRAY 10 a.m. through June 9. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

PLAY HAPPY HOUR 4 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100. 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

HALF-PRICE SUSHI 5 p.m. Atlas, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or atlas.goodgrits.com.

PRIME TIME TUESDAYS 5:30 p.m. Jackson’s, 400 S. Palafox. 469-9898 or jacksons.goodgrits.com.

YOGA WITH BECKIE SATHRE 6 p.m. $2 for non-members. Ever’man Natural Foods, 315 W. Garden St. 438-0402 or everman.org.

BLUE WAHOOS VS JACKSONVILLE SUNS 7 p.m. Maritime Park, 449 W. Main St. 934-8444 or bluewahoos.com.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

PA I R E D W I N E D I N N E R S F E AT U R I N G M A S T E R S O M M E L I E R S A N D V I N T N E R S F R O M C O A S T-T O - C O A S T

Toast of the Coasts: Pine Ridge Vineyards THURSDAY, JUNE 21: THREE WINES, 4 COURSE DINNER WITH MASTER SOMMELIER ANDREW McNAMARA

Seating is limited. $65 per person. Event begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.

View the full menu online!

(Plus tax and gratuity)

Join Master Sommelier Andrew McNamara for a special evening featuring the wines of Pine Ridge Vineyards! For reservations, call (850) 433-9450.

FI S H HO USE: (850) 470-0003, O PE N DA ILY AT 11 A.M. · AT LA S OY S TE R H O U S E: (850) 437-1961, O P E N M O N.– S AT. 5 P.M., S U N. 11 A.M. · 600 S. B ARRAC K S S T. · C REDIT CARDS OK · WWW.GOODGRITS.COM

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by Jennie McKeon

Improvable Cause

Bill Whalen, Brooke Hardy, Debi Kuhn Dunkerley and Kyle Golden / courtesy photo Chicago has Second City, Los Angeles has The Groundlings and here in Pensacola there’s Improvable Cause.

The group, which started in 2005, doesn’t advertise for their monthly shows inside The Silver Screen Theatre, yet they always perform to a packed room. Last month tickets were sold out 45 minutes before the show.

Director, Debi Kuhn Dunkerley went to the owner of The Silver Screen to ask about doing regular shows there.

“We didn’t know how many people would show up,” she said. “But 115 people came out to the show. We got a couple of standing ovations. I was shocked.”

“We eventually had to move from a smaller theatre to a bigger one,” said Bill Whalen.

What makes Improvable Cause different from big city improv troupes is that most of the members aren’t comedians. They are theatre actors who just happened to like improv and most have only done improv since the group formed.

“Improvable Cause is different because we base our performance on theatre—on the craft,” said Dunkerley. “Although we act silly, we take our performances seriously.”

“Comedy is serious business, but quote me as saying ‘Comedy is business,’” said Jay Bixler.

Much of Improvable Cause includes University of West Florida students and some from IC’s improv class at Pensacola Little Theatre, Lab Rats. As the only three over 30, Bixler, Dunkerley and Whalen tend to stick together. They’re like The Three Amigos and they’re always ready to perform.

“Jay, Bill and I hang out a lot,” Dunkerley said.

When asked if they ever get sick of each other, Bixler gets up and briskly walks away.

“When he overacts, that when I get sick of him,” Whalen said with a straight face.

Whalen credits Steve Martin as his comedic influence, Dunkerley credits Carol Burnett and John Belushi—her first celebrity crush.

Bixler’s first answer was “a ball of twine.”

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My positive attitude…

“When my mother-in-law had a stroke “Actually it’s the Looney Tunes,” said and my kids had a stomach bug I could have Bixler. “My father was a manager for one had a nervous breakdown or accept the situaof the first video stores in our area and he tion and build upon it.” would copy videotapes. Looney Tunes was For those wondering “How do I sign up my babysitter.” for Improvable Cause?” be warned, there’s a Bixler’s parents also started a commudangerous hazing process. Not really. About a nity theatre in Mississippi. dozen members are regular performers while “I was raised in that environment,” he said. a few still train with the group before they Like Bixler, Whalen did high school grace the stage. plays and continues to act in local theatres.

“We have very high standards,” said Dunkerley didn’t even get on a stage until Dunkerley. “Not only do they have to fit in she was 20. on stage, but they’re going to be associating “I got drug up on stage to play a game,” with a dozen people so there has to be good she said. “I told them I would throw up if I chemistry between everyone.” were on stage.”

For Christmas, Dunkerley made tImprovisation skills are often handy for a shirts for Improvable Cause members that theatre actor. had the group’s logo and read “I’m the “You are never more confident on stage funniest one.” But in reality, there isn’t a in a scripted play,” Dunkerley said. starring role.

What you learn from any improv actor is “It’s such a group effort,” Dunkerley said. that the most important rules of improvisa“Everyone is so very different and unique.” tion are “yes” and “and.” Whatever happens Just recently, Improvable Cause has while doing improv has to be agreed upon or added a second show to their lineup. The 9 else there is no performance. Actors always p.m. is more PG-13 and the 10:45 p.m. show want to build on a scene by agreeing and tends to be more adult-themed. adding something to it.

“We try not to go too dirty,” Dunkerley said.

“My experience with acting is that it’s 80 Dirty jokes aside, Improvable Cause percent reacting,” Whalen said. “When you’re doesn’t always intend to be funny. But that in a scripted play it’s just as important to be in hasn’t stopped them from receiving plenty time with your partners. I don’t know any better way to hone that skill than with improv.” of laughs.

Improv actors are always looking out for “Really the foundation is acting,” one another.

Dunkerley said. “Everyone who is on stage is “Your number one job is to make your a fantastic actor first. We don’t strive to be scene partner look good,” Whalen said. funny, our goal is to be interesting.” {in} “It’s the opposite of stand-up comedy,” Dunkerley added. “It’s not about me at all.”

Improv can also be useful in everyday life, which is why ImprovWHEN: 9 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. Saturday, June 2 able Cause has performed for WHERE: The Silver Screen, 7280 Plantation corporate events.

Rd. “We all improvise everyday,” COST: $6.50 Whalen said.

DETAILS: Improvable Cause on Facebook Dunkerley finds herself using the “yes” technique often.

IMPROVABLE CAUSE

May 31, 2012

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NPR’s Morning Edition, The World, Fresh Air & BBC programming bring authors, scientists, musicians and leaders of thought right to me at home, at work, or in the car. WUWF Public Radio keeps me aware of the cutting edge.

It’s my source for innovative ideas.

IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH, BUT NOT IN TRIVIALITY AND TACKINESS All U.S. states have forms of no-fault divorce, but not England, which requires that couples prove adultery or abandonment or “unreasonable behavior,” which leads to sometimes-epic weirdness, according to an April New York Times dispatch from London. For instance, one woman’s petition blamed her husband’s insistence that she speak and dress only in Klingon. Other examples of “unreasonable behavior” (gathered by the Times of London): a husband objecting to the “malicious” preparation of his most hated dish (tuna casserole), a spouse’s non-communication for the last 15 years (except by leaving Post-it Notes), a spouse’s too-rapid TV channel-changing, a husband’s distorting the fit of his wife’s best outfits by frequently wearing them, and one’s insistence that a pet tarantula reside in a glass case beside the marital bed.

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS Lame: (1) Madison County, Ind., council member David McCartney admitted to the Herald Bulletin newspaper in March that he had exchanged “sexually explicit” emails with a female official in another county but would not resign. In fact, he said, he had engaged in the exchanges not for hanky-panky but in order to “expose corruption.” He has not elaborated. (2) Chris Windham, 27, was charged with improperly photographing a 57-year-old man in a men’s room in Trinity, Texas, in March after Windham, using a stall, allegedly snapped a cellphone photo of the man standing at the adjacent urinal. Windham explained that typically he braces himself with one hand on the floor while he wipes himself, and this time the hand on the floor was holding his cellphone.

• Maureen Raymond, 49, said her roadside DUI test administered in January was unfair.

According to records cited by Scripps Media, she told a deputy in Port St. Lucie, Fla., that she couldn’t walk a straight line “with her big boobies,” which she said makes “balancing” difficult. The deputy reported that Raymond helpfully offered to show him the evidence but that he stopped her.

THINGS PEOPLE BELIEVE She is not the typical gullible victim. Ms. Priti Mahalanobis is a college-educated mother of two who ran a franchised restaurant in Avalon Park, Fla., near Orlando, but when her health, her brother’s marriage and her business experienced problems, she bought a $20 psychic reading from “Mrs. Starr” (also known as Peaches Stevens).

The Orlando Sentinel reported in January that, over the next seven months, Mahalanobis lost about $135,000 in cash, jewelry and gift cards to Mrs. Starr. Astonishingly, neither Mahalanobis’ health nor her restaurant business noticeably improved! Among the remedies that Mahalanobis accepted: buying seven tabernacles ($19,000 each) to “vanquish (her family’s) negativity” and putting $100 bills and a piece of paper with her relatives’ names

inweekly.net

by Chuck Shepherd

written on it under her mattress along with a grapefruit (which, as everyone knows, attracts and then isolates the evil).

IRONIES A three-truck crash on Interstate 40 in Albuquerque, N.M., in May destroyed one truck and sent two people to the hospital with minor injuries. One tractor-trailer carrying a load of charcoal and charcoal lighter fluid crashed into the rear of a tractor-trailer carrying frozen meat. The lighter fluid facilitated a huge fireball/barbecue.

• Only in Muncie: (1) In April, Christina Reber, 43, was charged with assault after she entered the home of her “on-again, off-again” boyfriend in Muncie, Ind., punched him in the head numerous times and squeezed his scrotum until he finally pried her fingers loose. He was taken to Muncie’s Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital. (2) Muncie college student Bakhtiyor Khafizov, 21, was arrested in April for allegedly attacking a former girlfriend in her campus dorm room. The woman said she escaped only by kicking him in the groin. The students attend Ball State University.

OBSESSION Felix Velazquez’s meticulous attention to detail could have served him well in legitimate endeavors, but was unfortunately displayed in a recent attempt to stalk an ex-girlfriend in Broward County, Fla. He had already been to prison for a 2008 stalking when he allegedly devised a fake double kidnapping—of her and him—so that he could “rescue” her and win back her affections. According to prosecutors, he created 23 pages of maps, photos and, reported the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, an “encyclopedic amount of detail about (the woman’s) routine, her appearance, friends and driving routes to work” and thought he had convinced a former cellmate to do the abduction. However, as frequently happens, the cellmate got queasy and told police, who devised their own elaborate ruse to sting Velazquez. He is awaiting trial.

LEAST COMPETENT TERRORISTS (1) A bomb accidentally exploded on a bus in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in May, killing a man who police suspect was on his way to blow up something else. He was the only person killed, but two suspected associates with him (carrying assault rifles and ammunition) were injured. (2) In April, Mohammad Ashan, described by U.S. officials as a “mid-level Taliban commander” in Paktika province, Afghanistan, walked up to a police checkpoint with a wanted poster of himself (offering a $100 cash reward) and turned himself in—for the money. Ashan was arrested following a biometric scan to verify his identity.

“Yes, yes, that’s me,” he reportedly said. “Can I get my award now?” {in}

From Universal Press Syndicate Chuck Shepherd’s News Of The Weird © 2012 Chuck Shepherd

Send your weird news to Chuck Shepherd, P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, Fla., 33679 or weirdnews@earthlink.net, or go to newsoftheweird.com.

May 31, 2012

850-436-5670

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A SALUTE TO DIFFERENCE MAKERS In an effort to assist the Marine veterans raising money for the Marine Aviation Memorial Tower at Veterans Park, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos are launching the “Saved by the Bell” campaign.

The campaign, sponsored by the Blue Wahoos and Sandy Sansing Nissan, will contribute to the memorial for every home run and every home game win for the Wahoos. Sandy Sansing will donate $100 for every home run hit by the Blue Wahoos at Pensacola’s Waterfront Stadium, and the Blue Wahoos will contribute $500 for each home win by the team. In addition, the stadium announcer will announce the donation and the videoboard will ‘ring a bell’ each time the team wins or hits a home run.

Wahoos owner Quint Studer said that he happened to be in Cincinnati for the casting of the Marine Memorial Bell and got to know the Marines involved, heard their story, and became an instant fan of the effort.

“I had the honor of meeting some of the Marines involved in this effort to construct the memorial while I was in Cinncinati meeting with the Reds executive team, and I was fortunate enough to attend the bell-casting ceremony with Mayor Hayward and Councilman Spencer,” said Studer. “It was a great ceremony and really got me thinking about how much I believe our fans and sponsors would like to support this memorial, so we’re going to help these Marines get it built.”

Sandy Sansing heard about the Marine Memorial and the Blue Wahoos’ effort to support it and volunteered to help with the fundraising effort as well.

“This community has been very good to me and my family, and we always try to give back,” said Sansing. “I’m honored to be a part of this campaign to help build the Marine Aviation Memorial Tower, so I hope the Wahoos hit lots of home runs and the fans help out too.”

In addition to the donations from the Blue Wahoos and Sansing, team officials said that the ushers would collect donations at predetermined times throughout the season, and Marine veterans would be on hand as well at certain games to collect donations from supportive fans.

“This is a Navy town, but it’s also a Marine town,” said Studer. “I’m looking forward to the generosity of our fans helping this worthy cause, because we all benefit from the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform,” Studer said.

Sponsored by Quint and Rishy Studer

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May 31, 2012

my pensacola Stephanie Sharp

Day Job: INtern Pensacola Resident Since: 1991

Featuring: in Disney World when my birthday rolls around this year. Pensacola’s too small a town for fake IDs.

Nightlife:

I’m really loving what Vinyl Music Hall has brought the downtown area—an alternative for people who aren’t impressed by Seville Quarter and who went through the DayGlo party phase a while ago.

Outdoors:

Tin Cow burger / photo by Samantha Crooke

Good Eats:

I’d never turn down a Monte Cristo from Sidelines or a gyro from Jordan Valley; those are two of my favorites. But I’ve been to the Tin Cow twice in the past week—so good and so new. I appreciate any place that will let me top my burger with sprouts, Cajun mayo, white cheddar, and a fried egg.

Retail Therapy:

I think our thrift stores are great. I met a vintage vendor from New Orleans who loves coming here to stock up. The sad thing is that we don’t have any cool vintage shops of our own. Can someone sponsor a contest for that?

Watering Holes:

I plan on re-celebrating my 21st at Hopjacks next spring, since I’m just 20 and I’ll be living

The Naval Live Oaks just past the beach exit is my favorite place to go when I want to see the water but I don’t want to necessarily “beach it.” There’s not much there, but if you poke around enough you can get a really good view of the stingrays in the Bay.

Arts & Culture:

I think our museums deserve much more love than they get. I’m including the Artel Gallery in the list—with the Pensacola Museum of Art, the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum and the Naval Aviation Museum—even though it’s not technically a museum. We have incredible history and culture right here, there’s no excuse for not taking advantage of it.

Never Miss Events/Festivals:

DeLuna Fest, definitely. Last year’s line-up was awesome, and this year’s is just as great.

The location and the season make it a perfect way to showcase our gorgeous beach.

It’s also nice to have an event that’s engaging to the younger, hipper population of the city.

It makes me less nervous of my hometown becoming extinct due to irrelevance. {in}

DeLuna Fest 2011 / photo by Hana Frenette Do you want to tell us how you see our city? Email Joani at joani@inweekly.net for all of the details.

Zombie Pirates, Live Cannon Fire, Fierce Battles, Blackhearted Wenches, Mermaids, Pirate Dancers, Pirate Music, Pirate Games, Fire Shows, Pirate Crews from across the Gulf Coast, Food, Shopping, Carnival and Inflatable Rides, Costume and other contests, Pony and Camel Rides, Exotic Petting Zoo, Parrots and Macaws and much more!

Independent News | May 31, 2012 | inweekly.net