Local Goodness heads back to the cruise terminal
USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital’s Local Goodness fundraiser is back for a third year, and it remains one of the best farm-to-table events on the local calendar. This year’s gathering, sponsored by Hancock Bank, will run Sunday, May 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the City of Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal.
Guests can expect to dine on locally sourced meats, seafood and produce as the event pays tribute to regional art, music and cuisine while raising money and awareness for the hospital’s mission of providing quality health care for children and women across the region. Bay Gourmet is handling the food this year, with live music from local bluegrass act Fat Man Squeeze setting the tone for the multi-course dinner. Wine and other adult beverages will be available, along with a signature Fat Man Squeeze cocktail, plus a silent auction rounding out the evening.
Tickets are $150 and can be purchased by calling 251-415-1636 or visiting the USA Health System website.
Five opens downtown in the former Bull space
After months of buzz, the restaurant Five is finally opening in downtown Mobile’s former Bull location this Thursday, April 28. Rather than a big grand-opening event, the debut is expected to roll straight into normal daily operations. The new “Gulf-to-table” concept sources its seafood from Harbor Docks in Destin, Florida, while leaning on local produce wherever possible. Its hand-cut steaks and hamburgers are fresh, never frozen — the burgers notably built with two thin patties and a slice of American cheese, a departure from the oversized burger trend that’s dominated menus for the past decade.
While the space itself is nearly unrecognizable from its previous incarnation, regulars of the Bull should recognize some familiar faces still working the floor and behind the bar.
Finalists set for Alabama Gulf Seafood Cook-Off
The second annual Alabama Gulf Seafood Cook-Off is coming up fast. The Wharf in Orange Beach will host the competition on Wednesday, May 25, starting at 5:30 p.m. Local favorite Chef Gillian Clark of Kitchen on George will compete against Leonardo Maurelli III of Ariccia Trattoria in Auburn, south Baldwin County headliner Brody Olive of the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, and Josh Quick of Odette in Florence for the top prize.
The winning chef advances to the Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO) in New Orleans and earns an automatic qualifying spot in the 2016 World Food Championship, which will also be held at The Wharf later this year.
Lebanese American Club hosts Hafli
The Lebanese American Club will present its annual Hafli celebration Saturday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m., offering Lebanese dining, dancing and a silent auction at the St. Mary Catholic School gym. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 14 and under, with all proceeds benefiting the LAC Scholarship Fund and its affiliated charities. Those interested can contact Kamal Constantine at 251-709-7499 or by email for more details.