How much are tickets?

Remember event is supported by donations. If everyone pitches in the funds will always be available to organize Live at Five. This is a great community event that brings us together. Lets keep it going by paying to support this event.

Live at Five is an easy way to engage and meet up with friends for a fun evening. Show up early for this band because they are popular and draw a large following. Turn it into a pot-luck dining event and bring your favorite foods to share. Along with food and beverages bring chairs, blanket, napkins, utensils and bug spray.

My web site has lots of options for appetizers that will travel well for a picnic setting. From Honey Glazed Salmon to Game Day Appetizer or any number of desserts will bring a smile to your guests. Some of my fondest memories were made at picnics with friends.

Too busy to cook or plan? Call one of our local businesses for options to add to the picnic. Rae’s Kitchen has numerous items that would work for a picnic. Menu has many options including Cowboy Sushi and Chicken Bomb Meatballs. Visit the web site for menu options. Showing up for the music is the easy part.

If you’re a local you probably have seen the Tip Tops play at a concert, wedding or Mardi Gras ball. Sounds of Motown including music from Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Kool & The Gang, Commodores and many more.

Music adds joy to our life and soul. Be spontaneous! Send out a quick text to friends. Enjoy our Hip Fairhope Outdoor Event for Music and say hello to the Tip Tops.

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First of all, Grill Man and I enjoy live music but prefer to listen in smaller crowds. I no longer care to see my favorite bands in a stadium with 20,000 people. Songwriter events or music festivals offer you a chance to see a variety of bands in different locations. Festivals held for the first time offer a unique intimate experience before they gain fame and huge following.

Where is inaugural event?

Gulfport’s inaugural Chillin’ on The Gulf Coast is September 20-22. Event will include rock, country, R & B, 80’s Classics and more . A long list of bands to include JJ Grey & Mofro, Samantha Fish, Flow Tribe, North MS Allstars, Shane Smith & The Saints, Blackwater Brass, and Bishop Gunn. Check out the Chillin’ on The Gulf Coast site at www.cotgc.com for details.

Truly, I am excited to see Bishop Gunn for the first time. Matt Wake wrote an interesting article about band on AL.com. This year Bishop Gunnn opened for Rolling Stones in Houston. I suspect soon as their fan base increases they will only play to large crowds. Catch them in this venue while you may.

Web site lists all bands and some bands I have never heard of. This is part of the discovery that musicophiles enjoy. No matter the genre great live music is enjoyable to experience. When it is located in a beautiful setting it should be even harder to ignore.

Chillin on The Gulf Coast is launching from a great location. Event is held on 49 acres along the Gulf Coast at the restored Centennial Plaza. Mature oak trees offer a lovely backdrop to the pond and other amenities available to occupy the entire family during the festival.

For a select group of adventurous music lovers or hippies, Woodstock defined a generation. “No one who was there will ever be the same.” This event has never been replicated nor probably will it ever. The chance to experience inaugural events only happens once so it is important to seize the opportunity. Musicophiles act now for Gulfport live music.

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Yes you blew it if you missed 30aSongwriters Festival in January. Fear not you will have another opportunity and months to plan. Mimi’s Tips to Navigate 30a Songwriters Festival 2020 will help lead the way.

In the first place, 2019 30a Songwriters Festival included 200 artists playing at 30 venues over 4 days scattered from Grand Boulevard Destin to venues in Rosemary Beach. Each venue offering a different setting, seating or food and beverage options to host talented singer songwriters. Festival stretched out in venues ranging from town halls to bars, patios, shops, restaurants and amphitheater.

30a Songwriters Festival is an adventure

After all until you attend it is hard to appreciate how great this festival truly is for introducing new artists or allowing you to see an old favorite in a completely unique setting. Cultural Arts Alliance and Russell Carter Artist Management have spent a decade creating a gem of a festival. Certainly Grill Man and I are hooked.

Equally important pay attention because tickets sold out before the event even started. The first year you attend event it is tough trying to narrow down how to choose from the huge array of artists, time slots and venue locations. Yet I admit that I was unfamiliar with most of the artists names until I read their bios. In some cases, I didn’t have a musical note to attach to the songwriter.

A few artists I could not wait to hear

A couple of years ago, Funny Girl introduced me to Marc Broussard. Marc became part of my kitchen play list. Ever since I had been following his tour schedule but when he was here I was there. Marc Broussard became the number one musician that I wanted to see and hear at the festival. Clearly I was not alone, our group loaded up and went early to one of the venues to ensure a seat hours before Mark would play.

After securing a spot to settle into, I decided to wander around the venue space to sort out lighting options. Nightclubs with a no flash policy offer challenges for taking good photos. While wandering I noticed a guy sporting style like he walked off the runway or popped off the Matrix film set. I needed to take his photo. Could I? Should I? I decided the best approach was a direct one, the worse that he could say was no.

My boldness was rewarded and David Jones is the nicest total stranger that I have ever singled out for a photo. David is as kind as he is handsome. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation about music, food, Louisiana and discovered he too is a musician. David Jones will be added to my list of musicians to watch. Eventually I returned to my seat to share what I had uncovered and listen to music. Guess who he is traveling with? What? Who?

Much later at some point before the show, I noticed David Jones and one of his mates Marc Broussard sitting at the bar. Since we are all from Louisiana I thought that it was appropriate to welcome them. Funny Girl is from his neck of the woods and were family. So it’s highly possible in a remote kind of way that we’re related to someone we know in LA. That makes us all family, right?

Marc and David are both easy to talk with, its easy to see the Louisiana in their soul. A love of life, family, music and food topped our conversations. Marc is clearly in love with his family and it comes out in his music. Grill Man and I will look forward to his tour schedule coming close to our home.

Live artists deliver passion in person

Musicians are a generous group traveling all over the country singing, caressing notes from a guitar, playing loud, banging on drums and tambourines. In their hearts they have created a story wrapped around a melody. At the end of the day, they want you to get the message, dig the song, tap your feet and maybe shake your booty. And if you will be so kind to buy, play and share the music.

Central Square Records will certainly assist with your music orders. Laid back record store converted into a listening room for festival. Vinyl albums line the walls along with t-shirts designed from album covers. Central Square Records has a groovey music vibe in addition to all the gift ideas.

Our friend Dr Music runs the sound for musicians at Central Square Records and magically assists. Dr Music knows his tunes maybe even more than Grill Man and always has a great music recommendation. Spend a few minutes and discover Dr Music’s Sonic Suitcase  and vinyl store in Fairhope.

Truly I could ramble on for days about this festival. Dining With Mimi is not a paid sponsor of this festival or any of the venues. Just happy to share my experience with you. Bottom line is show up or miss out. I hope that Mimi’s Tips to Navigate 30aSongwriters Festival 2020 will provide a bit of insight to make the most of your time.

Mimi’s Tips to Navigate 30aSongwriters Festival 2020

1.0 Block off dates in your calendar January 17- 20, 2020. Event is held during MLK Jr. weekend.

2.0 Schedule your trip to soak up the local flavors. If you can swing it, add a couple of days on the front or end of the trip. As a minimum you will need to arrive the day before the festival starts so that you may hit the ground early and not miss anything.

3.0 Review the web site for festival details of musicians. Artist lineup provides photo and bio detailing things you may not know. By reviewing artists throughout the year you will be in a better position to make your schedule once they announce 2020 artist locations and times. There is no guarantee that each artist will return but past line up is a good place to start review until 2020 lineup is posted.

4.0 Use your favorite technology to learn about the artists. Whether its a shout out to Alexa, you tube or spotify, listen to each one. My go to spot for listening is while I am cooking in the kitchen. Upon completion of this you will know who to add to the top of your list, listened to good music and broadened your music knowledge. If one artist does not appeal to you, go to the next one.

5.0 Directly before festival starts, a hard schedule will be posted. Review list, select main acts that you want to see and then design a venue schedule around the time slots. If your favorite act starts at 4, you may want to head over to venue at 2 or earlier and grab a seat or get in line. Introduce yourself to your fellow music lover and enjoy. Sign up for festival app from the official web site. Even today I am still using it as a tool to review artists.

6.0 Next year, I want to focus more on artists that I have never seen perform. I loved all of my favs but fell for a couple of new artists. Be open minded about listening to new artists, all of the singer songwriters at this festival are talented.

7.0 Review venue locations then choose where you would like to stay during festival and book an accommodation. Rental is a great place to leave your car. A small city along 30a is a great spot whether its Seaside, Watercolor, Grayton Beach, Seagrove or Rosemary Beach. Parking is a premium and this makes a great case to walk, bike, taxi or uber.

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8.0 A rental will allow you to make breakfast and coffee. Trust me you will coffee to keep up the pace. Certainly a refrigerator comes in handy keeping your champagne, wine or beer icy cold. Our group took turns cooking breakfast before we headed out everyday. Other meals were shared in restaurants while listening to the artist. Remember to bring water to stay hydrated. Rentals never have enough toilet paper, paper towels, coffee and coffee filters. Although, a store will be close by you will be too busy enjoying music to shop.

9.0 Festival offers a variety of venues with seating for 50 or 5000. If you get tired of large crowds seek out the smaller venues. Small venues offer a more intimate experience and allow you to be closer to the artist for viewing or listening pleasure. By choosing a mixture of venues it will help balance your festival experience.

10.0 Cities that surround the festival offer many choices to enjoy natures beauty. Plan a early morning walk or bike ride to squeeze in your exercise before the music starts. Only a few places in the world feature a dune lake New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar and along Florida’s 30a. For example, check out Seasides Western Coastal Dune Lake.

11.0 Weather this time of year may change quickly from sunny and 70 to wet and cold. Plan to pack clothes that layer well and don’t forget rain jacket and wellies just in case.

12.0 Load up outdoor chairs, sunscreen and hats if you attend any events on Grand Boulevard you will need it. Coolers will not be allowed into this location. Food, wine and beer is sold at this venue.

13.0 Select the artists that you want to see and don’t be afraid to split up and meet back at other locations. Our group walked to venues, rode bikes and ubered as necessary.

14.0 For the last two years The Sundogs hosted a Tom Petty Tribute at AJ’s Grayton Beach. We were lucky to catch it this year although it started at 11pm. After a full day of music it was a late night but so worth the effort. Surprise guests joined them on stage to rock it out. If you want to see this next year, go very early to grab a table. The joint will be packed & very lively, bless their hearts.

15.0 Remember this event is set up as a listening room. Once the artist starts be respectful and listen. Artists and fellow music lovers will appreciate it. Clearly Grill Man and I enjoy music. It only seemed appropriate to share Mimi’s Tips to Navigate 30aSongwriters Festival 2020. Being front and center and hearing songwriters talk about inspiration for a song is special.

Here are a few of the artists that our group managed to squeeze in during our festival.

 If they are touring in your area, go see them live
Marc Broussard
Steve Poltz
Raelyn Nelson Band
Chris Stills
The Sundogs
The Tall Pines
Adron
GuruFish
Goodnight Texas
Michael McDermott
Carsie Blanton
Jason Isbell
Marc Harris & Jab Wilson
Boukou Groove 
Swimming Pool Q's
Aaron Lee Tasjan
The War and Treaty
Cartoon Jazz Band
Old Salt Union
Rosanne Cash

As a music lover if all of this wasn’t reason enough for you to check out this festival, all proceeds benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County a private non-profit 501 (c)3. Weekend away and tickets make a great gift experience to any music lover and fun way to celebrate.

Put this on the top of your gift list for any music lover 21 or older. Great family outing to plan with your adult children. Music is a good way to find common ground and it’s possible that you will learn something about each other. Event easily allows for you to spend some time together and split up as needed.

In summary, I hope that I have offered information with Mimi’s Tips to Navigate 30aSongwriters Festival 2020 to improve your experience. If you have questions, please comment and I will answer as soon as possible.

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Where is the Film Festival?

What? A film festival in Fairhope? Yes, if you have hidden under a rock, we have a film festival. I am still amazed at the number of people who are unaware or have failed to attend.  Have you experienced the Fairhope Film Festival yet? Make a date with your heart-throb or girlfriends and try something new.

Even though I’m eager to try new things I had never attended one before either.  Not that I was opposed to the idea it just never seemed within my geographical  reach. Sundance or Cannes is so far away. Truly, I didn’t know what to expect. When I attended several years ago, I thought it was very cool to have instant access to so many quality films in our backyard.

Every year I increased the number of films that I would attend. How lucky for anyone on the Gulf Coast to have such a cool event happen so close to home. Mary Riser and team have worked very hard each year to make this an exceptional event. While viewing the films I discovered a quote on their website, it really hits home with how I feel.

Festival starts next week November 14-17, 2019. Website provides all you need to discover four days filled with films, panel discussions, and shorts in six different venues. Several films focus on my favorite subject, food and cooking. Films covering all sorts of subjects so many in fact that it will be hard to narrow your choices down.

Tickets will be sold in a variety of options. Each film is only shown once. Buy a 6 pack pass or All Access Pass and you will enjoy the show. To extend your pleasure buy a ticket and join the street party at the Red Carpet Block Party.

Mimi’s Take on Fairhope Film Festival? Buy your tickets and don’t miss out on all the fun. If you need more suggestions, visit Six Tips to Navigate Film Festival. While you’re in town for the festival be on the lookout for who else might be visiting to see their films on the silver screen.

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Summer time is perfect to get your body and paddle on the water. As we continue to improve with age like wine, it’s imperative that we keep moving. Our bodies need and want to keep moving to perform at our optimum levels even if our minds are not on board.

If your anywhere close in age to the un-magical number where the weight has moved in and taken up residence you know how hard it is to lose weight. If you enjoy great food and wine, you also know how hard it is to lose weight. Paddling may be the tool your looking for or at least another way to move your body.

Optimum level sounds like a great goal to shoot for. At this point, burning a bunch of calories, hanging out on the water sharing nature and conversation sounds awesome. I have never been a fan of exercise although I need it. Paddling accomplishes all of my goals without feeling like I was stuck in a gym.

Warning! Paddling on the water may  be addictive and will surely improve your mental outlook. Certainly paddling will decrease stress along with the calorie burn. In my case, developing recipes and love of cooking  requires that I find a exercise outlet that I want to build into my schedule.

Where to Join Fairhope Paddle Group

Hurry, join Fairhope Paddle Group and meet us on the beach. Mostly we meet at Fairhope Municipal Park just past the guard shack on the left. Overtime, I may select another location for a paddle.  Sunset Paddle every Tuesday 6pm or Morning Paddle every Saturday 9am. Paddles held every week during Summer starting this week.

Weeks Bay Pelican Paddle

Next month Weeks Bay Foundation is hosting 6th Annual Pelican Paddle on August 4th. Event is open to all ages for canoe, kayak or paddle boards. If your not in the mood to compete join the guided Eco Tour to enjoy Weeks Bay.  Support a great cause and spin quality time with your family.

Last year, our group joined in the fun. Check up on my mis-adventures from last year’s Pelican Paddle. I am  happy to report that this year a separate category has been added for paddle boards. If you need to borrow a board call  251-990-5004 to check board availability.

Come on, get  your Paddle On and calories off. See you on the beach!

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Red Clay Strays will play at Fairhope’s White Linen Night event. If by chance you have never seen the Red Clay Strays live, you’re in for a treat. Photo of band provided by Skate Mountain Records. Southern soul music delivered by five  talented band members that clearly love performing and belting out the tunes.

What should I expect at Fairhope’s White Linen Night Event?

Now is a good time to bring out the crisp white linen while sharing a libation and listening to music.  Local restaurants will  offer  delicious food and Fairhope Brewing Company will  brew a special beer for the event.

Wonder what the catchy name is for the special beer? Here’s  few of my suggestions: Beer for the Arts, Linen Night Brew, White Night Pale Ale or maybe a A Whiter Shade of Ale? Regardless  of how  they name the beer, it will be a tasty brew.

Fairhope’s White Linen Night Event will  have a live auction offering paintings from local artists and jewelry. All proceeds will benefit the Easter Shore Art Center’s mission “to educate and promote the arts.” ESAC connects our community with arts education, monthly art exhibitions and many outreach activities.

Buy your tickets now before they sell out! Tickets are available for purchase online 24/7 via the Eastern Shore Art Center web site. A limited number of tickets will be offered for sale and event should sell out. Buy your tickets early so that you don’t miss the fun.

In summary, I think this is a great idea for a fun date night out. Plenty of things to keep you entertained for an evening and support the arts. Round up a group of your pals and join Fairhope’s White Linen Night Event. I hope to see you there!

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Live at Five is my new favorite hip Fairhope outdoor event. Great weather, cool Concert Series and awesome amphitheater. Perfect event for all ages. Lovely way to spend an afternoon with your friends in a small or large group. Event is held at Halstead Amphitheater on campus of Coastal Alabama Community College.

Have you attended Hip Fairhope Outdoor Event?

Surely, I would hope by now that everyone has attended at least one concert. If not, what are you waiting for? Live at Five event is free to public. Donations are accepted to support continuation of series. Bring your chair, blanket and picnic basket loaded with your favorites. Remember to bring everything that you need with you or you may find yourself cutting cheese with a wine opener.

Moreover even if you don’t know the music, go and try it out. Be adventurous.  Great outing for date night. Get off the couch, leave your computer, phone, and enjoy an evening outside. In any event, what do you have to lose? Please send me a comment and let me know what you think.  Red Clay Strays play April 27th as part of the series.

Before the show, park by the campus early and head over to see one of my favorite bartenders at Tongue and Groove. I love trying the newest Boozy Sodas before seeing the concert. Then  quickly hydrate with lots of water while enjoying the show, people watching and surroundings.

Besides, Coastal did a great job on building the facilities at Halstead Amphitheater. All in all venue has easy access, plenty of space and clean bathroom facilities.  Recently I have noticed food trucks being added to the events. Namely, everything is there to offer a relaxed environment to listen to music. Clearly the community is supporting the Live at Five series.

Local band Roman Street offers International Flavor

On Friday, Roman Street delivered a great performance of new and old songs from their growing body of work at hip Fairhope outdoor event. Indeed, Noah and Josh Thompson have a great joy for music and Jazz Fusion. Jazz music filled with an international flavor from the Classics all the way to Gypsy, Latin and Flamenco.

Especially playing music that sounds pure and not over produced. Guitar strums played from the heart. Notes filled with passion and sometimes longing mixed in with an upbeat tempo. Morrison Brothers as an addition joined well with Roman Street on Friday. A very talented Bongo player beat a rhythmic edge along with the band and another musician played different instruments. None of which do I know the name of but I enjoyed his performance just the same.

Joyous expressions show that this group enjoys playing together. I hope to see all of them again soon. Long ago I added Roman Street  to my kitchen music list. Finally, support band and buy cds. More importantly, we want to make sure they continue offering us new music. Yet,  Alexa will share Roman Street if you ask nicely provided she understands “your Southern”.

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Honestly, I have to admit I had heard the name around town but Grill Man and I had failed to show up.  With busy schedules sometimes it is hard to squeeze in time for chasing good music. Sadly, most of us gravitate to what we  know. Stop it people, get out of your box and open your ears.

Where is the Music in Fairhope?

On Friday, Coastal Alabama Community College  Fairhope campus presented another free outdoor concert as part of the Live at Five Concert Series. This past Friday Concert featured Jimmy Lumpkin and The Revivals. In addition, John Cochran played with the band.

Gorgeous afternoon framed Halstead Amphitheater perfectly for band to introduce newbies and reward fans. Crowd consisted of people of all ages enjoying the lovely day, fellowship and music. If weather cooperates this is a great venue to bring your chairs or blanket, snacks and libation of choice. Sit back, enjoy the ride and listen.

Another Chance in March  to hear Soulful Sounds of Jimmy Lumpkin

Every month on Monday nights Book Cellar introduces an artist for the month. Guess who’s playing in March? If you failed to make Live at Five this Friday, you have another chance on March 26. Grill Man and I managed to catch Jimmy  playing one night and were glad we made the effort to get out on a school night. During the course of the evening, Molly Thomas stepped in with her violin  and added a layer of melody that only violins add. Hollis joined in with a banjo and mandelin during part of the set.

After the show,  I chatted  with Jimmy for a few minutes and I discovered a kind old soul. I am in love with the quality  of music available to us locally.  Support the artists and musicians so that they keep coming back to us.  Soulful Sounds From Fairhope Alabama With Jimmy Lumpkin And The Revivals   found on the CD titled Home produced Skate Mountain Records

Listen to the music, it will get your boots dancing!

Before the next live at five, plan your meal ahead of time and try the Spicy Gulf Shrimp Gravy, Andouille Sausage and Grits Recipe.  After the concert, drive home to a home cooked meal waiting to be served up to your love.

Happy Spring, Y’all!

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Springing into Mobile with Comic Cowboys will make a girl pause, gasp, smile and wonder. Cartoons elicit a myriad of responses depending on the reader.  Comic Cowboys have been launching comic spins pulled from news, local and national politics. Subjects include current events that we wish were fiction and darker corners left untidy.

Since 1884, parade group has challenged things as they are pointing out issues, questioning authority, using sarcasm and humor to  shine a light. Not all the cartoons are well received and become subject of council  meetings occasionally. Comic cowboys sometimes state the obvious and some times ‘the shameful’.

Here’s what you missed Springing into Mobile with Comic Cowboys

Stripped down wagons decorated with cartoons and slogans present the bead tossing riders through town. Freedom of the press is important. Humor is necessary. Blending of the two is admirable. Even if you don’t agree with everything they satirize, the tradition should remain.

Life becomes so busy, hectic and overwhelming with everything that we try to cram in. Your life needs humor. Laughter is good for the soul. To tie in humor alongside injustices is a good way to spread the awareness. Increased awareness leads to change and at times improvements.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could use humor to bring about change as opposed to negative hate speech? Of course all of us have had a fill of this over the last five years or lifetime? Why can’t we all just get along or at least learn to appreciate that everyone is entitled to an opinion?

Yet, not all of us want to hear all of your opinions repeatedly on every flipping media outlet known far and wide. I turn on the news when I am ready to digest and sift through the mountain of  it (insert your favorite word here).

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some but for everyone.
Jackie Deshannon

Comic Cowboys love you enough to state the obvious. Pushing the envelope  to shake it up.  If you blush when you read it, that’s ok. You have seen worse on  TV during the day. Finally, ask yourself how will you help change the problem?

The never ending ton of rain made it almost worth it for the gorgeous day that I  had in the sunshine. Who knew that it would actually be sunny after all?  Truly, I had to sit down after all the whining and dining. Mimi needed a martini to sort out cartoons from parade and Springing into Mobile with Comic Cowboys.  

2018 Comic Cowboy Martini Recipe

4 ounces Chardonnay
1 shot Vodka
1 Tablespoon St Germain
2 Blackberries mashed
1 Martini glass filled with ice

Into a shaker, add Chardonnay, Vodka and St Germain over ice. Shake it until it hurts. Toss ice from Martini glass. Pour cocktail in martini glass. Add blackberries. Go directly to your favorite spot and enjoy.

Laissez les bons temp rouler!

For another cocktain option try , Good Intentions and Vodka Infused Kumquats

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Local wine distributor Grassroots Wines offered  wines that were easy to drink. Kimberleigh Kelley offered a lively review of the vineyards as wine flowed. Wines ranged in price from $9.19 -$24.17 per bottle.  Everyone at our table enjoyed the wines and magically made the  wine disappear.

Preference of wine is so very personal. Grill Man and I share a love of wine. Over time we have taste tested many varietals red and whites from different countries.  We enjoy wines we know and  yet love also discovering new selections.  Attending a tasting is a great way to road test a wine without committing to a bottle.

Traveling to different locations allows you to explore wines from the region. In the US everyone knows about Napa wine and  lovely grapes from California. Other areas in the US are buzzing with fabulous grapes waiting for discovery. Imagine how cool it would have been to visit Napa before it reached the height of popularity.

In Washington, Walla Walla and Willamette Valley have excellent wine country.Grill Man and  I have been to Willamette Valley and toured  a few vineyards.  Sadly, it was far too long ago. On my wish list  for wine travel is  swinging a trip to Washington’s Walla Walla. In this area you may visit wineries set among estate vineyards that allow for touring through wine country or downtown offers a large number of tasting rooms.

Fortunately for me attending a local wine tasting event in lieu of Napa or Walla Walla was easier to manage after a long day at work. Meeting my friends for group therapy and the tasting made it all worthwhile.  Since you were unable to join me at the tasting, plan your own tasting using the menu below.

Local Wine Tasting Event Menu

Ca Furlan Cuvee Beatrice Prosecco paired with West Indies Salad

Domaine des Gerbeaux Pouilly Fuisse paired with Shrimp Linguine in a Garlic Wine Reduction

Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot  Noir 2016 paired with Barbecue Glazed Salmon

Eagle Glen Napa Valley Cab Sauv 2015 paired with Sausage stuffed Parmesan Crusted Mushrooms

Bedrock Old Vine Zinfandel 2015 paired with Smoked Tenderloin
Wine Spectator named this #12 in Top 100

Scholss Gobelsburg Riesling Gobelsburg paired with Baklava

Each time I emptied my glass I secretly wished for more wine. At my table, I was not alone.  Earlier in the week, when my friends invited me to join them at the tasting I was surprised to learn the place,  Piggly Wiggly.

What? Yes our local grocery store Piggly Wiggly. Wine tasting at The Pig. Winning combination for a fun evening, wine, friends, food and your local favorite grocery store. Check two items from your busy list, groceries and wine. Although, I would probably shop first and then settle in for the tasting.

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