Central Baldwin Chamber Offers Taste of Baldwin
by Marian Mason
The Independent, July 30, 2009

 
The Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce held its sixth annual “Flavors of the South” food and wine tasting at the Baldwin County Coliseum on July 23 with nearly 400 present to sample Baldwin County food and wines.

“I think it was the best one to date,” said Donna Givens of Baldwin EMC. “The variety of food was just amazing.”

“The band was wonderful the food delicious and the whole event was so well planned and organized — we just loved it,” said Phyllis Freels of Fairhope.

Nearly 40 food and drink distributors, restaurants and caterers took part in this year’s extravaganza with such fare as seafood gumbo from Roussos, an entire roasted pig from Farm Fresh Meats and Southern-style pies from South Baldwin Regional Medical Center.

Gulf Distributing Company and Budweiser provided beer, Coca-Cola and Buffalo Rock offered soft drinks and M&J Wines, Brookley Wines, International Wines and Cain’s Market provided samples of wines.

Silent auction items included a dolphin cruise from Gulf Adventures Fishing and a football autographed by coach Nick Saban from the University of Alabama, among others.

A Chinese auction was added this year. Guests could put unlimited tickets in a jar in front of the item. The winning ticket was drawn toward the end of the evening.

Michelle Bodle of The Insurance Center, Robertsdale, walked away with half the 50/50 pot, which added up to $362.50.

“I’m very pleased with the turnout for this year’s Flavors,” said Chairwoman Kay Arnette. “it was a tremendous effort by the committee, who worked hard and well together. We’re proud of what we were able to accomplish and hope the participants and attendees enjoyed it as much as we did.”

Two awards were handed out Judges Sylvia Mattingly, Walter Penry and Rusty Downey selected Hickory House BBQ in Robertsdale for Best Table Decorations. The People’s Choice award for Best Food presentation went to The Stagecoach Cafe in Bay Minette.

Antique vendors set up displays inside the Coliseum, including Plunderosa Antiques, Ponder Antiques and Summerdale Auction Gallery. The Gear Jammers Car Club also displayed antique vehicles in front of the Coliseum.

Live music was provided for the second year in a row by “Cool Change.” Masters of ceremonies were Jerry Byrd and Cindy Brown.