On a tip, I contacted David Van Der Like, owner and executive producer of Hellcat Productions in Pensacola, to see what they were all about. It turns out that David and his son, Ben, operate a busy production studio and event space, Hellcat Hangar, with their hands on lots of interesting things. The building in which they operate is a quirky old 4,000 SF Quonset hut on U.S. Highway 98, that I’ve passed by many times.

Twice this past week we had out-of-towners in for a visit and wanted a nice, leisurely breakfast place to enjoy good food and company. Two Sisters in Fairhope hit the spot—both times! In a beautiful outside setting, we sat on the deck sipping coffee under a magnificent old Live Oak while our breakfast was being prepared.

Bryan and Courtney Fitzsimmons had been working in the hospitality industry for 27 and 20-plus years respectively when they decided they were ready for a change. At the time, Bryan was director of operations for Another Broken Egg overseeing seven states. Bryan’s dad, Frank Fitzsimmons, was living in Pensacola where he has been a business broker for 25 years.

Noell Broughton is a serial restaurant entrepreneur if there ever was one. Catch your breath because his story has the energy of a hurricane! It is a twenty-six-year career history with plenty of twists and turns and a lot of memories and fun along the way. Buckle your seat belts, the ride is not over.

When I was a teenager, America’s Junior Miss pageant was a big deal for our city. High school contestants from every state descended upon Mobile after being selected in local competitions.

When you go to a restaurant that has been around for a while, your expectations are set and you know what you’re in for. At the Wash House in Point Clear, you always expect a great ambiance, very good food, and terrific service.

When I was a boy, it was a big deal to stop by Punta Clara Kitchen and buy some fudge and pralines. It was a special treat, made me happy, and I thought it was a pretty cool place. They moved the kitchen while I was in college, but it was still close, so I didn’t mind.

‍ “The Captain and the Farmer” sounds like a good summer novel, full of rich characters and earthy plot lines. In reality, the characters are a local husband and wife team who are living the dream, on land and sea.