While I am not over the Bay a great deal, recently I have had the opportunity to purchase some food from Greer’s Old Bay Market in Fairhope. I have pestered my friend Robert Greer every time I see him to open one on this side of the pond. The best would be at the Food Tiger location on Florida Street.

Greer’s has always had some of the best meat in town and I have purchased meat at the Florida Street location, but have found little else to purchase. But, there is some great news for those of you in the south part of the county along with Dauphin Island residents. I spoke with Jan Greer Enfinger, who worked at the old Spring Hill Greer’s for years, took some time off and rejoined the company just over a month ago.

Jan is spearheading their effort to bring Greer’s Old Bay Market to Dauphin Island Parkway in Belle Fountaine next to Bayley’s. This former Food Tiger location has already been transformed on the inside to mirror the upscale, nostalgic look and layout of the Fairhope store.

This is quite an investment for Greer’s. Specialty foods, premium beers and wines, cheeses from around the world and the basics are already in stock. There will be some additions that are special just to the new location. Smoked BBQ, their incredible fried chicken, hopefully Boar’s Head meats and the like will be featured in the deli. They will also have some great hummus that is topped with onion, red peppers and olives and sharp cheddar spread with chopped pecans that I picked up last month.

Like I was saying, the store has already been remodeled into the concept, but the final things to be done are the parking lot and landscaping with flower beds and an awning overhang. It is a completely new place, new deli and the store is decorated with old Greer family photos along with some pictures of Dauphin Island and large scale murals on the wall. When you check it out, you will also begin to find a greater variety of frozen items.

You will be able to have breakfast or lunch at the deli with ample seating – they are working on an evening dinner program as well. Jan welcomes suggestions for products and items to carry from customers. In the deli, there is a flat screen TV for watching sports, the news or whatever while you munch on hot wings. And, they are courting a gourmet coffee outfit to open up a coffee stand or at least allow them to serve their coffee in the store, too.

While they are already open, make plans to attend a public grand opening celebration on June 11.

Summer drinks

Summertime is here and it is time for some good drinks and an easy appetizer – sitting on your porch or in the backyard, or right on the water.

Gingerade

Serves Six

This would be great with the addition of vodka or rum.

2 (12 fluid ounce) cans or

bottles ginger ale

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups prepared lemonade

2 cups ice

In a large punch bowl, combine the ginger ale, sugar, lemonade and ice. Stir to blend well and serve.

Frozen Summer Slush

Sixteen Drinks

2 cups white sugar

7 cups water

4 tea bags

2 cups boiling water

1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate

1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate

2 cups gin or vodka

Put seven cups water in large saucepan, and heat on high until boiling. Add sugar and stir until dissolved; set aside to cool. Place teabags in two cups boiling water, and let steep until desired strength is acquired.

In a large bowl, mix together sugar water, tea, lemonade concentrate and orange juice concentrate. Stir in gin. Place in freezer container and freeze overnight.

To serve, place several scoops into a tall glass, and fill with any clear carbonated beverage.

Negroni Cocktail

One Drink

Campari is a great, light berry-flavored beverage.

3/4 fluid ounce campari

3/4 fluid ounce gin

3/4 fluid ounce sweet vermouth

2 fluid ounces carbonated water

1 wedge lemon, for garnish

In a rocks glass over ice, combine Campari, gin, sweet vermouth. Fill with carbonated water and garnish with a wedge of lemon.

For more drink recipies, see this article online at www.lagniappemobile.com

Kinnon Phillips is Lagniappe cuisine editor. Contact him at kphillips@lagniappemobile.com.

Archives