Yeah for blues, brews and barbecue
The Sinfonia once again put on a grand performance last weekend at Grace Lutheran Church in Destin.
Along with Maestro Demetrius Fuller's faithful mom and dad, Traci Stokes, Frank Sandro, Claire Bannerman, Gale Culling and Lynn Wesson were some seen in the crowd of supporters.
HarborWalk Village's first Brew, Blues and BBQ last Sunday was great. The barbecued shrimp and pork served by vendors such as Seagar's, Pig's Alley, Commander's Palace and the newly reopened Harry T's was yummy. Paired with all kinds of beer, bluegrass music and a gorgeous day, the event was a lot of fun. I look forward to going to more events there. I also saw Kay Phelan and Terri McCall there enjoying the festivities.
Above Harborwalk, the debonair Lance Greenwald and wife Darlene poured some good wine for friends Dr. Bob Hamilton and wife Mindy. The Greenwald's eighth-floor condo with wrap-around balcony offers a to-die-for view overlooking festivities, the harbor and the bay. Kathy and Mike Weger joined us later and after raising a toast to the setting sun, all settled in to watch football while four-legged friends Hoot and Bentley snuggled up to whoever.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf also hosted a private party that night for around 600 servicemen. The Village Door's Dream Band played and the Village's restaurants served food and drink to the bus loads who came in.
Donna Burgess Gallery II at the Market Shops at Sandestin is featuring a "Santa's Workshop" during November. Donna's artwork can be personalized on home décor and there will also be handmade scarves and fabric from Enid Faust-Eckhardt and handmade jewelry by Donna's daughter, Mary Katherine.
Tres Taylor is the artist of the month for November at Eileen West Gallery.
The Artists at Gulf Place Holiday Open House is Nov. 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., with music, Santa's arrival on a fire truck Saturday at 11 a.m., food and beverages, and gift-making with the artists.
Nan Ream opened her home to the Women's Art Network Nov. 10, with 37 hungry, talented artists attending.
Ronnie McBrayer kicked back last week with the wife and kids in Flagstaff, Ariz.
Fleming's steakhouse at Grand Boulevard hosted another fab wine dinner Nov. 11. The food, service, knowledge and atmosphere again did not disappoint.
Owner/partner Chris Renteria joined his guests Lance and Darlene Greenwald, Olivier and Jill Gaupin, and Tony Lange at the table. Lance signed and handed out copies of his book "Corktales."
Demetrius Fuller and Gale Culling were also seen dining at the restaurant that night.
Chef Phil McDonald of Table Five cooked breakfast and lunch for the models and crew of the Neiman Marcus photo shoot that took place last week at Alys Beach.
Destin Charity Wine Auction held a reception recently at Ruth's Chris in Destin. I saw Lori Eckert, Todd Vucovich, Kay Phelan, Traci Stokes Hillary Fosdyck, and Dr. Hugh and Judy Sutherland there.
The Nov. 12 howl at the moon was one of the best, said Mike McCarty. Tables were set up next to the water's edge with dishes of food. Joe Serrato made a batch of his famous "George Washington punch," Tall Tom Hopkins grilled hot dogs, Dan Mueller brought his sisters (Maureen, who was celebrating her 60th birthday, Donna and Lynette) visiting from Kansas City and his brother Ray from Colorado, Paul and Sandy Luchtefeld, who had just returned from South Beach, Wayne and Ladie Bea Carlisle, David and Sally Smith, Susan Thornton, Mary Elsberry, Donna Reynolds, Didon Comer and Hank White, Dana Saffel, Georgeen Newell, Mandy Cooper, Karen White, Nancy McConnell, Billie Gaffery, Tommy and Barbara May, Betty from Miss Lucille's, Denise White and Ridge Nye attended. "We got about three rounds of howls when that crazy ole moon would poke its big bright head out from the clouds," said Mike.
Ladie Bea and Wayne hosted a little soiree at their house after howl got rained off the beach.
Ladie Bea's good friend, Judie Wren, lost her husband, Chris, Nov. 3. Judie lives in Niceville, is a member of the Women's Art Network, and a stained-glass artist.
The Friends of Eden decorate the mansion at Eden for the holidays on Nov. 18.
Wish a happy birthday today to 30A Posse leader Wayne Carlisle, Ernie Shillingburg and artist Matty Jankowski.
Tomorrow to Dr. Priscilla Fowler and Realtor Sherry Carter.
Monday to Ken Gifford.
Tuesday to the TDC's Tracy Louthain.
Wednesday to wine man Chan Cox.
Turkey day to Jan Stanko and Joan Luchese.
And Friday to Fire's first lady, Brenda Darr.
Party Line Talk appears weekly in The Walton Sun. Deborah Wheeler is the arts and entertainment reporter for The Sun. She may be reached at (850) 267-4555 or e-mail debbie_wheeler@lilnk.freedom.com.
