Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

OPPOSITE PAGE: RIGHT IMAGE COURTESY OF MSNBC. THIS PAGE: TOP THREE IMAGES COURTESY OF THE WHARF, RIGHT BY CHARLES PUNZO. 4 Where the Stars Fall on Alabama There's not a bad seat in the house at the Amphitheater at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama. This brand new 10,000-seat, open-air venue is bringing both headliners and legendary bands to Alabama's Gulf Coast. Featuring fully stocked bars, convenient parking, and two 25-foot jumbo screens, this amphitheater is the place to go for the hottest entertainment. The 2007 Pepsi Star Concert Series included Fall Out Boy, Widespread Panic, the Steve Miller Band, Willie Nelson, ZZ Top, Brad Paisley, Evanescence, and many more chart-topping acts. The Amphitheater also hosts seasonal and special events throughout the year, including New Year's Eve and Fourth of July celebrations. And where else can you pilot your own party barge to a concert? You can dock at the marina or take the shuttle from a condo or even walk over after an afternoon of shopping to groove to the sounds of your favorite performers. Check out www.amphitheater.thewharfal.com to see the latest concert schedule and plan your trip to see the stars under the stars. —Courtney Austin Editor's Choice 5 The To shamefully paraphrase U2: I finally found what I've been looking for. Since my move down here almost two years ago I quickly became addicted to the most Southern of Southern cocktails—the mint julep! From hotel bars and tourist traps in Louisiana to upscale restaurants in Northwest Florida and across all points in between, I have ordered, sampled, and even sent back these concoctions (the less said about a certain martini bar's version on the Alabama/Florida border, the better!) and I have finally settled upon my favorite: the Eight75 lounge at the Beau Rivage casino in Biloxi. Fresh mint is de riguer. If there's no fresh mint leaves to be had, there is no julep to be had. Muddled but not bruised, the mint leaves hold court at the bottom of the glass as the crushed ice is packed in (you can use cubes, but it's just not the same). Next, an ounce and a half (give or take) of Woodford Reserve bourbon, a more refined elixir than say, Jack, Jim, or Evan. Maker’s Mark is a good second choice. Simple syrup is the next ingredient and appears to be as rare as fresh mint in most bars. This is not just equal parts sugar and water; it has to be mixed and brought to a boil (muddled mint leaves in the simple syrup add an extra zing). The potent potable is then stirred with a cocktail bar spoon (It’s the one with the long handle that the bartender spins by rubbing his palms together). Garnished with a sprig of mint and you’ve been handed a frosty glass of paradise. Who needs the Kentucky Derby? —Mark A. Newman Best Juleps for Your Two Lips Spring 2008 33 http://www.amphitheater.thewharfal.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Seen & Heard Coastal Calendar Storefronts - Keepin' it Reel Sweet Dreams - Grand Hotel Art of Living - Marking Time Fixtures - A Fitting End Our Backyard - Reasonable Drought Make Yourself at Home - Light up Your Life The Southern Breeze Hot List Unexpected Destin-ation Visual Zydeco We're an American Band The Good Life From Halter Tops to Maternity Tops Reader Services Cheers - Lazy Libations Dish - Mississippi Yearning Chef's Table - Welcome to The Doll House Let's Eat - Sunrise Sensations Last Bite

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