I have always been fascinated to learn how business people got their start and the roads they traveled to get where they are. Most are lessons in perseverance, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Very few, I’ve found, just stumbled out of the gate and succeeded on pure luck. A positive mental attitude is a common trait.

I went to a lovely engagement party in Fairhope and the most fun thing happened. A Sno Ball truck arrived in the backyard and all the guests had made to order Sno Balls for dessert. How cool is that?! It was such a novel and delicious idea that I had to learn more.

Daneen Buck is a staple around these parts. Born and raised in Fairhope, she and her family have been immersed in some kind of restaurant or food business all their lives. Her father was a meat salesman for Armour Meats and sold to many of the local restaurants in the Baldwin County area. Daneen’s parents were comfortable in the kitchen and passed the love of cooking, creating, and entertaining on to their kids.

Throughout June, the Mobile Arts Council’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature works by four Mobile-based artists. The exhibitions, titled “Figures of Imagination” and “Ethereal,” have contrasting themes, but are compatible in their focus on figures, extreme detail, and surreal imagery.

Earlier this year, upon learning that AL.Com had named Ed's to its list of Twelve Classic Alabama Burger Joints We Can't-Wait to Revisit, and to Southern Living's, The South's Most Beloved Hamburger Joints, I made the hour trip north to Jackson to have lunch there and to meet the current owners. ‍

Our South Meets South Wine Dinner on Thursday evening, May 30 is inspired by the rich cultural history of South African flavors found in Southern cuisine. We have found that besides the food, beautiful South African wines complement Southern cuisine.

When we entered Rise Breakfast and Tacos on Highway 31 in Spanish Fort, we were greeted by Krystal, the owner’s sister, who brought out her magic bag of wonders and told us to pick out a treat. I couldn't imagine what it would be … it was a sticker, and then she instructed us to put it on the wall. The whole place is covered in stickers and I got a cat that was apropos because I'm a cat lover. Krystal says it's magic because everyone picks something meaningful to them. Zeb got a sexy devil superhero girl. Hmmmm.

Throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal communities, graduating high school seniors celebrate the end of their primary education and make plans for the future. It is an exciting time for all involved, but a bit of trepidation and separation anxiety is thrown in, too. Our next-door neighbor, Jake Prati, a recent St. Paul’s Episcopal School graduate, is off to Auburn in the Fall.