PENSACOLA’S
DOWNTOWN CROWD
h s e r F eats
AUGUST ‘18
Progressive Dinner on Palafox PG. 17
FREE
g n i r b s t n a r u a t s e r g n i n w o Upcom t n w o D o t s r o v a l f new downtowncrowd.com
Downtown Crowd | August 2018
Editor’s Letter
Publisher Malcolm Ballinger Owners Malcolm & Glenys Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Will Isern Art Director Guy Stevens
WILL ISERN editor
7
11
12
17
contents 7 Pensacola Icons
11 Catch & Cook 12 Fresh Eats 17 The Progressive Dinner 19 Reviews 21 Punksacola 22 Calendar
I make a point to stop in at every new business that opens downtown. As a result, it’s been a busy couple of months for this natural homebody. I watched the World Cup at Perfect Plain, had a slice of Graffiti Pizza on a lazy Saturday afternoon and stopped in to have a look around Casks & Flights on Gallery Night. That was just last month. New places have been popping up all year. It seems every issue of ours features some new bar, restaurant or shop opening its doors in downtown Pensacola. This one is no different. In fact, we’ve tried to get ahead of the curve and dish the details on some new spots opening in the coming weeks and months. I for one am looking forward to seeing Constant Coffee & Tea open a location on Palafox Street. What’s most exciting about all these new places is the feeling that we live in an evolving city, and that, through our patronage, we get to help shape that evolution and define our identity. So, just what is that identity? Certainly we are America’s first settlement, and the City of Five Flags and even the Upside of Florida. And of course we are the Cradle of Naval Aviation and home to the Blue Angels. And let’s not forgot our white beaches, for which we are famous the world over.
These are some of our oldest and most cherished titles. But what are the new titles we are making for ourselves? Are we a maker’s city? Local artisans and growers fill the Palafox market every Saturday, and the craft beer scene has certainly found a foothold. Are we an entertainment hub? Palafox Street is bustling with activity every weekend, and Gallery Night draws thousands of people downtown every month. Are we a sports town? Between the Blue Wahoos, the Ice Flyers and the Argonauts you can catch some kind of a game any time of the year. That’s not to mention the consistent level of Divison I talent coming out of our local high schools, or stars like Emmitt Smith, Bubba Watson, Roy Jones Jr., Alfred Morris, Addison Russell and others that call Pensacola home. I would say we are all of these things to a degree, but that more than any one of them in particular we are a city on the rise. Our evolution is our identity. When I think of Pensacola, I think of what it used to be, what it is now, and what I want it in the future. I don’t think anyone can say what kind of a city we’ll be in 10 or 20 years, but so long as those of us who love this city remain excited about the way it’s going, I think we’ll be happy with the result.
Graphic Design Bara’ah Jaraiseh Editorial Assistant Kaitlyn Peacock Contributing Writers Haley Weaver Rita Johnson Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode Paula@ballingerpublishing.com Geneva Strange Geneva@ballingerpublishing.com Deadline for space and information is the 15th of the month prior to publication. For advertising rates or news tips contact Phone: 433-1166 · Fax: 435-9174 DOWNTOWN CROWD is published by Ballinger Publishing. Offices located at 314 N Spring St., Ste. A, Pensacola Florida 32501 Published by Ballinger Publishing
Downtown Crowd is locally owned and operated. It is published monthly for distribution in Pensacola, Florida. All Right Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/ or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2018
See you
at Palafox & Main
Make plans to join us in August for cooking classes, a quick lunch, wine & cheese, coffee, or gourmet gift shopping. It’s all happening in Downtown Pensacola.
AUGUST COOKING CLASSES Aug. 1
Aug. 3
Aug. 6
Hands-on Cooking Class:
Hands-on Cooking Class
Hands-on Cooking Class
CAST IRON BACON WRAPPED STUFFED SHRIMP 6pm-8pm • $64.50
CHEESE & CHARCUTERIE TRAY 6pm-8pm • $64.50
FILET MIGNON & SHRIMP 6pm-8pm • $64.50
Aug. 8
Aug. 15
Aug. 17
Hands-on Cooking Class:
Hands-on Cooking Class
(All Ages Welcome)
KIDS GALLERY NIGHT
6pm-8pm • $64.50
JULIA CHILD’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 6pm-8pm • $64.50
6pm-8pm • $37.63
DATE NIGHT
Aug. 20
Aug. 22
Aug. 24
Sign up & let’s get cooking!
Hands-on Cooking Class
Hands-on Cooking Class:
Hands-on Cooking Class:
FRUTTI DI MARE
THAI BEEF NOODLE SALAD
SPANISH PAELLA
6pm-8pm • $64.50
6pm-8pm • $64.50
6pm-8pm • $64.50
PARTIES MEETINGS RECEPTIONS SHOWERS PRIVATE COOKING CLASSES GIRLS’ NIGHT
REGISTER
(850) 438-7857
sogourmetpensacola.com
SUSHI 101
Reservations requested 24 hours in advance and all reservations include a complimentary glass of wine or beer. refunds available only with 48-hour notice. Classes that do not meet a minimum of 10 will be rescheduled and registration fees refunded immediately.
Best Local Coffee Shop
Aug. 16
5-COURSE MEAL
Smith Devereux
Wine Dinner 6pm-8pm $86.00
A word from Lissa Dees, Executive Director of the Downtown Improvement Board The Downtown Improvement Board officially welcomes a new DIB board chairperson, DeeDee Davis. We are very excited for the upcoming year with DeeDee, vice chair John Peacock, treasurer Charlie Switzer and board members Teri Levin and Michael Carro, each of whom volunteer significant amounts of time working to make downtown Pensacola a great place to live, work and play. We are also grateful to ex-officio members Grover Robinson and Brian Spencer. Improving the downtown parking experience is at the top of our priority list, and we are making a concerted effort to do a better job communicating changes well in advance of them happening. Did you know that you can download the Parking App, find parking prices for a given lot and watch how-to videos at premiumparking.com/city/Pensacola? On August 14 at 10 am, the DIB will host Park Pensacola – How to Park, Pay & Play Downtown Training Session. The session is open to the public and will include coffee, cookies and a gift for attending. We will have a pay station there for demonstrations and designated staff on hand to help attendees load and navigate the Parking App. We’ll show you how to use the parking website and teach you how to pay-to-park in downtown Pensacola. Also, we will be available to answer any parking questions you may have. At the end of the training session, we will have a quiz! All who complete the quiz will be entered to win one week of free parking in the Jefferson Street Parking Garage. Foodies will commemorate the 106th
birthday of Julia Child in August, and the month is bound to be quite delicious in downtown Pensacola. SOGourmet is hosting a handful of hands-on cooking classes, where you can learn how to make sushi, Spanish Paella, filet mignon and more! SOGourmet even offers a kids’ cooking class on Gallery Night (August 18). Jackson’s Steakhouse is hosting Jackson’s and Julia with a special Julia Child-inspired lunch and dinner menu August 15. And Summer Restaurant Week kicks off August 6 through 12 at The Fish House, Jackson’s Steakhouse, Atlas Oyster House and Five Sisters Blues Café. School is right around the corner, and Florida’s tax-free weekend is August 3-] through 5! Be sure to stop in and get the perfect back-to-school outfits at downtown Pensacola’s amazing boutiques and shops—like the recently opened Melobay boutique where the style is always coastal casual. Speaking of new businesses, we’d also like to welcome Casks & Flights to Palafox Street. Casks & Flights is a wine tasting and tap room bringing home-brewed mead (made from East Hill Honey) to downtown Pensacola! And we’d also like to welcome the newest residents of Southtowne to downtown Pensacola! We are thrilled to have you all live, work and play in here. Be sure to stay up-to-date on all things happening downtown by signing up for our monthly e-news at downtownpensacola.com and following us on social media!
A Smoking Venue
Let The Good Times Roll Experience the Tradition Premium Cigars & Fine Spirits Downtown Pensacola 14 S. Palafox Place - 850.495.3308 Open 7 Days a Week - 10am to 11pm & Beyond Also in Florida Cigar Factory Destin - 850.650.2235 Visit Our New Orleans Location Main Factory - 415 Decatur St. Late Night - 206 Bourbon St. www.CigarFactoryNewOrleans.com Miltary & First Responders - 30% Off Our Cigars
oVeRlooKinG SeVille SQUARe PARK
Gulf to Table Seafood LUNCH WeDneSDAY-SAtURDAY | BRUNCH SUnDAY | DINNER DAilY
300 S. AlcAniz St | PenSAcolA, Fl 32502 | 850.433.1275
Rachael Pongetti Tyler’s Watch Pensacola Graffiti Bridge
330 S. Jefferson St. Pensacola, FL 32502 850.595.5990 historicpensacola.org Museum Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sun. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
ANDY WARHOL: MYTH/MAKER
OF PENSACOLA June 2 - October 31 On view at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, third floor galleries.
JUNE 29 – SEPT 2 407 S. JEFFERSON ST. PENSACOLA, FL 32502 850.432.6247 pensacolamuseum.org
HENDERSON THORNTON & KUGELMAN FAMILY GALLERIES AND THE CHARLES W. LAMAR SR. ASSEMBLY ROOM THIS EXHIBITION WAS ORGANIZED BY THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM AND THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH.
MUSEUM HOURS: TUES – THURS 10AM to 5PM FRI – SAT 10AM to 7PM / SUN 12PM to 4PM
: s n o c I a l o Pensac s k r a m d n a L t Wha ? y t i C r u O e n i Def
By Rita Johnson espite Pensacola’s small town feel, our city is filled with iconic landmarks and a rich history. The “Icons of Pensacola” exhibit in the T.T. Wentworth museum, which opened July 10, tackles some of this history by focusing in on six undeniably Pensacola icons. The icons featured include three which still exist: the Blue Angels, the Graffiti Bridge and the Sailfish Sign, and three that are no longer around: the Norwegian Seaman’s Church, the Pensacola Dairy Company and the Hotel San Carlos. When asked about their choices of icons, the chief curator at the UWF Historic Trust, Lowell Bassett, said: “With each of these six we tried to find something that was relatable, something that you didn’t have to be a local to appreciate. It was incredibly hard to narrow it down to just six. I think we had over fifty ideas initially. We had to really look and figure out which ones offered the best look at Pensacola’s history.” The exhibit, on the third floor of the museum, will run until Oct. 31. Its arrangement is meant to give visitors freedom to engage with it in whatever way they want. “We kind of had an open floor plan, so the idea is that when you come in, the sightlines can pull you in any direction, and you can go towards whatever most interests you,” said Bassett. One way the sightlines could take us is towards the large portrait of a Norwegian man on the wall. His eyes seem to be following you, beckoning
D
you to come look. The Norwegian Seaman’s church is the most obscure icon of the six, as very few recall it in living memory. It was a prominent Protestant church and a cultural institution in Pensacola during its time of operation from the late 19th century up until it was torn down in 1934. “The unique thing about the church was how difficult it was to find anything, any artifacts at all, relating to it. It was this massive stone building— we couldn’t even find a brick. Not one. And one of the few people we could find who recall it was a woman in her mid 80s, who recalled her grandparents attending the church,” said Bassett. The church was part of the large Norwegian presence that existed at the time. It was a place where sailors
could go to find literature to read via a worldwide library system of seaman’s churches, where they could socialize with other sailors, where they could both send and receive letters from home, and where they could worship. There was a massive Christmas celebration held by the church, in which sailors would often receive Christmas gifts all the way from Europe to open here in Pensacola. Music that would have been sung at the church plays at the exhibit, performed by a Norwegian group. Eventually however, the Norwegian population of Pensacola left, leaving few behind. Those who remained moved to what is now Immanuel Lutheran Church for their place of worship, and memory of the church faded
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 7
Pensacola Icons
with the Norwegian population. Another Pensacola icon which has faded into history is the Pensacola Dairy Company. The Dairy Bar, owned by the company, had an iconic milk bottle on the top of the building, what Bassett calls “mimetic architecture,” or architecture that signals what a place was selling. In this case, the restaurants main fare was all things dairy. Built in 1926, initially the restaurant was strictly dairy, selling ice cream, milk, and cream, as well as delivering milk; it later evolved into a drive-in style 8 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
restaurant. It was torn down in the 1970s however, to make way for the I-10 off ramp by the Bay Center. The museum features milk bottles and bottle caps from the Dairy Bar, as well as laminated examples of the old menus, in addition to an advertisement for the sale of milk for World War II, both of which you can pick up and read for yourself. The Hotel San Carlos is the last of the lost icons. The tone Bassett takes when talking of it is bittersweet, it is clear how much of a loss the tearing down of this
hotel was. “It was one of those things that was done to really put us on the map,” said Bassett. In its heyday there were advertisements as far north as Chicago for the Hotel San Carlos, and it was the premier destination if you were having any sort of formal event in Pensacola. The hotel was torn down in 1993, after it fell into disrepair in the 60s and through the 70s, but is missed by many now. Bassett talked of its demolition, saying, “People really hated to see it torn down. Even people who supported it when it was torn down are kicking themselves now for removing it, because it was one of these places that any other city would have found a way to support it, to revitalize it. There were a lot of ideas on the table when it was torn down, but unfortunately at the time there just wasn’t the foresight to preserve it.” The most prominent item on display for the hotel is one of the old bell-hops desks, which was restored by a member of the Historic Trust to how it would have looked in its glory days. Other artifacts, such as old keys, silverware and an ashtray with special matches are on display as well. The most prominent of the other three still existing icons is the Blue Angels. Undoubtedly a Pensacola legend, the world famous Navy flight demonstration team is the pride of Pensacola. A video detailing the experiences of recently retired Blue Angel pilot Matthew Suyderhoud provides fascinating insight into the group and the amount of skill that it takes to be a Blue Angel. The flight suits on display are on loan from two former Blue Angel pilots. Bassett expressed particular delight in having been able to get a flight suit helmet. “You see the flight suits all the time, but not usually the helmets. We were very excited to
have gotten this one.” The Graffiti Bridge and the Sailfish Sign are the two other existing icons that many think of as going hand-inhand, since you often have to pass under both in order to get to the beach. The 17th Avenue overpass, known lovingly as the Graffiti Bridge, was once thought of as a major issue. The graffiti on the bridge was regarded as projecting an undesirable image. For many years, ramping up in the 1980s, locals tried to find a way to combat graffiti on the bridge. In 2008, it was decriminalized, cementing the bridge’s status as an ever-changing iconic Pensacola landmark. The title of an informative plaque at the exhibit says it best: “From Eyesore to Icon.” The Graffiti Bridge display is by far the most unique one, going out of its way to catch your eye. The wall art was done by artist Poppy Garcia, and the display features pages from Rachel Pongetti’s book, “The Pensacola Graffiti Bridge Project,” where in 2011 she photographed the Graffiti Bridge every day for 365 days. The Sailfish Sign, commissioned by the Santa Rosa Island Authority in the 1950s was originally on Palafox, on top of Escambia Motors. In 1962 it was moved to the location near the Bob Sikes Memorial Bridge, and the original sign was replaced by a new one in 2003. On display is part of the original sign. “We have the original sailfish sign, so the pieces you see up there are the original… we’re one of the only places where you can get up close and personal with it,” said Bassett. In the end, Bassett hopes visitors leave the exhibit with a better understanding of the interesting story of Pensacola’s history.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 9
SIGNATURE BLOODY MARY
10AM-2PM
OWNING CAN SAVE% 40 ALMOST AL T OF REN S! PAYMENT
CALL ME To Find Out How You May Be Able To Move In A Home With NO MONEY DOWN.
$5.99 HAPPY HOUR MENU $2.50 DOMESTIC BOTTLES & DRAFTS $4 HOUSE WINES & LIQUOR DAILY FROM 3-6PM IN THE BAR
Simone Sands, Realtor ©, CRS Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty 17 West Cedar Street, Suite 2, Downtown Pensacola cell 850-293-2292 | office 850-434-2244
WWW.NICKSBOATHOUSE.COM
455 W. Main St., Downtown Pensacola
(850) 912-8775
7
$ 99
LUNCH SPECIALS
MON-FRI • 11AM-3PM
Tips On How To Cook Your Summer Catch By Rita Johnson
It’s summer, and whether you’re a tourist or a local, Pensacola is an excellent fishing destination. There’s nothing quite like eating freshly caught fish for dinner; the satisfaction of eating your own catch simply never compares to buying fish from a store or market. The best summer catch by far in Pensacola is Red Snapper, which is in season for part of the summer. Mullet and Catfish, although year round fish, are also good bets. The Marina Oyster Barn off of Bayou Boulevard, a small neighborhood restaurant with a reputation for it’s excellent seafood, recommends a no-nonsense way of cooking. “Keep it simple,” owner Dale Rooks said. “We put salt and pepper on when we bake it, we put a buttery Italian dressing on it when we grill it, and we toss it in presalted batter when we fry it.”
He stressed that what’s important is that you know how long to cook it for, and that you watch it while it’s cooking. This no nonsense way of cooking is one that many swear by. It’s a great way to bring out the natural flavors of the fish without overwhelming it with too many spices or sauces. At Hemingway’s, jerk seasoning, seared on a blackening skillet, as well as their fish fried with mild Cajun spiced batter are often ordered. Blackened fish is also extremely popular with customers.
According to Hemingway’s: “To blacken fish, sear it on a cast iron skillet or plate. Put butter on the skillet, very spicy blackening seasoning on the fish, and cook it until it’s really dark, almost to the point of burnt. Then you flip it, and you want to get a dark, reddish brown color on both sides. So it’s going to have the rich seasonings, plus the butter, without leaving you that burnt flavor.” The most popular method of cooking at Hemingway’s, however, is simply grilled with salt and pepper, with toppings, such as their cream sauce with lobster. At home, you can easily grill your fish, and then fix your own toppings to match your taste!
Pan Fried Fillets Heat cooking oil in deep fry pan to 375°F. Wash fish thoroughly in cold water. While wet, coat in fish fry. Place in cooking oil and cook until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towel to absorb excess oil. Add lemon, salt and pepper to taste.
In Season This Month Amberjack Gag Grouper Permit Spiny Lobster Triggerfish
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 11
BY WILL ISERN
Downtown’s newest flavors By Will Isern
tering staurant, wa re w e n a t u o town ’re writing ab nging down e a h w c th ly n id o p y m ra every g up in the track. Alread n p e ru e p k s It seems like s to a h rd t a st it’s h lafox g trend tha ping up so fa e nation, Pa p th o hole or dinin p in re ts a ic ts tr o New sp f everyment dis Pensacola. eep on top o est entertain k b e to t th p f o m e e tt n so . In an a t you can recognized a ew spot tha h new tastes n it w ry e e v lv e o f v o s. e t s and month continues to ed up this lis k d e e n u w ro g e in ’v m e us, w the co thing delicio forward to in k o lo n a c r o w, either try no
Casks & Flights
t! i t é p p a n Bo
121 S Palafox Street Perhaps the most unique new venture in downtown Pensacola, Casks and Flights brings a modern twist to traditional wineby-the-glass service. Rather than selecting cabernets and roses off a menu, customers can browse a wall of self-serve kiosks, selecting their wine and pour size from a small tasting to a full glass. A quick credit card swipe and out comes the perfectly chilled wine. The different pour sizes allow customers to try a range of different vinos without breaking the bank.
Casks and Flights is the creation of coowners John Wilson and John McCorvey, who met at Wilson’s former business, Swan Neck Meadery. In addition to serving wine, the co-owners also brew and sell their own mead, a lightly alcoholic beverage fermented with honey and flavored with fruits and spices. 12 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Located at 121 S. Palafox Street across from the Saenger Theatre, Casks and Flights is open from 4 pm to midnight Monday through Wednesday, 11 am to 2 am Tursday through Saturday and from 1 pm to 8 pm on Sunday. You can find Casks and Flights on Facebook @casksandflights.
Angelena's
101 E Intendencia Street A testament to the fact that there’s no such thing as too much pasta, this upscale Italian restaurant is taking over the ground floor of the new office building at the corner of Intendencia and Jefferson Street. Helmed by two-time “Chopped” winner and director of culinary research at The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City James Briscione, Angelena’s will bring the kind of fine Italian dining downtown that has recently only been found at V Paul’s Italian Ristorante. “You’re going to see a beautiful wood-burning oven that’s going to produce pizzas and baked pastas and roast fish right out of Gulf of Mexico,” Briscione said.
Briscione’s wife and author of the novel “Belle in the Big Apple”, Brooke Parkhurst will serve as the restaurant’s wine director. Part of the Great Southern Restaurant Group whose other properties include The Fish House, Jackson’s Steakhouse and Five Sisters Blues Café, Angelena’s will be managed by Jean Pierre N’Dione, co-owner of Five Sisters. Angelena’s is under construction and is set to open in September. You can find them on Facebook by searching Angelena’s Pensacola.
The Kennedy Kennedy The 1 Palafox Place
Perhaps you’ve heard the buzz about this mid-century modern cocktail bar going in at the corner of Palafox and Garden streets. It’s the latest venture by Old Hickory Whiskey bar owner Karie Garrett. The bar will be a throwback to the suit-and-tie establishments of the 1950s and 60s and promises classic drinks with a modern flare. Taking its name from John F. Kennedy, The Kennedy promises patrons an atmosphere in step with the late president’s classic style. Fans of AMC’s
popular “Mad Men” will definitely want to drop in for a Manhattan. Utilizing the kitchen left behind by the space’s former tenant, Pita Pit, the bar will also serve small plates focusing on locally sourced ingredients; just don’t go expecting a full meal. Renovations are still underway, but look for a Fall opening in September or October. You can find The Kennedy online at TheKennedy.bar.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 13
315 Selina Street
Big Jerk Soda
Big Jerk Soda may not have its own brick and mortar location, but this new company is quickly spreading its allnatural pops throughout downtown and the wider city. In flavors like Strawberry Basil Sour, Toasted Coconut Cream Soda and Lavender Lemonade, Big Jerk Sodas are the creation of Pensacola couple Ryan and Jennifer Eaton. Using all-natural, locally sourced ingredients, the couple is constantly experimenting with inventive flavors from their headquarters at The Leisure Club.
Th
e
Their latest creations include a Choco Mocha Thunderbolt coffee-flavored soda, and a Blueberry Peach Soda made with berries from Molino and peaches from Chilton County in Alabama.
Since officially starting in February, Big Jerk Soda have spread their brand to The Apple Market, End of The Line CafĂŠ, Chizuko and Perfect Plain Brewing Co. You can find Big Jerk Soda on Facebook @BigJerkSoda.
w a D rf
407 N De Villiers Street While not exactly new, this outstanding chicken spot has flown under-the-radar since reopening at its historic location in the Belmont-Devilliers neighborhood. The original Dwarf Chicken Stand opened in heart of the BelmontDevilliers district in 1963 serving fried chicken and Southern sides to generations of loyal customers until Hurricane Ivan destroyed the building the restaurant was housed in in 2004. The business reopened on Massachusetts Avenue in 2007, but struggled to succeed outside its former home. Now The Dwarf is back at 407 N. DeVilliers St. and so are the customers.
14 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
The Dwarf offers classic sides like fried okra and collard greens, but the chicken is the star of the show. At $4 for a drumstick and thigh or $4.50 for a breast and a wing, it’s easy to eat your fill for a reasonable price. For those returning from a night out or just seeking to satisfy a late-night craving, The Dwarf is open until the wee hours from 2 pm to midnight Sunday and Monday, noon to midnight Tuesday through Thursday and from noon to 4 or 5 am Friday and Saturday. The Dwarf is a small operation, so you may have to wait a while if you order at the counter, but you can call your order in ahead of time at 470-0652.
Constant Coffee
Coming Soon
A favorite of coffee connoisseurs since opening in 2013, this Scenic Highway hot spot will open a new location on Palafox Street in the Brent Building breezeway in the Fall.
Switzer said the new location will have a lunch counter feel, and will offer cocktail-style drinks like an expresso tonic and mint julep, but with coffee instead of alcohol.
Owner Philip Switzer said the new location will differ significantly from the Scenic Highway location.
“We realized there wasn’t really a place downtown for the teetotaling crowd, it’s all alcohol, so we wanted to fill the niche,” Switzer said.
“We’re trying to tailor each expansion to the neighborhood, so for downtown we’re going a little more polished, a little more refined kind of an updated art deco; clean lines, slick kind of look,” Switzer said.
Construction is still underway, but Switzer said he’s hoping for a midSeptember opening. You can find Constant Coffee & Tea online at ConstantCoffeeAndTea.com.
Lest We Forget We’ve covered so many new restaurants and bars in recent issues that it didn’t make sense to relist them all here even though some are as new as those on this list. That said, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Graffitti Pizza, which is open now across from World of Beer, and Big Top Brewing Company, who will open a brewery and pub at 21 West Romana this month.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 15
COMING SOON: PAY & GET ON YOUR WAY! Pay stations have been recently updated to make parking in downtown even easier. Soon you will no longer need to display a paper receipt. Park like a pro: Have your tag # ready or just take a photo!
June 29
Pay machines updated.
September 5
October 20
INTRODUCTION PERIOD
PAY BY PLATE
Enter your license plate #. Pay and walk away. OR
If you don’t know, enter “1234” to bypass. Display receipt on dash.*
All parkers can enter license plate #. Pay and walk away.
*Not necessary at Jefferson St. Garage.
Parking Training Session | Aug. 14, 2018 | Immediately following the DIB meeting at 10am
Find out more at premiumparking.com/city/pensacola
PA L A FOX
e v i s s e r g r o e r n P n Di The
g gu
r ide fo
lkin A wa
est the b
lafox on Pa
3
rn
ill Ise by W
1 PA L A
GARD
meal
EN
h – Finis , $10 Old r a B e key vy. Th h, and Whis kory rk and hea y vermout ic c i p H a C r ss a ld Nightld Hickory, Osomething don, sweet & sds. Simple, cla b h O a r l The Bou ff wit ed g ight o ffalo Trace in a smok t’s sleep. the n u h d B e ig dn serv ry is Hicko ura bitters u to a goo yo st Ango e to send r u s d an
NDE
NCIA
G
2
ood k so g , in r d in e 7 – Th hire G s Bar, $ mbay Sap gne. It’s k ½ n i 5 , a r D rench 75 ur . Bo mp menu p and cha to whet yo The F r left the u h r g y s u le ve no it’s ne juice, simp t strong e s n ju o d lem t an brigh light, e. tit appe
ve a a h o ant t ot j u s t w u o n So y . B ut o u w ant t u o ni ght ht o ut , y s t t h at e ig a ny n s t o f t h e b c o l a a e t h e b ow n P e n s t down of f er. o n k s t l ot i r o d t s 5 has deliciou there’s a t
, From n’ t g e b it e s a c e l u b ta Yo d el e c s e f ro m . h ere o S o . o e to ch one plac ide to the in n g g u e n in g i it all k l a ev rw i s y o u o g r e s s i v e o w nt o w n t d pr best n have in opinion). I s a r you c ola (in ou , but it ’s a c a ap P en s e che b t o n et s . m ay g t i s a good
4 PA L A
y from k awa at l a w a ce bit of e. On rt is a food settl ed many e s s e t D e inven on’s let th , $7 – t son’s u time to d has ssic. Jacks r k in e c k s a s n J De e Brulee, ill give yo rulee. Ma eless cla Crèm but that w e crème b as this tim r, th od dinne ’s, opt for one so go n n o t s u k Jac . at, b mple et tre a swe prime exa NT a NME offers OVER
FOX
stly Hone r $13, – e , l d l r i r a lG nh Globa l, and eve , t e r u k e o a ril iz C ht Appeot Lump Crabng at Global .GSince no nig, we’re r b o d e r o w o tiz rab, Jum to go one appe ithout seaf o lump c weet d r a b h t s its ju nd s jum te w tle on is comple cakes. It’s uce a mb t a e s s e o d t b la sacola moula h the he cra in Pen ending t arragon, re ou go wit y m t , if recom sil, capers derstand n ba u l h ’l s e e r f .W o hay potat s. ANA p ROM lollipo
INTE
. – The N, M.P ason, O R I t an e se e staur es with th s e r e’re R u , o e C ye. W ey ng Main. Cowboy Ribnt IRON chaignature ribe, but s town ose 24 oz t Restaura get their down a s y in u st cl a n k w e a l m ybe ju t ste an a a s c e M u b . r o e eithe eck? but y ing it’s th ’s not y ch not sa ot saying it sign the u n o y e ’r n e w he yes w EN your e GARD
FOX
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 17
rking ts Wo ther TogeCOLA’S
PANhANdLE fARmINg
Artis
PENSA ERIES P GALL CO-O
f OOd f Or T HOUgH T
SPRINg fESTIvALS c r Aw f I SH , c HOc OL AT E
&JA zz
RS RITE ONGW STIVAL 30A S FE BEAT
E ING TH CH BRING THE BEA TO
ONE, COMEE ALL COMand H Bare ive Collect A s Create ace New Sp Arts e For Th ity un m Com
g n i g r s EmE t s i t R A Ar LTOOCAWLATCHTISTS 4
ALSO
ATE:
CLIM INESS UANA
BUSICAL MARIJ MED
E:
IS ISSU
IN TH
Viva la
Vegan
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE :
BUSINESS CLIMATE
+
MAY/JUN 2018
ON THE MARKET
: RKET
E MA CTION ONEATLHESTATE SE
A REAL ESTATE SECTION
AR
Back Issues Available! Call 850.433.1166 ext. 26 for more info.
SEPTEMbER 27-29, 2018 In loving memory of John Ryan Peacock and Ashley Lauren Offerdahl To date, the PCO has raised more than $1,195,000 for local charities thanks to the amazing generosity and support of businesses and individuals like you!
CHOOSE FROM ANY OF OUR
12 SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES!
• • • • • •
Presenting Sponsor Platinum Sponsor Entertainment Sponsor Gold Sponsor Golf Shirt Sponsor Silver Sponsor
• • • • • •
Table Sponsor Bar Sponsor Eagle Sponsor Play Only Sponsor Birdie Sponsor Par Sponsor
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
VISIT US ONLINE AT PCOGOLF.ORG
Jams What we’re listening to this month Freddie
Pray for the Wicked
Freddie Gibbs, ESGN Records BY GUY STEVENS – Gangsta Gibbs is back with summer’s hardest mixtape, Freddie. Days before it dropped, Gibbs released a bizarre-yet-hilarious social media campaign, parodying the late night 80s TV commercials of R&B collections, Gibbs in a immaculately tailored suit, crooning over a keyboard and cry-signing into a payphone. We didn’t know what we were watching but we wanted more of it. The surprise release showcases Gibbs at his rawest and most free – a sharp contrast to last years’s You Only Live 2wice – with rich storytelling and his signature flow center stage. The bulk of production is handled by Kenny Beats (EDM veteran Loudpvck) who has recently returned to the rap scene, working on Rico Nasty’s equally stellar album Nasty. Gibbs shines on the aggressive production style of Kenny’s tracks, especially on “Death Row” featuring 03 Greedo. EazyE’s “Boyz-N-The-Hood” is impressively
Panic! At the Disco, Fueled by Ramen
reworked. Freddie does his thing while 03 Greedo channels Eazy-E and delivers the best feature on the tape. Freddie is definitely going to be in heavy rotation this summer, and sets the bar high for the Gibb’s next project, the Piñata follow-up Bandana. Standout Tracks: Automatic Death Row (feat. 03 Greedo) Toe Tag
Youngblood
tie them together. The album feels like a contemplation of fame and the trappings thereof, but a real theme never really materializes. Overall, all of the songs are a good listen, if a bit glossy. Pray for the Wicked may have felt slightly disconnected, but Brendon Urie hasn’t lost his charm or talent yet. Standout Tracks: Say Amen (Saturday Night) Old Fashioned Dying in LA
Head in the Clouds
5 Seconds of Summer, Capitol Records
BY HALEY WEAVER – 5 Seconds of Summer’s new album, Youngblood abandons much of the group’s earlier pop-punk sound for something a bit darker, a bit (a lot) poppier, a bit more complicated, but still really enjoyable. The instrumentation is more complex on songs like “Valentine” and “Talk Fast,” giving them the image of a band who would need more than a fourpiece set to play the song live. In the same vein, they’ve tried their hand at significant tempo changes in “Woke Up in Japan” and “Monster Among Men,” songs that actually land on their feet. Their roots aren’t completely lost; the second single and title track “Youngblood” has a sick driving bass line and sounds like Fall Out Boy circa-2007, and songs like “Moving Along” and “More” have held the gritty driving guitar that distinguished their middle-ground sound back in 2013. The respect I have for this change in 5 Seconds of Summer, the same I have for Paramore, comes
BY Rita Johnson – The new Panic! At the Disco album Pray for the Wicked came out in late June. This is the band’s sixth album, and their sound has come a long way since 2005’s A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. For those who haven’t listened to the group since their emo days in the early 2000s, the sound of Panic! has changed quite a lot over the years. What hasn’t changed, however, is the fact that Brendon Urie’s vocals are front and center in every song. His voice is what makes Panic! At The Disco. This new album, like most of the band’s albums, could be described as emo-pop with an emphasis on pop. This album makes use of brass instruments often, and much of the music has the feel of a 1920s party – there’s even a song on the album called “Roaring 20s”. The songs hold up on their own well. Taken together, however, the album feels disconnected. It’s hard to find a common thread in all the songs to
88rising, Capitol Records
from the acknowledgement that it’s okay to abandon the punk image of childhood for something softer to the touch because that’s often how you have to deal with adulthood. I’ve said before that 2018 is the year of pop, and Youngblood is a solid contribution. Standout Tracks: Lie To Me Talk Fast Youngblood
BY WILL ISERN – This summery compilation from the artist collective / record label / social media marketing company 88rising marks the first time that the individual artists on the label have combined powers for a collective release. The label mates have each achieved underground success by carving out a unique sound, but their styles blend together well here. What doesn’t work is the collective lack of ambition. In combining their powers, the artists Standout Tracks: are distilled to the least common denomi- Swimming Pool nator. They manage to nail to summery, Poolside Manor pop sound that’s all the rage right now, but you’d be hard-pressed to pick any of these songs out from the milieu of pop-rap found on any Spotify summer playlist. There are bangers here, but in aiming for the status quo, 88rising find it to their own detriment.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 19
Here for you, so you can be there for them. When the unexpected happens, we’re here. We serve families displaced by healthcare emergencies by providing them with free shelter, food and support. Lean on us as you care for your loved ones. Learn more, donate, or get involved at VineyardFamilyHouse.org.
850.469.1466 • VineyardFamilyHouse.org
Keep Our Friends Safe Adopt -AManatee
®
Call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte
punksacola By Rita Johnson
m
any, if not most, of the residents of Pensacola are unaware that Pensacola has a thriving underground punk scene, and it’s not new, either; the local scene emerged in the late 1970s. A new exhibit at the T.T. Wentworth Museum entitled “Punksacola: Reflections of a Subculture,” detailing the history of punk culture in Pensacola, opened July 20 to hundreds of attendees. The opening night ended with a raucous live concert with several of the bands performing also being featured in the exhibit. All of the bands featured were Pensacola-based, and included Company of Ghosts, Acorns, Dead Buggs and Rezolve. It’s possible you may have seen some of their members around town without knowing it. The exhibit was put together in a joint partnership by the University of West Florida Historic Trust and the 309 Punk Museum Project. “Really, it was very important to have both of us working on the project,” said Lowell Bassett, chief curator for the UWF Historic Trust. “This is their expertise, not mine, and it was crucial having their input and also their connections to the punk subculture in Pensacola.” The 309 Punk Museum Project is a group whose main goal is to preserve the 309 Punk House, a historic
site located at 309 6th Avenue integral to the history of the punk scene in Pensacola. The organizers hope to turn the house into an exhibition and artist space to commemorate and foster the punk scene in Pensacola. The organizers are raising money through donations as well as the sale of buttons, T-shirts and Pensacola-based zines.
pensacola's punk past illuminated
The exhibit features flyers advertising shows for old bands, as well as flyers for now famous bands such as Green Day and The Flaming Lips. Also on display is album artwork, old photos from the 309 house and protest art. A video documentary featuring past and current members of the Pensacola punk scene is available to watch, and features testimonies from band members who have lived in the 309 house. The exhibit at the T.T. Wentworth Museum runs until July 20, 2019, and, according to Bassett, will be changing as more items come in. Hundreds of old flyers, photos and zines already occupy the exhibit, and as awareness about the project has grown people have been eager to share with museum staff their old memories of Pensacola’s punk scene. You can find more about the 309 Punk Project online at 309PunkMuseum.org.
Photography by Brian Butler
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 21
Date line D ow n t own Bring blankets and lawn chairs for an evening of family fun underneath the stars. Local food trucks will be at the event, so make sure to come ready to enjoy dinner and a show. For more information, visit www.cityofpensacola.com.
Commodore’s Cup Race No. 2 August 11
The Commodore’s Cup takes to Pensacola Bay on Aug. 11.
Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical
August 2, 3, 4, 5, 9. 10, 11 and 12 Pensacola Little Theater will host performances of the Mary Poppins Broadway Musical. This production is practically perfect in every way! This family musical is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. Original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman with book by Julian Fellowes. New songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Theatre Thursday tickets and the Aug. 11 treehouse matinee tickets for children 12 and under are half price. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.pensacolalittletheatre.com.
Civil War at Fort Pickens August 4
Gulf Islands National Seashore announced a special day of programming exploring the lives of soldiers stationed at Fort Pickens during the Civil War. Special programs will be available from 11 am to 7 pm Aug. 4 at historic Fort Pickens. The National 22 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Park Service will present musket and artillery demonstrations, civil war music, camp life displays and other ranger programs specifically geared toward the soldiers experience during the Civil War. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs can change or be cancelled without warning, particularly due to weather. There is an entrance fee for the Fort Pickens Area; the historic fort is open daily from 8:30 am to sunset.
TEDxSevilleSq Change Your Mind, Change Your Life August 4
WSRE is hosting TEDxSevilleSq August 4 from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm The 2018 event theme is “Change Your Mind Change Your Life,” hosting a variety of 8 speakers from a Jazzprenuer to a suicide comedian. There will be a piano performance, including brunch and afternoon tea from popular local artisans. Anyone interested can find more information at www.FB.me/TEDxSevilleSq and anyone can apply as a volunteer or a speaker for future events on the website. Limited audience tickets can be
found at www.eventbrite.com/e/tedx-sevillesq-pensacola-fl-tickets-45814226585.
Bushwacker 5K Run August 4
The annual Capt’n Fun Bushwacker 5K Run will take place Aug. 4 at 7:30 am to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. The race follows a 3.1-mile point-to-point course beginning in Gulf Breeze at the South Santa Rosa Recreation Center on Shoreline Drive and finishes on Pensacola Beach at the Quietwater Beach Boardwalk after crossing the Bob Sikes Bridge. Registration is $30 through August 3 and on race day. For more information, call Johnny Graves at 733-9090 or Big Brothers, Big Sisters at 433-KIDS (5437).
Hill-Kelly Movies in the Park Series August 10
Once a month during the summer, catch a movie at Community Maritime Park. The next movie will be Justice League, scheduled for Aug. 10 beginning at sunset, 7:40 pm
Race registration for the Navy Yacht Club of Pensacola (NYCP) 87th Anniversary Regatta, Commodore’s Cup Race No. 2 has been rescheduled due to weather concerns and will be Aug. 11. Registration and race information packages for the Commodore’s Cup Series can be obtained from the Navy Yacht Club through their website www.navypnsyc.org. Regatta entry fee is $35 with U.S. Sailing membership and $40 for non-member racing participants. Spectators and anyone who is interested in the racing event are invited to the Navy Yacht Club facility, which is located onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. For the onshore regatta information, contact Jim Parsons at 384-4575 or e-mail jimparsons@bellsouth.net. For race information and docking availability, contact John Buziak, Navy Yacht Club fleet captain, at 291-2115 or email buziakj@cpmechanics.com.
Sea Turtle Baby Shower August 11
Landshark Landing will host a Sea Turtle Baby Shower Aug. 11 from 11 am to 2 pm. Enjoy a family friendly afternoon of games, activities and entertainment to educate children and to celebrate the sea turtles. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.visitpensacola.com or e-mail info@pbadvocates. org.
Blue Angels Practices August 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29
Loved the Beach Air Show and need some more aerial acrobatics? The Blues will be hosting practice sessions open to the viewing public throughout August. Wheels up at 11:30 am on most practice days. Admission to view the practice is free. Following most Wednesday practices, members of the Blue Angels visit the Museum
to meet fans and sign autographs in the Atrium. For more information, visit www. navalaviationmuseum.org. For show weather updates, visit the Blue Angels Facebook or Twitter before show time.
August is the last full month of Blue Wahoos baseball.
Gallery Night August 17
Enjoy the last breath of summer at Gallery Night, Aug. 17 starting at 5 pm Take the “Arts to the Streets” where visitors can connect with the unique culture of Pensacola. Palafox Street will be closed for traffic between Garden and Main Street during the event. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pg/ Gallery-Night-Pensacola.
EVH 4 Eva Rock Concert August 18
Pensacola Little Theater is pleased to support #EVH4EVA, a Van Halen tribute concert benefiting Pensacola Little Theatre and the Pensacola Community School of Music Aug. 18 at 7 pm, at Phineas Phogg’s in Seville Quarter. The concert will feature Jim Green on guitar, Charlie Wiggins on bass, Eric Stevenson on drums and Igon Flux doing vocals. Tickets will be $20 at the door, cash only. For information regarding VIP ticket and table purchases, contact the Pensacola Little Theatre box office at 432-2042.
Blues on the Bay Concert Series August 19
The annual Blues on the Bay Concert Series is still rocking the Hunter Amphitheater at Community Maritime Park. Pack your coolers, bring your lawn chairs, and enjoy a cool breeze off the bay while some of the region’s best musical talents hit the stage. The next concert will be Aug. 19, beginning at 6 pm and will include The Truth featuring Cat Rhodes, and Crosstown. Every concert in the series is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.cityofpensacola.com.
UWF Argos Football Season Opener August 30
Football season has arrived. See the NCAA
Division II 2018 finalists the UWF Argos open the season in prime time at Community Maritime Park Aug. 30, game start at 7 pm. Tickets are $18 at the gate. For more information, visit www.goargos.com.
The End of Jack Cruz
August 31 and September 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 Pensacola Little Theater will host a production of “The End of Jack Cruz,” first showing Aug. 31 at 7:30 pm. This is a Studio 400 Production, directed by Billy Buff. The show features a post-apocalyptic memoir about the last two survivors on Earth locked in a deadly struggle for survival. This show is considered dark drama and contains strong adult language and depicted graphic violence. For a full list of dates, times or to buy tickets, visit www. pensacolalittletheatre.com.
Gulf Coast Summer Festival – Jazz Edition September 1
The third Annual Gulf Coast Summer Fest Jazz Edition will take place Sept. 1, 3:30
pm to 11:45 pm overlooking the Pensacola Bay at Community Maritime Park. It’s more than just a concert, it’s an experience on the water. Tickets are on sale now at all ticketmaster location and online at www. ticketmaster.com or by calloing 1 (800) 745-3000. Prices are currently $75, but will be $85 the day of the show. Bring your coolers, lawn chairs and umbrellas. Guests cannot bring weapons, tents, grills, glass containers or children under 18. Security is provided by Pensacola Police Department and all persons and coolers are subject to search. For more information, visit www. gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com.
Pensacola Blue Wahoos The end of the season is here. Come cheer on the team and enjoy America’s favorite pastime along the beautiful Pensacola Bay. All games listed below are home games hosted at Community Maritime Park. The last scheduled game of the season to be hosted at Maritime Mark will be Aug. 28, the Wahoos vs. the Mobile BayBears. The Wahoos’ last game of the season is scheduled for Sept. 3 at the Tennessee Smokies. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.bluewahoos.com.
Aug. 2 – 6
Vs. Montgomery Biscuits
Aug. 14 – 18
Vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
Aug. 24 – 28
Vs. Mobile BayBears
Saenger Theatre Classic Movie Series As the summer comes to a close, the Saenger continues to screen six weeks of classic movies with tickets for only $5. Sit in the historic Saenger Theatre and enjoy some of the greatest movies of all times on the big screen, the way movies were meant to be seen. For more information, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com. The schedule includes: August 4: Smokey and the Bandit August 11: Rear Window August 18: The Wizard of Oz August 25: The Sound of Music
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 23