A few things recently seen and heard in the Gulfport area…
Backfin Blue Café has reopened with upgrades and a new staff after a sold-out menu preview party on January 15 … The Cheshire Cat from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland now resides in an oak tree in the Gulfport Public Library Reading Garden thanks to local artist Tom Pitzen … The space that was Peg’s Cantina will open mid-February as Fish Bar and Grille. Owners Cathy and Mike Burke hope to create an Old Florida experience for their guests with a tiki bar and a variety of fresh Florida seafood with an Asian flair, and a raw bar with oysters, locally sourced clams and stone crab in season … Fab Fiber has reopened at its bright and welcoming new location at 5708 Gulfport Blvd. … Colorful orchids imported from Hawaii as well as those that are locally grown are in bloom at Thai Orchids & Leis (formerly Thai Rific) at 5313 Gulfport Blvd. in addition to a unique selection of bamboo, succulents and other plants plus fine art wood carvings and blown glass … Neptune Grill celebrated its fifth anniversary on January 10 with Greek music, belly dancing and food and drink specials … The Beach Haus restaurant at the corner of Shore Blvd. and Beach Blvd. s. is transitioning into a new restaurant called Spinnakers with a new menu and new look. A launch party will be held January 29 featuring sample items from the new menu … The Gulfport Food Forest in Clymer Park is expanding with the completion of the planting bed for new trees coming this year in addition to newly planted fruit and vegetable plants and has set up a GoFundMe page … The Thursday Night Social at Boca Bay Grille is now officially held the third Thursday of each month. This month’s social on January 21 featured live music and was a dual celebration honoring National Hugging Day and National Squirrel Appreciation Day … A pre-Valentine’s Day Beauty Party will be held at Bo-Tiki on February 13 with plenty of specials, pampering and sipping … Seen on a wine bottle label: (Chateau La Paws, a vintner that supports animal shelters and organizations) “The Good Life is Full Bodied Flavors & Belly Rubs.”
Photos by Michael Taylor
