It's about four o'clock in the afternoon, and the energy I woke up with is now running on empty. Looking at my friend Liz's face, I can tell she's dwindling as well. There is only one thing that can get us through the last hours of the afternoon: coffee. Whether we truly want it or are just bored, two cups of iced coffee (with light ice and soy) are always included in our hangout time.
I recently looked through my account history of my credit card statements. I was surprised to find my summer well earned money was not being spent on shopping, concerts, or movie tickets. Surprisingly, it was being divvied amongst the numerous local coffee shops.
My mother, a very practical and money efficient woman, always encourages me to come home to get my coffee fix for the day. It's true. I could save approximately 20 bucks a week by not treating myself to a glorious iced almond flavored coffee from Satori or a steaming cup of Southern Pecan roast from Carpe Diem. But would it truly satisfy my "coffee fix?" Sure a cup of coffee is a cup of coffee. But what if it's more than that?
Truth be told, I not only crave coffee, I crave the coffee shop. Every time I open the familiar wooden door of Carpe Diem, right after I get a whiff of the coffee roasts of the day, I scan the quaint perimeter for familiar faces. After I get through talking to someone I haven't seen in a while, I settle down with my drink in one of the big leather chairs. Local art surrounds me as other Mobilians catch up on gossip or study for an upcoming exam at one of the tables. It's a peaceful ambiance. It's a community. People go to yoga or spas to relax. I go to coffee shops.
So as Liz turns to ask me if I want go to Satori, I have no problem saying yes. My iced coffee with light ice and soy may by three dollars, but the community and renewal I experience while I'm there is priceless.
YOGA IN MIDTOWN 5:30 p.m. M. With instructor Deanna Burkett. Via! Health, Fitness,
and Enrichment Center, 1717 Dauphin St. 478-3311. hello2deanna@yahoo.com
MOONLIGHT CHASSE BALLROOM DANCE SOCIETY 7 p.m. Lessons with Omar Farid,
7:30 p.m. Dancing, first and third M. Fitzpen Place, 11247 U.S. Highway 31,
Spanish Fort. 625-4258, 377-4069. moonlightchasse.com
THROUGH JULY 14
ZUMBA FITNESS CLASSES 7:30 p.m. W. Creative Outlet Dance Center, 66 S. Section St.,
Fairhope. 622-5542. gschrubbe@mac.com
STARLITE BALLROOM 4674 Airport Blvd., Suite C. 341-4530. starliteballroomal.com
On our first date, my fiance and I went to Gambino Brothers Italian Restaurant and enjoyed a delicious meal in a romantic, low-lit atmosphere. We were seated in a cozy booth and a candle on the table reinforced the mood. The restaurant itself is just right in size - not too big, not too small - giving customers a comfortable and homey experience.
Each dish is homemade and completely met my expectations for a delicious Italian meal. My personal favorite is chicken fettuccini alfredo. Freshly baked bread sticks are served to quell any rumbling hunger until the entree is brought out. Dinner entrees are priced from $10 to $15.
If you are looking for a more up-beat, lively experience, visit the restaurant on a Friday night for karaoke and drinks. They also serve lunch, which features a menu that includes even more reasonable prices. Their proportions for both lunch and dinner over-achieve the standard for the prices.
Thought you have tried it all? Gambino Brothers, located in the corner of the Sugar Mill Village Shopping Center, may not have shown up on your radar for restaurants to try. Go out and see if this small, local restaurant makes the list of your normal restaurant picks.
By Amber Beasley
Gambino Brothers Italian Restaurant 873 Hillcrest Road Mobile, AL 36695 251-344-8115
page 1 of 17
