Third Coast Cuisine

One year ago today a blow-out preventer on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig failed.  Just weeks before federal inspectors had given the rig the "all clear."  They were wrong and because of that mistake eleven people lost their lives.  Over the next few months 200 million gallons of crude oil spewed into the Gulf of Mexico destroying both economy and ecology for 2 million Gulf Coast residents.  So far none of the responsible parties have offered much except broken promises but the people of the region have battled back just like they did after Ivan, just like they did after Katrina and just like they did after Rita.

To celebrate the return of the Gulf and to honor the heroes of the oil spill a party of 500 took to the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama for dinner, music and laughter.  Among the honored guests were Mayor Robert Craft of Gulf Shores, Mayor Tony Kennon of neighboring Orange Beach, State Attorney General "Big" Luther Strange, U.S. Representative Jo Bonner and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley.  But the three stars at this affair were not politicians but chefs - Lucy Buffett (owner of Lulu's at the Wharf and kid sister of singer Jimmy Buffett), Chef Pete Blohme (owner of Panini Pete's in Fairhope) and Food Network Star Guy Fieri.  Oh, there was one more star, the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

Enjoy this short film in honor of those who gave their money, their time and especially their lives on 4/20/10.