What Makes Food Gulfportian

As many of you know, I have been wandering the streets of Gulfport for a little over 4 months now, observing and listening to the stories of many Gulfportians. I began to notice a common thread of understanding and familiarity weaving it's way through all I heard and observed, a thread that seems to bind us all together in spite of our differences and differing opinions and in spite of all our combined flaws. I feel this thread weaving it's way through me, more every day.

Gulfportians are kinder and gentler with each other. They are more tolerant and accepting of their fellows and the mistakes those fellows make. They are more patient and understanding of the damages many of us bore in our baggage along the road to here. I have heard some amazing stories by some amazing people. I've even heard the urban legends that Gulfport is the Bermuda Triangle of the human race. We are all manner, all walks, all era, all colors, religions, and class. From homeless to billionaire, to stranded wayfaring wanderers of the sea, we have all been compelled by a common thread to be Here. Dan, the new Anytime owner, is no exception.

We might see Anytime Pizza as the same old, same old but Dan, the new owner of all 3 Anytime locations, has plans and see's the Gulfport location as his creative culinary outlet, his baby, a beginning, and an opportunity to be apart of something really great, Us. While he owns several businesses, the Gulfport Anytime is his personal investment. He got here as many of us did, through heartache, loss, strife, friendships and awakenings. Everyone should stop in and welcome our new addition. While he may be maintaining the name for a while, he will be revamping the menu, gearing it more toward his personal story, a fusion of mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. He'll be cleaning up the side dining yard and bringing in D.J's and live entertainment.

It was this past Thursday, August 3rd, around 7 or so PM. I was walking with a friend up Beach Boulevard when this outgoing, lovely man I'd not seen in town before thrusts a small cloth lined basket towards us, "Here, try this. You're going to love it." We did! It was the zestiest, most flavorful garlic bread I'd eaten in a long time. Beautiful, fresh, lightly roasted hunks of Garlic covered a toasted-to-perfection, Garlic Bread Knot, moist and colorful with a smidgeon of herb-laced olive oil. Turns out, he was randomly inviting people he accosted to join him for dinner on Saturday night at his newly acquired establishment. We were to savor the flavors of a few select recipes he intended to feature on his up-and-coming menu. Of course, I could not resist and said yes.

He started us off with pecans and cranberries over a field of greens and topped with a delicate raspberry vinaigrette. The salad was followed with a taste of a white artichoke, sweet red onion, zucchini, and mushroom pie. After which, we were served a lightly seasoned lentil soup with a side of Kafta, a Lebanese meatball. Finally a plate of long thin Italian cucumbers were brought out with a small dish of homemade basil pesto. I ate 3. Everything was delicious. I will most certainly be awaiting, with great anticipation, his grand opening and menu unveiling. he hopes within a couple of weeks he will be able to serve beer and wine but he is working on a full bar service.

It was not just the flavors, though, that elicited my favor, it was the man, Dan. His sincerity and warm honesty about who he was, where he'd come from and what he dreamed of, that's the main reason why I'll go back, because he's like me and you. He's a Gulfportian, whether he knows it yet or not. Everyone put September 17th's 3rd Saturday on your calendars. Dan will be hosting his grand opening event and invites everyone to come in and sample the fare. Let's show him a real welcome to the neighborhood.

I hope to see you all there.Dan, thank you and welcome.