Coast Cuisine - December 2016

New Year's in the Bay Lights Up

Locals will have a new option when it comes to welcoming in  2017 on New Year's Eve:  a grand gala at the  Bay St. Louis Community Hall.
- story by Lisa Monti

More Shoofly Stories!

Di Fillhart at the Starfish on Main Street

The Starfish Café’s New Year’s Eve Gala has all the makings of a memorable celebration: delicious food and of course drinks, live music, a ball drop at midnight, and a silent auction like you’ve probably never seen before.
 
And it’s all for a good cause: raising funds to buy the Main Street property that houses the cafe.
 
“The purpose is to kick off the 2017 capital campaign,” said Di Fillhart. “By December 1, 2017, we have to raise $160,000 to buy the property.” 

The cafe, known for its wholesome menu, is going into full celebratory mode for the gala.

How to buy Gala tickets

Tickets to the benefit gala are $50/person and include dinner, live music and complimentary midnight champagne toast.  Only a limited number will be available at the door. Tickets available at the Starfish Café, 211 Main Street, from 8 - 5pm on Friday, January 30th.  Or purchase online!  Go to the Starfish website, hit the Paypal "Donate" button and simply put "NYE" in the memo box!

Coast Cuisine
is sponsored by

---

Click here and scroll down to read archived
Coast Cuisine
columns

The Gala Menu

BBQ Shrimp is only one delectable item on the Gala menu

Phil "Smooth" Williams and Friends will be helping locals bring in the New Year at the gala.

Patrons can choose from several food stations, including a sushi bar presented by Fatsumo’s in Pass Christian, a grits bar serving the Southern staple along with barbecued shrimp and grillades, and a slider bar with roast beef and barbecued pork among the tasty fillings. There will also be a fresh bar with veggies and fruits (chocolate is optional), and a dessert bar.

Organizers are working on other food stations, including one that involves a make-your-own waffle. ​

There will be a cash bar with a complimentary midnight toast and live music starting at 8 p.m., and a lighted starfish will be dropped by boom at the stroke of midnight.
 
“It will be an eclectic mix of food, subject to change,” said Fillhart of the ongoing preparations. But it will be fitting for a year-end celebration. “It’s the ‘end of year and my diet starts tomorrow’ kind of mix.”

Lunchtime at the Starfish

About that auction. Fillhart said instead of the usual items to bid on, this one will offer all services, including lawn care, hair care, and the services of an architect, a beekeeper, and a fishing guide. Starfish Cafe is donating a five-course private party for 10 at the cafe.
 
“It’s a unique way to raise money and it connects the community,” she said. The winning bidders may become regular customers and make new friends they might not otherwise have met, she said.
 
The gala will be at the Bay St. Louis Community Center on Blaize Avenue. Tickets are $50 each and only 400 will be sold.
 
Everything will be eco-friendly right down to the compostable plates and glasses. Dress is “casual bling.”