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 In this series of articles, we invite
you to follow some of the county’s sharpest shoppers
while they explore Chamber member stores and
restaurants. These volunteers have discovered an
amazing array of fabulous finds– and all in our own
backyard! For more information on this “Shop Local”
campaign, contact the Hancock Chamber of Commerce
office at 228.467.9048. For Shop Information and
Hours click here.
Sharp Shopping - Be
of Good Cheer!
 Regan
Carney’s elegant pottery speaks of quality - in
both design and craftsmanship – and that attention
to detail has made her one of the Gulf Coast’s
favorite artists. Since she strives for perfection
in her own craft, she easily recognizes excellence
in the work of others. As a Chamber volunteer
“Sharp Shopper,” she sought out the best in each of
the establishments she was assigned. Her “Be of
Good Cheer” list focused on places that offer a
feast for the senses with food, flowers and
libations.
Regan started the day at
Nella’s Donuts on
Highway 90 in Bay St. Louis. Inside, waitresses
chatted casually with diners in a room filled with
the sugary scent of freshly made donuts. Curved
glass cases displayed a wide array of creations, all
promising to melt in the mouth: Donuts shining with
glaze nested alongside those covered in chocolate or
filled with crèmes and jellies. Trays were crowded
with donut holes, sweet rolls, strudels and a
specialty called Cake Donuts. Regan pointed out a
personal favorite, a cinnamon cake donut that she
said perfectly complements any cup of coffee or
tea.
 The
Allen family members also own Nella’s Nursery in the
Kiln and have decorated the dining area with bright
poinsettias and Christmas cactuses ($3.99 – 15.99).
Besides fresh donuts, the restaurant also serves up
breakfast and lunch, seven days a week. Regan was
shopping for holiday treats to make entertaining
easy, despite her hectic work and teaching
schedule. She decided that ordering a tray of fresh
cinnamon rolls (20 to a pan, $15.99), would please
any guest and be easy on the budget. Orders may be
called in for pick-up the next day, then popped into
the oven at home for a quick warming when visitors
arrive.
 The
crew at
J’s Restaurant (close to Home Depot,
Highway 90 in Waveland), welcomed Regan by tempting
her with a few of the specialties that the kitchen’s
been serving up for over two decades. The table
before her was soon crowded with delectables like
crab claws, sweet potato fries, a po-boy mounded
high with golden oysters, a fresh shrimp salad and a
stupendous main-dish “Mountain Potato.” The baked
potato was stuffed with four different meats and
three cheeses – in addition to the traditional
fixin’s.
Regan had a difficult time choosing which to sample
first, but finally fell for the oysters, which she
pronounced “superb.” The generous shrimp salad was
next (one of 9 different main course salads
available). The Santiago family explained that any
item from their extensive menu is available at any
time of day. “If someone wants a steak at 10:30, no
problem!” said owner Cyndi. Party appetizer
platters are available with just a day’s notice and
Regan made careful notes of several different
possibilities. She also liked the option of
purchasing gift certificates for friends.
 Stonewall’s
BBQ
on Highway 90 was already pulling in a hungry lunch
crowd well before noon. The intoxicating smell of
smoked meats wafted through the dining area as owner
Claude Furr stacked plump pieces of steaming chicken
onto plates. He moved easily behind the counter,
slicing ribs from thick smoked racks or heaping
rolls with tender pulled-pork. The savory sauce
served on the side won the First Place award at the
Mississippi Gulf Coast BBQ festival.
Regan inquired about the smoked holiday turkeys
advertised on the outdoor sign. Through December 20th,
Stonewall’s is taking a limited number of orders for
pick-up on Christmas Eve day (12 – 14lb. turkey,
$34). She also thought their Tailgate Special was a
fabulous deal – as well as a great time-saver: The
meal includes a full rack of ribs, a whole smoked
chicken and choices of side items for $28.00 (the
special runs through the end of the year). “Wow!”
she said. “You don’t even have to like sports to
want to take advantage of that!”
 Rosetti’s
Liquor Barrel
is proof that Hancock residents don’t have to go far
for amazing selection and competitive pricing. The
store is one of the oldest sellers of libations on
the coast and 2nd generation owners Dina
and John Rosetti are proud of their enormous variety
of wines. John pointed out a tall display of red
wines. “That’s the best wall of Cabernets in
Hancock County history,” he said with a smile. The
store also stocks a major collection of scotches and
tequilas (over 40 different types), ranging from
everyday favorites to the truly extraordinary.
Regan found a scotch that she added to her personal
dream list – so exclusive that only three stores in
the state carry it (Laphroaig 30-year-old single malt, $208).
Regan asked about John’s “sommelier”
(pronounced suh-mul-yAy) title. The term refers to
someone with special training and knowledge of
wines. John used his experience to help Regan
select a good variety and appropriate number of
wines for a holiday get-together – working easily
within her budget. The Rosettis offer this free
consultation for any occasion. Another benefit of
John’s sommelier status is the ability to arrange
wine-tasting events for private parties or corporate
and charity organizations.
 Subway
in the Bay
(in the Marketown Shopping Center) was Regan’s next
stop and she was welcomed by the warm aroma of
freshly-baked bread. The down-home feeling of the
shop is no illusion: Owners Don Killinger and
Gabriel Schott think of themselves as a mom-and-pop
operation. The pair are known for their community
support of the Bay High Steppers and the school’s
basketball and baseball teams. At the time of
Regan’s visit, many of the sandwich shop’s loyal
following were enjoying lunch and the staff (half of
whom have been working at the shop for over two
years) served them with efficiency and cheer.
Regan planned to pick up
some gift cards for favorite service people – like
her mailperson and UPS man. They’re also welcome
stocking stuffers for college students like Regan’s
niece who will be heading back to school. The cards
can be purchased for any amount and come in a
holiday gift sleeve. She was reminded about
Subway’s party platter menu - sandwich and cookie
trays that would liven up any party. Customers can
leave the planning in the staff’s experienced hands
by calling 24 hours in advance and simply supplying
the number of people expected.
 A
few blocks off the highway on Ulman Avenue, a
deceptively small cottage houses one of the oldest
businesses in the county.
Adams Loraine Flower
Shop has been supplying the floral needs of
residents for an astounding 106 years. The design
talents of the current owners were recognized
recently when they took a top prize at the library’s
Christmas tree competition.
Charles
Boykinv explained that the staff can work the same
magic in any home or business, transforming an
everyday room into a holiday haven. The talented
designers can decorate a tree, provide simple or
elaborate centerpieces and even hang fresh
garlands. The florists provide tradition services
as well, “delivering anywhere in the world.”
For over a century, Adams Loraine has
developed a reputation for stocking unique, quality
holiday items and this year is no exception.
Charles pointed out exotic baskets and vases,
wreaths and ornaments. Regan wanted an ornament as
a housewarming gift for a friend and her artist’s
eye found many possible choices. Finally, she chose
an eye-catching wonder, created from satin and
beaded with crystals and pearls ($14.95). Adding to
her own wish list, she also admired one of several
stunning orchids in the shop, falling for one with
lush white blossoms.
Regan was greeted by name in
Russo’s Restaurant
(in Marketown Shopping
Center). For the lunch rush, the dining room was
filled with many other regulars. Customers lingered
over plates piled high with favorites like meatballs
and spaghetti (the Wed. lunch special), muffalettas,
roast beef po-boys and fried green tomatoes topped
with crabmeat and artichoke. Owner Charles Russo
took a short break
from the kitchen and sat
with
Regan, explaining
his theory about why the restaurant has such a
faithful following. “My dad’s an artist,” he said.
“He painted the murals on the walls here. I’ve
always admired his talent. I can’t draw or paint,
but cooking is my art. My heart is in preparing food
that people can really enjoy.”
The latest creation of Charles is an
idea called “Holiday Sides.” The restaurant will
provide delectable side dishes to complement any
holiday entrée the customer has planned. He reeled
off a list of some of the dishes available in
family-sized pans: Oyster or andouille and
cornbread dressings, green bean casserole, macaroni
and cheese and bread pudding. Specialty soups can
be ordered by the gallon, including seafood gumbo,
shrimp and squash or crabmeat and corn bisque.
Regan loved the idea as both a time and money saver
(the side dishes serve up to 20 and range from $25 -
$45).
 Just
a short walk away, Regan popped into
Quizno’s
(also in the Marketown Shopping Center) to finish up
her quest for the best. The shop is known for
toasted sandwiches using fresh, high quality
ingredients. Regan’s schedule doesn’t allow much
time for cooking, so she appreciates their variety
of taste treats quickly available when she’s on the
run. The crew behind the counter had the system down
pat – sandwiches are assembled at one end, run
through a grilling oven and dressed on the other
side. The snazzy dining area has a clean,
contemporary feel that’s makes eating in a
pleasure.
A new addition to the
menu called a “Sammy.” It’s a small flatbread
sandwich stuffed with a variety of fillings, with
names like the Bistro Steak Melt, the Italiano,
Alpine Chicken and Sonoma Turkey. And for weight
watchers, the menu lists lots of options that weigh
in under 500 calories. Quizno’s offers party trays
with both “Sammies,” and their traditional subs - as
well as a nifty boxed lunch. Regan was able to
cross several names off her Christmas list with
their ever-welcome gift cards.
 Regan
completed her shopping trip with a visit to
Blue
Meadow Liquors (across from Zuppardo’s Shopping
Center). For the holidays, the quaint blue cottage
brims with special gift packages of popular and
uncommon liquors. Manager Yvonne Russell says the
customer favorites include the gift sets of Grey
Goose Vodka (complete with martini shaker), Jack
Daniels, Crown Royal and Patron Tequila. A Bombay
Sapphire Gin set includes an artsy glass. Regan was
taken with a bottle of premium Pyrat rum nested in a
wooden box that serves as either a humidor or
picture frame.
Then she spotted a box
containing a bottle of 360 vodka, made in Missouri.
Bright green leaf designs highlighted a title that
touted it as “The World’s First Eco-Friendly Gift
Set.” Further reading informed her that the vodka
was bottled in recycled glass and the package even
included an energy saving light bulb. The box even
details how many resources were saved in the
production of the vodka ($31.75). Regan also picked
out a bottle of Evan Williams eggnog, blended with
four different liquors. For the holidays, the shop
is carrying several varieties of eggnogs, premixed
and ready to pour for guests.
Regan ended her tour with a new sense of
appreciation of the quality and selection available
within a few miles of her house. “As a working
artist,” she mused, “I’m really aware that the
dollars I spend in my own county spiral through the
whole community. It’s part of the cycle of mutual
support. In the end, we all flourish.”
If Hancock county residents commit to
shopping locally this holiday season, our economy
could receive an estimated 35 million dollar boost.
With that very merry goal in mind, The Hancock
Chamber of Commerce has launched a “Holiday at
Home!” campaign to make local shopping easy and
fun. The campaign will publicize the bounty of our
county - including seasonal events, merchant
specials and a spectacular array of gift ideas.
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