BIPS blast a smoking benefit
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Chefs who got up before dawn to prepare the feast included: Ray Bauer, Barry Stevens, Chad Lach, Joe Baldy, Dennis Oller, Steve Ahlers, Mark Liberman and Bob Steiger.
The day dawned hot and clear for the 50th anniversary Amory Chapel Fish Fry last Saturday.
Temperatures topping 80 degrees on the last weekend of November may have held crowd numbers down but those who did make it were in for a treat.
"The clams were very nice," said Valerie Ruell of Rotonda West.
"The smoked mullet was incredible," said Amy Smith of Venice.
Pork cooked three different ways, shrimp and clams caught right off the island, kielbassa, smoked mullet and friend snapper highlighted the menu for the nearly 200 attendees. Chefs who got up before dawn to prepare the feast included: Ray Bauer, Barry Stevens, Chad Lach, Joe Baldy, Dennis Oller, Steve Ahlers, Mark Liberman and Bob Steiger.
"We were inspired to do something for the community," said Liberman.
Executive Director Sharon McKenzie of the Barrier Island Parks Society said the first-time benefit may be moved to a different time of year to draw a bigger crowd. An estimated 125 people attended along with some 40 volunteers raising nearly $5,900.
"I think given the time of year that the event was successful," McKenzie said. "People who attended the event thought the food was some of the best they've every had on the island. If we look at doing this again, we'll look at doing it a different time of the year."
McKenzie said she welcomed receiving any feedback from those who attended or who wanted to attend but we're unable to do so. She also wanted to extend a "huge thank you" to the staff of volunteers who worked very hard and the fishing guides and chefs who donated their services.
"It was a tremendous effort," McKenzie said.
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