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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!
Mention the name “Pat
Murphy,” and most people on the coast immediately
think of music. The keyboard player and vocalist
has rocked on for over 40 years. The
Pat Murphy Band
is one of the best-loved groups on the coast, a
consistent crowd pleaser with their signature
“Sippiana Soul” music. But Pat’s also a dedicated
local historian and writer - his memoirs of growing
up in Bay St. Louis are even posted on the
official city website.
The Hancock Chamber recently invited him to share
some of that sense of history as a volunteer “Sharp
Shopper.”
 Before
he even entered
Rickey’s Restaurant
in Bay St. Louis, Pat was rhapsodizing about his
favorite dish, “Trout Ponchatrain.” The specialty
entrée features fried trout smothered with shrimp,
crawfish and crabmeat and then crowned with
mushrooms, green onions and garlic butter. Rickey’s
local renown also stems from other seafood creations
like “Grilled Grouper Hot Fanny,”
“Crawkitty” and “Too-loose Tilapia.” The extensive
menu offers anything from appetizers, entrée salads
and mega-sized “Swamp Burgers.” On entering the
restaurant, Pat was met by pal and co-owner Bill
Boyd and explained that he’d come for gift
certificates. Chef Rickey Peters took a break from
the kitchen and the two partners laughed as Pat
dropped broad hints. “I’m getting these
certificates as Christmas gifts for friends, “ he
stressed. “But I’d be really happy if
someone gave them to me.”
Rickey’s Waveland location opened in 1999 and became
an instant coast classic. Chef Rickey – who learned
his skills under Chef Paul Prudhomme in New Orleans
– says that consistency is the reason for the
restaurant’s reputation. The high quality of the
food isn’t the only constant: Most of the staff has
been working at the restaurant for several years.
Rickey’s reopened in Zuppardo’s Bay Plaza only six
months after Katrina destroyed the original
location, offering the same full menu and familiar
laid-back neighborhood atmosphere. “It may be in a
different building,” said Pat, “But it’s still the
same great place.”
 Gator’s
Wine and Spirits
in Waveland was the next stop for Pat. He was
looking for a bottle of merlot as a gift and told
manager Deb Ruhr that he wanted a memorable wine
with a forgettable price tag. She instantly led him
to two choices and Pat opted for a bottle of
Ferrari-Carono (2003, Sonoma County, $22.10). He
observed that making the choice without her help
would have taken more time – the store shelves are
filled with an amazing variety of wines.
Gator’s was opened 9 months ago with the goal of
providing a large inventory of libations. They’ve
obviously met their mark – the shop currently stocks
over 1000 different items. Besides the dizzying
variety of wine and spirits, Gator’s carries over
two dozen different champagnes (Pat counted 20 types
chilling in the cooler and ready to go). Gift
certificates, holiday bags and lots of boxed sets of
various liquors make it easy to share holiday
spirits.
Stepping inside nearby
Waveland Pharmacy,
Pat got a blast from the past. One entire side of
the spacious interior is given over to an
old-fashioned soda shop. Like a vision from days
gone by, chrome fixtures gleam behind a sleek marble
counter-top and stained glass lights hang from the
pressed tin ceiling. Pat took his time considering
various options. Banana splits, sundaes and
authentic malts brought back childhood memories.
Several flavors of real Italian gelato tempted him,
as did the Blue Bell ice cream (and there are
several sugar or lactose-free flavors for those with
diet restrictions). The shop even offers nectar
sodas made from the classic recipe, beloved by
generations of New Orleanians. Pat finally settled
down on a stool and ordered up eggnog malt, a rich
concoction topped with plenty of whipped cream. His
review? “Fantastic!”
 The
other side of the store has a modern, state of the
art feel. Pharmacist Rudy Letellier was hard at
work filling prescriptions and advising customers.
Since his family has been in Hancock County for five
generations, he’s familiar with many of his
clientele. The pharmacy is famous for its wide
delivery range – for no charge, they deliver to
neighboring towns like Pearlington and Pass
Christian. Manager Barbara Carver says it’s a
service that “patients who are ill or live alone
truly appreciate.”
Back-tracking to the Bay, Pat stopped next at
Los Tres
Amigos. The restaurant is housed in
a new building with distinctive old world
architecture. The décor inside continues the
theme: Warm colors are accented with details like
columns and floor tiles imported from Mexico.
Arches, brick walls and an eye-catching bar complete
the effect, creating a welcoming ambiance. The
restaurant became a Hancock County staple at its
previous location, opening in the new building in
August 2006. One of the owners, Juan Garcia,
talked about the restaurant’s commitment to the
community. “We want to give the best of ourselves.”
“The best” includes an enormous menu featuring
traditional Mexican fare - as well as creations that
are a mouth-watering blend of Coast and Mexican
cuisine. A good example is the “Mississippi
Favorito,” a combination of a quesadilla, burrito
and enchilada, all stuffed with crawfish. The
restaurant is also a popular stop for vegetarians
who have a multitude of satisfying choices - like
spinach quesadillas or chile rellenos. The bar is
another big draw. Over twenty different tequilas
are available and several different flavors of
margaritas. Juan said that his family is proud to
be members of a community that “has such heart.
People here have great courage. We’re very grateful
they’ve been so welcoming and supportive.”
Another family proud to be part of the coast
community is the owners of
Daniel’s South Beach.
Located just off highway 90, the restaurant
originally began almost 30 years ago, founded by
Louis and Helen Decell. It’s still a family
operation, with grandson Daniel taking the lead.
Pat is interested in purchasing a photography book
on the Gulf Coast by Daniel’s uncle, Ken Murphy
(signed copies available at the restaurant). “Ken
Murphy is a world-class photographer,” said Pat,
with no bias – they’re not related. The restaurant
walls are covered with Ken’s evocative images of the
coast. After the original location was demolished
by the storm, the family reopened in spacious new
quarters across from the Seminary. Ken’s
photography, the beachfront décor and deckside
dining make long-time patrons feel right at home.
 The
menu is also familiar, offering long-time favorite
dishes like “Helen’s Roast Beef Po-boys,” sautéed
crab claws and “Mardi Gras Pasta.” Daniel’s serves
fresh Coast catches, including red fish and sea
trout (a favorite is the “Telegraph Trout,” named
after a popular Gulf fishing hole). The restaurant
is family-friendly and schedules live entertainment
on the weekends. The chefs also offer catering
services for every imaginable occasion. They’ll
even put on seafood boils for special events.
Grinning, Daniel said, “You name it, we can do it.”
Pat’s last two “Sharp
Shopping” assignments were north of the coast, but
it was a trip he looked forward to. The
Triple Nickel Diner is tucked away
near the interchange of Interstate 10 and Highway
603 and on entering, sixty years vanish in the blink
of an eye. The restaurant has the feel of a diner
from the 1940’s, with customers chatting over
steaming cups of coffee and homemade lunches.
Behind the counter, the grill sizzles as the
bustling crew serves up anything from hearty
breakfasts to man-sized steaks. Even the food is
old- fashioned: Mashed potatoes are made from
scratch and grits are the slow-cooked variety. The
restaurant’s only been open a few months, but it’s
already been discovered as a real-deal alternative
to fast food.
 Owner
David Reilly named the Triple Nickel by making a
play on the names of his three children. He laughed
as he told the story and said he has to repeat it
often – lots of his customers are curious about the
catchy name. He’s obviously a family man, whose
goal is to “have a place where locals can find
simple, wholesome food at a great price. And I want
families to feel at home.” That’s easy with a menu
that brings back grandma’s cooking from yesteryears,
offering daily specials like made-from-scratch
meatloaf, mashed potatoes and glazed carrots.
Tuesday’s special features David’s homemade Italian
sausage served up with peppers and onion over
linguine. And a breakfast plate called “2-2-2” can
satisfy the heftiest appetite for only $2.99.
A few miles north, Pat needed no introduction to
Kiln Wine and
Spirits owner Gina Larsen – in the
1980’s she sang as a member of his band. And
they’re even related, cousins by marriage. Pat
recounts some of the family history, explaining that
Gina’s grandfather, Garfield Ladner, served as
Waveland’s mayor for over three decades. Her mother
is best known as the founder of the Kiln Grocery, a
community icon for more than 40 years. Smiling,
Gina said, “I cut my teeth working in that grocery
store, I started working there when I was twelve.”
 Kiln
Wine and Spirits has a history too – it’s been
around for 35 years. Gina’s the current owner and
Pat noted that she’s worked hard “to take it from a
small package stop to a first-rate store. She goes
out of her way to accommodate her customers.” The
shop stocks an astonishing collection of spirits,
wines, mixers and gift sets. Gina helped out by
suggesting a can’t-go-wrong option - an elegantly
packaged bottle of Moet Nectar Champagne, sure to be
appreciated by any holiday hostess.
At the end of the journey, Pat reflects on the rich
heritage of the place he calls home. “Since I’m so
involved with the history of the area, it’s great to
visit with business owners whose families have been
here for generations. And I like the way that the
newer families have meshed with the community –
they’re becoming part of the history here now. It’s
all about connections, ties and working together.
That’s the solid back-beat that keeps us moving here
in Hancock County.”
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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