The flavors of Southern Summer Night

Last year I danced with a priest. I might do that again, but I’ll also be into the beef teriyaki satays with honey sriracha dipping sauce and cheddar crab-stuffed jalapeno poppers with ranch cream cheese.

It’s time for Southern Summer Night, the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce night of food and music that will also benefit the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center. If you know about their good works, you can probably guess which priest and I cut a rug.

J.A.G. will return to the stage and Longneck Road will also play at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center, with the fun going on from 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, July 19.

The heavy hor’ dourves menu has more surprises from Golden Triangle Chef’s Association and Christus St. Mary.

Some of the night’s proceeds will benefit the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center, an outreach for mariners calling on Port Arthur area docks. The Center hires drivers and provides a welcoming “home away from home” for mariners who can shop; get to church, hotels, airports and doctors; and communicate with their families.

Visit www.SouthernSummerNight.net or call 409-963-1107 for your tickets.

One-stop yummy shop

Phoenicia Specialty Foods of Houston has received my summer business and admiration again. I returned to the big one at 12141 (way out) on Westheimer and took my husband to experience huge warehouse displays of jams, pickles, beans, tins of fish, oils, crackers and other staples from around the globe. There’s also the bread that comes from the sky, or at least the conveyor belt from the second floor. We ate lasagna and octopus salad at the deli and left with a cart full of culinary adventure. The store management posts the phrase “one stop yummy shop,” but I won’t disagree.

Frigidaire means professional

To have so much power in your hands is heady. Be careful where you point the Tri-Blade Immersion Blender/Mixer because you’re in business, now. The 10-inch wand is extra long and the dual-whisk mixing attachment is going to town for you and your dinner. Summer is the time to play with this very powerful package that will crush ice, turn your garden bounty into soups and transform fruits into cool beverages for the family. Frigidaire has rights to brag on this Velouté knife with vortex power. They’re also proud of the “extra large chopper with no mess.”

Right before I wrote this, I just silently buzzed some fresh jalapenos and red onions into a pico de gallo for my Tex-Mex breakfast. I’m planning to keep this beauty on my counter all summer. Best Buy and Lowes are among listed providers.

ddoiron@panews.com