Be a baron, or party like one

Daryle Singletary will no doubt be convinced to perform his hits “I Let Her Lie,” “Too Much Fun” and “Amen Kind of Love” at Cattle Baron’s Ball.

Ellen Jones, president and CEO of CHRISTUS Health Gulf Coast/Southeast Texas, will be honorary chairman of the event, set for 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Jack Brooks Regional Airport, Philpott Hangar.

How do I know all this? They kicked off the event at D’Vine Wine in Beaumont and served Mexican fare from Café Del Rio. Now that ought to raise awareness for the American Cancer Society event. Call Rodney and Kimi Franklin at (409) 540-0345 or visit www.cattlebaronsbeaumont.com to secure your seats.

Royal Blue on Congress

The Capitol is in plain sight of Royal Blue Grocery in Austin. It was so small, I walked past it, but so inviting, I turned back. You can get Spicy Asian Cole Slaw and giant cookies at this hip-yet-classic spot, and you can go past the paper towels to a nook of nice wines. Stop by next time you get to Austin.

Coffee tips

Port Arthur News Editor Roger Cowles has repeatedly told me serious coffee drinkers don’t want all that flavored stuff, so I guess I’m not serious.

Food Network’s Chef Marcela Valladolid has some serious tips for a brunch that lets guests compare the tastes and aromas from coffees of the world:

* Start with mild roasts and then move your way up to the more robust. If possible, brew one variety at a time so your guests get hit by each aroma separately.

* Serve cookies and pastries to complement coffee flavors. No need to add sugar to your coffee with these treats around. Mexican Chocolate Pecan Pie is a great dish to pair!

* As party favors, make a small burlap sack of different coffee roasts to give to your guests.

And of course, don’t forget the Kahlúa! Kahlúa on the Rocks is the perfect drink for this gathering, complimenting the varieties of coffee you will be tasting. Just fill a rocks glass with ice, add Kahlúa, stir gently to cool to its perfect temperature and finish off with orange zest.

Check out all of Marcela’s tips at Kahlúa’s Delicioso Brunch Club on Facebook.com/Kahlua, where readers may want to enter to win brunch with Marcela in her hometown of San Diego, followed by a trip to Veracruz, Mexico, the birthplace of Kahlua. The sweeps ends on Friday, March 2.

ddoiron@panews.com