Posts Tagged ‘Community’

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Laura Bogan, Why I Love Grits

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

Written by Shelley Yates: The Fish House Grits Girl

Laura Bogan - Owner of Boco Networking, lover of grits.

Laura Bogan - Owner of Boco Networking, lover of grits.

Recently, in an ongoing effort to get to the bottom of why Pensacolians love grits so much, the Grits Girl had a chat with her good friend Laura Ragan Bogan. Many people around Pensacola know and love the Bogan family. We all still miss seeing the family patriarch, Perk Bogan, who passed away in April of 2005. His two sons, Chris and Ben, are regular fixtures around town. Chris dated and then married his high school sweetheart, Laura Ragan. For as long as any of us can recall, there was never a time when Chris didn’t belong to Laura, and Laura didn’t belong to Chris. The couple has one son, Winston. From our perspective, their life together looks like one big Ralph Lauren photo shoot: a beautiful, stylish couple living a lovely life, raising their son, helping others, and rescuing pets. Recently, Laura embarked on a new challenge and started her own social media marketing company, BOCO. The Grits Girl wanted to know what fuels her passion for social media, child rearing and helping others — could the secret lie in the grits? Let’s find out.

GG: What’s it like starting a new company?

LB: Scary and exhilarating at the same time. But most importantly, it doesn’t feel like work. I love what I do and am having a blast doing it.

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Posted in Family, Local Pensacola Business, Why I love Grits | No Comments »

‘American Pickers’ show features Pensacola Fish House!

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Written by Troy Moon for The Pensacola News Journal

The American Pickers Frank and Mike with the Merrill brothers.

The American Pickers Frank and Mike with the Merrill brothers. Click this photo to view the entire episode!

One of Pensacola’s most popular restaurants got picked.

Don’t worry. It’s not a crime.

On Monday, July 25th, 2011, the History Channel’s hit cable show “American Pickers” will feature a segment from Pensacola, focusing on The Fish House restaurant in downtown Pensacola.

In January, the show’s two stars, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, stopped at the Fish House for lunch on the way back from a South Florida “picking session” — featuring fearsome negotiating for antiques and collectibles.

The pair, who attract more than 5 million viewers per episode, didn’t go unnoticed for long.

View photo gallery here!

Fish House employees recognized the two and told them that the three restaurant owners — brothers Collier, Burney and Will Merrill — had a large collection of items they might be interested in selling or trading.

Collier Merrill was in the restaurant, so he went to meet Wolfe and Fritz. He told them that he and his brothers had collected massive amounts throughout the years, from old movie props to stuffed animals to nautical items to props from old “Star Wars” movies.
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Posted in Famous people, Fun, Pensacola, Public Relations, The Fish House, celebrity | 4 Comments »

Argos feted at Fish House

Friday, June 10th, 2011

The Pensacola News Journal

UWF baseball player Chad Allen holds the NCAA Div. 2 national championship trophy the team was awarded for winning the College World Series in Cary N.C. A public celebration was held for the team at The Deck at the Fish House. / Gary McCracken/gmccracken@pnj.com

UWF baseball player Chad Allen holds the NCAA Div. 2 national championship trophy the team was awarded for winning the College World Series in Cary N.C. A public celebration was held for the team at The Deck at the Fish House. / Gary McCracken/gmccracken@pnj.com

University of West Florida head baseball coach Mike Jeffcoat barely had time to catch his breath on Monday night.

He wouldn’t have had it any other way. Fresh off their NCAA Division II national championship on Saturday, hundreds of fans, alumni and community leaders gathered at the Fish House in downtown Pensacola to give the champs a warm, electric welcome. Jeffcoat and his players were bombarded with congratulations, hugs and well-wishes. “For our team to be generating this kind of buzz and happiness, gosh, I don’t know,” Jeffcoat said. “It’s special.” His team caught the Pensacola area’s attention last week as it made a run through the Division II College World Series in Cary, N.C.

By the time UWF went 3-0 during the week and made it to Saturday’s championship game, the buzz had reached an all-time high as local establishments were throwing watch parties and the game was put on national television.

The Argos crushed Winona State 12-2 in the championship game to give the school its first NCAA national championship in a traditional team sport.

Back home with trophy in hand, this was the first real opportunity for the Argos to bask in the excitement.

“It’s just amazing to see all the support,” said team member Eric Kroll, a former Pace High standout who also won a high school state baseball championship with the Patriots in 2006. “It’s unbelievable to see almost the entire community come out to UWF alumni to people living in the community, it just makes it all worthwhile to see everyone excited for us.” The team was also presented with a congressional congratulation submitted by U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Chumuckla. “Is this a great day to be an Argonaut?” UWF President Judy Bense asked the crowd. “I’m just proud, happy, this is what the university has needed for a long time. It is wonderful. I know you’re proud of the team, proud of the university and so am I.”

Jeffcoat led his team out between the crowd while hoisting the national title trophy over his head. He then introduced each one of his players and gave credit to his assistant coaches, athletic trainers, weight training staff and his family. After the ceremony, Jeffcoat was mobbed by close friends, former players and his family.

Then he took a breath. “I hope I can experience it again,” Jeffcoat said. “But if I don’t, I’ve been blessed to experience it once.”

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Posted in Family, Famous people, Fun, Pensacola, The Deck Bar | 1 Comment »

Kiss and Tell report.

Friday, May 13th, 2011

pictured here with two of our very pretty hostesses, Camil Gillilan and Danielle Pierce.

Lee Norris, from “Boy Meets World” and “One Tree Hill.” Pictured here with two of our very pretty hostesses, Camil Gillilan and Danielle Pierce.

Since we last published our report, we had a lot of interesting happenings at our house. Unfortunately, the end of April marked the one-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. A very unhappy anniversary for us all, and will be for the rest of our lives.


Be that as it may, we were fortunate enough to have our friends in the media return to help spread the word that our beaches are open, our seafood is safe and we are ready for a “do-over” this summer. Our good friend Joe Scarborough checked in with his good friend and “The Man” of our house, Mr. Collier Merrill, along with our esteemed Mayor, Mr. Ashton Hayward, and head of Florida’s Department of Agriculture, Commissioner Adam Putnam, to weigh in on the anniversary and give Joe’s vast MSNBC “Morning Joe” audience assurance that we are as “right as rain,” as we say here in the South.

We also were treated to visits by Captain Rick Murphy of the Fox Sports Florida Sun Sports show, “The Florida Insider Fishing Report.” Captain Rick held a live taping of his hit fishing show right in our very own Sushi Room! Customers who are also fans of the show were

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Posted in Employees, Family, Famous people, Fun, Local Pensacola Business, Misc. Videos, Pensacola, Public Relations, The Fish House, celebrity | No Comments »

The DO UNTO OTHERS report.

Friday, April 15th, 2011

Since we last reported, we are delighted to let you know that we have been a part of some pretty fantastic events around our community! Most notably, we would like to congratulate our star sushi runner, Thang Nguyen, for his awesome participation in the area 1 games for Special Olympics. Thang placed second in the 800 meter and third in the 400 meter! He did an awesome job. Way to go, Thang!

Dozens of people who participated in two-person teams in the Elebash's Diamond Dash wait eagerly at The Fish House for the announcement that with 90 points, Frank and Stephanie White of Pensacola won the $10,000 Simon G Diamond Ring Saturday. Bruce Graner/bgraner@pnj.com

Dozens of people who participated in two-person teams in the Elebash's Diamond Dash wait eagerly at The Fish House for the announcement that with 90 points, Frank and Stephanie White of Pensacola won the $10,000 Simon G Diamond Ring Saturday. Bruce Graner/bgraner@pnj.com

We also had a blast participating in the Elebash’s Diamond Dash and hosting the after-party on our Deck. The scavenger hunt drew hundreds of people who raced from one side of downtown to the other, hoping to win a stunning $10,000 diamond ring. A married couple claimed the grand prize. With 90 points, Frank and Stephanie White of Pensacola won the ring, which Frank presented to his wife on bended knee. The event was a lot of fun and raised $1,200.00 for Chain Reaction!

Children’s Home Society held “A Sunday of Soundside Splendor.” This event offered guests the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sights of the Sound on Portofino’s private outdoor balcony. Throughout the afternoon, guests filled their glasses with fine wines and sampled delectable dishes selected by our Chef Jim Shirley, who is also a board member of the society. All proceeds stay right in our community to benefit the vulnerable children served by Children’s Home Society of Florida.

Looking forward this month, we are honored to participate again in Taste of the South in our nation’s capital. Taste of the South is privileged to have an Honorary Congressional Host Committee consisting of members of Congress from 13 Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Each state sponsors a table featuring regional specialties. We represent Florida and are sending our world-famous Grits à Ya Ya! The event raised money for Children’s Safety Center (CSC), located in Springdale, Arkansas. Children’s Safety Center is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as an advocacy center for abused children in Northwest Arkansas. In a child-friendly, family-centered facility, the Children’s Safety Center offers a one-stop setting to coordinate the investigation, prosecution and treatment services for these alleged child victims of sexual and physical abuse.

Join us also on April 21st for Business After Hours on our Deck Bar. Held the third Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m., area businesses are able to showcase their establishments to the business community while guests make valuable contacts. Admission is free with one business card. Make this gathering a perfect time to build new business relationships and strengthen established ones. No reservations are required. Lots of great giveaways, including a sailing adventure for up to six people by our good friends at Condor Sailing Adventures!

Other events and charities we are proud to support this month: Chocolate Festival for Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Preemie Cup Regatta for Sacred Heart Hospital, Sertoma’s Hogfest, Pensacola Young Professionals, and many more.

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Posted in Atlas Oyster House, Charity, Chef Jim Shirley, Employees, Entertainment, Family, Fun, Pensacola, Public Relations, The Deck Bar, The Fish House, celebrity, fund raising | 1 Comment »

The “DO UNTO OTHERS” report.

Monday, March 14th, 2011

The “Let’s Grow” project, initiated by the Leadership Pensacola class (LeaP) of 2011, is a program that provides children an opportunity to cultivate healthy foods through school gardens and gain real world knowledge about nutrition to achieve greater health and wellness.

The “Let’s Grow” project, initiated by the Leadership Pensacola class (LeaP) of 2011, is a program that provides children an opportunity to cultivate healthy foods through school gardens and gain real world knowledge about nutrition to achieve greater health and wellness.

We had a wonderful opportunity to host a launch party last month for the “Let’s Grow” project. The event was held on our deck. Lucas Crutchfield provided live music. A silent auction was held with many donations from local businesses. Some highlights of the auction were a Pandora bracelet, multiple gift baskets, tickets to area events and art pieces. The Fish House provided appetizers. Check out photos of the event on our Facebook page.

The “Let’s Grow” project, initiated by the Leadership Pensacola class (LeaP) of 2011, is a program that provides children an opportunity to cultivate healthy foods through school gardens and gain real world knowledge about nutrition to achieve greater health and wellness.

The group so far has raised over $30,000 in funds to support its project. These funds have gone to create gardens in five area schools. The group’s goal is to have all of gardens built by the end of March 2011.

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Posted in Atlas Oyster House, Charity, Chef Jim Shirley, Cocktails, Employees, Event Planning, Jackson's Steak House, Local Pensacola Business, Pensacola, Public Relations, The Deck Bar, Uncategorized, fund raising | 1 Comment »

A Chef’s Dream Kitchen featuring Chef Jim Shirley

Friday, March 11th, 2011

Culinary experts make the most of organizaiton, efficiency and style

Written by
Phillip Makselan
PensacolaHG.com

Chef Jim Shirley has heavy-duty, under-stove drawers, a walk-in pantry and a wine cellar in his kitchen. / Phillip Makselan

Chef Jim Shirley has heavy-duty, under-stove drawers, a walk-in pantry and a wine cellar in his kitchen. / Phillip MakselanCulinary experts make the most of organizaiton, efficiency and style

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word kitchen means “a place (as a room) with cooking facilities.”

That sounds rather bland, which for most people is the last word they want associated with their kitchen. Perhaps a more fitting definition would be “a room in the home where food is prepared, memories are made and chefs are born.” That may seem like a bit of a stretch, but for those wanting a dream kitchen, it’s only scratching the surface. Three prominent Pensacola area chefs — Irv Miller, Jim Shirley and Frank Taylor — have in their personal kitchens what most people dream of — organization, efficiency and style

Efficient Use Of Space

For Irv Miller, executive chef and co-owner of Jackson’s Steakhouse, efficient use of space is key in his kitchen. “If a kitchen is too big, efficiency is diminished by excessive movement and walking when cooking, exhausting the cook by cleanup time,’’ Miller said. “I prefer a small, functional kitchen with just enough work surfaces for prepping and plating.”

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Posted in Atlas Oyster House, Celebrity Chefs, Chef Jim Shirley, Cocktails, Cooking Classes, Employees, Event Planning, Famous people, Mardi Gras, Pensacola, Southern Cooking, The Deck Bar, The Fish House | No Comments »

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