Wearing bright orange T-shirts that served as admission “tickets” to the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s fourth annual Grub Crawl, Ed Wolfe (left) of Southgate and former Southgate Mayor Norma Wurmlinger (right) prepare to enjoy sausage and fennel pasta at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Southgate. Shellie Ka-minski (third from left) serves the samples while Carrabba’s pro-prietor Mike Tehovnik looks on. Carrabba’s was one of 10 restau-rants participating in the crawl.
By Evelyn Cairns
Wearing bright orange T-shirts as admission “tickets,” some 550 Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber members and guests sampled food and drinks at 10 eateries participating in the chamber’s fourth annual Grub Crawl on Aug. 10.
The restaurants included Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Charlie’s Chophouse, Famous Dave’s, the Hungarian Rhapsody and Key West Grille.
Other participants were 3 Nicks Taproom, Bar Star Lounge, Buffalo Wild Wings, Malarkey’s and Texas Roadhouse.
The “Crawlers,” who were transported to the eateries by bus, tasted menu items ranging from pastas, pizza and pulled pork to soup, stuffed cabbage and sliders.
All of the restaurants also offered drink specials. Transportation sponsors were Co-op Services Credit Union, E.W. Smith Insurance and Golden Limousine International.
“This is the chamber’s newest event, and it has been very successful,” said Sandy Mull, the organization’s new president. “It has sold out every year.”
The SWCRC’s next event will be the annual new members’ reception. This year, a Brazilian-themed barbecue party is planned for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Pier 500, located at 507 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte.
You don’t have to be a new member to attend, Mull said, adding that the event is designed to be a networking session. New members will be admitted free; members and guests will pay $5.
On Sept. 9, the chamber will hold its annual steak roast from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at the Woodhaven Community Center, 23101 Hall Road.
Dinner, to be served from 5 to 8 p.m., will include a choice of New York strip steak or barbecued chicken, baked potato, salad, corn on the cob, mushrooms sautéed onions, desserts, beer and wine.
Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. For more information or reservations (necessary), go to www.swcrc.com or call (734) 284-6000.
Seaway issues call for singers
The Seaway Chorale and Orchestra has scheduled auditions for new singers at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 and Sept. 7 at Faith United Methodist Church, 2530 Charlton, Trenton.
For an appointment, call (734) 783-5202 or (734) 676-9504.
According to spokesman Don Van Every, the chorale needs sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, so both men and women 18 or older with some singing experience are being sought.
The organization recently selected as its new director, Gerald Custer, who teaches music theory and composition at Wayne State University and is completing studies for a doctor of musical arts degree at Michigan State University.
A nationally known music composer and Grammy Award nominee, he has more than 50 works in print for chorus, solo voice, organ and instruments.
Save the date . . .
Aug. 18 — Summer Jazz at the Grosse Ile Yacht Club, 29677 East River Road (Hickory Island), benefit for the Southern Great Lakes Symphony; 4 p.m. din-ner and music featuring pianist Doug Scott and his bass player and percussionist; tickets, $40, and more information are available by going to www.sgls.org, or calling (734) 264-2890 or (734) 676-0211.
Aug. 21-Oct 3 — Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends and Labor Day; entertainment and food; games of skill, musicians, comedians, jousting tournaments and shops with works by artisans; admission, $19.95, adults; $10.95 children 5-12 (children 4 and younger, free); $17.95, seniors and students; discounts are available at Kroger’s; for more information, visit www.michrenfest.com.
Aug. 29 — Cruise aboard the Ovation, benefit for the Boar’s Head 30th anniversary performances on Grosse Ile in 2011; guests will be chauffeured from the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church at 4:30 p.m. to the GM Dock in Detroit, returning to Grosse Ile at 9:15; strolling supper, open bar, dancing and enter-tainment; for tickets, $150, call Wendy Moco at (734) 692-1163.