Unexpected Stars at the Huntsville Bar Stars

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the 1st Huntsville Bar Stars hosted by The Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance along with the Westin Huntsville! This event brought people from across the Tennessee Valley to Bridgestreet Town Centre to enjoy local craft beer, American Harvest Vodka spirits, amazing food and live music.  The music was provided by local artist, Tim Cannon, and he serenaded the group with his version of classic hits with his great voice and guitar.  The locals seemed to enjoy mingling with each other as they watched the contestants compete for the title of Huntsville Bar Star and move to the next round in Mobile.  I had the opportunity to speak with representatives from breweries located in Madison, Huntsville and even Avondale about the beer they are proud to offer and realized that Blue Pants Brewery was right in my neighborhood. I didn't give the beer a try but reserved the right to bring my husband along to their place to be my designated drinker. 

FYI..Hair is a 3rd Day Braidout & shirt from myblackskinis.com

Keeton Light of the Westin-Huntsville was the big winner and would be competing for the state championship but I discovered another winner at this event. Many of you may know that I have a severe food allergy to seafood, it restricts my life in many ways and often isn't taken very serious by some.   When Jessica Carlton, Marketing Manager at Huntsville-Madison County CVB, invited me to cover this event I thought I would have to decline.  Events that provide food are usually  a no-no for me because there is always some dish with the unexpected surprise but Jessica asked me to let her a make a few calls before I passed on this event.  My first star would come in the form of the Food & Beverage Director of the Westin-Huntsville, Charles Lennox. Mr Lennox was gracious enough to speak with the Executive Chef Bill Stellwagen (my other star) of the hotels restaurant, Sage Grille, and provide the attendants with a great menu that didn't contain seafood.  Mr Lennox and Chef Stellwagen shared with me how the hotel and restaurant takes pride in being able to accommodate visitors of the Westin who have special needs. I felt so confident in their concern of my welfare that I enjoyed an evening of not feeling disabled.  Chef Michael, also of the Westin Sage Grill, prepared a Mexican inspired treat that i tried called the Tijuana Turnover and it was spectacular! The meat was seasoned beautiful and the crispy crust of the turnover crunched but melted in your mouth.  I cant wait for an opportunity to visit the Westin-Huntsville as a guest...Hint Hint to my husband (40th b-day coming soon!) and you should too!

The Westin-Huntsville took great care of me at the Huntsville Bar Stars...Food Allergies can have you feeling alone but they made me feel like a VIP!