Alternative Thanksgivings

If on the off chance you are not going home this week, and don’t have a family of your own to cook for (as so many YPs do not), here are a few alternative Thanksgiving options for Birmingham residents:

● Veranda on Highland is offering a special Thanksgiving day menu, with both traditional turkey and dressing and other New Orleans-style options. Call (205) 939-5551.

● The Wynfrey Hotel at the Riverchase Galleria has a Thanksgiving brunch. No traditional turkey and dressing, but everything from seafood to chicken to roast pork loin, a sweet potato bar, breakfast foods, salads, desserts and more. Reservations are required, (205) 444-5706.

● McCormick & Schmick's will also be having a Thanksgiving special, but no word on the menu yet. Fish anyone?
www.mccormickandschmicks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.display&pageid=96&id=71

● And if you want to avoid the typical Thanksgiving fare, Silver Coin Indian Grill in Hoover will be open.

Know of some more? Comment! Happy Turkey Day!

Wine and Holidays!

The Rotaract Club of Shelby County is hosting a holiday wine tasting to recruit new members. The event will be held on Dec 2, 2008 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Vintage Wine Shoppe. They are asking for a $10 donation which will benefit children’s charities in Shelby County. If you'd like to come or are interested in becoming a member of The Rotaract Club of Shelby County, you can contact them at rotaractofshelbycounty@yahoo.com.

Blazer Pride!

Dr. Carol Garrison, President of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, graciously invited the YP Roundtable to her end of the season football tailgate Saturday, Nov 22. It was perfect weather for cider and hot chocolate and as the party eventually moved to the Club level of Legion Field, I was appreciative to have a home football team.

While I might have graduated from another university, there is nothing like sipping a hot drink under a tent with friends on a Saturday afternoon, eagerly anticipating kickoff. While we lament that we often have to drive to see musical acts or plays, the act of tailgating is something that we have in Birmingham’s own backyard. Furthermore, as a Birmingham outsider, I find it difficult to attach myself to a local high school team to cheer for. Contrastingly, UAB is an undeniable force tying this region together, not to mention the number one employer in Alabama. It’s easy to get on board for a school does such great thing for our community.

While the University of Alabama in Birmingham’s home football season is over, don’t fret--- that just means basketball is here. Go Blazers!

Check out www.uabsports.com for schedules and ticket information.