When a 26-year veteran of the Mobile Police Department and father of five is in need, the Crepe Crusader swings in to help. Capt. Chris Dorsey, sadly, recently suffered a brain aneurysm, which prompted Jared Hurvitz, owner of Crepe Crusader, to put together a fundraising event to help the man in blue.

Monday, June 5, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Mobile Police Headquarters on Government Street you can enjoy gourmet crepes and waffles as well as live music and gift basket raffles. All proceeds will go toward helping Capt. Dorsey in his recovery.

Learn more about one of Mobile’s latest food trucks by visiting www.crepecrusadermobile.com, but on Monday, come eat like you have something to prove.

Chaleur coffee shop finding its niche
On a recent run (I’m a bit of a health nut, you know) I found my way into the open doors of Chaleur Method Brew and Espresso at 2100 Airport Blvd. on the corner of Glenwood. Owners Christian and Courtney Hilley are carving their niche in the craft-coffee circles, offering specialty light-roasted coffees via method brewing and espresso drinks.

After a bit of research the couple decided to engage Warehouse Bakery of Fairhope as a partner, bringing their unmatched French pastries to the Western Shore. Chaleur (meaning “warmth” in French) officially opened in April and is finding its legs.

The new coffeehouse is also home to Saturday workshops and plans to host at least one per month as well as a concert series. For more on this, visit www.chaleur.coffee and monitor their progress on social media. For the time being, they open at 8 a.m. but expect an earlier start in the near future.

Big Wave Dave’s hits OBA
By the time you read this, Big Wave Dave’s at 22703 Perdido Beach Blvd. in Orange Beach will have had its soft opening. Founder Dave grew up on Long Island in New York and surfed his way around the world, eventually landing a restaurant on the Gulf Coast.

This island-themed eatery adheres to the belief that “cold beer is better than warm, all drinks taste better frozen and seafood should be fresh or don’t serve it at all.” The menu is seafood heavy but also includes pizzas, a bit of Mexican street fare and sandwiches. But it’s the lobster rolls that are the talk.

Eugene’s serves heck of a breakfast
I finally had a chance to make it to Eugene’s Monkey Bar at 15 N. Conception St. for breakfast. It was a pre-work meeting with comedian Joe Carlisle. Joe is a funnyman who is famous in three states, but on this blessed morning he was famous for his hangover. A little coffee was all he could handle, but I gorged on eggs, bacon, fruit, grits and potatoes. I left my biscuit for the squirrels and pigeons in Bienville Square.

If you have any doubts as to whether this place could be a contender, you should set them aside. I think they are getting their act together over there. I’ll try dinner soon.

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