Pampered Chef

Thursday, November 9, 2006 was a first for me. I was invited to and attended my very first home sales show. Having never been to one before I had no clue what to expect and since it turned out to be an experience I never want to have again, I am leaving out who the invitation was from, who was in attendance and the name of the hostess. From the way it started I knew I had no business being there. First there were designated “cheerleaders” pom-poms included. Then one of the attendees was given a pair of kitchen shears with instructions to “snip-snip” if any negative vibes were felt or derogatory words were uttered. I suppose this party, like any other designed specifically to sell something, meant the pressure was on and, to be fair, the products introduced were well made but the prices were higher than any comparable kitchen products one may find in Bed Bath and Beyond or on Cooking.com. The hostess gave out tidbits of information that I found to be condescending because the people in attendance were obviously good cooks or they would not be looking for the latest in cookware or gadgets. There were games; I felt like I was six again. The entire theme of the “party” was Jimmy Buffett even though some in attendance had no clue who he was, in fact, one of the guests thought it was a play on words; buffet Buffett. I did not go to purchase; I went for the experience and to have something to write about. I got both and came away with the knowledge that I would never attend one of these things again.
Another theft in my neighborhood occurred last night (11/14). A gentleman was working in one of the houses across the street. The lights were on and the front door was wide open but some intrepid soul calmly walked up to the back of this man’s truck then walked away with a set of golf clubs. This is the fourth theft in six weeks. I am installing motion sensors and lights on my property because of this and I hope whoever this person is, he does not make the mistake of letting me catch him in my yard.
There is a hidden gem in North Augusta. At least it was hidden from me until last week. I stopped in Dre’s Fresh Fish Market just to look around and met two of the nicest people one could ever hope to meet. Mary Baukright, along with her husband and sometimes their daughter, run the place for their son Andre Baukright. Andre also has another job in Augusta at Nice & Neat on Metcalf Street; he is a barber. After perusing the menu for a while and speaking with the Baukrights, I made the decision to go back that night and try the food. I ordered the 15 piece shrimp plate to go, sans slaw, then made the short drive to 721 E. Buena Vista Avenue to pick up my order. The food was right on time and piping hot. The shrimp, fried, turned out to be delicious, fresh, local and cleaned on the spot, as were the fries and hush puppies and more than I could eat. Now I’m hooked and can not wait to go back to try other things on the menu. They not only cook for you if you prefer but you can purchase everything on their menu fresh and raw to prepare yourself. Dre’s is open Thursday thru Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 P.M. This hidden gem has been in operation for 4 years and 9 months and I am sorry that I never tried it before now. If you’d like good, fresh seafood and fish, pick up the phone and call the Baukright’s at 202-0903 and place an order. I do not think you will be disappointed.