VERO BEACH — Bodega Blue was bustling Friday night as locals congregated for the Main Street Vero Beach (MSVB) summer series happy hour, Sip of the City.
“This is the sort of thing done in other places as a great way to bring some activity to downtown,” explained Peter Jones, MSVB board president. “The restaurants that have done it have loved the exposure and want to do it again. It’s a great way to get people into establishments in the quiet of summer.”
“Stamp said they’ve never been so busy during a happy hour; they were ecstatic,” added Kathleen Prouty, MSVB executive director.
Bodega Blue was the fourth establishment in the Friday night Sip of the City series, following Greenhouse Café, the Stamp and the 14th Avenue Steakhouse. Next up – a Wine Challenge: Domestic vs. International at the French Quarter on July 29 and Perfect Wine and Cheese Pairings at the Kilted Mermaid on August 12.
“We stopped because we had no more dates before the Summer Sizzler Stroll,” explained Prouty, who indicated they now plan to continue the series into the fall.”
There are currently 36 merchants who have signed up for the August 26 Summer Sizzler Stroll, which is designed to be similar to the popular 3-D Gallery Strolls.
“We’re also planning a series of progressive dinners in the downtown area,” said Prouty. “We’re trying to bring interest to downtown when things are not so busy.
The first one, which will be limited to 30 people, is scheduled for the third week in August. They’re planning to start things off with a champagne reception at Gallery 14, followed by appetizers at Greenhouse Café, soup or salad at Tea and Chi, the main entrée at French Quarter and dessert at the Kilted Mermaid.
Bodega Blue owner Lynne Persinger pulls in a clientele almost as varied as her beer selections, with wonderful homemade food and the best blues music in town. Known for putting the fun in funky, the casual downtown eatery features artisan cheeses, boutique wines, more than 200 microbrews, with eight rotated on tap, performances Thursday and Friday by renowned musicians and a cheerful staff – all components of its continued success.
“We didn’t know what to expect, but it’s been super busy,” said Persinger of the crowd of about 75 people. “We’re usually slow at happy hour; we don’t generally get busy until the music starts.”
Persinger has an extensive background in the business, and knows a thing or two about creating the perfect ambiance for the intimate setting. Growing up at the famed Greenbrier Hotel where her parents were both employed, she later worked in the corporate offices of the Ritz Carlton and as the general manager of the Greg Norman Golf Club. Her husband Jeff McKinney, is the executive chef at Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club.
Over the past seven years, Persinger has established a loyal following to her restaurant, due in no small part to a mutual admiration.
“When we moved here we didn’t know anyone,” said Persinger. “The best part has been meeting all the nice people here.”