Since Mobile is a port city, on Mobile Bay and near the Gulf, it is known as a seafood city, not a steak town.
The Shriners of Mobile’s Abba temple are challenging that reputation with a monthly (or more often) Friday steak night. This Friday at 6 p.m., the public is invited. No RSVP or advance ticket is needed.
When you ask Mobile folks where you can get a good steak, they have for years reeled off the usual – Ruth’s Chris, Briquettes, Judy’s and other steak-cooking restaurants. Now, those who have experienced it add, “Abba Shrine Temple.”
The volunteer grill masters at the Shrine steak dinner think their steaks can compete with any of the known steak restaurants.
The steak dinner is actually held in the Red Fez Club, an annex to the shrine auditorium. It is at 7701 Hitt Road, just off Schillinger Road in West Mobile.
The steak dinner is moderately priced at $20 and includes a salad bar, baked potato (or sweet potato), roll and iced tea. On many Friday nights, some of the Shriners ladies will donate an un-advertised special, a dessert.
Unlike some group steakouts, the cooks do not prepare all the steaks the same way. Your individual steak is cooked the way you order, from rare to well done or anything in between.
For those who enjoy an adult beverage with their steak, the Shriners run a full bar in the Red Fez Club. Many diners pay at the bar to pair their steaks with a glass of wine or cocktail.
For the few non-steak-eaters, Abba offers a grilled chicken plate with the same sides for $15.
The shrine raises funds for a number of causes, locally and nationally. The largest and best-known of Shrine missions is Shriners Hospitals for Children, a national system of hospitals with specialized pediatric care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, and neuromuscular conditions.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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