Fryin’ Up Good Vibes: Bo-Hawg® x Evermore at Moe’s BBQ

Back in June, we hosted our first annual Fryin’ Up Good Vibes at Moe’s Original BBQ in Daphne, and it was one of those nights that meant more than most people probably realized.

Frying fish isn’t something we just thought of out of the blue. It’s something my brother and I grew up doing with our dad. It’s part of our story. We did most of it for non-profits or charities to help raise money. So bringing that tradition back to life for a good cause made the whole thing feel full circle.

Moe’s has always been a special place for me. I worked there years ago, learned a lot, and still feel at home every time I walk through the door.

Mark White and Ashleigh Valluzo, the co-owners, didn’t hesitate when I asked if Bo-Hawg® could host the event there. They went out of their way to help, making sure we had what we needed and setting us up for success.

That kind of kindness and support is hard to come by, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. They are real ones. No other way to say it. 

We set up a tent on the side of Moe’s, just my brother and me, frying up plates of fish using Pop’s secret recipe, with hushpuppies or fries and coleslaw. Simple menu, but one that has never disappointed for as long as I can remember.

Friends came by, said hello, and grabbed plates. The vibe was easy and familiar, but a tad painful. It's still weird setting up to fry, or prepping and not seeing Pops keeping an eye on what's going on and slamming an insane drink, like a Faygo Peach Soda while saying, "How's the oil doing, Bub?"

The event was all about supporting Evermore, a non-profit making the world a more livable place for bereaved people. I really connected with that.

Joyal and Jenna from Evermore showed up ready to work, running plates, taking orders, and selling food. They were a huge help and a big part of what made the night run so smoothly.

By the end of it all, we had raised around $700 for Evermore through plate sales, donations, and a handcrafted end table donated by Cody Hicks of Xylem Woodworking. I appreciate Cody for donating such a dope piece that he put so much time and effort into to help push that total to what it was.

When the last plate had been sold, we got busy breaking stuff down while the oil was cooling. When I was washing out one of the coolers, I thought about Pops. He would’ve been sitting there, arms crossed, grinning as people walked up and talking all sorts of bullshit. Being the official taste-tester to make sure the fish was good.

He would have smiled at the sight of brother and me working together. 

He always believed in giving back. He also believed in cooking the best damn seafood you ever had in your life. That night, we did both.

Fryin’ Up Good Vibes wasn’t just another event. It was a reminder of where we come from and what we’re trying to carry forward with Bo-Hawg®.