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from Cossondra This picture was taken in Fairhope, Alabama, across the bay from Mobile. In the distance is the Downtown Mobile skyline, marked by its pair of taller skyscrapers and the Austal workshop. During a recent discussion with a historian and architect, I learned how important it is for a smaller city to have a recognizable skyline. The architect pointed out that cities, especially interstate cities, benefit from having travelers recognize them. So many places, he said, look the same, especially from distances along highways. And, that is true. Cities can be nondescript and begin to blur together in our minds. But, having a recognizable skyline reminds people where they are, allowing them to get interested and perhaps even be drawn to visit the city. In the picture below is a neon representation of the Downtown Mobile Skyline. This art is in the Greer’s St. Louis Market, a very “in” grocery store complete with chef-prepared meals, salad bar, soup bar, ice cream, coffee, indoor seating, and rooftop seating. And, yes, they do have groceries, as well. (There will probably be a focus on Greer’s in a future issue.) One of their menu items is called “Mobile Skyline Bread Pudding.” It’s less like pudding and more like a very moist sweetbread, but it is indeed in the shape of the skyline. (And, it’s delicious. I recommend it!) I don’t know if interstate travelers will venture to St. Louis Street to try this charming dessert, but locals still love the novelty of eating the skyline.
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