LAMB SPECIAL AT PLANE & LEVEL COASTAL
“Recently, my husband and I enjoyed a nice dinner out with friends at Plane & Level Coastal in downtown Fairhope. The lamb special — which was carved at the table by Chef Orlando Amaro and served with roasted potatoes and glazed brussels sprouts — was a real treat! We shared the special as a table and also had tapas, including pulpo al grill (octopus) and Jamon Iberico de Bellota. I highly recommend pairing the meal with a glass of Spanish red.” – Nikki Rider, Director, Center for Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement, Emory University
Plane & Level Coastal • 61 N. Section St., Fairhope 439-5300
CHILAQUILES AT VILLA DEL REY COCINA MEXICANA
“One of my favorite Mexican spots in town is Villa Del Rey. Recently, I started my meal off with fresh guacamole and a margarita on the rocks. That is my favorite and could be a meal in itself. However, I still ordered a main, which was the chilaquiles. It’s a traditional meal of fried tortillas topped with grilled chicken along queso fresco and Mexican cream and topped with cilantro. The flavors were amazing, and I look forward to getting it again.”- Malcolm Johnson, Owner and Principal Planner, Spectrum Events Gulf Coast
Villa Del Rey Cocina Mexicana • 9 Du Rhu Drive, Mobile • 408-9052
GLUTEN-FREE BURGER AT THE NOBLE SOUTH
“Eating gluten-free in the Deep South can be quite the challenge, but Noble South says, ‘challenge accepted!’ Their gluten-free burger was incredibly flavorful, with juicy, well-seasoned beef. The gluten-free bun exceeded my expectations. It was soft, slightly toasted and held together beautifully without crumbling — a major victory for us gluten-free girlies. Most impressively, the burger didn’t compromise on taste or texture in the slightest. This burger checked all the boxes!” – Sydney Cramer, Program and Advocacy Manager, Mobile Arts Council
The Noble South • 203 Dauphin St., Mobile 690-6824
CHICKEN SALAD MELT AT SANDRA’S PLACE
“Chicken salad has made Sandra’s Place an icon in downtown Fairhope for nearly three decades. Like any great sandwich, this one is perfectly simple and starts with the best ingredients: white meat chicken, mayo, finely chopped celery, toasted almonds and cheese. The melt is served on warm Texas toast with a couple of strips of crispy bacon. Pair it with a cold drink and finish with their signature coconut cake. It’s the greatest!” – George Talbot, Vice President of External Affairs, Volkert, Inc.
Sandra’s Place • 218 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope 990-3344
Click here for more local favorites from our food contributors!