Fried Chicken at Pearl
“I recently ordered the fried chicken at Pearl in Fairhope, and it was outstanding! A delicious tender boneless breast is prepared with an extra crispy coating and then fried. It is then served over an amazing smoky tasso gravy. A little drizzle of hot honey adds to the perfect sweet-and-smoky flavor and some spice to the whole dish. The greens and marinated sweet potato chunks that came with it were the perfect complement to the meal. This dish is definitely a winner!” – Trin Ollinger, Owner, Ollinger Property Management
Pearl • 334 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope. 517-9142
Bruschetta at Red or White
“Red and White’s bruschetta is amazing. Six pieces of baguette are topped with housemade Boursin cheese, fresh tomatoes and olive oil. The rich, velvety cheese and the fresh bread is the perfect pairing for any glass or bottle of wine on their fantastic menu.” – Jennifer Ray, MB Advertising Sales Executive
Red or White • 1104 Dauphin St. 478-9494
Bistro Cuban at Penton’s Bistro
“The Bistro Cuban at Penton’s Bistro is a sandwich worth seeking out. Mojo-infused pork butt and smoked ham are layered with Swiss cheese, pickles and whole grain mustard, then pressed until the bread is perfectly crisp. Each bite delivers that classic Cuban balance of savory and tangy flavors. On the side, the yucca fries are a must, golden and crispy with a soft center and paired with a house-made dipping sauce that adds just the right kick. It’s a satisfying meal I’d recommend to anyone. It’s hard for me to order anything else because of how good it is.” – Andrew Trattles, Technical Assistant to the President / Mechanical Engineer, Hargrove Engineers and Constructors
Penton’s Bistro • 219 Conti St., Mobile. 438-5234
Chocolate Salami at Firehouse Wine Bar
“Sometimes I love to go out just for drinks and dessert. Lately, my favorite pairing is a glass of wine and the chocolate salami at Firehouse Wine Bar. No, there’s no meat involved. Vanilla biscuits are mixed with chocolate ganache and nuts for the perfect sweet treat. It’s a must-have every time I go by.” – Amelia Rose Zimlich, MB Staff Writer
Firehouse Wine Bar • 216 St. Francis St. 888-2297
Five Spice Duck Tacos at Dragonfly Foodbar
“Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weeknight, I will take any excuse to go to Dragonfly Foodbar for their Five Spice Duck Tacos. With tender duck covered in a sticky fig glaze, cranberries, and pickled radishes, it’s like a clever twist on Thanksgiving flavors. Pair them with fried green beans for a perfect meal!” – Mary Ryan Kirsch, MB writer
Dragofly Foodbar • 18874 Section St, Fairhope. 990-5722
Oxtails at Mary’s Southern Cooking
“We recently dined in at the new location of Mary’s Southern Cooking. We ordered the oxtails special with sides of fresh collard greens, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread dressing with cranberry sauce and cornbread dinner rolls. This food was simply amazing. We were impressed with the detail and precision that goes into each bite. The owner, Mrs. Mary, and her servers treated us with the most welcoming Southern hospitality.” – Enoch Lamar Smith, President, Easy Heating & Cooling
Mary’s Southern Cooking • 3966 Airport Blvd., Mobile. 476-2232
Debris Po-Boy from Debris Po-Boys & Drinks
“I absolutely love the Debris Po-Boy from Debris. It’s piled high with slow-braised beef shoulder and short rib that is so tender, perfectly layered with provolone, lettuce, tomato, a little mayo and served with a warm au jus. I don’t even bother with the menu. I always go straight for the same sandwich.” – Rachel Mayhall, MB Office/Project Manager
Debris Po-Boys & Drinks • 276 Dauphin St. 378-8133
Philly Cheesesteak at The Sloop
“The Sloop in Gulf Shores is the heartbeat of the community and a true staple of fun. My favorite thing to order off the menu is their amazing Philly cheesesteak. The owners get the bread shipped from Philadelphia. It’s piled with thinly sliced steak, melty cheese and a lot of sauteed onions and peppers. It’s bold, rich and delicious every time. The homemade potato fries — crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and seasoned just right — round everything out, creating a truly knockout meal.” – Tammy Moudy, Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator, South Alabama Land Trust
The Sloop • 103 W Canal Drive, Gulf Shores. 500-1007
Southwest Protein Power Bowl at Ox Kitchen
“Even when life is hectic, I still want takeout from a local restaurant with quality ingredients. Ox Kitchen is my go-to in Fairhope. I can call ahead and swing through for their Southwest Protein Power Bowl. It is so filling and healthy with quinoa, pickled radish, corn, beans and avocado. If I am looking for more comfort food, their Greek Burger is to die for. It has roasted red peppers, feta and tzatziki sauce. I dream about this burger! We featured it in a burger story in the magazine years ago, and I just keep going back.” – Maggie Lacey, MB Executive Editor
Ox Kitchen • 365 S Greeno Rd, Fairhope. 725-9385
Chicken Marsala at Via Emilia
“The Chicken Marsala at Via Emilia has been my favorite for years! The savory marsala sauce pairs perfectly with the chicken and vegetables on the side. The atmosphere at Via Emilia is perfect for an outdoor date night with a great selection of wines to pair with your meal.” – Emma Grace Johnson, MB Intern
Via Emilia • 5901 Old Shell Rd. 342-3677
