On a recent Friday evening during the Fairhope Art Walk, Linda and I met a friend downtown to hear The Modern Eldorados. The band was playing on the sidewalk across the street from Pearl Seafood + Raw Bar, a small but popular restaurant that opened three and a half years ago in the space that used to be R Bistro. After a little while, we decided to settle in at the bar and ordered one of their specialty cocktails and a dozen oysters.

On Tuesday evening, March 25, Scenic 98 Coastal is excited to bring its South Meets South Wine Pairing Experience to Orange Beach, benefitting The Nature Conservancy of Alabama. For The Love Of Nature is the theme of this event co-hosted by Frank & Co Jewelers and Saunders Yachtworks and will take place at the 8-Reale Speakeasy at The Wharf. 

When the vastly accomplished Chef Rich Lee decided to open a restaurant of his own, he had the perfect partner in mind. His wife, Pam, had been in mortgage banking for 35 years but always had a strong culinary interest.

Created at Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans in the late 19th century, Oysters Rockefeller was named after the Rockefeller family due to the richness of its sauce and proved to be an instant classic, quickly finding its way onto menus and at lavish parties across the country.

The humble oyster is staple food served in celebrations marking special occasions throughout the year—from Valentine’s Day to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s traditions all over the world to symbolize good fortune and prosperity in the coming years.

I’ve noticed these days that more than a few restaurants are creating their own hot sauces. It’s hard to know from which to choose. Many start with a base sauce, easily sourced from a variety of products on the market. The names may be familiar, and most people have their favorites. For us, it’s Crystal Hot Sauce.

If you like classic Southern cooking with a healthy twist, you’re in luck. Cheryl’s Café in Spanish Fort offers a wide array of lunch options and plenty of choices for the most finicky eater. 

Along Scenic 98 in Fairhope lies a gem of a restaurant that is sure to please the most demanding epicurean. Called “R Bistro,” owned by Misty Rider, this restaurant you will say is “tres magnifique” after tasting some of their offerings.