Noell Broughton and Mark Strickland are at it again. They opened Grace Restaurant and Rooftop Bar at 555 Dauphin Street at the end of October, and I’ve been eager to check it out. So, I did, on a Friday when the weather was nice and pleasant, and people were in a holiday mood. 

Grace has a casual atmosphere with a downstairs dining room with a prominent bar and also a rooftop bar with seating areas, TVs, and small tables for dining outside. It is located in the heart of Dauphin Street’s Entertainment District in the old Catholic Services building.

As I arrived just after they opened for lunch, I ran into several old friends and acquaintances, which was fun. Several large groups were celebrating office holidays and birthday parties. I saw Noell and congratulated him on his newest enterprise and got to spend some time with Chef Mark, who also oversees the kitchen at Debris, another one of my favorite places in Mobile. 

Grace offers a good selection of small plates and shareable dishes for starters at dinner.  There are many delicious-sounding choices like Pan-Seared Diver Scallops with Roasted Tomato Couscous, Citrus Beurre Blanc, and Balsamic Reduction; or Veal and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms with Smoked Gouda Mornay. That one makes my mouth water. How about Lump Crabmeat and Fried Green Tomato Napoleon with Champagne Cream? There are plenty of other options as well.

The dinner menu has Lighter Fare choices of excellent salad offerings and Large Plate features to satisfy your appetite. They also offer a Fresh Catch From the Grill with a variety of sauces and add-ons from which to choose. A great selection of side dishes and desserts complete the dinner menu.

My lunch hit the spot. The soup of the day was a perfect creamy corn and roasted tomato rosemary chowder-like soup. I had a  grilled snapper sandwich with house-made tartar sauce served on a Leidenheimer bun. Leidenheimer bread is the real deal, delivered from their bakery in New Orleans.  This bread sets Chef Mark’s sandwiches and Po’ boys apart. Blue cheese mashed potatoes were my side. 

Lois White-Spunner, a staple in the restaurant world around here, greeted me and showed me the upstairs bar. I sat at the downstairs bar and visited with Steve, the bartender. Noell and Mark told me they have been best friends since fifth grade. Wendell Quimby had just arrived in town, checking on all his restaurant buildings and properties, so it felt a little like homecoming week at Grace.  I can’t wait to return for dinner with our Mobile friends soon.

Also, read about all the establishments Noell Broughton has created as a restaurant and entertainment entrepreneur.