Debbie "Marvelous" Smith calls her catering business Sequins & Seasonings. The first part of it becomes obvious when you see that presentation is very important to her, including her eye-catching fashion sense. The second part of her company name reveals itself deliciously in the first bite of her soulful flavors.

This month, Gambino’s Italian Grill is celebrating its 50th year, and not just its 50th year to be in operation, but to be operated by three generations of the same family.

I love stories about women who turn setbacks into opportunities, making lemonade out of lemons, if you will. In Sally Stringfellows case, she made a champagne crab bisque! A single mother with 2 young girls, she needed to figure out a way to make ends meet. 

I love menu tastings: smaller portions, more variety. It’s the epicurean experience featuring the best creations from the resident chefs. I kind of wish every fine dining restaurant would offer “The Experience,” so I don’t have to make tough decisions.

If brunch is one of your favorite meals of the day, you’re in luck: The Ruby Slipper Café, located at 100 N. Royal Street in Mobile will fit the bill nicely.

Located at 1808 Old Shell Road, the Dew Drop Inn has survived hurricanes, recessions, inflation, and a pandemic. There’s a reason it is Mobile’s oldest dining establishment: it’s just that good.

Coming from Fairhope, we turned right off Highway 98 at Magnolia Springs and drove straight to the end of Highway 49 to the new Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Sitting majestically beside the beautiful Bon Secour River, like a great big lodge, it is more reminiscent of visiting someone's home on the water.

Occasionally, a dining experience exceeds your wildest expectations. It’s happened twice to me in Fairhope, and both times it was courtesy of Chef Orlando Amaro. He has a fantastic talent and never disappoints. It’s a testament to his passion for pleasing his guests, wherever he happens to be. His resume is a global Who’s Who of award-winning restaurants, several with Michelin stars next to their name.