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.

A day trip or extended stay along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is always entertaining, especially when you add fine dining to the equation. On a recent visit, I met a friend for lunch at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House Restaurant and the experience was outstanding. Eileen Mahoney Ezell runs the restaurant with her brother, Bobby Mahoney, and cousins Tony Cvitanovich, Andra Osman, and JoAnna McAdams. It’s a family affair with lots of history dating back to 1737!

I wasn’t surprised to learn that Lynn Oldshue was born and raised in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Many famous people are from Yazoo City, including Willie Morris, Jerry Clower, and Zig Ziglar, to name a few. As the author of the blog and book Our Southern Souls, Lynn has earned a reputation of her own, capturing the essence through her storytelling, of thousands of everyday people living among us.. 

If you live in or around Fairhope and want to enjoy a pizza without buying a whole pie, and maybe fit in a great salad or soup, you’re in luck! On the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Bancroft Street, Nini Squares (named after owners Chris and Rachel Cullen’s daughter, Nina) has offerings to satisfy the pickiest eater. 

Some people were born to be restaurateurs. Count Bo Hamilton, owner of Ox Kitchen Fairhope, and newly opened Ox Kitchen Pensacola, located at The Garden at Palafox and Main, as one of them. Both restaurants serve a limited menu, including a perfect burger. Bo’s food philosophy is simple, fresh, and delicious, and his story is an interesting one.