Forty-five years in the making, local author Theresa Jensen Lacy is publishing her 21st book, a family cookbook. “It was back in 1982 that I realized none of my people used a cookbook,” she said.

Meeting a friend for lunch is always a good plan on a hot Summer day. On a tip from a friend, we decided Kingfisher Craft Sandwiches on Barrancas Avenue in Pensacola was the ticket, and the restaurant was calling my name.

Tucked away under the Theo Baars Bridge that crosses the Intercoastal Waterway from Perdido Key to Innerarity Point is an old bait shop turned restaurant that will knock your socks off.

My boyfriend, Jack Mayson, and I recently tried Brother Fox for the first time on my birthday, and we absolutely loved it! When you first walk into the restaurant, you get a groovy vibe with a calming and zen feel. Upon taking our seats, our server greeted us and took our drink orders while we perused the menu. We didn’t know where to start, the menu was so pleasantly different from typical fare at other local restaurants. 

Downtown Mobile has lots of great options for good food, drink, and atmosphere. One of my favorite places is The Noble South. As the tagline says, it’s A Taste of the South in a beautiful old building at 203 Dauphin Street in the heart of Mobile’s Entertainment District.

With a “Dallas comes to Fairhope” wedding this past weekend, Linda and I woke up late Saturday morning with food on our minds. We ran a few errands while trying to decide on a late breakfast or early lunch. The truth is the Bay Breeze Cafe made the decision easy.

It’s funny how life’s experiences can lead to doing what you love and doing it well. Niches are discovered somewhat by happenstance, not necessarily by design. Experience is a great teacher, and often, it’s the failures that are the best learning experiences when you look in the rearview mirror. I enjoy hearing the backstory that leads to something really great. That’s what Red or White Wine is all about.

The Half Shell Oyster House is a Gulfport, Mississippi-based restaurant that several years ago opened a location in Mobile and then another in Spanish Fort. I’ve been to both restaurants many times and have never been disappointed. Recently, I found myself between meetings in Mobile with some time on my hands and a hungry belly, so I stopped by Half Shell for lunch.