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Join us for this refreshing summer episode of the Port City Plate Podcast, as Fabian Leon sits down to talk about the unique treats he started at Jefe Paletas. Fabian shares his journey from growing up in his parents' Mexican restaurants to opening a unique dessert shop specializing in authentic paletas, or popsicles. Located in West Mobile, Jefe Paletas offers over 40 flavors of homemade popsicles, ice cream, and savory Mexican street snacks, making it a must-visit for unique eats in Mobile!

Fabian discusses the inspiration behind Jefe Paletas, highlighting how his childhood summers in Mexico influenced his desire to create a family-friendly, faith-centered environment. He dives into the process of creating both cream-based and water-based paletas, and the unique flavor combinations found on the menu. Listeners will enjoy hearing about the community's positive response and Fabian’s commitment to balancing traditional Mexican flavors with popular American tastes.

Throughout the episode, Fabian shares memorable stories, including the amusing mispronunciations of the shop's name and some of the challenges he faced when opening. He also talks about his innovative popsicle cart and the future possibility of a second location. This episode is a must-listen, especially in the summer, when it comes to finding unique treats to enjoy in Mobile.

Local Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode:
Jefe Paletas
La Cocina
El Giro
NoJa
Felix's Fish Camp
Dumbwaiter
El Rincon
Parc le Traleur
Nino's Pizza
Foosackly's

If you enjoy the Port City Plate Podcast, consider buying Chris a coffee. (Locally owned, of course!)
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All episodes are presented by Bienville Bites Food Tour. Take a guided walking tour through Downtown Mobile while tasting your way through the best food and drink in town!
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Book a tour with our sister tour company in beautiful, Fairhope, Alabama!
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This episode of the Port City Plate Podcast features a rising star in the culinary scene along Mobile Bay, Amber Harris. Amber and her husband, Hunter, started the Mon Louis Supper Club. Each supper club is a unique culinary experience that held on the shores of beautiful Mobile Bay. Each month, the dinner has a theme that changes depending on the season or the preferences of Amber and Hunter.

In this episode, Amber shares her journey from growing up in Mobile with a love for food, to attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. She takes us through her post-graduation adventures, including her time as a private yacht chef and her pivotal role at Sunset Pointe, which truly launched her culinary career in the area. Today, she is the GM at Press N Co., featuring healthy organic options to the community in Daphne.

Amber also discusses the incredible concept behind Mon Louis Supper Club, held at her childhood home, offering a unique dining experience with incredible views of Mobile Bay and creative, seasonal menus. We delve into one of their themed dinners inspired by my book, “A Culinary History of Mobile,” featuring dishes like Alabama’s Pearls, Bama Peanut Cassoulet, and Mobile Bay to Table on the Bay. Amber explains the inspiration and preparation behind these dishes, emphasizing the importance of local ingredients and the rich culinary heritage of Mobile.

We end the podcast talking about their upcoming theme for Mon Louis Supper Club in the month of June and how you can reserve a spot at one of their exclusive dinners. We also touch on her favorite places to eat in Mobile, and introduce a new segment, “Fork in the Road,” where we discuss exciting new food news in the community. Don’t miss this episode!

Local Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode:

Sunset Pointe
Squid Ink
Press N Co.
Dauphin's
Pearl
Lighthouse Restaurant
Domke Market
Chuck's Fish

If you enjoy the Port City Plate Podcast, consider buying Chris a coffee. (Locally owned, of course!)
Support the Show

Share the best dish you've had in Mobile!
Join the Port City Plate Facebook Group

All episodes are presented by Bienville Bites Food Tour. Take a guided walking tour through Downtown Mobile while tasting your way through the best food and drink in town!
Book a Bienville Bites Food Tour

Book a tour with our sister tour company in beautiful, Fairhope, Alabama!
Book a Taste of Fairhope Food Tour

Send us a Text Message.

On this episode of the Port City Plate, we dive deep into the heart of gumbo and its rich history in Mobile with David Hubbell, a Louisiana historian and expert on Cajun cuisine. David is the "Royal Historian of the Royal Order of Gumbo", a local Joe Cain Day parading society. He is known around town as Mobile's "Mirliton Man."

David shares his fascinating genealogical journey, tracing his family's 300-year Louisiana ancestry and how his father's move to Mobile in 1986 influenced his culinary path. David also discusses in depth the distinctions between Cajun and Creole cuisines, revealing their unique historical and cultural roots.

This episode explores the similarities and differences between Mobile and traditional Louisiana cooking, noting the shared seafood ingredients and the unique vegetables used in each region. As the Royal Historian of the Royal Order of Gumbo, David shares the mission of this parading society, founded in 2020 by Jeremiah Woolsey. He recounts the lively debates about gumbo ingredients, such as okra and tomatoes, and the group's efforts to educate the public about the diverse interpretations of this beloved dish.

The highlight of the episode is David's discussion on the varieties of gumbo, its history, and whether Mobile can have a legitimate claim to being the "birthplace of gumbo." He delves into seasonal variations of gumbo and its origins, discussing the Native American, French, and African influences. David also highlights the classic Mobile gumbo, which includes okra, tomatoes, shrimp, crab meat, and oysters. He shares his passion for preserving heirloom recipes and discusses the cultivation and culinary uses of mirliton, a Latin American heirloom squash. Tune in for an episode that you do not want to miss as we journey through the Gulf Coast's unique food culture and the timeless appeal of gumbo in the Port City.

If you enjoy the Port City Plate Podcast, consider buying Chris a coffee. (Locally owned, of course!)
Support the Show

Share the best dish you've had in Mobile!
Join the Port City Plate Facebook Group

All episodes are presented by Bienville Bites Food Tour. Take a guided walking tour through Downtown Mobile while tasting your way through the best food and drink in town!
Book a Bienville Bites Food Tour

Book a tour with our sister tour company in beautiful, Fairhope, Alabama!
Book a Taste of Fairhope Food Tour