Episodes

  • Upcoming Culinary Events and Empowering Foodpreneurs: Inside Continental Commissary Kitchen
    Jul 9 2024

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    In this exciting episode of the Port City Plate Podcast, host Chris Andrews sits down with Nailim Sanchez, the Director of Operations of Continental Kitchen Commissary, and Danny Calametti, Vice President of Activities. The Continental Kitchen Commissary opened in early 2024 and provides essential support for aspiring food entrepreneurs in Mobile, Alabama. Nailim and Danny discuss the unique concept of a co-kitchen space, the benefits it offers, and the various events hosted at their state-of-the-art facility, including food-related and business-related events that are vital to the community.

    Nailim elaborates on the upcoming events like the Spanish Fusion Food Encounter and the Tequila Master Tasting, showcasing the diverse culinary experiences offered at the commissary. She shares insights into the commissary's mission to support underserved food entrepreneurs, the different membership plans available, and the numerous success stories of members who have benefited from their resources. With 15 active members, including popular names like The Taco Spot and Food Truck Frenzy, Continental Kitchen Commissary is fostering a vibrant community of culinary talent.

    Listeners will learn about the various training opportunities and business support provided by the commissary, as well as the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities available to members. The episode also touches on the broader impact of Continental Kitchen in nurturing Mobile County's international culinary heritage and supporting local food entrepreneurs. Tune in for an engaging discussion about the future of food entrepreneurship in Mobile and the exciting events coming up at Continental Kitchen.

    Sign up for events at Continental Commissary Kitchen:
    Spanish Fusion Food Encounter
    Tequila Master Tasting

    Commissary Partners Mentioned in this Episode:
    El Torito
    Eruma's Pastry
    A&J Catering
    Sabor Cartucho
    Taco Spot
    El Cubano
    Food Truck Frenzy
    Cake Coffee & More
    Country Boy Cooking
    Way Too Good
    Grub To Go
    The Juice Palace

    Local Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode:
    Roma Cafe
    Joe Cain Cafe
    Roosters
    Brew Y'all
    Reney's Honey Butter

    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!
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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!
    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

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    27 mins
  • Bonus Episode: An Update on the New Slurp Society Location with Wade Price
    Jul 2 2024

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    We have a special bonus episode of the podcast this week! Wade Price from Slurp Society stops by to give an update on the new location of Slurp Society at 609 Dauphin Street.

    Wade joined the podcast in January of 2023 and shared his journey in the restaurant industry, from culinary school to becoming one of the most creative chefs in Mobile when he opened Slurp Society in 2022. We caught up with what's happened since the last podcast aired, which you can listen to HERE.

    With a larger kitchen, improved amount of parking, and an addition of a private event space, Wade shares exciting updates on what you can expect from the new and improved Slurp. He also shares some new menu offerings, the enhanced dining experience, and a new cocktail menu. Check out the latest episode and when Slurp Society plans to open their doors at their new and improved location!

    Listen to Episode 11 of the Port City Plate Podcast with Wade Price on Apple

    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

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    21 mins
  • Mexican Treats in Mobile: The Story Behind Jefe Paletas with Fabian Leon
    Jun 25 2024

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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!)
    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

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    54 mins
  • Mobile Bay's Exclusive Supper Club: Amber Harris' Journey from the Culinary Institute of America to Mon Louis Supper Club
    Jun 11 2024

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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

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    49 mins
  • Exploring Mobile's Gumbo Legacy with David Hubbell
    May 29 2024

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    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

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Saraland's Favorite Cup: Moka's Coffee House and Morgan Kelley
    May 14 2024

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    In this episode of the Port City Plate Podcast, we go north of Mobile to Saraland where Moka's Coffee House has been a favorite in that community for going on 20 years! Morgan shares her journey from a business and commuincations students at the University of Mobile to running a successful coffee shop. Her story began from her family's passion for coffee and a desire to invest in people's lives despite having any experience in the food and beverage industry.

    Under Morgan's leadership, Moka's Coffee House has become a staple in the community of Saraland, particular among the students and staff from the nearby University of Mobile but also thanks to the emphasis she and her staff have placed on connecting with their customers. Morgan also highlighted her staff's success, with former employees moving on to open their own coffee ventures or becoming local celebrities, like Chelsey Sayasane from Fox10.

    Morgan touched on how Moka's stays relevant by adapting to industry trends like offering oat milk and dairy-free options, and maintaining a kid-friendly atmosphere that includes treats like cake pops and smoothies. One of Moka's unique offerings, the "Twisted Sisters" drink, was born from a customer's suggestion and has become a bestseller. This episode not only celebrates Moka's success but also Morgan's impactful presence in Saraland, making it a must-visit spot for anyone passing through.

    Vote Port City Plate as Best Local Podcast in the Nappies!

    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

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    43 mins
  • From Farm to Food Network: The Story of Frankie Little and Roosters
    Apr 30 2024

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    In this episode of the Port City Plate podcast, Chris sits down with Frankie Little, the visionary behind Roosters in Mobile, Alabama. Frankie discusses the backstory of his restaurant's name, inspired by the sounds and sights of his family's farm where he grew up. Frankie's journey is anything but conventional, and he laid out the entire process of opening his restaurant at 211 Dauphin Street.

    Frankie and Roosters are fresh off a visit from the Food Network and Guy Fieri's, "Diner's, Drive In's and Dives." He shared the experience of recording the episode and cooking in front of Guy Fieri. He even takes us behind the scenes and details the intense preparation that went into showcasing Roosters to a live television audience.

    We dive into the menu on this episode and dicusss the restaurants popular dishes and methods that make every meal so incredibly consistent. There is also a fascinating story behind his unique corn tortillas, a partnership with E&H Tortilleria and Bayou Cora Farms to use local heirloom corn, which not only adds authenticity to his dishes but also supports local.

    As Cinco de Mayo approaches, Frankie previews the exciting block party planned at Roosters, promising a day filled with delicious food, live music, and fun. Stick around for the Meat & Three segment, where Chris and Frankie talk a lot of food and local restaurants. It's an episode you don't want to miss!

    Local Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode:
    Roosters
    Callaghan's Irish Social Club
    Pho 88
    Biryani Pot
    7 Spice
    Jerusalem Cafe
    Noble South
    Mediterranean Sandwich Co.
    Dropout Bakery & Co.
    Moe's BBQ
    Southwood Kitchen
    Ben's Jr. BBQ
    A&M Peanut Shop
    Rayza's

    Get in touch with Frankie:
    Roosters
    211 Dauphin Street
    roostersdowntown.com
    frankie@roostersdowntown.com
    251-490-6137

    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

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • From Texas to the Trellis Room: The Journey of Executive Chef at the Battle House Hotel, Tony Reynolds
    Apr 23 2024

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    In this latest episode of the Port City Plate Podcast, hosted by Chris Andrews and brought to you by Bienville Bites Food Tour, we delve into the world of culinary artistry with Tony Reynolds, the executive chef at the renowned Battle House Hotel in Mobile, Alabama. Tony, a Dallas native with a rich background in cooking sparked by his family's support and early responsibilities, shares his journey from a young aspiring chef to leading the culinary team at Mobile’s most popular dining destinations under the roof of the Battle House - the Joe Cain Cafe, Royal Street Tavern, and the AAA Four Diamond award-winning Trellis Room. His story is a testament to the dedication and passion required to succeed in the culinary world, from his initial decision to attend culinary school in Texas to mastering the art of banquet operations in various hotels around the country.

    Tony shares his personal journey and how he ended up in Mobile. His eventual role at the Battle House Hotel is a journey marked by perseverance, with the timing of his new role occurring at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tony also gives his thoughts on culinary school while discussing the importance of real-world experience in the culinary industry.

    We talk a lot of food in this episode. From the unique pizzas and handcrafted cocktails at Joe Cain Cafe to the innovative integration of Gulf Coast cuisine into Italian dishes at the Trellis Room, Tony's approach is all about simplicity, quality ingredients, and creating menus that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. He also introduces us to the behind-the-scenes of developing seasonal menus and the careful consideration that goes into each dish, including new favorites like the Smoky Braised Short Rib and the Chess Bars, a new favorite to the menu. Whether it's the extensive wine list curated for the Trellis Room or the popular Sunday Brunch offerings, Tony is creating unforgettable dining experiences at the Battle House Hotel.

    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

    Show more Show less
    51 mins