Orleans Poboys vs. Orleans Café

Orleans Poboys on Airport at University has been producing some of Mobile’s best sandwiches, especially Poboys, for over ten years with a dedication to quality and flavor in a casual neighborhood haunt setting.

Orleans Café is the Johnny-come-lately on Schillenger’s Road with the similar name, duplicate logo colors and near identical menu.  Unfortunately, all similarities ended there.

Why so much disparity between two satellites of presumably the same franchise?  Well, because there were no connections between the two eateries.  Different owners, different recipes and most notably different quality.

How bad was the food at Orleans Café?  So bad that it was hurting the business at Orleans Poboys, a completely unrelated company.  That is why Orleans Poboys has purchased Orleans Café thus saving two businesses at one time.

Recently, sous chef Jay and I dined at the newly rehabilitated Orleans Café and are happy to report, “Wowzers!”

What a difference a little attention to quality of ingredients can make.  The Poboys were great.  The rémoulade was amazing but the hot wings were the show stealer.  Jay and I surmised that the wings were dunked into the wing sauce before frying.  The result was a buttery rust-colored skin packed with flavor but oddly enough no heat.  The heat came on the side in the form of traditional Buffalo wing sauce.  The app was also served with blue cheese and ranch dressing and the aforementioned rémoulade.  We’ll be back.

Mobile’s Best Sandwiches

In 2007 I did an article for ‘Zalea Magazine entitled An Ode to Sandwiches.  It was a tour of some of my favorite sandwiches in the Mobile area.  Due to restraints on the page a few of my favorites were yanked by the editor so I thought I would drop them off here with a few of my new favorites.

I’ll start with the Mellow Mushroom at the corner of Old Shell and University. Yeah, I know it’s a chain and as a rule I don’t eat at them but the ‘Shroom has an impressive list of hoagies with the Tempeh being the most interesting offering:  Tempeh is unfermented, marinated tofu and it is offered on your choice of French or whole wheat bread with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, Teriyaki, Balsamic vinaigrette, feta, grilled onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and sprouts.  The flavors are strong and pungent.

The Roast Duck Panini at the Royal Scam is amazingly decidant while still holding true to the comfort aspect of a sandwich.  Along with the duck breast you will find spinach, applewood smoked bacon, Gorgonzola, herb/garlic cheese and balsalmic vinaigrette.  Oddly enough, it is not the best sandwich I have had at Dave Rasp’s swanky tapas bar.  At one time they offered a vegetarian panini with goat cheese that was hands down the best sandwich I have ever had.

Regency Shopping Center offers two of the best sandwiches starting at Orleans ‘Po Boys (Airport and University and now Schillenger’s Road) which has been kicking out Mobile’s favorite sandwiches for over 10 years now.  They have award winning traditional ‘Po Boys, but their most popular is not exactly traditional.  The Joe Don includes roast beef, ham, Swiss cheese, gravy and LTO. The bread they use is absolutely perfect with a light, crunchy crust and a soft, airy middle. 

Fifty yards or so away is La Cucina home of the Tortas Tampiquena which is tailor made for carnivores.  This huge sandwich is stuffed with Chorizo (a Spanish sausage), chicken, and a grilled hot dog.  They also pile on the cheese, mayonnaise, and LTO.

Looking for an excuse to visit the small Baldwin County community of Crossroads?  Stop by the Hurricane Drive-In and try one of the best BBQ pork sandwiches you will ever eat.  Thick, tender cubes of slow smoked pork tossed in a sauce that is neither too sweet nor too tangy on a large fresh bun.  Try it with the world’s best onion rings and a chocolate malt.

The Spot of Tea on Cathedral Square also boasts a healthy list of sandwiches with its two crown jewels being Jeromeo’s Hot Pastramio (pastrami topped with pepper jack, sliced pepperoncini, and Dijon mustard on New York rye) and the best Monte Cristo you will likely ever try.

At the risk of sounding biased, I have to admit that the Tuscan Wrap at my place, Mars Hill Café, is really tasty.  Inside the 12″ whole wheat tortilla you will find homemade pesto mayo, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, grilled chicken and wilted spinach.  It is packed with flavor and healthy to boot.  It also pairs well with the pesto pasta salad.

THE WINE LOFT 2ND ANNIVERSARY PARTY!!!

Just wanted to remind EVERYONE that tonight, Thursday, *MAY *21st is THE
WINE LOFT’s Big Extravaganza!!!
Happy Hour ALL NIGHT LONG!!!
Music by “THE REZ”
-Live Remote with 92 ZEW from 6:30 till 9:30
-5 Bonnaroo Tickets will be given away
-Silent Auction benefiting the PENELOPE HOUSE
from 6-8

Don’t be left out, don’t be the only person in town not here!

Alabama State Senate Passes Free the Hops Bill

From al.com’s Brian Lyman, Capitol Bureau May 14, 2009 2:51 PM

Breaking News
MONTGOMERY — The state Senate today passed a bill allowing the sale of gourmet beers in Alabama.

The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, allows the sale of beer with an alcohol content of 13.9 percent by volume. Previously the limit was five percent by volume.

The bill passed the Senate 22-9 and now goes to the governor. If signed, retailers would be allowed the sale of certain gourmet and imported beers in Alabama. Free the Hops, an organization which lobbied for the bill, says the beverages cost an average of $5 to $6 a bottle.

The bill came up for consideration earlier in the session but was filibustered by state Sen. Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo, who cited his personal opposition to alcohol consumption in blocking the legislation. Erwin was not in the Senate chamber for Thursday’s vote; however, the Senate approved the bill by using a previous vote total. Erwin was on that roll as voting aye.

Panini Pete Returns To Food Network

PANINI PETE APPEARING ON FOOD NETWORK MAY 17

FAIRHOPE – Pete Blohme (affectionately known as Panini Pete), owner of Panini Pete’s Café and Bakeshoppe, will be appearing on the Food Network again this Sunday at 10 am central time on “Guy’s Big Bite”. Panini Pete’s first appeared on the Food Network on Guy Fieri’s show, “Diner’s, Drive-in and Dive’s” last year. Guy and his crew came to Fairhope and shot footage of Panini Pete’s for the show and Guy fell in love with Pete’s cooking. “Oh, my gosh, talk about a place you wish you could go to 10 times,” the spiked-haired, tattoo-covered host of the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” says. “That dude (owner-chef Pete Blohme) was just a riot, just off the hook.”

“Guy’s Big Bite” is shot in a kitchen setting showing the details of each recipe so folks at home can follow along. On Sunday’s episode, Pete and Guy will be cooking up Panini Pete’s Awesome Turkey Panino, which Guy has coined “The State Bird of Flavortown” along with one of Guy’s crazy dishes.

Welcome Center volunteer Julie Watts says, “It’s amazing how many people come into the Welcome Center downtown and tell us they have seen Panini Pete’s on TV or read about it in Guy’s book and they have come to Fairhope just to try it out.” While this episode was not shot here in Fairhope, Pete says,” We must mention Fairhope in the episode over 10 times.”

For additional information visit www.paninipetes.com or call 929-0122.

Economy Claims Another

These desperate times have closed another eatery.  The Cici’s Pizza in Tilman’s Corner is now closed.  Although chain restaurant closing are for the most part a good thing, Cici’s was different.  Their business model was built around making sure that everyone, regardless of income, could enjoy a nice dinner.  Their cause was noble but like they say, “nice guys always finish last.”

Sunday Sounds at the Wine Loft

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to remind everyone that we are opening Sundays at 3:00 and the band starts at 4:00. This week we are featuring PEEK and next week we are featuring WES LOPER! We hope to see you all there! –

Clark Flowers Assistant Manager & Private Event Coordinator The Wine Loft 9 Du Rhu Dr Mobile, AL 36608 251-379-8997 clark.flowers@gmail.com

Also, we have learned through the grapevine that venerable watering hole Bojangle’s has been purchased by the owner of Tilman’s Corner’s number one adult club, The Candy Store. Can’t wait to see what happy hour entails.

Hurricane Brewing Closing?

For the past few months there have been rumors circulating that Hurricane Brewing was going out of business. This would be sad since it is the only craft brewed beer in the area, something that is more important to our community than say giant electric moonpies or the politicians who use our money to buy them.

Today I spoke with Henry Arrington, owner of Hurricane Brewing and he assured me that Mobile’s favorite pub is going no where. Apparently with all of the closings around town information is getting mixed up. It just goes to show, always check your sources. So for those of you concerned that the best bar in town was in danger of shutting its doors I’ll leave you with Arrington’s own words, “That rumor is completely untrue.”

Thank goodness, I love the the Storm Surge Stout and the Tropical Wheat Advisory.

On the other hand, Fox’s Pizza at Azaela and Cottage Hill has closed it’s doors for good.  Never heard of Fox’s Pizza?  That’s propably why they aren’t around any more.

Alas, Naman’s Market, We Hardly Knew Thee

I was with Alec Naman’s first crew that opened the gourmet market and cafe back in 2007 (or was it 2006? It’s been a busy half decade).  Unfortunately this economy continues to claim casualties as Naman’s Midtown Market closed it’s doors on Saturday March 28th.

Those first few months were a dream come true. Plenty of money, plenty of instruction, and plenty of experimentation. Never have I learned so much so fast. I treasure those days with Alec, Jeremiah, Clark, Mickey, Will, Al, Ringo and especially Chef Tom.

I wish good luck to all the Namans and thanks for letting me be a part of your family even if it was only for a little while.

Review: Neighbors Seafood & Chicken

I have been living on the south end of Mobile County now for two years and I finally made it over to Tilman’s Corner to try Neighbors Seafood & Chicken.

Friends and family both have long applauded this local staple and for good reason.  I found the atmosphere a little sterile but the food more than made up for it.  Though I was dining too late to take advantage of the all-you-can-eat catfish and flounder I did order a seafood combo with both fish plus fried oysters to boot with o-rings and red beans and rice.

I expected two fillets, one of each fish and three oysters along with the obligatory breaded onions so prevalent these days and a spicy mix of Louisiana long grain rice and red beans.  Quite reasonable for the price.  What arrived was what the Italians call frutti di mare, the fruit of the sea.

There were two catfish fillets and three of flounder.  Also hidden under the catfish were the three oysters, no wait four!  Make that five perfectly fried oysters.  The fillets were fresh and crispy.  The red beans and rice did not stand up to the rest of the meal; they tasted like canned beans and steamed rice with no seasoning.  The onion rings, by contrast, were the stuff of legend – the real deal.  Also underneath the fried bounty was a small handful of fries, presumably there to absorb any extra oil but they were consumed regardless.  The plate was accompanied by two hush-puppies and a solitary fried crab claw.  I do not know if the claw was a fortuitous faux pas or lagniappe but it I do know it was yummy.

There is one criticizm of Neighbor’s, their drive-thru is the slowest ever.  Figure on 10 minutes per car in line.  If you are the only customer you will be there 10 minutes.  If there are two cars in front of you then you will be there for 30 minutes, five cars = an hour.  The drive-thru is so slow that they really should discount the menu prices or include a $5 dollar gas card.

Other than the drive-thru, the service is prompt and amiable and as asserted above the food is terrific.  I will defintely put this on my list of quality spots.

Neighbors Seafood & Chicken
5830 Three Notch Rd
Mobile, AL 36619
(251) 661-1365