GREAT GOODS

goodsgreat

PRODUCTS, PLACES & THINGS WE LOVE

NORTH

WEST

Even more tastey delights and culinary adventures await around the state. Headed west? Check out a few more of our favorites. Stop in Selma for some cajun flavors at Bayou Rouge Bistró or track down an Abadir’s pop-up around the Black Belt to overload your tastebuds with Sarah Cole’s Egyptian-influenced eats.

FOOD-FOCUSED FUN

Mentone’s Andiamo Lodge opened in early 2022, and it’s a perfect fit for the small mountain town in northeast Alabama, with its tin-topped, cabin-like exterior that blends beautifully into the landscape. The main house’s large den boasts a warm focal point: a massive stacked-stone fireplace that sets the tone for the rest of the natural, rusticchic decor: the rock, shiplap, exposed wood beams and wide-planked wood floors. The look carries into the Lodge’s six guest rooms, each with a working stone fireplace and its own unique style, thanks to original art and comfy beds outfitted in high-end lines (including Alabama’s own Redland Cotton sheets). Coffee and breakfast are part of your room rate. Selections change daily but might include fluffy goat-cheese frittatas and sweet-tart grapefruit brulee or hearty, veggie-studded breakfast stratas and fresh blueberries with yogurt, plus pastries. And the food focus continues with Andiamo’s packed calendar of special experiences, including pop-up dinners paired with hands-on cooking classes led by some of the South’s favorite chefs.

andiamolodge.com

EAST

LOVIN’ LUCY’S

Founder Lisa van der Reijden opened her restaurant Lucy’s in Auburn in June 2018 to offer the community the opportunity to forge connections through food, just as she did growing up in a big Greek family. Stir in a dash of her ingredient-driven food philosophy, and you get a gathering place for making memories and a menu packed with the fresh, bright flavors that come from dishes built using the bounty of local farmers. It’s a combo that Auburn diners are eating up. They’re loving Lucy’s, and its popular selections include the Juicy Lucy Burger, a beef patty topped with salty-sweet bacon and onion marmalade, spicy poblano aioli and sharp white cheddar; lemon-lavender donuts with citrus sugar; and Lucy’s creative tasty twist on traditional eggs benedict: the chicken and waffle bennie with Conecuh-sausage gravy, a poached egg, honey and Lucy’s potato hash.

FILL YOUR BELLY AT THE BELI

The Beli’s rainbow-lettered sign and cute cottage-like style are inviting. But the true appeal is inside this charming little beach deli (the name is a mash-up of the two words) across the street from the sea and sand in Gulf Shores where hearty sandwiches stuffed with creative combos of super-fresh ingredients are being served. Sate a large appetite with the Big Momma, a behemoth of provolone, feta, turkey and jalapenos smothered in raspberry jam and hot sauce. Or go for the best-selling The Miss V, with spicy pimento cheese, stacks of sliced turkey and salami topped with lettuce, tomato and chive mayo on toasted sourdough. Make The Beli a stop for your belly the next time you’re down on Alabama’s coast.

SOIUTH

Staying a while on the coast? There’s no shortage of fresh seafood prepared just right. Another favorite is Fisher’s in Orange Beach. Fine dining and dockside options mean their always-yummy menu can be enjoyed just about any time of day.