from the editor

from Bella April 2023

Maybe we should talk about it her perspective

Who doesn’t love a good meal paired with good wine and good people?

I don’t even drink that much anymore – it’s just not worth the headache that even one drink gives me – but when I do sip on that one glass of wine, it’s that much more enjoyable. What I have really come to appreciate, however, is the enjoyment of sharing a meal with friends and family.

This month’s cover story (page 24) is a really good read about the importance of bonding over meals. Many of us got a crash course in loneliness and always eating in during the pandemic. While it has been nice to carry forward some healthy cooking-athome habits, the social aspect of eating out occasionally is crucial to our mental health. It’s not only fun to try different things and to get a break from cooking and cleaning, when we eat out we are also forced to slow down, look at each other and talk – how novel!

Fortunately, we are blessed with many different types of locally owned businesses to gather in our area. I love a cocktail and appetizer at the bar at The Grand Marlin, Peg Leg’s, Angelena’s, The Wine Bar or South Market. You can’t beat the views at Drift (the location for this month’s fashion shoot) and we all know we are waiting for Jackson’s to bring back the martini lunch. Lunch at Carmen’s is always a favorite and going to Jo’s at Duh makes me nostalgic for visiting Norma’s with my grandmother.

While I try to eat healthy, I also fantasize about a world where every day is Taco Tuesday, Burger Day and National Pizza Day. Luckily Pensacola and Gulf Breeze both have great taco options and while they are different, Mellow Mushroom and Angelena’s have the pizza covered.

There are too many places, both casual and fine dining, to list them all. Our food truck scene has gotten strong, and I haven’t even gotten to the sushi! As Pensacola has grown, our local dining options have as well.

Grab a friend, grab a family member, grab a group – go enjoy all that our local restaurant scene has to offer. It’s for your health. Cheers!

— Kelly MacLeod