Port City Plate Podcast

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In this Season 1 wrap-up episode of the Port City Plate Podcast, host Chris Andrews reflects on an incredible two years and 50 interviews, highlighting some of the most memorable moments and interviews from the season. From long-time friends in the industry to new connections, Chris takes a look back at the many voices that have shaped, not only the podcast, but Mobile's thriving food scene. He also shares a few of his personal favorite episodes and what stood out most from the interviews. 

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes peek at the challenges of podcasting, (including a lost episode!) and hear Chris's reflections on the inspiring stories of guests like Cammie Wayne, who turned a teenage job into ownership of Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe, and Vlad Molvanano, who rose from dishwasher to sandwich empire owner at Mediterranean Sandwich Co. These examples highlight the importance of supporting local restaurants and the potential for anyone in the industry to become the next star of Mobile's food scene.

As Season 1 comes to a close, Chris thanks his listeners for their support and shares his excitement for what's to come in Season 2. He invites feedback from the audience on what they'd like to see in the next season and promises to continue spotlighting the incredible talent in Mobile and the surrounding areas. 

If you enjoy the Port City Plate Podcast, consider buying Chris a coffee. (Locally owned, of course!)
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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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In this special 50th interview of the Port City Plate Podcast, host Chris Andrews sits down with Deborah DeGuire, the longtime owner of the A&M Peanut Shop in Downtown Mobile, a beloved institution that has been serving the community since 1947. Deborah shares the rich history of the shop, which was started as a Planters chain of stores. Her father managed the store in Mobile and purchased the franchise in 1963. Listeners will hear about the shop's origins, the transition from Planters to A&M, and the unique story behind its name, honoring her parents, Alfred and Mary.

Deborah takes us back to her childhood, growing up in a bustling Downtown Mobile in the 1950s and 60s, where she practically lived at the peanut shop. She reflects on the changes she’s seen in Mobile over the decades, from the heyday of downtown to the challenging times in the 80s and 90s when businesses moved out to West Mobile but the A&M Peanut Shop still thrived. Through the decades A&M has remained a fixture, drawing in customers along Dauphin Street with the irresistible aroma of freshly roasted peanuts from their historic roaster.

The episode also dives into the unique offerings of the A&M Peanut Shop, including their famous hot buttered cashews, peanut clusters, and the origins of their peanuts. Deborah shares delightful stories about the shop’s legendary Mr. Peanut and the memorable Peanut Man, Lamar Wilson, who sold peanuts at the Loop for years. This episode is full of nostalgic stories and is a testament to a true Mobile landmark, the A&M Peanut Shop.

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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In this episode of the Port City Plate Podcast, host Chris Andrews heads to Midtown Mobile to chat with Christian Hollinghead, the new owner of Ashland Midtown Pub. This beloved local restaurant has been a staple in the community since 2008, renowned for its unique pizzas and exceptional Sunday brunches. Christian shares the inspiring story behind his family's decision to take on this long-standing favorite, the history of Ashland Midtown Pub, and how they’ve managed to balance maintaining loyal customers while making their own updates.

Christian dives into the delicious offerings that make Ashland Midtown Pub a must-visit destination. From unique pizzas like the Buffalo Chicken, Here Today Gone to Maui, and the Hey How You Doin, to classic Italian dishes like calzones and Strombolis, the menu has something for everyone. He highlights their famous Sunday brunch, featuring dishes such as shrimp and grits, and the Monte Cristo with Conecuh sausage and Gouda grits. The versatile atmosphere of Ashland Midtown Pub caters to a wide range of dining experiences, from family-friendly brunches to upscale dinners and late-night drinks.

Listeners will also hear about the exceptional staff that helps create a welcoming environment, including Chef KK Ollis, known for his culinary prowess in the area. Christian shares his philosophy on being hands-on in the business, ensuring a top-notch customer experience. He discusses the importance of their outdoor seating area and recounts memorable stories and feedback from patrons since taking over. This episode offers a delightful insight into the rich history and vibrant future of Ashland Midtown Pub.

Local Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode:
Vandals Streek Kitchen
Taco Mama
Butch Cassidy’s 
Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe
Bay Barbecue
Lost Pizza Co. 

Fork in the Road Segment:
LeMoyne's Chophouse inside the Admiral Hotel

Chris's Dishes:
This week's dish is a cocktail! Check out the Japan from POST. 

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

In this highly anticipated episode of the Port City Plate Podcast, host Chris Andrews welcomes Max Donaldson and Mackenzie Kylce, the dynamic duo behind Velvet Pig in Downtown Mobile, Alabama. Located inside the historic Ice Box on Monroe Street, Velvet Pig specializes in whole hog butchery, bringing a unique culinary experience to Mobile. Max and Mackenzie share their journey from working in restaurants in Oxford, Mississippi and New Orleans to opening Velvet Pig, and how those experiences have influenced their approach at Velvet Pig.

Max and Mackenzie discuss the philosophy and challenges of whole hog butchery, highlighting the importance of utilizing every part of the animal to create diverse and flavorful dishes. They also talk about their commitment to sourcing local, seasonal ingredients, and how their menu evolves based on what is fresh and available. From popular staples like boudin egg rolls and pork belly skewers to their dips, to creative specials, Velvet Pig offers something for everyone.

Listeners will hear about the incredible community support Velvet Pig has received, including their recent mention in Southern Living! They discuss their capability to cater special events and Max and Mackenzie share their vision for the future of Velvet Pig, including potential new concepts and locations. Tune in to discover the story behind one of Mobile’s favorite new dining spots and the delicious offerings that make Velvet Pig a must-visit right now! 

Local Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode:
Velvet Pig
Red or White
Haberdasher
Squid Ink
Box Owt
Big Whites Wings
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

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!
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

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

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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

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

Send us a text

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