A Taste of Alabama:

Big Luther’s Alabama Tasting Tour

Anyone who is or has been a candidate or worked on a campaign staff knows food is a big part of campaigning. Campaigning is hard work, friends are made and calories are consumed. BBQ, hot dogs, chicken and yes those organizational dinners are memorable and yet sometimes beg our taste buds to branch out.

Obviously there are thousands of places to eat in Alabama. Our state is blessed with culinary delights. You can feast on coastal seafood, fried green tomatoes, black eyed peas, turnip greens, great hamburgers, and BBQ at its best from small town, one of a kind, establishments to sumptuous delicacy’s created by Alabama’s finest chefs.

Team Luther not only works hard on the campaign trail, we’re also eating our way through Alabama. Take the tour with us and discover where we’ve been eating and recommend some fun finds in your area. We hope to see you along the way…

First up is Ya Ya’s in Brewton…

Hurricane Katrina blew into New Orleans, and in turn blew the owners of YaYa’s into Brewton.

When the storm was headed to Louisiana, the Pintado family decided to evacuate their home in New Orleans. Rebecca Dantzler Pintado is originally from Brewton and, in fact, was already here visiting before the storm with her children, Max and Olivia. The rest of the family decided they better leave the city, they headed to Brewton.

The family had talked for some time about opening a small restaurant. The whole family are all good cooks; Russell and his father even went to culinary school.

“We began to talk about opening a business,” Russell said. “We cooked up some Cajun food in front of Jus Do, and it went over really well. Then we had a booth at the Blueberry Festival and sold out of everything.”

Rebecca Pintado recently opened her antique business downtown on the corner of St. Nicholas and St. Joseph avenues.

“We looked at all the space there was in the building, and saw the possibility in opening a small family Cajun-Creole cafe in part of the space,” Joe said. “We work out the time each of us is here, according to Russell’s work schedule.”

The cooking is split among Russell, Joe and their mother. Each has his or her own speciality made fresh daily.

“We are always conscious of the healthiness of our food,” Joe said. “Most people think Cajun-Creole food is too spicy and hot, but we try to cater to our surroundings and not make it too spicy. Now we can spice it up as much as the customer wants. Wehave menus for every day, such as Monday, is always red beans and rice day. We wanted to put in something that is different from the same old hamburger joint. We understand the economy is not so good, and we have nothing that is over $7.00.

This place is yummy with a capital Y. The moon sandwich is out of this world but watch out ordering for one. It is huge but worth every bite. Luther ordered Jambalaya and raved while our friend Tom McMillan ordered the gumbo. We all shared some red beans and rice. Ok, so we ate a lot for lunch but had a light dinner that day. If you are in the Brewton area, Ya Ya’s is a must, we can’t wait until the campaign takes us there again.

A Team Luther Favorite: Sinclairs on East Fairview Montgomery

In 1992, a group of successful businessmen had the vision of opening a special Montgomery restaurant called Sinclair’s Cloverdale in the heart of the Old Cloverdale District. The friendly, neighborhood bistro atmosphere and moderately priced menu of delicious soups, large crisp salads, fresh seafood specials, heaping pasta dishes and juicy steaks made it into Montgomery’s hot spot to meet people.

Team Luther has eaten at Sinclair’s several times. It’s the place to be in Montgomery, charming, casual atmosphere and excellent menu. It exudes the comfort of an old friend and friends you will meet there. We particularly enjoyed our lunch with Richard Allen. You always see someone you know. We haven’t had anything on the menu other than delicious. Chocolate Sinclair is sinfully good and yes we eat our fruit and sometimes order the Apple Dream.

Sinclair’s is a definite thumbs up. Look for us, we’ll be back.

Chick-Fil-A

Campaigns require a lot of time in a vehicle. Early morning departures require us to often eat in the car so that we get to the first stop on time. Fast food becomes a necessity. Chick-Fil-A is a fast food restaurant and one of Big Luther’s favorites. The lines move quickly and the employees are friendly and efficient. We begin many campaign jaunts with delicious Chicken Biscuits or Chick N Minis. Lunchtime favorite is the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich or Chicken Salad and anytime pick me up requires Chick-Fil-A’s made from scratch lemonade.

Dreamland, Northport

If your from Alabama you know Dreamland. Big Luther and his Finance Director Jessica Bryant enjoyed a meal at Dreamland Northport recently. The legendary ribs, service and atmosphere stays the same, While they have expanded from the simplicity of ribs and white bread, it’s hard to improve upon. Ribs, white bread and banana pudding will put a smile on anyone’s face as it did Luther and Jessica’s. Everyone should go to Dreamland once and you will return. You can see for yourself why Dreamland says there Ain’t Nothing Like ‘Em Nowhere!

City Hall Diner In Vestavia

Jessica Garrison, Campaign Manager for Luther Strange, ate at City Hall Diner in Vestavia Hills. They serve great Royal Cup coffee. Jess highly recommends the Farmers Omelette, perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious. All the servers were so pleasant despite it being very early in the morning. City Hall Diner opened October 1, 2006 so they are about to celebrate their 3 year anniversary. Congratulations City Hall Diner.

It was owned by Jennifer Claborn who sadly passed a month ago and continues to be owned by the family. She leaves 2 daughters (twins) who attend college. Jennifer worked as a cook for Vestavia Hills United Methodist for 10 years before opening the diner. She is very much missed by her staff at City Hall Diner. City Hall is a great place to eat. Big Luther and his staff will eat there often.

Taziki’s Greek Fare

Taziki’s is a campaign team favorite. We eat there at least once a week. Taziki’s offers a unique selection of delicious and healthy Mediterranean cuisine. The grilled chicken sandwich, roll-ups and tasty salads are our favorites but Taziki’s offers a large selection to suit everyone. Big Luther’s Team highly recommends the great food, affordable prices and quick service at Taziki’s.

Newk’s Express Cafe

The team behind Newk’s Franchise Company, LLC has a special talent for developing innovative restaurant concepts that not only meet consumer’s current needs, but anticipate their future needs as well. As the founders of McAlister’s Deli, Don Newcomb, Debra Bryson and Chris Newcomb pioneered the fast casual restaurant concept, defining and energizing the fastest-growing segment in the restaurant industry.

Newk’s Express Cafe is another campaign team favorite. The stylish atmosphere and good food makes for a pleasant lunch. The oven baked sandwiches are all delicious, we’ve tried them! Also the salads and pizza are great choices. Newk’s is the place for a quick lunch. Don’t forget to try the breadsticks, so tasty. If you want to splurge, order the pineapple cake. It is delicious and perhaps calorie free. While you enjoy the cake, ALL the calories are free. Try Newk’s for lunch and you will continue to go back. You just might see Big Luther and/or Team Big Luther.