Southern Breeze 2007 Holiday Issue

food DISH Our Town SOUTHERN BREEZE STAFFERS PICK THEIR FAVORITE HAUNTS CLOSE TO HOME. sea-n-suds Gulf Shores, Alabama 251-948-7894 COSMO’S SESAME SEARED TUNA SALAD IS A CUSTOMER FAVORITE. Cosmo’s: an epicurean experience One of Gulf Shores’ most popular and perennial restaurants, Sea-N-Suds, stands right on the beach in defiance of the hurricanes it’s weathered over the years. The folks at this joint serve up exactly what the name suggests, seafood cooked just the way you want and some of the coldest beer in town. You’ll most likely have to wait to be seated (especially in the spring and summer), but Sea-N-Suds’ location and atmosphere almost invite you to do so. You can enjoy the evening on the deck while you sip margaritas or draft brew from the outside bar. Inside, the meals are served quick and hot, and none of them will deflate your wallet. The dining room is a little small, but that’s okay— it’s a chance to get to know your neighbors. Savor some shrimp and crab claws, belly up to the oyster bar, or on Tuesday and Friday nights, feast on the all-you-can-eat mullet. Sea-N-Suds is the epitome of good old-fashioned beach dining, and it’s not hard to imagine why it’s been a local and visitor favorite for more than a quarter of a century.—DEREK BAGLEY C 68 Cosmo’s, Orange Beach, Alabama, 251-948-9663, cosmosrestaurantandbar.com. s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m IMAGE BY J.P. KING lose your eyes. Imagine sitting at a table overlooking the beaches of Jamaica with a cold drink in one hand and the freshest seafood around in front of you. Does it get better than this? Actually it does! You can experience the tropical flair of the Caribbean without the distance. Cosmo’s in Orange Beach offers the food and atmosphere you would expect in a tropical dream right on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. After experiencing Cosmo’s, you’ll see why their sushi was voted best on the island. Tantalize your taste buds with appetizers like the spicy firecracker shrimp or sample Cosmo’s savory cheesecake. Move on to entrees with the sesame seared tuna salad—a favorite among diners—which is light, yet filling, and undeniably delicious! Another favorite is the banana leaf-wrapped fish, a Caribbean flair to a Gulf Coast favorite. It’s hard to put your fork down, but be sure to save room for the famous banana fritters. Cosmo’s is a great place to gather with friends. Weather permitting, the deck is full of diners and dancers, swaying to the sounds of the island’s best bands. Grab some specialty drinks and spend the night catching up in the warm island breeze. For a taste of the Caribbean, visit Cosmo’s and enjoy the tropics without the plane tickets.—COURTNEY AUSTIN el toro Gulf Shores, Alabama 251-968-9030 One thing should always be true about Mexican food—it should be affordable, cheap even. This truth is realized at the newly opened El Toro on Gulf Shores Parkway in Gulf Shores— north of the bridge. Yes, it’s in a strip mall but you’d be crazy to let that deter you. You get muy grande portions at surprisingly small prices. One recent lunchtime visit I ordered the Speedy Gonzales, a combo consisting of a large burrito, steak quesadilla, and chile relleno. I couldn’t even finish it, there was so much food! My plate was loaded but I didn’t have to empty my wallet as the price was in the $5 range, a bargain for any restaurant. While the service is not particularly speedy, sit back and relax with one of their amazing margaritas, chat it up with some good friends, because—and you can trust me on this—once you do get your food, it will definitely be worth the wait!—MARK A. NEWMAN http://cosmosrestaurantandbar.com http://southernbreeze.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2007 Holiday Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Words & Notes Coastal Calendar Storefronts Sweet Dreams Art of Living Fixtures Our Backyard Make Yourself at Home Beach Bam! A Big Easy Christmas Upwardly Mobile Can't Drive Old Dixie Down Rock On! The Play's the Thing Cheers Dish Chef's Table Let's Eat Reader Services Last Bite

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