Texas

Lickin Good Donuts adds a new Fairhope location

by eatbeat

IMG_4362When Cambodian born Saran Ing arrived in Houston, Texas he established himself in the fried confectionary arena and learned the ins and outs of perfecting the pastries that we refer to as doughnuts (or donuts).
In 2001, he purchased a donut shop in Kilgore, Texas. A couple of years later he set up several shops in east Texas and spread the knowledge to family members so they could  have jobs and in turn help him operate his businesses. He made his way east and established operations in Shreveport and Winnsboro, Louisiana before settling in lower Alabama. With the purchase or an existing business, Lickin Good Donuts, Ing acquired locations in Mobile, Saraland, Bay Minette and Foley and has most recently opened his newest shop in Fairhope.
The day starts incredibly early for Saran and his crew. They start the process at 2am making everything in house and fresh daily. When the doors open at 5am the display case is filled with a fabulous variety of donuts including glazed, iced, cake, filled, powdered, topped and the fun favorite – holes (you can’t eat just one!). They also make
eclairs and apple fritters in addition to their savory kolaches that showcase  such items as Conecuh sausage, boudin, cream cheese and jalapenos. Lickin Good Donuts also has a variety of biscuits and croissants that are great for a grab and go breakfast. Stop by and
grab an assortment and you’ll see why they often have a line out the door! Lickin Good’s hours are 5am until 2pm daily.

Lickin Good Donuts • 110 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope • (251) 270-8990
Facebook “Lickin Good Donuts”

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Puglies showcases a different breed of Mexican Cuisine

by eatbeat

Puglies Mexican CuisineJennifer Welch basically grew up in Mexico. She was born and raised in Eagle Pass, Texas but spent a lot of time in Piedras Negras, Mexico where some of her mother’s family lived. Cooking was an all day event. With the number of people that had to be fed, it was a continual process. Her grandmother, great grandmother and great aunt were Jennifer’s mentors who engrained a La Frontera style of Mexican cuisine and remain the inspiration for the food that she serves.
While attending Texas A&M, Jennifer met her husband. They moved to Fort Worth, Texas where they both worked for a drilling company. After years of working in a corporate environment, the couple decided it was time for a change. They had always talked about owning a food truck but were reluctant to enter the arena in the already saturated market in which they lived. Jennifer also has family that resides in the Baldwin County area. After reports of all the family friendly activities and festivals, in addition to the limited access to mobile food units in the gulf coast area, the couple decided to take a chance on an untapped market. Jennifer moved to Baldwin County in July of 2015. She started researching, networking and making contacts to put her plan in motion. Initially she was going to purchase an existing unit but soon discovered that she would have one built to her specifications. After procuring a commissary, fulfilling all health department require and learning a lot of lessons the hard way, she was ready to roll.  Puglies Mexican Cuisine made its first debut this past April.
The name for her business was inspired by her two pet pugs, Princess Sofia and Sydney Vicious. She wanted a name that didn’t limit her offerings and also wasn’t hard to pronounce. During a brainstorming session with her husband and cousin the name “Puglies” popped out of her mouth and then she just couldn’t get it out of her head. Once the graphic designer presented her with the logo the name was confirmed. The Puglies menu is always different but it focuses on the traditional Mexican food Jennifer grew up eating. There are always two types of tacos (featuring smoked meats) offered along with the Ugly Puglie sandwich, carnitas, nachos, quesadillas. They are dressed with lettuce, onion, tomatoes, queso fresco and homemade salsa. The Puglies trailer can be found at Fairhope Brewing Company every Wednesday and Friday evening starting at 5pm and Tuesdays they can be located at Seasons Consignments on US Highway 181. Be sure to follow their Facebook page for updates on  future locations and events at which Puglies will be appearing.
Puglies Mexican Cuisine • (251) 436-9644 • Facebook “Puglies”

Mother Daughter Duo do it again – so you don’t have to!

by eatbeat

Jess&NancyJessica Guthrie and her mother Nancy Dupre left East Texas and headed to Fairhope a little over a year ago.  They were familiar with the area because they formerly owned a restaurant in Seaside, Florida and also have good friends in the area. Nancy knew that she eventually wanted to end up in Fairhope so they sold their operation in Texas and headed East.
After five previous startups, the girls had this formula down pat. They found a unique location, pulled out the paintbrushes and got busy painting, decking and outfitting their new kitchen in a fun and eclectic fashion that is warm, inviting and surprisingly quite spacious.
The premise of Rae’s SOUTHERN KITCHEN & CATERING COMPANY is grab and go! It is simple home cooked food for folks that don’t want to or either can’t find the time to prepare meals themselves. They have a fully stocked cooler at all times filled with  casseroles ranging in size from small to extra large. No preservatives are used – only fresh ingredients – and they freeze, thaw and reheat beautifully. Rae’s Southern Kitchen always has five or six different dishes to choose from which can include Beef Stroganoff, King Ranch Chicken, Mexican Lasagna, Chicken Artichoke, Shrimp & Crawfish Pie, Breakfast Casserole, Chicken Spaghetti – and the list goes on! If you have a specific item in mind just give them a call, if they don’t have what you are looking for on hand they can always whip one up on request.
Also available are appetizers and snacks, which vary in size as well, that are perfect for any type gathering. Try their Alabama Caviar, Sweet Ham & Poppy Sliders, Hot Crab Dip, Praline Baked Brie, Monterey Jack Salsa, Corn Relish Dip, Cowboy Sushi, Bama Bruschetta, Artichoke Bacon Dip, Chicken Salad, Pimento Cheese, English Crab Toast, Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball, Mexican Tuna, Marinated Shrimp and more.
If you are planning a special event, Rae’s Southern Kitchen & Catering Company can also assist. From sandwiches, to meats & cheeses, fruit, vegetables, savory bites, seafood, etc. You can even enlist them for dinner party duty. They have a menu that can be customized and even tweaked for certain dietary restrictions. In addition to all of the cooler prep and catering, the ladies also offer a fabulous daily lunch menu of soup, sandwiches, wraps and salads.
“Old Faithfuls” equate to Chicken Salad, Pimento Cheese, Mexican Tuna, Turkey BLT with Avocado or Turkey Swiss sandwiches. Warm up with their “Specialties” including Meatloaf, Tuna Melt, the Mallory Melt (turkey, bacon, avocado, brie and jalapeno jelly on a soft oat nut bread) and Ham & Mac (ham, homemade mac & cheese, bacon, and swiss on grilled oat nut bread)
All of their sandwiches are boxed with chips and their homemade house pickles – Grandma’s recipe. And not to worry, there’s always something sweet available, cookies, brownies, PIE! Although they are not a restaurant, they do have limited indoor and outdoor seating along with canned beverages if you would like to enjoy your lunch while you decide on what you would like to take home. Rae’s Southern Kitchen & Catering Company is open Monday through Friday from 10am until 5pm and Saturday from 10am until 3pm.
Rae’s Southern Kitchen & Catering Company, 460 N. Section St, Fairhope (251) 210-6135 • Facebook “Rae’s Southern Kitchen & Catering Co.” • http://www.RaesKitchenandCatering.com