Lillian's Pan Pizza

Lillian's Pizza on Perdido Key is a total Mom and Pop joint that has turned me into a complete pizza snob. I am pretty sure I haven't ordered chain Pizza during the past 2+ years I've been in Pensacola. Lillian the owner is a complete hoot - her phone manerisms are always there to count on (order one and you'll see what I mean).


They have a wide variety of pizza choices, but my two highest recommendations are Chances Island Delight (shrimp, sausage, onion, roasted Garlic) on the pan (regular) crust and a plain old cheese pizza on the thin crust. Everything is made so fresh it's so good!


If you're feeling like some Italian comfort food, you might be better suited for the chicken parmesean. I was a big fan until recently when they weren't quite as consistent with it. It's worth a shot as I've had some excellent deliveries of this meal, however, once in a while, it's just OK. Same thing with the alfredo - try it and see what you think!

One last thing - this is the perfect place to bring kids, so if you guys want to go out for dinner, this is a place where you don't have to feel awkward when you walk in with three kids in tow. Let me know what you think!

"We'll send it over!"

http://www.lillianspizza.com/
14514 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507-9519 (850) 492-0131

Bikini Wax Anyone?

Ok, you ARE in Pensacola now (or you're planning to visit), so let's all ponder the bikini wax for a moment... you want someone who's quick, does a good job, makes you feel comfortable, and most importantly - the bikini wax is something you want to have a good referral for, right? I've had some bad ones in the past (Headdress in Goldsboro, NC = bad), and some awesome ones as well, so I have much to compare to.

For the best wax in Pensacola you want Lindsy at Izzo Cutter & Co. She is all of the above and does an amazing job. She's also young and fun, so you definitely don't have to worry about feeling ...eh ...umm ...weird? If you've never done it before, go for it! Afterall, you are at the beach now.

Visit them at: 4700 Bayou Blvd, right near the Cordova Mall. Call to make an appointment 850.912.8826.

You can also visit them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pensacola-FL/Izzo-Cutter-Company/122637332012

PS If you happen to be in Wellington, FL, Evelyn at Sam John's is THE lady to go to. She's amazing as well.

Artfully Delicious - Special Occasion Cakes and Cupcakes

This is what I've been looking for! This is my favorite place on the west side of Pensacola for special occasion cakes and cupcakes. Owned and operated by Heather Sutton, a Pensacola native, who has been baking as part of a family tradition pretty much her entire life. She is very artistic and has done a lot of work with clay, etc previously, so the cross-over to fantastic fondant creations was a natural one for her. Not only do they look good, but they taste even better which is most important! Please give her a buzz for your next baby shower, birthday party, wedding, hankering for a sweet treat - anything! You will not be disappointed.

Visit her at www.buymycake.com to see some of her amazing creations. Email her at heather@buymycake.com.

Sweet Home Farm - Elberta, AL

Talk about a diamond in the rough! This locally owned and operated cheese farm, not far from the FL-AL border, is more than worth the trip. Yes, they have a website (sort of) http://www.southerncheese.com/Pages/sweethome.html, but unfortunately they left off two of my favorites: the habanero cheese that you will never match anywhere else and the garlic blue cheese - the name pretty much says it all. I also really enjoy the montebella; it's pretty mild, but I still think is has a great flavor that's not quite like what you get in the stores. They also carry Amish butter in 2 lb logs which I keep telling myself I really need to try (I'll keep you posted).

Since the website pretty much describes their product as well as their farming philosophy, I'll let you check out the link above for more on that. However, they failed to mention the cute, quaint shop. The man and woman working there are picture perfect for the scene. Really, I feel like I'm in an episode of Anne of Green Gables or perhaps Little House on the Prairie. It's pretty entertaining - in a good way. Oh and they let you taste anything you want to try so if you are unsure from a trip to their website, just go and see for yourself.

For entertaining the kiddos, this is pretty easy if you have a second adult. Because the shop is so small I like to let my friend or husband hang outside with the kids while I go inside and then switch. They have lots of chickens that the kids love to look at and the best part for them is the real, live turkey that hangs out in front. In fact, we really got a show the other day when we visited. I guess he wanted to show off his feathers and felt he needed to show who was boss. He was just gobbling away and everyone was fully entertained long enough for every adult to take a turn tasting and buying cheese. I now realize why in the American language we say the turkey says "gobble gobble". It really sounds like that!

Bon Appétit!

Pensacola Pastry and Sandwich Shop - Sweet Things Bakery

I hate to say it... BUT it took me almost 2 years to find this place! And isn't it a shame because it's amazing and I only have one year to enjoy it!?! Owned by Tuan, a Vietnamese man if I'm not mistaken, Sweet Things Bakery is the kind of place where everything is special and the service is friendly. This isn't your hole in the wall pastry shop where things are simple (see J's Pastry Shop for another day)... no - each pastry is decorated with embellishments. Like the petite tiramisù with it's small square of chocolate decorated with gold and sitting "just so" on top the little delicacy. Carrot cake, assorted cheese cake, eclairs, cream horns, fruit tarts, espresso logs (yum chocolate and coffee - need I say more?), chocolate cake (and raspberry sauce), and the list goes on and on.

But, that's not all. Tuan also serves up a tremendous lunch - most of which are served on his freshly baked croissant, baguette, rosemary-garlic focaccia and more. Are you hungry yet? If you're in the mood for some Asian food, he's got great fresh spring rolls and the grilled beef noodle salad is delicious as well. Asian not your style? Maybe the mozzarella & tomato sandwich is more your mood - excellent on the focaccia I spoke of earlier. And there are the classics: clubs, Reuben, Italian and more.

For those looking for a coffee shop, he also has free WiFi and serves coffee and breakfast sandwiches (again those fresh croissants, my daughter's favorite!).

He's located at 5330 Mobile Hwy (between Fairfield and Brent). M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm
www.tuanscuisine.com

West Pensacola Housing

Here's a quick, useful bit of information. I created the map below for an aquaintance moving to the Pensacola area and who wanted to be close to NAS Pensacola so that her hubby could come home for lunch often. If you are house hunting and don't know the area, you might find this short and sweet map useful when you want to know which developments correlate with those house listings you are looking at.

Pensacola Reviews #1 - Madison's Diner (and other little tid bits)

So, I'm always thinking "hey, I'm a military wife and wouldn't it be nice if someone would give you ALL the info for all the best restaurants, shops, pastry shops, doctors, churches,... ummm... EVERYTHING?!" And, now that I've been in Pensacola for 2 years I feel I should pass my knowledge on to those coming here... whether permanently, because of the military or even for tourists looking for the locals' favorites. At first, I thought perhaps I'd make a booklet of some type and hand it out to my new neighbors or squadron wives as the arrive. But figuring it might take me forever to do so, I'm starting with this blog. This way, I can review one restaurant, shop, etc at a time and give my take on it.

So, where else to start but restaurants? Yes, Pensacola has so many amazing local restaurants, there is no excuse to visit one single chain when here! There's such a great variety of seafood, southern flair and the New Orleans influence everywhere. My top picks are Atlas, Dharma Blue and Madison's. At the very top of my list is Madisons, pretty much my favorite restaurant here. First, the atmosphere is amazing. It's located in the Old Sacred Heart Hospital, built in the early 1900's if I remember correctly. The outside is gorgeous and the inside of the deserted hallways, creepy. But the restaurant itself is quaint with great service and simple tables.

Let's get to the important part... the FOOD. We've got a French-Southern Fusion going on here giving us a very eclectic menu. Yummm... I love just about everything there from their multiple variations on Eggs Benedict for their Sunday Jazz Brunch (try the Eggs Chesapeake or Eggs Escambia with bottomless mimosas) to the Fried Green Tomato BLT for lunch and finally on to the Ivey's Filet for dinner (placed atop Brie cheese and crowned with a framboise demi-glaze). There are other favorites as well - Espresso Duck with vanilla sweet potato mashers, crab cakes, and yes, though I don't care for grits, they have the Shrimp & Gouda Grits dish, well-known around the Pensacola area restaurants.

Now, not to leave off deserts they have excellent cheesecake and the best for last is the bread pudding; it's the best bread pudding I've ever had.

More to come on my other favorites later. If you are in Pensacola you have to try this! Click on the menus below for a larger view. Until my next inspiration...