MB Reviews

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...