Welcome to The Alabama Foodist

HI! I am Leslie, The Alabama Foodist - a former restaurant Front Of House evaluation pro who has developed a love for all things local. See my story on the "About" section below, if you want to know my story! 

I do, still, occasionally professionally do evaluations, but mostly I seek out and find those local gems that are, unfortunately not YET, on the radar as a restaurant star! 

I also like to help anyone who would like to try some different world cuisines but need a little information and first-timer suggestions for what to order and what it will be like!

I am a lover of food, recipes, travel and antique cookbooks. I love local cooking and restaurant history. I am a former co-host, and now, frequent guest of a local food show call "Breaking Bread with AJ, Leslie and the Chubbfather" on Talk 99.5 from 6:00-7:00pm. 

So there is no telling what I might post about here but the most important and, I hope, helpful content will be my restaurant/food reviews. I love to share the great places I've been and the stellar dishes I've had. I also learn of new places to try and love sharing that too! do my reviews a bit differently from the typical foodie so I thought I would share how it works!

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My Restaurant Rating Criteria

When I evaluate/review a restaurant I have the following rules.

1. I only publish reviews of the places I think are great places. I often speak of the “trifecta” of great food (including the menu), service, and atmosphere. If a place has great food and at least one of the other two factors, I will write a review. IF YOU SEE MY REVIEW ON A PLACE, I THINK IT IS WORTH A TRY!  Look, I prefer to share the great spots! I figure the bad places will either improve or go away on their own. Besides, I encourage you to use ANY reviews or ratings as a way to decide whether to go a second time! I don’t want to share a poor experience, on the chance that I was there on a bad night!I If I DO have a bad experience, I always give the place another try!

2. I am not compensated for any reviews I post. I do not share my presence with the restaurant while I am dining. I pay for all of my meals. Many reviews you see these days are paid for by the establishment, tainting the objectivity of the review.

3. I have a set of criteria that I use to judge the varied aspects of a good restaurant. These are useful for everything from a Mom and Pop diner to fine dining. I try to review a wide variety of places in all categories.

4. I want to know what YOU think! If my review doesn’t match your experience, please let me know! I also would like to know of any hidden gems around the state that you have found! I love suggestions for places to try and share! I can’t go everywhere but I try to hit as many locally owned spots as I can! Talk to me!

“We can disagree on politics, religion, and even our favorite football team. But food is the great common ground where friendships can start, unless you put sugar in cornbread. Some things just can't be overlooked!”🤣