Gambino’s in Fairhope has the original family back involved in the operations of this ESho landmark. They have been in the process of a major overhaul and update of the restaurant and will return with a menu that brings back old favorites. They should be opening now, or in the next week. Some of my choices are the fried artichokes and eggplant Parmesan, and actually I have not eaten at Gambino’s since the family originally sold it. And yes, they will still have karaoke.

Head east, pizza man

Doughboy Pizza (who I think has the best pizza in town…) on Schillingers Road (...if it were not so damn far out) has purchased Papa’s Pizza in Springhill, on McGregor Avenue just one block north of Old Shell Road. The transition is now complete, and look for the bright teal awning. Their pizza is now there, and owner Robert Vatcher plans to integrate pastas, salads and sandwiches into this location.

Doughboy is also determining a realistic boundary to expand delivery service east of I-65. As long as they deliver to me, that is all I want.

Fondest Memories

I have found a great place for a to-go lunch, prepared casseroles, soups, salads, desserts and sweet breads. Memories is located on Old Shell Road, in MiMo, in the same strip center as the ABC store. Their selection of prepared casseroles is extensive and at reasonable prices. The portabello mushroom lasagna is rich and filling, and at $11.50 for a large that feeds 8-to-10 people. You cannot make it for that much.

The chicken tettrazini is good as well. For lunch, there is a special hot meal each day. For example, Monday is red beans and rice. Other days feature spaghetti and meat sauce, barbeque and the like. Each comes with one side. The rosemary chicken sandwich is quite large, grilled and served on panini. The rosemary meshes well with the chicken, bacon and white cheese. My sides were a cucumber salad with feta and onions — it has quite a tang to it. There are two potato salads, old fashioned, chunky and like my grandmother’s and a dill potato salad, My lunch was $5.13 with tax!

A seat at The Water Table

Pepper Pots at the Loop on Airport has been sold and is now The Water Table, with a completely new menu. Several salads, including the usual chef, grilled chicken green salad, tuna and chicken are found. The rest of the menu is made up of sandwiches, wraps and po-boys, all served with one side item.

Turkey or the regular turkey and ham club, a Reuben and an appealing muffaleta are featured sandwiches. Two of the wraps sound great as well — the roast beef, with peppers, onions and blue cheese dressing, and a Portabella, dressed with the same. I enjoy a good portabella sandwich and there are few places in Mobile that offer one.

The po-boys are mostly repeats of sandwiches and wraps, yet served on New Orleans French bread. Prices range from $6 to $7 dollars. There are also soups of the day along with specials. These, along with salads, are available by the pint or quart. The Water Table is located on Airport Boulevard, at the Loop next to the Double Olive. They are open Monday through Friday for lunch.

Holiday recipe request

In the last week I have received quite a number of e-mails asking me to run my recipe for Brown Sugar Brie that appeared last December. It is addictive. Here it is, and it can be made into a smaller version. I buy two wheels at Sam’s and cut them so they fit together.

Brown Sugar Brie

Two wheels Brie cheese

Brown Sugar

Butter

Vanilla

Optional — Toasted almond slices

Start with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 4 tablespoons butter. Melt in saucepan over medium high heat until it begins to caramelize into a consistency just below peanut butter. Add more butter and brown sugar as necessary to make a larger amount, to adjust taste. Add just a drop of vanilla and continue to add if you wish to achieve a mild hint of it. You can place toasted almond slices or slivers on top. Serve with table water crackers and cut Granny Smith apples.

Kinnon Phillips is Lagniappe cuisine editor. Contact him at kphillips@lagniappemobile.com.

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