USPS Publication Number 16300; Authorized August 25,2015 (Pensacola, FL)
This Community Newspaper is a weekly publication of Escambia Santa/Rosa Bar Association Page 1 Vol. 15, No. 39 VISIT THE SUMMATION WEEKLY ONLINE: www.esrba.com September 29, 2015
4 Pages
Grab a Bite: New Restaurants in Pensacola by Josh Newby
It seems like every month brings new and exciting dining options to Pensacola. From ethnic and international food to unique takes on American staples, these restaurants boast menus that are sure to whet your appetite and service that represents the best of our area’s friendliness and hospitality. Bon appetit! Rico’s Mexican Up-scale Mexican has a new name in Pensacola, and that name is Rico’s. They offer truly authentic, madefrom-scratch Mexican food prepared to order and even have hamburgers, pizza, steak and more. They also offer a full-service bar, something you can’t get at many other popular Mexican destinations in Pensacola. Tabitha Hairelson, an owner of the establishment, has already had great success with Rico’s in Spanish Fort and felt that one in Pensacola would be a similar hit. “The experience we are trying to create is one of casual dining in an upbeat, exciting atmosphere,” said Hairelson. “Have a quiet dinner in the main dining room or sit in the bar area and have a Margarita along with some appetizers and watch the game on TV – whatever you prefer.” Since opening in Pensacola, the community response has been great. People want healthy, authentic Mexican, and they certainly find it at Rico’s, located at 50 Coast Road. Citizens of and visitors to New Orleans have almost surely heard of or been to the Ruby Slipper, an up-scale yet casual brunch destination that combines all the best flavors of the city with breakfast staples. Now, those in Pensacola will get to take part in this unparalleled culinary experience in the fifth location at 509 S. Palafox. The Ruby Slipper Cafe The brainchild of Jennifer Weishaupt and her husband after Hurricane Katrina, the Ruby Slipper takes everyone’s favorite meal and offers it everyday for extended hours, 7 to 2 during weekdays, 8 to 2 on Saturdays and 8 to 3 on Sundays. “We thought Pensacola was a great location, because it has historic streets and buildings, and people who love great food, just like New Orleans,” said Weishaupt. Decadent, colorful, make-your-stomach-grumble food is their specialty, as proven by their menu that features eggs coubion, eggs blackstone, hot-smoked salmon bennies and more. Come into the uniquely Pensacolian location of the New Orleans staple, and find out why you’ll never want to get full. The Union Public House The Union Public House will be a modern gastropub that combines the talents of bar and restaurant powerhouses Blake Rushing (Type), Patrick Bolster (5 1/2), and Melissa Tempsook Knott and Jeffrey Knott (Old Hickory Whiskey Bar). With that team at the helm, Pensacola better know that it is in for something special and addictive. The space at 309 S. Reus St. is currently getting a massive makeover with hopes to open sometime in the fall. When completed, The Union Public House will be “a crafty Southern pub with rustic and modern influences,” says Rushing. The gourmet food and beverage offerings will be locally influenced and served in a comforting and inviting atmosphere. Rushing is planning some classic pub fare with a modern and southern twist, including vast and expansive charcuterie dishes for communal dining experiences. Jeffrey says he and Bolster have a deep appreciation for classic cocktails, which will serve as a base for the bar menu, but you can bet there will be some twists to the drinks as much as to the dishes they serve. The Burger Factory New to the west side of Pensacola at 314 W. Navy Blvd. is the Burger Factory, a sandwich and burger shop where everything is made from scratch. That includes the sauces and soups, too. Owner Scott Green wanted a simple, straightforward answer to a burger restaurant, in much the same way Roly Poly changed up the casual sandwich industry. “This is something I’ve been wanting to do my entire life,” said Green. “Everything else down here is pizza and fast food, so I thought being close to NAS would really help me set myself apart.” While the location certainly helps Green set himself apart, the food he serves up definitely doesn’t hurt. The homemade ingredients give even the most routinely plain burger a special, memorable zest that instantly catapults it past other burger-andbun based options. With counter service and piping hot meals brought to your table, Green is also bringing a much-needed American favorite to Pensacola’s west side. Order’s up! (Continued on page 3)