By Chef Joshua Quick
Florence, Alabama | Photo Credit: Visit Florence, AL
“Florence is a close getaway from Birmingham, Nashville, and Memphis. We offer a great music history and our downtown continues to grow with local shops and restaurants.”
About Chef Joshua Quick
Chef Joshua Quick | Photo Credit: Chris Granger
Quick is the executive chef of Odette in downtown Florence. The Montgomery native began his training with a three-year American Culinary Federation apprenticeship program with Walt Disney World, where he worked in a different kitchen every six months. He returned to Alabama to become the banquet chef at the Renaissance Ross Bridge resort and went on to become the executive chef at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa and the chef de cuisine of 360 Grille in Florence.
Deviled Eggs at Odette | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Odette
We have a lunch menu focused on a variety of sandwiches and seasonal salads. Since we opened, one standard lunch salad is the kale and napa salad with julienne vegetables, roasted chicken, and yogurt-herb vinaigrette. Our dinner menu is also a reflection of what is available seasonally and features many local ingredients.
BBQ Pork Rinds at Odette | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Photograph courtesy of Odette
Though our menu changes seasonally, you will always be able to find our house-ground cheeseburger using locally-sourced dry-aged beef on a potato bun with red pepper-thyme ketchup and mayonnaise, all made in-house. We also feature the largest bourbon collection in Alabama, handcrafted cocktails, and a well-curated wine list.
Take Home | Florence Souvenir
We make our roasted pepper ketchup, blueberry pinot noir jam, and green tomato chutney in jars that you can take home as a souvenir.
ODETTE
120 North Court Street, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.349.5219
www.odettealabama.com
Florence, Alabama | Photo Credit: Visit Florence, AL
CHEF JOSH QUICK'S FLORENCE GUIDE
Breakfast/Coffee
Photograph courtesy of Rivertown Coffee
Rivertown Coffee
I like to start my day here. They have been a staple in Florence for over 10 years. The breakfast sandwiches and wraps are always delicious, but you have to get one of their freshly-baked muffins. They have a great lunch as well and the daily soup is always delicious.
117 North Seminary Street, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.765.7128
rivertowncoffee.co
Shops
Billy Reid's shop in downtown Florence | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Billy Reid
Just a couple doors down from Odette is the flagship store for Billy Reid. I am particularly fond of the boots they offer.
114 North Court Street, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.767.4692
www.billyreid.com
Alabama Outdoors
You can find anything you need for an outdoor adventure.
119 N Court Street, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.764.1809
alabamaoutdoors.com
The Carriage Wine and Market
They have great selection of wine and specialty food items. They also have a wine bar where they host many events throughout the year.
121 E Mobile Street, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.810.3752
www.thecarriagewineandmarket.com
Oriental Pearl
I like to come here for unique Asian ingredients and to get some inspiration for new menu items.
111 East Tennessee Street, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.766.9005
Lunch
Factory Café at Alabama Chanin | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
AMERICAN | Factory Café
This is a cafe at clothing designer Natalie Chanin's retail and workspace. They serve seasonally-inspired lunches and brunch on Saturday.
at Alabama Chanin
462 Lane Drive, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.760.1090
alabamachanin.com/the-factory
MEXICAN | Taqueria Juárez
They have amazing authentic tacos. All of the meats offered are delicious, but the tongue, al pastor, and chorizo are my favorites.
550 Florence Boulevard, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.764.7365
Afternoon Sweets
Trowbridge's Ice Cream Bar
Located downtown, it's been a favorite for ice cream for over 100 years. Order the orange-pineapple ice cream.
316 North Court Street, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.764.1503
Photo Credit: Visit Florence, AL
Dinner
CHINESE | Mr. Hui's Peacock Express
Some of the best Chinese food you can eat. The owner is very friendly and passionate about making sure you have a great meal.
1218 N Pine Street, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.766.4889
www.mrhuistogo.com
MEXICAN | La Hacienda
The food is always good and owner Hugo treats you like family.
Florence Square,153 S Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.764.3532
Music
The Shoals Community Theatre | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
There is always great music downtown at these two places.
The Shoals Community Theatre
123 North Seminary Street, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.764.1700
theshoalstheatre.org
116 E Mobile
116 E. Mobile Street, Florence, AL 35630
116mobile.tumblr.com
Late Night
Wildwood Tavern
They have a great menu of specialty hot dogs and thin crust pizzas. My favorite is the Sweet Heat Dog with house-made Sriracha mayo and banana peppers.
108 E Mobile Street, Florence, AL 35630
T: 256.349.2139
www.keepflorencefunky.com
Day Trip
Natchez Trace Parkway | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Natchez Trace
Take a drive down the Natchez Trace and stop along the way for a picnic.
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