From Texas to the Trellis Room: The Journey of Executive Chef at the Battle House Hotel, Tony Reynolds

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In this latest episode of the Port City Plate Podcast, hosted by Chris Andrews and brought to you by Bienville Bites Food Tour, we delve into the world of culinary artistry with Tony Reynolds, the executive chef at the renowned Battle House Hotel in Mobile, Alabama. Tony, a Dallas native with a rich background in cooking sparked by his family's support and early responsibilities, shares his journey from a young aspiring chef to leading the culinary team at Mobile’s most popular dining destinations under the roof of the Battle House -  the Joe Cain Cafe, Royal Street Tavern, and the AAA Four Diamond award-winning Trellis Room. His story is a testament to the dedication and passion required to succeed in the culinary world, from his initial decision to attend culinary school in Texas to mastering the art of banquet operations in various hotels around the country.

Tony shares his personal journey and how he ended up in Mobile. His eventual role at the Battle House Hotel is a journey marked by perseverance, with the timing of his new role occurring at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tony also gives his thoughts on culinary school while discussing the importance of real-world experience in the culinary industry. 

We talk a lot of food in this episode. From the unique pizzas and handcrafted cocktails at Joe Cain Cafe to the innovative integration of Gulf Coast cuisine into Italian dishes at the Trellis Room, Tony's approach is all about simplicity, quality ingredients, and creating menus that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. He also introduces us to the behind-the-scenes of developing seasonal menus and the careful consideration that goes into each dish, including new favorites like the Smoky Braised Short Rib and the Chess Bars, a new favorite to the menu. Whether it's the extensive wine list curated for the Trellis Room or the popular Sunday Brunch offerings, Tony is creating unforgettable dining experiences at the Battle House Hotel. 

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