Tuesdays at The Cork Room

Only recently was I introduced to Two Dollar Tuesdays at The Cork Room, but I now try to make this a weekly outing. The $2 wine night was recession proof before recession proof was cool, and it draws a healthy crowd of locals. Yes, you can totally get drunk for about the same as it would cost to just stay home. But here's the real joy: dinner for less than $20. It's hard to believe, but it's true. Two glasses of house white or red and a 4-ounce steak and one side (plus a basket of bread) will set you back just 19 bucks. Or go for the Schezuan shrimp and grits with a couple of glasses and spend just $15. It's not a lot of food, but it's consistently happy-making — and quite right for a Tuesday night.

The Cork Room
225 East 16th Avenue
Gulf Shores, Alabama
251-967-4773

Everything at Cobalt

There's a new kid on the block, and it's definitely going to be like that new kid who came to your high school in tenth grade who everyone fell in love with instantly: The one all the guys wanted to be and all the girls wanted to date.

Cobalt has reset the bar — and it's high.

Last night was my second trip out to the big restaurant that sits on the water underneath the intercoastal pass and though it was certainly good the first time I ate there right after it opened a few months ago, the kinks are gone and all the stops have been pulled out for this baby.

The location is perfect for watching the sun set. The patio is going to be the hottest spot in town come summer (live music every night). The lighting is just right (finally someone gets it). And the food! Oh, my, the food. We snacked on local oysters, BBQ shrimp Louisiana style, and the tuna and avocado stack (I could eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Next time maybe we'll tackle the entrees.

Also, the bakery counter opened last week. The chocolate tarts, peanut butter cookies, and Key lime cupcakes look divine.