Food lovers, buckle up—Episode 88 of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama is a flavor-packed ride through the heart of Alabama’s culinary scene with none other than Martie Duncan, Food Network Star alum and proud Alabama native. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where to eat, what to order, or what small-town gems are worth a weekend trip in Alabama, Martie has you covered—times 100. Martie joins us again to dish on her newest book, The Alabama 100: Best Recipes, Restaurants & Road Trips—a delicious celebration of local flavors and hidden gems across the state.
Listen to Martie Duncan's Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama episode here:
It’s no surprise that Martie’s previous appearance (Episode 38) is one of the top ten most listened to on our podcast. She brings heart, humor, and a deep appreciation for the people and plates that define Alabama’s food culture. You can listen to that episode below.
From Recipes to Road Trips
Martie’s latest book isn’t just a cookbook—it’s a full-blown travel guide. The Alabama 100 features 100 tried-and-true recipes from local favorites, plus nearly 500 restaurants and road trip-worthy stops. The front section of the book, titled “Two Days Away,” is a getaway guide complete with suggestions for where to stay, what to eat, and where to go for coffee, cocktails, and everything in between. The rest of the book is divided into “Alabama Favorites” and the recipe collection itself.
Locals and visitors alike are loving it—especially because Martie doesn’t just tell you where to eat; she tells you what to order. Everything is tried, tested, and loved by Martie herself. And yes, she really did eat at every single one of those places. Whether it’s breakfast in Florence or late-night snacks in Huntsville, she’s got your itinerary ready.
North Alabama Favorites That Made the List
Martie spent a lot of time in North Alabama, and several of the region’s beloved spots made it into her book. Some of the standouts include:
● Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, featuring their legendary chicken with white sauce—a recipe so famous, it’s now found in BBQ joints across the country.
● Southern Grocery in Sheffield, home of “The King” pie—a heavenly combo of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate that pays homage to Elvis.
● Freight House in Hartselle, where the Southern Coconut Cake and the wildly popular Mandarin Pretzel Salad have become holiday staples.
● Sweet Basil Café in Florence, whose coveted poppy seed dressing finally made its way into one of Martie’s books after over a decade of recipe requests.
And that’s just the beginning! These restaurants aren’t just serving great food—they’re deeply connected to their communities, something Martie is passionate about spotlighting.
The Recipes That Made the Cut
Narrowing down hundreds of delicious dishes to just 100 recipes was no small task. So how did Martie do it?
“I looked for dishes that people crave,” she said.
Her goal was simple: create a collection that’s approachable for home cooks and packed with Alabama flavor. The result is a carefully curated mix of iconic restaurant recipes and personal favorites—including a treasured biscuit recipe passed down from her mother.
Fun fact: that very recipe included a small typo on page 53. But true to Martie’s charm, she embraced the hiccup, adding handwritten corrections to early copies. “It almost killed me,” she joked, proving that even perfectionists can laugh off a little flour dust.
Beyond the Plate: Stories, Scenery, and Southern Hospitality
Martie’s love for Alabama’s culinary scene goes far beyond what’s on the table. This journey reconnected her with longtime restaurant owners, introduced her to rising female chefs, and highlighted how food ties into Alabama’s broader tourism offerings.
One of her most inspiring stops? Auburn University’s new Rane Culinary Science Center—an innovative hub for future chefs and hospitality leaders that’s helping elevate Alabama’s food scene to new heights.
And speaking of elevation, Martie reminds us that our culinary identity isn’t just about famous dishes—it’s about the people behind them. From pie-makers to pitmasters, it's the heart and hustle of Alabama’s locals that make these restaurants worth the trip.
What’s Next for Martie?
Martie hinted at future events in North Alabama—possibly a book event in Decatur or Hartselle featuring some of the region’s iconic restaurants. You can bet it’ll full of great stories, unforgettable bites, and even more unexpected adventures. Stay tuned!
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just craving a new recipe to try at home, The Alabama 100 is your perfect guide to eating your way through the Heart of Dixie—one bite at a time. You can find The Alabama 100 at select retailers across the state or order a personalized copy from Martie’s website at www.martieduncan.com. You’ll also find her on Instagram at @martieduncan and Facebook as Martie Knows Parties.
