2017 World Food Championships: The Southern Grind Coffee House at The Wharf in Orange Beach, AL

The menu items in this post were provided by The Southern Grind Coffee House but the opinions expressed here are my own.

A drizzly, overcast morning began the fourth day of our road trip and our first day of commuting back and forth from Pensacola, FL. Since this was my first year competing, I thought we might need accommodations that had a dishwasher hence our commute. But a beautiful commute it was with the ocean and sugar sand beaches. Today was a very important day - Bacon World Championships. Oh, how I love the smell of bacon in the morning! But like any sport, food sport in this case, we were going to be standing for 2.5 hours so it was time to carb up.

Our first stop was one my favorite places in The Wharf, The Southern Grind Coffee House. I found this coffee house last year while doing media coverage for the 2016 World Food Championships and saved my feet and legs in between competitions with wonderful food, delicious coffee, and ice cold smoothies. Since it was drizzling, hot coffee and breakfast were in order. While we waited for our food, we looked at the newly expanded space, almost doubling the capacity of the coffee house since last year. I just love the friendly coastal décor which just helps you relax and feel at home. Sweet Home Alabama!

A favorite of mine from last year, Salted Caramel Latte, hit the spot again with luscious foam drizzled with salted caramel atop a medium roast espresso. The great thing is that one of gals remembered it was my favorite. Nothing better like a perfectly executed latte! Rating: 5/5

The hubby had a Mocha. It hit the spot for him and just loved it! It was just sweet enough and paired perfectly with his breakfast. Rating: 5/5

Since we were about to cover the Bacon World Championship, I had to whet my taste buds with the Breakfast Burger. It is a ¼ lb. burger topped with cheddar cheese, over medium egg, bacon, and served on a croissant with a side of chips. This breakfast burger took me to my happy place. The juicy beefy burger, the smoky, salty bacon, the gooey cheddar, and luscious yolky egg enveloped by a buttery, flaky croissant was just out of this world! I think this is going to be my standard order from now on. Rating: 5/5

The hubby ordered the Pear & Pecan Cinnamon French Toast. It is two slices of cinnamon swirl French toast topped with caramelized pears, pecans, whipped cream, powdered sugar, salted caramel drizzle, and served with your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham (the hubby chose sausage). He loved the pairing of sweet and salty for breakfast to balance the flavors. The French toast was not overly sweet, and he loved the grilled porky sausage which paired well with the pear and pecan flavors. Rating: 5/5  

With our morning hunger satiated and mind caffeinated, it was time to take a short walk to the 2017 World Food Championships Kitchen Arena for the Bacon World Championship! Stay tuned!

Atmosphere: 5 out of 5 stars

Service: 5 out of 5 stars

Décor: 5 out of 5 stars

Food: 5 out of 5 stars

For more information:

The Southern Grind Coffee House

4751 Main St Ste 116

Orange Beach, AL 36561

+1.251.923.3265

Hours: Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Seating: Interior and exterior

Reservation: None

Dog-friendly: Yes

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