When you think of the fresh seafood along the Alabama Gulf Coast, you may be thinking of a savory grilled grouper, a decadent Mahi Mahi, stuffed oysters filled to the brim or buttery shrimp topped with tangy lemon juice. Today, we’d like to encourage you to journey beyond your idea of a typical vacation meal–though it may be delicious–and take fresh seafood to the next level. Break out your chopsticks, because we’re talking sushi today! Aleigh Herndon, a lifelong local and sushi connoisseur, has agreed to chat with us and share all her expert recommendations.
Aleigh was born and raised on the Alabama Gulf Coast and serves as our Marketing Manager here at Coast 360. She works behind the scenes to ensure all your favorite local businesses are featured in our guide for your vacation-planning-pleasure. Which means she deserves a round of applause from all our dedicated readers, go ahead and take a moment to cheer her on!
When Aleigh isn’t promoting Coast 360 or chowing down on a perfectly-rolled bite of sushi, you can catch her strolling through the Graham Creek Nature Preserve and exploring trails in Orange Beach. Aleigh is a foodie, so on the weekends you may find her trying new dishes or soaking up the views at CoastAL in Orange Beach.
Being a lifelong local means Aleigh has tasted many restaurants along the Alabama Gulf Coast, so we’re thrilled she’s agreed to share her sushi-filled secrets with us today!
Photo Credit: Aleigh Herndon
Big Fish
Aleigh, raw fish isn't everyone’s forte, did you have a “love at first bite” experience when it comes to sushi?
Not when I first tried sushi in middle school. I finally liked it at the ripe old age of 18. The first type of sushi I liked were the fried rolls with cream cheese.
That makes sense! Living on the Alabama Gulf Coast gives you access to some pretty great options. Tell us, what is your go-to sushi order now?
So generally, my go-to is anything tuna–preferably a spicy tuna.
Yum! Now that sounds great. Where in the area would you say makes the best spicy tuna?
Both Big Fish in Orange Beach and Master Joe’s in Fairhope!
We will have to give those a try! Do you ever try to make their sushi at home? And if so will you bring us some to try?
Yes of course! I have my own sushi rolling mat, seaweed and sushi rice.
Photo Credit: Aleigh Herndon
Homemade Sushi
When you are dining out, and want to stray from your usual order, what do you get and where do you get it from?
CoastAL! I’m going to sit at the Beachside Bar and order the Tuna Poke Nachos.
That sounds delicious! Do you order any add-ons to accompany your meal?
I like getting a ginger salad or edamame! The Rock N’ Roll Sushi in Foley is my go-to for both of those.
What about a drink/cocktail? Where would you get it from?
The “Flirtini” at Big Fish or a citrus-ey Lemon Drop martini from Jellyfish!
Who has the prettiest presentation for their dishes?
In my opinion I would say it’s a three-way-tie with Dharma Blue, Big Fish or Jellyfish.
If we’re in the mood for a more refined dining experience, where should we go and what should we order?
We’re going to Big Fish and we are ordering Beef Tataki as the first appetizer, then for the second round of apps, we’re ordering the Hot Mimicita roll and the Fire Dragon Roll. For the main course we’re going to go with the Fire Cracker Shrimp Fried Rice with a fried egg on top. Yum it's so good! But really everything from Big Fish is delicious.
Now it’s time for some rapid-fire questions:
Who has the best sushi for spice-lovers?
Big Fish.
Most unique sushi you’ve ever had?
The Sunset Sushi Roll from Dharma Blue–if I had to pick a last meal, this would be it!
Sushi Spot with the most bang for your buck?
Sushi Masa.
Photo Credit: Aleigh Herndon
Sushi Masa
A hidden gem tourists may not know about?
Miso Seafood or Poke Bowl Sushi Burrito and Boba in Gulf Shores.
Be honest–how many rolls are you ordering?
2 if I’m paying… 3 if I have a date… and 10 + if I’m at the all you can eat buffet Sushi Masa!
Aleigh, thank you so much for sitting down with us! We’re shrimply ecstatic to go give all your favorites a try. We have one last question, what recommendation would you give to new sushi lovers along the Alabama Gulf Coast?
If you're looking to become a sushi lover, order a tuna steak partially cooked at one of our awesome seafood restaurants to get you in the sushi state of mind. This will open the door to your future sushi obsession!