Restaurant owner Jimmy McPhillips describes food as his “passion.”

But customers who visit his restaurant on the Alabama coast say it’s more than the food that makes The Southern Grind a hit.

The Mango Salsa Chicken Salad received rave reviews and earned a place on the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die. Customers who dine at the restaurant say the ambiance and decor add to the experience as a retreat in the Orange Beach community.

Open for nearly four years, the community has received The Southern Grind with open arms. Here’s how the culinary magic is made with this dish.