Johnny Fisher & Playa at Sportsman Marina

After a little bit of a holiday hiatus, "Hot Off the Press" podcast is back in full swing this spring kicking off 2018 from Orange Beach, Ala, with one of our favorite HotP guests and longtime friend Johnny Fisher. It's been more than two years since Chef Pete caught up with Johnny on location from his most recent restaurant opening, Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina. Fisher's Upstairs and Fisher's Dockside are two restaurants housed under the same roof—one offering a more upscale, timeless dining experience and the other a more casual dining option. Both with incredible food, first-class service and an atmosphere arguably unmatched along the Gulf Coast.

Johnny's passion for the industry has also landed him opportunities to lend what his team calls the "Fisher's Factor," to some of the most iconic places along the Gulf Coast, including New Orleans’ House of Blues, Lulu’s at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores and  The Gulf at Perdido Pass in Orange Beach.

His most recent venture will bring Caribibean-inspired cuisine to the coastal dining scene. Playa—Spanish for "beach"— will open later this year at Sportsman Marina on Canal Road in Orange Beach.  The restaurant will feature three-time James Beard semi-finalist Chef Bill Briand’s menu of Caribbean and seafood flavors served in a care-free and beautifully designed casual atmosphere with Gulf views on the marina. Last year, when Shipp's Harbor Grill closed its doors and went up for sale, Johnny's creative culinary wheels started to spin and he decided to purchase the building. He and partners Earl and Bennett Long, Executive Chef Bill Briand, and Director of Operations and Wine Buyer Sara Kavanaugh are preparing to open the restaurant in April.

For more information visit www.playaoba.com or www.fishersobm.com. Also, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.