Pleasurable Palates

Pleasurable Palates Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Pleasurable Palates, Food & Drink, 5909 University Drive, Huntsville, AL.

This restaurant was recommended by my co-worker. After a year of having to report to a federal office and being in a new...
05/24/2026

This restaurant was recommended by my co-worker. After a year of having to report to a federal office and being in a new environment, I found myself going to the same places for lunch (which I have shared). I am both a creature of habit but also welcoming to things that stretches my palatešŸ«¢šŸ˜‰.

I was elated when a new spot was recommended that I never heard of. I would normally do my same routine for lunch, but I tried something different and I may have stumbled across a gem! This soul food restaurant is one to check out!

I have only been twice, and both times I was pleasantly satisfied. My only one critique, is I wish the chicken had of cooked longer. The seasoning was fantastic! But a little under-cooked. But that's probably a "Me" thing. But when I tell you the smothered turkey legs and collards and mashed potatoes and mac-n-cheese was everything!!!! I will go back for the sides alone.

Also, be prepared of the logistics of getting to this restaurant. They share a kitchen with both a school and two other restaurants. I know...it sounds complicated, but it's really not. This restaurant is worth at least trying it out!

I learned this the hard way. They are closed Sunday and Thursday

I want so bad to love this place. But I can't. Food is really good but the atmosphere is off. Perhaps if I were in my 20...
05/04/2026

I want so bad to love this place. But I can't. Food is really good but the atmosphere is off. Perhaps if I were in my 20's or 30's, I could appreciated it more.

When me and my babe go out to eat, we want the whole sha-bang! The music was loud and just overall too busy. But that's a "me" thing. I know what I like and don't like.

But here are some pretty pics of our food! Presentation was on point!

Yesterday's dinner was such a delight. We have been eyeing this place for a while and finally decided to try it. The sto...
04/26/2026

Yesterday's dinner was such a delight. We have been eyeing this place for a while and finally decided to try it. The story behind this restaurant is pretty remarkable. The owner, Joe Carlucci, has an incredible life story that brought his award winning pizza to Huntsville. What started out as a small pizzeria at a local gas station is now a hit pizzeria with its own brick and mortar restaurant. His story started well before then, but I will keep this post highlighting this restaurant.

We started out with the meatball appetizer. It consisted of veal, pork, and beef. So flavorful, so tender (thanks to the veal) and so delicious!

For our entrƩe, there was an extensive lists of pizzas to choose from...so many, we couldn't decide. So we left it up to our bartender, Mason, to choose for us. He placed the order and we didn't know what he ordered until it was brought to us. It was like a pizza reveal party..lol! He ordered the "The Award Winner" (that's literally the name of the pizza because of its awards) with the Garlic Butter crust. BTW, there are a few crust options..too many to name. It was a solid good pizza!

For dessert, we had the Tiramusu. It came in a cute cocktail glass which we enjoyed and enjoyed having fun taking pictures with it!

The highlight of the evening was meeting Joe and hearing his life story and how this restaurant came to be. We learned that Valentina's was named in his daughter's honor who is now 13 years old and who was his motivation and inspiration for this restaurant. A mural in the back of the restaurant (shown in the pics) featured a painting of her.

Extra bonus was we were given a copy of his book titled, "Slicing Through Diversity", which details his life's challenges which led him to opening the restaurant.

They will be opening a new Italian restaurant in the same gas station as the original location of Valentina's soon. Looking forward to that!

It's a little bit of a drive but definitely worth it in my opinion! We will definitely be back to check out other menu options!

Location:
25783 Huntsville Brownsferry Rd, Madison, AL 35756

Hours:
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 4–8 PM
Wednesday 4–8 PM
Thursday 4–8 PM
Friday 4–9 PM
Saturday 12–9 PM

Crawfish Festival today in Mid-City! Live music, food trucks, and crawfish! 11am - 11pm. Come out before the rain comes!
04/18/2026

Crawfish Festival today in Mid-City! Live music, food trucks, and crawfish! 11am - 11pm. Come out before the rain comes!

After a year of wanting to try this food truck out, I finally did and boy did I enjoy it! I debated between the fried re...
04/12/2026

After a year of wanting to try this food truck out, I finally did and boy did I enjoy it! I debated between the fried red snapper or the braised oxtail stew (which is only available on Sundays). It was a little too hot for the stew so I decided on the snapper. It came with red beans and rice, Mac and cheese, collards greens and plantains. If you love Caribbean food, you will love this spot! Icing on the cake was the live band!

Located in the Mid-City district at The Camp. Good weather, good vibes, good food!!

When you have moved back home after being away for 12 years (3 years back home), and spend much of your free evenings ex...
03/31/2026

When you have moved back home after being away for 12 years (3 years back home), and spend much of your free evenings exploring the new restaurants around town. It's always a pleasure to visit a restaurant that was your favorite before you left and seeing that it is still a local favorite! This place will always have a special place in my heart with so many great memories! Just another reminder of how good it feels to be "home"!

Yesss!!! Can't wait!
03/29/2026

Yesss!!! Can't wait!

After passing by the cute food truck several times after it opened here in Mid-City last September, I finally decided to...
03/21/2026

After passing by the cute food truck several times after it opened here in Mid-City last September, I finally decided to check it out on my afternoon walk. They serve Ice-cream, Acai Bowls, and Custom Drinks, which are perfect for a gorgeous spring afternoon like today.

I built my own Acai Bowls out of the various options to choose from. My bowl consisted of:

-acai berry sherbet
-honey oat granola
-bananas
-strawberries
-almonds
-peanut butter drizzle

Not only is it good, but it's super healthy! They are located in Mid-City down the street from Tupelo Honey and Salt Factory Pub right behind the Metronome Apartments. They have tables and umbrellas which are perfect to take in the nice weather and enjoy! They are open Friday, Saturday, Sunday at this location. Also, they have a brick and mortar store located in Fayetteville. Will definitely be back. Now...back to my walk!

Happy Spring!šŸŒ·šŸŒ»šŸŖ“šŸŒž

Over the weekend I finally had a chance to check out Salt Smokehouse.  It has been on my places to-go list ever since it...
03/02/2026

Over the weekend I finally had a chance to check out Salt Smokehouse. It has been on my places to-go list ever since it received its Michelin Guide recommendation last year. I enjoyed it. Here is my experience..

For starters, I had the ā€œNot So Summer Saladā€. In the summer time it is simply called the ā€œSummer Saladā€. It consists of watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, candied pecans, mint, goat cheese, golden raisins, yuzu vinaigrette, mixed greens (I left off the goat cheese and raisins…only because I’m not a fan). Believe it or not, the salad was one of my two favorite things I ordered. All the flavors just worked perfectly together. It literally tasted like summer on a plate!

For my entrĆ©e, I had the Smoked Beef Burnt Ends with a side of Mac & Cheese and the Gochujang Boiled Peanuts (which comes as an appetizer portion or a side portion). The Boiled Peanuts absolutely stole the show!! The Gochujang sauce was EVERYTHING! It gives Goodland’s Pour House’s boiled peanuts a run for their money (if not edging out slightly ahead). The Burnt Ends were nice and tender but I wish it had a tiny bit more flavor. But I would order it again. The mac and cheese was my least favorite. Next time I will order the loaded baked potato salad instead as it looked amazing!

If you enjoy a nice adult beverage with your meal, be aware that this place does not serve alcohol (bummer). I ordered a virgin strawberry margarita to at least pretend like I had a drink…it didn’t work…lol! The staff was super friendly and my server, Ward, was a joy to talk to as we spent most my time there discussing our love of food and wine.

I’m looking forward to trying other things on their menu in the future.šŸ˜‹šŸ˜‹šŸ˜‹

Hello my fellow foodies! I post a lot about my food adventures on restaurants around town, but I also like to cook a lot...
02/21/2026

Hello my fellow foodies! I post a lot about my food adventures on restaurants around town, but I also like to cook a lot. Which is why I so happy to come across this spice venue in Mid-City which just opened up about a month ago.

It's filled with wall-to-wall goodness full of herbs and spices, marinades, soups, teas, extracts and beyond.
It was my first time visiting and it was a lot to take in because I wanted to buy everything in the store. Cool thing about this place is they have samples that you can taste and smell before purchasing.

I eventually ended up buying the Cambodian Lemongrass Curry spice as well as the Ghost Pepper Salt along with the Loaded Potato and French Onion Soup kit. It took a while to decide, because there were so many unique flavors to try.

Bonus was the owner (Holly) printed out a suggested recipe to utilize the Cambodian Lemongrass Curry spice!

This locally owned business is a must go to for all the foodies and cook lovers and those who just like to experience new and exciting flavors and spices!

Address

5909 University Drive
Huntsville, AL
35806

Website

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