Five exciting new eateries are sure to take your taste buds on an incredible journey. TAMARA'S DOWNTOWN - That Wintzell Touch A little more upscale than Tamara's Bar and Grill, on U.S. Highway 98, Tamara's Downtown is a perfect reflection of its setting on Fairhope's stylish Section Street. "It's very Fairhopian, very artsy," says owner and executive chef of both places, Tamara Wintzell. Her downtown namesake restaurant features fine-dining fare, yet with a casual feel. A wine bar and two additional bars enhance Downtown's cheerful ambience. Beneath a faux ceiling comprised of abstract art by local artists, diners enjoy main dishes, such as seafood and steaks. Tempting sides include smoked prime rib and bean soup, or stuffed portobello mushrooms. "When I put something on the menu," says Wintzell, "I expect it to be a signature dish." Wintzell learned about seafood during her early years with the family corporation and by running her own first restaurant, Old Bay Steamer, in Fairhope. Her seafood expertise shows in dishes such as scallops, served with her specialty grits, or the lightly fried crab cakes. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. M - Su. (Bar open until midnight.) 104 N. Section St., Fairhope. 929-2219. BIMINI BOB'S - Sunsets and Fire-Grilled Seafood The atmosphere is so relaxed, the live music so reminiscent of the islands, the sunset so spectacular that the biggest chance you may take at Bimini Bob's is forgetting to eat. And that would be a mistake. Chef Steve Zucker creates daily seafood specials, and the standard menu, in addition to steaks and Gulf shrimp, features treats such as conch fritters, jerk chicken and fish every way, including fire grilled. For a sauce, select tropical tartar, tequila vinaigrette, or curried coconut pineapple. Take advantage of the view of Mobile Bay on the oleander-edged deck. Owner Bob Baumhower also arranged indoor seating on a graduated level so everyone can enjoy the vistas. The restaurant's theme and atmosphere are tributes to Bimini, the Caribbean island Baumhower learned to love while he was playing for the Miami Dolphins. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Su - Th; 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. F/Sa. 29249 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne. 621-1357. biminibobs.com ISLAND THYME ARTS & EATS - Attitude in Midtown Despite the name, the restaurant really isn't about Caribbean food, says owner and chef Debbie Davis. "It's about attitude." She wants diners to relax, note the art on display and, while they are at it, enjoy great food. Partner Leslie Redman is responsible for the art on the walls, says Davis. "My art is in the kitchen." With restaurant experience from Key West to Auburn to Boston, Davis has developed a creative menu that is notable for its variety and freshness. "That's my signature style -' fresh." Whether it's fruit-garnished island salad, left, her muffuletta wrap, or a daily special, her food is a tribute to beach living on islands like Dauphin, Petit Bois, Sand - "right here in paradise." 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. M - F. 1500 Government St., Mobile. 479-7575. island-thyme.com THE HUNGRY OWL - Southern Style Here's hoping that somebody taught you never to judge a restaurant by its decor alone. The Hungry Owl may be wedged between two takeout shops, self-serve drinks may shout sandwich shop, and the plastic plates may remind you of your last meal at a football stadium. But the cuisine at The Hungry Owl is something else. Owner and chef Tony Nicholas, freshly back to Mobile after culinary school and a tour with Emeril, serves up a mix of Creole and Southern that is drawing crowds to the storefront restaurant in West Mobile. Fine dining is great, Nicholas says, but good food in a comfortable atmosphere is more important. "This is my cuisine. This is what I eat, what I grew up on." 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. M - F; noon - 8 p.m. Sa. 2502 Schillinger Road, Mobile. 661-4479. thehungryowl.com COBALT THE RESTAURANT - Gulf Gourmet Long before you take your first nibble of specialties, such as paneed grouper or free-range bison rib eye, your eyes will be delighted at Cobalt. Nestled beneath the Perdido Pass Bridge, the restaurant's windows stretch high, offering a panoramic view across the Bay and the pass. It's a setting that demands beautiful food and owner Brian Harsany and his chefs, Jack Baker, John Pinkstaff, Sam McLeod and Matthew Palamara, have risen to the challenge. Cobalt offers a mix of casual dining with high quality food and great atmosphere, says Harnsey, who also owns Cosmo's in Orange Beach. But while Cosmo's includes a sushi menu, Cobalt rounds out its offerings with stone hearth pizza and raw or chargrilled oysters. 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Su - Th.; 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. F/Sa. Sunday brunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 28099 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach. 923-5300. cobaltorangebeach.com Image information: Main: Crab cakes at Tamara's Downtown. Left: Hibiscus leaf tea and Basa fish salad at Bimini Bob's. Center: Fruit garnished salad. Right: Baked Oysters at Cobalt. Photos By Elise Poche.