Josh Quick: Odette (Florence, AL)

There's something of a relaxed grace about Florence, AL. It's approachable, artistic, yet with a definite deep South accent, and Odette, a restaurant nestled in an historic storefront in its downtown, is the culinary embodiment of that aesthetic. That style comes from owner Celeste Pillow and Chef Josh Quick, who's been at the helm since it opened in 2013. Although Josh didn't grow up in the town, his personality and style of cooking seem completely at home here. He came to Northwest Alabama by working at the Marriott Shoals, a popular hotel in the area, and before that, earned his culinary training through an American Culinary Federation apprenticeship at Walt Disney World. At Odette, his focus is on American food with Southern and International influences, and through the years, he's earned the trust of loyal regulars, so he gets to be creative with the ever evolving menu. He's earned my trust too, with one bite of crispy catfish in a flavorful broth, and I'm already ready to visit again.