Meet the owners
Meet the dynamic duo behind the renaissance of Portabella's in Foley, Alabama. Rich and Pam Lee have taken the helm, infusing their decades of experience, a love for Italian cuisine.
Rich Lee, a seasoned chef with a remarkable four-decade career, took a detour in the Coast Guard but returned to the culinary world with an invaluable set of global experiences. His journey as the lone cook for 17 Merchant Marines took him around the world and ignited his passion for the culinary arts.
After his time in the Coast Guard. Rich's journey then led him to New Orleans, where he took on a role as an executive chef for Sodexo. His responsibilities included training chefs who would be stationed on oil rigs in remote locations. It was a unique challenge, but Rich's culinary expertise ensured these chefs were well-prepared.
From there, Rich became the executive chef at Antoine's Restaurant, New Orleans' oldest culinary institution.
The Lees' path to Portabella's was a fortuitous one, inspired by a simple phone call from a friend. Tyler Higginbotham, owner of 5 Star Air Conditioning and a loyal patron of the restaurant, mentioned its closure and sale to Rich and Pam. The Lees had fond memories of dining at Portabella's and decided to seize the opportunity.
While the menu remains largely unchanged, Rich has introduced his culinary flair through special dishes. Pam emphasizes that the classics won't be tampered with, but there have been a couple of enhancements, including modifications to the French onion soup recipe. Additionally, the couple listened to customer requests and added gluten-free pasta and pizza to the menu.
Their goal is to develop Portabella's further and create a lasting legacy.
Our Amazing Team
We take immense pride in the remarkable team that works diligently behind the scenes to ensure you savor the highest quality of food with every visit. Committed to the art of Italian cuisine, our exceptional team is fueled by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our chefs, with their culinary expertise and reverence for tradition, craft each dish with precision and care, infusing it with authentic flavors that transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
They source the finest ingredients, masterfully blend spices, and perfect cooking techniques to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Our friendly and attentive servers create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk through our doors.
They're here to guide you through our menu, suggest the perfect wine pairing, and ensure your needs are met with a smile. In the heart of our restaurant, our kitchen staff works tirelessly, orchestrating a seamless symphony of flavors, ensuring every dish is prepared to perfection and presented beautifully on your plate. Behind the scenes, our dedicated support staff keeps the restaurant running smoothly, so your focus remains solely on the delectable dishes and the company of your loved ones.
We are incredibly proud of our extraordinary team, whose combined efforts create the memorable moments and culinary experiences that keep you returning to our Italian restaurant in Foley. It is their commitment, passion, and unwavering dedication that truly sets us apart and ensures that every visit is nothing short of exceptional.