Browsing: Food & Dining

To say that times are tough and uncertain would be an understatement, especially in the restaurant industry. The pandemic that is scaring everyone, is keeping folks from going out, and social distancing has become a way of life.

No bread? Buy yeast!

Walk into any big grocery store and you will be met by an abundance of food that is unparalleled in history. Almost any fruit, any time, no matter the season, beef, chicken, pork and vegetables that may have traveled thousands of miles to arrive still fresh, not to mention hundreds of selections of canned good, and frozen foods of all sorts, and offered at affordable prices. Affordable to most, that is.

Taste, bid, donate, and enjoy a night out while helping your community. Get your ticket today for Taste of South Mississippi on March 26 to taste samples of well-loved dishes from local restaurants, who will compete for your vote to win the “People’s Choice Award.”

You know I am a fan of buying local. You know, the whole farm to table thing. It is a good idea! But what else can you do to provide fresh and delicious food to your family? Well, I suggest you make some of those things you have been buying yourself!

Nothing beats a good, imported Italian pasta.

The coffee shop culture may have taken its time getting to Mississippi, but when it did a few years ago, it came on with a fervor. If you are a friend of mine, then you know that you can find me almost any day at the Greenhouse on Porter in Ocean Springs

Both of these restaurants are welcomed additions to the Ocean springs restaurant scene. Make sure to stop by and check them out.

Most folks celebrate Mardi Gras with a parade, good friends and food. If you are wondering what you should prepare for your Mardi Gras party, there is no need to look any further afield that the traditional Creole recipes that have been served for generations. These recipes are tried and true, and simple to make.

Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day yet?

We have talked before about Smokehouse Bayou, and the stunningly good brisket they make and sell at Fayard’s Deli (hidden away in the Marathon gas station on Washington Street, OS), but there is a lot more to this growing business than just brisket. The business started making beef jerky and only later started selling the smoked sausage, wings, chicken and the brisket, that so many people are raving about today. But the story of how the jerky business got started is a pretty interesting one. 

It’s just a cup of coffee, right? Not if you’re sipping that cup of coffee at the Greenhouse on Porter, in Ocean Springs. 

Can you imagine a world without French fries, scalloped potatoes, hash browns, mashed potatoes, bangers and mash (if you are a Brit), potato pancakes, or a baked and stuffed potato? It’s not an idea that is pleasant to contemplate, is it? 

Yes, it is the time of the year for gumbo, jambalaya, and all of those great, hearty recipe we are famous for in south Mississippi. No, its not very cold, we hardly need the extra calories, but it sure is satisfying to serve a big bowl of steaming gumbo to friends and family. But, I have to be honest with you, my most favorite comfort food isn’t gumbo, its pasta.  

Everyone loves a good gumbo this time of the year, jambalaya, or a big stew, like the famous French beef bourguignon (ala Julia Child or Anthony Bourdain), but one of my favorites is a simple dish of collard greens. Collard greens? Really? Yes, when done right, collards are hearty, simple to make and delicious. 

I hope that this year you will endeavor to eat right, stay away from fast food, processed food, and buy and consume local produce and meats as best you can.