http://www.chow.com/boards/75 Thu, 20 May 2010 22:38:16 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848752#7341316 Has anybody tried the shindigs or spoonfed grill trucks? Are they worth an out-of neighborhood trip? tristana Tue, 15 May 2012 22:35:09 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848752#7341316 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849399#7341043 I understand that the minimum pricing is set by ABC in Alabama, right? With that said, are there any particular area liquor stores that have great selections of quality bourbons, whiskey and/or scotch? I know that ABC carriers a number of call brands, but not really high ones and you have to order a whole case for other items not on their price chart? Dax Tue, 15 May 2012 20:36:19 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849399#7341043 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849362#7340624 Hello Everyone, My husband, 6 year-old-son, and I will be traveling from Nashville (where we live) to Hot Springs, AR, this Sunday, May 20th, and will return to Nashville on Wednesday, May 23rd. My first order of business is picking our Sunday lunch spot. We get plenty of great Southern food here in Nashville, but do not want to miss any treasures en route to Arkansas.Our route takes us through Memphis, and while I love Memphis and all of its culinary delights, we do not plan on stopping there this trip. We are considering stopping at Gus's for fried chicken in Mason,TN., but would greatly appreciate suggestions for Sunday lunch, especially ones that may include culinary delights not found in Nashville. We will also stop for lunch on the way back to Nashville on Wednesday, so I'm really looking for two lunch spots. While in Hot Springs, we are open to anything. We do have the 6-year-old with us, but he loves all sorts of food and thankfully, has pretty good manners. We are not looking for "fine dining" as we will be casually dressed, this being primarily a trip about crystal digging, hot springs, and hiking. I would like to be able to order a glass of wine or beer with dinner, though. We are staying at The Arlington and would really love to walk to everything, but if there is a "not-to-be-missed" spot, I'll gladly drive! Arkansas-style tamales are high on my list. I've never tried them. Thank you in advance for any comments and suggestions. This is my first time posting here. My husband and I love food, especially trying regional specialties that we have never had. Martha vasiliki Tue, 15 May 2012 17:52:43 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849362#7340624 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849352#7340538 Just wanted to share what a fantastic experience we had at Saw's We ate at the one near Sloss Furnaces. A pretty seedy neighborhood but a bustling brewery next door made it feel safer. Parked on the street, went inside a very, very small room. No signage that we saw but noticed the outdoor picnic tables. No beer available but you could get your food to go and eat it at the brewery next door (they have a courtyard with tables out back). Chalkboard menu. We ordered the bbq with greens and grits, an oyster sandwich, deviled eggs and cole slaw. Took a seat at an indoor table (one of maybe 4) and after a short wait, the cashier brought the food over. Right away I was excited. It looked great! And..it tasted even better than it looked. BBQ shredded and sauced over cheesy, creamy grits and some braised greens-maybe collard and kale. Perfect combination of textures/flavor. Oyster sandwich-nice soft bun, crispy iceberg, pickles, tangy sauce and some under-ripe tomatoes (only bad thing)-the oysters were lightly breaded, tender on the inside, little crispy on the outside. One of the best things I have ever eaten. I quickly ordered 2 more! The deviled eggs weren't so great-a bit rubbery for my tastes but the rest-unbelievable good. Cole Slaw really vinegary but worked well with the bbq. If I ever get near Birmingham again-I'm heading directly to Saw's! axachef Tue, 15 May 2012 17:16:55 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849352#7340538 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849222#7338790 A very random question . . . I'll be in Mobile, AL, for an academic conference on Halloween 2012. Maybe the holiday is overshadowed by Mardi Gras, but I'm writing to ask if there's a good downtown Mobile bar to enjoy a parade of Halloween partiers--I'm talking adults here, of course. Any recommendations, Mobilians? Allen_Rick Mon, 14 May 2012 21:28:04 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849222#7338790 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847964#7335317 The best seafood in Mobile, AL is at Wintzell's Oyster House. Get off I 10 at Exit 26 A and go W on Canal Steet. Go .4 mile and turn right on S Washington Avenue. Turn right and go .3 mile to Dauphine Street. Take a right and Wintzell's will be on your right. The best BBQ in the area is at Brick Pit. Get off I 10 at Exit 15B and go N on Highway 90 for 3 miles to Demetropolis Road. Take a left and continue on Demetropolis Road which becomes S University Boulevard. Go about 5 miles from the left you took on Demetropolis to Old Shell Road. Take a right and go to Brick Pit for outstanding BBQ. For fine po boy's and fresh seafood get off I 10 at Exit 15A and go N on Government Boulevard to Hall's Mill Road just past the shopping center on the right. Take a right and go to the Boiling Point. Wintzell's Oyster House @ 605 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251 - 432 - 4605. http://www.wintzellsoysterhouse.com/ The Brick Pit @ 5456 Old Shell Rd., Mobile, AL 251 - 343 - 0001. http://brickpit.com/ The Boiling Pot @ Suite G, 5300 Halls Mill Road, Mobile, AL 251 - 602 - 8405. http://www.theboilingpotllc.com/ For fine southern comfort food get off I 10 at Exit 68 at Moss Point, MS and go N on Highway 613 to Tugus restaurant. Stay on Highway 90 going E from Ocean Springs, MS. Go to Market Street and take a right. Go to Ingall's Avenue and take a left. Go 3 or 4 blocks to Bozo's Grocery for fine po boy's. Go to Tay’s for the best BBQ on the coast. For good BBQ and fun times get off I 10 at Exit 57 and go N on Highway 57 to The Shed for lunch or dinner. For fine country food for breakfast or lunch go E on Highway 90 to Ocean Springs, MS and turn right on Washington Avenue. Take your first left on Robinson Street and go to Bayview Gourmet. Fayard's has good BBQ. Ward's has good seafood and steaks. Phoenicia has good breakfast, lunch or dinner. Tugus Restaurant @ 6909 Highway 613, Moss Point, MS 228 - 474 - 9910. Bozo's Grocery @ 2012 Ingalls Ave., Pascagoula, MS 228 - 762 - 3322. Tay’s BBQ @ 3602 Ingalls Avenue Pascagoula, MS 228 – 205 - 2167. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tays-BBQ/183971898302626?sk=info The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint @ 7501 Hwy. 57, Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 875 - 9590. http://www.theshedbbq.com/ordereze/intro.html Bayview Gourmet @ 1010 Robinson St., Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 875 - 4252. Fayard's BP @ 6905 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 875 - 1020. Kenny Ward's @ 1504 Government St., Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 818 - 4505. McElroy's on the Bayou @ 705 Bienville Blvd. 228 - 818 - 4600. Phoenicia Gourmet Cuisine @ 123 Government St., Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 875 - 0603. Continue on Highway 90 to Highway 49 N in Gulfport, MS. Take a left and go one block to 13th Street and turn left to Half Shell Oyster House for fine fresh seafood for lunch or dinner. Or continue on Highway 90 to Cowan Road which is E of Highway 49 in Gulfport, MS between Gulfport, MS and Biloxi, MS. Go N on Cowan Road to W Pine Street. Turn left and go 3 blocks to Washington Street, Turn right and go to Blow Fly Inn where the local's dine on fresh seafood for lunch or dinner. Continue E on Highway 90 to Caillavet Street just E of I 110. Turn left and go N to Howard. Turn right and go one block to Old Biloxi Schooner for good po boy's. For fine fresh oysters and good seafood continue E on Howard to Fillin Station for lunch or dinner. White Cap has some fine seafood too. Half Shell Oyster House @ FL 1st, 2500 13th St., Gulfport, MS 228 - 867 - 7001. http://halfshelloysterhouse.com/ Blow Fly Inn @ 1201 Washington Ave., Gulfport, MS 228 - 896 - 9812. http://www.blowflyinn.com/ Ole Biloxi Schooner @ 871 Howard Ave., Biloxi, MS 228 - 435 - 8071. Fillin Station @ 692 Howard Ave., Biloxi, MS 228 - 432 - 5565. http://www.fillinstationbiloxi.com/ White Cap Seafood Restaurant @ 560 Beach Drive, Gulfport, MS 228 - 604 - 4444. http://www.coastseafood.com/whitecap.html Continue on Highway 90 to Darwell's Cafe in Long Beach, MS for good lunch or dinner. Darwell's was featured on Diners, Drive In's and Dives. Continue on Highway 90 to Shaggy's Harbor Bar and Grill across from the Pass Christian Yacht Club for good fresh seafood, cold drinks and nice music. Get off I 10 at Exit 2 at Bay St. Louis, MS and go E on Scenic Highway 90 to Trapani's for fine fresh seafood for lunch or dinner. Darwells Cafe @ 127 East 1st St., Long Beach, MS. 228 - 868 - 8946. http://www.darwellscafe.co Shaggy's Harbor Bar and Grill @ 120 S. Hiern Ave., Pass Harbor, Pass Christian, MS. 228 - 452 - 9939. http://www.shaggys.biz/ Trapani's @ 116 N Beach Boulevard, Bay St. Louis, MS 228 – 467 – 8570. http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/159/951055/restaurant/Gulfport/Trapanis-Eatery-Bay-St-Louis Littleman Sat, 12 May 2012 19:45:18 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847964#7335317 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848533#7330554 My husband and I are taking our kids (3 and 4) to Fort Morgan for the weekend this weekend - any suggestions for a dinner and a breakfast/brunch? I'd prefer to stay in Ft. Morgan unless there's really nothing there.... mbc1217 Thu, 10 May 2012 01:31:24 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848533#7330554 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847730#7329273 Check out Sonnier's Sausage and Boudin Do not miss a Surf & Turf at http://www.yelp.com/biz/darrells-lake-charles and La Truffe Sauvage for upscale http://www.thewildtruffle.com/pmwiki.php/Main/DinnerMenu\ Hog Maws Wed, 09 May 2012 16:19:13 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847730#7329273 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847445#7326501 Bravo and Mint have good brunches as well. pkimble Tue, 08 May 2012 13:48:45 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847445#7326501 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847381#7323227 My favorite two places for seafood in general are Bon Secour Fisheries and Billy's Seafood. They're about five minutes away from each other. Quite a few people know about these two places (I read in another thread that you've already been to Billy's Seafood). http://bonsecourfisheries.com/ http://www.billys-seafood.com/ However, where most people don't know of and is my very favorite place to get shrimp is . . . Joe the Shrimp Man. If you go there you'll be going to Joe Shutt's house which is right on the water where you'll see Joe's shrimp boat docked right there by his house (unless he's out shrimping). Locals know about him, but almost nobody else has heard of him - which is a shame because he sells, in my opinion, the very best shrimp at, without question, the very best prices. If you stop by there on your way home, he'll sell you IQF'd shrimp, including a HEAVY duty cooler included for free, for less than what you'd pay per pound at Bon Secour Fisheries or Billy's Seafood. I'd call ahead to make sure someone's going to be there when you get there. http://al.marketmaker.uiuc.edu/main/details/907562 1POINT21GW Sun, 06 May 2012 18:36:33 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847381#7323227 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/693387#7316393 Grazie is probably the best Italian you'll get in the Gulf Shores. Super nice staff. I could not compare it with any place in NYC, but after tons of seafood, it's nice to get a decent pasta dish here. yongjoo Thu, 03 May 2012 02:07:57 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/693387#7316393 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847143#7314995 I would skip Archibald's. My son lives in AL and tried it not too long ago. It's a real dive and there's only a couple of stools at the counter inside. Maybe some outdoor tables. He said it was OK but nothing great and it's expensive. Littleman Wed, 02 May 2012 16:55:17 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847143#7314995 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841189#7314679 This may help you with some ideas. http://blog.al.com/entertainment-times/2010/07/huntsvilles_20_most_distinctiv.html I'm bound and determined to try everything. So far, I've done about half. You can read more about it here: http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/Huntsvilles-20-Most-Distinctive-Dishes-m647333.aspx For Cajun, Tim's Cajun Kitchen is quite good. Supposedly not quite authentic but I've had several tasty meals there. Tater's and Dawgs north of town on 231/431 has probably the best burgers in the area. One of the best I've had anywhere. Classic American style. The best Q I've had in the area is actually a short drive up to Fayetteville, Tn. A place called Chuck Wagon Diner. They only do Q Thurs - Sat but it's phenomenal. My SIL has raved about Chuckwagon in Madison. We also very much like little Paul's behind the hospital. He's a Gibson. Awesome turkey. David Gibson's BBQ is quite good. I'd say not as good as his daddy's place in Decatur (Big Bob Gibson's) but you don't need to drive. Stay away from Gibson's BBQ on Memorial Pkwy except for the pie. The Q is not good. For some cheap, great Mexican in a really cool atmosphere, check out "The Taco Bus." AKA El Cazador. It's at the corner of Govenors and 9th. The best southern/soul food is probably at G's Country Kitchen on Oakwood. Best catfish and Mac and Cheese I've had and they're meatloaf is legen (wait for it) dary. http://www.gscountrykitchen.com/ Happy eating. DT Davwud Wed, 02 May 2012 14:58:28 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841189#7314679 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/522652#7309253 yes yoou can still get Catalina but please please DO NOT try it on pizza..any of my friends who have tried french dressing on pizza have loved except a couple then I asked ..creamy or catalina and when they answered catalina I said that is the problem lol. After using creamy they now like it also. asnd I agree with nosquidfood catalina is not even french dressing lol and I am so glad so many remember Hugo's with as much affection as I do. ktyscat2 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:38:45 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/522652#7309253 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840071#7307986 They didn't seem fresh cut to me that day, but maybe I was mistaken. Dax Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:14:45 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840071#7307986 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845594#7304607 Thanks for the input! Think we'll try Bottega Cafe. My elderly mother will be with us so I doubt she can wait until 5:30 without a nap :) Gail glecroy Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:46:31 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845594#7304607 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843352#7301905 The next cold spell . . . which will probably be in October. :) I just learned to make it this winter. I've always been a ground beef, tomato based chili lover, but this stuff has me converted! Thick & rich, and luscious! OMG! The leftovers (when there are some) are fabulous wrapped in a corn tortilla. sheilal Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:03:20 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843352#7301905 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/830277#7288009 So glad to hear that it came out right and you enjoyed it! poncedeleroy Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:16:15 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/830277#7288009 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844395#7283555 Me too although the offerings look more healthy than original (ie pate on the banh mi and limited meats for the pho). Still, it's always nice to have more offerings. I don't guess anyone has tried that red food truck by BVBA Compass (I think) at 7th and 30something near Lakeview? Dax Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:51:36 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844395#7283555 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844498#7283024 Oooo...+1 for B&C. Do the Laura Plantation tour if you have the time, also. Monch Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:40:25 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844498#7283024 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843587#7279274 Thanks for the reply! You bring up a good point-- what would be better to eat before a concert? We had already ruled out Restaurant Capeo because we didn't want to be in a pasta-coma at the show. Ashley's dinner menu looks amazing but I also don't want to have to rush through it because we're worried about making it across the river on time. After looking at all the menus, I think we've decided to go with the Capital Bar and Grill (yum, pimento cheese) or Bosco's (black bean tamale and beer? yes, please) for dinner, then make reservations for brunch the next morning at Ashley's. I'm looking forward to the fried green tomatoes and the sourdough buckwheat pancakes. Thanks again! scarlet_eater Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:21:35 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843587#7279274 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/680996#7274980 Indian buffet in general is going to be lower quality, less spiced, and less spicy than direct order. Buffet is great for a quick convenient lunch, but never go to one thinking it'll be the best a place has to offer. I used to love Silver Coin, but they've gone downhill. Now Sitar is not only the most convenient, but my favorite choice around as well. Anonymice Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:46:27 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/680996#7274980 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843049#7274368 Purple Onion - think greasy gyros for drunk college students. it's not horrible but it's far from great. Dax Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:16:56 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843049#7274368 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/329540#7274282 Lenora is good. Waltz closed and McEwen's is located there. Both are excellent. My first choice would be Boure which is owned by John Currence and it's located in the old Downtown Grill location across the Square from CG. Littleman Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:41:10 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/329540#7274282 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/788942#7271165 We also tried David Gibson's while in town. It was really well above average but I think his daddy's place in Decatur is better. DT Davwud Thu, 12 Apr 2012 02:46:50 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/788942#7271165 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843483#7268590 Thanks to my daughter's craving for ice cream, we found this hidden gem! Its a little restaurant across the street from Mr. Gene's Beans. Although closed at the time we walked by, we looked at the posted menu and decided we had to try it for lunch tomorrow. We were not disappointed! The hubby loved the Pisco Sours. Daughter had the Chicharon de Pollo which looked like chicken bits but was bursting with flavor. The Cassava a la Huancaina was delicious. The Huancaina sauce is like a garlic aioli and I could have licked the container! WE also tried the Pollo Al Horno and Poblano Chile Rellenos and both were delicious. We planning to head back before we leave! Cristina's Catering & Café 7 South Church street Ste. C Fairhope, AL 36532 ammel_99 Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:00:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843483#7268590 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842481#7264895 Ok, we were in Gulfport this weekend and ate at the White Cap. Probably the best fried oysters I have ever eaten anywhere! Very lightly floured and flash fried fresh. Had been to a crawfish boil earlier in the day and wasn't even really hungry- but my wife and I split a dozen raw (also perfect) and I cleaned my plate of the fried. She said the gumbo was great too, and it must have been because she wouldn't let me have any... Clarkafella Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:30:50 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842481#7264895 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/833155#7264756 I think you're correct about the green sauce, sheilal. Another friend also said he believed it was Nuclear. The Killer Whales were enormous! Toward the end of Mancha's run, they introduced the Baby Whale, which was about half the size with all the messy goodness. Good luck with Little Donkey's, and if you're not disappointed, please let us Mancha maniacs know! ProtoTD Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:22:22 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/833155#7264756 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/812138#7252860 I was in Auburn last weekend. We had dinner at Zazu, a "gastropub" at 149 E. Magnolia. They have a great selection of beers on tap--the 5 of us each had a different one, and we all enjoyed our beverages. The guys in our group who ordered BLTs were happy with their dinners. The foodies among us who had hoped to graze on some interesting appetizers were disappointed. The "duck fat fries" appeared to be regular frozen, highly seasoned french fries with a few Parmesan cheese shavings over them. The hummus was dreadful; coarse textured and smothered in bottled olives and tomato chunks. The Greek flatbread pizza was covered in the same toppings. If I went back to Auburn (which is likely), I'd look for another place to eat, and I hope if anyone out there has a place they love, they'll write back and give a few enticing details. But I will say that Zazu is an OK compromise for a group with different tastes and budgets, and if I had to go back there I'd try one of the dinner entrees. Most of my neighbours in the pub had sandwiches of some sort, but I noticed the mashed potatoes and vegetables seemed to be getting wolfed down by the few diners nearby who had ordered them. A couple of notes on less elaborate food: The "gourmet burgers" from the cart on the upper level of the baseball stadium are nothing special. Better to order at the main concession at the ground level, where there's a better choice of condiments. And we enjoyed the pulled pork sandwiches at Price's Barbecue house at 345 S College. The coleslaw was creamy, the potato salad was good, and we were sorry they were out of banana pudding. fun3Xdaily Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:40:20 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/812138#7252860 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840603#7251357 In the shopping center at the corner of Lakeland and Grant's Ferry... Clarkafella Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:04:56 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840603#7251357 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/680905#7249502 Unfortunately after serving the Coast for over 30 years the Dinner Bell has closed! stvtunlvzn Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:15:52 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/680905#7249502 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/826765#7248289 As I was one voice in six, we didn't eat at any of the suggested restaurants. We did eat very well, though! For lunch the first day, we ate at Rolando's on Central. It was pouring rain outside and it was well past lunchtime, but we were welcomed with open arms. I was really skeptical when I went in, but was so very pleasantly surprised by the food. I had the handmade chicken tamales, appetizer portion (they are made at their restaurant in Ft. Smith). They were so light but packed with flavor - some of the best tamales I've ever had. Dinner was at Luna Bella out by the lake. It's located in the back section of a nondescript little shopping center. It was a weeknight around 8 and they were almost full. Three of us had the veal piccata and it was a very acceptable veal piccata. I would order it again. Lunch next day was a beer and a bag of chips at the horse races. Dinner that night was at the Bleu Monkey (we were tired and it was late). Packed with several large parties, but we didn't have too long of a wait. Again, I was very skeptical about the place. It looked like a chain, but the person who recommended it said it was not. I had the tamale cakes which were packed with corn and drizzled with 3 different sauces/salsas. My only complaint (and this is being picky because they were really good) is that one of the three was not cooked through in the middle. My daughter had the jambalaya and it looked so light and appealing. She said it was different from other jambalaya dishes she's had, but was still very good. mommystar Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:16:03 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/826765#7248289 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/819293#7248118 Ate at Wolfe's for the first time last night without considering that it might be the same Wolfe. Halfway through dinner we both stopped and remarked on how good and interesting the food was. We'll definitely be returning, and regularly. We have some good restaurants on the Coast (too few though in comparison with our population), a number of restaurants that used to be good or act like they're good (Mary Mahoney, I'm looking at you), but very few that have inventive and well-executed food. Also, the cocktails are good at Wolfe's, putting it in a class of one in coastal MS according to our household's rating system (good eating, interesting flavors, atmosphere, cocktails). maf Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:18:34 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/819293#7248118 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840888#7237451 Hi, We are a NYC family with a son who is graduating from Hendrix College in May. Although we have visited many times, our son is a theater major, we have always been in the Conway/Little Rock area. My husband and I thought that before we stop travelling to Arkansas we should go to Eureka Springs. Would love suggestions on where to dine or any places we should be stopping between Conway and Eureka Springs. Thanks, matika Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:17:07 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840888#7237451 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837961#7233649 The Bright Star is a great idea - and you should take a trip to Tuscaloosa and get ribs at Archibald's (and see the art museum -- it's a shame he'll leave before A-Day). Visitors from abroad prefer American wine and beer while they are here -- and boubon, not scotch. Like everyone else, they like to immerse tehmselves in the local culture. They like huge shopping malls. He'll love 5 Guys and lunch at the Farmer's Market and Mexican places on Valley Road and Q& S. I would take some day trips - one up to the mountains (state park near albertville or mentone), one to the black belt, one to the art museum in fayette, one ot a lake if you get a hot day. Listen to some bluegrass. dcbbq Sat, 24 Mar 2012 17:05:23 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837961#7233649 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839739#7227157 Thanks a bunch for the replies. I'll look into these suggestions and hopefully get to try out a few! emtilt Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:56:34 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839739#7227157 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839919#7225377 City Grocery Celebrates 20 Years MARCH 16, 2012 (Oxford, MS) -April and May will see a full month of events marking the 20th anniversary of the opening of City Grocery. "We could not be more excited or more proud." says John Currence, the restaurant's executive chef and owner, "It has been a remarkable 20 years and, frankly seems like the blink of an eye." Papers were signed on April 17, 1992 and the restaurant opened about a month after. On April 17 and 18, 2012, Currence has enlisted Top Chef Master friend Suvir Suran to offer two nights of dinners from his new book Masala Farm. "Nobody I know could make this evening any more engaging or glamorous that Suvir. He is a great character and he is engaging in the same dialog about food that we are at City Grocery." Currence says. "I just wanted to kick it off with someone really fun and entertaining and Suvir is certainly that. It's going to be wonderful, fresh and delicious. His book is awesome." Currence was 26 years old when he and, then partner, Palmer Adams launched the Oxford landmark. "We really had little idea what we were doing. I was a kid and all I knew was that I needed to work within my abilities. If I tried to reach beyond that, we would fail. It was so simple, but we tried to do everything perfectly. The herb roasted chicken we did, I tried to make the best chicken anyone would have ever eaten. We were lucky. People loved us." To mark the anniversary, the restaurant will run the original menu at the original prices for a limited time. Then take the same menu and reinterpret the same dishes for 2012. "We have grown tremendously in ambition and attitude. It will be really fun to see those dishes and what they look like beside the contemporary versions." At the end of the month of menus and on the anniversary of the actual opening, Currence is having ten or so of his past sous chefs return to do two nights of dinners on the 18th and 19th of May. The chefs will be divided into two groups and will do two separate menus, one on each night. "Sunday is the bash, though," exclaims Currence, "we are going to head out to Woodson Ridge Farm and have a huge party. As much as I hate to say it, it's going to be like a culinary jam session. We are going to cook all kinds of stuff over open fire and set a table for as many people as will join us." Currence and friends plan on roasting whole fish, lamb, pigs, plus "every vegetable we can pull out of the ground, off the bush, or from the vine! It is going to be a blast!" City Grocery is currently taking reservations for the Suvir Saran dinners and the alumni dinners. Suvir's menus are online at citygroceryonline.com. Alumni dinner menus are forthcoming and the Woodson Ridge Jam Sessions menu will be a complete surprise. Woodson Ridge party will be a ticketed event. Tickets are available through The Main Event (City Grocery's catering office) at the number listed below. Main Event City Grocery Corporate Offices 1005 North Lamar Blvd. Oxford, MS 38655 662-234-9300 info@citygroceryonline.com Littleman Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:57:13 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839919#7225377 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839055#7222253 Have to agree with the farmer's market at Pepper Place, if you arrive early. With regards to V. Richards, I like their meat and dry goods but their produce section is very limited and often leaves a lot to be desired. mahalan Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:50:16 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839055#7222253 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/826679#7216773 Welcome to the 'ham! While we've got some great dining options, the barbecue scene isn't really up to what you're used to. That said, if you're open to something a bit different the white sauce they put on barbecue here really isn't bad (actually, it can be very good). I'd also recommend hitting up Moe's in Lakewood and trying their wings (yes, they cost almost as much as their ribs but the wings are more than worth it while the ribs aren't even worth half the cost.) Think you'll love the transition. mahalan Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:07:42 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/826679#7216773 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/824699#7213019 I had lunch there today. The barbacoa and al pastor tacos continue to make me happy. bryantuga Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:36:20 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/824699#7213019 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/832967#7205858 That sounds awesome. I'll have to give that a go. curej Sun, 11 Mar 2012 18:24:34 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/832967#7205858 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/826084#7198394 We noticed that restaurant, but were on a tight string, but from US 90, it looked good. Great to know about it. Maybe next trip over? Thank you, Hunt Bill Hunt Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:28:34 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/826084#7198394 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/826115#7195216 Went to Moes and had their wings yesterday (Lakeview, not VH location). I'm a fan now. Thanks for the heads up. Also, Bob Marley videos on their TVs. Excellent. curej Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:10:31 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/826115#7195216 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837381#7194915 Alfresco is nice. Anthony's has good steaks and seafood. Kenny Ward's has good steaks and seafood. Phoenicia is really nice. McElroy's is fun. Enjoy your visit. Alfresco Italian Bistro @ 708 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 818 - 9395. http://www.alfrescoitalianbistro.com/index.html Anthony's Steak and Seafood Restaurant @ 1217 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 872 - 4564. http://www.coastseafood.com/anthonys.html Aunt Jenny's Catfish Restaurant @ 1217 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 875 - 9201. http://www.coastseafood.com/jennys.html Kenny Ward's @ 1504 Government St., Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 818 - 4505. Manhattan Grill @ 705 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 872 - 6480. McElroy's on the Bayou @ 705 Bienville Blvd. 228 - 818 - 4600. Phoenicia Gourmet Cuisine @ 123 Government St., Ocean Springs, MS. 228 - 875 - 0603. Littleman Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:12:23 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837381#7194915 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/829796#7192537 @Dax, Thanks to you I went to Moes and had the wings today. They were great. Plus, Bob Marley playing on the video FTW. curej Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:05:19 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/829796#7192537 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/834619#7190884 Everyone, thank you for the suggestions! I hope that nobody got hit by the tornadoes that came through on Friday -- it was a pretty scary day. But on to more cheerful topics . . . I went back to 1892 East and had a delicious time again. They've changed the menu since I was last there, so I had one of the new dishes: shrimp and mussels with long rice and grilled slices of bread. It was spicy and very nicely seasoned. Autiger, thanks for recommending Viet Huong! I had the shrimp clay pot, which was delicious. The coconut water was also quite good and was served with strips of coconut, which was a nice touch. For BBQ, I went to both Big Bob Gibson's (Decatur) and Dreamland. At Gibson's, it was definitely fun to be at the birthplace location, but I preferred the meat at Dreamland; both places had a nice crust and good texture, but I felt like Dreamland was better-seasoned and could stand on its own without sauce. The sides were better at Gibson's, though -- the slaw was particularly good. I went to both Tim's Cajun Kitchen and Po Boy Factory. Both were pretty good, but I actually preferred Tim's -- it had a more interesting beer selection and the etouffee was better than at Po Boy Factory. But I didn't dislike Po Boy Factory -- the crinkle fries were tasty and they made a good dressed shrimp po boy. Thanks again, and I'll make sure to try some of the other places suggested on the thread next time I'm down in Huntsville! misochipotle Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:18:34 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/834619#7190884 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/833910#7190026 Well the weather wasn't too hot so plans to Soulshine were nixed- we ended up at El Portrillo on TH night and Corner Market Deli for lunch-Friday-just ok- Ruby Tuesday- gag!- on Fr night- storms moved in around 7 and 2nd game was cancelled and we had about 15 and noone wanted to drive far from hotel- I did get to Majestic Burgers on Saturday before game and it was excellent.. hlsess Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:53:35 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/833910#7190026 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836884#7188516 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqYl3mj6zLU Littleman Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:50:40 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836884#7188516 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/834721#7188283 I have heard of Pho Que Huong but have not yet checked it out....may try it on my next trip to B'ham. autiger94 Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:59:15 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/834721#7188283