644863 Sat Aug 15 09:47:58 -0700 2009 57 11 South 0 4948778 Well I moved to Bham after Katrina, and became a real chowhound eating my way through the city...what a great few years it was, and in no way could I say that I exhausted everything there, but I put a significant dent for sure. Now I'm back to the Gulfport/Biloxi area and want to get a thread going with some suggestions from coastal hounds. A few things to get us started…any new/great restaurants on the coast? Best authentic tacos (carnitas, al pastor, carne asada, etc) on the coast? I noticed that Los Tres Amigos has them. Best locally owned pizza? (Currently Brooklyn’s is leading the category) Good authentic ethnic food…Thai, Indian, Authentic Chinese, etc? (Not expecting much here, but thought I would ask) BBQ? The Shed is good, but what else is out there? Fine dining outside of the Casinos, Jazzeppi's and Vrazels? I have heard good things about the Half Shell Oyster House in Gulfport? Sushi? Seafood? (Fried, Griled, Poboys, Pasta Dishes etc) Any other thoughts/suggestions? I really appreciate the feedback and suggestions! Sat Aug 15 09:47:58 -0700 2009 35115 birminghamvisitor 1 4948785 Here are a few thoughts on some places that I have been to in the last few month or so: Harbor View Café, now in Long Beach, was excellent for brunch last week. Steve's Marina, Gulfport, meh... it was ok both times I went, but a little over priced IMO and some diners with me had poor experiences. Lil Ray's, Gulfport, always a winner in my book! High Cotton, Gulfport, I can't really put my finger on it, but I am not overly impressed. Good, but not great. Bop's in D'Iberville, frozen custard, YUMMY! Which Which? in D'Iberville as well, pretty tasty, lots of options for your sandwich. Chef Scott's in Ocean Springs, had a great time, very good modernized sushi options, as well as standard choices, will go back for sure. I've had poboys from Ben's Deli and Fayard's, both very good, Fayard's gets the edge from me. Sat Aug 15 09:53:48 -0700 2009 4948778 35115 birminghamvisitor 1 4949663 Phoenicia Gourmet Cuisine in Ocean Springs -- Lebanese/Mediterranean. Over a year ago the food was very good, reasonably priced...excellent service!! Sat Aug 15 17:46:35 -0700 2009 4948778 65057 Uncle Bob 2 4952523 Sounds good...I will have to check it out. Mon Aug 17 07:36:17 -0700 2009 4949663 35115 birminghamvisitor 2 4958322 I second Phoenicia - been going there since it opened, never been disappointed. Plus they bring you warm pita bread and delicious hummus right away. Love Chef Scott's, too. Just went to thirty-two at IP casino last weekend (on a friend's comp) - outstanding! But expensive (they, as well as Ruth's Chris, have summer special menus). Scranton's in Pascagoula is very good. The only other restaurant we go to on a regular basis is Vrazel's - it's our #1. Mary Mahoney's not so much anymore.....Manhatten Grill in OS can be good, some think great. Welcome back! Wed Aug 19 04:50:13 -0700 2009 4949663 253735 bayoucook 1 4952534 I am gonna have more replies to my own post than anyone else :-) RE: Authentic Tacos I have noticed in the past few days that there is an explosion of Taquerias since I moved away...I think I will have no problem finding good carnitas and al pastor. I will report back as I try them out, or maybe just start a new thread if this one gets busy. Mon Aug 17 07:39:19 -0700 2009 4948778 35115 birminghamvisitor 1 4954631 Trapani's and Ricky's have both reopened in BSL, although at different locations now- both are on the Highway. We had lunch at Trapani's and it was wonderful, and we have heard good things about Ricky's too! Also, Blow Fly Inn is back and better than ever. Mon Aug 17 19:31:56 -0700 2009 4948778 96658 Clarkafella 2 4961888 I need to get back over to the Bay and "eat Trapani's"... lol boy was that funny in highschool. And I 2nd the Blow Fly...I ate there this week and everything was great except the soup/gumbo, I didn't have them personally, but others at the table said they were just ok. Thu Aug 20 07:10:52 -0700 2009 4954631 35115 birminghamvisitor 1 4958312 Check out Mary Mahoney's for lunch or dinner! http://www.marymahoneys.com/home.html Wed Aug 19 04:43:36 -0700 2009 4948778 65057 Uncle Bob 2 4961881 I hate that they didn't reopen the Cafe! I found that out the hard way...in person standing on the empty patio scratching my head. But I will need to go back when I am dressed for the dining room :-) Thu Aug 20 07:08:23 -0700 2009 4958312 35115 birminghamvisitor 1 4961992 I personnaly have only eaten at Pirate's Cove in Pass Christian once. But my relatives in Gulfport and Long Beach swear by the roast beef po-boy. Unfortunately, since K, they've moved several blocks inland from the hwy. Thu Aug 20 07:41:00 -0700 2009 4948778 216999 CocoaNut 2 4962053 I'm glad to know that they returned- I thought that they were gone forever! I wonder if that tiny po-boy place in Biloxi about a block southeast of the Depot returned? They had some great pressed po-boys... Also, I haven't tried it yet, but the Lunch Box is back! They are on Hwy 90 in BSL, in one of the strip malls. Now if Carole's Old Town would just come back! Thu Aug 20 07:57:21 -0700 2009 4961992 96658 Clarkafella 1 4962235 I was talking with a friend from Long Beach last night and she has also heard good things about the newly opened Half Shell in Gulfport. http://www.halfshelloysterhouse.com/about Additionally, my cousin said that Gulfport's longstanding White Cap has finally reopened at their new location. http://www.coastseafood.com/whitecap.html I'm looking forward to a visit there in a few weeks. Sadly, the last time I was there was about 3 years ago. Outside of N49 (may chains), I couldn't find anything to eat!!! This visit promises to be much better! Thu Aug 20 08:44:58 -0700 2009 4948778 216999 CocoaNut 2 4967873 CN - did you see where The Shed in OS won the bbq contest on Regis? We've been going there since it was a bare frame, a real shed; love the food. Have you been? -Paula Sat Aug 22 07:43:05 -0700 2009 4962235 253735 bayoucook 3 4967939 I know I'm in the minority, and happy for the Shed -- but I've always thought that AnJAc's BBQ put them to shame, both the pulled pork itself and their sauce... Sat Aug 22 08:27:17 -0700 2009 4967873 211472 shywri1ter 4 4968006 No, I love AnJac's too - it's just waaaayy over there in Gulfport. My family frequently picks up barbeque there. The Shed is about 15-20 minutes away. Sat Aug 22 09:00:35 -0700 2009 4967939 253735 bayoucook 5 4972002 Someone told me about the Shed winning that award. With that and being on DDD, I hope the big-head hasn't set in with quality suffering. My dad has enjoyed AnJac's for years. Mon Aug 24 06:30:16 -0700 2009 4968006 216999 CocoaNut 1 4967936 Wow, do I have a recommendation!! As an intro: I've noticed that Emeril's Fish House in Gulfport is being largely ignored by the locals. We have eaten there several times and the seafood eaters in our crowd are always very pleased -- I'm not into seafood but usually have a very enjoyable meal. We've all tried and like Emeril's New Orleans restaurants, too. But last night, 5 of us asked about a chef's tasting menu -- and Chef Steve D'Angelo and his assistant Frank did for us one of the most spectacular, extraordinary meals any of us could remember! They were willing to work with requests, likes/dislikes, all that -- and it was all just superb! It was five courses of heaven -- salad, appetizer (could have been an entre!), two main course/meat entrees, and a wealth of deserts -- a tasting of its own. Maybe the most stunning was that this was all for only $55 per person -- clearly what we could have paid for less food at one of his Emeril's New Orleans places, let alone that these were created for the table. I really, really have to hand it to them, it was a remarkable evening. I really worry that every time I go, they seem to have so many empty tables. If you tried them early and were disappointed, go back and try again -- I would hate to see them fold up and leave. Chefs Steve and Frank -- WOW again and THANK YOU!! Sat Aug 22 08:25:11 -0700 2009 4948778 211472 shywri1ter 2 4968012 We've been wanting to go there since it opened - so glad you had a great experience! The chef's name seems familiar to me - did Steve run a fine dining restaurant here before he took that job? Hope they'll serve the tasting menu to us when we go. We've enjoyed Emeril's NOLA restaurants. You must be a local here. Sat Aug 22 09:02:31 -0700 2009 4967936 253735 bayoucook 3 4968671 Found a good article about him, his pre-Katrina restaurant (Bay City Grill) *and* another of his tasting menus! Try http://blog.nola.com/millieball/2008/03/emerils_in_gulfport.html ...and as I said, we like the menu as well -- all the fish eaters in our group swear by the andouille-crusted redfish -- it never disappoints! (Yes, have been "local" for 10 years, work in Gpt) Sat Aug 22 15:52:20 -0700 2009 4968012 211472 shywri1ter 1 4967946 Can't wait! No idea when it will open or the details, but Gpt is getting an Indian place! Well, the sign says Indian & Mexican -- maybe they're adding Mexican as a hedge against the locals not too keen on Indian? I'm so craving Indian since moving here from a bigger city I will be less than picky -- at least for a while! :} Sat Aug 22 08:29:53 -0700 2009 4948778 211472 shywri1ter 2 4968019 Can you update me on that when you find out? We go to an Indian place in Hancock county, would love one closer. Will be in Italy from Aug. 24-Sept. 4 - so if I don't reply it's because I'm eating somewhere in Italy. Sat Aug 22 09:05:18 -0700 2009 4967946 253735 bayoucook 3 4968680 Indian in Hancock County??? Hadn't heard; will run & try if you can provide details! (I thought it was cool enough that we have a Cuban place there -- or had; is Las Palmas still around? Have been only once since the storm and it just didn't seem quite as good as before; best black bean soup ever, back then! (on the menu as simply "black beans") . My sources in the office have seen the sign for the place: I haven't yet, but the name is (will be?) the Clay Oven, and it's around the area where the library used to be in Gulfport -- which was in the block south of the Federal bldg (that one tall building, the new, tannish thing there in "downtown" Gpt.) I have been meaning to drive by and check it out; will try to head that way early next week -- if it's open I gotta get myself there soon! Sat Aug 22 15:58:53 -0700 2009 4968019 211472 shywri1ter 2 4968089 Yes please give an update when you see it has opened up. I too am an Indian food fan. Sat Aug 22 09:46:19 -0700 2009 4967946 35115 birminghamvisitor 3 4968692 Maybe if we all go eat early & often they will be able to stay in the area! Keeping my fingers crossed that they'll be decent & will do well. Sat Aug 22 16:03:19 -0700 2009 4968089 211472 shywri1ter 2 4968168 Where is it going to be located? Sat Aug 22 10:39:07 -0700 2009 4967946 96658 Clarkafella 3 4968685 Near the old library; will see about getting more specific info soon -- see above for what I have now. Sat Aug 22 16:00:17 -0700 2009 4968168 211472 shywri1ter 2 4989236 I saw Gulfport's new Indian (and Mexican) place with my own eyes! Not open yet -- the exterior looks painted & ready, but the property around it is torn up -- no idea if that's the future parking lot, or what -- and workmen still around. No one I know who usually has the scoop on local businesses has an ETA on its opening. However: it's the Clay Oven, and is in 'downtown' Gulfport 2 blocks due south of the Federal Court building, at 14th Street where it T's into 21st Avenue -- in the old Merle Norman building. If anyone knows when it will open, please tell! If I hear anything more, will pass it on. Sat Aug 29 17:22:33 -0700 2009 4967946 211472 shywri1ter 3 5130300 They are open as of Friday...I know they had the "soft opening" on Friday and the official opening is this Thursday. I have been to his other restaurant in Mandeville and loved it!! We are out of town but are looking foward to eating there...We are very happy to see new places opening in the downtown area... Sun Oct 25 18:04:59 -0700 2009 4989236 1119185 harborsquare 4 5144945 Great news; thanks! I had called and was told they were opening last weekend, but was out of town last week and unable to check it out. Can't wait; with luck will be able to report in a few days! Sat Oct 31 08:28:49 -0700 2009 5130300 211472 shywri1ter 1 4968697 Have you tried Mr. Greek? On Pass, nearly into Keesler's entry gate -- small place and nothing fancy at all, but very good, very generous portions. A couple of us got a sampler plate to share for lunch with a side salad; it would have been an ample dinner-- could have split the salad, even. Maybe not the best Greek ever, but very tasty, and closer than the Phoenician for some of us on the Gpt/ Hancock Co side of the coast. Sat Aug 22 16:07:01 -0700 2009 4948778 211472 shywri1ter 1 4991096 We went to eat at Back Bay on Friday. It was really good. The only negative was that I thought the breading on the fried food did have a bit of a heavy hand. We had the green tomatoes w/ shrimp and crawfish and a creamy sauce for an appetizer, and my wife had grilled shrimp and seafood cakes for her entree and I had the fried seafood platter, that also included a seafood cake that had beed breaded and fried. I think the sauce from the appetizer and the seafood cakes were the stars, but overall a very good meal. Sun Aug 30 16:45:59 -0700 2009 4948778 35115 birminghamvisitor 2 4991816 We managed to eat at the White Cap this weekend! The food was much better than I remembered- to tell you the truth, I was never much of a fan of the food at the old White Cap, just loved the location... Anyway the new place is great- we had a lot of oysters- both raw and grilled- and pretty much every fried thing on the menu including the soft shells, and weren't disappointed by anything except the crab cakes- a little too much filler... Sun Aug 30 22:39:52 -0700 2009 4991096 96658 Clarkafella 1 5021905 In the "Pass" - Pirate's Cove has re-opened. It has indoor & outdoor seating, so this fall would be a great time to try. Still as good as it was preKatrina. The big food news in the Pass is Lizzie's on Davis X from Martin's Hardware - great breakfast and lunch & coffee bar, on Friday nite they do sushi, also have Lazy Magnolia beers. Lizzie's is located in a 1930's house that made it through Katrina - from the south windows you have a clear view of the Gulf AND slabs with debris. Priceless! 1 block further north on Davis is Lucio's - Mexican food with a pretty big outdoor patio. He was the first restaurant to re-open after the storm. Their flautas are hand rolled, beans are good, rice is so-so, good caldo's. He makes a great pisco sour. There's Shaggy's in west Pass harbor - their menu reads like a Sysco list, so don't expect too much. IMO they have such a lock for "on-the-water" food and drink, they don't have to try. Shaggy's is an open-air bar/restaurant, along the lines of old Key West beach bars. Music and big screen sports on weekend. I believe that technically this is a bait shop. Shaggy's is adjacent to the recreational boat piers. If you want to take a stroll on the piers, think twice. Pier access is for lease holders only -they are gated -Harbor Police will ticket for trespassing. There is a new post Gustave public access fishing pier that extends into the Gulf w/covered seating areas if you want to take a stroll. Cuevas Bistro - a true gem. Located at Menge and Kiln/DeLisle Road. Fresh seafood and made on premises pasta. Menu changes daily and items run out. For those who work in NOLA but live in the Pass, this was a great place for weekday dinner at it was just down the road from the postKatrina school. Full bar. Slow Food Gulf Coast had their coast dinner here. I believe this was the old Cuevas postoffice in the 1930's. Darlene's on 2nd St - fried seafood and ice cream. Simple cinderblock building. I'm not a fan (change the oil, please!) but other's do. Pirate's Cove is better choice for this IMO. If you belong to a reciprocal club, the yacht clubs are possibilities: BWYC does dinner on Wed & Sat nights only. Chef Armand Jonte, who had Armand's for years in Bay St Louis, went there right before Katrina and returned after the storm along with his sous chef. Great old-line cream and butter French food. Serious desserts. At PCYC, they do special nights like "Shuck & Jive" with 10 types of oysters, including charbroiled Drago's style; "Buster Night" - soft shell crabs; "Tank Night" - in the tank lobsters. These require reservations, limited seating. Both have great vistas & full bars. On most Saturday morning's, there is a craft market at War Memorial Park (90 @ Fleitas) and a farmers market on Davis next to Martin Hardware. They are about a block apart. Also you can go to the east Pass harbor & buy fresh shrimp and oysters by the full and 1/2 sack (in season) right off the boat. Ice & foam chest at the gas station. Also on the Harbor's east side is the Navy's /Homeland Security building, if you go wandering off by there the Harbor Police will pay you a visit. They are nice, polite and mean business. Future news will be the wine bar on 90 X from Harbor, by the Blue Rose. That plus finally getting a grocery store opened (WalMart mid October)...happiness all around!!!! One thing with any place in the Pass is the service personell is often high schoolers, SO if you want a drink they have to legally get someone of "age" to do your order and that can take longer - be patient. Also wine lists due to State of MS list restrictions are lousy and limited - we take our own, often, with no problems. Next posting on BSL/Waveland and Annie's Restaurant story. Fri Sep 11 08:18:21 -0700 2009 4948778 1106772 savory south 2 5023316 Great report SS! I can't wait to hear about Annie's- at least if it is good news... Fri Sep 11 16:13:40 -0700 2009 5021905 96658 Clarkafella 2 5024272 WOW that was extensive...thanks!!! Lizzie's and Cuevas Bistro both sound great, and you can never go wrong with Pirates Cove. :-) Sat Sep 12 07:32:13 -0700 2009 5021905 35115 birminghamvisitor 1 5036555 More "Pass Christian" info & updated from previous post: 1. The wine bar @ 90 X from Pass Harbor will be called "French Charley's". Owners the same as Shaggy's. Menu will be more along the tapas/appetizer lines. Personally, I'm curious as how they are going to get around the somewhat limited wine list approved by the state.......Set to open before Thanksgiving. 2. At the corner of Davis & 2nd, Vic's should open next month. This project is being done by Vic Pickich who was one of the owner of the Tigre's in the Pass. This seems to be small bistro like (like Cuevas) doing fresh local. This will make 4 restaurants within 2 blocks on Davis: Lizzie's, Lucio's, a Subway and now Vic's. Most excellent for an area that was VAPORIZED by Katrina and now has a returned population of 3,500. 3. DH Finz at Kiln-deLisle Rd and Henderson. This is not in the actual "Pass" but close enough to use 39571 zip. This is the 3rd restaurant in this location - inconsistent on being open and in service and in freshness of cfood. 4. Darlene's is actually called Kimball's Deli. Darlene is the owner. My bad. **************************** On Thursday, Oct 8, from 5:00 PM - 8 :00 PM the Pass will close down Davis Avenue from Scenic to CSX railroad for Farmers Market block party. All Pass Christian restaurants (open or under construction anywhere in the Pass) will able to have space and there are something like 15 MS small farmers / food purveyors are signed up so far. Goat meat & products, honey, mushrooms, artisan breads, blueberries, scuppernong, dairy vendors in the mix. This is the first time anything like this has been done. Blue Skies Gallery on Davis (local artists & potters) is also a sponsor. That week is also Crusin' the Coast week. if you want more info email Dita @ passfarmersmarket@gmail.com Market Thu Sep 17 07:34:24 -0700 2009 4948778 1106772 savory south 2 5059191 I certainly don't judge a restaurant because the previous restaurants couldn't run a successful place or because it isn't in the heart of a town. The mailing address is Pass Christian. Territory aside, DH Finz has operated with consistant hours from day one and as far as the service and food, it far surpasses the former restaurants in that location. I have literally walked out on the service or lack of when it was the first place and the second place had a chef that was sooo rude I never went back after the first time. I highly recommend that you leave your "actual Pass" attitude elsewhere and give Finz a chance so that you don;t miss out on a great dining experience. Fri Sep 25 19:21:02 -0700 2009 5036555 1112014 katiejames 3 5067004 Katie, the vast majority of folks on the boards are not from the area IMO. The tourism view of Pass Christian are homes on Scenic Drive, "the birth place of yachting in the South", beaches, a top windsurfing spot at Henderson Pt., - all accessible to or off of Hwy 90. As Finz is in DeLisle, MS and not actually in Pass Christian,MS it just might be helpful is folks knew that. I think the Finz location is challenging - Blue Skies Gallery and Pass Christian Books were both @ the Project 39571/DeLisle corner location post Katrina and both have moved to the old commercial district in the Pass off Hwy 90. Also being X from DeLisle elementary school means never being able to sell wine or liquor, which is a profit center for a restaurant. I would imagine that was a big factor in Annie's closing. Being off the beach path can be done - Cuevas Bistro has done that superbly. Tue Sep 29 10:32:25 -0700 2009 5059191 1106772 savory south 1 5036917 Pass Christian - Annie's Restaurant & Lounge Annie is fine, an incredibly fit 91 - had a hip replacement this summer, very, very funny, looks terrific, and sharp witted. Seems happy with lots of family around her. For you non New Orleans/Gulf hounds - Annie's was a true fixture for the MS Gulf Coast located in far west Harrison Co - actually in Henderson Point not technically in the "Pass" - Pass Christian. What I've gathered is that Annie's, like Gus Stevens place, was where you drove over & went for dinner, dancing, entertainment (and perhaps some gambling) in the 50's & 60's on the coast. Everybody stopped @ Annie's. Next to it was Benny French's Tavern(Mallini's Pt Bar). When Camille hit, it really ended the after hours aspect for those places. But Annie's buildings were wet but totally OK after Camille. My 1st time there was in 90's - the "lounge" was out of a scene from Goodfella's - these huge half-moon copper inserts with banquette seating and tiny cocktail tables. 60's punched tin lighting fixtures, 2 huge working fireplaces (in So. MS!), terrazzo floors..... Annie's sometimes was great (Italian), sometimes truly awful(steaks) but nevertheless a stop. Annie ran it w/an iron glove day-to-day into her 80's and then with her niece, Nikki . (Mallini's Pt bar X street had great jukebox - a coast rat college to 30 yr olds honkytonk.) Katrina vaporized the place, only a part of the stone front, fireplaces & pool remain. They went and opened Annie's Cafe on Kiln-DeLisle Road in the Project 39571 building while they went thru the SBA & FEMA process. FEMA required a 25" above the ground for any base floor at the Point (nothing permanent below except elevator/lift housing) - still going to rebuild. Insurer low-balled business interruption payout - still going to rebuild. Then get this - SBA rejected application because she was too old to take on a 10 yr debt structure as the "key man" for her corporation at the time Katrina hit. Still going to rebuild. Then got estimate for windstorm insurance at 270% increase for commercial in that area. Not going to rebuild. Annie's cafe was great but across from school - so no liquor sales at all ever. Filled with her vintage photos of life at the Point. Sold lease on Annie's Cafe to 4 Corners Cafe - they closed after maybe a year; now it's DH Finz - it's very uneven and spotty on being open. If you drive by the old Annie's - it pretty much looks like it did 6 mo. after Katrina. 8 houses and 1 condo group has rebuilt at the Pt. Thu Sep 17 09:35:38 -0700 2009 4948778 1106772 savory south 1 5037388 After a recent visit to the Gulfport area, I was able to get in a few oysters meals. On 2 different visits, I was very happy with apps of traditional oysters on the half shell at the White Cap. The oysters were small - to my liking as the adductor muscle isn't so big to be off-putting - and wonderfully briney. Can't say too much for their "stuffed crab" variations as there was very little crab and it was also dry. However, the grilled shrimp were very flavorful from the grill, although they were a little salty for my preference. I was particularly dissappointed with the gumbo which was served tepid and flavorless. Come here for the oysters, otherwise...... Half Shells Oyster House - Great upscale, bistro feel. Great place to go have drinks. But when your name includes "oyster", you need to get it right. On my single visit here for dinner, every oyster on my plate included a nice amount of grit. Perhaps this is a single visit mishap, don't know. I was starving, so I ate them - they also had a good taste. But what was unexcusable, was when I brought it to the server's attention at the time he was clearing the plates. He responded with a defensive barrage of how fresh they were - off the boat only that morning. That was just not the correct response if they're looking for repeat diners. I would have expected a response more in line with "I'll bring it to the chef's attention". I don't know how long they've been open, but quality and attitude need a bit of tweaking for them to match up to the first-class facade they are presenting. Had the crawfish and grits (with tasso) at Lookout 49. Excellent spicy tasting sauce over a grits cake. Another at my table had the shrimp and grits (with andouille). It was a much tamer herb sauce. I was much happier with my choice. This was my first expericence with a grits "cake" and I didn't much care for it as it reminded me of what grits become if the leftovers sit around for a couple of hours - which is exactly what it was. I would much prefer a traditional, creamy mound of grits - but I imagine the "cake" is much easier for random ordering and prep. Some bread would also have been wonderful addition to sop up the flavorful sauce. Thu Sep 17 12:14:17 -0700 2009 4948778 216999 CocoaNut 1 5039632 The best restaurants for me are Salute and Vrazel's. Both are on Highway 90 in Gulfport. Salute has the best salad dressing I have ever eaten, a Balsamic Vinaigrette. They have many wonderful Italian dishes, are moderately priced and the service is excellent. The owners also run Lookout 49. Vrazel's, quite a bit more expensive, is a fine-dining experience with outstanding food and service. Fri Sep 18 09:13:00 -0700 2009 4948778 1110240 GeorgieGirlOne 2 5039637 Vrazel's is one of my top favorite restaurants; never had one bad or even so-so thing there. Have heard good things about Salute. Fri Sep 18 09:14:30 -0700 2009 5039632 253735 bayoucook 2 5144990 I have to stick my nose in -- I have eaten at both these places and wouldn't recommend either. Very true that Vrazel's is a local favorite and often the recommended restaurant by Gpt natives, but other than the yeast bread (very plain but if you like crusty white bread, yummy) I had only ho-hum dishes. I'm not into seafood but the chicken/meat dishes I've had are passable but not what you'd expect from a place with the reputation it has. Again, I have been with others who have really enjoyed their meals, but it all strikes me as a throwback to the restaurants of the 50's and 60's, small side salads and ho-hum, high fat dishes. Salute means well but just isn't very good -- getting better but way off on the pasta-to-sauce balance early on, odd combinations ... newer dishes getting more on track. Service also well meaning but spotty. Sat Oct 31 08:56:45 -0700 2009 5039632 211472 shywri1ter 1 5043049 Best overall restaurant on the coast right now is in my opinion The Cuevas Bistro on Menge Avenue just north of Pass Christian. From the incredible bread you are served when you are first seated to the INCREDIBLE burger with Pimento Cheese topping it's not to be missed. And can't forget to get a slice of the best Carrot Cake for 200 miles. 15 layers thick and so moist you REALLY will not want to share if asked. They have just started doing Sunday brunch this month (Sept) and we are going tomorrow to check it out. Will put our opinions of it on here also. For the BEST fried shrimp on the MS Gulf Coast you WILL have to drive a little. There is a very small restaurant about 4 miles north of the Menge Ave exit on I-10 called The Front Porch Cafe. It's been open about 6 years now and has consistently put out the BEST fried shrimp on the coast. A very light coating and shrimp that actually tastes like it was just caught that morning. We usually order their shrimp salad and they PILE on the shrimp. Burgers here are great also as are the steaks (grilled to perfection). Sat Sep 19 20:03:51 -0700 2009 4948778 1110563 odumboring 2 5043075 Haven't heard of either- it is great to have new places on the Coast! Gonna have to check out Menge Avenue again- haven't been on it since the week after Katrina- my sister-in-laws place was *gone*! Sat Sep 19 20:20:59 -0700 2009 5043049 96658 Clarkafella 1 5046622 I was not able to go with my Dad, but he was very impressed with Bante (sp?) in the Kiln. Located in the old Rooster's location, he enjoyed a bbq meal. But his friend ordered a lump crab conconction served on TX toast and topped with a rich, cream sauce that he was verbally envious of. Said he's never seen so much crab on a restaurant serving portion. He's looking forward to a return visit. Mon Sep 21 12:27:40 -0700 2009 4948778 216999 CocoaNut 2 5164287 Been there many times and will never go back. The quality of the food has gone down hill as well as the service. Ive also heard rumors regarding one of the "owners" had been caught with another employee and his wife was not happy. Its amazing what you hear in the small town of the Kiln. Sat Nov 07 19:22:25 -0800 2009 5046622 1122631 shouldvesaidno 1 5067307 MS Gulf Coast (west side) North of I-10 between Gulfport, MS & Slidell, LA: There are 3 possible Chowhound stops in this area - I'll second CocoaNut & Odom... 1. The Front Porch - great all around restaurant. Especially good fried food. Around the corner from The Front Porch is Neco's Market - typical grocery BUT has a great meat dept with a real butcher. People drive from the coast to their butcher & deli depts.. From 1-10 exit Pass Christian - Menge and head north. Is actually on Vidalia Rd, although locals call this Firetower Road. Menge=Firetower=Vidalia 2. Banty's - fresh seafood any way - especially extensive oyster menu. I found it to be a bit heavy handed with butter/oil for their sauces, but still it was worth the drive. Steaks too. Banty's is on Kiln-DeLisle Road. Take Pass Christian-Delisle exit and head north from I-10. They are actually in "the Kiln" = Kiln, MS. You could take Hwy 603 to get there too. PreKatrina this was Rooster's Bar. 3. Jourdan River Steamer - this place is just amazing. Not just steamed seafood - but cfood with fresh pasta and steaks, etc. We did a veal chop with thumbsize crabmeat that was great, royal red shrimp boiled, charbroiled oysters (almost as good as Drago's). Servings are HUGE.They have a full bar with premium brands - which is few and far between in this area. It can be noisy on weekends as they have a live band, but it's a pretty big place and looks over the Jourdan River so the view is relaxing. The owners are a family from New Orleans that now live in Pass Christian with ties to the seafood industry so it is all fresh. They do a smoked tuna dip - this must be a coast trend as Shaggy's in Pass harbor does this and also had it @ Sycamore House in Bay St Louis. Jourdan River Steamer is on MS Hwy 603 - Bay St. Louis exit. Go N on 603 from 1-10 to Kiln. It's just past the Jourdan River bridge on 603 on the right. All 3 are casual dress. Tue Sep 29 11:56:26 -0700 2009 4948778 1106772 savory south 2 5078105 I love Jourdan River Steamer - wish we could make the trip more often, wish they would open one in Jackson County! Sun Oct 04 09:41:14 -0700 2009 5067307 253735 bayoucook 1 5077776 Salute Italian Restaurant in Gulfport has been the most consistently great restaurant I have eaten at on the MS Gulf Coast. I wouldn't call it fine dining but it is in the fabulous 15th place building owned my the law firm Davis and Feder. The food and view from the restaurant are incredible. Best Calimari I have ever eaten. Chicken parmigiana as well. Some of the local seafood specials are my favorite though. Best martinis overlooking the water and beach on the Coast! (Sorry they have wine too but Rachel and Rick at the bar ROCK) Got to try the owners new restaurant called Back Bay and they have Lookout 49 as well. All for now... Sun Oct 04 06:21:58 -0700 2009 4948778 1113791 foodjunkiegulfcoast 1 5079002 I second Jourdan River Steamer in the Kiln for seafood-- the owner is unpleasant outside of the restaurant, but the Royal Red Shrimp cannot be beaten. Old Cuevas in PC is also great. I also agree about Emeril's being unfortunately ignored-- at lunch, it's even an excellent deal. 32 was also an outstanding, if expensive, local dining experience. As far as ethnic, I'm so excited about Indian food finally coming to the Coast. I am a little alarmed about Clay Oven's Indian/Mexican fusion, but I'm open minded as long as I can get some samosa and lamb curries... Now I'm holding my breath for real Thai (Shady's doesn't count and neither did its previous incarnation). Nobody mentions R&C Korean next door to Mr. Greek's on Pass Rd in Biloxi-- I really like that place as well (love Mr. Greek's, even if it's because it's the only Greek food!) and in general, except for sushi, asian cuisine on the coast is lacking--we have two "Chinese" restaurants in Long Beach that don't even serve pork (!). For Sushi & japanese-- I prefer Sakura (Pass Rd near the Biloxi/Gulfport line) to Samurai on Hwy 49 which has become so popular. Samurai is showy, but Sakura tastes better. My experience at the famed Chef Scot's (in OS) was of bland, overpriced, fishy, and good-god-this-is-lukewarm sushi, so I can't second that recommendation. For pizza-- it has to be Brooklyn in Gulfport in the Hardy Court shopping center. Make sure to order the Garlic Knots, too. And I'm surprised not to hear more about Sycamore House in BSL in the upscale dining category. It's been a few months since I've gone last, so I hope it's still open--has been for years--but I've had some lovely meals there and the setting is gorgeous as well. Last but not least, if you're looking for dessert, Fleur de Lis bakery in Gulfport on Courthouse south of the tracks is where it's at. Unbelievably good european-style cakes and pastry. And I love Robert, the proprietor who is a wonderfully curmudgeonly fellow food-snob. Sun Oct 04 18:52:35 -0700 2009 4948778 1113937 Treeling 2 5105408 It's not a Greek restaurant per se, but they specialize in Greek foods at The Country Gentleman on Gautier-Vancleave Rd. in Gautier. One of the gyros I've ever had, and Tuesday nights are Greek nights. I get the Greek salad on a regular basis - the small one is enough for two people. From what I understand, the owner-cook is from Greece. There's a large variety of ethnic food at Phonecia in Ocean Springs, too. Thu Oct 15 10:13:35 -0700 2009 5079002 253735 bayoucook 1 5089261 I can't say enough about how good the food is. whether is authentic Thai or down home pork chops, gumbo & po boys. Shady's does it all & well... great steaks too. there is a reason they have won 10 culinary awards at American Culinary federation competition! Anyone who says the Thai is not authentic does not know Thai food. they have cooks from Thailand & use authentic products from Thailand. Thu Oct 08 14:18:46 -0700 2009 4948778 1114903 foodlove9897 2 5105300 Where is a good breakfast place near the Beau Rivage? The last 2 years we have gone to this cafe in Ocean Springs, but was hoping to find somewhere else. Also, looking for a nice upscale place for dinner not in a hotel. Went to Manhattan Grill last year. Food was all right, but the place was a little dated and dingy. Thu Oct 15 09:38:13 -0700 2009 5089261 20127 breakaway 3 5105424 Vrazel's is one of my favorites of all time. It's on the beach in Gulfport (west). It's not so upscale that it's stuffy - it's a relaxing and fun place to go, and Chef/Owner Bill Vrazel puts out some of the most outstanding food on the coast. You can tell when they bring you freshly baked French bread and European-style butter when you're seated: this is gonna be good. Thirty-two at Imperial Palace is wonderful with great views. Haven't been to Mary Mahoney's in ages, but it used to be good. Have fun! Thu Oct 15 10:16:51 -0700 2009 5105300 253735 bayoucook 1 5137990 There is a new place open in Kiln Mississippi called Banty's they have steak seafood and other awsome food I love eating there Wed Oct 28 12:51:11 -0700 2009 4948778 1119923 llmoran 1 5207034 Indian food has arrived!! Clay Oven, the new Indian *and* Mexican restaurant has been open for about a month now, and while they still seem to be getting their act together with the staff (they're all as nice and as helpful as can be, but all seem new and uncertain about what's what -- but I'm basing this on only 2 visits.) I've ordered from the dinner menu twice now and am in love! Thoughts: I love and crave Indian food. Have eaten a lot, but several simply buffets, and I honestly don't know if I've ever had "good" Indian food despite having eaten in a variety of restaurants. That said, I've now tried four dishes at Clay Oven and all were worthy of recommendation! I had the Chicken Korma last night and it was wonderful! Rich and creamy and so good! One concern I'd have for them is that the menu states it's not spicy, and specifically recommends it for those who don't like spicy food. What I had last night had a definite kick to it; not at all "spicy" for Indian & eastern food, true, but knowing people who don't like "spicy" I can imagine they'd have thought this was on fire. It's wonderful as it is, so don't think they should change the recipe, only the description. It came with a lovely basmati rice. During their first week I tried their curry just to get a sense of how they would do the most well known, basic dish -- and it was great! The spice combination was a bit different than my favorite blend but it was clearly well done and it gave me high hopes for the rest of the menu. Both in this curry and last night's korma, the chicken itself is very good, very moist, generous and good pieces (never ran into those bits of fat or other less appetizing bits). And though the menu said basmati rice, I swear the rice that first night was jasmine rice -- the smell was heaven! That first week I also tried the spinach paneer dish that they have on every buffet and that normally I can pass -- but I've never had it made so well! I wonder if they make their own paneer -- both it and the greens were very good. I also tried the vegetable samosas -- not my thing, and probably not the best ever made, but tasty. The combination of Mexican & Indian had me thinking at first that Mexican was a hedge against trying to start a restaurant with Indian alone in an area that might not be ready for it -- but I was told they have TWO chefs, one Indian and one Mexican. One downside to that is that instead of being served Indian bread when you arrive, you get chips & salsa. They're very good -- and the long list of several Indian breads on the menu look great -- but the bread will cost ya. :P Haven't tried them yet (the entrees are too generous) but plan to. Oh -- and the guacamole was passable; maybe more me in the Indian mindset to be too interested in any of the Mexican foods -- unusual for me! One note of warning: I haven't been at lunch yet but was told they have a very limited lunch menu -- maybe 4 Indian dishes, not sure how many Mexican dishes. I heard that for the first week; no idea if it's still true. So if you go at lunch and they don't have much, don't dispair, DO go at night! I've talked with 5 other people who have tried it and all were sold and will return. So GO GO GO for Indian food, right there in Gulfport within sight of the "new" federal courthouse! Let's give them enough business that we have Indian food on the coast for a long time! Wed Nov 25 04:26:50 -0800 2009 4948778 211472 shywri1ter