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Clarkafella's Profile

Jackson, MS--one dinner, one lunch

Yeah, I think that Fannin Market has gone down recently. Seems like the food was much better before they moved. I'm a big fan of Pizza Shack, but have never tried the pizza; their roast beef sandwich is so good that I've never been able to make myself order anything else!

Jackson, MS--one dinner, one lunch

The good thing about Jackson is that there really aren't many tourists, so pretty much everyone that you encounter will be a local!

Do you know what part of town you will be staying?

Flying with frozen boudin...

FWIW, I finally did just wrap it in newspaper, put it in a small ice chest with a couple of ice packs (the frozen water kind, no chemicals), and packed it in my suitcase. It arrived just fime, still frozen solid! Thanks for all the tips!

Flying with frozen boudin...

I was thinking about wrapping it in newspaper and then putting it in a cooler with freezer packs. If they make me throw 'em away, no big deal. I do know one of the TSA people (don't have her phone number though) so maybe she will cut me some slack!

Flying with frozen boudin...

Actually, it is a present for a friend I'm visiting. I'll take the chance that they might throw it away, total investment is less than $15. I'm kind of optimistic though- around here they will know what it is and maybe let it get through!

Flying with frozen boudin...

All told, probably 6 hours including layover. I would like for it to still be frozen solid when I get there!

Flying with frozen boudin...

...and some frozen andouille. I've looked around the internet a lot. Some say to carry it on, some say to check it and some others say to leave it at home. Anyone with a definitive answer? I was thinking a small ice chest with some freezer packs carried on would work but now I'm not so sure...

What did you have for lunch today?

For the first time in about 20 years, I went to a Dairy Queen! Had some kind of special grilled burger that had two beef patties, some cheese and some kind of dressing that was nice and spicy. I don't usually go to chains, but this was actually pretty damn good!

Dinner for one near Park Central Hotel

I'm more of a casual type person. Price isn't really a concern as this will be the only meal I have to pay for so I can blow the budget on it if necessary, but would prefer not to. As far as a particular cuisine, I'm from the deep south so catfish, crawfish and soul food probably wouldn't be good choices, but other than that I'm open to anything. Love a good pastrami sandwich, a plate of meatballs and spaghetti or some tandoori chicken!

Dinner for one near Park Central Hotel

Greetings!

I'll be in your wonderful city one night only this coming Wednesday. I do *not* know my way around at all, and was wondering what would be a really good choice for dinner within walking distance of the Park Central Hotel? I like pretty much anything, but would prefer something iconic that really says NYC. I'll be by myself so would prefer a place that would be comfortable for a single diner. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Sunday Brunch/Lunch in Jackson, Miss?

Don't know about brunch, but lunch at any of them should be good. If you are staying at the Hilton downtown, you are an easy walk to the Mayflower (less than a block)... They should all be hung over pretty badly at Babalu because of Babaloosa the night before.

Lafayette/Breaux Bridge/New Iberia, LA and Acadiana surrounds worth visiting for food?

Well, I made it the other day and you were right, it was wonderful! And as one of my friends pointed out, it was also gluten free! One thing that was different with mine though- on yours you said that you sometimes add a little water. Mine never ever had any need- in fact I was a little concerned that there was too much liquid!

Just curious -- am I the only one who generally skips over the threads with a bazillion replies?

Wouldn't it be nice if they would break long threads up into separate pages so you wouldn't have to scroll so far...And then had all new posts go to the bottom of the last page, even if you are quoting someone mid thread? That is how it is done almost everywhere else but Chow.

Of course, if long threads are the only thing in the world I have to complain about then life must be pretty good, huh?

Lafayette/Breaux Bridge/New Iberia, LA and Acadiana surrounds worth visiting for food?

That gumbo looked so good that I'm going to make it tonight! Never done it without a roux before- does it still taste like gumbo?

Birthday Weekend in Biloxi

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...

Birthday Weekend in Biloxi

Would it be possible to share the name of the place? I'm pretty sure that we don't want to go there, but we do frequently go to Ocean Springs...

Birthday Weekend in Biloxi

Wow, great to hear about Trapani's! Pre-K it was my favorite place on the Coast- the fried green tomato appetizer is to die for! I can't even imagine any discrimination anywhere on the Coast in this day and time, but people surprise me every day!

New places in Brandon, MS...

In the shopping center at the corner of Lakeland and Grant's Ferry...

Shrimp and Grits

I have found that when using higher quality grits, water is all that you need- they still come out nice and creamy. If your only option is something like Quaker Quick Grits, then you can still get the desired effect with milk.

The truth about pork rinds ... scratchings, chicharron, etc

In south Louisiana they sell cracklins that are still warm and are about as tasty as anything you can get anywhere. One paper bag full and you are addicted for life... That's why they call 'em "CRACKlins".

Do you own a Cuisinart stand mixer?

We do have the Cuisinart and are happy with it for the most part. However don't let anyone fool you- it can be stalled by some doughs! In fact I am kind of afraid to even try dough with it any more, and that is why we bought the damn thing! Now we just use it for mixing stuff, not kneading.

New places in Brandon, MS...

Has anyone been to CW Fins? I stopped by and grabbed a menu; certainly looked good. Also, there seems to be a new BBQ place in Dogwood. I think it is part of a chain, but certainly smelled pretty good. Any info?

Funniest Thing a Server Said to You

We were at a bar recently where the bartender had apparently worked in a Waffle House previously. She kept offering to "top off" our wine! We probably shouldn't have driven home that night...

Wendy's

I haven't eaten there in a while, but someone was complaining the other day that they had switched to purple onions instead of white onions. That sounded like an improvement to me!

Looking for great steaks in Memphis!

I've eaten at Fleming's twice- the first time it was probably one of the best steaks I've ever had. The second time it was probably *the* worst steak I've ever had- same cut too! It was like trying to chew through a truck tire! It has been 5 years since then, maybe it would be worth giving them another chance...

One Great Memphis BBQ Meal Needed

Exactly what I would say. I went to Marlowe's for the first time a couple of weeks ago. It was ok- liked the place, but the ribs? Passable most places but not really Memphis-worthy... Central, Payne's or BBQ Shop are all worthy, but you can also get a pretty damn good sandwich at Interstate if you are running late...

Celebrity Cookware Lines: Rate 'Em!

We have a small saucepan with Emeril's name on it and it does just fine.

I am thinking about buying a couple of pieces of Rachel Ray's stuff just because I like the way it looks, not because of the way it cooks.

Hmmm, come to think of it, I feel the same way about Rachel Ray...

One BBQ dinner in Memphis - A&R, BBQ Shop, Central, or Corky's for ribs?

I know that it is a little late but I ate at both Marlowe's and the BBQ Shop last week. First time for Marlowe's, not impressed at all. Would have been better if the ribs were served at least warm, and the visit to the BBQ Shop was a continuation of their perfect record. If I only had one shot at BBQ in Memphis, it would be BBQ Shop hands down just for their consistently great food!

Jackson MS to Mobile AL on 49/98

Isn't that cobbler the best? I dream of that stuff- and the chicken is really hard to beat as well!

Who has the Best Po-Boys in South Mississippi?

Is the BP on Pass Road in Gulfport one of yours?