Browsing: food

Many of our best restaurants are still open, but there is a new normal. Inside dining is a thing of the past, at least for a while. Curbside, takeout and delivery is what is happening now. To be sure, it is a struggle for the restaurants, but most are doing their best to keep the kitchen going, and, what almost every chef I talked to said, keep their employees getting a check.

During World War II, almost every citizen worldwide had some form of a Victory Garden to help support the war effort. Coronavirus outbreak has been compared to a war.

For the last few weeks we have been talking about how to feed your family economically while not skimping on quality or flavor. It is a difficult time to be sure, but spending some time in the kitchen being creative, just might help you feel a little bit better.  

Last time we talked about feeding your family on a tight budget. We are living in such uncertain times for a while (and I stress the temporary nature of these hard times). I gave you several general ideas last time, but let’s get specific today, and talk in some detail about dried beans.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.