Monday, June 29, 2009

Frank's Muffaletta - New Orleans

Since the French Grocery was closed on Sunday, I had a muffaletta for lunch at their rival, Frank's restaurant. Why have I never had this sandwich before? Everything seemed to blend together into one terrific flavor. I don't know how they compare to the other place in NOLA, but this sandwich was first rate. And I am not the biggest sandwich fan.

GW Fins - New Orleans

It was a difficult decision figuring out where I wanted to have my only dinner in New Orleans, but this place came highly recommended on the web. I was not disappointed. Their oyster appetizer was phenomenal. The oysters were first wood smoked while the shells were heated separately to 500 degrees. They were then placed into the shells with some butter and cooked to perfection. These were so tasty, I could've eaten 30 of them.

I also had the butterfish entree with shrimp etoufee and lobster butter. The fish was perfectly prepared.

Their cocktails are also tasty. They have a signature cocktail made with champagne, and a bunch of fruit juices.

It's a fancy restaurant, but you don't have to dress up to go there. Service was friendly and nice. If you're going to visit the Big Easy, don't miss having dinner here.

Cafe On Main - Columbus, MS

This place had some of the best fried chicken I've ever eaten. It might have even been better than Jestine's Kitchen in Charleston, SC. I also had the squash dressing and smashed potatoes. I had never heard of squash dressing and it was wonderful. A little sweet, a little salty, and the perfect accompaniment to the fried chicken.

For dessert, I had the lemon ice box cake. The crumb crust reminded me of the German wedding cookies my family makes for the holidays. A great ice box cake that was not too sweet.

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera this trip, so no pictures. But, if you have the chance to travel to Columbus, Mississippi, I would highly recommend stopping here for lunch.

Doe's Eat Place - Greenville, Mississippi

If you asked me where I would eat the best steak of my life, I would not have said Mississippi. But, it was here at Doe's Eat Place in Greenville, Mississippi, that they make the best steaks I've ever eaten.

I was still full from the awesome fried chicken I ate for lunch, so I only bought the 12 ounce fillet. It came out from the kitchen perfectly prepared, with a great seared crust on top, and yummy juices flowing out onto the plate.

The beef tamales were also fantastic, and are made from a recipe from the original owner dating back to the 1940's.

If you're into dive restaurants, this is your place. It's located in an old grocery store on the wrong side of town (and I mean wrong side...a security guard makes sure your car doesn't get broken into while you're eating). It's not fancy, but who cares, when the food is this good.

Doe's Eat Place is located on Nelson Street in Greenville, Mississippi. There are other locations throughout the south, but this is the original, and I've been told, the best.