Take That, Mad CowSomehow being a vegetarian also makes me a Father Confessor—people constantly tell me their diet-altering plans, even in polite conversation. Well, what with the New Year and Mad Cow, the din of discussion from those deciding to carve a little …
Politically Incorrect DiningWith all the advice given to the new Legislature about education, tort reform and the economy, I have not read or heard one person address the most important decision made by anyone on a per diem—where to eat. Initially I …
The Cakemaster"Hey Babycakes!" she shouts, eyes wide open, as I enter. "Come in!" Nestled between the JPD traffic division and Swann's gun repair on Old Canton Road, is a tiny green shop called Obbie's Cakes and Chocolates. Inside, a tall fair-skinned …
Signs of Life<b>Elixir</b> at LeFleur's Gallery, I-55, 981-7896, has opened its very sophisticated doors, offering delightfully potent potables, as well as a small menu of tapas. The JFP editor and publisher stopped in opening night—she sipped a mojito, he a dirty James …
Now, Just Who is Basil?Broadstreet Bakery at Banner Hall, 362-2900, has among its November specials three low-carb alternatives, some new chicken dishes, a Lemon-Basil Pork Loin Sandwich and the return of Shrimp Pasta. … Flashbacks Espresso Café, 5620 I-55 South, 372-3220, brings a bit …
Breakfast Worth Waking Up ForNothing worth knowing about happens before noon; and if it does, someone will tell you about it. Thus, I carefully arrange my schedule to begin the awakening process around 11 in the morning. On the rare occasions I cannot avoid …
Eat Free or DieRadio ads announced a once-every-four-year opportunity for free food: the GOP candidate forum to be held at the Sports Museum on Lakeland Drive. A sucker for free food, I have subjected myself over the years to fried string cheese, frozen …
Misery on the BountyThe splendor of the season's bounty thrills thousands at the open-air farmers market. More than ever, people prefer purchasing their produce directly from the farmers who grow it. You can pick up fresh fish, shrimp and oysters from reputable fishermen …
General GourmetYou would never guess that the man standing at attention—waiting for me on the sidewalk, dressed in a crisp linen short-sleeved shirt and cuffed khakis, cordovan wingtips softly gleaming—is 90 years old. His bearing has none of the surrender to …
A Tale of Four BuffetsAs one who always aspired to the ruling class, I seldom found myself at odds with the rules I would one day be destined to enforce. On the rare occasions I committed an infraction, my mother administered a particularly harsh …
Truth in BarbecueOne of my favorite college professors, Lee Rackstraw of Booneville, once told me, "If a restaurant doesn't have enough respect for the art of smoking meat to advertise EITHER proper spelling of the word: Barbeque or Barbecue, then I don't …
FOOD: Leave No Sushi Behind"Don't even try the stuff if you're not gonna be able to afford it," they warned me. Young, brash and eager to experience big-city life, I recklessly plunged into the nether world of the South Florida bar scene. Sushi bar, …
FOOD: Monroe's Holey Trinity<i>"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.</i>
FOOD: Family RecipeWhen Eda-Mae LaBranche came to Jackson more than seven years ago, she already had four biological children whom she nourished with oxtail and curry goat, mangoes and plantains.