Treasure found very very close to home

Who knew? James Food Mart in Oxford is less than a mile from our house. We needed a quick snack before heading up to the Grove on Saturday. We had the pimento cheese before, but we had never tried the chicken salad. I think the crackers are essential. Honestly, I think saltines make everything better. The chicken salad is elegant and subtle. I could see having it often. I think my days of making homemade chicken salad are over. Easy, classic, and good!

I need to go on a diet

This was possibly the easiest stop on the magical artery clogging tour. Kevin works at Big Bad and he personally made the fantastic andouille sausage. I got the Cathead biscuit with tomato gravy. The grits... biscuit...the gravy...Yum!

ps. the breakfast video on the BBB site is amazing

The Coziest Corner

I picked David up from the airport and headed over to the Cozy Corner. I can't believe I lived in Memphis for 4 years and never ate there. Oh well... We had the cornish hens and tried all four sides. I was a fan of the BBQ spaghetti, but the real winner was the beans. They were sweet, tangy, and spicy. The cornish hen was great. The flavors were subtle but very complex. I loved the white bread- I mopped up all the sauce. Another thing I loved about the place- it seemed frozen in time- food, service, interior.

Trowbridges in Florence

Downtown Florence is delightful. My friend, David Serlin, came to visit. He is writing a book about Helen Keller and a trip to Ivy Green was in order. After Ivy Green we headed up to Florence. We checked out Billy Reid (we got some incredible deals). Just up the street is Trowbridges. The olive and egg sandwich was perfect. Tangy, crispy, creamy, yummy.....

100 Southern foods map

HB and I created this map. Enjoy!

Pirate Cove, Josephine, AL

Depression Claudette on the Back Bay
the bar
the marina- someone want to charter me a boat...? I'll buy the burgers.
HB on vacay
The BURGER


The 25 minute drive from Perdido Key was well worth it. Pirate Cove's Mustard Gin Sauce is a spicy, tangy, vinegary concoction that propels a regular burger to road trip worthy status. Although we visited for lunch on Monday, we could see the appeal of a Friday night with live bands on the porch. Pirate Cove has a lawless feel that is an anedote to the corporate restaurants on the tourist strip. The Back Bay is very charming and relaxed. Pirate's Cove takes advantage of the setting to inspire an unique dining experience.

Chicken Bucket List

Here is the list. We are heading to the beach this weekend. The Burger with Gin Sauce from the Pirate's Cove is our first target.