Published: April 25, 2008 12:57 am            

B is for Breakfast

It is with great excitement that I announce a comprehensive and highly scientific study regarding Mississippi breakfast eaters and eateries (including a few lunches, too). Okay, well – maybe not so scientific, but yummy, yes, yummy, will better describe my dedicated study.

You see, as I have traveled our wonderful state, I have intensely studied, dissected, and digested some of the most profound meals at Mississippi restaurants, diners, and cafes – all-inclusive. Boy! Has it been fun – and I’m doing it all for you, my dear readers. Yes, really …

Starting right here in the Queen City, I must report a fantastic Texas style omelet at Jean’s Restaurant located on Front Street. Oh, My! Delish, delish and none better – even in Texas!

Do you long for thick and tastee baked beans loaded with pulled pork? Oh, sure you do … got a surprise for you. Try them out at the deli at Winn Dixie on Highway 39 North. You won’t be disappointed.

And while in the Queen City, don’t miss the Chicken Salad Plate at The Daily Grind located on Poplar Springs Drive – the best, and a fine breakfast can be had there as well.

I must stop right now and state the following: This has not been a one-man tasting and munching organization. No! It’s better than that! It’s a One-Woman organization! So there …

Moving north on Hwy 45 to the Wahalak Community, you’ll find The Back Porch Café owned by family members, Herman and Sue Elder, and daughter, Rindy Vaughan. I’m here to testify to the most profound potato casserole and yummy, moist, and rich chocolate cake located in the entire area. Believe me, I’ve checked.

In Newton, if you have a taste for Mexican, then go straight to a wonderful eatery named Mexico Lindo located in the historic district of downtown Newton, Mississippi. I’m here to tell you of the best tamales this side of Mexico City can be found in this friendly, family-owned restaurant. They will host a Cinco De Mayo Festival on Friday night, May 2. Food will be served outside with a Mariachi Band and dancing in the streets. There will be piñata’s for the children. For more information contact the Newton Chamber, (601) 683-2201.

Next, drive Highway 15 North to Union, Mississippi. If you’re in the mood for barbeque, then, I have the place for you. Our Newton County friends, Ralph and Pat Gordon, pointed us in this direction, and if you like ten-n-der ribs, then don’t go to Memphis in May, but go to The Hot Spot located in Union, Mississippi, and again, it is a family owned business. Yes, families working together – awesome!

But back to my original thought (B is for Breakfast) – allow me to introduce you to The Magnolia Plantation located in Gulfport, Mississippi. I was recently there as a hotel guest and included with my room rental fee was a true, Mississippi-cooked-breakfast, and I mean, from s-c-r-a-t-c-h. The biscuits were light and fluffy. The eggs were cooked to order, and the best sausage gravy ever. But the grits, the grits were absolutely a bowl of perfection, and I know my grits! See more at: www.magnoliaplantationms.com

One more, B for Breakfast, for you - Recently, I was invited to the sweet, southern town of Bruce, Mississippi (located twenty minutes south of Oxford). I was there to tell stories at the Bruce Elementary School – stories that I have written for children, and to provide a literary program for the Fine Arts Club of Bruce. The club provided my lodging at The Cart Barn Inn – a lovely Bed & Breakfast. There’s that word again (Breakfast!). I must tell you – are you ready? The B&B Association advertisement reads, in part … uniquely appointed guest rooms, homemade recipes … breakfast steak, sausage gravy, heavenly biscuits, real grits, and wonderful fruit. I didn’t want to go home! Check it out at: www.cartbarninn.com

Oh, so much to tell, so much to munch, and so little time. Yes, it is a burden. I’ve learned that eating-my-way- through-Mississippi is never tiresome, but a duty set forth by my Mississippi grannies, aunts, and cooking cousins - bet yours, too. We owe it to all of them, don’t you think? I mean, we must continue the southern cooking tradition by supplying ourselves as the participating Mississippi munch-ers. Why, we show up early and stay late – just doing a good eating job.

I encourage you to travel Mississippi – you won’t be disappointed!

        

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