Big Bad Breakast

Big Bad Breakfast has become a staple within the Oxford community. Nestled into a shopping center off North Lamar rests the best breakfast you’ll ever have. This remarkable breakfast cuisine and it’s effervescent atmosphere are award-winning thanks to John Currence. From tabasco/sugar cured bacon to a melt in your mouth eggs benedict, this joint leaves you wanting more. Stepping into this old-fashioned diner, you’ll most likely have to wait. Really… the line is out the door! But I promise you, it is worth it.

Greeted by friendly smiles and familiar faces, these waiters will soon know your order by heart. What’s best is the frequent goers of BBB are treated as VIP and sit in their regular booths. For my most recent meal, yes, I am a frequent goer, I ordered their shrimp and grits.

WHOA. Forget your typical shrimp and grits, this is a new Mississippi twist. A mountain of fluffy scrambled eggs on top of a pile of creamy warm grits with plump, seasoned shrimp is topped with fresh diced tomatoes, sugar-cured bacon and green onions. The eggs are perfectly whipped, the bacon is spicy and sweet, and the tomatoes give a hint of acidity that is followed by the tang of green onions. And the jumbo shrimp- need I say more? Your palette will thank you.

This place and its food truly live up to their name. Strong coffee, fresh juices and a wide variety of food– BBB is a must.

Menu favorites: Pel”egg”can Brief, French Toast, The Tender Hooks & their home fries!

Josie’s

 

Josie’s is like coming home. They cook the way your momma cooks: Simple, delicious and fresh. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and even have curb-side to go. It has a family-friendly atmosphere and if you become a regular, you will soon know everyone in the room! From Coach Cal to your next door neighbor, Josie’s is loved by all. What’s even better is your ability to order breakfast at any time of day! So naturally, I went the breakfast route.

I ordered a coffee and their Eggs Benedict. You will love the assortment of coffee cups here! Everything from UK basketball, to other local businesses, to comic strips- there is a cup for everyone. Their Eggs Benedict has two options, the traditional route or the Florentine. “Tradition is Good” is your classical two poached eggs on a toasted English muffin, with Virginia ham under a blanket of hollandaise sauce. Alternatively, the Florentine adds a twist! Fresh sautéed spinach, poached eggs and roasted red pepper smoked cheddar, on a toasted English muffin with hollandaise. The next option you will have is between fried potatoes or cheese-grit casserole. (The cheese-grit casserole is to die for.)

Their Traditional Eggs Benedict did not disappoint. Two large poached eggs adorned the perfect slice of ham, and the English muffin was well toasted. Upon that, the velvety hollandaise had a bright lemon finish and a smoothness that kept me coming back for more. Finally, there was a dusting of green onion for garnish and the flavor contrasted beautifully. When enjoying, you can experience this incredible contrast in flavor. The taste of farm fresh eggs, salty ham with the light zing of lemon all to be contrasted back across your palette with a sharp, tangy green onion is sure to put your mouth into full zen mode. But wait, these cheese-grits! These finely ground grits and packed with cheddar cheese and even some tomatoes here and there. The rich cheddar, garlic and acidity from tomatoes is a taste you will never forget. Truly.. I am sitting in Oxford, MS as I write this and am dying for a plate of nothing but their cheese-grits!

Josie’s is a place to bring your family, best-friend, co-worker and enjoy. I’m guilty of sitting in there for about 3.5 hours with my best friend before even thinking about leaving. While your waiter thoughtfully refills your coffee cup, there really is no sense of urgency to leave. It is hands-down, the most welcoming environment in Lexington. Great job, Josie’s!

 

City Grocery

Oxford, MS.

John Currence has done an excellent job with several restaurants in Oxford, MS. One of my continuous favorites is City Grocery. It has become a landmark in the dining scene over the years since it’s opening in 1992. From the moment you walk through their door you feel taken care of. The waiters are friendly and well educated on all the menu items. Beyond that the exposed brick, white linens and the candle light flickering off the pine floors puts quite a romantic view on the place.

This restaurant’s Shrimp and Grits are simply put, divine. Upon being served, you will notice the rich color contrast between the beautiful deep blueish green plate and the cheddar grits. Adorned on top are luscious pieces of shrimp, sliced mushrooms, sliced green onions, minced garlic, a little white wine and don’t forget bacon. This is a harmonious balance between salty and sweet with a rich finish. I paired this entrancing dish with a glass of their house chardonnay and ate every single bite.

With that being said, anyone who’s in the area, who hasn’t gone to this already well established restaurant, must go! With their excellent service and creative southern dishes, you will be a returning diner.

Tasty Thai

Charleston, SC.

Tasty Thai is an extraordinary thai restaurant that takes you across the globe without ever leaving your seat. Personally, I am a fan of their Green Chicken Curry as well as Pad Thai; however, today, I tried something new. The best part about this restaurant is that if you aren’t feeling Thai, you can indulge yourself in some award-winning sushi rolls! Their sushi chef has won several awards and is considered to be the top sushi chef in Charleston. With this stamp of approval, they guarantee fresh fish and an authentic experience.

My new favorite roll is called the Great King Crunch “Award-Winning Roll”. This is the delicious roll featured above.

Why is it sooooo good? Let me tell you what’s in it!

Crab salad, sliced tuna, avocado and mango on top of a tempura shrimp roll. Drizzled with teriyaki sauce.

Is your mouth watering yet? This roll is the best sushi roll I have ever had. With mango on top, your palate explores a sweeter side of sushi that I had never known. The light crunch of the tempura roll pairs beautifully with the smooth tuna texture. Beyond the taste, the colors are vibrant and playful making it even more appealing to eat. I encourage everyone to try this roll and any of the curries on this menu.

Excellent job Tasty Thai!

The Tattooed Moose

Charleston, SC.

Talk about a great sandwich and a cold beer. This establishment, better known as the Tattooed Moose, is a laid back pub and sandwich shop with excellent and cheap beer and a kitchen that won’t stop cookin’ until 1 am!

They are open 7 days a week from 11:30 am – 2 am. The atmosphere is similar to your favorite neighborhood spot… great music, great company and even a little outdoor patio.

For my first tasting, I had their burger. I know what you’re thinking.. “A burger? Really?!” Personally, I feel that burgers show just what a restaurant is made of. I don’t want to see any greasy meat and a stale bun. I strive to find a juicy and thick patty topped with cheese, fresh lettuce, a large tomato and whatever special sauces they offer. And that, my friends, is exactly what the Tattooed Moose delivered!

 

Above, in all of it’s glory, is the official cheeseburger of the Tattooed Moose.

1/2 lb. pan-fried beef patty with lettuce, tomato, onion & pickles. Topped with homemade garlic aioli and special sauce on a toasted kaiser bun. It truly is “Moose-tastic!” Additionally, diners have the option to add cheese, bacon and/or pork belly.

Now no burger is complete without a basket of fries and a cold beer. However, don’t let this basket of fries fool you. These hand cut fries are fried in duck fat. Yep! You heard me… duck fat. And if that wasn’t good enough already, they are served with a homemade garlic aioli.

This one is for the books. Hands-down, one of the best burgers I’ve had in a while. It’s real meat, pan-fried right there, and the sauces add a special twist that has me coming back for more.