Fenian’s Pub sits on the corner of Fortification and Jefferson, right on the line between Belhaven and Belhaven Heights. We have history, the pub and I. It was the first restaurant I set foot in upon arriving in Jackson. I made many close friends there, and made and lost more than a few memories. I spent so much time and money in that establishment, the Visa fraud department would call me if Fenian’s didn’t show up on my bill at least five nights a week as that indicated that my debit card was no longer my own.

Looking back, I can admit that I developed an bonafide emotional addiction for Guinness, Jaeger-Bombs, and Bookmaker sandwiches (Fenian’s version of the French Dip – a toasted hoagie roll piled high with juicy roast beef, cheddar cheese, and au jus for dipping). But as far as food went, that was all that I would order. I was familiar with the rest of the menu, and I just wasn’t interested.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wrap

But recently, I realized I was making my dining choice based on a menu from seven years ago.  A lot has changed since then. For one, a Jaeger-Bomb is now about as appealing to me as getting kicked by a mule wearing stiletto heels. For two, there’s a whole new team behind the menu, and a whole lot more to choose from. For instance, there’s a recently introduced wrap menu, and it’s my new addiction.

The wraps aren’t a part of the menu proper at the moment, but they’re listed on table-toppers on each table. You’ve got a couple of the usual suspects, such as Chicken Caesar and Ranch B.L.T, both of which deliver exactly as promised. But the one that has my undivided attention is the Jerk Chicken wrap – Jamaican Jerk seasoned chicken with pineapple, lettuce, and fresh sliced tomatoes. Admittedly, I’m a sucker for pineapple – I’ll try it on anything, and this doesn’t disappoint. But the jerk seasoning is what really shines. It’s got a definite kick without being prohibitively spicy. As a fellow who has recently discovered he’s prone to the occasional bout of heartburn (thanks, Jaeger-Bombs) this is an important factor for me. This wrap has a spiciness that adds to the flavor beautifully without overpowering the fruit and veggies. The Veggie Wrap – not the type of thing I’d normally go nuts for – is also well seasoned and surprisingly hearty, with fresh yellow squash, zucchini, red peppers, red onions, broccoli, and carrots.

The Infamous Scotch Egg

The current manager, T Francis, and the current kitchen manager, Josh Speights, are the ones responsible for turning things around. The Fenian’s menu is still loaded with comfy, familiar pub food, but now with a couple of passionate foodies behind the wheel, they’ve taken everything up a notch, and explored new ideas.

Just a general word of advice – if you ever catch word that T is serving a new “infused” liquor, try it immediately. Peanut rum, strawberry vanilla gin, and apple bourbon are just three examples off the top of my head, and they have all been unusual and fantastic. But they’re always in limited quantities, so strike while the iron’s hot.

Insider tip: I’m also told that the menu is about to experience a brand new overhaul, introducing several new sandwich, burger, and wrap options. The one I’m most excited about? Apparently for a small upcharge you will be able to make any burger “stupid.” Translation – you can replace the bun with a pair of grilled cheese sandwiches. Challenge accepted, old friend. Challenge accepted.

Food: Hearty pub fare – fried foods, sandwiches, wraps and burgers, as well as a few Irish staples such as Shepherd’s Pie and Corned Beef and Cabbage. And now, wraps (awesome); and soon, stupid burgers (get ready).

Atmosphere: Irish pub through and through – dim, lively, with live music almost every night, and one of the most rewarding karaoke nights around.

Service: Dependent on when you visit. The bartenders know what they’re doing, and the lunch and dinner hours are pretty swift. Keep in mind that weekend nights are often packed wall-to-wall, though, so if you’re eating late, just settle in and enjoy yourself.

Are you a Fenian’s fan? Have you tried their new menu items, or dinner specials – or infused drinks? Tell us in the comments below!

Crooked Letter Brewing Co., located in Ocean Springs, has been taking the state by storm with their four inaugural brews: Mystery Romp, GIpsy IPA, Stabello, and Crooked Heffy.

Mystery Romp may be the most remarkable brew of the four, simply because the discussions surrounding the coffee and chocolate aromas of this not quite a porter or a stout beer, make any gathering more engaging. Brewed with coffee beans sourced from another Mississippi small business, Coast Roast Coffee in Long Beach, this beer has 6.5 alcohol by volume.

GIpsy IPA, with its intentionally variant spelling and hoppy flavor, reflects the variant lifestyle it embodies. This beer is bold but has a sweet end note. The beer goes well with duck, spicy international cuisine and most fried, fatty foods.

Stabello is an Italian style lager. Accordingly to Italian folklore, Stabello was an Ogre who wandered villages after nightfall looking for beer and a taste of mischief. Crooked Letter’s Italian-style lager is dry hopped with the noble Saaz hops, a distinctive flavor originally from Czech region of Europe. Stabello is 7% alcohol by volume.

Crooked Heffy is Crooked Letter’s Mississippi summer beer, and it was very popular at the recent Eat Y’all Chef’s Table featuring Crooked Letter beers and Mississippi Seafood, held at Walker’s Drive-In. Swirl your glass and enjoy this “crooked” take on an American hefeweizen. Crooked Heffy is 7% alcohol by volume.

When Crooked Letter is on tap somewhere, it’s hard to miss – their tap handles are truly art in and of themselves, so beer lover or not, pay attention to those handles for an extra talking point on your next visit to locally owned bars.  Also, next time you’re on the Coast and find yourselves in beautiful Ocean Springs, Mississippi, keep in mind that Crooked Letter offers brewery tours each Saturday.

Crooked Letter Brewing Co. is distributed in the metro Jackson market by Southern Beverage Co. Try these Mississippi craft beer delights soon, and let us know what you think!

*Editor’s Note: Southern Beverage Co. is a Culinary Patron of Eat Jackson, and as part of their sponsorship, they help us identify great new craft brews to spotlight each month. The opinions and commentary on the beer are our honest assessments and are not the opinions of Southern Beverage Co – and have not been pre-approved by them. But we really appreciate their support of great local food and drink in the Jackson metro, so head on over to their Facebook Page and leave a comment letting them know we appreciate them! 

We also happen to know that they’ve worked really hard this year, and deserve a token of thanks for the hours upon hours they’ve invested in the next generation. Gifts for teachers express that appreciation.

We also know that many of you need to be creative with your dollars, so we’ve compiled a few of our favorite foodie gifts, all really reasonable and all practically perfect for the teacher in your life. So if you have been wondering what gift to the teacher (or teachers!) in your life, here are four ideas for teacher gifts that are sure to please. After all, an apple is nice – but a good meal or sweet treat is even better!

1. Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving.

The Eat Jackson Card is the gift that keeps giving for an entire YEAR, giving the recipient discounts and freebies at over 45 Jackson metro restaurant locations. Only $20, available online and delivered to you or directly to your teacher – with FREE shipping, no less! Makes many a meal even more awesome.

2. Buy them Dinner.

Most local restaurants offer gift cards in denominations as small as $10. Choose from Eat Jackson’s great list of locally owned and operated restaurants and show support for local businesses who support your local schools in many cases. Everyone eats – and teachers will be grateful for a special meal they can enjoy during their summer break.

3. Life is a Box of Chocolates!

Head over to Nandy’s Candy and select a sample of candies from their delightful cases of handmade candies as well as their wide variety of fudge flavors. Your kids can have a grand time selecting sweet treats for their teacher and creating a customized candy box that’s one of a kind… just like your student (and their teacher)!

4. Save Them Time & Energy.

Kitchen gadgets are fun, and many are affordable, too. Head over to The Everyday Gourmet for a special cooking gadget like a garlic press, apple corer (in case someone does get the teacher an apple!), or Microplane – gifts that any budding gourmand would appreciate. Gadgets available for under $15.

 Those are some of our go-to gifts for the great teachers in our lives. What other ideas do you have? And teachers (since we know you’re reading!), do you like these ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

Eat Jackson has the perfect suggestion: The Pineapple Ely.

This drink is everything a summer cocktail should be. It’s light, fruity, and the perfect balance of alcohol and pineapple. Ely’s Restaurant in Ridgeland has found the perfect vodka to pineapple ratio in this drink. It is strong enough to have a hint of the Tito’s American Vodka bite, but is infused with enough pineapple juice to make it completely smooth. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have to restrain yourself from gulping it instantaneously, and then ordering another.

Olde Towne Ridgeland is also just a beautiful corner of the metro area to spend a relaxing dinner or happy hour, and the folks at Ely’s Restaurant always take good care of you. So it’s not like we needed another excuse, but this drink concoction sure is a good one.

Go enjoy a Pineapple Ely. It’s a drink you’ll be glad to raise in a toast – here’s to the beginning of another Summer in the South, y’all!

What’s your favorite summer cocktail? Eat Jackson is always looking for more great local finds to feature! Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Ely’s Restaurant & Bar
115 W Jackson St Ste E
Ridgeland, MS 39157
(601) 605-6359
elysrestaurant.com

When I walked in, I instantly remembered how much I adore the atmosphere. It has that natural “café” vibe—I don’t know about y’all, but I love good food and appreciate eating it in a pleasant atmosphere. We’ll say this one has some good downtown style!

The daily lunch options are listed on a chalkboard by the ordering counter. I had to work hard to keep myself from ordering one of everything. My dining date and I eventually decided on a Turkey Burger with Lima Beans, and the Chopped Sirloin with Corn and Mashed Potatoes.

Chopped Sirloin with Corn and Mashed Potatoes

Now, usually I’m not big on a plate full of all carbs, but if you’re going to have a meal full of carbs, I highly recommend splurging on Downtown Café’s Blue Plate lunch. The Mashed Potatoes were worth every single calorie. Enough said. And of course the Chopped Sirloin was fabulous, enough so that we used the roll to soak up every last bit of gravy off the plate.

Moving on to the Turkey Burger. I’ve never had a Turkey Burger, but I recently found a love and appreciation for Turkey Bacon, so I thought the burger was a worth a try. I’d say that was good call on my part. The burger was served with fresh greens on wheat flat bread. It was delicious, and filling enough that I didn’t even feel like I was eating healthy – which, in my mind, is a huge accomplishment.

Turkey Burger with Lima Beans

All in all, Downtown Café definitely earned itself some returning customers. We’ll be back! It’s a great place for some southern home food or for a quick health conscious lunch. All of us at Eat Jackson also love seeing new downtown Jackson dining options, too. So give this place a try if you haven’t already – when you need lunch downtown, Downtown Café is sure to please.

Have you been to Downtown Café yet? What’s your favorite lunch special there? Tell us in the comments below!

Downtown Cafe
224 East Capitol Street
Jackson, MS
601-592-5006
jxndowntowncafe.com

First up: Rooster’s.

You may not realize that Rooster’s has a killer menu of side dishes. After all, it’s easy to get distracted by the Burgers, Fried Chicken, Plate Specials – I’m sorry, what were we talking about? Oh, that’s right! The amazing sides!

The full list of side dishes available at Rooster’s includes: Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, Curly Fries, Green Beans, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Onion Rings, Red Beans & Rice, Rice & Gravy, and Side Salad.

They’re all good… but the truth is, I have my three favorites, and together they constitute a meal. Those three are the Mac & Cheese (I’m a sucker for a good, real-cheese blend – no powder mix here, good ooey-gooey melted cheese), the Red Beans & Rice (a cup of perfectly cooked red beans, a few jalapeño and onion slices, and just enough rice), and a Side Salad with Ranch (they make their dressings, and that Ranch is good, y’all).

Expert level tip: side dishes also make excellent takeout lunch meals. Easy to transport, easy to eat at a work desk. That, along with the deliciousness, is why the Mac & Cheese/Red Beans & Rice/Side Salad with Ranch dressing is a meal I used to order a lot when I worked near Fondren. When I say a lot, I mean… a lot. There was one time I called, and the conversation went like this:

Rooster’s: “Hello, Rooster’s! What can we get you?”

Me: “I’d like a side of Mac & Cheese, a side of Red Beans & Rice, and a Side Salad with Ranch, please.”

Rooster’s: “… is this Beth?”

Yes. Yes, it is.

What’s your favorite side dish at Rooster’s? Tell us in the comments below! 

Rooster’s
2906 N State St
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 982-2001
Price: $

That whole end-of-school-year schedule sets in, with graduations, music and dance recitals, baseball games, awards days, school programs, exams, half-days… with so much vying for your attention, make mealtime stress-free with these convenient and tasty take-out ideas from local restaurants in the Jackson metro area.

The seven ideas for easy eating during back-to-school season  can all still apply for easy meal solutions during “end-of-school” season…and here are a few new tasty ideas!

Delicious Tamales topped with Cheesy Corn Supreme from Suck the Shuck Hot Tamales

Hot Tamales

Hot tamales are good hot, and they’re also good when they’re not-so-hot. They hold really well, and reheat sometimes to an even better flavor than before. Several local tamale places provide the perfect way to add some spice to your hectic weeknight. The most famous local tamale probably hails from Tony’s Tamales – for good reason. In Clinton, Suck the Shucks Hot Tamales is an outstanding option. And in Ridgeland,  the Black Bean & Goat Cheese Tamale at Sombra’s Mexican Kitchen is a hearty vegetarian selection. Pair tamales with a bag of salad and fresh tomatoes for a healthy, quick and easy meal.

Start Summer Vacation Early

Sneak into Taste of the Island in downtown Jackson and grab a couple of orders of Jerk Chicken, along with some rice and cabbage. This dish will reheat really well and provide a tasty, healthy meal full of Caribbean flare at dinnertime. Plus, the Caribbean atmosphere will help you remember to relax and enjoy this crazy time…

Order Room Service

Delivery from local restaurants isn’t widely available in Jackson, but one place does it well. Room Service, which lives up to its name, is a lunch-only operation that will deliver selections from  their huge menu of salads and sandwiches. Call in your entire family (or team, or school group)’s order for late lunch delivery to your office or home. Save it in the fridge, and then eat your  meal on the go or as a picnic at the ballpark for dinner. So convenient!

The Red Beans, Rice & Smoked Beef Sausage from Kent’s Cajun Kitchen

Kick It Up a Notch with Cajun Fare 

Tucked away in the strip behind Kroger on 463 in Madison, Kent’s Cajun Kitchen will not only solve your dinner-time woes, but they’ll also do it with a smile that will make your day better. Trust us! Specializing in take-out with only a few dine-in seats available, you can call ahead or order to-go from menu options like Seafood Gumbo, Po-Boys and Red Beans & Rice. They even have an Eat Healthy Mississippi section on their menu that includes the delicious Cajun Sauteed Basil Chicken Breast with Spinach. Talk about Cajun convenience.

Local restaurants can really come to the rescue, with to-go options bringing a little sanity back to the table. Remember, reheating and leftovers can also be lifesavers! Enjoy the moments – and enjoy your meals, too!

What is your go-to takeout dining source for this hectic time of year? 

Adobo has a wonderful café feel, with bright awnings and sidewalk seating options that give it awesome curb appeal. Once inside, you’ll find a café-style ordering counter, which I love. After a quick look over of the menu, I opted to try the Cuban Sandwich with Adobo Chips and a Kahlua Fudge Brownie.

The Cuban

The Cuban Sandwich was as yummy a Cuban as I’ve ever had. The Manchego cheese to mustard to pickle ratio were all in perfect harmony. The meat, Serrano Ham and Adobo roasted Pork, were tender and delicious as well. The sandwich was pressed, and served with Cilantro-Roasted Garlic Mayonnaise. The house-made Adobo Chips were the perfect accompaniment to the sandwich. A great lunch choice, and there are lots of other choices to be had at Adobo for lunch.

Okay – on to that Kahlua Fudge Brownie!

I’m a huge fan of dessert. Even as an adult, I sometimes finish my meal just so I can justify dessert, and brownies like this are the reason why. It’s a splurge that’s totally worth it – a fine line between fudge and brownie. I couldn’t decide which one it was more like. So, if you like brownies, fudge, chocolate in general… well, then you need to go straight to Bruno’s Adobo and get this brownie.

Now.

Have you tried Chef Louis Bruno’s Adobo restaurant? What did you have there?

Adobo
127 S Roach St (Standard Life Building)
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 944-9501

Now, Monday is here again. We always want to help get your week off to a great start, which is why we started a new weekly spin on Monday Jolt: “Coffee Conversations.”

With Coffee Conversations, we’ll talk to chefs, foodies, and Eat-Jackson-favorites around town.

Best of all, we want you to chime in on the conversation – and chiming in has its rewards: you could win a gift card to Cups: An Espresso Cafe, just for leaving a comment!

So, before we dive in to the next conversation, here’s a question for you:

Who’s your favorite Jackson person (or people) to talk about food with?

Let us know below – we might try to get a Coffee Conversation with them, AND your answer to the question might just win you a Cups gift card! Happy Monday!

Editor’s Note: Cups: An Espresso Cafe is one of the more than forty restaurants and eateries, including tons of new additions for 2013, where you’ll be treated to a little something extra when you show your EATJXN Card. Don’t have your card yet? Get it now!

Olga’s Fine Dining will be serving brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are featuring a special menu that will include Olga’s Omelets, Shrimp & Grits, Steak & Eggs, and Salmon Florentine, just to name a few .  They will also have a live jazz band for your listening enjoyment.

Bagel Breakfast at Nick’s

If the mother in your life is a seafood fan, Nick’s Mother’s Day menu looks especially tasty.  Take your pick from the Bagel & Lox breakfast, Mexican Shrimp & Grits, Crab cakes, or Crabmeat Stuffed Lobster Tail.  The special menu will be available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.   Online reservations will not be accepted on Mother’s Day, so make sure you give them a call.

For an elegant option, Sophia’s Restaurant offers a lovely Mother’s Day brunch buffet with the beautiful ambiance of the Fairview Inn.  Their brunch buffet will include a variety of seafood, made-to-order omelets, a carving station, an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a dessert buffet featuring Southern favorites such as banana pudding and peach cobbler, Belgian waffles, and a selection of cakes and pies.  Reservations are required; seating on the half hour from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Old Capitol Inn will also host a Mother’s Day Brunch buffet in their Gala Ballroom.  The lineup includes several seafood options; fresh salads, fruit, and antipasto items; carving stations; and dessert station consisting of freshly made cakes and pies, assorted cookies, and their famous bread pudding.  Two seating times:  11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations are required.

Another Jackson favorite, Char, opens at 10 a.m. The atmosphere is always grand, and their brunch menu includes tempting dishes like Panned Soft Shell Crab over Grits. Reservations are recommended.

Try the crepes at Anjou!

Feeling French? Anjou Restaurant will start brunch service at 10:30 a.m., presenting a special holiday menu featuring signature dishes like Crepes Florentine and Beef Bourguignon. Reservations accepted.

On the other hand, if Mexican flair is what you’re seeking, Sombra Mexican Kitchen will be open at 11 a.m., dishing up authentic Mexican cuisine, including Tres Leches Cake. They’re not accepting reservations; this one’s walk-in only.

Of course, you can never go wrong with Italian. Amerigo opens at 10:30 a.m. on Mother’s Day, offering their menu of brunch specials and Italian favorites. No reservations here, either – walk ins only.

Angel biscuits at Two Sister’s will make mom’s day!

Looking for some great comfort food? Two Sister’s Kitchen will be serving Sunday lunch, including their award winning fried chicken & angel biscuits, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. And for a special musical treat, Ralph Miller will provide music on their patio.

If Mom really would rather sleep in on Sunday, there are also a few evening specials going on.  Pan Asia is open on Mother’s Day from 11 A.M. all the way until 8 p.m.  They will be offering a Prime Rib dinner that includes a 10 oz. prime rib serve with sides, Chocolate Paradise dessert, and coffee or tea.

Table 100 also still has seating available in the evening.  Their regular menu will be served, and they will have live music.  Reservations are strongly recommended.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Eat Jackson to all of y’all!

Where will you be celebrating Mother’s Day?