Who would have thought that one of the best meals I ever had was in Tupelo. Fast food as far as the eye can see and this hidden, local gem in an otherwise bland strip shopping center. We were encouraged by someone at the campground to try this place. It is a butcher shop where each piece of meat is identified by the usual information plus what local farm it came from and other interesting details. Here we picked the special, 29.95 for steak for two plus sides. It was served on a thick wooden cutting board, along with the tastiest potatoes and vegetables you can imagine. It looked like too much for the two of us but it was so delicious that, indeed we ate everything. We may have tasted the board as well as we did not want the meal to end. Great place.
California - Pioneertown- Pappy & Harriets (two photos) /
Just a bit north of Joshua Tree National Park is a town built by cowboy stars of the 1950's and has been used for more than 200 movies and TV series and countless commercials. Pioneertown is a unique place and in the midst of this spot is Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace. It offers more than decent food in a cool place that seems to be right out of a John Wayne classic. BBQ was going on out back and the place was bustling on a weekday evening. Near JTNP, this is a must visit.
California - Moss Landing- Phil's Fish Market /
So this is a popular place, maybe a famous place (Food Network etc, beat Bobby Flay at a dish). They seem best known for the cioppino, but we never heard of Phil's until we camped at the KOA a 1/4 mile walk from the restaurant. First time we went at an "off" time - not too long a wait, great food. Second time to get take out, 45 minutes in line. There are few parking places, long waits and some grumbling on Yelp and Trip Advisor about the food but for us, it was excellent. And we could walk so parking not an issue. The Haddock was fresh, well prepared and served in a huge portion. Among our group everyone enjoyed their meal: shrimp, grilled sole, fish & chips, chowder and more. Just a wonderful meal and it is right on the ocean. If we are in that part of California again, it is a sure bet we will be eating at Phil's Fish Market. http://philsfishmarket.com/
North Carolina - Kinston - Boiler Room Oyster Bar /
So we are starting out this section with a shout out to our new home state, North Carolina, specifically, Eastern North Carolina. And no one is more engaged with that style of food than Chef Vivian Howard at Chef and the Farmer. You can view her show, A Chef's Life, on PBS and it is a joy. We were able to stop here after an engagement I had at New Bern, NC for a late lunch on Sunday afternoon. I doubt that our experience of walking right in about 3:15 would be the norm at more regular dining hours. I had Fish and Chips, CJH had a Blueberry BBQ Chicken Sandwich with smoked gouda & bacon. Both dishes were simply excellent. The atmosphere is neat, it is in an old boiler room and nicely updated. Kinston is clearly declined from happier times but the few blocks around Chef and the Farmer were in the midst of renewal. The Boiler Room is simpler food and less expensive than Chef and the Farmer but our experience there has encouraged us to try the main restaurant. Soon!
