Hey Jolly
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Mik knows this stuff better than I do. I'm impressed.
Although he may gave been arrested at AJ's, to totally avoid Destin.
Bummer...I was going to tell Bach to stop by the National Aviation Air Museum at Pensacola, but it looks like it's closed to the public, unless you have a DOD card or with someone who does. I know you've been to New Orleans, but if you haven't been by the WW2 Museum, you might want to stop in.
If you like bbq, The Shed in Ocean Springs, Mississippi is as much experience as food, but I suspect the house specialty (baby back pig ribs) will be deferred for something else.
If you like plantations, none has been photographed more than Oak Alley, in Vacherie. The oaks took a whuppin' during Ida and clean-up was extensive, but I understand they're back open.
Of course mudbug season is just about here, so if you're passing through South Louisiana, you might want to pinch some tails and suck some heads. Wash them down with some Abita beer.
If you're anywhere near Fred's in Mamou on a Saturday morning (the only time the bar is open) it's about as coonass as you can get. Local music and be prepared to dance.
I've never been much of a Houston fan, although Fannin Street has more docs than just about anywhere in the South. Shucks, M.D. Anderson may offer you a job. (Insert Hopalong Ginsberg joke here
)I second 6th Street in Austin. Not quite as boisterous since COVID, but still a lot of live music. Try Max's Wine Dive for a supper of fried chicken and collards, with a pretty big selection of wines. Some great bbq joint around Austin, too, with some great brisket.
If the wife is with you, may want to check out the Magnolia Silos and Magnolia at Waco.
While in Dallas, saunter over to Billy Bob's one evening, just to say you've been in the world's largest honky-tonk. At capacity, I think it holds over 5000 people, IIRC.
I'll add more as I think of it.
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All is being noted down. I think maybe sticking to the gulf coast until texas seems to be the consensus.
Using the coffee rooms brain trust as IT did is always a sure fire way to win…
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Been to AJ's, got out in time.
My fave place in Destin is Back Porch. Killer amberjack.
True story...Years ago, a bunch of us met up and stayed in Ft. Walton. Taking a local's advice, we went to Mexican cafe one night...seedy part of town. Absolute hole-in-the-wall. Gravel parking lot, run-down building next to the city's wastewater plant. All local plates in the parking lot, though. I waited outside with the gals, gun drawn, while BIL and SIL's husband walked in and checked the place out. Looked ckean inside, food smelled good.
Best mexican food I've ever had.
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the adventure begins. Right now near the caloosahatchee river in north fort Myers.
Weekend here with a friend. Unwind and un jet lag. Sunday start driving.
On drive here I went on route 41, across the Everglades, avoiding I75 which is boring and filled with state cop speed traps.
41 is slower pace and closer to the feel of the place. And I was amazed to see, an alligator soaking in a nearby creek, not an alligator in a tourist farm, but a wild one, just lying in shallow water. Saw him (her?, don’t want to offend the gender particular) out of the corner of my eye as I drove past. No fencing to prevent critters from the road. I could have stopped and thrown a pebble on his noggin. Not that I was looking to have my leg bitten off. But it was nice way to start the journey.
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the adventure begins. Right now near the caloosahatchee river in north fort Myers.
Weekend here with a friend. Unwind and un jet lag. Sunday start driving.
On drive here I went on route 41, across the Everglades, avoiding I75 which is boring and filled with state cop speed traps.
41 is slower pace and closer to the feel of the place. And I was amazed to see, an alligator soaking in a nearby creek, not an alligator in a tourist farm, but a wild one, just lying in shallow water. Saw him (her?, don’t want to offend the gender particular) out of the corner of my eye as I drove past. No fencing to prevent critters from the road. I could have stopped and thrown a pebble on his noggin. Not that I was looking to have my leg bitten off. But it was nice way to start the journey.
I have driven that road and seen groups of 20-30 alligators stacked up in the swamp. I have also driven that road and seen none.
I'm not sure what brings them out, some kind of food or climate I guess.
Watch for panthers too.
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It's all good if you know how to cook it.
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@Jolly tastes like chicken?
@bachophile said in Hey Jolly:
@Jolly tastes like chicken?
Nope. Alligator ain't got much taste atall. In that respect, it's kinda like shark. You have to marinate it and season it well, for it to pick up flavor.
And beware the fat! There is nothing more bitter or nastier in your mouth than alligator fat...
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@bachophile said in Hey Jolly:
@Jolly tastes like chicken?
Nope. Alligator ain't got much taste atall. In that respect, it's kinda like shark. You have to marinate it and season it well, for it to pick up flavor.
And beware the fat! There is nothing more bitter or nastier in your mouth than alligator fat...
Nope. Alligator ain't got much taste atall. In that respect, it's kinda like shark. You have to marinate it and season it well, for it to pick up flavor.
And beware the fat! There is nothing more bitter or nastier in your mouth than alligator fat...
See?
This.
Every time I've been to NOLA, I've been tempted, but, like bad fish, one bad experience will ruin it for you...forever.
It's sorta like McDonalds - it might not be the best, but you'll know that what you order will be consistent, and what you expect. If you can't be good AND consistent, you'll never get my business, and I'm not feeling particularly adventurous in my dotage.
I never want to be surprised at a restaurant.
