Page 48 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2015

DINING yummy, yummy GOOD FOOD
SFAST
story and photos by Julian Brunt
ometimes there just isn’t time for lunch or a hurried dinner in a conventional restaurant. If you’re like a lot of people, fast food chains are out of the question. America has started to wake up about the caliber of food it’s consuming. It’s time to explore better quality food for the fast-paced life.
There are better choices and Tay’s Barbeque is one of them. If you’re a barbeque fan, you’re going to like what you find here. Tay’s has been around since the 1940s and prides itself on old-fashion BBQ, never taking any short cuts and using tested family recipes. Part of the secret is the dry rub that all the BBQ begins with, but nothing can substitute the long and slow smoking over a hickory fire.
The menu is a good one that leaves out none of your favorites. There are combo plates, family dinners for larger groups, sandwiches, a category called other stuff, and a nice handful of sides. In the other stuff category you might want to check out the pig and grits — that’s pulled pork with cheesy grits — and smoked hot wings. The best bet is a combo plate. I recommend the pulled pork sandwich and two sides, or the rib and chicken combo, also with two sides.
If BBQ doesn’t fit your mood, and you’re in Gulfport, check out Monster Subs and Sandwiches. This is a very chilled-out place, perfect to relax between busy chores, or a frantic day, but you best come hungry!
The subs and sandwiches are made to order from fresh sliced meats and cheese, and they are huge. There’s a solid menu to choose from, with six fixed options, such as the classic Reuben. Old timers who love this place know that the real beauty of Monster’s is the build- your-own concept. Pick the type of bread you like (subs, wraps, Kaiser, rye and croissant), then pick from the combinations of meats, cheeses, and 20 toppings.
Here’s your chance to get creative and end up with the meal that’s perfect for you. While I was there, a man ordered a double meat Reuben that must have been six-inches thick, and looked delicious. There is also a muffaletta on a sub roll and a pretty darn good looking hot dog on the menu.
So toss the fast food option out the window and seek out some of the local places offering exceptional food, good prices, and fast service.
Monster Subs & Sandwiches
123 30th Ave., Gulfport • 228.206.5920 Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. top 2 p.m. Sunday closed
Tays Barbeque
Ingalls and 14th St., Pascagoula • 228.205.2166 Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
48 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • October 2015