Next week, my grandmother will be 80 years old. So last week, I went to Mississippi to help her celebrate. And instead of a map, I let food dictate my time there. I flew into the Memphis airport and started my journey there.
First stop, Central BBQ in Midtown Memphis. Neither me nor my sister had eaten the entire day, so this was a welcome lunch. Look at these smiles.
Next stop, Northeast Mississippi for grandma’s birthday. All my nieces and nephews were in the house (all five of them – wow. I have five nieces and nephews. When did I get old?)
After the party, Mom and I hit the open road (see pic above) to head to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Before we even unpacked the car, we went to my favorite Po’ boy spot for a shrimp po’boy with cajun fries and a sweet tea. Yaaasssss, this hit the spot.
The next day we had homemade Thai food at a graduation party for one of my mom’s neighbors. I, um, ate the food so quickly there was no time for a pic. I can’t say I knew what it all was, but it was delicious. But I did catch a pic of these trees we were sitting underneath. Beautiful.
We woke up early Monday – Memorial Day – to honor our fallen service members. It was the same, I’m sure, as many other ceremonies across the country. The bells, the 21 gun salute, bag pipes, Taps. I didn’t cry this time.
After the ceremony, we starting visiting – my other grandma, old friends, more family. We worked up an appetite and I decided to go for broke. We went to a place aptly named The Dock. Where I proceeded to order all of the seafood. Well, a picture says a thousand words.
We didn’t have dinner planned the next night, because I was scheduled to fly home. But I guess God had other plans. My flight was canceled and all flights were sold out the next day. My mom cooked for me both nights.
In all, a great trip. My only regret? I wish I’d eaten more food. Next time, I’ll start with crawfish.
Crystal Lewis Brown 