Headed Out To See UT Beat Ole Miss in Oxford?

Tailgating in the Grove is a time-honored Ole Miss game-day tradition that goes back many generations, but since it is unlikely visiting UT fans will be invited to join any of those family gatherings, you'll need to have some dining options in mind for the big weekend.

James Beard Award-winning chef John Currence dominates the Oxford restaurant scene with four restaurants: City Grocery (152 Courthouse Square) is his famous fine dining outlet; Oxford Boure' (110 Courthouse Square) is a Creole bistro; Snack Bar (721 N. Lamar) offers oysters and cocktails; and BigBadBreakfast (719 N. Lamar) is the busiest breakfast spot in town, sure to be slammed on game day. Oxford's other fine dining establishment is Ravine at the Inn at Ravine (No. 53 Country Rd. 321).

Other good breakfast options are Lusa Pastry Café (1120 N. Lamar) that is open for breakfast and lunch with marvelous Portuguese pastries. Honeybee Bakery (2305 Jackson Ave. W.) is another popular breakfast/bakery spot. We're also told Proud Larry's (211 S. Lamar) is good for pizza and sandwiches for lunch or dinner.

By far the most memorable meals we've had in Northern Mississippi were enjoyed at Lynn and Debbie Hewlett's Taylor Grocery & Restaurant (No. 3 Country Rd. 338 in Taylor, Miss.), just a short drive from the Ole Miss campus. The kitchen in this 19th century general store serves up the best fried catfish you're likely to find in the Magnolia State and the folks couldn't be more hospitable. They've got bone-in fried chicken and steaks, too, but the catfish and hush puppies are really great.

And if you're staying 60 miles away in Clarksdale, we have it on good authority that the Chamoun family at Rest Haven Restaurant (419 N. State St.) offers Lebanese, Italian, and American cuisine. And although Morgan Freeman has closed his Madidi restaurant in Clarksdale, the Ground Zero Blues Club (252 Delta Ave.) is still going strong.