This Biloxi chef is offering ‘delicious’ plant-based meals at an unexpected spot
Lauren Turner has been cooking most of her adult life.
You may have attended an event that she catered, or enjoyed music and Turner’s amazing food at the Greenhouse in Ocean Springs in less uncertain times, but now she has a permanent home and she is, as you might guess, makin’ groceries.
Makin’ Groceries is located inside the Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art, and a finer space could not be found. High ceilings, lots of glass, and the architectural touches that have made Frank Gehry’s work international recognizable make this space unique, and the perfect setting for the innovative creations that Turner is known for.
Don’t expect burgers and po-boys out of this kitchen, but do expect spicy renditions of plant-based dishes that are going to change your mind about healthy options.
Sure, you will find General Tso’s famous dish here, shepherd’s pie, enchiladas and some wonderful deserts, too, like her divine berry custard tart, which is sweet and delicious. But Tso’s famous dish is made with cauliflower and bok choy and not chicken. The shepherd’s pie, perhaps England’s most famous comfort food, is made with lentils, and is filling and delicious. The enchiladas are stuffed with sweet potatoes and black beans, and this just might become your favorite version of this Mexican classic.
Turner’s inspirations come from around the world, from Mexico to Morocco, a place she visited a few years ago. But at the core of her kitchen and menu is the idea that healthy food should be available to everyone and should be delicious too.
As she says, “Real people should be able to eat healthy, good food and it should be affordable at the same time.”
An important aspect of Makin’ Groceries is the family menu, which offers meals that will feed four to five people. There are five options for main courses, most of which I have already mentioned, five soups, including yellow vegetable curry, portabella white bean stew, curried lentil sweet potato soup, quinoa minestrone and red beans and plant-based Andouille sausage. There is also a snack and breakfast selection that features healthy burritos, quiche and a few salads.
Makin’ Groceries also has a daily hot plate special that is just $8, and I do not know of a better deal on the Coast. General Tao’s was the special on the day of my visit, Thursday.
Tuesday is taco Tuesday, Wednesday is spinach and mushroom stuffed spaghetti squash, and Friday is sweet potato and black bean enchilada. And it is just $8! You can also call in your order and drive to the kitchen entrance on the north side of the museum and have it delivered to your car.
Going plant-based and healthy never was easier, or more delicious.
I have to admit, I was dubious about the idea of a restaurant offering this sort of menu, but I have been won over. Remember this is from a guy whose favorite foods are messy cheeseburgers and roast beef po-boys.
I think you should give this place a try!
Makin’ Groceries
Where: 386 Beach Blvd, Biloxi
When: Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Call: 228-860-3824