Food review: I found heaven sandwiched in between two South Mississippi auto shops
Pascagoula and hidden gem restaurants have become synonymous with each other.
Easily missed in a small suite is one of those places. Located at 1903 Denny Ave. in a small service road suite, El Punto Familiar Restaurant has exactly two visible descriptors: a blue banner tacked onto the wall with the restaurant name and large printed out letters in the window that spell WE ARE OPEN.
But for a restaurant sandwiched between competing auto shops and with little highway recognition, El Punto has been drawing near-perfect reviews from those who have found it.
It’s an authentic Dominican diner that expands the Mississippi Coast’s culinary range to the island known for producing cocoa beans and baseball stars.
The interior is a long dining room lined with art pieces highlighting Dominican culture. Upbeat music flows through the room and basketball plays on the TV.
The menu features daily specials, meats and seafood, as well as sandwiches and desserts. I enjoy just about any food that comes from Latin America. I’ve reviewed several authentic restaurants on the Coast from Jamaican to Columbia to Honduran, but I’ve yet to try Dominican.
My experience began with a Dominican shake. It was made from orange juice and milk, which may not immediately entice you. But the server ensured it was very good and I can personally attest to her claim.
It’s very similar to an orange creamsicle in shake form. The shake itself isn’t traditionally thick, but rather has a much more drinkable texture in between the fullness of milk and the thinness of juice. I wanted three of them.
But room needed to be saved, for more was on the way. The main course started with another first for me: mofongo. The dish is essentially a thick, garlic-and-bacon-mashed piling of fried plaintain stuffed and topped with shrimp and swimming in sauce.
Variations include chicken- and conch (sea snail)- stuffed mofongo.
It was phenomenal. It’s similar to mashed potatoes, but better. And with shrimp. It’s also very filling, so maybe don’t be like me and order a second entree.
But I can’t pass up a Cuban sandwich and El Punto makes a fine one with pulled pork, ham, pickles, lettuce and thousand island between pressed bread.
Also on the menu is steak with shrimp, fried whole snapper stuffed with conch and shrimp, pan-seared tilapia and a lot more.
The reviews were reasonable. El Punto brings the heat. As a Gulfportian, I only have but one question: why must heaven be a 37-minute drive?
For those looking to test the still-new Jackson County restaurant for themselves, El Punto is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
