How to do Easter food during coronavirus? Order from one of these Coast restaurants.
Easter is a holiday about hope and resurrection, sentiments that we could all use a little bit more of right now.
You may not be able to gather all of your family and friends for a big Easter celebration this year, but we should all do our best to celebrate what we do have, while staying safe.
There are still plenty of interesting dining options, with most restaurants offering curbside, take out and delivery, but there are a few other possibilities as well.
Most large grocery stores have delis and some have prepared foods as well. The simplest and most affordable solution is a rotisserie chicken and a few sides, like mashed potatoes and gravy and a vegetable.
Rouses has the most extensive deli, and selection of foods that have only to be reheated to serve, a good salad bar and a hot bar as well. They also have a great selection of sliced meats, and the best selection of cheeses to choose from. Walmart and Winn-Dixie are also good choices.
If you want to crank up the grill, a good burger is hard to beat. If you are counting your coins, as many are, add panko bread crumbs to your ground beef, season well, grill and serve open-faced. The Marathon Gas Station in Ocean Springs has a nice assortment hand-cut beef.
Have you ever tried pork belly on the grill? It takes some time, but is an affordable cut of pork and the Lee International Market in Biloxi has a great pork selection. I have found that some of the smaller grocery stores and markets are better stocked than the big-box stores.
If you want to pick up a complete meal, there are a big handful of places that will make you very happy.
The Chimneys in Gulfport has a great selection of family packs, complete meals that feed six to eight people. The menu includes glazed ham, pork loin roast and grilled grouper, with an assortment of sides, including roasted asparagus and potato and cheese casserole. You can also order a la carte.
Half Shell Oyster House has some interesting choices as well, including chicken and shrimp Alfredo (speaking of comfort foods!), seafood pasta and boiled Royal Reds.
Scranton’s Restaurant and Catering in Pascagoula is taking pre-orders for seafood lasagna (call yours in quickly!), which is also available as a family meal with salad, garlic bread and cake.
Hook Gulf Coast Cuisine in Pass Christian has a great takeout menu as well. Their menu includes apple wood-smoked ham, roasted garlic whipped potatoes, green beans almandine, deviled eggs and key lime pie.
Fields Steak and Oyster Bar in Bay St Louis had is in the game in a big way. Check out their million-dollar deviled eggs, corn pudding, mustard and herb crusted rack of lamb and garlic mashed potatoes.
If you like the idea of a cold-cut platter, Lil Market and Bagelry in Ocean Springs is offering fresh-sliced Boar’s Head cold cuts by the half pound. Add a loaf of fresh bread, and a bottle of wine, and you will have a memorable meal, and on a budget.
If you are in the mood for barbecue, Murky Waters BBQ has amazing smoked chicken wings, for less than a dollar apiece. Add a six pack of cold beer, and let the good times roll.
Another interesting option, especially if you are looking for comfort foods, is Cracker Barrel. They have online ordering, with family meal baskets to go, They have an all day pancake breakfast, chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, roast beef and a lot more.
There is no denying that these are difficult times, but the uncertainty is temporary. Please stay safe, but that doesn’t mean you cannot eat well, and celebrate the hope that Easter Brings to us.