travel flavors:

Bill’s BBQ
by Judy Lamp, Southern Cooking

Being born a southerner, it isn’t surprising that one of my favorite places to eat is known for its barbecue.

Bill’s BBQ in Kennett, Mo., opened in 1947 in a converted gas station. Bill Horton found a bar in St. Louis and brought it back to use as the counter. It remains in place today. According to Tonya, his granddaughter and current manager, not much has changed since 1947. There have been two or three remodels over the years, including an expansion of the dining area by enclosing the platform where the gas pumps stood. The décor has been added to over the years, but remains “pig-oriented” with signs, ceramic pigs and pictures of pigs throughout the dining areas.

Upon entering, you feel as though you’ve entered a southern “Cheers.” If patrons and staff don’t know your name, you’re still made to feel welcome and part of the gang. My parents ate there frequently when they were dating in the early 1950s and for many years after they were married.

The pork is cooked on the original pit “out back.” It is slow cooked for about six to eight hours, then chopped and used for sandwiches and salads. It’s smoky and tender. The regular sandwiches are so thick they’re a meal by themselves. The fries are hot and crispy and the onion rings are crunchy outside and moist and tender inside. Their chili is as good as their barbecue. It is good in a bowl or on top of fries. Tonya says the chili is as big a seller as the barbecue. Fridays and Saturdays they have ribs and barbecue chicken.

Bill’s is located at 700 St. Francis St. in Kennett. They are open for lunch and early dinner, closing at 6:30 p.m. They are closed Sunday and Monday. It is definitely worth the trip. A barbecue, fries and a cola — it doesn’t get any better for this southern girl.

Brick Oven Pizza
by Kathy Cardwell, Loretta’s Catering

I am in the restaurant industry and I love, love, love food. When I was asked to write about my favorite place to eat when I travel, I could not decide. I have many favorites. I enjoy Jason’s Deli in Memphis, Taco Villa in Russellville, Bone Fish in Springdale, Shogun’s in Fayetteville and many more. I thoroughly enjoy a good dining experience whether it be a hole in the wall shop or a fine dining establishment.

My friend, Laurie, wanted to take me to one of “the best” pizza places outside of Jonesboro. Since she enjoys it, I thought let’s try it. So we drove to Paragould to the Brick Oven Pizza Company, located in a small building on the left side of the road coming from Jonesboro just in the Paragould city limits. Inside, I enjoyed a very casual, family friendly atmosphere with plenty of tables and booths. An atrium of sorts offers additional seating. People of all ages were there enjoying their meal.

A friendly energetic staff greeted us. Each staff member was ready to help take care of our requests. Of course, we had to start with an appetizer. And may I say, “WOW!” Our appetizer consisted of a Roma tomato, onion, portabella mushroom, fresh spinach leaves and cheese layered in a heated dish and served with toasted bread. The flavors were amazing. The pizza, which followed, was piping hot with lots of toppings and melted cheese on a perfectly baked thin crust.

The Brick Oven has a diversified menu. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps and something for all types of palates. I have tried several items and there is not one that I do not like. The chicken alfredo pasta melts in your mouth. Salads are fresh and crisp and the sandwiches are filling. Everything comes to the table extremely hot and just out of the stone hearth oven. It all tastes as good as it sounds and is worth the drive.

There are several Brick Oven Pizza Companies located in Arkansas, each establishment freshly prepares and bakes the old-fashioned way. Each pizza is made to order and may take a few extra minutes to cook, but in no time you will have a wonderful treat. The location in Paragould is open seven days a week until 10 p.m. So no matter what time of the day you get the craving, they are eager to bake a fresh hot specialty pizza for you.

 

PF Chang’s
by Omar Barry, Omar’s Steakhouse

PF Chang’s China Bistro combines a contemporary, trendy setting with traditional Asian cuisine. A family favorite after a long day in Memphis, my daughter, Uma, son, Bekai, and wife Bertha like to end the day at PF Chang’s.
The place is always crowded so you might have a little wait to be seated, but the food is that awesome. After you are seated, you are offered organic green tea in assorted flavors. The food is served family style, which gives you more opportunity to try multiple dishes with still enough to go around.

My favorites include chicken lettuce wraps, salt and pepper calamari and pan-fried shrimp dumplings. I also recommend the oolong tea marinated sea bass. The presentation is impressive – broiled sea bass served with sweet ginger soy and asparagus or spinach. Chang’s chicken and shrimp chow mein and seafood Sichuan with brown rice are also wonderful. For dessert, definitely try the great wall of chocolate: a six layer chocolate cake served with raspberry sauce. The banana spring roll served crispy with coconut pineapple ice cream is also a great dessert.

Although PF Chang’s is a national chain, the restaurant provides great food and exceptional service. In Memphis, PF Chang’s is located at 1181 Ridgeway Road. For more information, visit their website at www.pfchangs.com or call (901) 818-3889.