Page 83 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2022

Gas station cuisine is truly remarkable. There’s something special about the sound of wax paper or butcher paper crunching and unfolding, revealing
the beauty of a fresh-out-of-the-oven sausage biscuit or a fully-dressed
bacon cheeseburger. It’s sometimes a hodgepodge of things that you might not necessarily pair together. Think pizza sticks and turkey legs. Other times, it consists of basic culinary ideas, such as poboys or breakfast items. Even some gas stations boast full-on buffets of catfish, greens, and mashed potatoes and gravy. Regardless of the food du jour, gas station delicacy will always have a few important notions in common: affordability, deliciousness, and most importantly, convenience.
Because I’m hometown proud, I’ll start with one of Gautier’s finest – Dodge’s. Set off near the city limits, Dodge’s is a great stop for last minute items before making that so very long trek into Pascagoula. Whether it’s mixed pieces, strips, or wings, Dodge Store fried chicken is unparalleled. It’s served best with three or four JoJo potatoes. Corn dogs, egg rolls, and fried corn are easy Dodge Store go-tos, but the
real MVP is the pizza stick. Think pizza roll, but next level. If you don’t have a serious love for cube-shaped pepperoni, then this article isn’t for you.
Not to be outdone, Vancleave is home to The Honey Hole, a one stop shop for fuel, beer, ice cream and a southern-style buffet that will easily make your grandmother blush. Fried catfish, fried chicken, peas, potatoes, and more are served up hot and ready daily. Boiled shrimp and crawfish are seasonal staples that are the perfect addition to that Saturday afternoon boat ride.
Harrison County is no stranger to its own share of gas station fare. Fat Baby and Alise’s in Biloxi is a prime example of true gas station delight and is the home of some of the best poboys you can find. In addition to poboys and burgers, Fat Baby’s offers a variety of take-n-bake options, such as casseroles, shrimp dip, and even hog head cheese. Fresh beignets are a breakfast favorite, and no stop would be complete without fried chicken livers.
Some gas stations are even getting in on the pop-up food action. Just visit Bayou View Quick Stop in Gulfport where you
can pick up some of the best BBQ south of Memphis. Daddy’s BBQ is an ode
to the late James Russel Bates, whose small rib shack in Jayess, Mississippi, was a beacon of smoked meats for several years. His son, James, wanted to continue the family tradition of serving up slow- smoked BBQ and hearty sides in a quick and easy fashion. House-blended secret recipe rubs and sauces hug whole rib slabs, brisket, pork butts, and smoked sausage. The Bayou View Quick Stop serves as a meeting point for Daddy’s BBQ two to three times a month, so make sure you get your orders placed in advance.
Gas station food is nothing new. It’s nothing groundbreaking or innovative, and it’s definitely not anything fancy. But that is precisely what makes it so special. It’s the simplicity. It’s the warmth. It’s a delicacy all its own, celebrated daily by weary travelers, early risers, and working moms. Gas station fare is in a league of its own, so be sure to pull over and treat your self to a Mtn Dew or tall boy and bask in the glory of all things fried, good, and pure.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net May 2022 | 83