Page 85 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2024

1801-A Government St., Ocean Springs 228.447.4023
8829 Lorraine Rd., Ste. #100, Gulfport 228.284.2696 www.bluedogbistro.com
Blue Dog Bistro
Joshua Lord has a real passion for food. He’s a self-described big foodie. After years of experience in the restaurant industry as a manager, he opened the Blue Dog Bistro in Ocean Springs and recently opened Blue Dog in Gulfport.
That advanced palate and some celiac and crohn’s disease health issues in his wife Amber’s family were the guiding lights of Lord’s approach to offering healthy food choices in his restaurants. Blue Dog specializes in brunch food and serves gluten, keto, and vegan choices. “I don’t know of other restaurants offering those options,” he said. “About 35 percent of our menu items are for special diets and they’re very popular.”
If you’re wondering about the origin of the restaurants’ name, it’s in remembrance of the Lords’ Blue Staffordshire Terrier, Blue Bell. “She was our child,” Lord says. “She had a long struggle with cancer but it didn’t break her spirit.”
Lord opened the Gulfport Blue Dog to be able to serve another community a real product, something that’s new and healthier than a lot of Coast food. “I know Coast cuisine and most of it is all the same,” he says. “With my concept, people ask if I’m from the East or West Coast. This cuisine and concept are new to the community.”
Blue Dog’s blueberry ricotta pancakes are a crowd pleaser. The dish comes from a favorite childhood book, Sheldon’s Lunch,
complete with the recipe in the back, that Lord’s mom read to him. The Blue Dog Breakfast is also popular. “It’s an all-star breakfast, like Waffle House on steroids. It’s a really big plate.”
1801-A Government St. • Ocean Springs, MS • 228.447.4023 8829 Lorraine Rd., Ste. #100 • Gulfport • 228.284.2696 www.bluedogbistro.com
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