MSU Gameday Domination returns this week with a special selection for our Jaguar friends from Mobile. This quickly-becoming-a-tradition-in-Starkville restaurant has modeled itself into a huge marketing empire with fantastic-tasting southern classics.
Owner, chef, and co-creator Jay Yates spares no expense from his delicious cuts of meat to his old-world wine selection. If you're looking for the perfect sit-down experience, look no further than The Veranda.
Location: 208 Lincoln Green, Starkville, MS 39759
Speciality: Traditional southern greats with talented twists
Website: http://www.verandastarkville.com/ (EASILY navigable and EXTREMELY informative website)
Twitter: @The_Veranda
ODDS AND ENDS: The Veranda opened in January 2003 (my junior year at MSU). I can remember it taking a few trips before truly finding the perfect meal to match my preferences. Inside you'll find a semi-darkened seating area with lots of intimate seating. The bar area, or the "Dawghouse Lounge" as it is affectionately called, is filled with televisions, delicious chicken wings, and friendly employees for your convenience. The V specializes in lunches, dinners, blue plates, desserts, fine wines, private parties, and catering.
FYI: The menu can sometimes feel a little overwhelming if you're a first-time visitor, but everything is unique tasting and prepared with care.
FAVORITES: Appetizers are as unique as they come. Hummus, spring rolls, crawfish tails, and the fried cheese logs are quite the start. Personally, you cannot go wrong with hand-cut Angus steaks. The wifey loves the filet but I highly advise the New York strip. Sides include grilled asparagus and epic Gorgonzola Yukon Gold potatoes. If you aren't feeling a hearty steak, feel free to try the seafood tortellini, grilled Mahi Mahi, shrimp and grits, the Kobe burger, bayou catfish, or the crispy duck (SOOOOO GOOOOOOOOD). Finish your meal with some of the best desserts around... chocolate lovin' spoon cake, blackberry cobbler with ice cream, or the peanut butter balls with a glass of milk or a bottle of Dom Perignon. Yes, I said that correct. Dom Perignon.
For the South Alabama fans that stay the night, try making the Sunday Blue Plate that's served all day. For only 8 bucks you can get your choice of one meat, three sides, biscuit or cornbread, and a drink. That's one smashing deal for fabulous Sunday vittles.
Eat, Ring, and Be Merry.