Jen’s “Best Of” Journal – May 1, 2020

Day 307: Bokeelia, FL

Sunny and pleasant.

We are running out of time on our trip, and I have been spending a lot of time in review during our seclusion in Bokeelia. A “Best/Worst Of” discussion follows. Today, we are focusing on the food that we have had on our road trip.

Best Of the Trip: Food

We’ve read many reviews that may disagree with our findings. I know this is subjective! For instance, we tried four barbecue restaurants in Lockhart and Austin, TX, and they were all great, but the beef ribs from Terry Black’s in Austin were probably the best beef I’ve ever tasted. Our results depend on the day, the mood, the weather, and probably other factors.  But these are the places we found spectacular.

Best bakery: Two Sisters Bakery, Homer, Alaska

Best barbecue: Terry Blacks, Austin, TX (beef ribs)

Best barbecue outside Texas: The Red Top Pit Stop, Lakeland, FL

Best blueberry Danish: Monk’s Rock, Kodiak, AK

Best boudin balls: Steamboat Bills, Lake Charles, LA

Best bread pudding: Waterside Grill, Monroe, LA

Best cinnamon roll: Tetsa River Lodge, Mile 375 on the Alaska highway Near Fort Nelson, BC.  Or, maybe Heavenly Biscuits, Fort Myers Beach, FL

Best clam chowder: Rendezvous Bar & Grill, Kodiak, AK

Best Étouffée: Steamboat Bills, Lake Charles, LA

Best Mexican: El Encanto, Cave Creek AZ

Best Po’Boy: Parkway Bakery & Tavern, New Orleans, LA

Best ribs: Tay’s Barbecue at the Shell station, Moss Point, LA

Best salmon: Exit Glacier Salmon Bake, Seward, Alaska

Best seafood fettuccine: Chena’s Alaskan Grill, Fairbanks, AK

Best shrimp and grits: Carriage House Restaurant, Natchez, MS

Best shrimp gumbo, outside Café Boncher in Centreville, VA: Kenny D’s, Destin, FL

Best tacos: Los Charritos Express #2 food truck, Port Lavaca, TX

Best overall seafood restaurant: Wintzell’s Oyster House, Downtown Mobile, AL

Best wings: Chef Joel Venia, Miramar Beach, FL

Hungry now?