By Kara Kimbrough
When it’s time for an interesting dining experience and meal, look no further than The District at Eastover, not far from downtown Jackson. The modern complex is filled with shops and restaurants ranging from gourmet pizzas to burgers to steaks. Occupying center court is Fine & Dandy, a fun, lively place named one of the “most Instagrammable spot in America” due to its eclectic décor with Mississippi touches. Executive chef and James Beard semi-finalist Jesse Houston offers a fresh, fun approach to classics like homemade biscuits and pear preserves, deviled eggs and tater tots, comically called “Dad bod tots.”
An even better reason to visit Fine & Dandy is the food. Picture Grandma’s table, circa 1960, combined with 2021 flair. In fact, it’s described as “granny chic” courtesy of wallpapered walls and an assortment of vintage China on which creative burgers, entrees and Southern snacks using local ingredients are served.
If you’ve grown up near the Jackson area, you’ll recognize iconic buildings and homes immortalized in the restaurant’s wall coverings. Vintage oil paintings of famous Mississippians and others that could pass for relatives are found throughout the eclectic space filled with leather chairs and cozy seating areas contrasting nicely with a modern bar and overhead industrial beams.
Fine & Dandy is open for brunch and lunch, but it’s after sundown that the restaurant really shines. Starting off a meal in the evening with “bread & butter,” better known as Jessie Mae’s black pepper bacon cheddar biscuits with whipped molasses butter, and Ms. T’s pear preserves is a decision you won’t regret.
Other noteworthy starters are spring onion bisque, the Jackson salad topped with comeback dressing and my personal recommendation, Dad bod tots, a plate of tater tots topped with pimento cheese, white barbecue sauce, bacon and green onions.
In addition to redfish, entrees are Instagram-worthy and delicious. Country fried ribeye, cast iron petite filet, chicken piccata and lamb chops are the stars of the eclectic menu.
Fine & Dandy is also known for its thick, juicy burgers, including the purist, nobleman, Fine & Dainty and the one you’ve likely seen on Instagram, Grandma Chick ($12.90).
It’s imperative to end a Fine & Dandy meal with one of its “different in a good way” desserts, like banana pudding bread pudding, old-fashioned cheesecake and everyone’s favorite, “birfday cake,” complete with a sparkler.
For more information on Fine & Dandy, visit www. eatdandy.com.
If You Go:
Fine & Dandy
Where: 100 District Blvd., Jackson
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11 am t0p 10 pm; Friday-Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm; Sunday brunch 10 am to 4 pm
Contact: 601-202-5050