Seafood Panic

Tojo afraid. Tojo see on news about big oil slick in gulf and Tojo get vision of life without fresh gulf seafood. Tojo imagine frozen pasteurized oysters, something called "cod" from way up north, fish sticks from factory, musty shrimp from Vietnam. Blood run cold in Tojo's veins.

Shadow Pup, Doc NBA, Bama Bing, Showdog, Cornbread Carp and Chase N. Allpots in panic too, call Tojo Monday morning and say, "Tojo, where to go for Lunch in Gump before  seafood all shrivel up and die, wash up on beach covered in slimy black BP goop?"

Tojo have fire in belly for Capitol Oyster Bar, but C.O.B. closed every Monday to fix bullet holes and change grease. 

If this is CUP Tojo wonder how big is BOWL?

Allpots suggest Young Barn Pub & Oyster Bar for fresh fish, oysters, shrimp and good gumbo. Gang all meet there in little strip center behind Sports Authority store where Tojo get rasslin' shoes. Tojo order "cup" of gumbo. Holy Mount Fuji! Look at size of "cup" of gumbo! Tojo smile wide, rub belly like happy Buddha. Shadow Pup  tail wiggle like lie detector in state capitol. Bama Bing say "War damn eagle." Allpots say "My word!" Show Dog say "Arf!" Doc NBA say, "Open a little wider for me."

Tojo find nice fresh oysters, shrimp, crab, sausage in cup of gumbo, not tough, scrawny little sea monkeys like at Wintzells. Look like gumbo made without roux, but no problem because size matter most to Tojo. Nice waiter lady bring Tojo big fine grouper filet with cole slaw and onion rings for $7.95. Tojo like. 

Clean, salty, no slimy black BP goop.

Showdog go with oysters on half shell even though May have no "R." Showdog fearless. Tojo try cocktail sauce on cracker, smile, rub belly. Showdog find pearl, break tooth. Good thing Doc NBA there for Lunch in Gump.

Tojo forget what other gumpers order but hear no complaints. 

Tojo worried about oil slick, sad for fishermen and shrimpers, hope for best. In meantime Tojo stuff belly with fresh fish, slurp oysters by bushel. Young Barn Pub & Oyster Bar not quite up there with Capitol Oyster Bar, but close. Tojo recommend.

Jubilee Seafood--Ole Reliable

If you mention seafood to Montgumphrians 9 of 10 times the first word out of their mush mouths will be "Jubilee". Nestled in the heart of Old Cloverdale (1057 Woodley Road), Bud Skinner's Jubilee Seafood is perhaps the best Alabama seafood restaurant north of the Gulf of Mexico. Now if you expect snazzy modern decor and tiled decorated bathrooms you will be sorely disappointed. Heck, the tile on the floor is worn through. The deal is Skinner does not waste money on ambiance. He invests in his people and in the fresh catch he cuts into every portion served himself. His business plan means he has managed to recruit and keep the best waitstaff and bartender in the Gump. They function together like a well-oiled machine. If you ever get a drink at the bar from Scott, the next time you come in--one week or one month later--Scott will call you by your name and ask you if you want another.

A little pricey (entrees run $22 to $24) but you can bring visitors who eat raw fish for breakfast (like the Swedes) to Jubilie--and I have--and they will rave about the broiled or grilled Grouper, Amberjack or Trout.

Again, it is not cheap, decorated to impress and you will normally have to wait (unless you want to sit at the bar). But the bottom line is that the food is reliably outstanding.

Bud's is only open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.


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