Yall know bout those Big Johnson tees. About 15 years ago, all the heads who didn’t buy Senor Frogs or Hypercolor gear rocked this dumb shit. Regardless of the fact that it was slightly entertaining; it was just a guy who boasted a big dick and was able to get away with anything because of it. Thing is, this skinny ass douchebag probably DIDN’T have a big johnson. I think the time is ripe for Andersonville’s three week old Contemporary Southern Coastal Cuisine dine house Big Jones and ya boy Johnson to pull they pants down. Don’t be claiming southern if you ain’t gonna do it proper.
First thing I noticed was that the joint was too clean…where was the sweaty, fat black cook named Lester? What about Grandmama with stank breath and rollers in her hair? The buss-boy was some hipster with a Ryan Seacrest-like fauxhawk who scowled at us when we said hello.
For appetizers we got the Pulled Pork Grit Cakes (Niman Ranch pork shoulder, crispy grit cakes, Cakalack sauce & slaw) and Crab Salad Deviled Eggs (Lump blue crab, deviled eggs and chow-chow with Johnny Cakes and a light vinaigrette).
Both were fantastic “contemporary” interpretations of Saturday Night Fish Fry classics, but from here, we rolled expediently down the cow pasture into a pig pin shit storm.
No. We didn’t get the baby back ribs or the pork chop special. This was our opportunity to test Big Jones’ endowment and see how far their southern creativity could reach. So we got the Etouffee z’ Herbs (Crimini & shiitake mushrooms, gumbo roux, eggplant and greens on Louisiana popcorn rice) and then the Brunswick Stew (Braised rabbit loin in a delicate gravy with crisp bacon, corn and butter beans).
Now, Ive had plenty of Etouffee and I know its supposed to be smokey, but that doent mean that is supposed to be as bland as white folks kool-aid. My grandfather made a killa Brunswick stew, so I’m a tough critic. And although the meats were juicy and tender, the “stew” portion of the plate was a simple afterthought. It’s Brunswick STEW not Brunswick Stew. I wanted to doggie bag both these dishes, take them back to the nest and apply excruciating amounts of salt and hot sauce.
And then it was time for the night cap: Hot Toddy and Mississippi Mud Pie.
Well, lets just say that our server was not very cooperative. In fact, he was a dickneck. When we asked for honey-a key ingredient in toddy-the dood had the audacity to bring out SIMPLE SYRUP. Daaaang mang. Don’t Big Jones serve brunch? And isn’t honey a main condiment in brunch (i.e. buttermilk biscuits and honey)? Just take the “southern” out of your name if you ain’t got some honey at the servers station. Simply redonkulous.
The pie was aiight, but took 20 minutes to be brought out to the table and I’d swear it was some Cosco out-the-box shit. And when it finally arrived, it arrived partially burnt. The oven must have been on broil instead of warm.
So pull those draws down Big Jones, and let me see what you’re really packin, cuz a majority of your food preparation and service certainly didn’t leave me with no love jones.
I thought their pomegranate soda was delicious.
this restaurant brought to you by the same chef who makes red beans and rice with carrots.
that is all.
If by Southern, they mean a menu created by a guy from Indiana, than yes it’s most definitely Southern.
anything south of indy should be considered “the south” twobitme, you ever been to a town called Linton? Damn!
True that Darwensi. I stand corrected. I forget the world south of I-80 sometimes.
Thanks for the review and the feedback. Responding to feedback from our guests, the Brunswick Stew was phased off the menu (we can’t fight people’s expectations on that one, though we tried, foolishly) two weeks ago, and the etouffee is being phased out this week. Try the Summer Vegetable Creole. As with any new restaurant, we hear feedback on service and availability of condiments such as honey, and will improve our service steadily.
To the moron who made the comment about the carrots, get your facts straight. I haven’t been at Schubas in over a year, and the recipe (to which you are welcome) that I used while there has no carrots. I’d sign an affidavit on my life for that. I can’t speak for anything a successor has done. We have never offered red beans and rice at Big Jones. Your comment is a cheap and stupid slam. You moron.
Thanks to everyone who HAS visited Big Jones and offers feedback and suggestions that help us become a better restaurant. We look forward to serving you for years to come.
Paul:
Thx for the post. Another thing that this review didn’t address is the brunch menu, and imo where Big Jones stands out.
All I’m sayin is that they got some pulled pork benedict like thing that I’ve heard good things about. I went the day after a white castle binge, so I had to get the oatmeal to be cool with my internals.
Oatmeal – 10/10 . . (I can’t believe im writing about oatmeal)
Pulled Pork Abomination – ? / 10
Word on the street its a 9 or higher . .but I’m going to find out for myself. It’s my destiny!)
I have rocked the pulled pork benedict and the shit is amazing. The bbq sauce is some of the best I’ve had.
I agree that brunch is where this place really shines but I don’t think the dinner is bad at all.
As for service, I’ve never had a problem. Maybe once but that’s going to happen. As long as someone doesn’t call me and “asshole” and stick their finger in my food, I’m pretty easy going with how the staff is.
One of my favorite places for brunch, hands down.
Oh, and as far as the criticism about the place being too clean, if that bothers your Darwensi, I know of a Perkins I can take you to thats a real shithole.
Josh…
Inno about Perkins. I am more of a Bob’s Big Boy kinda guy. Holler hard anytime.
[…] Big Jones first opened in 2008, the Gluttons crew opinions were split. Darwensi’s post, Big Jones or Big Johnson, spawned some internal controversy which was foolishly resolved in a friendship-jeopardizing match […]