by The Great Foodini
Coffee…just the word inspires images of an oversized ceramic cup filled three quarters full with an impossibly dark steamy liquid that immediately gives me life just from the smell. I like to get my coffee at Grind Coffee and Nosh on Cedar Lake Road in North Biloxi.
For those of you that follow the adventures of the Great Foodini will note that I make it a habit of not covering franchise establishments and I try to stay away from the corporate cookie-cutter places. I like family run businesses.
Now having said all of that, I do like certain corporate things. I like a cup of Starbucks coffee and I love, love, love Panera Bread.
Although I can find a Starbucks in most places, (one day even on Mars) I can’t however, easily find a Panera Bread in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area.
The Grind (mostly) satisfies my Panera craving with fresh-made wraps, salads and sandwiches so I don’t have to drive all the way to Slidell or Mobile.
My personal favorite sandwich is the Blackened Turkey BLT, which is a mouth-watering creation piled with blackened turkey slathered with chipotle Gouda cheese, bacon, shredded lettuce and fresh slices of tomato on Sourdough.
Other customer favorite sandwiches are the BBQ chicken, chicken and bacon, Kathy’s Kickin’ Reuben and the Mediterranean Chicken.
Another great thing about this spot is that it has a drive-thru. I have noticed a bevy of customers call in each morning and preorder their drink so they can just pull up, grab the java and go. Not only is this convenient, but you can get a coffee with one of their delicious muffins or scones for less time than it takes to say “I’m McHungry”.
I am guilty of grabbing the quick breakfast sandwich at one of the local fast food restaurants nearby when I am in a hurry, but I am not really saving time. If I know what I want, I can call ahead to Grind…you don’t get that service at Burger Barf or Taco Hell. Think about it. Average time for a car ordering and pulling up to Window one, paying, pulling up to window 2, receiving food (provided that it is done right) is around three minutes if you are extremely lucky. If there are 6 cars in line, that’s 18 minutes. That’s why the Grind is my place, even if I don’t call ahead, I am not out that much extra time and it is fresh and delish.
I have asked many folks who I know love their coffee and I haven’t gotten a single complaint. I am simple black coffee or latte kinda guy, but they have something for everyone.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments at (228)224-6781 or editor@thegazebogazette.com.
