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The Stew - With Jeff Houck

The Stew Heartily Recommends…


On of my favorite food events of the year, the Florida Strawberry Festival, started this week in Plant City. I went last night at about dinnertime to cover the Miranda Lambert concert, so I stopped for a bite to eat before the show just outside the festival soundstage.

Tucked amid the funnel cake stands and the ohmygawdhowbigisthatfreakingcorndog stands was the Grandpa Johnson’s/Fred’s Market BBQ and fish stand.

Grandpa Johnson's BBQ at the Florida Strawberry Festival


I visited Grandpa Johnson’s in Plant City late last year to take a Kansas City Barbecue School class so I could be a certified barbecue judge. Liked the food a lot.

What did I order this time out?

Plate of fried catfish and grits with tomato gravy from Grandpa Johnson's BBQ at the Florida Strawberry Festival


The fried catfish platter with garlic fries and grits with tomato gravy.

In a word: Damn.


The fish was freshly fried. The grits were creamy and the tomato gravy added a little acidic finish to the flavor. For ten bucks, it easily is the best food at the festival.

What do I not recommend?

Hand Dip't corn dogs


Any food that relies on creative use of possessive apostrophes.


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