Jeff Houck

The Tampa Tribune’s food writer since 2005, Jeff Houck covers the way people live through their food. He also hosts the Table Conversations food podcast and believes that everything crunchy is good.

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The Stew Heartily Recommends…

Posted Mar 1, 2008 by Jeff Houck

Updated Mar 2, 2008 at 10:23 PM

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.

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?

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?

Any food that relies on creative use of possessive apostrophes.