Marc-Alan Barnette - Photo by Maralyn D. Hill
Jacks isn’t really tacky, just has a Key West kind of vibe. I heard that President Obama had a great time there. He ate heartily and warmly greeted the other guests. I forgot what they said he ordered, but three of us indulged in some of the best shrimp and grits in the South. Upon entering the open-air eatery with water views from every angle, the amiable Manager, Doug Ayres was there to greet us all personally. As a surprise, one of the songwriters from the Gulf Shores Songwriters Festival was strumming his guitar and singing his original creations. At 10 o’clock in the morning it felt like a party.
Our grits were served steaming hot, creamy and cheesy. The shrimps were caught that day from the bay. My brunch companions also raved about the spicy bloody Mary’s, called Mexican Mary’s, made with tequila, complete with a pickled bean garnish I tried the specialty of the house, The Alabama Bushwhacker. It was by far the best bushwhacker ever. No tacky machines at Tacky Jacks. The mixologist made my coconut rum drink from scratch with the best ingredients, adding that tingling touch of 151 rum on top. This drink tastes great in a flip-flop kinda place with live music and water views.
My dining companions asked for the recipe for the Mexican Mary’s. So, here it is.
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Tacky Jack’s Mexican Mary’s
Ingredients
1-1/4 oz premium gold tequila to taste
dash of Worcestershire sauce
a few sprinkles of Old Bay seasoning
8 ounces Whiskey Willies Bloody Mary Mix (delicious)
dash of Tabasco
Method
Mix all in a shaker and add…
Cajun Chef spicy green beans, 2 olives, lemon and lime, for garnish.
Because of the capable and casual staff, old Alabama ambiance, good home cooking type of food and innovative drinks, I think Tacky Jack’s would hit the spot on the popular Food Network show known as Triple D… Diners,Drive-in and Dives. Guy appreciates authentic and funky, like Tacky Jacks.
