INSIGHT Magazine August 2014 | Page 7

PLACES TO EAT Step one, maybe even before unpacking, is to get something to eat. There are plenty of the usual chain restaurants along Highway 21 in Jacksonville, but to get something really delicious, you have to get a ways off the beaten path. Momma Goldberg’s Deli 208 Mountain Street Northeast, Jacksonville Momma Goldberg’s has been an Alabama staple since the original shop opened in Auburn in the 70s. You can get a variety of good eats here, from a line of sub sandwiches (including custom options!), salads, and the Buff Nachos, nachos topped with buffalo chicken that’ll get your hunger situation sorted. Cali’s Fresh Mexican 1801 Quintard Avenue, Anniston Cali’s is an experiment in authenticity, all stemming from the San Diego street taco experience: carne asada steak, cilantro and onions all wrapped in a warm, corn tortilla. They’ve got other cool options, too. Trust us, you’ll want to try a fish taco. Thai One On 911 Noble Street, Anniston If you want to get a little more exotic and away from North American cuisine, try none other than Anniston’s Thai One On. We recommend the pad thai with a side of the hot sauce, which ranges from 1 to 5 on a hotness scale, but if you’re feeling brave you could check out the sweet and sour calamari. wing paradise. Wing-gra-la. We might sound like we’re overselling the place, but more than 20 wing sauces make for a restaurant where you can get your wing fix over and over without being bored. They’ve also got burgers, sandwiches and fried Oreo cookies for dessert, but we must reiterate: wings. Mata’s Pizza 1708 Quintard Avenue, Anniston If you’re used to a typical pizza experience, get ready for Mata’s. Anniston’s favorite pizzeria doesn’t do toppings like your typical restaurant, opting to cover their pies in pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms and anything else that might fancy their patrons — then they put the cheese over the toppings, making for a stealth pie that outwardly appears as an unassuming cheese pizza. Fantastic. Artisanal Baked Goods 1702 Quintard Avenue, Anniston This place has your dessert fix covered, with lemon cakes, red velvet cookies and other assorted goodies to fix a sweet tooth. They’ve also got a great line of breads, like rye, sourdough and the like, and make a baconcheddar scone that’s addictive. Struts of Jacksonville 500 Forney Ave NW, Jacksonville If you want wings, this is wing heaven. This is INSIGHT August 2014 7