[Lunch Lady] A Cold, Sweet Goodbye

Lunch Lady had oral surgery a couple of weeks ago to remove some hanger-on baby teeth she’d had since she was, oh, less of a Lunch Lady and more of an elementary–school student being served by actual lunch ladies. You can do a lot of thinking after you’ve gone under general anesthesia for this kind of procedure; memories and regrets come to you, and you contemplate what might have been.

In Lunch Lady’s case, though, the only thinking going on was in reference to what delicious treats she could still eat without the gnashing help of two of her molars.

As usual, her thoughts turned to ice cream—the perfect food in this particular scenario, as it does not require chewing, and it numbs the pain. In her two-and-a-half-year tenure in Jackson, Lunch Lady has done a lot of research on where to get ice cream, and which places suit which needs and moods best. In this, her final column, Lunch Lady will pass the wisdom on to you, that you may take advantage of it and share it with your friends in the sweltering days to come.

For a blast of air conditioning and a big juicy burger with all the fixings—including a thick milkshake—stop into Brent’s Drugs and Soda Fountain (655 Duling Ave., 601-366-3427). Lunch Lady used to be a little wary of the ordering system, but don’t be shy: Sidle yourself right up to the counter, fill out your slip and hand it to somebody on the other side. (Wait ’til they’re done flipping that grilled cheese, though.) You can get milkshakes at Brent’s in traditional vanilla or chocolate, both of which are solid and classic, or with candy bar toppings or malt added in. As a drink with your meal, Lunch Lady recommends the vanilla. It washes down the grease and brings your temperature down perfectly.

If you’re hungry for a meal but prefer pizza, pasta or salad before your cool-down, your obvious choice is Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919). Ever since they switched out the bar area and the ice creamery, it’s been a lot easier to lust after your dream frozen concoction while you’re killing time with your foreplay … er, meal. (Sorry, sometimes Lunch Lady gets carried away.)

Flavors are on a rotation schedule—sometimes what you had at lunch won’t be around anymore for dinner. Despite appearances, Marcia Marshmallow is sneaky and has nuts, which Lunch Lady doesn’t fancy, but she digs the Cherry Signfeld (if only for the name), the Real Strawberry and the Makin’ Whoopie (maybe she’s not the only one with a dirty mind when it comes to ice cream).

Sometimes, though, all you need is a quick fix. You’ve already eaten your meal and need dessert on your way out, you’re having a long day and need to sneak out for a cold sweet treat, or maybe you’re on the road and need a little something to break up the monotony. Nandy’s Candy (1220 E. Northside Dr., 601-362-9553) isn’t just the best place to get your significant other a surprise box of chocolates; they’re also purveyors of the best seasonal treat in Jacktown: sno cones. They don’t come in a fancy paper cone, which makes them much easier to eat and keep off your clothes. The best part is probably that the staff members behind the specially designated sno cone window (you are absolutely not allowed in the store with your sno cone!) are incredibly accommodating about combining flavors for you. Lunch Lady goes for a medium with half piña colada and half cherry—every single time, no deviation. The list of flavors is posted on the outside wall for your convenience, and there are several you’ll want to order just out of curiosity about their names. These sit alongside choices with more obvious fruity and easily determined flavors, like lime. Lunch Lady particularly enjoys the gender-biased names targeted the rugrat set, who are possibly more age appropriate for this treat than Lunch Lady and her friends. (Shhh. No judgment, please.)

Other good quick-fix stops include Bop’s Frozen Custard (1173 E. County Line Rd., 601-952-0661), Marble Slab Creamery (1059 E. County Line Rd., Suite B, 601-899-9060, and 178 Promenade Blvd., Suite F4, Flowood, 601-992-2772), Cold Stone Creamery (1888 Main St., Suite B, Madison, 601-853-7400) and Sonic (various locations) for slushes and shakes.

And just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you have to forgo your caffeine: Cups (various locations) has got you covered in the summertime, too, with frozen granita, iced coffee and any flavor of frappe you could imagine. They’ll keep you cool and, more importantly, awake.

Well, everyone, this was the most fitting note on which Lunch Lady could think to exit. I’m giving up my Lunch Lady crown, and in a few months (or three years) will pick up the title of Law Lady. (I’m not sure, but I think maybe I won’t share that with my professors and fellow students.) So long, my Jackson foodie friends! Keep an eye on the Jackson restaurant scene—take advantage of what the city has to offer your palate, and if no one is offering what you want, ask for it. With downtown development and the DIY-friendly atmosphere around here, there’s room to accommodate your every culinary desire.

Bon appétit!

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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.