For those who find cellphones at the dinner table irritating, try this foolproof method for keeping phones in pockets: Eat something incredibly messy. And, for that, a good place to go is Joey D’s Oak Room, where the delicious New Orleans spicy shrimp will keep everyone’s hands busy, and the conversation flowing.
The menu at Joey D’s describes the New Orleans spicy shrimp as, “a mess to eat, but worth it!” It’s hard to disagree with that assessment, although it doesn’t do justice to the degree of messiness you’ll experience when you come face to face with this bowlful of crustaceans. And, you will be face to face, because these large, beautiful shrimp are served with heads and shells intact.
Swimming in a pool of spicy sauce that’s mostly drawn butter, this is a dish that requires full, two-handed commitment from the diner. That commitment is rewarded, as the menu promises, with tender, sweet shrimp complemented by the savory, decadent sauce.
This is a dish that’s fun to eat, but it tastes even better because it makes you work a little bit for every bite. And, no one in their right mind would touch their cellphone with fingers covered in butter, herbs and shrimp shell. Thankfully, Joey D’s supplies a steaming-hot towel to assist with cleanup, so you’ll be back online in no time. Just don’t be surprised if the first text you fire off is along the lines of, “You have to try these shrimp at Joey D’s!”
Joey D’s Oak Room. 1015 Crown Pointe Parkway, Atlanta. 770-512-7063. joeydsoakroom.com.
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