Ask a foodie: Retired police officer is keeping the heat on in Jackson

First of all, I want to give a little shout out to our local restaurant/food community for their commitment to giving back. I few weeks ago I participated in the Theatre and Dance Society's restaurant hop. Restaurants included were: Primo Vino, Minglewood Brewery, Marco's Pizza, Baristas Coffee Bar, Ebb and Flow Fermentations, Pho 8, Bistro Saffron, Imo's Pizza, Sugar Chic Creamery, Andy's Frozen Custard, and Jimmy John's. Even Mississippi Mutt's found a way to get involved.

The event benefitted the Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance senior showcases in New York and Los Angeles, and many of the students were on hand working and sharing performance plans for the summer. It was a delightful way to spend an evening -- eating and raising funds for a good cause. If it sounds like something you might be interested in, mark your calendars for April 2020.

On to my recent foodie adventure!

This week a friend's recommendation took me to Stooges Restaurant in Jackson. When I arrived, I was immediately introduced to a man wearing a faded Razorback's baseball cap and a black mechanic-style shirt with the restaurant logo and "Rod" on the front.

He welcomed me as I took a seat at the small bar area which is set apart from the main dining room. I did a little recon before my visit (reviewed the menu online and asked friends for suggestions) and settled on the Stooge Smashburger with Swiss cheese and fries. As I waited for my order, Rodney took a few minutes to answer some questions.

Stooges RestaurantSubmitted by Mary Castillo

A mug cake, like this Tres Leches version, is not only a quick on-the-spot delicacy but the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo which is just around the corner.

My friend told me that prior to becoming a restaurant owner, Rodney spent approximately 30 years serving the community as a law enforcement officer. He confirmed this, admitting Southeast Missouri State University and criminal justice brought him to this area from Arkansas years ago, and he has been here ever since. Why open a restaurant? Simple. Rodney loves food. He was raised by a single mom and learned how to cook out of necessity. When discussing his menu, he said "I keep things simple, it's what my mom made me in a cast iron skillet when I was a kid." His burgers and fried catfish were highly recommended.

My burger arrived, providing Rodney with a little reprieve from my curious nature. I wondered about the term "smash burger" so I Googled it. According to the internet, there is scientific reason why preparing a burger by "smashing" the ball of meat on the hot surface makes it so tasty. I would have called it caramelized. I would have been wrong. Apparently, the crisp browning that occurs when you sear the patty this way is caused by a chemical process known as the "Maillard reaction." The Serious Eats website explains it like this: "The Maillard reaction is many small, simultaneous chemical reactions that occur when proteins and sugars in and on your food are transformed by heat, producing new flavors, aromas, and colors. Practically speaking, the Maillard reaction makes food more enticing to us humans, encouraging us to dig into a steak, drink a coffee, or chug a beer."

After enjoying the first bite of my burger I would say I am a huge fan of Stooges' Smashburger and the Maillard reaction. I knew I liked food, but now I'm a little more intrigued by the science of cooking. Maybe one day I'll be the next Alton Brown.

I ate every last morsel of my burger, and as we continued to talk I discovered Rodney's favorite chef was the late Anthony Bourdain, and he has a dream of one day driving around the country like Guy Fieri -- just jump in his car and explore, finding all the good food our country has to offer.

In the meantime, he is enjoying the transition. He's honest about the challenges of the food industry and being a work in progress, but is committed to making his customers happy. He said people who come to his restaurant aren't just customers, he considers them friends, every single one.

Stooges Owner, Rodney Barnes.Submitted by Mary Castillo

I didn't know Rodney as a cop, but as a restaurant owner and fellow foodie, I'd say he's a pretty good guy. If you're in the area stop in and tell him I said "Hi."