April Showers Bring May Flowers

BY MICHELE D. BAKER

The old adage is true: a shower of April events leads right into all the great celebrations in May, and both months are full of amazing holidays and happenings.

We start out with the big ones: Jewish Passover is celebrated April 5-13; Sunday, April 9 is Easter; and Ramadan (which began March 22) ends on April 10. Get out your big hats to celebrate the Kentucky Derby on May 6 (be sure to look at the recipes in this issue!); and on Sunday, May 14 we celebrate mothers and grandmothers everywhere on Mother’s Day. (Check out our recipe for chocolate pancakes with strawberries for mom’s breakfast in bed.)

Other international celebrations this spring include Songkran Festival on April 13-15, the Thai New Year and a holiday described as “the biggest water fight in the world,” as throwing water is meant to wash away bad luck from the previous year.

There is also a whole basket full of lesserknown food-themed celebrations that sound like fun! Celebrate National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, National Burrito Day on April 6, National Beer Day on April 7, and Pretzel Day on April 26.

In May, why not celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5, National Lemonade Day on May 7 and National “Have a Coke” Day on May 8? May 11 is National Eat What You Want Day, National Apple Pie Day is May 13, and, just in time for barbecue season, National Brisket Day is May 28. Perhaps you could celebrate the end of spring and the beginning of summer with a brisket barbecue on Memorial Day (May 29)!

No matter how you choose to spend your spring, we wish you fair skies, happy families, and delicious food.

In gratitude,

Aplos Opening Second Location in Ridgeland

Aplos founder and CEO Alex Eaton recently announced that the popular Mediterranean eatery will open a second location at Renaissance at Colony Park. The Highland Village hotspot is known for casual, Mediterranean dishes, pizzas, and frozen cocktails. The Renaissance location will be near Malco Cinema and is set to open Father’s Day weekend. The Highland Village location will also unveil updates this spring, including additional seating, a new bar, and new technology. For more information, visit EatAplos.com. e d m

Zundo Ramen & Sake Bar

Opens in Fondren

Anew ramen restaurant opened earlier this year the Fondren neighborhood of Jackson. Zundo Ramen Bar presents contemporary Japanese dining and is known for its slow-cooked approach to ramen. Broths are simmered in-house for 20 hours and noodles are housemade. The menu also includes gyoza, chash bun (pork belly bun), kaki fry (deep fried oysters), Katsu curry rice, and other Japanese favorites. Zundo is located at 3100 N. State Street, Suite 102, in Jackson. Check out their menu online at ZundoRamenMS.com. edm

Lucky Dog Music Hall & Bar Opening at Silo Square

Another unique concept is set to open this summer at Southaven’s Silo Square. Lucky Dog Music Hall & Bar will be home to live music five days a week, great food and drinks, and more. Rollup barn doors and outdoor seating will overlook the beautiful bell tower at Silo Park. Lucky Dog will also be dog friendly and the perfect spot before or after summer concerts at the BankPlus Amphitheater, happy hour, or just a night out. For more information, see Facebook.com/silosquarems. edm

Bluto’s Greek Tavern Opens in Starkville

Anew restaurant recently entered the Starkville culinary scene. Located in the heart of the Cotton District, Bluto’s Greek Tavern is located in the former Humble Taco location on University Drive. The menu is full of gyros, salads, Greek entrees, and appetizers like the pita mozz, Greek wings, loaded Greek fries, spanikopita, and baba ghanoush. Being in a college town, there is also a late-night menu of gyros, fries, and quesadillas. Bluto’s also boasts a creative drink menu with three specialty drinks served in a 40-ounce fishbowl. For more info and the menu, visit BlutosGreekTavern.com. edm