Out of the Ordinary Dining in Huntsville

Do you ever find yourself looking for someplace different to eat in the Rocket City? Something other than your usual places? Well, I have a couple of ideas and they are about as different from one another as they can be, but they are both delicious in their own way. One has been around for twenty years, the other for only two. And while both serve fresh seafood, one has Cajun roots, but the other is Japanese. 

The Po'boy Factory, on Andrew Jackson Way, opened in 1998. The menu at this laid back eatery is full of Cajun and New Orleans favorites. Jambalaya, ettouffee, po'boys and muffalettas are all popular. The seafood is fresh and expertly prepared. And the bread is the real deal!

On a recent trip, we had a shrimp po'boy with new potatoes and soft shell crab with French fries. It was all delicious. For a sauce aficionado like myself, the Po'boy Factory is particularly tasty. The cocktail sauce, tartar sauce and remoulade are wonderful and plentiful. You don't have to ask for sauces, only to be given tiny plastic cups with only enough sauce for two shrimp. No, the tables at Po'boy Factory are set with large condiment squeeze bottles of all three sauces, so you can dip to your heart's content. It is a condiment lover's dream. If you are hankering to laissez les bon temps rouler, point your pirogue in the direction of the Po'Boy Factory. Oooo oui, you'll be glad you did!  

Yoshi Sushi Fusion opened in Hampton Cove in 2016. Situated in a little strip mall, the outside of the building does not hint at the deliciousness of the food prepared within. This is no ordinary Japanese hibachi or steakhouse. The food is inventive and unique. 

Sushi

Wagyu Beef

You can order whole sushi rolls or small bites of sushi, sashimi, small plates, appetizers and desserts. There is always a list of specials that are worth checking out. 

Spanish Octopus

Bacon Steakie Bun

Udon Noodles

Pecan Ebi

The creative dishes we sampled on our last visit included Spanish octopus, a bacon steakie bun, udon noodles with chicken and vegetables and our longtime favorite, pecan ebi. The octopus was cooked sous vide and topped with strawberry salsa and fresh cherries. The bacon steakie bun was tender Wagyu pork belly with lemongrass caramel sauce and creme fraiche, daikon radish, carrots and topped with crispy, finely shredded fried fish skin. The pecan ebi is fried shrimp sitting on a bed of crispy rice noodles accompanied by candied pecans and topped with a delectable and creamy sweetened condensed milk sauce. It was all divine.

Coconut Custard

We finished up with a light and creamy dessert of coconut custard which reminded me of the haupia I enjoyed on our last trip to Hawaii. Hey, if you are craving a taste of the islands and you can't quite make it to Maui, try this custard at Yoshi. Or try one of their homemade gelatos. Those are delicious, too.

Key Lime and Coconut Gelato

Caramel Bourbon Gelato 

If you are tired of the same old steak, burger and barbecue restaurants, check out Po'boy Factory or Yoshi Sushi Fusion for something a little different. I think your tastebuds will approve.

Three Friends and a Fork give 

2 Golden Chopsticks and a big fat Gumbo Pot to Yoshi Sushi Fusion and Po'Boy Factory

Oishii!! Ca c'est Bon!