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FRIED PICKLES. Yep,that’s right. Fried pickles. If I didn’t already have a blog called “Pickle Freak”, I’d have one called “Fried Freak” so naturally you can imagine how excited I get for these.

Fried pickles are pretty common in the South but you won’t find them just anywhere.I read about The Hollywood Cafe and its claim to be the BIRTHPLACE of fried pickles and decided to make a pilgrimage there. My friend Scott and I drove about 30 minutes south of Memphis on Highway 61, to Robinsonville, MS which is really just outside of Tunica, MS which is a destination known for its casinos…or “kah-seeners”, depending on your pronunciation, and not much else (besides a rich legacy of cotton and blues, both disappearing).

There are 2 types of fried pickles-chips and spears. I prefer the chips myself, like in the picture above but I will eat a fried pickle in ANY shape available, I’m not picky (well, when it comes to fried pickles anyway). The ones at the Hollywood Cafe were PERFECT, lightly seasoned and browned so lots of pickle flavor still made it through the flaky, crispy batter. They are usually served with a dipping sauce of some kind, this time it was ranch, but I don’t like “dippin’ sauces” so I just tossed it aside and dug in. 5 minutes later all that was left was a greasy relic.

The Hollywood served other fried stuff too, we also had catfish, frog legs, french fries and hushpuppies. Outsiders may be quick to call this place a fried food haven, but to me and most Southerners, it’s just where you eat lunch. Bless our clogged hearts!