Pick of the Crop – Jazzbo’s Rollin’ Gumbo

Image from Jazzbo's Rollin' Gumbo Facebook page

Jazzbo’s Rollin’ Gumbo and Catering is legit gumbo, jambalaya, salsa, pesto, and catfish po boy (made only with fresh seafood from P.T. Hastings). Jamie Dickerson is the Chef-Proprietor along with partner Molly Buford. These two brave the heat to bring us the heat in these nice, southern delicacies. Jamie and Molly run a full time diner on wheels over in Bellevue; 4009 MacArthur Ave to be exact. This is the parking lot for Once Upon a Vine, a popular wine store. This marks the 4th year of business in that location.

Jamie has not wandered far from his previous career stint with the ever-so-famous Dot’s Restaurant. Jamie was chef there for 17 years. He opened that location for Dot and hung in until 1990 when it was sold. Jamie has always been in the kitchen and this was his cue to branch out. Jazzbo’s is open for biz every Thursday through Sunday from 11-7, year round. No need to be skittish about the conditions of his mobile kitchen; Virginia Department of Health inspects him just as if he were a 400 seat banquet hall and he always passes his inspections with flying colors.

Partner Molly has run a restaurant in the past, but really enjoys this venture. She and Jamie have figured out effective team work. Even though it is a hard life, Jamie says he will do it until his body gives out. After all, those who know restaurant work, know that the adrenaline from the “rush” or the panic from being “in the weeds” is part of the fun. Every meal shift can either run smooth, or be total chaos. Either way, people get fed good soul food and Jamie and Molly are proud of their menu.

Gumbo is the signature dish, and favorite of Jamie’s. He got snared by the N’Awlins food after a trip there many years ago. He perfected his own recipes and added on a few other enticements. The menu on MacArthur includes BBQ, Andouille Sausage, Kielbasa, Chili Dogs and Bologna Burgers. Something for everyone. There are also good soul-food side dishes to choose from like Collards and Spicy Potato Salad.

Jamie has not had a vacation in 4 years. Such is the life of a business owner. However, this year he is going for a much needed respite. Where is his destination? New Orleans, of course…….where it all began. Here is a peek at his menu:

Gumbo or Jambalaya $5 a cup $8 a pint $15 a quart
BBQ, Kielbasa, Andoille $6
Chili Dog, Bologna Burger $5
Catfish Po Boy $8

Come see Jazzbo’s……..see you Wednesday!!

Souther of the James runs on Wednesdays 3 PM – 8 PM at 4910 Forest Hill Ave (23225). Your list of vendors.

Previous Picks of the Crop

Pick of the Crop is written by Trish Morrison.
Originally from Illinois where she was pioneering with Food Co-ops and Farmer’s Markets in the Chicago suburbs, Trish now lives in the neighborhood near Westover Hills Elementary School. A city dweller by week, weekends she travels to Lunenburg County working on an agricultural venture with her son. She enjoys the blend of art, agriculture, music and muse, you can find at a Farmers’ Market and hopes it comes through in her interview style of writing.