rev:text
| - I stumbled across Ibby's when I was heading to my favorite Dollar Tree store. The fish and chicken sign caught my eye as I was pulling into the parking lot of the shopping center. Funny that I had never seen them before that day as I go to that center a few times a month. Since I have been looking for a fast food restaurant that served catfish I thought I'd give them a try with no real expectations. After a lengthy discussion with a beautiful gal behind the counter I ordered the fried catfish filet, greens, mac and cheese and candied yams. Having grown up on M&M Soul Food out of Los Angeles and my mother in-law's cooking I was hoping that this meal would be just as tasty. Boy was I surprised!!! The catfish had a nice light cornmeal battered crust and the fish was cooked perfectly, not overcooked, and it didn't have that typical strong earthy taste that wild catfish can have. The taste had some earthiness to it as it should but not overpowering as I suspect it is farm raised. The mac and cheese was just as I like it. Big shell macaroni, not elbow, and the cheese was thick and gooey, not runny. Next time I'm ordering a double helping of the mac and cheese!! The candied yams were just the right amount of sweetness and dripping with juice. Also not overbearing. Lastly, the greens. What can I say but superb!!!! They were just the right amount of firmness, not wimpy, with a wonderful southern flavor and spice to them. I found that the spiciness didn't not require any additional hot sauce as I often must add to other establishment's greens.
If you find yourself in the east valley you have to stop in at Ibby's. Overall I give this place 3 thumbs up and will be making it my go to stop for all my catfish, mac and cheese and greens cravings I get frequently.
|