Does your mouth immediately begin to water when someone mentions a ground beef tenderloin burger with sautéed mushrooms and onions? What about a Carolina crab cake, topped with lemon buerre blanc and accompanied with Delta grind cheese grits? Or perhaps famous shrimp and crab wontons with ginger lime dipping sauce?
Where can you go to find these entree selections? Look no further than directly off the Oxford square. As one passes by, he or she cannot help but notice the blue façade and the neon-lit sign of 208 South Lamar. Oxford residents and college students set their sights and taste buds on the fine cuisine that is served there.
To impress a certain someone, celebrate a birthday, or to grab a 'Hotty Toddy' before or after a Rebel game, 208 South Lamar provides a friendly, comfortable environment in which to gather. This Oxford landmark (restaurant) provides appetizing culinary cuisine for the town of Oxford.
208 South Lamar's menu focuses on traditional southern food, but not exactly like mom use to make. The chefs add creativity and flair by fusing Cajun, Southwest and Asian influences with old and new dishes. Several appetizers and entrees spotlight the freshest produce, seafood, meats and cheeses. In addition to the fabulous food, the wine and bar selection is endless.
Established in 2002, 208 South Lamar has seen many owners; however, it remains a constant landmark in the Oxford and restaurant community.
208 South Lamar was purchased a year and a half ago by the Jordan family. The family continues to uphold a friendly, upscale dining setting where great food and impeccable service is consistently presented at its best.
The family desired to continue the theme of the Asian Southern fusion cuisine and the original name of the restaurant.
“We kept the name of the restaurant because it’s a familiar name to the Oxford area. Also, because it’s the address and obviously easy to find,” chuckles Josh Jordan, co-owner and manager of 208 South Lamar.
“We are a family business, we treat our customers like family. Also, we want to be known for our customer service and community orientation.”
Even though 208 South Lamar has seen several owners, regulars still show their patronage toward the restaurant. Some vary showing patronage by dining monthly, weekly, or daily.
It's 5:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, and Hume Bryant walks in through the front door. After taking off his coat, placing it on the coat rack and talking to acquaintances, he makes his way to his barstool.
“Here’s your spritzer,” bartender Chris Pepper says as he places Bryant’s drink of choice in front of him. Pepper has been 208 South Lamar’s bartender since the restaurants opening in 2002.
“This is what makes us stand out compared to other restaurants on the square,” says hostess, Anne Roane Hennessey. “We treat you on a higher level. You’re considered more than just a customer. Chris never fails, he has your drink prepared and ready before you even take your seat at the bar.”
“I am a regular. This is actually what I consider my den,” says Hume Bryant, retiree and co-chairman of the Oxford Tree Board. “I’ve always liked the atmosphere of the place. It’s open, the bar is comfortable, and the people here are family.”
Bryant did not forget to mention that 208 South Lamar has the best hamburger in town.
“He’s my number one sales man and PR [public relations] guy,” says Jordan. "He comes in everyday, unless the Tree Board meetings go longer than expected.”
“When our customers leave we want them to tell their friends about their dining experience,” says Jordan.
“We are still a young restaurant. We uphold dinning on the same level of City Grocery and Waltz, but were not concentrating on winning a James Beard Award."
"We’re concentrating on presenting high quality food to our customers with a non- stuffy atmosphere,” says Jordon.
“The Jordan family has many visions for their restaurant,” says Hennessey. “Visions for new menus and a new creative drink menu as well.”
The drink menu will consist of variations of freshly squeezed juices. According to Jordan, no other restaurant on the square provides drinks like these.
Along with the newly renovated façade, 208 South Lamar has plans to create Oxford’s first rooftop bar. This bar will offer a lounge atmosphere above the restaurant-under the stars. According to Jordan there will also be a martini bar and premium scotch labels available.
Josh Jordan, Chris Pepper and chef Burton Neal of 208 South Lamar understand the important connection between their customers and the food. Their commitment to providing great food in an upbeat setting and to exceeding each guest’s expectation every time they visit is taken very seriously.
208 South Lamar offers a lively, relaxing, up scale atmosphere for its customers. If you have not had the wonderful experience of dining in a family restaurant known for savory, consistent cuisine, be sure to stop by 208 South Lamar. After all, it’s all in the family, and who would not want to be a member of this one?
Anne Roane Hennessy 4042342520
Josh Jordan 6628166116
Hume Bryant bryah1207@yahoo.com
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