Black-eyed peas have long been a traditional New Years dish with the thought that they bring the eater good luck. The tradition dates back to the Civil War, when Union troops, especially in areas targeted by General William Tecumseh Sherman, typically stripped the countryside of all stored food, crops, and livestock, and destroyed whatever they could not carry away. At that time, Northerners considered “field peas” and field corn suitable only for animal fodder, and did not steal or destroy these humble foods. It’s a southern thing.
There are a few great places to enjoy your personal pot of good luck in the Dallas area. Certainly look to the obvious spots such as Celebration on Lovers Lane in Dallas where they have been serving southern hospitality since 1971. In addition to your black-eyed peas, you can also find a great chicken fried steak, catfish, meatloaf and other hearty dishes to start your year off right.
Bubba’s Cooks Country on Hillcrest in University Park across from SMU serves up more southern goodness. This is a Mecca for fried chicken, but you can also find a bountiful breakfast at Bubba’s, so you can get your peas on all through the day.
Other spots for the peas would include Kalachandj’s, Ellen’s Southern Kitchen, Mama’s Daughters’ Diner, and Street’s Fine Chicken to name a few hot spots.
We also adore the chicken fried steak that can be served with black eyed peas at AllGood Cafe in Deep Ellum. How lucky for us all!
Meanwhile, over at all Shell Shack locations, the fun seafood spot is giving away gratis black eyes peas all day on January 1st. So whether you order up a large boil of snow crabs, sausage, corn and potatoes or opt for a catfish basket and fries, you’ll enjoy a side of black eyed peas. Better get a Bloody Mary, too, it being the day after New Year’s Eve and all.
If you would rather keep the party going for the previous evening, we might suggest finding a bottle of Treymark Vodka, which is distilled in Fort Worth using black-eyed peas.
May your new year bring prosperity and happiness. From all of us at craveDFW, we wish you a safe holiday.