The Foodies’ Center of Jackson has to be at Northside Drive and 1-55. Try counting the number of places serving food within a 1,000-foot circle of that corner. Something for every appetite.

Right there in Highland Village alone are at least four popular eateries: Julep is first up (former locale of the venerable Olde Tyme Deli); then Char (upscale replacement for a Shoney's); Bravo (successful replacement for several predecessors); and Paul Anthony's Market. Does the Java Works in the old red London double-decker count as a fifth?

Just a step south is Newk's Express Cafe, the newest addition to the Northside foodie scene.

Across Northside Drive, Maywood Mart adds an impressive nine more; 10 if Nandy's Candy counts. Start at that east end with McAlister's Deli, Papa John's Pizza, the deli department at McDade's, Starbucks, Logan Farms, the long-running Bon Ami and, at the far end, Sportsman's Lodge. (Stretch a bit north and include Steak Out?) Back at Northside are Wraps by Krilakis and a Subway.

Across I-55 is another landmark: Broad Street Bakery. How to classify Hooters, next down the frontage road? Food is offered but outstanding cuisine isn't the main attraction. There's a Domino's on a side street, a Waffle House and, maybe stretching the circle, Bill's Greek Tavern if only to be included for its patriotic proprietor.

Over the years, the Sun's self-appointed food critic has sampled something in all but three places listed...some a lot more than others. Such diversity is impossible to award stars of merit or rank from one to 22. But, herewith a few random remarks.

Bravo was the setting for the series of nonagenarian birthday brunches every Sunday in May. A lively old friend was hostess at a jazz brunch last Sunday at Char. Reminiscent of one in New Orleans, except the anticipated rye old-fashioned couldn't be served in Jackson until after the noon whistle.

Sportsman's Lodge, Starbucks and Hooters haven't been on the eating out list for very simple reasons: your critic doesn't follow sports, never learned to drink coffee and Hooters doesn't cater to the geriatric set.

Bon Appetit, anyway.

John Fontaine is a Northsider.