This week, the “On the Road” dart launched from our last stop in Randolph County and landed in Calhoun County, just outside Jacksonville.On a rainy afternoon, WVTM’s Brittany Decker and photographer Andrew Baker drove through town, past Jacksonville State University, scanning the streets for a story and trying to stay dry. Then they saw it: a sign that quite literally pointed them in the right direction.“Kangaroo.”Yes, kangaroo.The sign outside Effina’s restaurant immediately caught their attention, and apparently, they were not alone.Owner Steven Katsinas says the buzz started recently as beef prices climbed.“In order to give customers a deal and have some fun, we decided to do something different,” Katsinas said.They told our WVTM 13 crew the kangaroo is ethically sourced and wild-harvested in Australia, where the animal population significantly outnumbers humans. At Effina’s, it’s prepared simply, with butter, rosemary and thyme sizzling in a hot pan.Before you even see the dish, you hear it.And then, you smell it.That aroma begins answering questions your brain has not even formed yet.The dish has quickly become a topic of conversation around town.“When I was at the chiropractor, that’s all they were talking about … who would try it, who wouldn’t,” a customer said with a laugh. “People at construction sites, at the bank … they ask, ‘Are you really serving kangaroo?’ Yes, yes, we are.”Some diners opt to play it safe, while others lean in.Dean and Teresa Parks decided to share the entree.“It was hoppin’,” Dean said. “Very tender. Very flavorful. Like elk.”Another customer described it as “rich, gamey, but not overbearing,” adding they never expected to like it so much.According to Katsinas, more than 60 kangaroo entrees have gone out, and none have been sent back.“That’s not curiosity anymore,” he said. “That’s confidence.”Effina’s has built that confidence over time. Known for fresh ingredients and a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, the restaurant has earned the trust of its regulars.“If Effina’s is doing it, we’ll try it,” Katsinas said. “Give us the benefit of the doubt.”He says offering unique menu items also keeps his chefs engaged.“If you’re just cooking Italian every day, you’re not challenged,” he said. “This keeps it exciting.”So, what did they learn in Jacksonville?Sometimes, you take the challenge. Try something a little wild.And sometimes, all you have to do is follow the sign.

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. —

This week, the “On the Road” dart launched from our last stop in Randolph County and landed in Calhoun County, just outside Jacksonville.

On a rainy afternoon, WVTM’s Brittany Decker and photographer Andrew Baker drove through town, past Jacksonville State University, scanning the streets for a story and trying to stay dry. Then they saw it: a sign that quite literally pointed them in the right direction.

“Kangaroo.”

Yes, kangaroo.

The sign outside Effina’s restaurant immediately caught their attention, and apparently, they were not alone.

Owner Steven Katsinas says the buzz started recently as beef prices climbed.

“In order to give customers a deal and have some fun, we decided to do something different,” Katsinas said.

They told our WVTM 13 crew the kangaroo is ethically sourced and wild-harvested in Australia, where the animal population significantly outnumbers humans. At Effina’s, it’s prepared simply, with butter, rosemary and thyme sizzling in a hot pan.

Before you even see the dish, you hear it.

And then, you smell it.

That aroma begins answering questions your brain has not even formed yet.

The dish has quickly become a topic of conversation around town.

“When I was at the chiropractor, that’s all they were talking about … who would try it, who wouldn’t,” a customer said with a laugh. “People at construction sites, at the bank … they ask, ‘Are you really serving kangaroo?’ Yes, yes, we are.”

Some diners opt to play it safe, while others lean in.

Dean and Teresa Parks decided to share the entree.

“It was hoppin’,” Dean said. “Very tender. Very flavorful. Like elk.”

Another customer described it as “rich, gamey, but not overbearing,” adding they never expected to like it so much.

According to Katsinas, more than 60 kangaroo entrees have gone out, and none have been sent back.

“That’s not curiosity anymore,” he said. “That’s confidence.”

Effina’s has built that confidence over time. Known for fresh ingredients and a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, the restaurant has earned the trust of its regulars.

“If Effina’s is doing it, we’ll try it,” Katsinas said. “Give us the benefit of the doubt.”

He says offering unique menu items also keeps his chefs engaged.

“If you’re just cooking Italian every day, you’re not challenged,” he said. “This keeps it exciting.”

So, what did they learn in Jacksonville?

Sometimes, you take the challenge. Try something a little wild.

And sometimes, all you have to do is follow the sign.