\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThis week, the \u201cOn the Road\u201d dart launched from our last stop in Randolph County and landed in Calhoun County, just outside Jacksonville.On a rainy afternoon, WVTM\u2019s 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.\u201cKangaroo.\u201dYes, kangaroo.The sign outside Effina\u2019s restaurant immediately caught their attention, and apparently, they were not alone.Owner Steven Katsinas says the buzz started recently as beef prices climbed.\u201cIn order to give customers a deal and have some fun, we decided to do something different,\u201d 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\u2019s, it\u2019s 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.\u201cWhen I was at the chiropractor, that\u2019s all they were talking about \u2026 who would try it, who wouldn\u2019t,\u201d a customer said with a laugh. \u201cPeople at construction sites, at the bank \u2026 they ask, \u2018Are you really serving kangaroo?\u2019 Yes, yes, we are.\u201dSome diners opt to play it safe, while others lean in.Dean and Teresa Parks decided to share the entree.\u201cIt was hoppin\u2019,\u201d Dean said. \u201cVery tender. Very flavorful. Like elk.\u201dAnother customer described it as \u201crich, gamey, but not overbearing,\u201d 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.\u201cThat\u2019s not curiosity anymore,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s confidence.\u201dEffina\u2019s 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.\u201cIf Effina\u2019s is doing it, we\u2019ll try it,\u201d Katsinas said. \u201cGive us the benefit of the doubt.\u201dHe says offering unique menu items also keeps his chefs engaged.\u201cIf you\u2019re just cooking Italian every day, you\u2019re not challenged,\u201d he said. \u201cThis keeps it exciting.\u201dSo, 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.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n