Mm mm Good Southern Fare

It’s already approaching hump day everyone! AND the sun came out in Boston, turning a gloomy, humid, chilly morning into a gorgeous evening with perfect blue skies. The hub and I decided to go to Myers + Chang’s date night, and I will post some photos of that later. We then walked the 2+ miles home in this glorious weather, and I am writing out on our deck. I refuse to go inside when it is nice out! As promised, I have written a little bit about one of the best meals I have had in a VERY long time.  I am lucky to have the opportunity to eat a lot of great things, but this meal stands out to me big time.

This past winter I had to go to Charleston, SC for a work meeting. Knowing nothing about Charleston, I was pleasantly surprised when I left frigid Boston and arrived in this balmy, palm tree lined city. While I did have to work the large majority of the time, I was happy to have a free evening off for a ghost tour and shopping (hell-o Charleston! The shopping was incredible!) with some co-workers and even happier to find out that Charleston is a real foodie city!

One of the evenings I was taken to High Cotton Maverick Grill. The first thing that I noticed was the stunning, breezy interior. Massive blade fans, exposed brick, beautiful chandeliers, and the large, beautifully set table by the window set an immediate mood of relaxation and made me feel like I was in a totally different world.

One of my dining companions ordered the Vicolo Pinot Grigio for us, a delicious wine (classic pale straw color with a delicate bouquet, crisp and refreshing) that paired perfectly with the best fried oysters ever. The oysters. . . plump, briny, juicy, with a light buttermilk batter. They came with a sauce, but honestly I didn’t want to mask the oysters’ flavor so I don’t think I tried it.

Our group also ordered the High Cotton charcuterie plate. Since I’m not big on meat, I just ate some of the pickles and grilled bread that accompanied the plate. I LOVE pickles, and these did not disappoint.

For my entrée, I decided to go local and try the Certified Wild American Shrimp and Grits
(Lowcountry spice, scallions, tomatoes, corn, sweet shrimp broth) and a side order of fried green tomatoes to share with a colleague.

I have had grits before. My nana lived in NC for awhile and made us breakfast grits which were good, but well, gritty. These grits were creamy and luscious, absolutely divine. I have never eaten anything like them, but I certainly hope that I will again. The shrimp were sweet and fresh, and the spices gave it a little bit of a kick. The fried green tomatoes were my first. . . and oh my. They were piping hot, crispy on the outside, juicy and hot on the inside, and topped with an onion relish that added a vinegary zing that cut through the crispy battered tomatoes and really brought everything to life.

I didn’t have room for dessert and instead had a small glass of a German dessert wine. I left so satisfied and returned to the Northeast looking to find some Southern cooking that met the standards of High Cotton. Still looking, and hoping to make another trip back to Charleston soon now that I know more about their restaurants, shopping, and Southern hospitality.