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shrimp and grits

Eat & Drink

A Charleston Staple, the History of Shrimp and Grits

Featured Image: Simply Recipes

A fresh seafood staple and this soulful Southern side have historically come together to create the perfect dish that we call shrimp and grits. We all know of it as one of the South’s most delicious staple meals – but how did shrimp and grits gain its popularity in the Lowcountry?

The answer is easy. The history of shrimp and grits started right here in the Lowcountry. The fancier, more sophisticated versions of the meal that we see today were not the beginning of shrimp and grits. The meal started as an easy dish for laborers on the coast to make. Fishermen would bring the ground corn to make grits and combine them in a single pot with what they caught that day, which was often shrimp, and boil it all with some salty seawater.

With two ingredients so available to those here in Charleston, the dish easily became a cultural icon. What was originally called “breakfast shrimp” or “shrimp and hominy” in some old cookbooks, became more widely known as shrimp and grits and was adopted into esteemed, local restaurants.

Today this dish has taken many variations from the original two ingredients. World class chefs in the Holy City have made this dish their own and brought a lot of attention from national and international news outlets. The Wall Street Journal even recognized these local restaurants as must-go-tos for shrimp and grits: Husk, Early Bird Diner, Red Drum, Nana’s Seafood & Soul and The Swamp Fox.

As The Charleston Insider says “all shrimp and grits are not created equal.” Some grits are cooked in milk, some in the traditional salt water. Some dishes have bacon, some have ham. Some have cheese, some have papers. Regardless of what type of shrimp and grits you’re eating, if you’re in Charleston, it’s safe to say that it will be one of your favorite meals of all time.

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Eat & Drink

Shrimp

A Favorite Southern Classic: Top Five Shrimp And Grits In Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Magnolias Facebook

Every southern restaurant worth its salt serves a version of the classic shrimp and grits. This hearty meal is usually made of shrimp, some kind of gravy, and creamy grits. You’ll find variations on this theme in kitchens across Charleston, both in restaurants and private homes. And while some people say their family has the best recipe, you can exactly show up on their doorstep expecting a meal. However, at the following five restaurants, you will find delicious versions.

Image Credit: Joanna N. on Yelp

Hominy Grill

A favorite of tourists and locals, Hominy Grill is helmed by James Beard Award recipient Chef Robert Stehling. His version of this southern classic includes mushrooms, scallions, bacon, and of course plenty of shrimp over cheese grits. Be sure to get there early or be prepared to wait in the legendary line.

Image Credit: Magnolias Facebook

Magnolias

At this fine dining establishment, you’ll find an amazing version of this southern staple. Magnolia’s shrimp and grits also include scallops and a lobster butter sauce. So it’s not just shrimp and grits, it’s really more of a shellfish over grits situation, and we’re not complaining. As you’re sampling cuisine throughout the Lowcountry, be sure to give Magnolias a try.

Image Credit: Poogan’s Porch Facebook

Poogan’s Porch

Not only is Poogan’s Porch home to some of the best mac and cheese in Charleston, but this Charleston institution also has some of the best shrimp and grits in town. You can have this scrumptious dish for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Poogan’s Porch’s version has tasso ham gravy, peppers, onions, and sausage.

Image Credit:  Stefany V. on Yelp

Slightly North of Broad

Slightly North of Broad, or S.N.O.B. as it’s also known, has been around for a long time. So when they do something they know how to do it right. Their shrimp and grits dish includes tomatoes, house sausage, country ham, green onion, and garlic over Geechie Boy yellow grits.

Image Credit: Early Bird Diner Facebook

Early Bird Diner

Early Bird Diner in West Ashley is known for their chicken and waffles.  However, don’t let that dissuade you from trying their shrimp and grits. They’re typically served two ways: either sautéed with tomato bacon gravy or fried with sweet and spicy jelly. They also like to make special versions of the classic dish featuring things like cheese and broccoli or applewood smoked bacon.

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Eat & Drink

thanksgiving

Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner The Charlestonian Way!

Featured Image Credit: Hidden Charleston

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Do you know what you’re cooking up? While most people have the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, some Charlestonians seem to do Thanksgiving dinner a little different.

Whether you are needing some ideas or wondering “What the Low Country does for Thanksgiving?” below are some feasts that are distinct to Charleston. A lot of these items are popular dinner courses but, some locals have made them a tradition to enjoy at their Thanksgiving tables.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Image Credit: Jennifer Davick

Low Country Boil

The Low Country boil is a dish native to South Carolina. The creation was started in Beaufort, SC by local shrimpers. They produced it with the local foods they had around at the time. The feast typically contains catch-of-the-day shellfish (shrimp or blue crab), meat (andouille sausage, kielbasa, or ham), red potatoes, corn, a lot of old bay seasoning, and lemons. The meal is usually tossed together in a large pot and steamed in a boil basket. We thought the turkey was good, Charleston thought seafood was better! They might be right!

Thanksgiving Dinner

Image Credit: spicedblog.com

Shrimp & Grits

This unique Charleston dish was previously referred to as “shrimps and hominy.” After World War II, grits were referred to as ‘hominy’ by Charlestonians. The dish was previously made with creek shrimp that were caught in the tidal creeks of the marshes. The plate took a turn from being a home breakfast food to an intriguing entrée at restaurants. The dish can be made with different sauces and have its own twist. Make it your own to give your table a Charleston touch this holiday!

Thanksgiving Dinner

Image Credit: eatwritego.com

Oyster Roasts

Another find from the tidal creeks of South Carolina is the famous oysters. Oysters were cheap and plentiful which made for a great business and food source in the 1800’s. Harvesting created jobs during the Great Depression, even when there were not many. Today, oyster roasts are extremely popular in the Low Country and even at some Thanksgiving tables!

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