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Shrimp

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

"The Captain" Bloody Mary

Bloody Good: Top 6 Bloody Mary’s in Charleston

Featured Image Credit: The Darling Oyster Bar Facebook

Bloody Marys are the perfect brunch drink. Ideal for getting a little buzz on Sunday morning, or continuing the fun after Saturday night. With just about every brunch spot offering Bloody Marys, it can be difficult to decide where to go if you’re a true connoisseur. Here, we’ve rounded up six of the best Bloody Marys that Charleston has to offer.

The Darling Oyster Bar

"The Captain" Bloody Mary

Image Credit: The Darling Oyster Bar Facebook

“The Captain” is what they call their Bloody Mary at The Darling. And it has earned its title. Almost a meal in itself, the drink features a king crab claw, crab leg, shrimp, a hushpuppy, celery, olives, and lime. The Captain is only available during brunch. Try it or one of their oyster shooters with one of their entrees.

Sticky Fingers

Sticky Fingers Bloody Mary

Image Credit: Sticky Fingers – Charleston Area Facebook

Adding to the garnish madness is the contender from Sticky Fingers. Their version is served with lemon and lime…and a smoked rib. With several locations throughout the Lowcountry, you can enjoy the Bloody Mary no matter what part of town you live in. Make sure you get enough napkins so you can clean up those sticky fingers when you’re done.

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Fleet Landing Bloody Mary

Image Credit: Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar Facebook

Fleet Landing is a mecca for seafood lovers. Right on the water, you’ll get the freshest catches and the most refreshing cocktails. And their Bloody Mary doesn’t disappoint. They have just the right spice and are garnished with classics like okra, olives, and celery. Best enjoyed while looking out over the water.

Page’s Okra Grill

Page's Okra Grill Bloody Mary

Image Credit: Page’s Okra Grill Facebook

People flock to Page’s Okra Grill in Mount Pleasant for good southern cookin’. From fried green tomatoes to grits, Page’s has it down. If you’re around for one of their own make your own Bloody Mary bars, then you’ve hit the jackpot. You can have a field day with garnishes from the relish tray and bacon or crab legs. We’ve even spotted one with a waffle…so you can go bloody crazy.

The Macintosh

The Macintosh Bloody Marys

Featured Image Credit: The Macintosh Facebook

The Macintosh’s take on this brunch staple is one of the best. Well actually, three of the best since there are three varieties to choose from: bacon (so you can still get that meat fix), pickled, and Sambai cilantro. No matter which one you choose, it will have the right kind of kick and will pair well with one of the delicious dishes on the brunch menu.

Eli’s Table

Eli's Table Bloody Marys

Image Credit: Eli’s Table Facebook

A favorite spot for brunch, Eli’s Table has one of the best Bloody Marys in Charleston. Their Bacon Bloody Mary is made with house infused bacon vodka, Zing Zang and a bacon garnish. Patrons say that the Bloody Marys are strong and the food is delicious. So if you’re a brunch lover, then put Eli’s Table on your list.

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