Grits, arguably can be considered a South Carolina created dish, but as history shows, originated via the Muscogee people, whom were located in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. As a former chef I used to make different grit dishes every day for several years so I can appreciate the ingredients, creativity and cooking method. So, when a lady I was dating invited me to Grace & Grit for my bday dinner I was extremely excited. Literally located at the foot of the Cooper River (sorry, Arthur Ravenel - I've been away for over 2 decades) bridges, in a quaint and tucked away area, the restaurant can be easily missed. As I walked up, I was curious if I had the wrong place but google is never wrong!
Opening the doors, one is immediately hit with a lot of permeating aromas. Smoked drinks, fresh food and fragrant flowers create a harmonious hodgepodge of orders that work together. Meanwhile allow the eyes to wonder a little at the simplistic elegance that Grace and Grit carefully culminates with a flipflop mentality juxtaposed to sophisticated yet extremely local fare. The colors are of dark, light and white grain woods, shells, booths mixed in with simple tables and an immaculately stocked bar with what appeared to be a whiskey forward experience. My waiter was extremely nice and was a wonderful conversationalist with a slight bit of overzealousness in terms of frequenting the table. I didn't mind as he was a very nice person with a playful demeanor.
The wine selection isn't huge but I'm not complaining as I was able to order a French red, which is my Achilles heel. I ordered the Château Nuit des Cotes from Rhone (one of my top three fav regions behind Bordeaux and Burgundy) which is a varietal but downright average. A deep garnet color where accented by light and fruity initial hit to the palate but dissipated in a smooth manner that wasn't pretentious but I felt unsatisfied. Since it was my bday I started with a chilled Titos shot since I lived in Austin for 4 years and just moved from there.
As for apps, my date ordered the food but didn't consider diversity in her selection. Danger Will Robinson as the carbs are coming! The home-made southern breads were decent. I wish the biscuits could have been studded with butter to allow more flakiness and moisture but I did like the addition of corn in the corn bread, however both suffered from water allergies ala The Witch from The Wizard of Oz. The hushpuppies were pretty good and were moist, probably do to being fried and locking in the moisture while also having a good crunchy texture and flavor. As the "Grit Flight" I was conflicted mainly because I appreciated the creativity but I didn't like the flavor profiles. Please note all the grits were cooked to perfection, creamy and smooth while being al dente. The blueberry grits weren't to my liking as my mind wasn't willing to accept the marriage and the Brussels pesto was exactly what I feared; way too herb forward. The Pimento cheese was another overpowering creation however I ended up loving the coconut cream selection, opting to finish the offering.
For dinner my date got the special which was outstanding. A perfectly blackened and moist fish sat atop a pretty good succotash which was studded with a bacon flavor. A nice berry jam cut the richness of the cream while offering sweet notes to compliment the fish. Since I've cooked shrimp and grits basically everywhere that was my selection. Of course, the grits were perfectly cooked but what surprised me is when I see red eye gravy, ie coffee, I cringe. However, it was such a distant background flavor I loved it. The shrimp were plump and juicy with just the right amount of Tasso. The only critique I have based on me and my dates experience is cut back on the salt! Otherwise, a smashing success.
Oh I did get a coconut cream grit brûlée for my bday. Surprisingly good and I would order it again in a heartbeat. Well balanced in flavor while not dishonoring the soul of the dish. Overall, I enjoyed my experience however I left feeling bloated which was completely my fault as I shouldn't have trusted my date's advice. Grace and Grit has their cooking techniques down to a perfection although some of their flavor profiles might not be to everyone's liking. I suggest looking over the menu and coming on in to give them a shot, but as I've said, balance what you order so they don't a wheelbarrow to get you to your car. read more