We couldn't wait to try Workmen's, but we wondered: why. was it called that? Why were the hours…read moreso short? We found the answers, and more today!! Workmen's is the quintessential diner: the changing daily menu is clearly printed behind the short, but well-organized steam table. We joined a small group of regulars who were waiting for the opening and the owner, Ms. Angie Bellinger, opened a few minutes after 11;30, and we let them get in line first, so we could figure out the what to order! She was so apologetic for being a few minutes late, so it was clear that she had to do everything from prepping, cooking, getting everything ready, serving, answering questions, and cashiering! But she did it all!
Ms. Bellinger is so generous with portion options, that it was hard to decide whether to get the "large," the :"small," or the snack size. But never mind, I got the large lima beans with a pile of smoked neckbones and pig tails, a first for me, served over rice. I could tell the stock for the meats was going to be great, so I asked her for a small cup of it, and was it tasty! Everything was perfect, the tails had the succulence of oxtail (of course they were smaller and longer!). I hated lima beans as a kid, but cooked so lovingly, I could eat them every week. The biscuit was heavenly too. My traveling partner had the meatloaf, a football sized portion, with rich gravy, over creamy whipped potatoes; both reminded me of my mom's cooking, when I was a kid. She had a cornbread, also fluffy and delicious. Tea was complimentary! We split a bowl of berry cobbler which was warm and fruity and a perfect ending.
You could see that there were first timers like us, who had to ask all the questions. And there were regular workers, who knew just what they wanted; Ms. Bellinger greeted them like a loving auntie, checking in on what they've been up to. The place was clean and tidy, and a model for any lunch service. that seeks to serve the community of workers!
When we left, we saw a small monument down the street, Grimball St, where Workmen's is located. It identified Grimball, as "settled by freedmen during Reconstruction." That led me to search for more of the Sea Islands' history, especially regarding the freedmen. Thanks to a thesis written by A.E. Bethlenfalvy ("Our Brother's Keepers"), I learned that in fact, in November 1861, federal troops seized the Sea Islands from the Confederacy and freed the enslaved, who were considered "property," under the Confiscation Act of 1861!
As out of towners, we knew so little about the historical context of a place we were visiting for the first time. For those visiting Workmen's, I encourage you to learn more about the unique setting, the Sea Islands, where the diner serves the community!!! It's an amazing piece of American history! It just goes to show you, finding a new restaurant, and learning about the context,can be two sides of any exciting food adventure!!!
