The Palmetto State indulges in a Southern favorite

Shrimp and Grits. A southern staple that almost everyone in the south has had and even if you do not live in the south and are here for a visit have tried. Before I get things started, let me share with you what exactly the dish entails and where it is most popular. Shrimp and Grits is a traditional dish (breakfast to be precise) of the Low Country (in places like South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina and more). You can either have your grits regular, creamy or al dente, but no matter how you have them cooked, this southern staple is one you either love or hate. Now enough of this small talk, let's get on to the actual dish shall we?

Now I bet that y'all are expecting the typical Shrimp and Grits dish, but just stay with me, because the dish I experience had a different take on the original southern classic and one that will have your mouth watering. 

Brought to you from the Barony Tavern, located at 68A Wentworth Street in Charleston,SC; I present to you Shrimp and Grit stuffed gnocchi with andouille sausage and shrimp topped with a shrimp and tomato ju and sautéed kale.  

Now by just reading that, doesn't that sound amazing? Like come on, doesn't your mouth water and make you want to get this very dish all for yourself? 

Ever since I had this chef special one night while at work, I have been wanting it ever since, but I guess the pictures and memory will have to do... until I can either re-create this dish or get my hands on it one more time. 

Now let's just start off with the taste. The ju complements the whole dish, every bite you take is complete with a little bit on ju on top. The soft gnocchi stuffed with shrimp and grits just melts in your mouth. If I could make one suggestion, take a little bit of shrimp, a little bit of gnocchi and some kale and sausage and you have yourself literally the mot perfect bite. Now by all means, if you want to eat each individual component, then by all means do that, but you really want to have everything in one bite (I mean have I ever steered you wrong?)

One thing I really like about this dish is the smokiness that you get from it. Now y'all are probably wondering where that comes from... but just read the commonest of the dish one more time. See anything that might add some smokiness? If you don't know I'll share with you; the andouille sausage. Yes the sausage, originating from France, this pork product is smoked and used is a lot of Louisiana cooking.This smoky goodness compliments this dish so well, I don't honestly know what else they could have used to make it taste the way it does. 

So what do you say? Want to go to the Barony Tavern and request this dish from Chef Carter? I mean if you go I'll be right behind you. Want to know another secret? To finish off a meal like this, I recommend getting a slice of Chef Carter's famous Coconut Cake. It will be the perfect ending to an amazing meal. 

So have I made your decision on your next meal choice? I sure hope so! The next time you are wondering where to go for a good meal, sweet treat or homemade recipe, come right here and this southern girl will take care of you.

Remember: Missy's Munchies is the munchies fix to help your munchies kicks!