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11/20/2006: "Shrimp and Grits"
“When in Rome…” or “A Break from my Diet.” Whichever way you want to say it, I figured if I was in the South, I might as well experience the South. That meant my health-food diet, took a few days off.
Charlotte, North Carolina is a wonderful little city. The center is clean and comfortable. I was surprised at how close the entertainment centers were. The football stadium, basketball/hockey arena, theaters, and museums are all within walking distance of downtown hotels. Everything feels new, yet historic areas are well preserved and protected. There were lots of new buildings going up and commerce seemed to be thriving.
But since this is the South, we need to talk about the food. Another big thanks to our hosts, Mary and Dave Miller for keeping us entertained, well lubricated and well fed. Their fully hosted party featured soul food such as black-eyed peas, collard greens, shrimp and grits, etc. Friday night, we went out to Mert’s Heart and Soul Restaurant in uptown. There the “Daily Fixin’s” included Blackened Pork Chops, Southern Fried Chicken, Red Beans and Rice, Fried Catfish and the best corn bread you will ever taste. Before we headed home, we enjoyed lunch at Mac’s Speed Shop – Beer, Bikes and BBQ. The slogan written on the wall says, “Where Bikers stare at Cowboys, who are laughing at the Hippies, who are hopping they make it out alive.” The menu features Hand Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken and St. Louis Style Ribs to name a few.
I found the meal choices a challenge for a pseudo-vegetarian like myself. I dabbled on the fringes with Grits, Red Beans and Rice, Green Beans, Collard Greens, Quesadillas with Guacamole and Black Beans, etc. The meat and fish eaters in the group raved about the food.