Southern cuisine isn’t all about grits, not by a long shot. One of the epicenters of down home epicure is Charlotte, site of this summer’s Democratic National Convention. When all those politicos land out at Charlotte-Douglas International, they’re going to have an appetite. Here are some sites that they—and you—might consider chowing down:
Mert’s Heart and Soul falls into the “local institution” category, a place which serves up blackened pork chops, fried catfish and mac and cheese which redefines the food group. If it’s Lowcountry cuisine you crave, with a touch of Gullah inspiration, this is where you’ll want to head.
Mac’s Speed Shop shows the culinary uses to which you can put an old transmission shop. The emphasis here is unabashed is barbecue. Ron Browne of Barbeque America says the Texas beef brisket is awesome. Vegetarians might want to avoid the place.
Savannah Red too specializes in Lowcountry fare, but with an upscale bent. Where else are you going to get Lobster Cobbler? If it’s grits that give you the strength to do what’s got to be done, they have that here too. Order yours with shrimp. Dessert? The Krispy Kreme bread pudding will help you put on some decadent pounds.
The King’s Kitchen is the kind of place you can put on pounds and not feel guilty about scarfing up as much fried chicken and you can hold. That’s because 100 percent of the profits go to feed the poor. Literally and figuratively, this is food for the soul.
The nation will be focused on Charlotte later this year. Better grab a place at the table while you can.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Images: Mac’s, The King’s Kitchen)
