Good Southern Eating

A vacation just wouldn't be a vacation without good food.

Dave and I dined on the raw platter Friday night at the Noisy Oyster. An assortment of oysters and clams on the half-shell, cooked shrimp, and seared tuna were a delight.

After our kayak adventure on Shem Creek, we went one door down from the kayak rental facility to eat at Shem Creek Bar and Grill. You know you're in the deep South when the sides on the menu include collard greens and black-eyed peas year 'round. I had the shrimp and grits with a side of fried okra--none of that frozen breaded okra either, real, fresh fried okra. Ummm. The shrimp and grits were fantastic. Even Dave, not a big fan of grits, became a convert. Dave had the Carpetbagger Burger--a burger topped with bacon, jalapenos, cheese, and fried oysters.

After a shower, some walking around, and a carriage ride, we were ready for dinner. We chose
Hyman's Seafood. Dave was delighted when I pointed out that the menu said, "Complementary boiled peanuts on request." He was giddy as they were delivered to the table. We had a dozen oysters on the half-shell. As we waited for our dinner to arrive, I decided to read the small name plate attached to the table top. Imagine my surprise to learn that "Jimmy Buffett ate at this table." The peanuts and Jimmy Buffett put Dave in a great mood, as he declared, "The waitress is getting a bigger tip." Dave ordered the Carolina Delight--two fried grit cakes and fried oysters topped with alfredo sauce and cheese. I had the fried scallops with a baked sweet potato and hush puppies.

After dinner, we walked to Kaminsky's for a dessert to take home. Though the night was drizzly, people were lined up out the door waiting for a seat. Dave stood with the umbrella, while I edged my way in the door for a piece of cake to go. Ah, decisions. The red velvet cake was three layers and about 8-inches tall. The carrot cake looked just as tall and tasty. There were chocolate layer cakes, pecan pies, and even blueberry cobbler. I settled on the caramel nut cake. For $5, I had a huge slice of cake to take back to the hotel. (I was so stuffed that I fell asleep without eating my part of the cake; Dave put it away and fed it to me Sunday morning as we drove toward Atlanta.)

We even scheduled a late lunch in Atlanta with Mike and Letha at the Vortex. Dave had a hankering for their fried zucchini a few weeks ago. It was just a good as we remembered it to be.

We love to eat. Our parents fed us well while we were visiting them. From German Chocolate cake to turkey and dressing, filet of beef, and French toast bake, we ate so much.

Oh, and I can't forget. . . . as we drove west of Birmingham, we were in need of gas so we stopped at a large travel plaza--you know gas station plus restaurant--in this case, an Iron Skillet. Dave and I went inside for some fuel injector cleaner for my car. When I came out of the restroom, Dave had discovered boiled peanuts! So, he got a cup for the road. I think we may have gotten our fix of raw oysters and boiled peanuts. Naaa . . . I could eat some right now, if I had 'em. Ah, the glories of the South. You just don't get food like that in Texas.

The diet has started. . . .