My characters, Boop and Eve, take a road trip through the South.  They aren’t foodies, so they don’t stop to eat anywhere of note.  However, this author sure loves to eat at amazing restaurants. Covid -19 hasn’t done the restaurant industry any favors. So I thought I might take a few minutes to sing the praises of a few restaurants that I love in the hopes that next time you’re in the neighborhood you give them a try.

In Virginia:

L’ Opossum: Located in Richmond, Va. this is a small, busy restaurant. The food is delicious and creative with a heavy French influence with local ingredients and splashes of Southern cooking. The menu is constantly changing so I can’t tell you what to order, only that it’ll be delightful. The decorations are eclectic.  Twin Peaks fans will enjoy little nods like the cocktail named “The Laura Palmer.”

Inn at Little Washington: With Three Michelin Stars, the longest-running 5-star restaurant in the world (Forbes), and listed in the top 10 restaurants in the world in multiple lists, this Virginia inn offers the very best of French dining.  The wine list is also award-winning. It won’t surprise you that such a meal comes with a hefty price tag, but if you can afford it, it’s worth it.  The only way to make your dinner there even more pleasant is by staying the night at the inn.  I have never experienced service at the level anywhere else in my life. This splurge is a real treat.

Ashby Inn: The tasting menu at this bed and breakfast provided a seamless experience from the first bite to last that ranks up there with the very best meals I’ve ever eaten.  The wine pairings were amazing.  And while chefs often work hard to balance the flavors on a plate, this meal did so from course to course.  The patio we ate on was a beautiful spot. 

In Charleston:

Park & Grove:  This neighborhood restaurant is known for its farm-fresh, creative menu. This upscale, casual local favorite is across from Hampton Park and especially beloved for its brunch.  Though recently featured in Southern Living Magazine and Bon Appetite, Park Cafe is off the tourist radar making it a hidden gem in a dynamite dining scene. Traveling with the dog? No problem. The patio is dog-friendly. The avocado toast is not to be missed.

Charleston Grill: One of the most memorable dishes I’ve ever eaten was at the Charleston Grill ten years ago.  It was ice cream with popcorn on it. The marriage of two of my favorite foods produced an even better offspring. Super weird and amazingly delicious! The service was impeccable.  Another spot where the tasting menu is where it’s at.  Oh, and the wine pairings that went with it.  Yum! With table cloths and jazz music, this is 4 star AAA restaurant is the perfect spot for a special meal.

Cru Cafe:  I learned to love gourmet food in the 1990s.  The menu at the Cru Cafe reminds of everything I loved about food when I first discovered it.  For a retro foodie, casual, not expensive meal, you can’t go wrong with Cru Cafe.  The historic charm of the old southern home, the bustle of the dining room, and the gourmet comfort food combine for a fun and delicious dining experience.

In New Orleans:

Central Grocery:  This deli in downtown New Orleans is the home of the Muffuletta sandwich.  Don’t know muffuletta…mmm….olive salad, Italian bread, cured meats, and cheese…need I say more?

Commander’s Palace: Finally, Commander’s Palace has reigned in the Garden District as the gold standard of fine dining for over 100 years. The staff exemplifies service in a way that few restaurants in the modern era even attempt to pull off. The fancy Creole cuisine is amazing.

I can only hope that when this pandemic is over these wonderful culinary delights are still open.  If you’re in the neighborhood, please consider supporting them and use the comments to mention other not-to-be-missed restaurants in the South.