I had been traveling for almost three weeks recently - luxurious vacation time in Las Vegas and New York City and then a work trip to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. I ate too much. I drank too much. My body was NOT a happy camper. But on the bright side, I have a new "Number Three" in my "Top Three Best Cheese Grits in America" list.
From absolute best to incredible best to wonderful best, here are my top three ...
1) The now closed Bailey's Restaurant in Tampa Bay, "Southern Gentleman Grits." Mr. Kim Bailey still runs a catering business. I sometimes wonder how much his minimum catering order is. I fantasize about ordering a giant batch of his Southern Gentleman Grits and then inviting friends to get some big spoons and come on over!
Sadly, I have no picture of the Southern Gentleman Grits- so here's a picture of my kitten instead.
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| Cat - Not Grits. |
2) The Rib Room in New Orleans, LA and their Creole Grits. Their Prime Rib Debris Po'Boy (debris as in shreds of meat) with a side of Creole Grits is one of the most decadent meals you can have in New Orleans. (Mr. B's Bistro's Barbecued Shrimp being right up there with decadence and deliciousness too! Any meal where a guy has to come up to you and put a bib on you before you begin is bound to be amazing!) Their creole grits are almost a tie with Kim Bailey's grits - lush luxury in a white creamy rich mouthful with a drizzle of hot creole sauce on top!
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| Creamed Spinach and Creole Grits at The Rib Room in New Orleans, LA |
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| The Monster Stuffed Prime Rob Debris Po'Boy from The Rib Room in New Orleans, LA - this sandwich is bigger than your head! |
and now my NEW number three for "Best Cheese Grits in America is …
3) The cheese grits that come with the shrimp and grits at The Piney Point Grill and Seafood at the Doubletree Suites Raleigh-Durham on Meridian Parkway. Their shrimp and grits include jumbo shrimp with smoked bacon pieces, garlic, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes on a bed of Old Mill of Guilford White Cheddar Grits.
I had never heard of "Old Mill of Guilford" but apparently it's been around since 1767 in North Carolina and you can purchase a wide variety of their products online. I am sure the grits plus 2000 pounds of butter, cream and cheese are what makes Piney Point's grits so darn tasty.
What's worse is that if you're staying at the hotel, you can have these decadent grits delivered to your room. Which I did not just once, but twice during my four night stay! Some food should not be available to be delivered to your door any hour of the day, at your beck and call!
I used to not understand why people liked grits. I like corn. I like polenta. I don't like cornbread. And I always thought grits tasted like weak, bland porridge with a weird texture. But once I had Kim Bailey's Southern Gentlemen Grits, I was inspired to try grits. Sure my favorite grits are ones that are a vehicle for a huge dose of fat and cheese, but hey … if you're going to inhale a large amount of calories it might as well be on something REALLY TASTY.
A somewhat honorable mention goes to the Jalapeño Cheese Grits from the Chef John Besh Restaurant "The American Sector" at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA. I had really been looking forward to lunch at this restaurant, but the food and the specialty cocktails were disappointing and the customer service was abhorrent. The decor was gorgeous and the Jalapeño Cheese Grits were pretty tasty - the only bright spot in the meal.
However I strongly recommend that if you're in New Orleans that you make time for the National World War II Museum. It is incredible and the Tom Hanks narrated 4D show "Beyond All Boundaries" will blow your mind!
(Side Note: I had the third best cheese in grits in North Carolina but I also had the WORST shrimp and grits there too! Check out my review here.)
I'm home now from my many travels. I am eating a lot more healthy and sensibly. But the memories of all those delicious cheese grits make me smile!
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