There’s something special about gathering around a table with family and friends to share a good meal, stories, and sweet time together. If it’s a Southern table, there’s bound to be some delicious specialties that have graced tables and satisfied appetites for generations!
Being raised in the South and living my life here, I have great memories of many good times and good eating. My mother could make a delicious banana pudding amazingly quick! It seemed like in only ten minutes she was sliding it in the oven to give the meringue a little toasty color. My grandmothers made the best turnip greens and I tried for years to cook mine like theirs and finally perfected it, well let’s say close enough! So many memories and so much good food, it’s hard to write them all.
As times changed and generations passed, some of the ways of cooking changed, the gatherings grew fewer, our lives got busier and even Southern cooking changed a bit. If you think of it as only greasy fried chicken, fatty and calorie laden, think again! These old favorites can be prepared, served and eaten lighter and in moderation.
Lifestyle changes have also decreased some of our cooking at home and increased our dining around a table at a nice restaurant. If this is the case for you, but you still love to have some good ol’ Southern dishes, here are some of my favorite staples and where to get the best around town to satisfy those cravings!
Fried Chicken - G's Country Kitchen
Crispy, juicy, slightly spicy...in the South, we know good fried chicken. There are so many fantastic fried chicken recipes circulating the city, but G's is among the best.
Turnip Greens- Betty Mae's
These are the best I’ve had in a restaurant. You don't even need to add tobasco, and if you're a true southerner, you know that means Betty Mae knows what she's doing when it comes to greens.
@betty_maes_ (256) 746-4159 2007 N Memorial Pkwy #L, Huntsville, AL 35810
Fried Okra- The Standard Social Market
My favorite cut fried okra is at The Standard. With a crispy, seasoned batter, I could pop these in my mouth mindlessly all day. For whole pod fried okra, Char can't be beat!
@thestandardhsv (256) 270-7268 thestandardhsv.com
Fried Green Tomatoes- Walton's Southern Table
@waltonssouthern (256) 203-2979 waltonssoutherntable.com
Biscuits- 116 Noble
Chef Noble has a deep rooted story of waking up to biscuits every morning that sent him on a mission to perfect his biscuit recipe. We think he has gotten pretty close with these. Warm and fluffy with a subtle sweetness, just like Grandma made them.
@116noble (256) 469-8941 116noble.com
Shrimp and Grits -The Docks at Goose Pond, Scottsboro
Listed in the book “100 Things to Eat in Alabama” and I second this notion! There is something especially comforting about creamy, cheesy grits covered with shrimp and a buttery sauce. It's no wonder this dish is a Southern staple.
Facebook @The Docks (256) 574-3071 1165 Ed Hembree Dr, Scottsboro, AL 35769
Strawberry Pretzel Salad- Dallas Mill Deli
There is no Southern meal that doesn't have a component to satisfy the sweet tooth. Strawberry Pretzel Salad is the perfect combination of light and fruity with a touch of crunch and sweetness, and few do it better than Dallas Mill Deli.
@dallasmilldeli (256) 489-3354 dallasmilldeli.net
Mac n cheese- Betty Mae's
Mac and cheese is THE Southern side dish and Betty Mae's has mastered it. With a rich, creamy cheese sauce and just the right amount of salt, you can't pass up an opportunity to add this to your soul food lunch.
@betty_maes_ (256) 746-4159 2007 N Memorial Pkwy #L, Huntsville, AL 35810
Deviled Eggs - Domaine South
@domainesouthhsv (256) 759-9952 domainesouth.com
Cornbread- 116 Noble
This is another staple at the Southern table that Chef Noble has mastered. We love our carbs in the South, and he's found a way to sweeten the deal with a melty maple butter that takes his corn bread over the top.
@116noble (256) 469-8941 116noble.com
Pimento Cheese- Good Company Cafe
No Southern wedding or baby shower is complete without pimento cheese, and it is a lunch time favorite. Good Company Cafe serves their pimento cheddar on everything crackers and it is hard to beat!
@goodcompanycafe_ (256) 881-0044 goodcompany-cafe.com
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