If there were ever a place that shouldn't be judged by its outside, it's this cozy East End restaurant that
opened in October. Owners and chefs Ross Coleman and James Haywood are putting their own spin on Southern classics, blending cuisines from around the world - and doing it quite well.
Everything is made in-house, from bread to the chicken, seafood and pork boudins and charcuterie. Not-to-be-missed: the tender and succulent Southern/Vietnamese hybrid, turkey neck lettuce wrap.
Masterfully plated dishes include: shrimp and grits with white wine and white cheddar; beef cheek ragout with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts; a beer brined pork chop that almost rivals in size to Perry's Steakhouse's chops, served with celery root mash and braised greens. Leave room for the deconstructed lemon meringue and cheddar biscuit topped peach cobbler.
Gumbo of the day rotates often and usually consists of chicken or seafood options. Off-the-menu items are available as daily specials. Past items have included turkey leg vindoloo with bay infused mashed potatoes and smoked lamb tongue. Fried chicken dinners are offered on the all day brunch menu on Sundays and sells out quickly. Other mus-try brunch items: smoked pork belly with kimchi greens and cornbread pudding; Gulf Coast Benedict served with grit cake, seared catch of the day, poached egg and a ham hock sweet potato hash.
Hours: Tue. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Photo: Jakeisha Wilmore]