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Market Street's Shrimp & Grits!
June 21, 2005
EXT. MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY--NIGHT
The only car out tonight is a stretch limo racing down the still warm pavement. Odd sight considering the area.
INT. LIMO
Caryn and Mr. R. are positioned at their opposite ends of the car, a mound of luggage piled on the seats between them. Mr. R. peers out the window.
MR. R.
I'm hungry.
Caryn looks out her window, but the car is enveloped in utter darkness.
CARYN
Shall we fetch some roadkill?
Mr. R. leans forward and rolls down the dividing window to speak to the driver.
MR. R.
Can you pull off at the next town to grab a quick bite?
The driver acknowledges the order but Caryn isn't as willing to accept the change in plans.
CARYN
We'll be late for our flight.
MR. R.
Don't worry. They'll accommodate me. I'm in first class.
Caryn sinks back into her seat and mutters to herself.
CARYN
I'm not.
EXT. COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI--MOMENTS LATER
The limo turns down a street bringing them into the center of an old, southern town. Beautifully preserved buildings lock in the secrets of their long history.
They approach a restaurant with big, glass windows that looks like the storefront of an old general store. A green sign in the window reads "Market Street Grocery and Grill."
INT. LIMO
Mr. R. is considering his options when he sees the restaurant.
MR. R.
Stop here. This looks good.
INT. MARKET STREET GROCERY AND GRILL
Caryn and Mr. R. find themselves in the door of a classy, dimly-lit restaurant of polished wood. Dessert plates on the tables have been wiped clean, but the many happy DINERS show no signs of leaving just yet.
MR. R.
Ahh, civilization!
The HOST, a very tall man with dark hair, walks up and greets them. Friendly but showing no signs of recognition of his famed guest.
HOST
May I help you?
CARYN
Can we see a menu?
He hands them a menu and the two pour over it with discerning eyes. The lengthy list of delectable selections is a virtual buffet of southern classics, spiced up nicely by some signature recipes.
CARYN (CONT'D)
Shrimp and grits! Yes!
Mr. R. turns on the charm to the host.
MR. R.
Would it be possible to get some food packaged to go?
CARYN
We're not staying?
Mr. R. feigns annoyance.
MR. R.
I thought you were concerned about missing the flight.
Caryn turns to the host.
CARYN
Table for two please.
As they are shown to a table, Caryn mutters to herself.
CARYN (CONT'D)
The plane will wait.
121 5th Street South
Columbus, MS 39705
662-245-1086 ph.
Market Street is a culinary gem in the heart of downtown Columbus. If you're in the area, you must stop by! If it's too far, Chef Opal was kind of enough to provide a taste:
Market Street's Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp Sauce:
3 cups shrimp stock
2 cups heavy cream
3 Tb. fresh basil - chiffonade
1/2 cup white wine
TT salt and pepper (white)
TT any seasonings, personal choice
1/4 cup roux, blonde. (or until thickened)
Reduce stock by 1/4. Then, add cream, basil, wine and seasoning. Heat to simmer then add roux. Whisk until it coats back of spoon.
Grits:
4 cups yellow grits (works best but Quaker grits will do.)
**enough water to prepare grits according to package directions
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese (or any creamy cheese)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
TT salt and pepper
Add grits to boiling water**, whisking.
Add cream, peppers and seasoning until thick.
Add cheese, stir until melted.
10 per plate - sauteed shrimp. 21/25 count works best. Peeled and deveined.
Plating:
Works best in large pasta bowl.
Grits in middle (cakes, scoops or slightly runny.)
Sauce on top and around.
Place shrimp around and on top of grits.
Garnish with green onions and chopped bacon.
Chef Opal's recipe is an estimate based on her cooking in quantity for the restautant. Adjust portions as necessary, especially with the grits.
Posted by Caryn at June 21, 2005 08:15 AM | Printable Version | Recipe Only
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Comments
YUMMMM. I will confess, I have never had grits. I'm from the west coast, and sadly, grits are not something you see here everyday. :) I may have to try it though, it sounds wonderful.
I wonder if those two will make their plane?
Posted by: leannwoo at June 21, 2005 09:42 AM
Nice photo. You are definitely skilled with a camera!
Posted by: Kristin at June 21, 2005 01:05 PM
I'm kinda new reading this blog...do we know who Mr R is? Can I find out? :)
Posted by: emily at June 22, 2005 07:13 AM
Three and half cups of cream? Yowzah! No wonder it looks so yummy...! How many does that recipe serve?
Posted by: Amy at June 22, 2005 10:15 AM
Damn.... these look so delicious! You made those wonderful shots and you always make good stories behind those foods...awesome! If you like friend rice with lup cheong: please come and visit my food blog..I would be honored to recieve a nice comment from you! *THANKS*
Posted by: Yvette at June 22, 2005 03:07 PM
Hi
I’m a grits lover in Japan. I had it quite often when I stayed in Mississippi for apx. 3 1/2 years. Now your photo of shrimp and grits is really making me drool!
This site is a very special place for me… I love your food photos and stories related to the place I miss a lot. Thanks for keeping it up. I’ll be frequenting. :)
Posted by: obachan at June 23, 2005 07:30 AM
Emily, I shall refer you to my disclaimer on my About page... :)
Amy, yes, this recipe makes A LOT of grits....my guess is that it serves twelve. So cut it in half. And maybe cut it in half again. :)
Thanks, Yvette. I've been so out of touch lately with my travels, but I will definitely peruse your site as soon as I have a few moments free.
Konnichiwa, Obachan! Wow, Japan and Mississippi are two totally different environments! I have been somewhat remiss on my June posts, but promise to improve. Thanks for frequenting.
Posted by: caryn at June 27, 2005 10:22 AM
Caryn, this looks so yummy... I'm sorry I keep asking stupid questions, but what are Grits like...? Are they like polenta?
Posted by: keiko at June 28, 2005 04:40 AM