Shellfish over grits at Magnolia’s

You know, I think I’ve discovered a secret as to why things move at a more leisurely pace in the South: because when you enjoy a decadent lunch in downtown Charleston, it naturally slows you down.

That’s just what we did a couple of weeks ago.  The hubby, the Gravy Baby and I visited a classic Southern institution, Magnolia’s.  For me, I hadn’t been to Magnolia’s in almost 15 years, and I was pleased to see a lot of the upscale classics still on the menu — buttermilk fried chicken, pimento cheese and chicken livers.  In the end, though, I couldn’t resist the call of the sinful shellfish over grits, a combination of lobster, sea scallops and shrimp in a silky lobster butter sauce.

Cornmeal crusted trout in tassy gravy, accompanied by a yellow grit cake and sauteed greens

The hubby opted for what’s quickly becoming his weakness — fried catfish.  Magnolia’s version was lightly cornmeal-crusted and came with a perfectly fluffy yellow grit cake.  The Gravy Baby tore into that grit cake, proving to me once again that there’s no food he’s unwilling to try and devour (even the homemade pickles I made from him the other day went down the hatch after just one sourpuss face).

Left: the facade to Magnolia’s; top right: the dining room; bottom right: fresh flowers on every table

The three of us loved the elegant Southern setting that came along with enjoying our rich meal.  By the end of it, I found myself wishing I could just sit on a patio, fanning my afternoon away while enjoying a mint julep.  But these days, with a busy toddler and a hectic day to match it, I’ll just have to save lazing for another time.