Shrimp and grits. When it comes to the marriage of these two foods, it doesn’t matter whether your mind goes to brunch, lunch, or dinner. All are appropriate answers as to when the Southern staple can be consumed.
Historically, the origin of shrimp and grits has been traced to the Carolinas and the Gullah Geechee people, who have West African roots. Over time the dish has spread across the South and beyond. Here in D-FW, there are a handful of eateries boasting their own take on the savory dish, from traditional options to those somewhat off the beaten path. Either way, all roads lead to satisfaction.
Lovers Seafood & Market
Louisianans are known to put their own special flare on dishes — and by special flair I mean heat. That’s exactly what the shrimp and grits at Lovers Seafood Market is giving. Mr. B’s Shrimp and Grits ($25) is a rendition of the popular Crescent City creole restaurant. It features New Orleans barbecue shrimp, roasted poblano-jack grits, and corn for a plethora of texture and spice.
Lovers Seafood & Market, 5200 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas. loversseafoodmarket.com.
Pangea Restaurant & Bar
Prior to opening Pangea Restaurant & Bar, chef Kev Ashade knew the importance of having shrimp and grits on the menu, whether it was for catering events or pop-ups. Now, it holds a permanent spot on his restaurant’s “chef selections.” Pangea’s Shrimp and Grits ($28) comes with a hearty serving of creamy stone-ground grits, cherry tomatoes, peppers and blackened shrimp.
Pangea Restaurant & Bar, 6309 N. President George Bush Highway #8101, Garland. pangeadallas.com.
Brunchaholics
On any given weekend, if you’re taking a stroll in the Trinity Groves area, it’s likely you’ll spot a line outside of Soiree Coffee Bar. It’s safe to say chef Jessie Washington is the reason. The Brunchaholics owner — and mastermind of the Soul Food Burrito — offers a rotating brunch menu, and the shrimp and grits is a star player. The Cajun Smothered Shrimp and Grits ($24) features stone-ground grits with cheddar, gouda, and thyme with Andouille sausage on the side.
Brunchaholics (Saturday and Sunday only), Soiree Coffee Bar, 320 Singleton Blvd., Suite 190, Dallas. instagram.com/brunchaholics.
Vegan Food House
As D-FW’s vegan food scene broadens, many restaurants are creating flavorful renditions of traditional dishes sans meat. Vegan Food House’s shrimp and grits is a perfect example. The savory dish ($16) features “shrimp” made from konjac root, seasoned peppers and onions, vegan sausage, and a garlic butter sauce.
Vegan Food House, 832 W. 7th Street, Dallas. veganfoodhouse.com.
Velvet Taco
Continuing with the trend of innovation, Velvet Taco is giving Texans the best of two worlds by serving the Southern staple on a taco. The Shrimp and Grit Taco ($5.75), which can be found on the menu at all nine of Velvet Taco’s D-FW locations, features creole remoulade, blackened shrimp, pepper jack cheese grits, charred tomato salsa, and micro cilantro — all on a corn tortilla.
Multiple Locations. velvettaco.com.
