The Hushpuppies are a Big Deal

I almost laughed out loud when I read this line from George Cox's review of Garner's (somewhat new) Shuck 'Em Shack:

Hushpuppies are not bad for a commercial product, though the Southerner in me cringes at paying $1.99 for a dozen.

I can remember going to Dockside at some point in college, one of the best locations in Wilmington for a great coastal view - paired with a bite to eat and a tasty drink. only to find out at that point they had decided to not offer hushpuppies at all. (Something about space for the fryer or it being the off-season... clearly I was in no mind for any excuses.) Everyone at our table heavily considered just leaving before ordering anything. What's a Po' Boy sandwich with a no hushpuppies? (The answer: not much.)

Same situation with the ill-fated Sunny Side Too, which also called Garner home. (I can name more than a handful of reasons this local restaurant didn't last, sadly. But I won't.)

My point is this: in Carolina, and much of the South, hushpuppies are expected. And we more often than not expect them to be yummy and a complimentary part of the Southern seafood meal.

You can read Greg's entire report on the Shuck 'Em Shack online at http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/01/14/917251/where-you-can-shuck-to-your-hearts.html.

Brewgrass in Wilmington

From those local beer guys at Big Boss Brewing... here's a must-attend in Wilmington for anyone making their way to the beach this weekend (or those of you lucky enough to live there)!

*WILMINGTON BREWGRASS FESTIVAL*

When: Saturday, 2-8 p.m.
Where: Water & Princess Streets, Wilmington
Admission: $35.00
Info: http://www.DBAwilmington.org

So this is gonna be a great time! We'll be down in Wilmington this Saturday pouring beers for the Brewgrass Festival.

The music lineup is as follows:
- The Drew Emmitt Band (formerly of Leftover Salmon)
- Chatham County Line
- Fescue
- L Shape Lot

And the other fine breweries we'll be pouring alongside go as follows:
-Asheville Brewing Company
-Carolina Beer & Beverage
-Front Street Brewery
-Foothills Brewing Company
-Gordon Biersch
-Highland Brewing Company
-Lonerider Brewing Company
-RJ Rockers
-Star Hill

This promises to be a great time! There are still tickets available, so don't miss out!
You can get your tickets and more online from another local favorite, eTix.com!



{Image: Wilmington Downtown Business Alliance}