Funky Grits

Funky Grits recently opened in a South Minneapolis location I’m quite fond of. My favorite BBQ, Smoke in the Pit is a mere 100 yards north and the forever-the-best Jerk Chicken from Marla’s Caribbean Cuisine is east by one mile. Quite the competition or – maybe even better – a mélange for the ravenous!

Funky Grits’ website states, “Where everyone is welcome, all the time, forever.” And that’s exactly how the staff made us feel! As first-time visitors we took time to question the cashier and later a server about a variety of menu items. After being properly informed, we followed with this broad selection!

STARTERS: Cornpuppies – corn battered pork belly, served with apple jam and creole honey mustard; Walleye Cakes – cilantro lime slaw, chipotle remoulade; and our group’s confirmed winner, the Avocado Skins – corn battered avocado, pico de gallo, and roasted tomatillo salsa. LIQUID SOUL: Brunswick Stew – Funky Grit’s hearty house stew and, on this occasion, a server gift of corn bread. ON THE SIDE: Turkey Braised Greens – collard, mustard, and turnip greens. As a fan of greens, which typically include bacon and/or ham, we were pleased with Funky Grit’s version.

Soggy Bottom Grits with red eye gravy

And then, of course, we had to get several orders of their signature grits! SOUL SIGNATURES: Acadian – aged cheddar grits, gulf shrimp, smoked andouille, holy trinity (I didn’t know what this was, but the holy trinity in this case is “a Creole version of Mirepoix which still uses onions and celery but substitutes green bell peppers for carrots”), roasted red pepper, green onions, and bourbon beurre blanc; Perlo – confit chicken, smoked andouille, bell peppers & onions, and broth-infused Carolina gold rice ; Soggy Bottom – aged cheddar grits, country ham, braised pork belly, buttermilk biscuits, red eye gravy, and an easy-over egg. Each of the soul signatures was well prepared, presented and had tremendous flavor. The stand out was the Soggy Bottom, partially due to its red eye gravy (ham gravy made with black coffee), and the egg didn’t hurt, too! TREATS: Pecan Pie Puff – pecan pie wrapped in puff pastry with candied bacon and caramel, “sweets for the sweet”.

A little hard to believe, but after finishing a fulfilling meal with friends at Funky Grits, I couldn’t help myself! I made a quick call to Dwight at Smoke in the Pit and placed an order to go as follows: a Slab of Ribs, one dozen Smoked Wings, a Bucket of Burnt Ends and two pints of Greens. Dinner promised to be great!!

Funky Grits | 805 E 38^th St., Minneapolis, MN | Menu

Smoke in the Pit | 3733 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN | Menu

Bill’s Beverage of the Month

Fair State Brewing Cooperative | The Brut Squad | Brut IPA | 6.1% ABV

IPA is a fickle beast – now bitter, now hazy, now dry AF. Luckily, this is a trend we agree with wholeheartedly. The Brut Squad is bone dry, effervescent, aromatic, and remarkably civilized. Brewed with Idaho 7 and Citra Cryo hops.