Angry Alexandria Consumers Want to Know - Where Are the Grits?
May 11th, 2008 Categories: Dining Favorites
Our original plans for Mother’s Day were centered around a low key evening of grilling and dining on our back patio. Torrential rain storms and chilly temperatures made moving inside a wise decision. But it also meant a menu change. We are “challenged” for space in our dining area so when more than three or four are gathered together it is strictly buffet and we always try for an easy, one utensil meal. We settled on shrimp (do you notice a trend here?) and grits and a green salad and set off to do our shopping.
We wanted stone ground grits, an artisanal delicacy with a distinct coarse texture and taste. Giant had “quick” grits - ugh. Balducci’s had not a single grit of any kind. Safeway had regular Uncle Ben’s Grits (ok in a pinch) and Whole Foods had “Corn Grits also known as Polenta”. Now, I know people like to think that polenta and grits are the same thing but they’re not, not really. Besides, the corn grits came from Oregon and everyone knows that grits do not grow in Oregon. Four markets in one day was more than enough for me so Harris Teeter and Trader Joe are off the hook on this one.
Tonight we will have to settle for Uncle Ben but tomorrow I’m checking in with www.Hoppinjohns.com first thing and ordering in my supply of stone ground grits. To paraphrase Scarlett, ” . . . . I’ll neva go hungry for stone ground grits agin.”
Happy Mothers Day to all women who have nurtured and loved,
Virginia and Michael
