DINING
Guide Taste of the South When it comes to creative Southern cuisine, Southern Culture delivers
SOUTHERN CULTURE
You’ll find Southern Culture Kitchen & Bar somewhere between the lyrics of an Avett Brothers album and the reclaimed timbers of a Restoration Hardware catalog. Custom-made farm tables, Edison lighting, brick fireplaces, and exposed wood beams are unmistakably Appalachian chic—painstakingly curated and meticulously refined. Co-owner and kitchen manager Chad Gangwer is at the core of this refinement and consistency. Taste, texture, and appearance are standardized in the kitchen. Even the chalkboard specials have been tested, tweaked, sampled, and tweaked again for weeks by the time they make it to diners’ tables. But it doesn’t mean the spontaneous, organic, and authentic roots of the menu have been distilled out of the dining experience. Southern Culture is very much a “chef-driven restaurant,” as Gangwer notes, and his six sous chefs are constantly experimenting: “Every week, we’re tweaking ingredients and recipes.” PB&J, in the form of boiled peanut hummus and homemade seasonal jams, and Po Boy tacos with remoulade-tossed fried shrimp and Low Country slaw are just some of the results. Of course, Gangwer knows not to fix what’s not broken. The Mason jar banana pudding (featured in TOWN’s December 2012 issue) is a prime example: at the start, a few quarts of pudding were all that were necessary per week, but that amount has since grown into the gallons. With a hit on his hands, Gangwer has put a freeze on tweaking this particular recipe. Personality doesn’t stop at the décor or the menu offerings either. Southern Culture has started serving Monday-night brunch, both as tribute to serviceindustry employees who work through the weekend and as a way to combat the post-weekend lull. A steady rotation of modern bluegrass and unplugged Americana also graces the restaurant’s stage—perhaps the final touch on a new experience that never forgets its folk inspiration.—Andrew Huang $$, L (Mon–Fri), D (Mon–Sat), SBR. 2537 N Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville. (864) 552-1998, southernculturekitchenandbar.com Photograph by Paul Mehaffey
LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT BLUES BOULEVARD JAZZ
Replete with all the nostalgia of an old underground jazz parlor, Blues Boulevard sits nestled in downtown Greenville, tantalizing visitors with the promise of a smooth cocktail— and even smoother jazz. Well-known instrumentalists and songstresses from around the country plan visits to Blues Boulevard, lighting up the dark-on-purpose atmosphere of the restaurant with a variety of
easy-listening tunes. And if you need something to munch or sip, the menu offers signature tapas and a summer lunch menu in addition to homemade cocktails. $$, L, D, SBR (Greenville). Closed Monday. 300 River St, Ste 203, Greenville. (864) 242-2583; 99 S Church St, Spartanburg. (864) 573-9742, bluesboulevardjazz.com
THE BOHEMIAN CAFÉ
Serve your taste buds and ears at the Bohemian Café, an eclectic spot with international flair that serves up daily specials for curry and pasta. For Sunday brunch, treat yourself
to the Bloody Mary bar, or indulge your sweet tooth with a slice of homemade rum cake. When you finish up your meal, head next door to the famous Horizon Records store to pick up some vintage vinyl or the latest CD release. Horizon also partners with the Bohemian for several live-music acts throughout the week, featuring the most unique artists in genres ranging from indie to funk and bluegrass. $$, L, D,
SBR. Closed Monday. 2 W Stone Ave, Greenville. (864) 233-0006, thebohemiancafe.com
CHICORA ALLEY
Chicora Alley’s Caribbean riff on traditional Mexican and Southern fare offers signature crab cakes or mountain-high nachos, shrimp and chicken burritos, quesadillas, and more. With a Falls Park view or patio seat, you won’t leave unsatisfied. When the weekend arrives, Chicora Alley plays host to some of South Carolina’s favorite names in rock; recent acts included Camden natives The Mobros and Greenville’s very own Four 14.
$-$$$, L, D. Closed Sunday. 608-B S Main St, Greenville. (864) 232-4100, chicoraalley.com
KEY : Average price of a dinner entrée (lunch if dinner isn’t served): Under $10 = $, $10-$15 = $$, $16-$25 = $$$, $25+ = $$$$ Breakfast = B Lunch = L Dinner = D Sunday Brunch = SBR 92 TOWN / towncarolina.com
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