When I go to a restaurant, I usually order a bunch of appetizers and side dishes. There is nothing better than a plethora of small plates to share. I love to do this not because I can’t find anything else to eat, but because this way I can try as many things as humanly possible. The recipes in this chapter are appetizers and side dishes that anyone would want to eat as their main meal. They are that epic!
No southern meal is complete without the classic sides, but I think we can do a little better than those. In this chapter, you will find quintessential southern sides that have been elegantly updated. Hushpuppies, cornbread, grits, pasta salad, potato salad—everything you need for the most lavish dinner ever is right here. You just can’t have a southern feast without these rather fine fixins!