By Pamela Brownstein
On a hot afternoon in June, the Gullah Grub Restaurant — at the intersection of U.S. 21 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on St. Helena Island — was filled with hungry patrons.
Among them, the Lunch Bunch was eager to sample the traditional cuisine prepared by chef and owner Bill Green.
We started with a piece of homemade cornbread that was simply amazing. Slightly crunchy on the outside and moist and sweet
on the inside, you didn’t even need butter.
For the main course, Buck had the barbecue ribs with potato salad, while Elizabeth ordered a cup of shrimp gumbo and side of red rice. I tried fried shark strips with a side of mac n’ cheese — all of these dishes were delicious.
We also shared a side of perfectly prepared collard greens, and a cup of Fish Chowder. While the chowder is something I would not have ordered on my own, I couldn’t get enough of this awesome tomato-based catfish stew.
For dessert we had a piece of Sweet Potato Pie and a piece of Peach Cobbler. Served warm, the Peach Cobbler was heavenly, with big gooey pieces of fresh peaches that fall off your fork and melt in your mouth. Although all our food was outstanding, we agreed this cobbler is a must-have.
Bill’s wife, Sara’ Reynolds-Green, said their organic farm on St. Helena has been in her family for generations. They have started a program to teach teens how to grow, cook and serve the food the
traditional Gullah way. “We want to preserve the history of how the food is cooked,” she said.
Our server even wished us farewell in Gullah: “Tank hunnah fa come,” or “Thank you for coming.”
The restaurant has received praise from many publications, and was even featured on an episode of the popular Travel Channel show “No Reservations” with host Anthony Bourdain.
Gullah Grub is located at 877 Sea Island Parkway, U.S. 21, St. Helena Island, and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; and for Sunday Brunch, noon to 4:30 p.m. They also offer catering. Call 843-838-3841 or visit www.gullahgrubs.com.
