Early Girl Eatery was yet another recommendation for our trip from our friend, Samantha, who grew up in Asheville. Sam and her husband, Graham, have phenomenal taste in food, are both amazing cooks, and spent years working in the restaurant industry, so naturally, I’d trust any of their recommendations. We had the chance to meet Michael’s father at Early Girl Eatery, a true southerner who I couldn’t imagine taking anywhere else!

As we’ve mentioned before, I’ve rarely seen shrimp & grits on a menu in the south and have not taken advantage – it is one of my all-time favorite southern dishes. The shrimp & grits at Early Girl Eatery are unlike any I’ve ever tasted – they’re extra spicy, which is actually a little refreshingly different. Michael helped me out with the andouille sausage, but I pretty much cleaned my plate!

Michael was spending the next few days in North Carolina with his family, where there’s always a full glass of sweet tea and plenty of his favorite southern foods, but that didn’t stop him from ordering one of his favorite southern dishes – biscuit & gravy with a side of country ham. Whenever we’re able to order a truly southern meal while traveling in the south, Michael enters this state of complete happiness – his time at Early Girl was no different.

Michael’s father opted for more of a lunch and ordered the grilled chicken sandwich, topped with spinach, goat cheese, tomato, and bacon. He, too, joined the Clean Plate Club at Early Girl that morning!