This then shall be the essence of Genius Loci, a few quick highlights of a whirlwind tour through the Greater Charlotte Area (GCA.) The order is intentional:
1. HollyHoll's familial turkey recipe as executed by BGE (Big Green Egg) Tony, Tega Cay, SC. Said recipe involves two jars of Duke's mayonnaise (must be Duke's not that poseur to the throne Hellman's and we are definitely NOT talking the demon concoction known as Miracle Whip, PToooi!,) slathered lovingly/generously in and on the bird, then a low and slow smoke of several hours in the aforementioned Egg.
The resultant bird was moist, tender and absolutely fucking delicious. Hard to say this with exact certitude because I do not have a metric, but this may be the best turkey I have ever eaten. It was that good.
That the chef executed this wonder after a marathon card playing session that lasted until dawn the night (or is it day?) previous, assembled the Egg just hours before and used it for the first fucking time, makes the result all the more extraordinary. The stuff of legend my friends.
1A. Randall Roll as executed by Sushi Chuck at Tega Cay Golf Club. Let's face it, special rolls are usually odd amalgams of ingredients tossed into a maki style roll without surety of the resultant whole. This roll is an amazing exception. Literally using Randall's favorite sushi ingredients, Sushi Chuck assembled a cohesive and representative slice of sushi excellence. That I cannot order one right now is a major source of disappointment to me.
3. Chicken wings at D.D. Peckers, Charlotte. Finally...a place where they understand properly cooked chicken wings. My preference is classic cayenne sauced, Buffalo style wings (boring and old school I know,) but their Cajun spice dusted version were excellent.
4. Collard greens at 521 BBQ, Tea Cay, SC. REAL collards with a surprisingly delightful hint of chili heat. I do mean REAL collards. Around here we see some version of slow cooked greens. These days most usually employing kale. Fuck kale.
5. Duke's mayonnaise. We are a Hellman's family (it could be a DNA thing, I'll check with Ancestry.com) but I may have to reconsider. More on this later.
Before I sign off with a photo of the Randall Roll, I want to thank the entire GCA crew (names withheld to protect the innocent) for sharing their best with this grumpy, Yankee transient. Southern hospitality at its best yo. Peace and happiness.
Dang, I would’ve been much nicer to you had I known you were a food blogger. Sincerely,
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