Gillie's Seafood Charleston Review: Soul Food served up at Grandma's...

Gillie’s Seafood was one of the recommended restaurants that we learnt from our receptionist at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Charleston West Ashley. After a quick search online, we also found the reviews to be pretty good as well. Since we wanted to try some Southern Cuisine while we’re in the “South”, Gillie’s Seafood was where we headed for dinner this evening…

About Gillie’s Seafood Charleston

"Grandma's Wall" at Gillie's Seafood Charleston — “Grandma’s Wall” at Gillie’s Seafood Charleston

The name of Gillie’s Seafood actually came from Mrs LaReese Gilliard, the grandmother of chef/owner Sean Mendes. Sean based his recipe off grandma Gillie’s cooking to recreate the feel of Sunday meals after church with homely cooking of grandma. Grandma Gillie would cook everything from scratch and this is how Gillie’s Seafood do it daily as well. Wholesome goodness made fresh daily…

Inside Gillie's Seafood Charleston Review — Inside Gillie’s Seafood Charleston Review

Gillie's Seafood Menu Charleston — Gillie’s Seafood Menu Charleston

Besides a wall dedicated to grandma, the entire restaurant felt very homely. There are tables with white table cloths and TV with sports playing in the background. Very chill, very laid back and very homely. After looking through the menu, there were several items that caught our eye…

Granny’s Shrimp & Grits ($18 – the award winning grits at Gillie’s Seafood)
Seafood Purloo ($21)
Seafood Gumbo ($20)
Spicy Jambalaya ($21)
Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($18)
Fried Pork Chops ($18)
Meatloaf ($18)

All of which were excellent soul food that represented the Southern Flavours. Before we made our orders, we found out from our waiting staff that Purloo is like a dried version while the gumbo comes with gravy. After the clarifications, we went with the Seafood Gumbo ($20) and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($18). As they were out of white meat (chicken breast) this even, we went with the dark meat (thighs and drums). The fried chicken also came with 3 sides and we chose collared greens, fried okra and corn bread…

What We Had at Gillie’s Seafood Charleston

Gillie's Seafood Charleston - Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Fried Okra and Collared Greens — Gillie’s Seafood Charleston – Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Fried Okra and Collared Greens

Gillie's Seafood Charleston - Corn Bread sides — Gillie’s Seafood Charleston – Corn Bread sides

Normally we would glaze over the sides but at Gillie’s Seafood, we’ve got to give them a huge thumbs up. We found the Collared Greens to be strangely familiar. Turns out, it is made in the style of the kailan that is cooked till softened, which made it taste homely – even to us Singaporeans. As for the Fried Okra, it is probably the best rendition of this dish that we’ve tried in a while. It is slightly battered on the outside and on each bite, it was still moist within. Fried to perfection. As for the Corn Bread, we kept it till the end for “desserts”. By now, we were pretty full already but Kate commented that it was one of the best corn bread that she’s ever tasted. There’s an unique sweet and saltish taste at the same time. Yummy!

As for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($18) itself, it was perfectly marinated and fried. With the buttermilk, the seasoning and coating adhered better to the chicken, tenderising it at the same time. As a result, the fried chicken was so tender and we were able to taste the seasoning that were so much better than conventional fried chicken that we had (by this we mean much better than KFC and most fried chicken chains except for probably Church’s Chicken).

Gillie's Seafood Charleston Review - Seafood Gumbo ($20) — Gillie’s Seafood Charleston Review – Seafood Gumbo ($20)

As for the Seafood Gumbo ($20), it was so delicious and comforting as well! The gumbo had the southern seasoning gravy that went so well with the rice. In addition, ALL the seafood were so fresh! You can taste the sweetness and succulent texture of the prawns, crawfish and oysters. The sausage also added a nice flavourful, oily and saltish flavour to the over dimension of this dish. Excellent!

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As you know, we have travelled to close to 50 countries and tried food from all over the world and we must say that Gillie’s Seafood is pretty mighty good. Not to the extent of T.U.N.G Dining/Michelin Star good but so good that we won’t mind coming back over and over again, day after day, week after week, just to have a taste of the homely and comforting food that it is Gillie’s.

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