Charleston’s dining scene is revered for its Southern staples, vibrant dining rooms and increasing culinary diversity. Open a menu around town and you’ll notice a mix of tried-and-true dishes and classics with a twist. And at the heart of many restaurant programs is seafood.
From fish sandwiches and curries to crudos, ceviches and oyster sliders, area menus are loaded up with marine offerings. One thing you’ll almost always find is some variation of shrimp and grits — a dish with a star ingredient that has in recent months been the subject of heightened scrutiny.
Results from DNA testing of shrimp at 44 Charleston-area restaurants in June offered a peek behind the curtain of the local seafood scene. Some establishments advertising “local seafood” were found to be serving imported shrimp,