FUUD: Kiss My Grits in Puck’s Alley

By Catherine Toth Fox • March 9, 2012 • Food

Good luck finding Southern food in Hawaii.

Sure, there’s places like SOUL, which serves up Southern favorites with a local flair. And other restaurants may feature dishes inspired by the South. But to find true Carolina barbecue, biscuits and gravy, and deep-fried okra, you may as well get used to disappointment.

Until last fall when Kiss My Grits opened.

This charming little eatery, in the space vacated by Cafe Citrus in Puck’s Alley, Kiss My Grits was opened by PR exec Kristin Jackson, a transplant from North Carolina who loves her Southern food. The menu features classics dishes from North and South Carolina and Georgia, many her family’s recipes.

We popped into the restaurant on a recent weekday — and it was crowded! — to see what the hype’s been about.

Here’s what we ate:

Inside

Image 3 of 13

The Jacksons did quite a job on this place. The tables are made from recycled wood from someone's backyard deck the seating against the wall are from a church. Just about everything in here is reused.

Kiss My Grits, Puck’s Alley, 1035 University Ave. at Puck’s Alley. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; closed Monday. Phone: (808) 348-0626.

6 Comments

Reply David Jackson March 9, 2012 at 2:08 am
Kiss my Grits eh? In other words, Kiss my ‘Girls Raised In The South.’

I digress…

Good to know I’m not the only North Carolinian with and abiding love and passion for the islands. Will definitely check this place out next time I’m in town. But I have one observation, looks like you skipped out on trying a plate of grits. Toss a slab of butter in the middle and sprinkle some black pepper on them and they taste pretty good. Grits are a lot like poi. It is what you put on it that matters.

How cool is this place?

Reply hawaii2000 March 9, 2012 at 8:32 am
You put things on poi? Sacrilege! 🙂

Reply David Jackson March 9, 2012 at 3:33 pm
LOL 🙂 Yeah I know. But still do it anyways. My defense is people at my church put sugar on theirs and they are way more local than me.

Reply M March 9, 2012 at 6:34 am
Hello Cat!
Happy fuud pixs Friday!

Never had southern fuud, it’s all new to me but it looks all guud! Got to check it out!
Happy Aloha Friday! Be safe, keep dry!
Reply EdW March 9, 2012 at 10:27 am
When I’m in Myrtle Beach this is standard fare. Next time I’m in the Islands I’ll have to make sure to stop in for dinner. They open too late for me for breakfast. I love Hushpuppies a perfect side for seafood, try them with a little cocktail sauce. When I make them at home i mix in some green onion and jalapeeno for a little extra kick. Seeing these picks makes me want to whip up a batch. you’ve got to try the grits with a bick slab of butter, some cheddar cheese and hot sauce. It’s Ohso good!!
Reply kalei March 9, 2012 at 11:41 am
We just moved from south Mississippi (it was much better than you’d think) and we will be heading home soon. While I wasn’t fired up about all the fried foods there, this makes me nostalgic. The food looks quite authentic, I can’t wait to try it.