Steel Magnolias: urban southern cuisine in Valdosta's downtown district

*****I wrote this piece for this month's issue of our neighborhood's magazine Between The Stones. 

I didn't want to post it until the magazine came out, but now it has, so I can finally post this restaurant review. So for those of you that do not live in the Stone Creek community, enjoy! I did add in a few things that were cut from the original, due to limited space. I had a great time writing it {Steel Magnolias is, after all, named after one of my favorite films!} and I'm so hopeful that I will have an opportunity to do more things like this in the future.*****

If you're looking for a freelance writer, please contact me christiantbishop@gmail.com

Valdosta is full of restaurants. For a town of its size, there are plenty of eats to fill your tummy and empty your wallet.  Perhaps the most unique, in fare and feel, is Steel Magnolias, which is likely best described as urban southern cuisine. As you approach the restaurant, nestled in Valdosta’s downtown district, you can immediately recognize the atmosphere that the restaurant aims to project, through the painted metal chairs and tables out front, subtly decorated with mason jars wrapped in twine and filled with understated flowers. The sidewalk display beckons to passersby, seducing and enticing them to look inside the giant window to see what is going on in their kitchen. There is no canned, chain feeling to this place. It is original, just as fresh as the food it serves.

For three years, Steel Magnolias has provided a comfortable, yet sophisticated atmosphere and a deliciously inviting menu, from its location in a renovated historic building, originally constructed in 1891.  One Stone Creek resident in attendance describes the restaurant as an “amazing addition to Valdosta”. Owned and operated by Georgia native Keira Moritz, her heritage and love for her state is evident in the details of Steel Magnolias. All menu items are made fresh and the kitchen buys everything that they can from local farms. You can “expect something different” here, says another local from Stone Creek. And the critics agree! The Valdosta Daily Times nominated Steel Magnolias for best new restaurant, best special occasion restaurant, and best live music venue-all in its first year of business! Steel Magnolias has also been featured in numerous magazines, such as Valdosta CEO, Southwest Georgia Living Magazine, The Tifton Scene, The Tifton Gazette, The Valdosta Scene, and Georgia Trend Magazine. Keira also received praise as the Young Professional of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.

For a few Stone Creek residents on August 26^th, this menu was tried and tested, and all who attended, myself included, seemed to approve as we waddled out after rounds of drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. One Stone Creek resident proclaimed the night a “culinary extravaganza”. We met on the second level but there are two additional floors to provide ample room for the crowds. A fantastic feature is the roof top terrace, which gives an open-air feel to the sophistication of the restaurant’s atmosphere, and an unmatched view of downtown to boot.

Keira introduced each dish to us proudly, with a passion in her eyes for the creations from her kitchen. The food seemed to taste even better, because someone created it with a love for what they are doing.

The first bites to grace the table were Deviled Eggs, an improvement on your family recipe, topped with crispy bacon, goat cheese, and chives. One attendee described them as “unreal”. Even for those who wince at the thought of eating a deviled egg {I'll admit I'm one of those}, one bite might convert you.

Yeast rolls were then delivered to the table, with the Steel Magnolias’ twist made in house and topped with bacon, hot and fresh. The rolls were divine, reminiscent of a “Rat Cheese” {what some may know as a Krystal burger} that had been deconstructed into a hand made, yeast roll re-do.

I was taken by surprise when I tasted the Pulled Pork & Pimento Cheese Wontons with sriracha aioli, and cabbage confetti. They had a delicious tangy kick, leaving you wanting another, and needing a refill on your glass of water.

Our last appetizer was the Fried Green Tomatoes, topped with feta cheese, grilled corn, and peach chutney aioli. This is the classic southern hors d'oeuvre with toppings that take this time-honored Southern tradition to the next level. 

Following the appetizers were two salads that were far from boring. 

First was the Grilled Yellow Squash Salad with goat cheese, bacon, and wild arugula, topped with basil pesto vinaigrette. This salad was earthy, like you plucked the arugula from your own garden. Though these flavors are not quite and obvious pairing, they blended perfectly.

The second salad was a favorite of the night-Quinoa salad, with blueberries, wild arugula, and silver queen corn, topped with balsamic vinaigrette. This salad was FRESH, to say the least. Another example of ingredients that one may not normally think to pair with one another but it was a beautiful marriage of fruit & veggies. It dressed up quinoa with a sweet blueberry surprise in each bite and the corn tricked your palate into thinking it was munching on an exciting salsa. Zesty and fresh was the name of the game for this delightful dish.

I sampled two of Steel Magnolias signature spirits. The first was the No. 132. This delicious drink mixes Ketel One vodka, muddled strawberries, ginger ale, and a splash of pineapple. It was deliciously fresh without being to fruity. The second drink I tasted was the Spring Fever, which features Square One cucumber vodka, muddled cucumbers, mint, lime and a touch of ginger. This was my favorite of the night, with a crisp, green taste to it. It reminded me of the detox water that has been so popular lately, but with a fun adult drink twist. 

{I was fortunate to have my dad, momma, and sister with me. Please don't drink & drive!}

The crowd was split on their favorite entrée. Many enjoyed the Shrimp & grits, with andouille sausage and roasted red pepper gravy. The rich flavor mixed with the shrimp to take the lead as a crowd favorite. Never boring, Steel Magnolias took a classic and made it better with this entrée. For the rest of the attendees, the Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin was the evening’s biggest hit. Tender and seasoned to perfection, this dish was never to heavy but always pleasing. How could anyone go wrong when wrapping meat in more meat, especially the ever-popular bacon?

For myself, the highlight of the evening was the Banana Pudding Crème Brulee. For anyone with a sweet tooth, this is better than the ‘nana pudding served at all of your family reunions and church covered dish luncheons. This adds a regal element in taste and presentation. When you crack the classic crème brulee shell, and dive your spoon into the silky banana pudding underneath, your taste buds with thank you and your sweet tooth will beg for an encore.

Coconut Rum Cake was smashing and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie was sublime. Steel Magnolias does not disappoint with any portion of the menu, but if you’re a dessert person, you’ll find that exceedingly true.

Many Stone Creek residents who attended the Restaurant Review had nothing but affirmative words for Steel Magnolias. My sister, Abi, described the menu as a “unique spin on your grandmother’s southern food”. There is an “unbelievably relaxed and comfortable atmosphere”, says another attendee, “from the yummy homemade rolls to the decadent desserts”.

Steel Magnolias would be a great place for your next date, or to gather together for a special occasion, or even just a “great place to eat and socialize after work” says one Stone Creek resident. So next time you’re looking for a deliciously unique and well made meal, dress up for downtown, drop into Steel Magnolias. 

Come with an open mind and leave with a full belly.