Well, I am happy to share that my second visit to Bellwether concluded with a meal and a giant Pumpin Soft serve. The younger sister to Restaurant Orsay and Black Sheep has a  pleasing, minimalist decor, shiny white tiles, blond wood tables with metal chairs, menu boards for takeout, chalkboard for Bold Bean coffee choices; Very uptown. The menu is well balanced with options for all tastes, some gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are also available.  Service, as it is at the other restaurants in the group, top notch.

I began with a few appetizers and one main. My first choice the Korean Fried Broccoli, different spin on this vegetable that I found most tasteful and just a tad spicy….

Korean Broccoli

I am a big fan of Arancini, the Chef interpretation of this dish was a delightful surprise. The combination of pimiento cheese, rice soubise created a more creamy inside than usual and the small piece of cheese centrally positioned in the middle of the little orb, made for a sweet, warm treat in the mouth

Arancini

A meal is not complete unless I can sample the Mac and Cheese if it is available and today was my day.  The velvety cheese concoction made with baby shells was an excellent choice for a chilly day.

Mac and Cheese

My main dish  Fried Shrimp, and Grits. I pondered asking for the shrimp to be blackened, but at the last moment changed my mind. I wanted to sample this dish as the chef intended it to be eaten. After I took the first bite of shrimp, I realized I made the best choice.  Breading tender and flavorful but not salty, shrimp firm not rubbery or overcooked. The grits Congaree and Penn middlins, a nod to the Old South. Originally a poor man’s dish made from broken bits of white rice, I do believe I may prefer this to regular grits for taste and texture. This recipe was amped up by the addition of bacon, house hot sauce butter,  and house pickle relish. I was particularly fond of the pickle relish and would have been happy with a tad more.

Fried Shrimp and Grits

Wholly sated with a to-go bag on the chair, I was compelled to order the home-made Soft Serve ice cream.  I have seen pictures on social media and wanted to indulge in a small amount of decadence.  It worked, the colorful treat made of pumpkin and sweet potato with a generous amount of sprinkles made my day. I love all things pumpkin and spice I owned this dish.

Pumpkin Soft Serve with Sprinkles

All in all, I have to give Bellwether high marks.  Get the gang together and make it lunch or dinner it’s always nice to treat yourself.