Let's get shakin! Grits are about as southern as it gets — originating from native Indians and slowly making its way into the antebellum South. While grits have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries, the phrase "kiss my grits" didn't gain popularity until the late 1970s.
Many shows over the years have featured characters who become famous for one thing they always said, and those phrases often entered the cultural lexicon. One such character was Flo, the sassy waitress from the TV show "Alice." Played by Polly Holliday, Flo was known for her tough exterior and no-nonsense attitude, often telling customers to "kiss my grits" when they rubbed her the wrong way.
This is the story of how one of the South's most ubiquitous phrases was created for a TV show set in Arizona. "Kiss my grits" was first uttered by Holliday's character in the pilot episode of "Alice," and it quickly became her catchphrase. The show, which aired from 1976 to 1985, was set in a diner in Phoenix but had a distinctly Southern feel, thanks to Flo's drawl and folksy sayings.
Some Jamestown parents say the school, "Can kiss my grits." While the phrase gained popularity through a TV show set in the Southwest, it has since become an iconic part of Southern culture. "Kiss my grits" is often used as a playful way to express frustration or annoyance, and it's a phrase that's been passed down through generations of Southerners.
Made using ground corn kernels, grits have been a Southern specialty ever since Native Americans introduced a variation of the dish to European settlers. Grits can be served as a savory side dish or a sweet breakfast food, and they're a staple in many Southern kitchens. Some even consider grits to be the "chicken soup of the South," thanks to their comforting and nourishing qualities.
There are a lot of yummy places you can go around Columbus when you're craving Southern comfort food. A brand new restaurant has joined that list: Kiss My Grits. This restaurant pays homage to the iconic phrase and the Southern food that inspired it. Serving up classic dishes like shrimp and grits and fried chicken, Kiss My Grits is a must-visit for any Southern food enthusiast.
Crossing the halfway point of this brilliant second season, we reach what could be considered a transitional episode. The characters on the show "Alice" may have been fictional, but their impact on Southern culture is very real. Flo's catchphrase has become a beloved part of Southern heritage, and it's a testament to the power of TV to shape the way we talk and think.
A piece of Valley history forever immortalized on television is still very much alive along Grand Avenue in Phoenix. The diner that served as the inspiration for "Alice's" diner is still standing, though it's now a Mexican restaurant called Los Dos Molinos. While the decor and menu have changed, the building's iconic facade remains, and it's a popular spot for tourists to snap photos and reminisce about the show.
Had I made it there in time, Baker Miller Bakery & Millhouse's grits might have made my list of the tasty things I ate in 2014. Grits may not be the most glamorous food, but they're a beloved part of Southern cuisine. Whether served with butter and salt or with a heaping helping of shrimp, grits are a comfort food that will always have a place in Southern hearts and kitchens.
