Virginia's She-Crab Soup Recipe

Whether sitting down for a noon meal (“lunch” elsewhere but “dinner” at Virginia’s) or for an evening meal (“dinner” elsewhere but “supper” at Virginia’s), guests here can expect a heaping serving of authentic Charleston-born gentility and truly Southern gustatory pleasures. Country Fried Steak Served with Red-Eye Gravy, Stuffed Pork Chops, Fried Pickles, and Brown Sugar-Glazed Ham and more come directly from the recipe file of the restaurant’s namesake, one Mrs. Virginia Bennett. A native of Charleston, Mrs. Bennett believes in the tradition of breaking bread and sharing good food with her large brood. For years, she, her six children, and husband Warren J. convened in their home to dine on Sunday afternoons (which later become Thursday afternoons) for a multigenerational family dinner. Now, everyone’s invited to share in the tasty tradition, which is served seven days a week at the restaurant. Executive Chef Jason Murphy literally sat down with Virginia to look over every single one of her recipes and tweak as needed. As luscious as the food is (especially the fried okra with house-made remoulade that will leave you crying for more), the smart, mercifully gingham-free décor is not to be overlooked. Guess who had a say in all of that that? If you look around on a Thursday afternoon, you might just see the grand dame herself. Adapted from "The Charleston Chef's Table" by Holly Herrick.