Aug 23, 2024
I have a passion for sustainable seafood, and it’s
been both an important subject here on the show and the subject of
many of my written pieces throughout the years. When I first
interviewed Sammy Monsour in 2020, I discovered that we shared this
passion, and I’ve watched as he has really blossomed into a chef
leader on this front. Therefore, when I first heard that he and
Kassady Wiggins, his wife and beverage director partner, wanted to
write a cookbook about Southern seafood, I encouraged them to go
for it. What has resulted is Salt & Shore: Recipes from the Coastal
South, filled with stories, sips, and plenty of recipes and
photographs that will make you long for sea breezes if you’re
missing them. It’s a vibe, something that Kassady and Sammy excel
at in their restaurants, which include the now-closed Preux &
Proper in LA -- that gained a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019 -- and
Joyce Soul & Sea, also in LA where they teamed up with founders and
operators, Prince and Athena Riley. Joyce was named a “Southern
oasis in LA” by LA Times food critic Bill Addison, and the Carolina
natives bring Southern flavors to both the food and beverage
programs. They are living bi-coastal these days between LA and
Charleston and dreaming of their next project. Me? After this
conversation, I’m dreaming of hushpuppies, so I’m glad there are
two recipes to choose from in their
book.
Other episodes you might enjoy:
Sammy Monsour: Preux & Proper (Los Angeles, CA)
Eric Montagne: Locals Seafood (Durham, NC)