Where to begin…? The company! Excellent, as usual, and as has already been mentioned, it’s always fun to meet new HOs (@foodsnob and @paryzer I’m looking at you and your SOs) and to see “old” HOs as well. 
We really did have a fun time together!
The food. For starters, I’m just putting this out there–not for a lack of appreciation, but this kind of cuisine isn’t what I generally gravitate towards; as good an eater as I’ve always been, I rarely pack it away the way my brain wants to, so I was careful going in to this meal not to fill up too soon. I was determined (as I told Drew) to have some of every course as it came out of the kitchen–but I also left with a tower of leftovers, which I’m already enjoying this morning. 
I’m allergic to mollusks, so Drew graciously offered to sub “pasta with mushrooms” in lieu of the oysters. That fresh pappardelle and mushroom cream sauce MAY have found its way in to my eggs… #justsayin’
It was fun to be at the table with a mix of people who have been there + other newbies like me, and @corvette_johnny didn’t exaggerate when he said it would be an epic meal. The expected five dishes became six when the empanada amuse came out, and then seven with the addition of the beignets. Unbelieveable! Everything we ate was simply delicious (including those pickles many of you had been raving about), but if forced to choose just one, I think it would be the Voodoo Shrimp. I loved the grilled shrimp in contrast with that amazing creamy Worcestershire sauce and the cornbread soaking it all up… but really, there wasn’t a dud on the list. I also loved that Carolina mustard sauce, which was on the empanada and on the jambalaya. If there was one surprise for me (and this isn’t a knock–it was just a surprise), the heat/spice levels weren’t off the chart, so I was truly able to enjoy and taste everything! I also have to mention the Nashville Hot Chicken. OMG. I loooooved that super crisp exterior, and the chicken itself was very moist. Add the sauces, and… LUNCH TODAY, I assure you! 
Eli. thanks again for working with Drew, and Drew (and staff) thanks for accommodating us and for what was a ridiculous bargain and one of the best meals I’ve had since moving down here! I’ll certainly be back…
