The South’s humble cornmeal fritter (allegedly named for its ability to quell hungry hounds) gets the fancy treatment in L.A. Here are four preparations of hush puppy you’d be unlikely to pitch to the dog.
1. Crawfish from Sweet Chick
At this bicoastal chicken-and-waffle chain—co-owned by NYC rapper Nas—the soul food hits include fluffy hush puppies stuffed with tender crawfish meat. Sweet jalapeño jam and creamy remoulade come on the side for dipping. (448 N. Fairfax Ave., Fairfax)
2. Molasses Butter from Manuela
Hush puppies with whipped molasses butter and a tiny bottle of house-fermented hot sauce are a perennial favorite at this swank Texas-inspired canteen. Wrap the fried nuggets in shaved country ham for a meaty flavor boost. (907 E. 3rd St., downtown)
3. Dungeness Crab from Preux & Proper
Known for indulging in Big Easy excess, the Creole- and Cajun-inspired dinner house pairs its over-the-top crab puppies with seafood boil spices, charred poblano butter, and green pepper sauce that’s been aged in bourbon barrels. A perfect snack alongside a stiff Sazerac cocktail. (840 S. Spring St., downtown)
4. Chipotle Honey from Sawyer
Catfish po’boys and pimiento cheese deviled eggs make for great bar snacks at this chic Southern seafood shack on Sunset, but you shouldn’t leave happy hour without having a round of the crunchy kernel-filled hush puppies, which arrive garnished with zesty chipotle-laced honey and spiced butter. (3709 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake)
RELATED: Beat the Chill of a Gloomy Day With L.A.’s Best Hot Pots
Stay on top of the latest in L.A. food and culture. Sign up for our newsletters today.
