Weathervane, the lively and upscale restaurant in University Place, is a one of a kind Southern delight. Situated inside of Southern Season, a specialty marketplace, it’s truly a unique destination for diners. The restaurant is sectioned off into distinct areas: a large, lush patio, an eclectically decorated indoor dining room and a cozy mezzanine level.
We sat outside on the patio, surrounded by a garden of green and flowing water fountains. As the sun set, the twinkling patio lights shone brighter and highlighted the masterpieces that arrived on our plates. As soon as we were seated, we were instantly greeted with warm bread and velvety butter. The Weathervane menu features many classics: buttermilk fried chicken, andouille shrimp and grits, herb butter ribeye… At first glance, you can tell the menu reveres traditional Southern cuisine. It elevates each dish with unexpected twists–the salmon pays homage to Southern roots with a sweet tea glaze and corn yogurt remoulade and so on.
We started with the fried green tomato and okra appetizer. The seemingly simple dish was stunningly presented on a marble slab with a multitude of garnishes. The fried green tomatoes and okra sat atop a fresh and colorful bed of salad, drizzled with smoky ranch and topped with chèvre and delightfully crunchy house chow chow. Each bite was the perfect medley of hot and cold, crunchy and smooth and sweet and savory.
For the main entrée, I had no choice but to order the chef’s mac n’ cheese special. The skillet laid down in front of me was definitely a treat for the eyes. Cavatappi drowned in creamy pepper jack cheese, crowned with a layer of melted cheddar and smoked Applewood bacon bits and served with a side of crostini drizzled with olive oil. Hands down, it was the best mac n’ cheese I’ve ever had. In the spirit of carbs, next up was a side of cheddar grits with charred Brussel sprouts. The grits created a perfect buttery, creamy pillow for the crispy blackened brussel sprouts.
I was blown away at the consistent quality of the dinner. Exquisite dishes made from local ingredients coupled with great service yielded an amazing night. It’s the perfect place for almost every occasion—from work meetings to birthday celebrations, to wedding receptions and date night, it has something for everyone. All arrows on the Southern Season weathervane point south for a reason, and the Weathervane certainly honors Southern cuisine traditions.
Special thanks to University Place for the delicious complimentary meal. These reviews are entirely honest and my own.