Roux On Canton

The outdoor patio is adorable and decorated for the holidays, but we sat inside because it was a colder night. The inside is welcoming, casual and unassuming - jeans or cute outfit appropriate. Our server, Isabelle, was an absolute gem. She was super patient with my GF questions, offered to double check everything for me (and did), informed me that bread is cooked on the same surface as the shrimp I ordered in case I had celiac and didn't bat an eye when I asked if she would ask the chef to cook my shrimp "well done". The shrimp and grits were flavorful, a decent sized portion, had just the right amount of cream (not too heavy like some places), were topped with thinly sliced char grilled onions and bell peppers and instead of having andouille or another type sausage, I think the pork flavor came from small bites of bacon. I had their version of a NOLA hurricane so I can't be 100% sure. It packed a punch and was fruity without tasting like processed sugar. BTW - the shrimp and grits did not have any tomato sauce in them (I like them both ways) and I did enjoy Roux's different take on seasoning them with the char grilled veggies that easily blended into the grits to have with each bite. We went early - maybe 6:00 and while the bar was full, the tables were empty. By the time we left an hour later, the tables were full. I appreciate that Isabelle split our check in half and my receipt came with pre-calculated tipping options and, of course, a space for a "custom tip". I practice brutal honesty so I will include that while our table looked clean and was set with silverware, the top of the table was a little sticky on my side. I didn't bother mentioning it to Isabelle because I hadn't seen my friend in 5 months and was too busy talking. I know if I said something it would have taken care of it right away. I did notice daily drink specials on a chalk board by the bar. Roux seems like the kind of place I could go to on my own and feel comfortable. Thanks for the good meal and excellent service, Isabelle!!!