I’ve had Cracker Barrel et al ‘grits’ that taste like warmed gruel that Chef Mike worked over, and authentic “momma opened a breakfast spot” grits that were definitely miles better, but still just… cracked corn - I didn’t find that much depth in the taste palette. It’s legacy peasant food meant to fill your belly from cheap ingredients - every culture has them, the Brits straight up pan fry cabbage and potatoes ffs

I also really do not care for white gravy, but will power through an unhealthy amount of biscuits, fried okra, and Brunswick stew… There’s a lot southern food I like but grits bewilder me