True grit(s) and other Southern faves

Many years ago, when the dear man who is now my husband had attained mere boyfriend status, he found the way to my heart.

He cooked for me.

Sweethearts know intuitively that good food is a gift of love. That also goes for dining out, where no one has to prep or clean up. Your only duty is to gaze longingly into each other's eyes and enjoy.
Romance is served up southern-style at Marigold Kitchen, an imaginative BYOB in a converted Victorian house in West Philly, where the walls are the deep red of a valentine and intimate tables facilitate actual conversation.

On the menu, you'll find such food for the heart and soul as chicken liver toast with fig jam and pickled celery and buttermilk-chive cornbread with creamy collards, nicely salty country ham and an egg, sunny-side up. My personal fave is an appetizer of creamy stone-ground grits and meaty sweet shrimp.

Executive chef Erin O'Shea also pickles peaches and jams in house. Marigold blooms at 501 South 45th St., near the University of Pennsylvania. Street parking, friendly service, homey dining rooms. www.marigoldkitchenbyob.com