Wow. We like Hugo.

It's only been open two weeks, but I give Hugo in Oakley a definite thumbs up. Made it over there with a friend earlier this evening, and just WOW. "Sophisticated Southern cuisine" is what they call it. Admittedly, having grown up in Cincinnati and lived in Minnesota (where the food is beyond bland) and then Asia until three years ago, I haven't had a whole lot of opportunity to eat Southern cooking, so I have little point of reference. But this place - this is good. Friendly and welcoming waitstaff. Hip bar. And some really tasty food. My friend was plesantly surprised that it was as hip and happening as Boca across the street, with a similar layout - your normal dining room, and then a bar, with a bar area - high tables and chairs, and presumably spots for ordering more off the "lounge menu." Oakley businessfolk said they'd heard that they were serving lounge meny items for half price on Final Fridays (like tonight). Keep that in mind for next month...

We loved everything we tried, though the salads were not quite as good as everything else (but still pretty darn good). I went in with high expectations and was not disappointed. Fried green tomatoes (never had those before!) with bits of tomato and subtle chunks of crabmeat. Who knew? The salads (especially the Hugo) get their flavor from smokey something in the dressing. She tried the Kobe beef - super tender, cooked medium rare (as per the kitchen's specifications), though the escarole (I think that was it?) was almost a little surprising in there. Tasty though. I had the shrimp and grits. Yum. Beef demiglace that's been cooking down for three days, coarser than usual grits, cheddar sauce (so subtle!) on the side, bits of ham off to the side, and three tasty prawns on top. LOVED IT.

Bonus? "Nest" across the street was still open when we came out (Final Friday). Fabulous gifts in there, if you're in need of a wedding, shower or baby gift...

My fiance spent a couple years living in the Carolinas. He missed this meal, but I think we'll be back before long. Something tells me it's pretty authentic stuff.

PHOTO: James Geyer for the Enquirer