Sorry! I'm not leading tours of the eating establishments that are our personal favorites, to strangers on the internet. You need to spend a year or two down here exploring the less expensive restaurants on your own. Then you'll figure it out and find a huge number of great places that you like a lot. (Hint: avoid chain restaurants or restaurants that haven't been in business for at least 5 years, like the plague). You'll get to know the chefs and wait staff, and they will treat you like family. Chefs are our local celebrities and have more sway in what goes on down here than do politicians or wealthy businessmen.
I don't think her post was meant the way you took it.So much for Southern hospitality I guess... ?
A funny story. We recently attended a wedding. During the reception dinner I was tablemates who has lived 30 years at the same address, near our current home, and pronounced himself a "foodie". I was excited to hear his experiences and recommendations until he told me his two ethnic favorites. I know one, took my grandchildren a year ago and vowed never to return.
W2R makes an important point, the only real way to find a great meal is with first hand experience. Other people's tastes and reviews can help but only when you are certain there is some compatibility.