| ... in Charleston SC's
Historic District
The Charleston Restaurant
Scene has grown quite a bit over the last
several years. Not too long ago, one's
choices in Charleston were relatively
limited. Not true today. Whatever you have a
taste for; there is a perfect choice for you
in Charleston. Charleston is especially known
for seafood, so you would think that
freshness and good preparation would be a
given. I can tell you from several personal
experiences that quality seafood is anything
but a given no matter how close you are to
the ocean. There are two quite busy seafood
restaurants on the city market that serve
frozen, imported shrimp that you can get at
Red Lobster at most any city in the country.
On the other hand, I know of a restaurant
with seafood so fresh, the only thing the
freezer has in it is ice cream…and ice.
(It's not in the historic district, but in
Mt. Pleasant.) The tricky part for a visitor
picking a local restaurant is consistency.
Also, some restaurants seem to be better at
marketing than they are at serving
consistently high quality food, so just
because you see a big crowd, doesn't
guarantee anything in Charleston. My wife and
I are in regular communication with most of
the concierges, desk staff, and inn owners in
Charleston, and restaurants are a frequent
topic of conversation, so these
recommendations are not only based on our own
experiences, but reports of dozens of local
Charlestonians.
"Money is no object" $$$$$
Charleston Grill -
$$$$$ This is one of my true favorites,
especially for their unique seafood
preparations. Seafood is my personal
favorite, but there are plenty of choices
whatever your preference. I can't imagine
anyone not being able to find something that
they would find wonderful. The chef offered
us a sample of Tempura Lobster tails, and
they were too rich for words. Located at the
Luxurious Charleston Place, Charleston Grill
has an inviting atmosphere nicely
complemented by The Frank Duvall Jazz Trio.
The staff is plentiful and most attentive and
warm. We had no less than five people serving
us at one time or another whether it was to
bring us more bread, or our fifteenth fork.
And they stayed on top of things without
being intrusive. I think I caught one of them
out of the corner of my eye waiting for an
appropriate moment to approach as my wife and
I were engaged in conversation. All of the
sauces and presentations were absolutely
exquisite…each a work of art in its own
rite. A friendly warning…don't order
the Chocolate Quintet dessert unless you
really, really like lots of Chocolate. One
more warning, the bread is also incredible,
so if you want to be able to walk to your car
without assistance, watch yourself.
Everything I've ever tried here from my five
or six visits has been beyond perfect.
Peninsula Grill
$$$$$ - It's been some time since I've
experienced Peninsula Grill. I'm reporting on
it here because I've spoken to so many people
after their trip that have thoroughly enjoyed
it, I wanted to pass it along to you.
Peninsula Grill has won award after award,
and if you appreciate great tasting food with
artistic presentation, then you can't miss
with Peninsula Grill. I also know that
Peninsula Grill is usually booked several
days to as far as three weeks in advance, so
if you want to plan a special weekend
getaway, make sure to call well in advance
for reservations. Weather permitting, they
also offer outdoor dining, which is quite
pleasant on a cool early Spring Evening.
Robert's of Charleston
$$$$$
Robert Dickson is Charleston's only singing
chef, or at least the only one that sings
regularly for his guests. This, too is one of
my wife and I's favorites. Some people are
initially set back by the $80/person price,
but when you consider you get Robert's
choices of nicely paired wines, and two hours
of live entertainment, I think it's actually
a bargain. There is a set menu, to facilitate
the chef being able to be available for
guests' entertainment. Every course is
absolutely scrumptious from the Scallop
Mousse with Lobster Sauce, to the Chateau
Briand. Robert's has been voted as
Charleston's Most Romantic Restaurant. People
comment to my wife and I all the time that we
look more in love than most couples that have
been dating less than 6 months, so I think we
are especially qualified to remark in this
area. The atmosphere created by the color,
lighting, music and food, in addition to the
atmosphere so many of the guests bring in
with them is quite memorable, even for us who
are in love 52 weeks/year. I am a huge fan of
Robert's and am not the least bit shy about
suggesting him to all of our friends and
clients.
Cypress $$$$$
Cypress offers contemporary cuisine and style
with an oriental flair. While the food and
service were top notch, I really enjoyed the
room. They've done some creative things with
the lighting and I love the combination of
brushed steel and woodwork. The wait staff
had an exceptionally good flow…a
characteristic I especially appreciate. It's
been about a year since my experience at
Cypress, but the four of us where most
impressed with everything we tried…and
we tried a lot. This comment might seem a bit
pedestrian, but one of my favorite things
about the Cypress/Magnolias/Blossom complex
is that they offer free and very convenient
parking. My wife likes to wear high heels,
and the trek through the parking garage, down
the stairs, and the other two blocks from the
garage to the destination doesn't do much
towards making our evening special.
Circa 1886
Circa 1886 is one of
Charleston more formal, elegant choices. The
great thing about $$$$$ restaurants, is that
everything is given so much attention and
care. Circa 1886 is located in what used to
be the carriage house for Wentworth Mansion,
circa 1886…thus the name. The Scallops
were the most memorable dish I
recall…it's been several months. I also
remember being surprised that I liked a salad
that had watermelon in it. I don't even much
like watermelon, but it nicely complimented
the greens and dressing. I think this simple
example highlights the chef's ability to come
up with unique creations that are both
unexpected and extremely enjoyable.
$$$$$ - That's it
for our top of the line restaurants in
Charleston. A great deal of training and time
go into the presentation of each dish at
$$$$$ restaurants to say nothing of premium
and fresh ingredients. I think the greatest
thing about Charleston is the fresh local
seafood, and every chef has his or her own
ideas on how to make it even greater.
$$$$ - These are
great choices with nice presentations and
sauces, but not as elaborate, perhaps as the
$$$$$ choices. As much as I enjoy $$$$$
choices, I have to admit that it's a bit
"over the top" for me. I can appreciate the
time and talent that going into serving an
edible work of art, but when I go out to eat,
I'm really more about the taste. So, if taste
is what you want, and you don't care as much
about the show, $$$$ might be for you.
Magnolias - $$$$
Magnolias is one of
Charleston's more established restaurants and
is a favorite for both visitors and locals.
That being the case, you'll definitely want
to plan ahead, especially on the weekends.
The Shrimp and Grits are the best I've had. I
prefer the varieties with Tasso ham over the
more traditional Andoille Sausage. It gives
it a nice subtle kick that I especially
enjoy. Tuna and Grouper are also very good
choices here. Make sure you save room for
dessert. Parking is convenient and free.
Hank's - $$$$
Other than the fact that
the food is terrific, what I appreciate about
Hank's is that you can choose between a
straight ahead fried or broiled seafood
platter, and they also have some more
elaborate chef's choices if you want
something fancier and more complicated. Also
important is that the batter is lighter than
what I've tried at most places…not
exactly low fat, but easier on the body than
the heavier varieties. Another popular aspect
of Hank's is the community table. I think it
seats about 15 on each side, you'll be seated
with other guests in various stages of dining
so there's the opportunity to have a more
social experience if you like. Don't
misunderstand me…they have plenty of
other tables if you'd like to have one to
yourself. I've tried all of the Seafood
Restaurants around the market including the
chains, and my advice to visitors is to plan
ahead and make sure you get your seats at
Hank's. Because unlike life, Seafood is not,
"like a box of chocolates (where)…you
never know what you're going to get." You're
going to get great food and great service at
Hank's.
T-Bonz Gill and Grill $$$
T-Bonz has great steaks
and the like and is probably the best spot in
its class. It's right on the market, and they
have a wide variety of selections from salads
and sandwiches to Surf and Turf. The
atmosphere is very casual and festive. Don't
miss the desserts and if you don't make it to
T-Bonz…make sure you stop in to
Kaminsky's café for coffee and
dessert.
Coast $$$
Coast is on the north end
of the historic district just past Marion
Square between streets King and Meeting.
Regardless of the time of year, Coast has
fresh oysters…the local oysters are
available in months ending in R. They have
plenty of local seafood selections, I've
tried the tuna and the grouper and they were
both very good. The atmosphere is more casual
and there is a bit of a nightlife scene with
live entertainment at the bar.
39 Rue De Jean
Rue De Jean is French for
"John Street". Cute, huh? Cara and I just had
a quick lunch here and it was great. Also,
I've heard nothing but good things. I like
the atmosphere. The bread is
fabulous…an important plus to me. More
on this one later. I'm sure we'll be trying
it again soon.
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