I was finally able to make my way over to Charleston this summer and in doing so I was able to eat my way through the town! I was also fortunate enough to make this trip with my mom who is not only my inspiration in the kitchen but also the one who is responsible for making me aware of the joy that a good meal can bring. Below are four restaurants that I would easily recommend if you happen to find yourself in Charleston, South Carolina.
Two words. Chef’s tasting. From seasonal foods to the presentation the whole night was outstanding. We even had a little excitement as we got to met the chef himself! One course that really stuck out was as the server put it upscale egg ‘n’ a hole. The egg was cooked in an oscillating hot bath so it’s similar to a poached egg but it was so much more than that since the consistency wasn’t as aqueous. To be honest I don’t think I’ve ever had an egg like it. The cuisine is most definitely southern but don’t expect your typical fried chicken as the menu has the essence of fine dining.
My mom and me after the Chef’s Tasting at Circa 1886!
Brunch is a must at this place but don’t caught with a 2 hour wait, make reservations! The skillet corn bread is killer and so is the honey pork butter. I asked for more it was that good. I had the french toast with berries and cane syrup. My mom got the Funnel Cake with fried chicken, house cured ham, pickled red onion, a poached farm egg, and hollandaise. The plate was overwhelming with flavor but if you worked at getting everything on your fork for one bite it was fantastic. I have also never seen an eggs Benedict with funnel cake and suspect I won’t again. The restaurant is in a gorgeous house set in historical Charleston. The menu is updated twice a day based on what is available at that moment. The one rule of the kitchen is that if it doesn’t come from the South it doesn’t come in. While southern favorites are on the menu I would say all dishes have a modern twist that many other restaurants just don’t seem to be able to create.
This was my first true lowcountry cuisine dining experience and in classic fashion I started out with she crab soup. My mom and I also split the fried green tomato bites because I’m often eager to try them wherever I happen to be. It was a lovely warm summer night so we were able to enjoy the evening on their patio. I ordered the barbecue shrimp and grits and my mom the Carolina crab cakes. When you’re near the ocean it would be sin not to order seafood! This restaurant has been a main stay in Charleston since 1982 and was the first to really define all the influences of the area with African, Anglo, Caribbean, and French flavors popping in and around all dishes. When you’re here you get a sense that this is more than a restaurant that is following a popular trend. The care that is put into all dishes was definitely noticed and appreciated.
Just before leaving we stopped at this sandwich shop but one shouldn’t really think of this as any old shop serving turkey and ham. They are known for their burger with pimento cheese but also serve an eggplant banh mi. I dare you to name anther place that serves both. On the day that my mom and I went there were probably 5 or 6 sandwich options. My mom got the lamb pita and I the BBQ pork with fried pickles. There is a reason why publications from GQ to Bon Appetit are taking about this place and it’s because whatever they create and produce turns out fabulously. They’re open for lunch, dinner, and late night. They also happen to be the only place in Charleston that is BYOB. While it may not be downtown you would be very sorry to have missed this place if you’re in or around Charleston.
I would also like to recommend the Andrew Pinckney Inn if you’re in need of a hotel. They were located in the heart of the historic district and had wonderful accommodations.
good eats by b 