The Palmetto Breeze--Soak in the Intoxicating Ambience of the Charleston Harbor

Thunderstorms were scattered about the Charleston area but the Harbor around Mt. Pleasant's popular waterside mecca of watering holes at Shem Creek was luckily spared and basking in a moisture-rich late afternoon sun. Departure time had arrived.

With a full compliment of passengers, the catamaran's crew loosened the moorings and it eased away from the dock into the gentle out-going current. The age-diverse crowd of passengers gave out cheers of approval. We waved to the patrons lining the weatherworn rails along the waters edge of Tavern and Table and Red's Ice House as they gave us a Titanic send off. The party was now officially underway.

While navigating the narrow waters around recreational crafts of all sizes, the captain introduced himself and shouted out some pertinent instructions. It was Firefly Friday. Complimentary glasses of a Firefly Vodka laced drink were passed out. We crossed glasses and caught a glimpse of a shrimper dancing to some island music as our vessel passed-by. The bird sanctuary called Crab Bank Island came into view and the open waters of Charleston Harbor spread before us like a sparkling glass of wine. The sails were unfurled and the stimulating harbor breeze softly embraced our host, the Palmetto Breeze.

The Palmetto Breeze was built in Charleston and is the largest capacity catamaran north of Ft. Lauderdale accommodating 100 passengers plus crew. It featured a spacious wooden deck and covered seating by the bar with elevated seating across the back. In the front of the catamaran under the jib sail, three rows of eight leg-less chairs each were set up across the deck. If you were among the first to board, you had the ideal option of choosing one of these chairs. They were actually very comfortable and afforded a great view.

There was by far more passengers than there was seating. Most of the passengers, which consisted of families, couples, and one bachelorette party, sat wherever it was convenient or stood along the roped edges.

With the Ravenel Bridge towering over Patriots Point and the Yorktown in the near distance, the Breeze crossed the harbor waters passed Castle Pinckney toward White Point Gardens and sailed along the waterfront from the Battery to the South Carolina Aquarium.

The earlier storms had moved out of the area and through breaks in the slow moving marine blue clouds, the descending sun afforded some beautiful shots. Passing the port docks, next was the Ravenel Bridge where the Breeze briefly lingered under the soaring cabled-spires and then made the turn towards the Yorktown and Patriots Point. By then, the near-full moon had made its appearance, adding to the splendor of the darkening azure skies.

Finally, after four glasses of Firefly and one glass of wine, it was time to head back to port. The sun had disappeared below the clouds and the fading Charleston horizon. There was no mistaking Shem Creek. It was colorfully lit like a theater marquee--resplendent.

The harbor tour aboard the Palmetto Breeze is well worth the ticket. It was comfortable, it was relaxing, and it was enjoyably fun. There is no narrative. History is not on the agenda. It is all about soaking in the romance of the Charleston Harbor ambiance--salt water, ocean breezes, and the unrivaled, beautiful waterfront of Charleston. Firefly Vodka was complimentary. Water and soft drinks were provided along with a cash bar as refreshments.

April-October, reserve your ticket at Palmetto Breeze Schedule.

The Firefly Friday cruise is no longer available. It has been replaced with the Pure Gold Friday Sunset cruise which includes wine and beer products. The following list is available cruises, times, and prices.

Sunday Funday at 3 pm for $25 - $35

Mermaid Monday at 7 pm for $30 - $40

Tribute Tuesday Charity Sail benefitting lowcountryfoodbank.org at 7 pm for $25 - $35

Windsday Harbor Sail beverages included at 7 pm for $45

Pure Gold Friday Sunset at 7 pm for $30 - $40

Saturday Afternoon Charleston Harbor Sail at 4 pm for $25 - $35

Harbor Dolphin Sunset Saturday at 7 pm for $30 - $40

Dine Like French and Italian Royalty with Chef Vince Dodson--Summerville's Historical Dining

Palace of Versailles

Would you like to experience a culinary extravaganza fit for a king of 1600s France? One of the most famous kings of this country reigned during this period of time, Louis XIV. Besides his wild hair-do, he was known for the architectural design and building of the palace of Versailles, which is rumored to have ruined the nation due to its cost. You can only imagine the dinners that were served there.

Dinner with Louis XIV was an odd affair. It was a prestigious honor to feast at the palace of Versailles, but here is the enigma, it did not mean you got to eat at his table. An invitation to dine with the king was an invite to watch him eat. It was a kind of reality show of the 1600s. The time was 10 pm. Close members of the royal family accompanied the king at the table in his antechamber. Depending on your relevance as an attendee, you were either permitted to sit on something or stand while you observed.

Louis XIV's antechamber at Versailles

The food was in abundance, and meals included courses, upon courses, upon courses. The king would start his meal with four different types of soup. L'Oille was popular at this time, a kind of soup served as amuse-bouche composed of various meats and vegetables. Entrees were next, which would include three or four other dishes. The meat was traditionally served plain, spit-roasted. Sauces, salads, and sides would come as separate courses. Then he would finish with what we would call dessert. By the time it was over, the king will have tasted 20 to 30 different dishes.

The whole affair was quite a spectacle, which brings me back to the original question. Would you like to be immersed into a culinary extravaganza where you are the catered royal? Historical Dining offers such a unique opportunity where the fine dining experience is merged with history, focusing on French and Italian cuisine with recipes from the 1500s to the 1900s.

Historical Dining's personal chef is Vince Dodson. Vince has been a chef for 20 plus years. He started his venture about five years ago and is having the time of his life. Trained in the European Way and using recipes from famous chefs of the past, his distinctive style is perceived from opening handmade breads all the way to chocolate desserts. "It gives me a chance to express everything that I've learned from the history and taste of French and Italian cuisine. My only wish: To cook for you and the ones closest to you," stated Vince.

Historical Dining will host you at your home or any formal venue setting, including outdoors. Rehearsal dinners, romantic dinners for two, business socials, and even a "Girl's Night In" are available.

The Historical Dining experience comes to you fully equipped with linens, china, utensils, and food to prepare. You are both spectator and partaker throughout your personalized dining experience. You will taste the same dishes prepared for royalty and created by celebrity chefs with an added bonus, you learn about the history behind your dish.

Lowcountry Pianist and Company LLC often partner with Chef Vince to enhance intimate dining experiences by providing live music. Their creative team is able to go above and beyond, even pairing the music style with the menu.

Check out Historical Dining's website for all necessary information and pictures. You can also read the reviews from previous clients.

You can meet and see Chef Vince Dodson in action every Saturday morning. Stop by the Historical Dining tent at the Summerville Farmer's Market and sample his culinary expertise.