Charleston Restaurant Week Middleton Place Restaurant--3 for $50 Well Worth It

It was a January evening at Middleton Place. Upon passing the softly lit entrance gate off of pitch black 61, in the far distance, you could see the brightly lighted North Flanker. It was about all you could see at this point in the darkness of the sunless landscape until the peering lights of your vehicle discreetly fell upon the branches of the tall oaks lining the drive leading up to the parking. Upon exiting your vehicle, the trailing smoke of the flaming wick lamps showed the way to the welcoming lights of Middleton's restaurant. The occasion, Restaurant Week, and Middleton Place Restaurant was featuring a 3 for $50 menu.

We did not have a reservation, so our choices were to either wait an hour and a half for an 8 pm seating or take a seat in the intimate bar area. We obviously chose the later option, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The large open room was warmed by an inviting, crackling fire, and we took a seat well positioned to take advantage of this welcoming amenity. Patron's leaving would make a final stop to warm themselves by the fire. One patron mentioning how cold it was sitting by the big windows of Middleton's elegant dining room. Also, the only thing you could hear over your conversation was the popping of the blazing wood, unlike the loud chatter of the main seating area. Check the box of another unexpected plus.

Our friendly server, who was also the bartender, promptly placed the restaurant's large menus on the table with two glasses of water, a full set of silverware for whatever, and two small plates for bread. First consideration was obviously our choice of opening drinks. My friend perused the extensive wine menu and I had already predetermined my choice, a Manhattan. Our server asked me my choice of Bourbon, and I said Knob Creek. My Manhattan was made just the way I like it, with a substantial kick, assuring me I got my moneys worth.

Our server stated the specials for the night, but we were there to partake of the 3 for $50 menu, which offered you a choice between two first courses, three second courses, and two third courses. For the first course, my friend and I chose the She Crab Soup made with lump crab and Sherry. For the second course, I chose the Chicken Perloo with the locally, famous Carolina gold rice, Andouille, bacon, caramelized apple, and fried parsley. My friend picked the Braised Lamb Shank with Carolina gold rice, Middlins risotto, roasted carrots, and red wine lamb reduction--sauce. The third course we both chose Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream.

The bread was brought to the table and not long after the She Crab soup. We drank our drinks, buttered our bread, and conversed while we waited for the main course. The She Crab Soup was superb--a pleasant touch of Sherry and just the right flavor of crab, not overwhelming.

The main course arrived sizzling hot. Like the She Crab Soup, the different flavors in the rice dish was very balanced. The sausage and bacon did not dominate the hint of apple flavor and the texture of the rice had a soft crunch--enjoyable. The juicy chicken topped the rice and pulled apart easily. It was a satisfying portion for an entree. As to the Braised Lamb Shank, it was a first for my friend and she said she is now a fan of lamb. Finally, the Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream was just that. When I think back on it, I should have tried the Southern Pecan Pie with caramel and whipped cream.

I give high marks to our server and bartender, Lucy. She was attentive, conversational, and humorous. Finished plates were cleared, so the table was never cluttered, and water topped off. She made drink inquiries as needed. She also had the added task of keeping the fire cozy, which she handled diligently.

Middleton Place Restaurant is elegant and historical. A good choice for Charleston Restaurant Week. For a table in the main dining room, be sure to make a reservation. However, the bar area is a pleasant surprise on a cold, January evening.

Middleton Place Restaurant

4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC

Charleston Restaurant Week--La Cuisine Du Chevalier (The Knight's Kitchen)--Simple and Sublime

This restaurant is a little over 4 miles outside of downtown Summerville via Central Ave in the suburb of Knightsville. Everything about this restaurant is unpretentious--its location, its entrance, and its decor. Unpretentious, except for its food presentations, which are mouth-wateringly resplendent and photographic, including its service. The restaurant name is La Cuisine Du Chevalier or The Knight's Kitchen, La Chev for short. I can't say for sure, but I would presume Knight's in its name is a play on where it is located. I unfortunately did not ask.

La Chev describes itself as upscale French food with their own Lowcountry spin. It is located in a busy Knightsville shopping center. For first time patrons, it is not immediately noticeable upon entering the parking area. You will need to search through numerous store front signs to find it. Like I said, upon approach, it is unpretentious. Its entrance is flanked by two outdoor table settings and a sign where specials are posted. Upon entering, its interior and decor is much the same, simple. It seats 40 people.

We had reservations set for 7 pm, but it is not required. We were greeted by the hostess and directed to our table. The setting was orderly with a white table cloth, water glasses, wine glasses, silverware wrapped in black napkins, and a flower bowl. It was a full house with a lot of happy chatter. Our table was a little too close to our neighbors, making conversation almost unavoidable. I believe in being polite, but diplomatically attempted keeping it to a minimum.

Our server arrived, who turned out to be a personable, diligent, conscientious young gentleman through our whole sitting. He knowledgably described the various entrees we were interested in and offered personal thoughts on his favorites. Our water glasses were always filled, used dishes were timely removed, and wine glass refills addressed.

Fig & Prosciutto

We chose the Charleston Restaurant Week menu, 3 courses for $30. My choice for the first course was the Fig & Prosciutto, my companion chose La Chevalier. My choice was a well proportioned salad dish, which was artistically presented with Prosciutto topped by Cabernet Soaked Figs, Red Onion, Goat Cheese, Confit Tomato, and Arugula. The Cabernet soaked figs were delicious and the dressing was just right, it did no overwhelm the tasty mix.

Wild Mushroom Risotto

My entree choice from the list of five offerings was the Wild Mushroom Risotto. My friend chose the Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. The Wild Mushroom Risotto included Braised Mushrooms, Goat Cheese, Fresh Basil, and Truffle Oil. The subtle combination of each ingredient complimented one another--very tastefully satisfying, and even though it was considered a 1/2 order, it was filling. It had a pleasant smoky flavor with the right amount of mushrooms.

House-made Gelato Flight

The dessert offering was Chef's choice. Of the three, I picked the House-made Gelato Flight, my friend picked Swiss Chocolate Budino with Strawberries, Smoked Almonds, and Clover Honey Whipped Cream. The three different flavors of Gelato were a fitting ending to a fantastic evening dinner. 

My friend totally agreed with my assessment of our visit to La Chev's--simple and sublime. I highly recommend you reserve a visit to arrive at your own conclusion. It appears to be a favorite with locals.

Added note: It is always a nice touch when the owners of a restaurant take the time to check in on their patrons, and Jason Tucker did that. Congratulations to locally raised chef de cuisine Jonathan DuPriest, Johnson and Wales-trained.

La Chevalier Salad

Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

La Cuisine Du Chevalier--The Knight's Kitchen

1585 Central Avenue

Summerville, SC

Monday - Saturday 11 am - 9 pm  

Sunday 11 am - 3 pm

843-376-7062

The Highly Acclaimed Poogan's Porch--Charleston Restaurant Week January 2017

Charleston is brimming with grand stories from the ghostly to the inspirational, but the one I am about to relate is both exceptional and endearing. Its the American Dream at its best. Its telling will warm your heart and put a smile on your face because the main character was a bit of a wanderer who found his place in Charleston society and a permanent residence in an old French Quarter house built in 1888. His name was simply Poogan.

In 1976, it was decided the old house would be turned into a restaurant. Poogan presided over the renovations. Like many Charlestonians, the porch was his favorite part of the house, so on completion, it was christened Poogan's Porch. He greeted its first satisfied customers. Since then, the interior of the restaurant has been upgraded and a 1500-bottle wine cellar was built in 2005. It has been a favorite of well-known celebrities, politicians, tourists and locals alike in addition to receiving recognition from Martha Stewart Living, Wine Spectator and The Travel Channel.

Poogan is no longer here and if he could speak, he would have told you, "To succeed in life, never bite the hand that feeds you." You see, Poogan was a scruffy, neighborhood dog.

There's something appealing and fun about dining at a restaurant that once was a house. Poogan's Porch is all of that and also boasts credentials that make it one of Charleston's oldest and most reputable culinary establishments. It was my choice for Charleston Restaurant Week.

Basking in the aura of the historically renowned Mills House, Poogan's Porch gives off a singular vibe of its own. Flanked by the Husk on its left and a masterfully painted fresco on its right, the yellow Victorian restaurant's street side entrance, enclosed by a black wrought iron fence, opens into a beautifully landscaped patio with cozy table settings leading to the front porch and more outdoor seating. Upon entering the front door, you can sense the antiquity of the house. Adjacent to a stairwell leading to the upper floor, a long hallway decorated with pictures and memorabilia ends at the desk of the hostess where I checked in to confirm my 5:00 pm reservation--the hour the restaurant begins its dinner sitting. I was a few minutes early, so I took a couple photographs and then waited on the porch. For a January evening, it was a pleasant 65 degrees.

At the end of the hall, we passed the restaurant's full bar and I was seated in the front room overlooking the porch. The table arrangements were modest and comfortably spaced along the walls with a fireplace on one of them. There were fans overhead and large baskets decorated the walls. The menus were placed before me and I awaited the room's server, who I was informed would be someone by the name Rosa.

I quickly perused the Restaurant Week Dinner Menu, which was 3 courses for $35 accompanied by $15 wine pairing suggestions. Shortly, Rosa arrived and to begin, I opted for a Stella, yes a beer, as my drink selection. From the menu, I chose the Smoked Butternut Squash Soup with Curried Creme Fraiche and Pickled Apples to start. Butternut squash and apples come into season around the same time and they go well together. Curried Creme Fraiche is literally "fresh cream" that more closely resembles sour cream or yogurt with spices. The combination translated into a dish that was velvety smooth and a perfect balance of earlier stated ingredients--magnificent.

I chose the Plancha Roasted Flounder with Blue Corn Grit Cake, Local Purple Sweet Potato, and Southern Romesco for my entree--all foreign descriptions to me. Plancha is to 'barbecue like the Spaniards', which involves cooking at a very high temperature around 280 or 300ºC (flash cooking) and is considered a healthy way to cook. Nicely presented with greens and sauce, the flounder was laid over the grit cake. My first experience with Blue Corn Grit Cake was pleasantly surprising. The flounder was slightly crisped along its edges, but still flaky and flavorful. All local ingredients made this a thoroughly enjoyable entree.

To complete my sitting, my dessert choice was a tough one, but I finally chose the Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with plum filling--Yummy. Total cost for my dinner was $40.00--well worth it.

Rosa was a delight--very patient and attentive. From Mexico, she lived up north--I believe she said Boston--before she came to Charleston 35 years ago and ten years later began serving at Poogan's Porch making her a 25 year veteran. Her timing was spot on--delivering the courses without missing a beat. She answered my questions with a smile. I asked her about Poogan's statue at the front entrance, which was missing and about the resident ghost named Zoe, for which the restaurant is famous--The Travel Channel voted the restaurant "Third Haunted Place in America" in 2003.

Poogan's Porch is one of Charleston's oldest independent culinary establishments. Located just off of Meeting Street on Queen Street, it is in the heart of downtown Charleston. Its professional staff is excellent. It is like going to a friend's house for dinner, but this dinner invitation includes a top chef by the name of Daniel Doyle cooking in the kitchen.

72 Queen St, Charleston, SC
Phone: (843) 577-2337
Reservations

Nine Popular And Familiar January Events In Charleston To Start The New Year Of 2017

It is winter in Charleston. December 2016 is quickly coming to an end. There have already been cold days and there have been really warm days during this final month of the year. Are you ready to send 2016 on its way and plunge into January 2017? There will undoubtedly be more cold days in the coming first month of the year and it will have its share of warm days. That is the nature of a Charleston January. Despite its changeable weather, one unchangeable certitude is the party that is Charleston starts all over again with some popular and familiar festivals joined by some new experiences. I have picked nine events for your consideration.in January.

New Year's Day Polar Plunge at Folly Beach--Would you be willing to jump into the 57.2 degree ocean waters off Folly Beach to greet 2017 or would you prefer being simply a spectator? The answer to those two questions is up to you. Either way, you will have a fantastic time, I guarantee it. Dress as your favorite Bill Murray character and Freeze Your Bills Off with several hundred others as you take a plunge into the not so waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the Edge of America. Awards will be given for best guy, best girl, best team, and best overall Bill Murray character. Registration – 11am, Bill Murray Look-a-Like Contest – 12pm, and Polar Plunge – 1pm. Article--A Chilling Beginning To The New Year On The "Edge of America"--Bill Murray Style.


Charleston Restaurant Week--Many restaurants are participating in the popular Charleston Restaurant Week from January 4 - 22, 2017. Charleston Restaurant Week is the ideal opportunity to sample the culinary creations of the finest chefs in the Holy City at a reasonable cost and the perfect occasion to critique a new restaurant. The City's downtown streets and alleys will be saturated with a bouquet of captivating aromas and ravenous restaurant patrons. The Greater Charleston Restaurant Association is continually updating their free app to include details from all the participating restaurants--Complete list of restaurants here. Article--19 Restaurant Facts For Charleston Restaurant Week Beginning September 9-20, 2015--Bon Appetit

Charleston Marathon--Hit the ground of 2017 running in the 7th Annual Charleston Marathon on January 14 starting at 8:00 am. The good news for runners is that the course is flat and features scenic water views, the Battery, and historic King Street. It's also an official qualifier for the Boston Marathon. And, a festival with live entertainment at the finish line. There is also a Shrimp and Grits 5k run through historic Park Circle in North Charleston also take place on Saturday, January 14 at 8 am and bike races are on Sunday, Jan. 15 starting at 8:30 am. You can register here and view race course maps here.

Taste of Folly--Come and celebrate Folly Beach's biggest food festival with its wonderful restaurants and bars. Taste of Folly 2017 is Jan. 20-21 on Folly Beach. Restaurant Competition, Bartender Challenge, Chili Cook-Off, Hotdog Eating Contest, Date Auction, Server Olympics, Art Vendors, Kids Activities, Live Music, Silent Auction and more.


James and the Giant Peach at the Dock Street Theater--It's the delightful, wild and crazy tale of poor James Henry Trotter, whose parents are eaten by a rhinoceros and to make matters worse, he’s sent off to live with his horrid hysterical aunts. Just as he is about to fall into despair, James discovers a magical peach that soon grows to an enormous size, finds a new family in six funny and fractious insects and begins a surreal journey from England all the way across the Atlantic to New York where James, his giant peach and his new friends find themselves landing atop the Empire State Building. Jan. 21 and 22, 2017 at 3:00 pm. Purchase tickets here.

Charleston Boat Show-- Bigger and better year after year, the indoor/outdoor Charleston Boat Show at the Charleston Area Convention Center is a coastal lifestyle event. For 37 years, it has attracted hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors annually to browse everything boating and to attend expert talks and demos. Tickets are on sale for the expo being held on Jan. 27-29, 2017. Purchase tickets here.

The Beach Boys North Charleston Performing Arts Center --The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. They emerged at the vanguard of the "California Sound", initially performing original surf songs that gained international popularity for their distinct vocal harmonies and lyrics reflecting a southern California youth culture of surfing, cars, and romance. Friday, January 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm. Purchase tickets here.

Lowcountry Oyster Festival--The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world's largest oyster festival offering up 80,000 pounds of the mighty mollusk. It has been named one of the "top 20 events in the southeast" by Southeastern Tourism Society and takes place Sunday January 29, 2017 - 10:00 am-5 pm. Highlights include the legendary "Oyster Shucking" and "Oyster Eating". Contests, live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children's Area and a "Food Court" showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone's taste. The place is the beautiful Boone Hall Plantation on 1235 Longpoint Road in Mt. Pleasant, SC--Purchase tickets here.

Food and Wine pairing with Anson Restaurant, Charleston--Wine Spectator Magazine - "The most romantic restaurant in Charleston ..." Anson Restaurant ... a favorite Charleston, SC restaurant with Southern architecture, elegant interior decor and gracious hospitality... Anson's cuisine and ambiance reflect worldly sophistication and Lowcountry lifestyle. Featuring - 3 dishes and 3 wines...$15/person. Accent on Wine located at 132 S Main St, Summerville, South Carolina. Join the decadence on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 5 pm - 7 pm.

19 Restaurant Facts For Charleston Restaurant Week Beginning September 9-20, 2015--Bon Appetit

Charleston Restaurant Week is the ideal opportunity to sample the culinary creations of the finest chefs in the Holy City at a reasonable cost and the perfect occasion to critique a new restaurant. From September 9-20, the City's downtown streets and alleys will be saturated with a bouquet of captivating aromas and ravenous restaurant patrons.

For your convenience, the Charleston Restaurant Association has provided a full list of participating restaurants, their menus, and their websites for you to peruse and be seduced. In some cases, a link is included to reserve a table. Survey the many choices, take your time, think it through, a reviewed decision usually is better than one reached at the last moment. But don't take too long. Before you know it, September 9th will be here and the table reservations are going fast. Once you make a decision, the universe will conspire to make it happen.

To assist you in making a final determination, following is a list of Charleston restaurants I have had the pleasure of dining at and written articles about. Click on the 'Read Review' links for the articles, which also include pictures of the restaurants. Happy hunting.

82 Queen 82 Queen St
Call for Reservations (843) 723-7591 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

39 Rue de Jean 39 John Street
Call for Reservations (843) 722-8881
Read Review

Eli's Table 129 Meeting St
Call for Reservations (843) 405-5115 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

Five Loaves Café(Summerville) 214 N Cedar St
Call for Reservations (843) 804-9410
Read Review

High Cotton 199 East Bay Street
Call for Reservations (843) 724-3815 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

Husk 76 Queen Street
Call for Reservations (843) 577-2500 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

Leaf 15 Beaufain Street
Call for Reservations (843) 793-2230 or Book Reservations Online
Read Article

Poogan's Porch72 Queen Street
Call for Reservations (843) 577-2337 or Book Reservations Online
Read Article

Sermets Downtown 276 King Street
Call for Reservations (843) 853-7775
Read Review

Slightly North of Broad 192 East Bay St
Call for Reservations (843) 723-3424 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

Stars Restaurant 495 King Street
Call for Reservations (843) 577-0100
Read Article

Charleston Harbor Fish House 32 Patriots Point Road
Call for Reservation (843) 284-7070 or Book Reservations Online
Read Review

Pages Okra Grill 302 Coleman Blvd
Call for Reservations (843) 881-3333
Read Review

RB's Seafood Restaurant 97 Church Street
Call for Reservations (843) 881-0466
Read Review

Red's Ice House 98 Church Street
Call for Reservations (843) 388-0003
Read Article

Boathouse at Breech Inlet 101 Palm Boulevard
Call for Reservations (843) 886-8000 Book Reservations Online
Read Review

And as you think about your choices for the upcoming Restaurant Week, listed below are 19 interesting facts about the restaurant industry and its more prominent establishments from Charleston and beyond for you to savor and digest.

1) Restaurant industry sales are expected to hit a record high of $709.2 billion in 2015.
2) The restaurant industry remains the nation's second-largest private sector employer with a workforce of 14 million.
3) In 2014, there were 8,535 eating and drinking places in South Carolina.
4) In 2015, South Carolina’s restaurants were projected to register $8 billion in sales.
5) In 2015, restaurants account for 213,100 jobs in South Carolina--11% of employment in the state.
6) Restaurants in South Carolina are projected to employ 252,800 people in 2016. (18.6% job growth--or 39,700 jobs over 2015).
7) Serving classic Charleston seafood since 1930, Henry's hands-down holds the record as the city's (and state's) longest running restaurant.
8) McCrady's, at Two Unity Alley, has been the home of famous Charleston eateries since the 18th century, when Edward McCrady opened the original tavern. George Washington dined in The Longroom during his Southern tour in 1791.

9) Serving up Southern comfort food since 1976 in an elegant restored Victorian house, Poogan's Porch has served locals and visitors with old fashioned hospitality and charm. The family owned restaurant boasts a 1500 bottle wine cellar.
10) The most expensive restaurant in Charleston, SC (and this is subjective) is Grill 225 at the Market Pavilion Hotel, also famous for Charleston's only cocktail infused with liquid nitrogen, the Nitrotini.
11) The most popular day to eat out in the U.S. is Saturday. Second is Friday and third is Sunday. Monday is the slowest day for restaurants.
12) Americans spend about $1.7 billion per day on restaurant food.
13) First restaurant chain in the U.S. was the Harvey Houses, which started in 1876 to serve railroad travelers.
14) According to the Guinness Book of World Records Botin Restaurant in Madrid, Spain is the world’s oldest operating restaurant, which has been in business since 1725.
15) The Oldest Restaurant in the United States is in Boston. The Union Oyster House has been serving up fresh oysters and more since 1826.

16) The most expensive restaurant in the world is the Aragawa in Tokyo, Japan at around $600 a person.
17) The most expensive restaurant in the U.S. is the Masa in New York City at a cost of $585 a person.

18) World's largest restaurant is in Syria. Bawabet Dimashq Restaurant, which translates to Damascus Gate Restaurant, has 6,014 seats and is located in Damascus, Syria.
19) The largest restaurant in the U.S. is Zehnder’s in Frankenmuth, Michigan outfitted with a total of nine dining rooms with a combined capacity to accommodate more than 1,500 guests.

Charleston Restaurant Week is one of my favorite Charleston events. My choices are the Drawing Room at the Vendue and Michaels On The Alley. See you around town and Bon Appetit.

September's Top Five Must-do Events And Festivals In The Charleston Lowcountry

September is an exceptional month in Charleston. As for the temperatures, the days are still warm, but not scorching, and with the decreasing humidity, the evenings are comfortable. Although, it is peak hurricane season for the Atlantic, the likelihood of a major storm is statistically slim. The last hurricane to hit the area was 26 years ago. With these ideal weather conditions and Charleston's world renowned hospitality, it all makes for a pleasant environment to participate in the plethora of events scheduled throughout the month.

From September 9-20, one of the most highly anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area takes place. With more fine dining establishments per capita than any other city in the South, the list of recognized and celebrated restaurants participating in the 3 for $30 and 3 for $40 specials is extensive and elite. Charleston Restaurant Week is the ideal opportunity to sample the culinary creations of the finest chefs in the Holy City at a reasonable price and the perfect occasion to explore a new restaurant. Downtown streets and alleys will be saturated with captivating aromas and famished restaurant patrons. The Charleston Restaurant Association provides a full list of participating restaurants, their menus, and their websites for you to peruse to assist you in making a final determination. In some cases, a link is included to reserve your table.

The local craft beer industry has been growing like a Bulls Bay oyster bed over the past few years. New production breweries have been popping their bungs all over the Charleston area. In recognition of this surging craft beer wave, Charleston was named one of the five "Beeriest Beach Towns" in America--another best added to the Holy City's list of acknowledgements. To celebrate, Charleston's flourishing craft beer community has scheduled a wide variety of events for your beer pleasure and to highlight the breweries and diversity of brands available locally. It is the annual Charleston Beer Week and it runs from September 13-19. There is a long list of beer events scheduled throughout the seven days. One of the highlights is the Craft Beer Kickball at The Joe set for Sunday, September 13, 5:30pm to 11:00pm. For $20, you can participate in the competition or for $5, be a spectator. For more information, go to Craft Beer Kickball.

Historic and beautiful Boone Hall Plantation is an appropriate backdrop for the culminating day of Southern Living Taste of Charleston on September 27th beginning at 10am. From the moment you enter the plantation gates, driving under the canopy of the broad and spacious Avenue of Oaks leading the way to the house, you sense the grace and charm that is the trademark of the Charleston experience. The event is a celebration to the culinary expertise of Charleston's renowned chefs and famed restaurants overshadowed by its historic roots. A perfect confluence of the past and the present. It is a 3-day event beginning with the Iron Chef Competition on Friday, 6pm to 9pm at the Culinary Institute of Charleston--Main Campus at 7000 Rivers Ave, North Charleston. Sweet and Southern on Charleston Harbor takes place on Day 2 beginning 6pm at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. Purchase tickets for the Southern Living Taste of Charleston.

This popular Holy City dish evolved from the simple breakfast fare favored by shrimpers along the South Carolina coast. In its humble beginnings, the convenient dish was a marriage of two staples the South Carolina Lowcountry had in abundance, shrimp and rice. In the late 1800's, the rice was replaced with ground-corn grits at the time called hominy. In the 1990's, Shrimp and Grits would become elevated in the ranks of fine cuisine by Chef Donald Barickman and synonymous with the city of Charleston. On September 19th, the Second Annual Shrimp and Grits Chefs' Competition will be held at the Joe Riley Stadium at 6pm to 9pm. The 2014 Award for Best Shrimp and Grits went to Michaels On The Alley. You can buy tickets at Shrimp and Grits Charleston.

The Sweet Tea Festival will be celebrated September 17th on Third Thursday in Summerville at Hutchinson Square. Party with the locals in historic downtown Summerville, where you can sip and savor the local flavor. Get here early for your Souvenir Sweet Tea Cups and Posters. Other Summerville events in September:

Beer and Appetizer Pairings with Oak Road Brewery and Mellow Mushroom Summerville
September 13, 4:00pm
Mellow Mushroom
1306 N Main Street, Summerville
Taste the brand new Coffee Porter

Even More Local Part II at Homegrown Brewhouse
September 14, 5:00pm
Homegrown Brewhouse
117 South Main Street, Summerville

Allagash Brewing Tap Takeover at Coastal Coffee Roasters
September 16, 6:00pm
Coastal Coffee Roasters
108 E 3rd N Street, Summerville

Sumptuous Food And Super Fun Guaranteed To Be On The Menu--Charleston Restaurant Week January 2015

Charleston has more fine dining establishments per capita than any other city in the South. All are ready to cater to your taste buds with their own personal blend of locally grown produce, herbs and spices perfectly matched to the offering and sprinkled with a generous serving of pleasant ambiance and old southern hospitality.

One of my favorite events of the year, there is no better way to acquaint yourself with Charleston's world renowned chefs and top restaurants than through its highly anticipated culinary gala called Charleston Restaurant Week--now underway and running until January 18, 2015. The list of participating restaurants is long and illustrious offering options ranging from 3 courses for $20 to 3 courses for $50--some restaurants offering 4 courses. The list also includes restaurants offering lunch options ranging from 2 courses for $10 to 2 courses for $20.

So, whether you plan on making it a family affair or a romantic evening out, sumptuous food and super fun is guaranteed to be on the menu. I have provided ten of my past favorite choices accompanied by a review. My selections from the list are Edmond's Oast, Poogan' Porch and Michael's on the Alley. For a complete list of participating restaurants, you can click on this link.

Husk
What is better than spending a day with a special someone? Beginning that great day with a fantastic meal at a downtown Charleston restaurant. The restaurant was the Husk on Queens Street. My expectations were high going in. I had read nothing but rave reviews from various sources. I got further confirmation...

82 Queen
Looking in from the street, you look up a narrow, beautifully landscaped alleyway. Alleys are common features in Charleston and part of its picturesque charm. At the end we could see a couple of well-dressed young ladies and after navigating the alley, we discovered they were the hostesses for the restaurant. We informed them of our 5:45pm reservation. With reservation confirmed...

High Cotton
I had a change in plan for Charleston's Restaurant Week. Sermets Downtown was to be first on my list of restaurants, but I received an invitation to join a group of White Gablers at the downtown restaurant High Cotton. So, I couldn't pass it up. High Cotton...

39 Rue de Jean
This would be my first visit to the posh 39 Rue de Jean--a French brasserie located between Meeting and King on one of Charleston's most notable streets. With the Charleston Museum close by, the museum's newly constructed glass enclosed building housing the first locomotive built in America...

Sermet's Corner Downtown
From the 3 for 30 offerings found on Charleston Restaurant Week's list of participating restaurants, I narrowed my choices down to two restaurants-downtown dining establishments I had on my cuisine radar since the last event and both located on eclectic and bustling King Street. It wasn't easy arriving at the definitive decision...

Slightly North of Broad
It is often said, "Nothing is perfect." We say this in keeping ourselves well grounded and in maintaining a reasonable balance concerning our expectations of things and rightly so, because speaking from a human standpoint, perfection is an unattainable standard. But despite our misgiving to label anything perfect, we do use the word to describe exceptional experiences...






The Fish House
It was to be an unusual day for me. I would be stepping out of my comfort zone. Store hopping was in the works. This is a rare event and the kind of activity I generally shy away from, but is at times knowingly necessary. There was this space that needed filling and an idea for a wall arrangement. I was joined by a friend who, by the way...

RB's Shem Creek
In 2002, the scene on Shem Creek would have been much different than the stunning waterfront we experience currently. A 35-seat eatery located in an old fish shed next to Red's Ice House was reduced by an accidental fire to ashes and rubble, leaving a blackened and charred heap that was once RB's Seafood Restaurant...

Boathouse Restaurant
The roads into the Isle of Palms from Summerville were sparsely traveled on this Thursday. Lowcountry residences were gathered around their tables with family and friends feasting on turkey and pumpkin pie, except for the few of us who selected to eat out at one of the various restaurants that chose to open their doors for the festivities...

Pages Okra Grill
It was a busy weekend in Charleston with all the festivities. The Boat Show started on Friday at the Charleston Convention Center, Winterfest at Patriots Point on Saturday, and the worlds largest oyster festival on Sunday at Boone Hall Plantation. If I went to the boat show, I would probably end up buying one. For now, that folly is reserved for the near future...