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...

A Visit To Charleston's Number One French Brasserie During Restaurant Week--39 Rue de Jean Was Sumptuous

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 could be seen from my vantage point at the entrance of the beautifully landscaped alleyway that separated the restaurant from the oldest building on the block, the Charleston Music Hall.

In the distance, magenta and purple neon lighting brightly bathed the alley's inviting walkway of odd sized stone pavers while the overhead lights of Rue's covered patio softly immersed the table settings along the alley's right side. This was a part of John Street I thus far had not ventured down on previous outings.

Reservation was set for 7:00 pm. I checked in at the front desk and was promptly taken to a small table with a single chair and a booth-style burgundy bench topped with stainless steal rails. Identical on both sides, it ran along the right-middle of the main dining area. Full booths and scattered tables filled the rest of the space. A bricked archway led to additional seating beyond and glass doors flanking the bar opened onto an outdoor patio. Two aged-smoky looking mirrors covered one wall and a full bar covered another. A patterned ceiling reflected the age of the building. The table was covered with white paper--the perfect medium for doodling on or writing the lyrics of a new hit song or sonnet, if you were moved to do so. Hey, Edgar Allen Poe did it.

My server promptly arrived with a carafe of water, filled a glass and shared some of the preferred specials from the main menu aside from the 3 for $30 menu prepared by Rue for Restaurant Week. I immediately informed the server I would be choosing from the 3 for $30 and selected my cocktail--a Citron Mojito. The concoction of mint leaves floating in Absolut Citron, key lime juice, and simple syrup topped with a slice of lime arrived a few moments later and I took my first sip. It was the perfect opener.

The first course on the 3 for $30 menu was a choice between Cauliflower and Brie Bisque, Smoked Salmon Maki Roll and Varietal Greens Salad. I chose the Varietal Greens Salad with Roasted Pecans, Pickled Golden Raisins, Figs and Goat Cheese Vinaigrette. Second Course offered four options: Poulet Confit, Pork Belly, Braised Cod, and Vegetable Dauphinoise. Braised Cod was my selection. It was an entree of Fennel, Curry, Cherry Tomatoes and Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes. Dessert options were between Brown Butter Crepes and Chocolate Pate. I hesitantly picked the Brown Butter Crepes prepared with Caramelized Apples, Creme Anglaise and Powdered Sugar.

The Varietal Greens Salad was a generous portion of locally grown greens. The nutty flavor of the pecans superbly complimented the delightfully fruity taste of the pickled raisins while the cheesy vinaigrette dressing pleasantly accented the total combination. It was very sumptuous.

The Braised Cod arrived to the table steamy hot and at the hand of a helper with a French accent--aside from the menu, the only French I encountered all evening. The fennel, curry and cherry tomatoes were buried under a fillet of cod surrounded by the whipped potatoes. The curry mixed in with the whipped potatoes made my eyes water from time to time, but overall was tolerably delicious. The fennel covered with a crisp coating was very good as were the cherry tomatoes. The texture of the cod was perfect, flaky to the fork and not dry.

My hesitancy in selecting dessert was justified. I am not saying the Brown Butter Crepes wasn't good, to the contrary, it was satisfying, but I should have not passed up the Chocolate Pate with fresh strawberries, creme anglaise and berry coulis. It would have been more colorful with the red of the strawberries and the berry coulis drizzled all over it.

Andre was a very attentive server, checking in from time to time and filling the water glass when it was near empty. The delivery of the various dishes was timely and the presentation was artful. The removal of spent dishes was prompt and replacement silverware was provided when needed. Additionally, mixed in with the meal, I like to engage in a little small talk with the server, more than just, "Is everything satisfactory?" or "Can I get you anything?" It was a busy night at the Rue, so I do understand the server's limitations in this regard, but it is something to give consideration to when dealing with patrons.

The upscale casual Rue de Jean is ideally situated between Meeting and King Street next to one of Charleston's finest venues, the Charleston Music Hall. Its marquee style entrance is eye catching. The main dining area is comfortable and not cramped for space. It offers outdoor seating on a black rail enclosed covered patio with a front view of historic John Street and a beautifully landscaped alleyway even more picturesque at night under the lights. I give high marks to the chef and kitchen staff for a skillfully prepared, elegantly presented culinary experience on my visit during Charleston Restaurant Week.

Side note--If you are looking for a mouth-watering burger, 39 Rue de Jean was named Charleston's number one brasserie for burgers.

Charleston Restaurant Week Begins September 3rd--Make Your Selections Now And Savor

The next installment of the highly anticipated, ever popular Charleston Restaurant Week is set for September 3-14. 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.

I find my exclusion process pleasantly challenging as I critique the choices. The criteria for my final selection is simple. It must be a restaurant I thus far have not had the pleasure to dine at and their medley of menu offerings for the week--different from customary is the operative word. 39 Rue de Jean and Circa 1886 are on my radar.

39 Rue de Jean, called "Rue" for short by locals, is patterned after the classic French brasserie, which is the French term for brewery, but the French use the term to describe informal restaurants with a relaxed setting that stay open late, don’t require reservations, and may be open for several meals a day. The food is simple and hearty. You can enjoy it with beer, wine, or any variety of drinks.

A two story brick warehouse built in 1880, it was a building used by the Charleston Manufacturing Company for storing finished products, redesigned in 1943 for adaptive office space, and a bagging company complex in the 1940's before it lastly opened as the "Rue" in 2001.

With a distinctive marquee style entrance, there is no mistaking your arrival at its John Street location. Inside, it is decorated with stainless steel, mahogany, reds and tans, and has a brick archway with a long bar. Outside, a red covered patio with a quaint alley view that is also pet friendly. It will be offering a 3 for $30 menu in typical "Rue" fashion. It has been voted Best French Restaurant year after year by the Charleston City Paper. Located at 39 John Street.

Located in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion, Circa 1886 is one of Charleston’s best restaurants. It serves a seasonal menu with a focus on local product, high quality ingredients and Southern flavors and has an extensive wine collection that is stored in the original wine cellar of the Wentworth Mansion.

Many of the buildings original features still remain such as the stable doors, wood-burning kitchen fireplace, and heart-of-pine floors. Upon your arrival and hopefully available, request seating in the arched-covered booths in the main dining room--very cozy.

The entrance is marked by a long walkway lined with pergola style post and beams. Outdoor seating is available on a stoned patio. Circa will be offering a 3 for $40 selection. It has been voted one of the country's '20 Best Restaurants for a Date' and is consistently recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of America’s Best Wine Restaurants. Located at 149 Wentworth Street--reserve a table.

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.

So, make your reservations now and assure your place at one of the tables at the restaurant of your choosing. One last thing, j'espère que vous avez un bon moment.

Charleston Culinary Tours--A Food Extravaganza Of The Extraordinary Kind

My first two attempts at finding an open parking garage in and around the Vendue Range proved unsuccessful. Finally, after navigating quaint alley ways and passing numerous lights, I found an open garage on Cumberland, though it left me with a bit of a jaunt over hot pavement in the oppressive afternoon Charleston humidity. Sweat beads marked my shirt.

My destination, the second floor of the Southend Brewery where Mr. Hoon Calhoun of Charleston Culinary Tours awaited my arrival with a timely glass of ice water for an opener, followed by a teasing glass of craft beer with a peach flavor, then a satisfying, fall-off-your-chair bowl of She-Crab Soup. From that moment, I settled in for what proved to be a culinary extravaganza of the extraordinary kind.

Dressed like a Barbados Rum Runner and sporting a wide brimmed hat with a smile to match, Mr. Calhoun began his narrative with some information about himself. "If you don't want an honest opinion, don't go to a Calhoun," he informed the diverse group of varying ages from places like Michigan, Maryland, Mt. Pleasant and as far away as Paris, France. The culinary fair continued with a plate of very Southern Fried Green Tomatoes followed by a Texas Toast with Smoked Bisque flavored by a melted Smoked Gouda and topped by a mustard based Cole Slaw.

"The food a culture eats is as important as the laws it makes and the wars it fights." With this profound statement, Hoon began to lay out the history of the famous cuisine Charleston has become world renowned for and the people responsible for it. Already plenty of mouth-watering cuisine and it was only the first stop.

After a informative walk past historical points of interest, one of which was the first theater in America, the Dock Street Theater, we arrived at out next stop on Meeting Street. Eli's Table is known for their breakfast-brunch menu, which is served until 4 pm. We were seated at a long table with an elegantly laid out setting in a cozy room with wood floors, yellow walls, yellow napkins, and brightly colored paintings. We were introduced to the restaurant's chef, Jimmy Carter. Servers brought out each offering with full description to long for me to write down, so I will only state the basic.

The first serving was a creamy soup called Blackberry Bisque. I didn't know whether I should scoop it or drink it. Tasting more like a dessert, it was none-the-less heavenly. Next, we were treated to some old Charleston style Shrimp and Grits paired with a local Tasso Gravy.

Like a smooth caramel sauce, Mr. Calhoun drizzled on more history related to the Kiawa Indians contribution to the Southern culture, the varying stages of stone ground corn and the illustrious history of Duke's Mayonnaise-- just one of many true Southern originals. A delightfully superb Southern Pecan Pie closed out our visit at Eli's Table and we departed for the next and final restaurant on the day's itinerary.

A short stroll on Meeting Street brought us to the steps of the Gibbs Museum of Art across from the Circular Congregational Church and finally to 15 Beaufain Street, home of the Leaf. A Tuna Cucumber, Caprese Salad and a Duck Spring Roll filled with Portobello Mushroom and Mashed Potatoes covered with a Dijon Mustard Sauce was a remarkable finale.

Learned the Peach Tree Trail was really the Pitch Tree Trail, the Cotton Gin was an accidental abridged form for Cotton Engine, and Southern Mamas guarded their recipes like the National Archives guards the Declaration of Independence. With Bellini in hand, I saluted Chef Kyle and Tour Guide Hoon Calhoun.

I've always said, "I'd rather be doing anything instead of nothing as long as I am doing something," and the Downtown Culinary Tour was really SOMETHING. The three restaurants visited represented Charleston's culinary community honorably. Two of the restaurants would not have been on my radar for the coming Charleston Restaurant Week, but after taking the tour, I would highly recommend them. Our guide was charming, hospitable, knowledgeable, and tastefully artful in his narratives--the best of the best. I give the tour five stars--a must experience for both resident and visitor. It genuinely combines the best of Charleston history, food and cocktails. I would gladly take the Upper King Street Culinary Tour. Thank you Lorrie Dixson of Eskimo Advertising.

Grab Your Corkscrews and Tastevins, Its Food And Wine Festival Time In Charleston-March 1-4

As February unpretentiously leeps off the calendar, the arrival of March harolds the beginning of spring in Charleston. I write unpretentious, in reference to the weather. Although, it could have fooled this once-upon-a-time Northener. If it wasn't for the calendar, I would have thought it to be spring already. Aside from the few brief spats of cool weather, this has been the winter that never was. Admittedly, speaking from a Northeners point of view.

March springs in like a lion in Charleston. It sets in motion the beginning of the yearly round of festivals showcasing the reasons why it has become the number one destination of choice for travelers. So, let the festivities begin and what better way than the Charleston Food and Wine Festival, now in its seventh year. The Holy City's famous culinary traditions run deep and its "makes you weak in the knees" Southern cuisine stands in a class by itself. The chef's behind Charleston's prized culinary creations are noted among the best in the country and are the stars of this festival. Joining the best of Charleston will be a long list of guest chef's from all over the country.

Lest we not forget the wine that makes the heart rejoice, the perfect companion of great food. The varieties of wine are many, their names poetic, and to a commoner like myself, foreign. Chardonnay sounds like a name for a perfume to me and muscatel sounds like a men's after-shave. So, if you are like me, a person lacking in the fine wine skills of pairing the perfect vino to the meal, the festival affords you the opportunity to learn from the best sommeliers and wine connoisseurs. Local restaurant sommeliers as well as big name vineyards will offer you their expertise and knowledge.

Don't know what a sommelier is? Not to worry, I did't. That is until I came across the word while researching restaurants. A sommelier is a wine steward usually employed by fine restaurants who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food matching. A sommelier may also be responsible for the development of wine lists. They work along with the culinary team and also work on the floor of the restaurant and are in direct contact with restaurant patrons. Thursday March 1st, the Culinary Institute of Charleston Presents Charleston’s Top Sommelier Competition at the Palmer Amphitheater on Columbus Street. Unfortunately, it is an invitation only event. Last years Top Sommelier Champ was Patrick Emerson of Maverick Southern Kitchens.

The heart of the festival will be Culinary Village at Marion Square. Marion Square is a six and one half acre greenspace in downtown Charleston bounded by Calhoun, Meeting, and King streets. There will be 90 food, wine and spirit stations blended together throughout the Square, an open-air courtyard and an official Festival merchandise boutique along with the Grand Tasting Tents. Grilling demonstrations at the Outdoor Living + Grilling Area, food talks and hands-on demos, and the Thermador Cooking competitions are just a few of the attractions. The Thermador Cooking Competitions take place on Saturday, March 3 only in the Celebrity Kitchen. Lowcountry chefs will face-off against one other as they battle for the title of Charleston’s number one iron chef.

Something new for this years Food and Wine Festival is the Perimeter Pass at Culinary Village. It is an easy way to come to the Festival and enjoy the cooking demonstrations, competitions, grilling area, book signings and specialized seminars and talks. The ticket is $25 for the whole day. Times are 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday and Sunday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Each year a poster is selected to represent the Food and Wine Festival. Local artists are called upon to enter their inspirations into the competition. All entries were to be submitted by September 16, 2011 for a chance to win $1000 and the honor of seeing their creation featured at the Festival. The winner was chosen on November 17, 2011. Jessica Crouch became the first woman in the history of the Festival to earn the recognition.

So, hurry up and click on event tickets. They are going fast. Next, pack up your sommelier knife and tastevin and get yourself to the Food and Wine Festival March 1-4. Then, anticipate on having your taste buds not only tickled, but pleasantly roughed up. Celebrate life, celebrate Charlerston.

To conclude, here are some parting quotes. "Wine is bottled poetry." "Blind tastings are to wine what strip poker is to love." "Wine gives courage and makes men more apt for passion." "When it comes to wine, I tell people to throw away the vintage charts and invest in a corkscrew. The best way to learn about wine is the drinking." Cheers.

Restaurant Week In Charleston-Make a Date With The Cities Top Chefs And Restaurants

It is that time of the year again food lovers in Charleston. It is Restaurant Week, and not just in Chartleston, but all over South Carolina. So, if you are feeling adventurous or romantic and want to spend a night away from homebase, let's say in Myrtle Beach, you have a whole list of participating establishments to choose from for your stay. But for this article I am going to focus on the capital of what has become known as Lowcountry Cuisine, Charleston.

Lowcountry Cuisine is closely associated with the cuisine of another popular southern city, New Orleans. The cultural influences found in New Orleans are very much similar to those of Charleston, which include the English, French, Spanish, Irish, Italians, Africans, and Caribbean Islanders who settled here over three centuries ago. They all brought with them the tastes from their native lands and over these passing centuries have blended their distinctive recipes together using Charleston's geography as the food palate because its geography is a critical factor in distinguishing the region's culinary identity.

Charleston's rich estuary system provides an abundance of shrimp, fish, crabs, and oysters captured daily aong with locally grown squash, green beans, broccoli, spinach, okra, collards, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, a number of different lettuces and a variety of herbs that are the prime ingredients used to capture this flavor of Charleston. Some Lowcountry signature dishes are she-crab soup, Huguenot torte, benne wafers, fried green tomatoes, sweet potato pone, crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and frogmore stew.

Today, it is much more than just the Lowcountry Cuisine. American, French, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cajun, Creole, and about anything else food experts crave can be found in the Holy City. Charleston is home to many internationally known chefs. Some of the better known are Chef Jason Houser of the Muse, Chef Jon Cropf of Blu Restaurant and Bar, Chef John O'Brien of Bocci's Italian Restaurant, Chef Jude Wagner of The Library at Vendue Inn, Chef Steven J. Lusby of 82 Queen, Chef Marc Collins of Circa 1886, and Chef Sean Brock of McCrady's to name a few. Charleston has more fine dining establishments per capita than any other city in the South.

My first dining experience in Charleston, some eight years ago, was at Hymans Seafood. It became a favorite during those early years of vacationing here before deciding to make Charleston my home. On those occasions I looked forward to seeing what celebrity previously sat at the very same table I was now seated. The restaurant had a custom of putting the names of notable people that visited their establishment on the tables. An unfortunate circumstance, my camera was stolen by one of its employees, changed all that, and I never returned.

My most notable dining experience was at the Woodlands Inn in Summerville. The staff treated us like royalty. They were hospitable, gracious, and attentive from beginning to end. The setting of the table, the care taken in clearing it for each course of the meal, and the presentation of each dish was professional. What I really appreciated was the opportunity they gave us to sample various dishes that were not a part of our selection. It most likely was a plus that a nephew of mine worked in the kitchen.

So, go ahead, pick one from the long list of participating restaurants. Now is the opportunity to check out the one restaurant you have been wanting to experience. May I suggest Bocci's, one of my favorite. High Cotton, whether it be breakfast or dinner is always an excellent choice. Make it a family affair or a romantic evening out. All are ready to cater to your taste buds with their own personal blend of herbs and spices perfectly matched to the offering sprinkled with a pleasing ambience and southern hospitality.

Some available hotel romance packages. Woodlands Inn specials and packages.

Charleston Restaurant Week-Celebrate Eating

I was checking out what is considered the top ten activities people love to do and the results totally surprised me. There was one activity missing I thought should have easily been included hands down and considered number one. This was the list: Sleeping, listening to music, reading, watching a movie, playing, gossiping, arranging their home, visiting old friends, shopping, and idling. At this point, it must be acknowledged this list is subjective and depends on who you talk to, but these were the most common responses.

This huge faux pas is just eating me up. As you scan that list, do you see what's missing? It is an activity most likely incorporated in some way, shape, or form either before, during, or after stated activities. In fact, you may be engaging in that activity presently, at this very moment, while you are on the computer, and I must point out, I am doing it as I write this article. This huge oversight is just all too consuming. Are you now digesting my references as to what I am all stirred up about? Everyone does it and everyone loves it. The overlooked, most popular activity is eating.

Which brings me to the subject of this article. Places where people go to enjoy this activity, restaurants. And not just any restaurant, but the top ten in the world according to the Michelin Guide, and that doesn't have anything to do with tires. You may already had the privelege of dining at one of these establishments or maybe you would like to consider it. I am only going to briefly talk about the first four.

Number one is a two Michelin star restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark called Noma run by Chef René Redzepi. He is noted for his work for the reinvention and refinement of a new Nordic cuisine and food that is characterized by inventiveness and clean flavors, which leads to an emotive, intense, liberating way of eating, unlike any other. Put simply in layman's terms, food visually stunning that makes your mouth water profusely and your taste buds dance. Number two is El Celler De Can Roca in Girona, Catalonia Spain. Founded in 1986 by the three Roca brothers, Joan Roca is the head chef. They have created some dishes and desserts based on famous perfumes. So, no matter how much the temptation may be, try to avoid smearing it on your body.

Number three is Mugaritz in Errenteria, Spain. Chef Andoni Aduriz uses the term "techno-emotional cuisine" or "culinary physics", as some like to refer to it, to describe applying science to his way of cooking. "Culinary physics" is the study of how ingredients are changed by different cooking methods and the unconventional innovation in its preparation and presentation. Now that is a mouth full. Number four is Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy run by Chef Massimo Bottura. His kitchen offers a menu of traditional food alongside more left-field creations inspired by the art world. After leaving his establishment you will see the Mona Lisa in a different way. The rest of top ten are The Fat Duck in UK, Alinea in Chicago, D.O.M. in Brazil, Arzak in Spain, Le Chateaubriand in France, and Per Se in New York.

So, go out and celebrate eating. It is Restaurant Week. Charleston Restaurant Week is an opportunity for diners to take advantage of special discounted menus, a price fixed menu of three items for either $20, $30 or $40, from Charleston area restaurants. All your favorite places to eat in Charleston are participating. Click on restaurant for a complete list. The event runs from September 7 to 18.