The only Luxury Hotel on the Historic French Quarter Waterfront--The Cooper Hotel Opens in March

Stand at the edge of Waterfront Park’s long pier, where the swings drift lazily over the water and the salt air carries the faintest trace of pluff mud, and look north toward the shoreline. Rising above the harbor, six stories of glass and contemporary architecture now join Charleston’s steeple‑studded skyline. This is the city’s newest mega‑complex, a modern counterpart to Charleston Place with one striking distinction: it will soon host the only luxury hotel on the historic French Quarter waterfront.

For decades, the view here was dominated by Carnival’s Ecstasy and Sunshine, their towering silhouettes anchored the horizon whenever they were in port. But the era of cruise‑ship giants has slipped quietly into memory. As the Carnival Cruise Line faded into the city’s past, The Cooper Hotel has stepped confidently into its future.

It’s easy to forget that Charleston’s historic district wasn’t always the polished jewel it is today. Before the 1980s, King Street was lined with empty storefronts, and the city’s architectural heritage felt more forgotten than celebrated. Then came Joe Riley’s bold vision: the construction of Charleston Place, a catalyst that reignited the city’s cultural flame and restored Charleston to its rightful place as a world‑class travel destination.

The Cooper complex is slated as “the first extraordinary step in the reimagining of Charleston’s storied waterfront.” Its diverse amenities are world‑class and, like Charleston Place, will be open to residents, visitors, and global travelers eager to experience the charm and hospitality of Charleston’s commercially and recreationally welcoming spirit.

Image from thecooper.com

Inside, the Cooper will feature boutique retail, a 12,000‑square‑foot spa and fitness center, and nearly 20,000 square feet of event space. Dining concepts include its signature restaurant, The Crossing, serving culinary creations by Executive Chef Nick Dugan, and a casual eatery, Current Burger, offering elevated comfort foods such as juicy smash burgers and hand‑spun milkshakes. Up top, guests will find cinematic views: the graceful sweep of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to the left, the pineapple fountain glimmering to the right, and the harbor unfolding in between. Finally, beside The Cooper Marina, a café called Cooper Coffee & Wine will round out the offerings.

Image from thecooper.com

The hotel’s 191 accommodations—sun‑drenched rooms and suites with sweeping water views—promise a serene, coastal‑luxury retreat. But the crown jewel may be the outdoor infinity‑edge pool, a shimmering ribbon of blue suspended above the harbor. Already touted as one of the most impressive pool experiences in the Southeast, it features its own bar, Bar Marti, offering the kind of atmosphere that invites you to lose track of time.

Image from thecooper.com

Beyond the hotel, the Cooper’s waterfront green space will seamlessly extend Joe Riley Waterfront Park, continuing the pathway more than 400 feet to Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar. A new dock and marina will welcome boaters, while hotel guests will have access to three private vessels—including a yacht for intimate dinners and events, and a water taxi to Daniel Island. Guests at BHC‑affiliated properties, such as Charleston Place, will also enjoy these privileges.

Image from thecooper.com

Soon, the quiet stretch of Concord Street between Cumberland and Vendue Range will transform into a vibrant corridor of five‑star luxury when the Cooper Hotel opens in the spring of 2026. It promises to reshape the French Quarter waterfront in a way that feels both forward‑looking and unmistakably Charleston.

And if you’re already imagining yourself there, you’re not alone. I can picture it now: the rooftop bar glowing at golden hour, the harbor shifting from honey to indigo, a signature cocktail in hand. And yes, booking a room just to slip into that infinity‑edge pool might be the most irresistible indulgence of all.

Accommodations

176 Concord Street, Charleston, SC

Victor's Seafood and Steak and 39 Rue De Jean--The Perfect Pairing for a Night of Celebrating Life

Two restaurants in close proximity to one another in one of the busiest areas of mid-Upper Charleston made for a perfect night. One was chosen for its signature cocktails and sky-high bar space accented by a dramatic piece of art, and the other for its French name and diverse menu. Hutson Alley's Victor's Seafood and Steak and 39 Rue De Jean were the model pairing for an evening of celebrating life.

Victor's Seafood and Steak was once known as Victor's Social Club. Its centerpiece bar dominates a richly decorated two-story interior awash with shades of whites and blacks and radiating a look of pure elegance. A life-size John Doyle painting of a Blue Marlon hovering over a boat towered over the room's bar seating. It offers signature cocktails, including a selection of barrel-aged cocktails, beer, wine, and walls lined with fish paintings and intimate seating for two under each art piece. The restaurant's refined dining room features plush booths, antique wares, and wildlife scenes.

We took a seat at the bar where two well-spoken and mannerly young men dressed in black and wearing spectator shoes patiently awaited our drink selections. After a few questions about the unusual drink names on the menu and helpful answers, I chose a potent cocktail called Midnight in Paris--a concoction of Still Vanilla, Lavender Simple Syrup, and Lemon. There was no skimping on the alcohol. My accomplice for the night chose the ExPresso Martini topped off by three brandy-soaked cherries threaded on a silver hairpin stick and described her perfect drink as smooth with a rich froth that mimicked a fine Bailey's Irish Creme. The experience was an exquisite beginning to the evening.

Our next pre-chosen stop was a short stroll from Victor's, a refined French Cafe and Bar reminiscent of a late 1800s Brasserie called 39 Rue De Jean. And why not, since after indulging in the earlier Midnight in Paris.

We were seated at a small table set for two. Our server was an accommodating, ready-to-take-on the world College of Charleston student. After relating a story of a recent dating experience, the young gentleman took our orders.

I selected the Truffle Potato Soup made with Creamy Potato Puree, Truffle Infusion, and Chive Cream Fraiche for $11 and the Traditional Caesar Salad for $9. My entree selection was the same as my companion, the Shrimp Provencal--Sauteed Shrimp, House Pasta, Pernod Garlic, Butter Sauce, and Red Pepper Chili Flakes for $26.

The Truffle Potato Soup was magnifique, as was the Traditional Caesar Salad. The generous, and I mean generous portion, of Shrimp Provencal was superbly garlicky.

39 Rue De Jean lived up to its reputation as a restaurant with good food and service. A little on the noisy side, but that is because it was packed with a boisterous crowd of loyal, hungry patrons. Even though just there for cocktails, Victor's Seafood and Steak was my favorite of the night. The quiet atmosphere was good for light conversation, the drinks were gratifying, and the bartenders were entertaining both in dress and persona. I will return to experience the restaurant's dining menu.

Victor's Seafood and Steak, 39F John St, Charleston, SC

39 Rue De Jean, 39 John St, Charleston, SC

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

Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe In Charleston--The Go-To Place For A Happy Ending

Sitting at the beautifully laid-out table setting, sipping on a High Tea concocted with a balanced blend of Rum, Earl Grey infused sweet vermouth, rhubarb bitters, strawberries, and basil, the perfectly integrated "S" floating in my just delivered butternut squash bisque with a pecan crumble was a fitting reminder of our outstanding dining choice for the evening. For beyond the glass windows of its front entrance, out on busy East Bay Street, the establishments recognizable yellow overhead sign and blue awning unmistakably affirms the rationale behind the "S". We were dining at the highly celebrated eclectic Charleston restaurant named Slightly North Of Broad or quite simply and more fondly referred to as S.N.O.B..

Slightly North Of Broad is just one of a plethora of world class restaurants located throughout the Charleston peninsula, Upper and Lower. However, on this beautiful Charleston night, in the historic French Quarter, it was the clear choice by way of requests from three of our party of five who had not previously had the pleasure of dining at the S.N.O.B., and it did not disappoint.

The company was delightful, my drink cheerful and my soup tasteful. It was the perfect introduction to my selected entre--Local Grouper with Charleston Gold rice, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, white miso, and toasted benne, which after its consumption, culminated into the major reason for this article--dessert. Without a doubt, the offerings on S.N.O.B.’s dessert menu would have been rich and succulent, but with no disrespect to S.N.O.B., we had other plans.

Just a short stroll from S.N.O.B. down East Bay Street to the Old City Market and about halfway up its adjoining North Market Street, you will arrive at the doorsteps of a dessert café that is adored by locals and sought after by visitors. Its name is Kaminsky’s and it has been a dessert institution in Charleston since 1992.

It was a late visit and North Market Street was alive with patrons. There was a bit of a wait, which was expected. We passed the time conversing with fellow expectant customers huddled around the cafe's steps, until we got the call. As we entered through its door, to the right, there was a glass case housing a selection of its signature desserts and beyond a dessert bar where a large chalkboard hung overhead with a list of the days special offerings. To the left, scattered about were a hodge-podge of tables and chairs for seating, which added to the cafe's endearing quirky vibe. With an interior of brick and wood, Kaminsky’s Old Charleston charm was underscored by a ceiling-high painted wall emblazoned with its name. Its people friendly atmosphere was as rich as its dessert collection.

Kaminsky’s desserts are prepared fresh each day with selections changing daily. It offers dozens of cakes and pies by the slice, as well as milkshakes, floats, ice cream and cobblers, with everything available a la mode. In addition to its vast array of specialty coffees, it also offers a full beer, wine and liquor selection featuring eleven of Kaminsky's highly sought Dessert Martinis--all for $8.00. On our visit, I chose one of the menu's "Kam Crew" favorites, the White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle--smooth. Others in our party chose Key Lime Pie and Kahlua Expresso. To peruse the complete list, go to Dessert Martinis.

Kaminsky's was a satisfying conclusion to a spectacular evening in Downtown Charleston. For some of us, it was a first-time visit. It is a great place to have a conversation and share a few laughs while spooning over a vast array of delicious and seductive desserts and sipping on a collection of imaginative dessert martinis unique to this one-of-a-kind café.

Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe
78 N Market St, Charleston, SC
(843) 853-8270

Hours:

Monday - Wednesday: 1pm - 1am

Thursday : Noon - 1am
Friday - Saturday: Noon- 2am
Sunday: Noon - 1am

An Upper King Street Eatery You will Relish--Four Ninety-Two

August 2013

The old building in the featured photo was photographed from the rooftop of the Stars Restaurant in August of 2013. As I looked down on King Street at the building and took the picture, I wondered about it and its destiny. As I contemplated the future of the neglected and abandoned building, my first thoughts were that of a restaurant. Upper King Street in most recent years has seen an explosion of restaurants and eateries. At the time, I was totally unaware of the fact the building had been purchased by the Relish Restaurant Group. My intuition proved correct. It just seemed to be a fitting hypothesis.

The building dates back to 1888 when clothiers such as Reuben's, Leon's and Bluestein's were a large part of the economy in Charleston. It is believed to have been a Leon's Men's clothing store. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo devastated Charleston. The building was damaged and remained abandoned since until it was purchased by the Charleston restaurant group. After a complete renovation of the building, the highly anticipated King Street "contemporary American" eatery opened in the Spring of 2015. Its name is its address, Four Ninety-Two. Executive Chef Nate Whiting presides over the kitchen.

December 2015

The main downstairs dining area is outfitted with a long community table accompanied by red, low-backed chairs. On the left, diamond-backed booths topped with large mirrors line the wall and to the right a bar. Moving beyond the community table is a more intimate seating area with wing-backed chairs and to the right a long, wood covered bar where patrons can be seated with a view of the open kitchen. Chef Whiting said they wanted to "dissolve the borders" between the cooks and the diners. The space features an artistic piece called the "button wall" and an "eating room red" ceiling. It seats around 75 guests.

Upstairs is an event dining room and a sun-drenched rooftop garden. The upstairs hall ceiling is painted a "piazza blue"--a well-known Charleston paint color. The rooftop garden is filled with wooden planters and white, plastic pillar planters filled with seasonal herbs and vegetables that will be used in the kitchen.

The most predominate and daring feature is the addition of the large metal fence separating 492's courtyard from the busy King Street sidewalk. The jazzy abstract metal work is actually patterned after Sanborn Street Maps. It leads to the 40-person outdoor seating area filled with tall palm trees and a curious gnome--an attractive space for guests seeking to enjoy the beautiful Charleston outdoor atmosphere.

The menu is broken down into seven categories: Fields And Gardens, Pasta And Grains, From The Sea, From The Land, Dessert, Cocktails, and Local Craft Beers. It changes daily, so you will need to call for information about your chosen night's menu. A three course dinner will cost about $30 on average. Cocktails are $10 and Local Craft Beers $6.

There are two upcoming events scheduled. On Thursday, December 31st at 5-11 pm, there will be New Year's Eve Dinner featuring a special five-course dinner menu for $75. To view the menu, click on New Year's Eve Dinner. To make a reservation, you can call (843) 203-6338. On Sunday, January 17th at 6 pm, a Truffles and Hazelnuts Dinner with internationally acclaimed Chef Carlo Zarri of the Ristorante Villa San Carlo in Cortemilia, Italy is scheduled for $95. For tickets, click on Truffles and Hazelnuts Dinner.

There is a documented Charleston story linked to the address of 492, which is located at the corner of King Street and Mary. Notably, today's Four Ninety-Two restaurant overlooks the very spot where Reverend John Bailey Adger first met his future wife, Elizabeth Keith Shrewsbury. The meeting took place in 1831. Reverend J. B. Adger was in the second year of his studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. He was back in Charleston for a month of Spring Break. The event is described in his My Life and Times. It is recorded as follows:

"I was returning from a prayer-meeting with my mother (Sarah Elizabeth Ellison Adger) and sister Margaret (Milligan Adger Smythe). At the corner of Mary and King Streets my sister observed Elizabeth Keith Shrewsbury, with whom she had recently become very intimately acquainted, on the other side of King Street, engaged in the duty of tract distribution. She called to her to come over. It required some little urging to get her consent, but she came. My sister said to me, "Now you shall see blushes," and I saw them. I was introduced to her, and with me it was love at first sight."


John Bailey Adger was the son of a prominent businessman in Charleston. North and South Adger's Wharf are two short, cobblestone roads near the Charleston Battery named for the location of his father's shipping company, James Adger and Co. He encouraged the Charleston Presbytery to build the church that today serves a congregation at 93 Anson Street as St. John's Reformed Episcopal Church.

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.

A Winning Choice For Charleston Restaurant Week-Sermet's Corner Downtown On King Street

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-both have good reputations reinforced by good reviews. The tipping point was the deliciously descriptive menu offerings of Sermet's Corner.

Now, finding a convenient parking spot was the next decision. The traffic goes in only one direction on this part of historic King Street. Something you have to keep in mind when traveling to this part of Charleston. A missed opportunity could mean circling back for another pass or a longer walk. I can happily report, a convenient one was successfully acquired.

Sermet's Corner is appropriately named, seeing it is located at the corner of King and Wentworth Streets. Two large, wood-glass doors marked its entrance. Large windows on each side of the doors were adorned by dark-colored, plush looking awnings. Inside, a newly renovated dining area with a well balanced mixture of brick and wood welcomed you. The space was small, but surprisingly uncluttered. White pillars and table appointments lent to a clean, bright atmosphere-red roses on the tables gave the settings a splash of color. Paintings were hung between the windows that lined the exterior walls.

We were seated at a table in the front corner with an panoramic view of King Street. As it turned out, an excellent place to people watch while sipping on opening drinks after menu selections were addressed-a menu consisting of a choice between two starters, three entrees, and a desert offering of tiramisu and tiramisu(A full, elegant looking menu was available if you didn't want to be limited to the 3 for 30 offerings).

For a starter, I chose the Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Soup topped with Parmesan. It was drizzled with olive oil and I will simply say it was fantastic. My friend chose the House made mozzarella and pesto with sliced tomatoes over mixed baby greens drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Afterwards, my friend said the amount of balsamic vinegar used was ideal, not too much and not too little.

From the entrees I selected the Pan Seared Scallops over Lobster Ravioli in a Saffron-Vanilla Sauce topped with shaved Fennel and Orange and my friend chose the Chicken sauteed with Smoked Bacon, Mushrooms and Granny Smith Apples in a Marsala Parmesan Cream Sauce over Butternut Squash Ravioli-doesn't the entree descriptions just make your mouth water. My only complaint, and it is minor in comparison to my complete satisfaction in the scallops and sauce, the Lobster Ravioli could have been a tad warmer. As for the chicken sauteed with smoked bacon, it is a popular choice among Sermet's customers.

The generous portion of tiramisu was a sweet conclusion to the affair. It oozed with Drambuie. It was like consuming a dish of happiness.

Finally, our server was exceptional. He was attentive to our requests and kept the sweet tea and wine glasses full-I love sweet tea. He kept the table clean and delivered the food in an orderly fashion. He was also patient enough to take the time to answer the barrage of questions I am famous for. I give Paul top marks for the evening.

To be honest, I am not a professional food critic or connoisseur, and I do not generally eat so elegantly. My everyday tastes are quite simple. That being said, it is also why all of this is so great from my perspective. For an evening, I self indulge in cultural decadence and unrestrained gratification. I, for the brief moment , live the life of a Charlestonian.

Thank you Sermet's for a very gratifying dining experience.
276 King Street, Charleston, SC

Celebrate With Two Of Charleston's Best In June-Special Events At Circa 1886 And 82 Queen

Although, I have lived in the Charleston area for eight years now, I haven't as of yet cut beyond the crust of all the fine restaurants available throughout the city. They are numerous. One of the most highly anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area, Charleston's Restaurant Week, affords Lowcountry residents and visitors an excellent opportunity to sample the best at a discount. This is one event I look forward to year after year.

I generally pick two from the long list of participating restaurants offering prefixed menus consisting of three items for one set price at either $20, $30 or $40. The last time I chose High Cotton on E. Bay Street. You can read about the adventure here. I've had some great culinary experiences and some unexpected surprises in the form of staples, pun intended with a smile. The next installment is September 4-15.

You will have to wait a few months for Restaurant Week, but in the meantime, there are two opportunities for you to enjoy Charleston's finest with an added treat in this month of June. The first is a Blue Jeans and Craft Beer Dinner at Circa 1886 on Friday, June 14th and the second is part of 82 Queen's Summer Dinner Series, a Bourbon Dinner featuring Jim Beam on Friday, June 28th.

Circa 1886 is located on the grounds of Wentworth Mansion and was the original carriage house, and this is no surprise, built in 1886. It offers an elegant dining experience and it is unlikely you would see patrons wearing blue jeans, but for this event putting on your favorite pair of blue jeans is required. Join Chef Marc Collins for an informal fun food and craft beer night.

Festivities start with a reception on the patio from 6:30-7 p.m. followed by a 4-course dinner paired with newly released beers from Westbrook Brewery. The dinner is $50 per person, price excludes tax, gratuity and additional beverages. Reservations are required. Click on Blue Jeans and Craft Beer Dinner at Circa 1886 for more information. I personally have not been to Circa 1886 and it is on the top of my must-see list. It is located at 149 Wentworth Street.

82 Queen is located in the Historic French Quarter and its address, you guessed it, is 82 Queen Street. It has been serving southern hospitality for 30 years, but its address is 300 years old.

I have been to 82 Queen. The entrance is a long alley way that opens up into a beautiful outdoor courtyard. Inside are eleven different dining rooms spread throughout three buildings, each with its own name. The restaurant is famous for its she-crab soup.

The special event, Bourbon Dinner featuring Jim Beam, is part of the restaurant's Summer Dinner Series. Chef Steven Lusby has created a menu that not only compliments their unique Bourbons such as Basil Hayden's and Knob Creek, but infuses their special elixirs into the food. It's the mating of an old all-American tradition with the famous Lowcountry cuisine. Tickets are $79 in advance, or $99 the day of the dinner. Prices excludes tax and gratuity.

Want to have some fun and an opportunity to win something? Penelope the Pineapple has returned to Wentworth Mansion starting Monday, June 10th with a full itinerary of warm weather adventures through Charleston. You can follow her documented travels on Charming Inns of Charleston's blog and their Facebook.

Each week on Monday, you’ll have the opportunity to guess where she is, who she’s hanging out with and what she’s up to. You will have until Wednesday of each week to guess correctly and be entered in a drawing.

The prize is an overnight package for two at the Kings Courtyard Inn and a $30 gift certificate to Charleston’s brand new breakfast and lunch restaurant Kitchen 208. Contest ends Wednesday, July 3rd. Full details are on Charming Inns of Charleston.