Welcome to the oldest and most opulent city in South Carolina. Unlike the reality TV show Southern Charm, my only drama was flight turbulence to and from New York.
Last March,#fbf, was my first time to the Peninsula and I had ZERO expectation. I mean, I knew there was going to fried food, whiskey and accents, but that’s about it. Simply driving into town, on Market street, you are meant with pristine streets and obvious zoning rules that keep businesses and shops ascetically symmetric. It isn’t bothersome because visually it keeps everything quaint. The commercial feel is no where to be found, so it feels like a vacation.
My pick for accommodations was the Belmond Charleston Place, located near cute shops and attached to higher end shops. There is a gym, pool and spa area on the top floor. Also, this hotel is dog friendly.
When it was time for breakfast, we chose to try the Palmetto Cafe. Try their signature omelet, it’s decedent and fresh. With light flooding in from the large glass windows the scene is set for instant relaxation. If you are alone this is definitely a place where you can read the paper or book.
Slightly North of Broad aka S.N.O.B known for being eclectic and hearty. We walked in for brunch and was able to be seated quite easily. The white table clothes were a nice touch, but the feel was more relaxed. There were plenty of people dressed for a day of walking around the city and we were all on the same page on where to fuel up.
Hominy Grill. Come early or as early as your weekend sleep allows. The wait can be long, but you can order coffee, Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s in their front bar, while rehashing last nights antics. Whatever you order make sure your table shares their biscuits and sweet potato pancakes with pecan praline syrup. If you have the strength, check out the grounds of the College of Charleston filled with historic buildings and majestic trees.
The Ordinary. This was an experience to say the least. When you enter, the is an openness and grandness. The venue could have been a bank previously and has since been transformed with the right balance of modern touches and comfort- marble circular tables near the bar area and dark wooden booths you can melt into. My group was seated on the 2nd floor which presented an intimate setting to look over dinners. All of our decision rested on our waitress and she didn’t lead us astray. As you will find in your dining experience in Charleston. This is a seafood restaurant with a steak option. The oyster slides were heavenly, I mean truly amazing combination of bread, slaw and creepiness. The crab toast was fresh and bright in both taste and color. I loved this experience because we were able to linger over every dish and enjoy conversation. Make a reservation.
The Grocery. I must first rave about the cocktail, the dirty green tomato, just sour enough with a kick of spice, I had two. This is a drink worth seeking out. Our meal began with fried oyster appetizers and continued through with spinach, chicken and a seafood rice pilau platter. The restaurant is serving up low country food with high class quality and taste. I recommend sharing because every menu item was amazing. The food is authentically low country southern with farm fresh taste.
Eggplant Parm
as we venture 