Foodie Travel: Charleston, South Carolina

On By The Next Great BiteIn Travel Food Blog

Charleston is becoming one of the hottest foodie destination in the south. It has numerous chefs who have been nominated and won James Beard Awards for excellence in cuisine. If you are thinking of taking a trip to this beautiful, southern city, be sure to make reservations (and make them early because they book quickly) to some of  these restaurants.

Husk

Reading the menu will make you hungry. James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock changes the menu with what ingredients are in season. Located in a charming, historical Charleston building, Husk prides themselves on their farm to table cuisine. Their motto: “If it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door.” The kitchen did not disappoint on my visit. The wait staff was great; very helpful in describing the menu items and steering you to choose what you are craving. Husk makes my favorite restaurants list!

Husk Restaurant, Charleston, SC
Husk Restaurant, Charleston, SC. Top row; cornmeal dusted catfish with pan roasted cabbage, red peppers and sweet corn. Middle row; house-made cocktail, sweet corn soup with fried ricotta dumplings, arugula salad with summer berries, candied pecans and ginger vinaigrette, braised pork in a rich broth with butter beans, peas and kale. Bottom row; buttermilk chess pie with strawberries and whipped cream, chocolate fudge cake with carmel chocolate chip milkshake, malt custard and smoked brittle.

FIG (Food Is Good)

I like FIG because it is a casual, laid back place with a knowledgeable, wait staff. Acclaimed Mike Lata’s southern inspired food was amazing and beautifully presented. Fresh farm ingredients compliment the entrees which were wonderful. Be forewarned, choosing one entree is a difficult choice because they all sound incredible. Add this restaurant to your list as a must dining experience! I am so glad that I did not miss out eating at this restaurant.

FIG (Food is Good) Charleston, SC
FIG (Food is Good) Charleston, SC. My dining companion and I ended up getting the specials that evening, so both our entrees were not regular menu items. Left; Crusted swordfish with a cauliflower and broccoli piquillo piccata, wiener schnitzel with sautéed spinach. Right; house specialty cocktails.


Peninsula Grill

Peninsula Grill is one of those places that are great for celebrating a special occasion. Romantic and classic. My purpose in visiting Charleston was  to celebrate my husband’s birthday and Peninsula Grill was a fantastic choice to mark the occasion. All of the staff from the hostess to the wait staff greeted my husband with a happy birthday and made him feel special. The food was exceptional. Presentation was beautiful. Delicious!

Peninsula Grill Charleston, SC.
Peninsula Grill, Charleston, SC. Top right clockwise; amuse bouche of crispy prosciutto with corn relish, chef seasonal salad beautifully presented, Peninsula’s Famous Coconut cake decorated for the special occasion, pan roasted sea scallops with braised butter lettuce, lobster, chive potatoes and citrus lobster broth, heirloom tomatoes with goat cheese and basil oil.

My other favorite places:

Jeni’s King Street

You will need to figure out when you can fit in Jeni’s, located on Upper King Street. It is worth a walk to this happening part of town. They are known for their delicious and unique flavors of ice creams and sorbets. Stop by and satisfy your sweet tooth. You can also scope out some of the great restaurants in this area for places to go for lunch, drinks or dinner.

Jeni's Ice Cream, Charleston, SC
Jeni’s on Upper King Street, Charleston, SC. Top; ice cream sandwiches made salty caramel with smoked almonds with macaroons. Bottom; riesling poached pear sorbet and cantaloupe and sun tea sorbet.

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

I love it when you find that one place on your vacation that you didn’t plan on going to and it turns out to be a great find. Mex 1 Coastal Cantina was that place. We found it on our way to visit one of Charleston’s plantations. Mex 1 Coastal Cantina is relaxing and captured the baja california surfer vibe. The tacos and burrito bowl was delicious!

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, Charleston, SC
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, Charleston, SC. Top; Baja Burrito bowl with brown rice, black beans, jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, queso fresco and cilantro lime chicken. Bottom; Soft tacos with smoked pork and tomatillo, grilled mahi mahi fish taco with lime crema and shredded cabbage.

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