Cobblestone Streets Lead To World Class Restaurants

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey y'all, and welcome back to All Things Charleston. You're
a complete visitor's guide to one of the most beautiful
and historic cities in the United States. Whether you're here
for a long weekend, a special occasion, or you're lucky
enough to stay awhile, this podcast is your go to
guide for exploring the charm, flavor, and rich culture of Charleston,

(00:23):
South Carolina. We'll take you down the cobblestone streets and
along the iconic Battery into world class restaurants and hidden
the low country gems. From historic plantations and ghost tours
to rooftop cocktails and sandy shores at Foley Beach and
Ola Palms, we covered all. We'll help you plan the
perfect itinerary, whether it's family friendly, fun, romantic getaways, foody adventures,

(00:45):
are just soaking in that sweet Southern hospitality. You'll hear
from local chefs, historians, shop owners, and longtime Charlestonians as
we unlock the secrets of the soul of the Holy City.
So grab a sweet tea, kick back, and get ready
to fall in love with Charleston. One story, one stop,

(01:05):
one experience at a time. Joe just doing that, but
today I do something more fun. We're gonna talk about
an exquisite experience in Charleston's fine dining. Okay, because Charleston
is full of restaurants, and so many of these are

(01:27):
amazing fine dining restaurants. It it will just blow your mind.
I'm not even gonna get into five percent of them. Well,
I'm putting at on some of the popular ones, some
or little touristy, some or not, but I don't I'm
gonna go ahead and say my favorite, and I'm not

(01:48):
gonna like put I have a whole I have a
whole write up about some of these. I don't have
one on my favorite because I don't want to be
too biased. But I'm gonna tell you right now off
the cuff that my favorite fine dining experience, and I
say experience, this encompasses the whole thing from when I
walk in the door until I walk out of the

(02:09):
door reluctantly is Hall's Chop House. I'm telling you right
now that is my favorite. Say you know that guy
said this is where I gotta go, so go try
it out. Tell him I sent you. That's kind of
funny anyway. So Charleston's culinary scene Okay, it extends far
beyond charming low country kitchens, which are amazing and the

(02:30):
casual eateries, and Charleston's full of those two. The city
boasts a vibrant collection of fine dining establishments, each offering
a unique and unforgettable experience. These restaurants aren't just places
to eat, they are destinations, carefully crafting culinary narratives that
reflect Charleston's rich history and contemporary flare. They represent a

(02:56):
culmination of the city's commitment to sourcing the fires local
ingredients and showcases the exceptional talent of its chefs. Exploring
a Charleston high end dining scene is an essential part
of experience the city's full culinary depth, journey that dives
into sophistication and the pasisticated menus and impeccable service and

(03:20):
absolute breath taking audience. You know, so, there used to
be a cooking school, chef's school, culinary school here in
Charleston called Johnson's Wales. It was here for the longest time,
and when a lot of these chefs, when they graduated
as chefs, they stayed. They stayed in Charleston because Charleston

(03:42):
is such as makes place and they eventually started their
own restaurants, so we had an endless supply of awesome
up and coming chefs in Charleston, South Carolina. Now they
have moved Johnson and Wales somewhere up north. I don't
know where, someplace like Rhode Island, or don't know. I
don't know, someplace I'm not going anytime soon. But anyway,

(04:06):
it left its mark here because it put Charleston on
the map for exquisite dining and cutting edge dishes and ideas.
And we're still there. So thank you Johnson and Wales
for what you did. I'm sorry you had to move.
It probably got too expensive to be here. I feel

(04:27):
your pain. But other than that, so let's let's keep going.
So one of such jewels is fig. So that's fig.
And for all those that want to know, is not
about the fig fruit or the fig leaf. Don't think
out of an eve here. It is an an acronym

(04:49):
for food is good, right, and so is God. So
let's eat. A culinary landmark known for its seasonal tasting
menus and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients. Chef Mike
Latta's vision for Fig is a celebration of low country bounty,
translating the freshest produce, seafood and meats into exquisitely crafted dishes.

(05:14):
The restaurant's ambiance is effortlessly chic. That's a cool word.
Sophisticated blend of modern design and rustic charm created an
atmosphere that's both inviting and elegant. Expect to pay a
premium for this exceptional experience. Some things are worth it.
Tasty menus typically range from one hundred to one hundred

(05:35):
and fifty dollars per person, excluding beverages and gratuity. And
you know you're gonna spend one hundred dollars for wine,
so just go ahead and just put it in the
bank because you're gonna need it. Reservations are highly recommended.
Even living here for as long as I have, and
I do have some ends here and there, I have
to call well in advance to get a good seat
at fig So do it, take my word for it,

(05:59):
sometimes weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons. Their wine
list is extensive, expertly curated, and complement and a compliment
to the effort evolving seasonal menu, offering a journey through
both domestic and international vineyards. Fig is more than just
a meal, It's an immersion into the heart of Charleston's

(06:23):
culinary creativity. Dishes might feature pan sears, gallops with carolina
gold rice, crispy okra, and perhaps a perfectly grilled ribbi
with seasonal vegetables, showcasing the chef's mastery of technique and
a deep respect for quality ingredients. Husk Husk is another

(06:45):
culinary icon, takes a different, yet equally compelling approach. Husk
focuses on reinterpretating, reinterpreting traditional Southern cuisine with a modern twist,
emphasizing heirloom grains, unforget and forgotten vegetables. The restaurant's a
commitment to historic accuracy and culinary innovation is evident in

(07:10):
every dish, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of the Low Country's
food heritage. The ambiance is rustic yet refined, with exposed
brick walls, warm lighting, and cozy atmosphere. While the pricing
mirrors fig premium range with tasting menus often exceeding one

(07:30):
hundred dollars per person, the experience is equally, if not
more memorable. Their dedication to using heirloom ingredients means The
menu is constantly evolving, ensuring each visit offers a unique
culinary adventure. You might find yourself savoring a dish featuring
ancient varieties of corn or meticulously prepared rabbit stew, a

(07:52):
testament of Husk's commitment to culinary storytelling. Reservations are essential,
often booked weeks or even months in advance, So go
ahead make that reservation. I mean, you probably know when
you're coming to Charleston anyway, so as soon as you
make that decision, book it. For a more intimate and

(08:13):
romantic experience, consider mcgrady's mc grady's that's mc c r
a d y s. The elegant establishment occupies the historic
building steeped in Charleston's rich past. Mccratey's seamlessly blends its
historical significance with a modern culinary sensibility. The menu is

(08:33):
refined and sophisticated, showcasing refined interpretations of classic techniques and
regional ingredients. The ambience is exquisitely formal, right radiating elegance
and charm, making the ideal for special occasions. While the
price point is undeniably high, reflective of the refined service

(08:56):
and meticulous crafted dishes. It's offering unforgettable die experience. Expect
to spend upwards of one hundred and fifty dollars per
person for a full dinner experience, including drinks. So there
you go. As long as this a good wine or
something served with that, that's good. The wine list is
extensive and carefully curated, encompassing both classic and contemporary selections.

(09:19):
Mcgrady's is a place for celebration, a testament to Charleston's
ability to bring its history with its contemporary culinary achievements.
The service is impeccable, attentive without being intrusive, enhancing the
overall refined experience, and that's what we're all looking for,
right We don't want to be bothered all the time,

(09:39):
but we want to make sure we're taken care of.
It's a fine line. It's got to be hard to walk,
but these guys do a great job at mccratey's. Beyond
these established culinary giants, Charleston's fine dining scene continues to evolve,
with new restaurants consistently pushing culinary boundaries. The vendu, located
in historic building over looking the waterfront, offers breath taking

(10:00):
views alongside a sophisticated menu. They're focused on fresh, locally
sourced seafood and creative presentation provides a truly memorable dining experience.
The price point is on par with the other high
end establishments, offering a sophisticated ambience inepeccable service. They also
have a rooftop with great views and great service up there. Meanwhile,

(10:24):
one sixty seven Raw this is so. My wife has
a shellfish allergy, so I don't get to go here
very often, but my friends and they eat this place
up So one sixty seven Raw. One sixty seven Raw
offers a different kind of refined experience, focusing on a
raw bar and modern seafood centric menu. The ambience is

(10:45):
slightly more relaxed than other fine dying establishments, but the
quality of the food and the meticulous presentation maintain a
high standard. Their commitment to sourcing the freshest, sustainable seafood
from local waters makes it a must visit for seafood enthusiasts.
Expect to spend around seventy five to one hundred dollars

(11:05):
per person, depending on your selections. The city's fine dining
scene isn't limited to restaurants Many hotels offer an exceptional
dining experience within their luxurious accommodations, but Charleston Place Hotel,
for instance, houses a refined restaurant and consistent He delivers
high quality cuisine and elegant setting. I can attest to

(11:26):
that they catered my wedding. Making reservations at these establishments
as critical. It's an advisable, not only advisable. I'll tell
you got to do it, particularly during peak tourist seasons
and the weekends. And you know, really peak tourist seasons
is most of the time now, it really is. So
make your reservations. Many restaurants utilize online reservation systems, offering

(11:52):
a convenient way to secure your table for truly unforgettable
doting experiences, consider contacting the restaurant directly to discuss any
dietary restrictions or special requests. The staff are usually more
than happy to accommodate special needs and ensure your meal
is tailored to your preferences. Exploring Charleston's fine dining scene

(12:14):
isn't just about indulging and exquisite food. It's about immersing
oneself in a cultural experience. Each restaurant tells a story,
whether it's through its historical setting, its commitment to local ingredients,
or its innovative culinary approach. The ambience, service, and the
overall experience are carefully orchestrated to create a memorable evening.

(12:37):
And it will be memorable. I promise you will love
it no matter which restaurant you choose. From the moment
you step inside, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance
and sophistication, a testament to Charleston's dedication to culinary excellence.
The high end restaurants of Charleston aren't simply places to eat.
They are destinations, contributing significantly to the city's reach, rich

(13:00):
and dynamic culinary landscape. It's an experience. It seamilously blends
exquisite food with an unforgettable atmosphere, making it an integral
part of any Charleston adventure. Now, like I said, I
left this off my list, but Hall's Chop House. Now,
the food is absolutely amazing. The price point is about

(13:21):
what we're talking here. The service is absolutely impeccable. And
I love to get there early and sit at the bar.
Say I get there at six, five thirty or six
and just people watch for a good hour and when
it gets to these seven point thirty eight o'clock, man,

(13:42):
you got some good people watching going on. And then
I have my little dinner and my wife and I
have a little dinner and we've met some people. You know,
everybody's so friendly when they're in halls because they're in halls,
and you get to know these people and they start
pointing out these other people. You just have an absolute
blast on the social end of things at halls. Amazing food,

(14:02):
amazing social scene, amazing service, and the best people watching
in Charleston at that level, I'm telling you right now.
So anyway, so thank you all for joining us on
all things Charleston. We hope today's episode helped bring you
a little closer to the heart of the amazing city.
Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifteenth, Charleston

(14:24):
always has something new and something timeless waiting to be discovered.
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little review. It helps more people discover the magic of Charleston,

(14:48):
South Carolina. Until I see you next time, God bless