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April 4, 2025 • 15 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everybody, and welcome back. I don't apologize up front.
I got a little cold, so there might be a
few breaks in the action. I do apologize. We're going
back to Charleston, South Carolina. You know, this is my home.
This has been here for thirty years, just about, and
it is one of the most popular American destinations for

(00:23):
trips of all kinds, from long vacations to business trips
to day trips, all the above. And there's a lot
of reasons why so. And we've talked about some of
the reasons why. We've also talked about the best ways
to get here, the best way to get around once
you get here, what to pack, the best time to come,

(00:45):
the shoulder seasons, which are awesome here. That's spring and fall,
and Charleston you know the weather and the temperatures to expect,
and to make sure you bring you plenty of water
and electrolytes because you're gonna get gonna get dehydrated. It's
just it's just part of be it here, living here,

(01:05):
stay hydrated in Charleston. I could do a whole show
just on 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

(01:26):
many of these are 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,

(01:48):
and I'm not gonna like put I have a whole
I have a whole rite 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

(02:09):
of the 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

(02:30):
and the 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

(02:55):
represent a 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

(03:20):
and 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

(03:41):
because Charleston 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 watch
it in Charleston at that level. I'm telling you right now,
go ahead and book that trip because you know what,
the weather's getting nice, and when the weather's nice, Charleston
gets crowded. So spring is great. So get down there,
do what the locals do and check out the restaurants

(14:23):
that I just talked about. You will not be unhappy,
I promise. And remember halls. Just go, just go walk.
Just's go to halls. Listen, it's expensive. If you can't
ford it, like I said earlier, or don't want to
pay that much money, go to the bar, have a
couple of drinks, and just check everybody out. All right,
So get go ahead and book book your trip to Charleston.

(14:45):
Go ahead and make those reservations, including the ones to halls,
and no I'm not on the payroll, though I should
own stock in that place by now. Anyway, y'all have
a great time, have a great day, book that Charleston trip,
and have a great time in Charleston. So I will
see you guys next time, and God bless you, oh,
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