From Faith: From New York City, Charleston, S.C., is only a two-hour plane ride away, and its architecture, friendly atmosphere, and vibrant food scene are not to be missed. We stayed downtown and took mesmerizing walks each day for hours, stunned by the city’s swaying palm trees, historic homes, water views and fantastic restaurants.
We swooned over chef Mike Lata’s food at FIG (Food Is Good). The fish stew was one of the best and most exciting meals we’ve had in years, and so was his tomato tarte tatin, intense tomato flesh sitting atop a razor-thin crisp of buttery brioche. The farm raised chicken livers were made into a pate that takes a week to create, and it was the most sensational version we’ve eaten anywhere. Each of the vegetables in his Nine Vegetable Salad is cooked separately and sourced from local farms.
As for South Carolina shrimp and grits, everybody has a recipe and flavor profile, but we think none better than the grits served in an intense shrimp broth at the restaurant S.N.O.B. Another restaurant, HUSK, is obsessed with farm to table ingredients, and is offering well-considered food in an intriguing atmosphere.
If you’re thinking of going, or surprising someone, there are many hotels downtown, including the Planters Inn, although there’s an interesting historic-chic hotel a walk from the main downtown district; it’s called Zero George.
Check out the history of slavery museum exhibit, as well as the too cool for school neighborhood around the gorgeous College of Charleston campus.
We love Charlston! I have been on your show a couple of times I’m a psychologist from Gaylord! Your comments about Charlston are right on we go down there 2 or 3 times a year . Fig is our favorite , next time you go you should let us know and we can fix you up with Clammer Dave. He supplies all the high end restaurants with oysters and clams. You would also love Vendue Inn, the only art centered inn , near Snob! Thanks!
Hi, Jack. Well, as you can tell, if you’re a friend of Charleston, you’re a friend of mine. Why didn’t I know you BEFORE my trip! I would have loved to meet Clammer Dave. The oysters were a little late this fall in Charleston, as you probably know, and so Amy and I only had a few since they weren’t peak. What was hilarious was that a few restaurants were touting oysters from here. We just smiled. Hoping you are now up to your ears in oysters. Visit us here any time, and I hope your holidays are rich. Cheers, Faith
Hi Faith,
Yet another great Food Schmooze today! A real treat. I live in CT but am from some old Charleston families (Mom was born and raised there), and you were making my mouth water!!!!! Especially your discussion about shrimp and how little time they should be cooked. Now you know the secret. I do need to point out one thing you also need to know so that when you go back, you’ll sound like a true Charlestonian. The beautiful island south of town is pronounced EDisto, not edISTo. You must go there, if you haven’t discovered it yet. Nothing fancy, but miles of beautiful peaceful beaches and a few good restaurants. Or, take a picnic lunch to enjoy at the State park, and then head back to town to Fig or the Glass Onion. Charleston gets into your blood!
Marge, thanks for turning me into a fake Charlestonian! To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t mind being an honorary citizen. What a place. Glad you mentioned the Charleston restaurant FIG. the food there is some of the best I’ve had in years. Can’t wait to visit EDisto, and all the other towns the area on my next trip. Wish I could see Charleston at Christmastime; it must be so lovely. Have fun for me! Cheers, Faith
Faith,
I still enjoy listening to your show on my computer! My husband and I moved from CT to Charleston, SC last year when he retired. We both wanted to get away from CT’s snowy winters and high taxes. We started looking at the “Best places to retire in the US — Charleston, was number ONE — so we started here and fell in love! ” We settled in Folly Beach which gives us the best of both worlds — the funky beach town of Folly just one mile from our home and the fabulous city of Charleston just 20 minutes from home!
I am glad you enjoyed your visit to Charleston — the restaurants are amazing, the architecture is wonderful, the people are friendly — and 95% of the people here are “transplants” from the North East!
Best,
Kathy Sumpter
Kathy, you lucky devil! We adored Charleston and can’t wait to return to explore your town and others in the area. We heard that there’s some great action in the surrounding region, where most “Chalestonians” live. We have listeners in various countries and across the U.S. Please know you’re still a treasured member of our crowd. Now look what you’ve done! I’m dreaming of those shrimp and grits at S.N.O.B. in Charleston…Happy Holidays, Kathy. Faith