It's All About The Charleston Food Experience

 

Southern Style Braised Collard Greens

Traditional Benne Wafers with Toasted Sesame Seeds 

Wood-fired Caper's Blades Oysters

The Charleston area food boasts vibrant flavors deeply rooted in Southern traditions and African, Caribbean, and European influences. The city’s historical significance shaped Charleston cuisine, creating a unique blend of flavors and techniques. In addition, Charleston has a fantastic location right along the ocean, providing tons of fresh seafood. 

The following are some places and foods we sipped and savored along the way. In this city, seafood is the main attraction, and menu choices abound.  

Shrimp and Grits

But if I had to choose one popular item on the menus, it would be the She-Crab Soup. Each restaurant has its own take on this flavorful, rich, creamy bisque-style crab chowder. The Southern Living link below is an easy recipe to follow for the home cook. To the recipe ingredients, add 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.

https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/she-crab-soup-recipe 

A delicious dinner at the Post House was a sesame-blackened chicken that came with a surprise. 

We were quite startled when the server rose from the basement, which happened to be close to our table. He was down in the wine cellar bringing up wine.  😁

The cornbread was baked with crunchy sesame honey topping. I wished I had this recipe.

We ate lunch twice at Queens 82 as their backyard seating had a lot of ambiance.

 

Tomato Pie, a popular menu choice, did not disappoint. It was a perfect and delicious lunch item. 

My daughter, who recently visited Charleston, raved about this coconut cake. Trust me on this—it's the ultimate coconut cake. The Peninsula Grill Restaurant at Planters Inn's trademark is the cake, which is a towering 12 layers of southern perfection. The cake weighs in at a hefty 12 lbs, and they do ship. A whole cake costs $270.00.

We opted to split a slice to celebrate Denise's upcoming birthday. 

  
I found the recipe online for anyone looking for a baking challenge. 

https://spicedblog.com/charleston-coconut-cake/

Last but not least, regarding food and wine experiences, I would like to recommend Ketel One for the perfect Cosmos drink.  

You can find it at Total Wine. Pour into a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1/2 shot of Grand Marnier for each drink serving. Shake and pour. 

A plate of traditional cheese straws was the perfect accompaniment. 

Hope you enjoyed a brief overview of my Charleston adventures and culinary stops.