Browsing Tag

restaurant week

Charleston Restaurant News

Restaurant Week at CO All September Long

September 2, 2015

One of the things I miss most about working on King Street is being able to go to CO whenever I got a whim. Their vietnamese chicken salad and dac biet pho were standards of my lunchtime repertoire, and their happy hour deals were irresistible. Now that I’m not visiting CO once a week, it’s really put a dent in earning my free trip to Vietnam via their CO Rewards program.

And also my PHOto obsession #puns

And also my PHOto obsession #puns

Lucky for you, CO is treatings its Rewards Members to restaurant week all month long! Rewards Members can enjoy a 3-course selection for $20, 4-course selection for $25, and add on a 3-course cocktail pairing for $17 thru September 30th.  Not a Rewards Member (why not?! It’s free. Get it together, people)? CO will also join other area restaurants in the official South Carolina Restaurant Week from September 9 – 20, offering its prix fixe menu to all guests.

*drooling*

*drooling*

Quote of the Week

Quote of the Week 1/13/14

January 13, 2014

So I think 2014 is going to be a good year. I’m feeling very optimistic–it’s been awesome so far, so I’m hoping that trend will continue in the coming months. Also, it’s restaurant week in Charleston. Remember last week how I said I was going to start my diet? Yeah, that’s not happening. I have a reservation literally every night this week at a different restaurant in Charleston. So, there’s that.

On a personal note, this weekend was really exciting for me because I’m officially in a relationship with a really cute boy that I’ve know for a while (who said you can’t get out of the friendzone?!). So if you see me on the street smiling like a crazy person, that’s why.

ICYMI, I’m giving away a free Delta Touch2O Faucet. Enter to win now! You have 1 week left. Good luck!

“Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.”

–Voltaire
Not gonna lie, I'd totally party with Voltaire.

Not gonna lie, I’d totally party with Voltaire.

Charleston, SC Restaurant Reviews

Oak Steakhouse

October 4, 2013

My final restaurant week visit was with my roommate, Regina, to Oak Steakhouse. I’ve been wanting to try Oak for a while now, curious to see if it could beat out my beloved Halls Chophouse (spoiler alert: it doesn’t).  I know that most people say that you shouldn’t judge a restaurant based on Restaurant Week, but I think that’s just BS. If they can’t produce quality food during RW, then they just shouldn’t participate.

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now.

Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox now.

We started off with the spicy strawberry margarita, which definitely lived up to its name. So. Spicy. It was good, but we had to have them tone it down a little bit because we’re wimps. My mother would’ve loved it though.

More like StrawBURNy margarita.

More like StrawBURNy margarita.

After we placed our orders, we were brought some bread and butter. It was good bread, I have to say. Nice and warm, and salty, very similar to the benne seed rolls at Husk. And the butter tasted like butter..so there’s that.

Bread and butter are my bread and butter.

Bread and butter are my bread and butter.

For my starter, I got the wedge of Kurios Farms Bibb Lettuce Salad (local grape tomatoes, bacon lardons, creamy danish bleu dressing, regularly $10). Bibb wedge salads are not actually anything like your typical wedge salad (it’s just the nature of the beast), so I’ve learned not to be disappointed when I order a Bibb “wedge” salad and it comes out as basically just a bunch of lettuce leaves stacked on top of each other. But it tastes delicious!

Kind of like Lincoln Logs, but with lettuce and bacon.

Kind of like Lincoln Logs, but with lettuce and bacon and significantly less fiber.

Regina got the Vidalia onion bisque (lump crab, bacon crumble), which apparently was a special restaurant week thing. It was weird. Neither of us particularly cared for it. I get that vidalia onions are sweet, but this was ridiculous. It was overly sweet for a savory dish and I didn’t think that the flavors melded well together. Glad it’s not on the regular menu, because I would not order that again.

It seems like a lot of soup until you realize that the bowl is only like half an inch in depth.

It seems like a lot of soup until you realize that the bowl is only like half an inch in depth.

For entrees, I got the Certified Angus Beef Filet Mignon with whipped potatoes, spinach, petite carrots, and Oak’s housemade steak sauce. Being a renowned steakhouse, I was really looking forward to it. I even ordered it medium because everyone gets mad when I order it medium well (because apparently there’s some rule leftover from caveman days where your meat still has to be bleeding when you eat it, or you’re an uncultured swine). When it came out, I was upset to see that they’d precut my filet. Part of the satisfaction of ordering a steak is cutting it at the table and watching the juices ooze out onto your plate. Because they’d precut it, when I went to eat it, my steak was already cold, like it had been sitting out for a while, and not under a heat lamp. This was only emphasized by the fact that Regina’s food came out steaming for a good 5 minutes. I was also bothered by the “smear” of potatoes I got on my plate. I’m all about good plating, but this was ridiculous.

I think they really took that "Lincoln log" comment to heart with those carrots.

I think they really took that “Lincoln log” comment to heart with those carrots.

Regina got the pork shank served with sweet potato puree, braised greens, sweet apple and peach chutney. She replaced the sweet potato puree with roasted corn maque choux, by telling them she had an allergy, because they didn’t allow substitutions, which again, just bothers me. (I hate chefs that get so hoity toity about their food that they don’t let you substitute stuff. Yes, I get that some people like to make like 15 substitutions, and those people suck, but if you’re like me and you abhor mushrooms, AND you’re paying upwards of $40 dollars a plate, you shouldn’t be forced to eat them. I think this might have been another RW thing, where they already had everything premade and didn’t want to have to make real food for people who were only paying the RW price. Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox for real now, I promise.) The pork shank was awesome and fell right off the bone. The maque choux was super tasty and I’d definitely order this dish again. Basically, I was really jealous of Regina’s meal.

Plus, she got like 100% more food than I did.

Plus, she got like 100% more food than I did.

I also couldn’t resist ordering a side of the smokey bacon macaroni and cheese, $8.50. I mean, smoked bacon macaroni and cheese sounds delicious. I thought it was pretty good, but was a little disappointed in the cheese sauce. It was a little too creamy and not quite cheesy enough, but that didn’t stop me from devouring it. I’d probably still order that again. I like it better than Halls Chophouse’s mac & cheese and that’s about the only leg up that Oak got over Halls during this meal.

I'm really bad at Mac & Cheese photography. What's up with that.

I’m really bad at Mac & Cheese photography. What’s up with that.

The dessert that came with the RW menu was “S’mores” with dark chocolate mousse, graham crackers, taosted marshmallow, and salted caramel. It was weird, but I liked it. The graham cracker wasn’t like normal graham cracker, I’d say it was more like a nilla wafer (but like a rock hard version). I thought the combination was really interesting. Regina wasn’t a huge fan of the dessert, and although I can’t say it’s my new favorite thing, I thought it was pretty good.

Now this is pretty plating.

Now this is pretty plating.

Oak definitely didn’t live up to my expectations, but it had enough potential that I might be willing to give them another chance (on someone else’s dime, of course, that place is expensive).

Does anyone else think that tree looks more like a mushroom than an oak?

Does anyone else think that tree looks more like a mushroom than an oak? (photo: from Oak Steakhouse)

Oak Steakhouse
17 Broad St
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 722-4220
Oak Steakhouse Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Charleston, SC Restaurant Reviews

Carter’s Kitchen [CLOSED]

September 20, 2013

For restaurant week, Lily and I decided to try out Carter’s Kitchen out in I’on in Mount Pleasant. I’d tried Peninsula Grill a couple years back right before Chef Robert Carter left and was not super impressed with the food that we got. I’ve heard such good things about Carter’s Kitchen, however, that I was willing to give it a try. It took a lot of driving around Stepford I’on before we finally found the restaurant, and then it took some more driving around before we finally found parking.

Those two guys are most definitely robots.

Those two guys are most definitely robots.

The restaurant is located within the Inn at I’On, and is relatively small, but still has a very homey feel about it. Idk, maybe it’s the tan walls.

Hmm... now that I'm looking at it, those walls are a little too skin colored for my taste.

Hmm… now that I’m looking at it, those walls are kind of skin colored (image: Dining Around Charleston)

I had been all excited to try the apple-pumpkin bisque they had listed on their restaurant week menu online, but when we got there we saw that they’d replaced it with a boring tomato bisque, which I thought it tasted like Campbell’s Soup (i.e. not was I was paying $40 to eat). Lily said I was being judgy and that I always think tomato soups taste like Campbell’s, but then I saw another lady on OpenTable said the same exact thing, so now I feel validated.

Pictured: disappointment soup.

Pictured: disappointment soup.

For Lily’s appetizer, she got the “Country Ham Crumb Crusted Seared Scallops with Melted Leeks and Orange Butter,” which she raved and raved about. She only got three on the plate, and although they were decently sized, that’s still not a ton of food. Luckily, she cut me off a bite so I could try it (it was delicious).

Not the best photo, I know, but beggars can't be choosers!

Not the best photo, I know, but beggars can’t be choosers!

For my entree, I opted for the braised short rib with truffle grits and spinach pie. The short rib was awesome, the meat fell off the bone and was super juicy. The spinach pie was probably the weirdest thing I’ve eaten in a while and was unlike any spinach pie I’ve ever had. I really don’t know how to describe it. Those grits, man. Those were the ticket. I’d go back again just for those (but, joke’s on me, because they’re not on the regular menu).

You can tell from this picture just how weird that pie is. Delicious, but weird all the same.

You can tell from this picture just how weird that pie is. Delicious, but weird all the same.

Lily opted for the stuffed quail served on fresh pappardelle pasta with wild mushrooms. I thought the portions were pretty good, and the quail tasted great. I even liked the noodles in the mushroom sauce. All in all, I was very impressed with our entrees.

Is it just me, or do they kind of look like the old Muppet guys?

Is it just me, or do they kind of look like the old Muppet guys in the theater?

For dessert, I got the coconut cake (I mean, it’s Bob Carter. Of course I get the coconut cake). And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Not in the least. The cake was moist and flavorful and deliciously coconut-ty, and the frosting was perfect–not too sweet. This made the whole trip worth it.

And, obviously, the cake was the best picture I took...

And, obviously, the cake was the best picture I took…

Lily got the other dessert, just so we could try it. It was a lemon tart topped with lots of meringue (and I mean lots), served with a side of strawberry compote. It was really good. I loved the tanginess contrasted with the sweetness…although I could’ve gone for a little less meringue.

It really should read "meringue, served with a side of lemon tart"

It really should read “meringue, served with a side of lemon tart”

Overall, I’d say I had a pleasant experience at Carter’s Kitchen. I think I’d be willing to go back and give it another shot to blow my socks off (for the coconut cake, if nothing else). If you’re in the Mount Pleasant area, looking for a good dinner spot, I’d recommend looking into Carter’s Kitchen.

Just remember to watch for robots. (image: Carter's Kitchen)

Just remember to watch for robots. (image: Carter’s Kitchen)

Carter’s Kitchen
148 Civitas St
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 284-0840

Carter's Kitchen on Urbanspoon

Charleston, SC Restaurant Reviews

The Macintosh

January 25, 2013

Restaurant Week is usually my favorite time of the year. A chance to get a sampling of some of the best that Charleston restaurants have to offer without totally breaking the bank. This year, I was in charge of picking the group restaurant. After reading a Yahoo! article that declared The Macintosh one of the Best New Restaurants of 2012, I decided that’s where we should go. Unfortunately, the evening started off bad, and never really went up from there. I made reservations for 9:45 Friday night. I got there 10 minutes early and was told that our table had paid, they were just waiting for them to get up before we could be seated. Fast forward 45 minutes later and we’re finally told we can sit down. No apology. No comped beverages or appetizers. Just a flippant “thanks for waiting,” as they showed us to our table.

This restaurant. I hate it.

This restaurant. I hate it.

So as we’re sitting at the table, I’m unhappy, tired, and hungry. Then comes our waiter, who was surly and unhelpful for most of the meal, going as far as to scold us when we stacked up our menus after ordering (you know, to try and make his job easier)… “No, don’t do that. Just leave them there, I’ll come around the table and get them.” Right. Ok. Then he was constantly reaching over us to pick things up or put things down, and not a single time did he say “pardon my reach.” Normally this wouldn’t bother me, except I’m at a restaurant where I’m paying $28 and up for entrees, I expect some top notch service. Then he just disappeared for a while, we don’t know where he went. Basically, he was just terrible.

In the words of Stephanie Tanner "How rude!"

In the words of Stephanie Tanner “How rude!”

They were very clever with their restaurant week menu. Instead of just giving us a menu with the restaurant week items on it, they gave us the full menu with the restaurant week menu items underlined. Very smart on their part, since only 2 of the 7 people in our party ended up ordering from the restaurant week offerings. It was also kind of annoying that although their menu stayed the same throughout the week, they changed up the items that were part of the 3 for $30 promotion (so if we’d have come on Thursday or Saturday night, we might have had a better selection…basically we lost the food lottery).

Not unlike Tantalus

Not unlike Tantalus

To start, I got the pork ravioli (Country Ham, Shiitake Mushroom, Creamed Lacinato Kale). Honestly, I only got it because it was the most expensive of the appetizers, and I wanted to get my money’s worth. It was actually spectacular. If I’d just gotten a big plate of those, I would’ve been perfectly happy. Bennett got the crispy pork belly (Pole Beans, Marcona Almonds, Radish, Lardo Vinaigrette) even though he opted out of the 3 for $30 special, and it was also outstanding. Naringa got the salad of carrots (Ginger, Golden Raisins, Ricotta Cheese, Asian Greens, Candied Spiced Nuts) which she really liked, but I never in a million years would’ve ordered.

In a battle of Pork vs Carrots, pork wins every time.

In a battle of Pork vs Carrots, pork wins every time.

For the entree I got the grilled Local Triggerfish (Anson Mills’ Sea Island Cape Beans, Red Quinoa, Kennerty Farm’s Mustard Greens, Dashi Broth). It was good, but I think they undercooked the beans which was disappointing. Or maybe I’ve just never had beans cooked correctly? Are they supposed to be cooked al dente like pasta? I don’t know. Naringa opted for the Crispy Duck Leg (Golden Beets, Pickled Mustard Seed, Chestnuts, Winter Greens, Celeriac Goat Cheese Puree), which she really seemed to like. The only other Restaurant Week entree was a Winter Vegetable Plate (Carolina Gold Rice Grits, Seasonal Vegetables, Mushrooms, Butternut Squash) which I’m sure was delicious, but for the red-blooded american boys and girls I was eating with, it left something to be desired. Everyone else opted to get “The Mac” 8oz House Ground Burger (Aged Cheddar, Nueske’s Bacon, Pecorino Truffle Frites), which was good but not better than many of the other burgers you can get around Charleston.

Beans served al dente.

Beans served al dente.

For dessert, I got the caramelized banana and peanut butter chocolate tart, which was really yummy and tasted like a banana Reese’s cup. I liked it a lot, although it was very rich. Naringa got some kind of apple something that was really yummy. Bennett caved in and got the sticky buns dessert with some kind of liquor glaze, I want to say bourbon, but I’m not sure.

This was also delicious.

This was also delicious.

I got two cocktails while I was there, one was really good and the other was God awful. The Honey Badger (Jack Daniels Honey, housemade chai, orange bitters, almond milk) is possibly the worst cocktail I’ve ever tried. DO NOT GET IT. Unless you’re really into whiskey and chai, in which case you’re gonna love it. The Little Italy (Luxardo, Cinzano, prosecco, lemon) was delicious and almost made up for the first cocktail.

This isn't it, but this is the closest thing I could find. DON'T ORDER THE HONEY BADGER.

This isn’t it, but this is the closest thing I could find. DON’T ORDER THE HONEY BADGER.

At the end of the meal they tacked on an automatic 20% gratuity for our waiter (who did NOT deserve it), even though it said nowhere on the menu that they automatically tack on gratuity, nor did they mention it on the phone when I made my reservations. So that was annoying. All in all, I’d say I might give them a second chance (not during restaurant week ever again), but I definitely wasn’t as impressed as I expected to be.

From their website. Also, this was the table at which we were sitting.

From their website. Also, this was the table at which we were sitting.

The Macintosh
479 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 789-4299

The Macintosh Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Quote of the Week

Quote of the Week 1/23/12

January 23, 2012

So. This weekend was pretty great. I enjoyed myself. Went to two restaurants for restaurant week (reviews will be up soon, I hope!), went out with Kathleen and Trish for a much needed girl’s night, hung out with a really cute boy, and spoke with a terrible British accent for the majority of the weekend. It was pretty much the best weekend ever.

In honor of my British fest, here’s a quote from the very funny John Cleese that sums up my thoughts on vegetarianism.

“If God did not intend for us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?”
–John Cleese

This is what too much SPAM does to a person.