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Food

Charleston, SC Restaurant Reviews

Edmund’s Oast

August 22, 2014

I’ve been to Edmund’s Oast a couple of times. First for brunch, and then for dinner. For brunch, I went with Lily, on a lazy Sunday morning after a night of drinking and debauchery. When we walked in, I was struck by how massive the beer list is. It’s not even a list, it’s a whole wall.

I'll have one of everything!

I’ll have one of everything!

I also really liked the design of the menu. Simple yet sophisticated.

So many words!

So many words!

We started with an order of the cornbread (served with honey butter, $4) which is absolutely mindblowing. I think it might be the best cornbread I’ve ever had. And that honey butter. OMG. I can’t even explain it, you’ll just have to try it for yourself. Somehow, we hit the jackpot, and they accidentally sent out a second cornbread, which Lily and I devoured before they’d realized their mistake.

Seriously. Is this made out of angels?

Seriously. Is this made out of angels?

They change their menus weekly, so I don’t know exactly what I ordered, but it was delicious. I ordered a dish that was a play on biscuits and gravy. It was potatoes confit with jerky gravy, cornbread (more cornbread!) and sunnyside eggs. Now, I don’t love eggs, and I can really only eat them scrambled (it’s a texture thing). It was so freaking good.

You had me at "

You had me at “Potatoes.”

Lily had braised pancetta with polenta, slow poached far eggs & smokey greens. That braised pancetta was unreal. Lily fought my fork away when I tried to steal a taste off of her plate, but I managed to sneak some away when she succumbed to the bliss of her breakfast and closed her eyes for a second.

With a side of sunburn.

With a side of sunburn.

We also split a side of bacon, because we’re lardos. It turned out to be a good decision, because it was awesome. Plus they smoke all of the meat in house, so it would’ve been wrong to not try the bacon. Right?

Right?!

Right?!

Here’s where they age / smoke all of the meat. It’s cool how much it adds to the ambiance while still being functional. I love this place!

Can I come back here every weekend??

Can I come back here every weekend??

The second time I visited was with my mom for dinner, and we went all out (as one usually does when Tina’s involved). Since it was after 5, and they had such a nice selection of specialty cocktails, Tina decided to try a Red Wedding cocktail (Elijah Craig 12 year, amaro averna, orange peel, hibiscus thyme sweet tea ice cubes, $12), which seemed appropriate because we were going to be watching Game of Thrones later that night. She loved this cocktail, and despite it being kind of pricey, ordered a second one. She loved that the flavor of the drink changed as the ice cubes melted, and she said it tasted unlike anything she’d had before.

I mean, how could you not??

I mean, how could you not??

When you first walk into EO, one of the first things you notice is the massive beer wall, 48 taps chock full of local and not-so-local ales that you can try. One of the beers they brew in house, the PB&J beer had always intrigued me, so I decided to give it a try. OMG. It is so good. It sounds like it might taste overly sweet or overpowering, but it’s anything but. You get a slight sweetness when you first sip, and a hint of peanut butter after you swallow. I’m a fan.

Even though they apparently don't have it anymore. Sadness.

Even though they apparently don’t have it anymore. Sadness.

To start, we got the “Gin Joint” style Jerky (1.50), which was cut thin, appropriately tough, and super flavorful. It had a very “real” taste. Nothing artificial here. Slightly firm, but also crisp that made is seem homemade and like a lot of work was put into it.

Even if it was a little more on the "well done" side.

Even if it was a little more on the “well done” side.

At the waitress’s recommendation, we also ordered the braised lamb meatballs(apricots, argus cider, mint, $12) as an appetizer. Although this was probably my least favorite dish of the meal, it was still very flavorful and yummy. I really liked the salty-sweet aspect that the apricot added, and I liked that they were kind of spongy, but not frozen tasting.

I do love me some lamb!

Like if Swedish meatballs were made of lamb and tasted nothing like Swedish meatballs.

I ordered the chicken gizzard and duck heart tagliatelle because I was feeling adventurous after the amazing bone marrow pasta I had in NYC, and was not disappointed. Tina was really grossed out by the idea of the dish, but was absolutely astounded by how good it tasted. I would probably order this every time I go back. The noodles tasted homemade and were the perfect vehicle for the sauce. So yummy.

I think the only part of a duck I haven't eaten now is the feet.

I think the only part of a duck I haven’t eaten now is the feet.

Tina got the Chicken and rice porridge which was so delicious. She’s always really nervous about getting chicken soups because she considers hers to be the end-all-be-all. She just kept saying “Oh my god, this is so yummmeh,” every time she ate a spoonful. So I’d say that’s a hit.

And this one was juuuuust right!

And this one was juuuuust right!

For dessert, we couldn’t resist the call of the fudgy brownie with graham crackers and meringue. This dessert is possibly heaven on earth. If heaven had a flavor this is what it would be. I don’t even think I can accurately describe it here, so just go order it and be astounded. Like. It’s SO GOOD. I can’t get over it.

I don't think I'll ever have a brownie this good ever again.

I don’t think I’ll ever have a brownie this good ever again.

The waitress recommended the dessert cocktail, which we were a little skeptical of since it had egg in it, but we decided to go for it to try something new. Not my favorite.

Can't win 'em all!

Can’t win ’em all!

Tina also ordered the cookie sandwich (because, why not?) and it was delicious and simple. I want to start making this at home.

I love cookies and sandwiches, so this is the best of both worlds.

I love cookies and sandwiches, so this is the best of both worlds.

We ordered the strawberry cake as well, and it came to the table after the chocolate thing. I think we would’ve loved it a lot more if we’d eaten it before the chocolate orgasm dish, but after that brownie, all other desserts pale in comparison. I think if you’re less of a chocolate person, you’d much prefer this strawberry cake, which was tangy and fruity and not so sweet, but somehow that was ok.

And plus, look at how pretty it is!

And plus, look at how pretty it is!

I’d have to say that this was an outstanding meal, and I can’t wait to go back again. Plus, the atmosphere is something else. I absolutely love it here.

Plus, those lights!

It’s like modern medieval.

Edmund’s Oast
1081 Morrison Dr
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 727-1145

Edmund's Oast Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Quote of the Week

Food Quote of the Week: Maya Angelou

May 28, 2014

I know it’s been a while since I posted a food quote, but I’m working really hard to get back into the swing of things. I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Maya Angelou, one of my personal heroes. I remember when my mother encouraged me to read “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” as an incoming freshman in high school, and I’ve had a special place in my heart for Ms. Angelou ever since.

Did you know she was the author of 2 cookbooks? You learn something new every day.

“I like the country foods: the greens and the beans and the cornbreads and the biscuits. Not just for the taste, but because it infuses the house with an aroma that says “You are welcome. You’re going to have some good food. It’s going to take some time. And once you eat it you won’t want to leave.”
–Maya Angelou

 

I just love her smile. It's infectious. (Photo by Stephen Matteson Jr/New York Times Co./Getty Images

I just love her smile. It’s infectious. (Photo by Stephen Matteson Jr/New York Times Co./Getty Images)

Events

The 2nd Annual Charleston Food Film Festival

April 16, 2014

The 2nd Annual Charleston Food Film Festival is returning April 24-26 for 3 days of BBQ, movies, and celebration!

Like "scratch and sniff," but like A THOUSAND TIMES BETTER. (Photo courtesy of The Food Film Festival)

Like “scratch and sniff,” but like A THOUSAND TIMES BETTER. (Photo courtesy of The Food Film Festival)

I’ve been lucky enough to receive free tickets to this event and I’m so excited for it. Because I love you all, I’m going to help you to attend as well! Get 10% off your ticket price when you enter the promo code “QUEENS10” at checkout! Plus, you can feel good knowing that your ticket to the festival benefits Growfood Carolina, The Good Food Project, and the Food Bank of NYC. The only thing better than having fun is having fun for a good cause!

Food and Movies, 2 of my favorite things (photo credit Olivia Rae James)

Food and Movies, 2 of my favorite things (Photo Credit: Olivia Rae James)

So basically, we’re going to watch a bunch of short films about food and then you get to try the foods featured in the films. I’m personally looking forward to Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada and Biting Into The Ramen Burger, which both sound delicious, but How To Make A Turtle Burger intrigues me, as well. Click to the Charleston Food Film Festival for a full list of the films to be featured.

This is a collage of pictures I liked from this year's films.

This is a collage of pictures I liked from this year’s films, and one shot of last year’s festival.

Since it is a 3-day event, here’s a breakdown of each event from the Food Film Festival website. I’m going to all three, and I am SO PUMPED.

YORKTOWN_KINGSOFBBQ-750x1024Thursday 4/24/14: The Kings of Barbecue presented by Sticky Fingers Smokehouse
Location: The flight deck of the USS Yorktown, Patriot’s Point
Details: The Official Kick-off of the 2014 Food Film Festival season, The Kings of Barbecue features an exclusive screening of The Kings of BBQ Barbecue Kuwait, by Emmy-Award winner John Markus, which follows world champion competitive pitmasters as they join forces to cook a BBQ feast for 5,000 troop in Kuwait. That’s followed by an all-you-can-eat smoked brisket and chicken dinner cooked by world champion pitmasters Nicole Davenport, Jamie Geer, Tommy Houston, John Markus, Paul Schatte, Tuffy Stone, and Johnny Trigg.

EVENTBUTTON_PORN

Friday 4/25/14: The Food Porn Party
Location: High Wire Distilling Co.
Details: Celebrating the art of beautiful, close-up images of food set to music, The Food Porn Party showcases unique food films and dishes from local and national chefs and purveyors…from West Coast doughnuts and Baja fish tacos, to fondue and the Turtle Burger (it’s not what you think!).

EVENTBUTTON_EDAD010

Saturday 4/26/14: Edible Adventure #010: Ramen Burgers + More
Location: High Wire Distilling Co.
Details: For the 10th installment of its Edible Adventure series, the Festival brings Ramen Burger creator Keizo Shimamoto to Charleston for one night only to serve his famous dish following the southeastern premiere of Director Mike Fox’s Biting Into the Ramen Burger. Many more exotic flavors will be featured, from Chef Karl Palma’s Takoyaki Balls to Momofuku Milk Bar’s Compost Cookie and much more.

If this photo is any indication, this event is going to be a total blast (Photo Credit: Adam Chandler)

If this photo is any indication, this event is going to be a total blast (Photo Credit: Adam Chandler)

So go get your tickets (don’t forget to enter QUEENS10 at checkout to save 10%) and I’ll save you a seat!

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: I Want To Ride My Bicycle

March 10, 2014

This was my final weekend with Naomi visiting, which was kind of sad, but luckily the weather stopped being cold and rainy for us! We spent Saturday riding bikes from West Ashley to downtown. I was really impressed with us, although after biking 10.4 miles in 3 hours, we were pretty gross and exhausted.

I mean, we're still pretty cute for being windblown and sweaty.

I mean, we’re still pretty cute for being windblown and sweaty.

Also, as it turns out, going semi-vegan with Naomi was not as hard as I anticipated. Mostly due to the fact that Dell’z Deli exists and is open 6 days a week. I’m not even ashamed to say that we ate there 3 times. I could definitely go vegan full time if as long as I could eat at Dell’z most days.

Like these vegan nachos which are just as good, if not better, than the real thing.

Like these vegan nachos, which are just as good as–if not better than–the real thing.

Naomi and I also tried out a number of vegan-friendly hotspots around town like CO, Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen, The Rarebit, and Mellow Mushroom, which were all delicious, and Black Bean Company which really wasn’t. I really wanted to like it there, but it just wasn’t good. Especially when we asked about vegan desserts and the guy recommended the yogurt parfait. Yogurt? Really? Not to mention the fact that one of the reasons we chose to eat there in the first place was because they advertised a vegan brownie on their website. Just disappointment all around with BBCo. CO, Lee Lee’s, and Mellow were on point though. I think Naomi was sadder to leave behind all the delicious food than she was to say goodbye to me.

I spoil her.

I spoil her.

After dropping Naomi off at the airport, Lily and I went and saw Mr. Peabody & Sherman, which was really cute and funny and I highly recommend it. For dinner, I met some friends at Rutledge Cab Co. where we split a nutella milkshake (which is not as good as Nutella custard from Persimmon, just FYI) and an order of fish tacos, which were pretty delish. It was a decidedly better experience than my first visit, so maybe I’ll give their food another chance someday. This week is exciting because I’m going to see Aziz Ansari on Wednesday, FRONT ROW, which I’m so pumped about. I hope you all have a great week, too!

This is my "excited to see Aziz Ansari" face.

This is my “excited to see Aziz Ansari” face.

Quote of the Week

Quote of the Week 3/3/14

March 5, 2014

This week’s quote is in honor of my favorite vegan, my cousin Naomi. Enjoy!

“Calvin: Why are you crying mom?
Mom: I’m cutting up an onion.
Calvin: It must be hard to cook if you anthropomorphize your vegetables.”
–Bill Waterson, Calvin and Hobbes

 

 

POTATOES SCREAM WHEN YOU CUT THEM

VEGETABLES HAVE FEELINGS, TOO!

Events

Duvall Express Launch Party

February 10, 2014

A few weeks back, I was invited to attend the launch party for Duvall Express, a small event catering and event space in North Charleston, SC. The space is very multi-purpose, incorporating events, theater productions, catering kitchen, and serving as a “home base” for a number of the Lowcountry’s best food trucks. The event was in conjunction with Lowcountry Local First and consisted of many local vendors setting up tables in the space and offering samples of their products for everyone to try, in addition to the menu provided by Duvall Express.

You had me at "Mac and Cheese Buffet"

You had me at “Mac and Cheese Buffet”

Josh at Duvall Express was kind enough to give us the “Behind-The-Scenes” tour of the multiple kitchens (yes, there are more than one!) and the event spaces in their North Charleston facility. Duvall Express partnered with South Carolina vendors whose products they incorporated into their local-themed menu. It’s nice to see businesses focused on helping out local entrepreneurs. Couple that with the fact that pretty much everything that I tried from their catering menu was delicious, and you can bet I can’t wait to attend an event catered by Duvall Express!

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Duvall Express
2816 Azalea Dr
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 763-9222 ext. 20
Duvall Lite on Urbanspoon

Quote of the Week

Quote of the Week 10/14/13

October 15, 2013

The wedding was amazing, you guys. Seriously, it was the best wedding ever, and I kind of wish it would’ve gone on for like 3 more days. Most importantly, my cake turned out amazing.  I’ll post some pictures tomorrow (and hopefully I’ll get to Taste of Charleston by the end of the week. Sheesh, I’ve been busy!)

Today’s quote comes from The Naked Chef,  Jamie Oliver, and I think perfectly summarizes the way I felt about this weekend.

“If you can eat with mates or friends or family, I mean, it’s such a brilliant thing isn’t it? If you feel really rubbish and you have a nice bit of food, it makes you feel good, you know?”
— Jamie Oliver

Although, to be fair, you should probably add "alcohol"

Although, to be fair, you should probably adjust the ending to read “a nice bit of food AND ALCOHOL…”

Quote of the Week

Quote of the Week 7/29/13

July 30, 2013

Sorry I’ve been a little slack on the quotes this month. Things are finally starting to settle down, so I’ll be much more diligent (hopefully).

This week’s quote comes from Madeleine L’Engle, author of A Wrinkle In Time (among other things). This quote pretty much sums up my past couple of weeks. I may have been taking it a little too literally, and therefore am off to the gym. Ta ta!

“That’s something I’ve noticed about food: whenever there’s a crisis if you can get people to eating normally things get better. ”
–Madeleine L’Engle

If I'm ever in a crisis, someone should bring me mac and cheese.

If I’m ever in a crisis, someone should bring me mac and cheese.

Quote of the Week

Quote of the Week 6/17/13

June 17, 2013

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Mine was awesome (albeit busy), with a bunch of people visiting from out of town. First Taylor came with 2 of her friends, and then Lauren came Friday night, and Cullen and Ben’s friends Saturday afternoon. It was a whirlwind of games, wine coolers, lounging by the beach, lounging by the pool, watching movies, and eating. Basically all of my favorite things.

This week’s quote is in honor of my weekend spent with good friends (both new and old). Enjoy!

“Cooking is not about being the best or most perfect cook, but rather it is about sharing the table with family and friends.”
–Skye Gyngell, My Favorite Ingredients

Which is especially true if you're cooking brussels sprouts. Gross.

Which is especially true if you’re cooking brussels sprouts. Gross.