All Things Charleston

All Things Charleston: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Celebration

February 9, 2016 by Gail

It’s that time of year again…whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.

For you single ladies, we here at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction have the perfect V-Day pick-me-up for you. It’s called Galentine’s Day, and it’s all about celebrating love and friendship with your closest gal pals.

For couples, we’ve selected some of Charleston’s most romantic restaurants for you to wine and dine with your sweetie.

Whether you surprise your special someone with a reservation at one of the best restaurants in Charleston, or you spend the afternoon at the spa with the girls, we’ve got you covered.

Here are our top romantic restaurant picks that are sure to make the day special:

Charleston Grill

Charleston Grill is the perfect setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with your special someone. From the luxurious jazz lounge atmosphere and live music to the delectable food, everything about Charleston Grill is indulgent. Their ever-changing menu is divided into four distinct sections, so whether you’re in the mood for southern comfort, exotic flavors, simple classics, or something more decadent, this unique restaurant has a little bit of everything.

Peninsula Grill

Located in Charleston’s Historic District, Peninsula Grill proudly emanates the charm and class of an era gone by. Every detail, from the wrought iron gate that borders the restaurant to the candlelit tables and stunning courtyard, exudes elegance and sophistication. And of course, the food is unforgettable as well. It is prepared under the direction of Executive Chef Graham Dailey, who has studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and has been featured on several national news programs. Having dinner here with your favorite person sounds like the perfect Valentine’s Day plan.

Fulton Five

Fulton Five is a charming Italian bistro that has been voted “Most Romantic Restaurant” from 1998-2014 by the Charleston City Paper. With its ivy-covered storefront, candlelit tables, and an impressive selection of fine wines and Italian cuisine, it’s easy to see why. If you’re struggling to come up with Valentine’s Day date ideas, you can’t go wrong with a reservation for Fulton Five.

Circa 1886 Restaurant

Circa 1886 is the place to go for a modern spin on Southern classics. Using whole grains, seasonal ingredients, and less butter and cream than you’d expect, Circa 1886s Chef Marc Collins has created a unique menu that has become a staple of the Charleston dining scene. Circa 1886 has been rated among the best in both local and national publications, including USA Today, Forbes, and Country Living. It will make the perfect location for your Valentine’s Day date or girls’ night out.

For the single ladies looking to start a new Galentine’s Day tradition, spend the day with your closest girlfriends at one of these locations in Charleston:

Cooking Classes at Charleston Cooks

Brush up on your culinary skills at Charleston Cooks! More than just a kitchen retail store, Charleston Cooks offers a range of cooking classes that will teach you how to make a whole meal from scratch. Classes cover everything from vegetarian cuisine to “Charleston Sunday Brunch,” so check their class schedule and sign your crew up today!

Afternoon Tea at Charleston Place

Get your best friends together and make a reservation for Afternoon Tea at Charleston Place. During Afternoon tea, you will be treated to an assortment of scones, cakes, crumpets, and sandwiches, and of course, a delicious pot of freshly brewed tea. This would make a delightfully unexpected location for your Galentine’s Day celebration.

Drinks at The Gin Joint

The Gin Joint is the perfect Galentine’s Day location for those of you with an adventurous palate. The Gin Joint specializes in handcrafted cocktails and upscale bar food. You can choose from a tempting selection of signature drinks, or if you’re feeling daring, pick two adjectives from the list on the menu (like sweet and refreshing) and let the bartender surprise you. Stop by for Cocktail Hour Monday through Thursday from 5-7, or make a reservation for a great Girl’s Night Out.

Have a Spa Day

Before you go out on the town, spend the day pampering yourself at the spa—you deserve it! Treat yourself to a deep tissue massage at The Spa at Charleston Place, a cocoa shea butter wrap at Urban Nirvana, or a cleansing facial at Stella Nova. There’s nothing better than looking and feeling your best, so take the time out for some serious me time!

Any one of these amazing locations would be a great place to spend this Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day.

The most important part is whom you spend it with. Make your reservations today, and ensure that this V-Day will be a memorable one.

Easy Recipes for Classic Charleston Dishes

January 5, 2016 by Gail

We are so blessed to live an area rich with history and beautiful surroundings, but it wouldn’t be the same without the delicious, classic Charleston dishes our area is famous for.

If you’re new to the area or would like to find out how to make these scrumptious recipes at home, we want to share our 4 absolute favorites.

However, some of these Charleston dishes can be a little complicated, so we went on a mission to find some simpler recipes for these classics.

Bon appétit!

Lowcountry Boil

With “Lowcountry” in the title, you know this is a uniquely Charleston meal. A delicious mixture of corn, potatoes, sausage, and shrimp thrown into a big pot of boiling water, this meal is quick to make and yields large portions.

Check out the recipe here.

Shrimp and Grits

You haven’t lived if you haven’t eaten your share of Charleston shrimp and grits! If you’re looking to make this classic recipe at home, it can seem a little daunting with all of the recipes available.

However, if you’re looking for a quintessential Lowcountry shrimp and grits, you absolutely can’t forget the bacon! We found an easy recipe that doesn’t lose the delicious Charleston taste.

Check out the recipe here.

She-Crab Soup

Often called Charleston’s signature dish, She Crab soup is an evolution of Scottish seafood bisque—a rich recipe that combines blue crab meat with a hearty cream soup that is finished with a dash of dry sherry.

Fun fact: the dish was served to President Taft in 1909 during his visit to Charleston to give him a taste of the local fare.

Locals enjoy the recipe year-round, but the soup is uniquely a holiday specialty in the Lowcountry.

Check out the recipe here.

Benne Wafers

Benne Wafers are a delicious example of the plantation era ingenuity—a recipe that only consists of a few primary ingredients: butter, brown sugar, flour, and toasted sesame seeds. They’re sweet, crunchy, and irresistible!

Tradition even says they invoke good luck!

Check out the recipe here.

Did we forget one of your favorite classic Charleston dishes?

Please share below!

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: Charleston recipes, classic Charleston recipes, Easy Recipes for Classic Charleston Dishes

Charleston Holiday Events

December 1, 2015 by Gail

The holidays are such a special time of year in Charleston—there’s just that feeling of indescribable magic in the air.

The beautiful Christmas lights, lit menorahs, and festive store displays—the holidays brings so much joy and fun.

We’ve compiled a list of holiday events in the Charleston area to get you and your loved ones in the spirit.

December 2—Historic Holiday Event at The Charleston Museum

The Charleston Museum is hosting their annual Holiday Workshop. Children can sip on hot chocolate and cookies, while they decorate the exhibit and create decorations to bring home.

This event is free for members and only $5 for non-members.