Thanks for all the specific insights on how to make Christmas memorable in China. I really like knowing we can ask to bring in good wine! We will be traveling with family and will enjoy Christmas chinese style I think. If anyone else has special restaurants they can recommend where we might make this happen I would sure appreciate them. Will let you know how it goes when we return!
On a side note , we will also be in Shanghai for several days before. Any great ideas for your hometown? Thanks.

Here's another option for a great Happy Hour- Carolina's. it is an upscale historic restaraunt with a great $5 menu for happy hour and deals on all wine. It is next to Charleston Beer Exchange if you want to pick up something interesting for your hotel room later. I like the bar and the scene at both Pearlz and Amen but wouldn't sit at a table for a full meal at either.
Skip Fleet Landing. Music and scene at both Charleston Grill and High Cotton are nice and old school. You may consider saving a bit and bellying up to the High Cotton Bar for their Happy Hour Bar Menu and enjoy the Music and Discounted Drinks. They also have some tables in the bar area to enjoy these specials.
As far as my favorite raw bar experience it would have to be Hanks. You get what you pay for when it comes to raw seafood I believe.
Fig is a good choice but allow time.
Have you considered Husk? A table might be difficult but the bar next door is VERY cool. McGrady's Chef Brock is chef here. All local regional food sourcing and modern but not stuffy.

One final word of caution- skip the oyster shooter if you go to Pearlz.. Cheap warm vodka wreck the oyster. It made a couple of must do lists and I gave it a try. I regret that decision deeply ( hours of bad taste memories!).
ENJOY!

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Charleston Grill
224 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
186 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401

I agree with Cavier and Bananas recomendation. Also like Ted's Butcher Block and they are accepting resevations on cooked turkeys -www.tedsbutcherblock.com/ . All their stuff is first rate and you can even pick up wine! Hope it helps and enjoy Charleston!

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Butcher Block
3022 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959

My family will be heading to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beiijing this Christmas. We have our basic sight list but are looking for restaurant ideas. We want tradition chinese food as well as some luxury holiday experiences. Any favorites or seasonal specials would be welcome. Also as we are in Beijing for Christmas itself would like a place for a special dinner there beyond overpriced hotel ballrooms. Ideas? Thanks for the info and help!

Sadly sienna has closed.

I love Mcgrady's and Pennisula Grill for special nights. Virginia's on King is fun casual. Carolina's has a great happy hour menu at the bar with $5 wines and foods in nice atmosphere.Magnolia's does a great lunch.Enjoy Charleston and order seafood when possible!

Here's a off the menu secret...Shhhh..if you go to Daniel island to Sienna (upscale italian) and ask for a burger you will get what I think beats them all with great fries to boot. They use to have a bar menu with it on it but now it's a secret worth knowing.

I have to go with Jack's Cosmic dog in Mt Pleasant Sc. The place is retro cool, fries hot, owner present, and options endless. I like the rocket dog myself. And Alton Brown from food network fame calls it "the best hot dog I've had anywhere.Ever."A fun post beach pit stop from Isle of Palms.

Having recently moved here from DC I am suffering from all things asian withdrawal! I love chinese,dim sum, thai, and vietnemese food. I have had some luck buying ingredients and cooking myself at H&L market. Also enjoyed Basil and Dragon Palace(although both seem overpriced a bit). Any hidden asian hotspots out there?Help!

Anyone still considering this option should be brave and try the fresh spring rolls or PHo. No it isn't saigon good but in Charleston it stands up. Point to the menu when ordering! The bbq meats were less satisfying.