SISC's Profile
Asheville for Easter Weekend
Definitely try the truffles at The Chocolate Fetish while you are exploring downtown. They are the best.
Charleston Foodies - A ?
Trattoria Lucca is excellent. The food is fresh (seasonal), authentic, and affordable. The only downside is that it is extremely loud in there. Book a reservation if you go. The restaurant was featured in The Best of Charleston issue of the Charleston City Paper. I imagine they will be slammed this weekend.
question for Asheville hounds
They serve dinner as well do speak English, perhaps grudgingly so. If you are in Hendersonville, the options at Smiley's are likely just as good.
question for Asheville hounds
Taqueria Fast is definitely worth a try. I am no authority on Latin food, but it seems to be the most authentic in the area. The restaurant is very casual, you order from the counter and they bring the food out to you. Their food tastes fresh and has a decent amount of spice. The place gets packed at lunch time so you might want to plan your trip accordingly. Enjoy!
Where to eat with a toddler in Charleston, SC?
Three Little Birds on James Island is very family friendly. There are crayons on the table and they have a few good offerings for children. Just a thought.
Moose's BBQ - Moncks Corner, South Carolina
Nice review JayL. It sounds as if you salvaged your wife's relationship with 'Que. Well done.
question for Asheville hounds
North Asheville - Woodfin area on Weaverville BLVD.
175 Weaverville Rd # B
It is in a strip mall.
Charleston area for lunch: Carolina's or Woodlands?
Take it to the Carolina's board.
McCrady's Charlestown
McCrady's is on my list. I am intrigued by their approach to molecular gastronomy. Tell me, does every dish look like a science experiment? My notion is that I will go when I have a small appetite. The experience appears to be a more of a feast for the senses anyhow.
Gullah in South Carolina low country
After reading favorable reviews I went to Gullah Cuisine this afternoon. The lunch buffet for $7.25 was quite a good value. The bar was loaded with southern treats. I am a huge fried chicken fan. Their chicken was the best I've had in South Carolina (that argument deserves another thread). It was well seasoned and not very greasy at all. There were mostly thighs available (not my favorite) but they were quite good. The pulled pork was already sauced but it had a great smokey flavor. The collards were not overly seasoned which is a plus in my book. The only items that were lackluster were the okra and tomatoes which had an old-shoe flavor. The mashed potatoes were out of a box. The banana pudding was the jello-type mix. Otherwise I found the selection to be a great representation of southern cooking for a price that can't be beat.
I expected the decor to be plastic table cloths on picnic tables. Not so. The restaurant has a classy, down-home vibe to it. There are antique cabinets with preserves and pickles displayed. It is a really nice atmosphere to enjoy good southern food.
We will return.
Road trip from Tampa to Asheville: Where 2 Eat????
Oh, and another thing. While you are at truffle fest you should try the chocolate truffles offered at The Chocolate Fetish in downtown Asheville. They are the best chocolatiers I have found in the Southeast. The Ecstasy truffles are so decadent. I think what sets them apart is the subtlety of the ganache and the high quality chocolate blends they use. My favorites are the Ancient Pleasures (a blend of spiciness and sweetness), Champagne, and Dragon's Kiss ( a hint of wasabi). Visiting the store is a great experience and you can see the chocolate being made from windows in the back of the store. Enjoy.
Bessinger's BBQ - Charleston, SC
Gotcha. I know Maurice's BBQ empire in Columbia is associated with the Bessinger family. It sounds as if all of the restaurants feature a similar style BBQ. Thanks for clarifying.
Road trip from Tampa to Asheville: Where 2 Eat????
I am sure you will find more than a few recommendations for 12 Bones in the River District for BBQ. I think the owners are originally from Texas, but they do a fine job. Truffle Fest looks interesting.
Bessinger's BBQ - Charleston, SC
Forgive me for being such a noob, but is there much of a difference between Bessinger's and Melvin's?
Florida Hound in Charleston.. MUST HAVE BBQ!?!
I'll second the Home Team BBQ recommendation. Their smoked chicken wings are money. It will be busy up there this weekend with the Blues Bash going on.
Asheville Area- Dining out despite economic downturn
When money is tight I always gravitate towards Latin cuisine. Don Papas in the South Asheville/ Arden area is a great Cali-Mex restaurant. The habanero burrito is a flavorful blend of smokey spice and cooling queso. Wednesday and Friday nights they offer half price margaritas.
Taqueria Fast is my pick for North Asheville. There is a no-frills attitude at this place. Lunch times are always packed with immigrant construction workers eating and drinking beers. The food is good, fast, and cheap.
