Charlesmopolitan

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Blamping

Boat Glamping

A frozen Himalayan salt block makes for great cold appetizers and incorporates a light salty flavor. Place the salt block in the freezer for about 3 hours prior to serving. Here is fresh watermelon, feta cheese crumbles, and mint leaves.

Emma enjoys blamping very much.

Jeweled top from J. Crew

+J.Crew

We headed off on the dinghy for dinner at the restaurant California Dreaming.

Purse from BCBG

+BCBG Max Azria

California Dreaming in Charleston is located over the bridge in West Ashley, on the water . One may describe their food as upscale bar food. Salads are huge and they always come with a "sticky" croissant roll. Warning, they are delicious but full of sugar. A salad there is a hearty meal, California Dreaming doesn't mess around with portion sizes. All in all, their food is delicious and the view is incredible. I wasn't feeling like a salad, so I went for some devilish chicken fingers. They are surprisingly the best I have ever had.

"Hey Mark, look at that cute dog over there..."

Whoops, thanks for the french fry!

To Be Continued...

California Dreaming Restaurant And Bar on Urbanspoon

Friday, September 13, 2013

4 in 1

Four of our favorite little establishments, all in one night!

The restaurant, FIG (Food Is Good), does not participate in Restaurant week. If you decide last minute to dine at FIG, you won't be able to find a table or a spot at the bar. Try to plan reservations at least a week in advance if not earlier. Otherwise, you can try a seat at the restaurant's community table. We were lucky enough to take the last two.

Clam chowder, not a traditional clam chowder with a heavy creamy base. This clam chowder had a light, tasty broth with fresh clams in their shell. Delicious!

Ricotta gnocci. This also was not a heavy filling gnocci, it was light and savory.

Zucchini wrapped grouper in a tomato coulis...

A night is never complete without a visit to our favorite wine bar, Bin 152. It is a beautifully romantic space located on King Street right at the corner of King and Queen Streets.

Syrups to add to your water if you prefer not to drink. These are very common aperitifs in France.

Around the corner from Bin 152 is the famous Husk restaurant that is swarmed with good press. They too have some amazing food. Bon Appetit named it " The Best New Restaurant in America" in 2011.
Husk is the same as FIG, you must make reservations a week in advance to eat there. Sunday brunches may be an exception to that rule. If you are visiting Charleston and forgot to make reservations, try Sunday brunch. There is no guarantee of a seat but you may only have a 20 minute wait. There is seating on the porch and you can enjoy a mojito, bloody mary, or mimosa while you wait. Equally delicious and unique food. The menu changes daily so check it out here.

To the right of the restaurant, an old kitchen house serves as their cozy little bar. We headed to Husk bar after Bin 152.

The bar used to only serve their famous burger and some cheese and charcuterie, but now they are stepping it up. You may now order a salad, wings, ribs, etc. :)

Lastly, Kaminsky's is a must for a late night treat. It's the kind of place to head to when you don't quite want to go home yet because you are still enjoying yourself and each other. And it's the place to get some yummy amazing sweets!