From freshly harvested shrimp glistening atop locally ground grits to a towering slice of the legendary coconut cake at Peninsula Grill, visitors to Charleston have a wealth of gastronomical delights within walking distance
With the advent of guided culinary tours that take guests behind the scenes at some of the city's most revered dining establishments (complete with samples!), it's become easier than ever to experience Charleston's culinary history firsthand—and first-tongue.
Tour groups are a common sight; dozens of people riding in horse-drawn carriages or meandering down city streets, with knowledgeable guides leading the way. But for the true aesthete, there's nothin' finer than the food in Carolina. What better way to nourish both mind and belly than with an educational journey into the heart of Lowcountry cooking?
Bulldog Tours founder John LaVerne knows tours. For more than 20 years, LaVerne has taken adventurous explorers down the bumpy roads of Charleston's history, first as a guide, then as the owner of a successful walking-tour business. Last year, he added culinary tours to his company's roster after purchasing Culinary Tours of Charleston from Carolina Food Pros. He prides himself on the expertise of his staff, filled with well-versed scholars of "Holy City" arcana.
"Charleston has such a unique culinary history that needs to be shared," LaVerne says. "Folks who aren't from Charleston or the South gain a newfound appreciation for why our food is the best anywhere. I think it rivals any cuisine out there in the world, and that's a big part of why Charleston has become a hot destination for people; we've got awesome food, recipes and world-renowned chefs."
The Savor the Flavors of Charleston tour blends facts with victuals, giving visitors an opportunity to learn how the thin, sesame-based cookies known as benne wafers made the journey from East Africa to the Lowcountry, or why grits are stone-ground. Southern staples like collards, barbecue and sweet tea are all on the menu, too, and with the bonus of a guide to enlighten tasters about the stories behind them.
For the curious home cook, the Charleston Chef's Kitchen tour offers a chance to peek behind the wizards' curtains and into the workspaces of some of the town's finest and most innovative chefs. Many of the restaurants on the tour have been around for decades, and most of them are chock-full of interesting tales about the recurring renaissances of Charleston's culinary scene, while others specializing in the dazzling science of molecular gastronomy are at the cutting-edge of cuisine.
The two distinct tours offered by Culinary Tours of Charleston each last two-and-a-half hours, with stops at restaurants including Cypress, McCrady's, Magnolia's, Tristan, High Cotton, Blossom, Carolina's, The Noisy Oyster and Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, plus the chance to round out the trip with a nibble on pralines and other sweet treats at Lucas Belgian Chocolate and River Street Sweets. And what's the best part of all? Walking off the calories, of course!
Housed in a spectacular setting on Broad Street which features arched doors, eighteen foot ceilings, mahogany paneling and 150 year old heart of pine floors. The menu, composed of traditional items such as Steak Tartare, Shrimp Cocktail, Porterhouse and New York Strip, appears to offer classic steakhouse fare. At second glance, it weaves Italian flavors and dishes throughout. Serving dinner Monday through Saturday, 5pm until 11pm. Sunday Brunch 11 am until 3pm.
Inventive cuisine. Fresh from the farm. Named one of the Top Ten Restaurants in North America by Opinionated About Dining. McCrady's Restaurant, located in an historic 1778 Georgian public house, offers an award-winning dining experience with the best of new Southern cuisine. Chef Sean Brock's (2008 James Beard Rising Star Chef Nominee) sensationally presented dishes one of Charleston's most extensive wine lists. Private dining available in the spectacular Long Room, Gallery, Chef's Room, and Cypress Room.
Welcome to pure Charleston. An atmosphere rich in Lowcountry high-life since antebellum times. A hearty, southern menu, featuring regional favorites, steaks, game and fresh seafood – all prepared with the famous Maverick artistry. Also known for our award-winning wine selection and irresistible desserts. Don’t miss the High Cotton bar, one of the area’s most popular watering holes. Downtown Charleston. Tel: 843-724-3815. Dinner nightly. Lunch Saturday. Brunch Sunday.
With the advent of guided culinary tours that take guests behind the scenes at some of the city's most revered dining establishments (complete with samples!), it's become easier than ever to experience Charleston's culinary history firsthand—and first-tongue.
"Charleston has such a unique culinary history that needs to be shared," LaVerne says. "Folks who aren't from Charleston or the South gain a newfound appreciation for why our food is the best anywhere. I think it rivals any cuisine out there in the world, and that's a big part of why Charleston has become a hot destination for people; we've got awesome food, recipes and world-renowned chefs."
For the curious home cook, the Charleston Chef's Kitchen tour offers a chance to peek behind the wizards' curtains and into the workspaces of some of the town's finest and most innovative chefs. Many of the restaurants on the tour have been around for decades, and most of them are chock-full of interesting tales about the recurring renaissances of Charleston's culinary scene, while others specializing in the dazzling science of molecular gastronomy are at the cutting-edge of cuisine.
Housed in a spectacular setting on Broad Street which features arched doors, eighteen foot ceilings, mahogany paneling and 150 year old heart of pine floors. The menu, composed of traditional items such as Steak Tartare, Shrimp Cocktail, Porterhouse and New York Strip, appears to offer classic steakhouse fare. At second glance, it weaves Italian flavors and dishes throughout. Serving dinner Monday through Saturday, 5pm until 11pm. Sunday Brunch 11 am until 3pm.
Inventive cuisine. Fresh from the farm. Named one of the Top Ten Restaurants in North America by Opinionated About Dining. McCrady's Restaurant, located in an historic 1778 Georgian public house, offers an award-winning dining experience with the best of new Southern cuisine. Chef Sean Brock's (2008 James Beard Rising Star Chef Nominee) sensationally presented dishes one of Charleston's most extensive wine lists. Private dining available in the spectacular Long Room, Gallery, Chef's Room, and Cypress Room.
Welcome to pure Charleston. An atmosphere rich in Lowcountry high-life since antebellum times. A hearty, southern menu, featuring regional favorites, steaks, game and fresh seafood – all prepared with the famous Maverick artistry. Also known for our award-winning wine selection and irresistible desserts. Don’t miss the High Cotton bar, one of the area’s most popular watering holes. Downtown Charleston. Tel: 843-724-3815. Dinner nightly. Lunch Saturday. Brunch Sunday.
