634835 Wed Jul 08 06:46:45 -0700 2009 12 11 South 0 4839004 Southern Hounds - My family and I will be in Charleston next week on my wife's birthday and I'd like to take her out for a nice, tasty, fine, fine dinner. We're open to any type of cuisine, but would prefer something truly representative of Charleston's Southern cuisine and culture. Perhaps there's something waterfront you all can suggest? My thanks. Cocinero Cubano Wed Jul 08 06:46:45 -0700 2009 14276 Cocinero Cubano 1 4839563 For some reason ocean front and fine dining do not go hand in hand in Charleston, however I think there are two restaurants at the Kiawah Island Resort that are ocean front. I would look at the menus at both The Atlantic Room and The Ocean Room, I haven't eaten at either, but I have heard good things. There is also Huck's Lowcountry Table on Isle of Palms, it is not fine dining but they have excellent food with a terrific view of the ocean. If you do not want to leave historic downtown, either Charleston Grill or Peninsula Grill would fit the bill. Wed Jul 08 09:22:36 -0700 2009 4839004 11327 lizzy 1 4839794 I don't know about waterfront either. But for the real Charleston low country deal, it is hard to go wrong in the historic district with: 82 Queen: http://www.82queen.com/ High Cotton or SNOB: http://www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com/hc_splash.html Enjoy! Wed Jul 08 10:28:50 -0700 2009 4839004 1091146 gbandu 2 4841193 Do NOT go to 82 Queen. Good lord, that place is awful. Just sayin'. Wed Jul 08 16:27:40 -0700 2009 4839794 35409 uptown jimmy 3 4848121 What's happened to 82 Queen? Maybe it's been a year - but it was always solid when I was there more regularly. Fri Jul 10 19:11:57 -0700 2009 4841193 1091146 gbandu 3 4887217 My wife and I went to 82 Queen Wednesday night and had a very good dinner. The Shrimp in Tasso Gravy appetizer was excellent as was the Frogmore Stew. The Crab Cake appetizer and the Jambalaya, while not exceptional, were very good. The only downside was that the Jambalaya and the Stew were both over twenty dollars. Fri Jul 24 09:26:33 -0700 2009 4841193 322234 NorthShoreFoodie 1 4840909 Here's a recent report from a chowhoud. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/618283 Wed Jul 08 14:54:57 -0700 2009 4839004 152490 JaneWinston 1 4841019 You will not go wrong with the Peninsula Grill at 112 N Market St Charleston SC. It is a quiet place with wonderful food. I would also go for the Charleston Grill in Charlestonton Place. Fig is also good, But I really think the Peninsula Grill will knock it out of the park. Make reservations and let them k now it is a special day. I always do and ask for a glass of Champaign as soon as we get in the door. Good luck and wish her a Happy Birthday ffrom the Bannisters. Wed Jul 08 15:25:55 -0700 2009 4839004 164660 JB BANNISTER 1 4843410 Several times a year, I drive two hours and stay overnight just to dine at McCrady's. Read what Chuckeats.com has to say about chef Brock. Thu Jul 09 10:46:17 -0700 2009 4839004 54994 DaleJ 1 4848719 I agree with DaleJ Mcrady's is the way to go. I have taken two trips to Charleston just to eat Sean Brocks food. They do great things with great products. Sat Jul 11 06:45:10 -0700 2009 4839004 1087606 tucker2217 1 4850251 I have been to Tristan in the French Quarter Inn on Church St (a couple of doors down from the market). I have been for lunch and dinner and it has always been excellent. Sat Jul 11 20:28:00 -0700 2009 4839004 20923 rmthuring 1 4870622 FIG is wonderful, the chef just one Best Chef Southeast at the James Beards this year. Peninsula Grlll is great as well. McCrady's is a beautiful restaurant, but I thought the food was a little underwhelming. FIG is my current favorite, but if you want more traditional southern food, I would go with Peninsula Grill, SNOB, or Anson (very traditional). Sat Jul 18 16:14:35 -0700 2009 4839004 1094781 burke.becky 1 4880549 Penisula Grill, Penisula Grill, Penisula Grill. Why? First off, the dining room is gorgeous, sophisticated, and elegant in the most understated way. Second the service is near perfect, attentive but not overly so. This is a place where you can have great fun with your waiter and sommelier creating a superb dining experience. And saving the best for last, the food is pretty near divine. Honestly we've never had anything mediocre there. If you go, tell the the lucky birthday girl their coconut cake is legendary and deservedly so. Happy Birthday! Wed Jul 22 08:32:10 -0700 2009 4839004 191097 By the Sea