Charleston: 3 dinners...down to 5 choices

[kingwaka]

Hi fellow Chowhounders,

I know there have been plenty of posts on some of the better restaurants in Charleston. I have read most of them, and am still having trouble deciding on where to eat.

We have three dinners while we are in town, and I have narrowed it down to 5 choices. Any help picking would be greatly appreciate. Recent positive of negative experiences would be very helpful.

The choices:

SNOB
Peninsula Grill
McCrady's
Fig
Magnolia's

Thanks!

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McCrady's Restaurant
2 Unity Alley, Charleston, SC 29401

Peninsula Grill
112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401

[Littleman]

That's easy. Peninsula Gril, McCrady's and FIG. Have lunch at SNOB and Magnolia's.

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McCrady's Restaurant
2 Unity Alley, Charleston, SC 29401

[Sue in Mt P]

Well done, Littleman.
I concur. Don't forget to get the cake at PG.

[LaLa]

plus 3!

[kingwaka]

Thanks for the quick replies!

Including the 3 dinners, we have a Saturday lunch and a Sunday brunch. Magnolia's does both, but it is my understanding that SNOB does not do either.

So right now, I was thinking of doing:

Friday Dinner: Fig
Saturday lunch: Cru Cafe
Saturday Dinner: Peninsula
Sunday Brunch: Magnolia's
Sunday Dinner: McCrady's

I have also heard very good things about 39 Rue de jean...but I think it will have to wait for another trip.

Does the itinerary sound like I am hitting the right spots?

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McCrady's Restaurant
2 Unity Alley, Charleston, SC 29401

[Sue in Mt P]

Rue de Jean is fun but a little noisy for my taste. You are right about weekend lunch at SNOB. Their sister restaurant High Cotton does lunch/brunch on weekends.

I like your list. Cru is one of my favorites. Eat indoors if you don't like horses-it's right across from the carriage house.

[kingwaka]

Thanks Sue. We are going in a couple of months, so it should be quite hot. Does the restaurant sit people outside in the dead of summer?

[kingwaka]

Here is another question for the board.

Based on my list...are there any 'must have' dishes that I need to make sure to get? I know about the coconut cake at PG and the mac & cheese at Cru Cafe. Anything else? I realize that some places are going to have menus that constantly change...but if there are any standouts, I'd love to hear them.

[Sue in Mt P]

Yes, restaurants will seat outside even in the heat. Be sure to have shrimp and grits. Shrimp is in season and it is delish. Have some fried green tomatoes and she crab. Magnolia's does both of those well. Get whatever FIG has on special. Same at McCrady's. If somebody has wreckfish get it. The General Tso's at Cru is wonderful also.

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McCrady's Restaurant
2 Unity Alley, Charleston, SC 29401

[Eric Panic]

If the Peninsula Grill hes the lamb porterhouses as a special, get them. I had them back in March and still daydream about them - what an excellent dish.

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Peninsula Grill
112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401

[kingwaka]

Thanks Eric...Lamb has a special place in my heart, so I will be on the lookout for the porterhouse.

[morningsidelisa]

Chocolate Pecan Torte with Raspberry Sabayon at Cypress Grill. Sublime, crunchy textured, multi-flavored.
Oyster+Sashimi with mirin glaze (can't remember exact name of dish)also at Cypress.
Great blend of flavors, each remaining distinct (appetizer)

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Cypress Grill
1520 Stewart St, Jamesville, NC 27846