Husk or McCrady's?

[lichow]

With all the great help from fellow Chowhounds, this NYer is planning next weeks visit (the eating part). The one dilemma--Thursday night dinner. Doing SNOB Wednesday night (and probably lunches outside the city too!) but can't decide on Thursday dinner between Sean Brock's two places....any thoughts that could sway my choice either way? Thank you!

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

[lichow]

Well we solved the Husk/McCrady's decision by doing both. Two completely different experiences. While both were great, my husband and I both agreed McCrady's was one of the best meals--and dining experiences--we have ever had. Everything is done with either 3- or 4-course meals; we opted for 4. Each course was small enough that at the end we were not overly stuffed--like we have been too often this vacation-- but not at all hungry either. Just perfect sizes and perfectly crafted food. Each course was like a little work of art. And we did a 1/2 glass wine tasting with each course, chosen by the wonderful (young, female) sommelier. Really, everything was perfect. Not cheap, but to these NYers, a very good deal for how well we ate.

Husk too was wonderful; great food but much more chill atmosphere and younger crowd. At 10PM we were the last diners at McCrady's; 10PM at Husk they were still seating. Wonderful food as well; that man Sean Brock can COOK. Also both had fabulous "artisinal" cocktails that we very much enjoyed. Husk had a wine list divided by terroir, which is the first time I have seen that. Along with the fried chicken skins we had with them....oh man, happy fat overload. But they were so light and crunchy and outrageous-tasting.

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

[Sue in Mt P]

Now that's my kind of problem solving! So glad you are having fun. Just try not to melt. What's next on your list?

[EllenColatown]

Haven't made it into McCrady's yet, but have dined at Husk twice and thoroughly enjoyed both visits. Slip in for lunch without reservations and get fine food priced much less than dinner menu. Definitely visit the bar next door just for the experience if nothing else. (But there's great stuff here.)

Also adore Cru Cafe - Can't miss. Very happy with the Sunday brunch my husband and I had at Poogan's Porch this Spring when we couldn't get into the packed Hominy Grill.

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

Poogan's Porch
72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

Hominy Grill
207 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

[lichow]

AH....as NYer I want "Southern" food (much as I love suckling pig). Sue in Mt P; they are surprisingly outdated on their websites with menus....we actually had a reservation at McCrady's and then saw Husk's menu and it looked so good--but both are from June. And we have one at S.N.O.B as well. Thanks for replies!

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

[Sue in Mt P]

That's why I think you should call. They change menus often to reflect what's currently fresh. It's ALL Southern food, so wherever you end up that's what you'll get.

[lynnlato]

If you do go to Husk, get the country ham sampler. That's the best thing on the menu. And be sure to visit the bar which is in the neighboring bldg. Great atmosphere there and some good crafted cocktails... not to mention a big, honkin' country ham that they slice right at the bar. ;-)

Enjoy!

p.s. Hi Sue!!! ;-)

[Sue in Mt P]

Hi lynn!

I'll do that next time. I had no idea.

lichow, you will be fine. Your choices are great. You said you'll do lunches outside the HD-what are your picks?

[slotmansc]

Oh man! Just got back from spending a couple days with my daughter in Charleston, and we had our first dinner at FIG. The coddled egg, trotters, and ricotta gnocchi made the dinner! Our entrees of pork shoulder and wagyu steak were outstanding also, but next time we'll just order all the apps for our dinner. Best meal I've had in a long time.

[lynnlato]

I too loved the ricotta gnocchi (ours had a lamb ragu). Glad you enjoyed it. It's an amazing place.

[slotmansc]

Had lunch at Cru on Saturday. That was great also. Really enjoyed the farmers market on the square as well. Had some amazing cheese from a vendor there.

[lynnlato]

Cru is another favorite of mine. In fact, I was going to suggest to the OP to go there for some good southern fare instead of Husk or McGrady's but I didn't. I love eating on the porch (when it's not ridiculously hot out).

Good cheese? Yum I can dig that. For good pimento cheese check out Burbage's Grocery - that's damned good pimento cheese and I was turned onto it by the food editor of The Charlotte Observer. It's a neat locally owned neighborhood market in town. They have a small butcher and they make to-order sandwiches also. AND they carry Zapp's chips which won them extra points from me ( they also were kind enough to fill our cooler with ice for our day trip to the beach).

[slotmansc]

Thanks for the rec on Burbage's. Going back there to move my daughter into a new house next week, so I'll check it out. And she loves my pimento cheese, so it might be a nice surprise for her. And I love Zapp's(think spicy creole tomato)!

[lynnlato]

Skip both, and snag a reservation at FIG and order the suckling pig. Trust me!

[Sue in Mt P]

You know I concur! I also recommend the pate.

[Sue in Mt P]

I don't think you can go wrong with either. Husk smells like bacon at all times.

Why don't you call each when you get here, find out about the specials, and see which one sounds good. You'll need a reservation for Husk.