My favorites...so far

Charleston has an incredible local restaurant list! When I first moved here I was overwhelmed and want to go to everyone in the first month. Of course that is beyond impossible. So I started to research the top eateries I had to try in the few precious years I would have here. I have munched my way through a bit of my list, but I keep added more all the time!! At this rate, we'll have to be stationed here at least 20 more times for me to get through them all. BUT I am doing my best and I have fallen in love with many, but there are a few that rise above the others.

McCrady's- Located downtown off East Bay Street, McCrady's has many things to boast about. First, their Executive Chef Sean Brock is a James Beard award winning chef. And once you go there, you'll know exactly why. The food is fresh and always in season. He does a brilliant job at bringing new ideas to your plate. I have been there twice and both times we had fabulous food and even better service. The fact they I have gone back again, shows you how much I like it. I do not go to the same fine dining restaurant twice very often. Why? I have a huge list to get through!! I recommend the cheese plate, any lamb dish they have on their menu, and their desserts.

Morgan Creek Grill (upper deck)- There is nothing like living in a vacation town and Morgan Creek Grill always takes the cares away. Its name is exactly where it's at, on a creek near IOP. It's the type of place you got to after a long week of work or a hard day of being a beach bum. The deck is open and looks over the creek. You can watch the boats sail in and out while you munch on their fabulous Pico de Gallo and yummy fruity cocktails. Great place to catch up with you loved one after a wicked week, or laugh all night with your favorite friends. Usually they have live music on Friday and Saturday nights. It can get loud, so do not go during the live music times if you are trying to have a deep conversation. But if you want to feel like you right out of a certain Otis Redding song, then check out this traditional beach (creek) side food, stress-free gem hidden on IOP.

Dragon Place Chinese Bistro-I love American Chinese food (very few places in N. America actually serve authentic Chinese cuisine, so I call it American Chinese), but there really is not many quality American Chinese restaurants in Charleston. Dragon Place on Daniel Island is one of the few American Chinese places I do like in Charleston. It's a great little sit down, but of course they have take out. I love the mandarin orange beef. Another reason I like this place over other American Chinese places in Charleston is the food does not feel as heavy and I like that it's a nice sit down American Chinese restaurant.

Poogan's Porch-Most people have visited this classic Charleston downtown house turned restaurant. Honestly I only really like 2 things on the menu, but OMG those 2 things are worth dying for. In fact, I go to Heaven every time I eat Chef Daniel Doyle's Gouda Mac and Cheese!! I usually order a double serving...all for myself. I also love their biscuits. They are fresh, warm and melt in your mouth! I do not mind the fact that I gain at least 5lbs after I eat there. I do recommend if you have yet to try it that you go during their anniversary week at the end of January. Their prices are what they were when they opened in 1976 and they bring back some of their old recipes.

Poe's Tavern- I like everything about this shack near the beach. I love the location off of Sullivan's Island, the Edgar Allen Poe theme, great burgers, fries, and shrimp tacos. It can be tough to get a set, but always a great day when you get to chill at Poe's and enjoy the food and Charleston beach flare.

O'Hara and Flynn-I love Europe and REALLY adore Paris! O & F is a great cheese and wine bar that brings me back to a cafe in Europe. It's great for after a fabulous, but HOT day shopping downtown or if you just want to chat over a great plate of cheese and the best Riesling I have ever had. I do not even know the name of the wine. I only know it by sight LOL!!! BUT it's delicious.

There are many more restaurants I could gush about, but these are the ones that either the whole experience resonates with me or they just have certain dishes that I literally want to eat every single living day!!

So since I still have a LARGE list to devourer, I'll continue my adventure through the scrumptious local tastes of Charleston and discover new favorites. Cannot wait to hear what your favorite restaurant is! Bon Appetit!