Johns Island Restaurant Gems

Johns Island is a bit of trek for me to go to for cuisine, but finally after 4 years of being in Charleston I hopped over try two of their treasured gems, Fat Hen and Wild Olive.
 
Fat Hen

A neighborhood restaurant where French meets Southern farm fresh food and flare. Fat Hen is about class and adventure and not about over thinking their food. The chef infuses classic French foods and southern comforts together to give you a relaxed and enjoyable meal. I started with escargot and the cheese plate. Having spent some time in France, I was excited to try both. The escargot was good. Would have preferred them in their shell, but still they were cooked well. The cheese plate I was not impressed with. Perhaps just not my favorite cheeses, but the variety between soft and hard and mild and pungent was off balance. They had more hard pungent cheeses, and I would have liked more of a balance. My pasta entree was wonderful. Fresh cooked pasta with a homemade tomato cream sauce, very tasty. Fat Hen's decor and ambiance of light touches to enhance the Provencal southern were sincere and welcomed. It's the little details that create a warm experience, such as mason jars as water glasses and good friends of course! Love to the Berdecias and Dugies!

Wild Olive

My family tradition on Christmas Eve is church then out to a local restaurant. Growing up we always went for Mexican, but this year it was just Rick and I for Christmas. So we invited our dear friends the Tallys to join us and decided on Italian. Wild Olive is fresh, local, in season Italian food with warm service in a cozy setting. I had short ribs with garlic mash potatoes. The meat was tender and well seasoned. The potatoes were perfection! Whipped perfectly with great constancy not too dense, but not over creamed. Our server was well informed and showed that he really cared about our dining experience. I have found in my food adventures that great service and a well, educated server mix for a wonderful dining experience.

Sometimes we have to drive a little bit to have a great bite. If you have been wanting to try a certain place, but have yet to go then go this weekend! Make it a special date night, ladies night, or just go because food is for the soul. Bon Appétit!