My review on Cru Cafe

It took three tries, but I finally had dinner at Cru Cafe in Downtown Charleston. And I discovered the reason why it’s hard to get a reservation there. Cru Cafe is not open every day and there are about 50 sits in the place. Also the food was good. I am sure that had something to do with it being pretty busy.

Like many restaurants in Charleston, Cru is an old house turned into a southern charm restaurant. Self claimed as "daily comfort food” and I would agree. Yet I would not say it is tradition southern comfort food. They have an eccentric variety of ingredients in their dishes. Not uncommon, but not what you would expect. Also they have a mix of different ethnic foods. It felt like Southern meets European, Latin, and Asian. For example, I got fried chicken with poblano peppers and mozzarella cheese melted in side with a honey chipotle salsa. Not exactly something you find on most menus in Charleston. I enjoyed most if meal, except the "honey chipotle salsa". I thought I would love it, because if you know me well enough chipotle peppers are one of my FAVORITE flavors. So here is where I didn't fall in love. First it looked more like a marinara then a salsa, and this Coloradan knows what a salsa looks like. Next I think it was the honey that really stopped me from exploding with undying reverence for the dish. I just do not think the honey belonged. Honey is great, but not with chipotle and fried chicken. It's like asking fire and water to be friends. I love them both, but they will never be bosom buddies. Moving onto the wonderful things, the side dishes did receive my undying reverence. The mozzarella and fontina cheese potato gratin and fresh sautéed veggies basting in butter were DELISH!!
 
The best part of the whole night really was the combination of trying a new restaurant, having a new dish, which I did like beyond the salsa, and sitting at a community table with our dear old friends, the Dugies, and meeting some new friends. It was a dinner that should happen more often. You sit down with loved ones, pour a glass of wine, experience the food, talk, laugh, and enjoy the people around you. One of the million things I love about cultures outside of American is the way they approach meals. It's a time of warmth, connection, rejuvenation, and food for the belly and soul. Meals can last for hours and everyone comes together to celebrate simply the food and life they have that day. That is how it felt last night, we were telling stories, laughing, and engaging with each other and the food. Plus Chad learned how to say Confit and what it was! Exactly what food is all about!! It’s about nurturing the body, mind, soul, and relationships!

So next time you go out and they have a community table...TAKE IT and engaged with the people around you. Also try the unique dishes. Even if you do not love it, you will have tried something new and learned about food. Bon Appétit!