charleston
Magnolias
Last Dining: October 2009
Fatguys Rating: Four Fish
Steeped in history, traditional yet cosmopolitan, known as the ‘low lands’… you‘ve guessed it; the Fatguys have traveled to Charleston, South Carolina. The goal for this late October weekend, enjoy the red-fishing, boast in some southern hospitality and covet the many culinary delights this foodie city has to offer.
The food scene has intensified here or the past 10 year and our smart find of the trip: Magnolias, located in the Historic District of Downtown Charleston. The setting was sheik, while classy, southern and could easily be mistaken for one of the newest hot spots adorning the streets of New York, Chicago or San Francisco.
Executive Chef Donald Drake does both his restaurant and southern cooking justice with his eclectically traditional flare on southern favorites. His dishes are prepared with locally sourced ingredients and prepared to order.
On this night we started our meal with Green Fried Tomato accompanied by white cheddar & caramelized onion, grits, country ham, tomato chutney. This dish was soulful and delicious which left us mouthwatering for our main course of Fried Chicken. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast, cracked pepper biscuit, mashed potato, collard greens, creamed corn and sausage-herb gravy was heavenly and well worth our travel south.
Yes, these sound like ordinary, non-pretentious southern dishes that many people have come to enjoy, but not so fast These classic southern dishes take rise to new highs by incorporating traditional cooking styles with a new world cosmopolitan twist and a refined worldly presentation.
Our meal was complete once paired with a 1994 Shafer, Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. A hearty Californian cab which held, but did not overpower the many distinct flavors of the delightful southern fare.