Second day and last day in Charleston

I had a different plan today.  We were going to try and get local.  It was only later in the afternoon where we ended up for lunch where the locals go.  There was a supposed greenmarket but it appeared from everyone we asked that I was the only person who seemed to think it existed so we ended up just going directly to breakfast.  Dixie Supply Bakery Company.  A hole in the wall.  We went with the specials.  How could we not?  People come from afar to come here.  This map allows you to pin where you came from.

When is the last time you had stuffed french toast with almost 1/2 cup of sweet buttered cream cheese on top with blueberries?  Not sure what to say here except yes I ate it.

Tomato pie.  Slices of tomatoes, loads and loads of cheese, green onions and a dense crust that was soft and kind of addictive.

After waking up at 4am in the morning with a slight food coma I was a little concerned about how we started the day off.  It was time to walk.  We strolled through a different area of the old town.  We stopped in this small store that carries local ceramic artists.  The woman who owns the store was weeks from retiring.  Her story was fascinated.  Should have interviewed her for Woman Entrepreneur.   We both both something.

I got a beautiful large red bowl and this vase.

We strolled through this alleyway as continued on.

The other store besides the Common that I wanted to see was Curiosity.  Another locally curated store of antiques, candles and soaps.  Such a nice owner and just a great shop.

Next shop was SRO, another local artisans shop.

We began to get hungry.  Shocking.  We jumped in a taxi and made our way over to Leon’s Oyster Shop.  Their tag line is Poultry and Oysters.  Two of my faves.  Leon’s is fantastic.

An old garage that was turned into a restaurant only one year ago.  The vibe is super cool with vintage pieces abound, an outdoor area, a HUGE bar and a solid menu with an edgy feel.  We went overboard here but it was all really delicious.

Whoever did the bathroom was super clever.

We had to split the bloody mary that was just perfect.  Spicy with the perfect kick of horseradish.

The oysters came from 5 different areas.  We tried them all.  Probably should have stuck with local only because they happened to be the biggest, briniest and creamiest of all.

Grilled radicchio that was just charred enough to have some of the lettuce crispy and another part burnt.  Over the top was a tangy yogurt sauce with golden raisins, mint and hazelnuts.  Really delicious.

Lettuce wraps are always good.  This one had lightly fried clams, pickled vegetables spicy mayo and freshly cut herbs.

Siam salad.  This was so good.  Refreshing, crunchy, tasty and just perfect.  Chopped napa cabbage with avocado, peanuts, pieces of orange and fried shallots.  The dressing was a simple mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and sambal (fresh chili paste).  Could be the new salad at the Wilson house this summer.

Deep fried brussels sprouts covered with red wine vinegar and piperade (a spicy mixture of peppers and onions that had probably been pureed).  Insanely good.

How can you go to the South and not eat fried chicken?  This chicken had been soaked in something for two days and then deep fried.  Off the charts.

A fish fry.  This was heaven.  Each piece was just perfectly fried, super light and flavorful.  Hushpuppies, shrimp, oysters, fish and a side of black eyed pea salad.  We just continued.

Our waiter was charming.  He mentioned that they also make shrimp that has been marinated for two days and then peeled with a spicy mayo sauce.  Really?  How come we didn’t see it on the menu?  Could we just have one each?  He brought them out.  We were so full but spent the rest of the day saying how we should have ordered a basket after we found out.  Divine.  Leon’s was incredible.

We walked back down King Street and passed a few spots that I have read about.  Butcher & Bee.  Sandwiches, salads, etc.  Really cute inside.

The Daily was another place we wandered into.  Coffee, food, CSA deliveries…a local new fangled diner.

We each bought a Lucky Peach magazine for the plane and the first peach of the season.  Flavorful and insanely juicy.

There is a lot of construction on King Street.  There is always a bunch of super old school places too.  This store has everything from oil fabrics to pins.  Walking back in time.

I screwed up and didn’t realize that Callie’s biscuits closes at 2pm.  The one place I really wanted to check out.  They couldn’t have been nicer and let us come in and get a t-shirt.  When we got on the plane I got on line and ordered some of their wares to show up in the city this week.  Couldn’t help myself.

The plane was ridiculously delayed.  We caught up on work and took it easy.  We got on the plane, then they made us sit forever.  Some got off and some of us just sat on the plane to wait.  We sat and enjoyed a beer.  It was kind of the perfect finale.

Great trip!