Classic Southern

The only bona fide restaurant in the quiet old South of Broad area is also one of Charleston’s best and oldest:
Carolina’s (10 Exchange St., 843/724-3800, Sun.–Thurs. 5–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5–11 p.m., $18–30). There’s a new chef in town, Jeremiah Bacon, a Charleston native who spent the last seven years honing his craft in New York City.

His Lowcountry take on European classics includes grilled salmon with potato gnocchi, tagliatelle with Lowcountry prosciutto, and pan-roasted diver scallops, with as many fresh ingredients as possible from the nearby Kensington Plantation.

A tried-and-true favorite that predates Bacon’s tenure, however, is Perdita’s fruit de mer—a recipe that goes back to the restaurant’s 1950s predecessor, Perdita’s, which is commonly regarded as Charleston’s first fine-dining restaurant. f you can get the whole table to agree, try the $49-per-person Perdita’s four-course tasting menu (wine flights extra).

A recent renovation of this Revolutionary War–era building—once the legendary Sailor’s Tavern—hasn’t negatively affected the romantic ambience of the three themed areas: Perdita’s Room (the oldest dining area), the Sidewalk Room, and the Bar Room. Free valet parking is a nice plus.

French

If you find yourself in lodging near the Broad Street area—or if you just love crepes—you will want to acquaint yourself with the Queen Street Grocery (133 Queen St., 843/723-4121, Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m., kitchen Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., $7–10). The kind of place frequented almost exclusively by locals, this corner store is where you can load up on light groceries, beer, wine, and cigarettes—as well as some of the tastiest made-to-order crepes this side of France.

© Jim Morekis from Moon Charleston & Savannah, 4th Edition