Charleston food

Pakistani Restaurant Opening in Downtown Charleston

Ma’am Saab, a Pakistani Restaurant is coming to downtown Charleston.

Ma’am Saab first began as a pop-up at the popular exploratory restaurant venue Workshop Charleston and was widely popular amongst patrons. The concept was even able to deliver food to customers during the pandemic while Workshop was closed.

Raheel Gauba, co-owner of Ma’am Saab, said “Workshop was a true incubator. It truly served its purpose. We got 10 years worth of experience in one year.”

According to Maryam Gauba, chef and co-owner of Ma’am Saab, is eager to continue to share her culture and love of food with Charleston. She said, “Growing up in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, one can say that I have enjoyed some of the most flavorful foods from an early age….Ma’am Saab was born out of my incurable insistence to share the flavors I crave with my fellow Charlestonians.”

The new restaurant will be located at 251 Meeting Street, where they will be taking the place of Jestine’s Kitchen, a beloved Charleston staple that was forced to close during the pandemic.

Ma’am Saab is expected to open this summer – either by July or August.

Eat & Drink

Two New Restaurants Coming to Downtown Charleston

Even though numerous businesses have suffered immensely throughout the past year, there seems to be some hope. The restaurant scene in downtown Charleston is coming alive again and adding some fresh new faces. Check out these two new restaurants coming to Charleston this spring.

Coterie, located in downtown Charleston, recently opened at 17 Warren Street. Coterie serves up a fusion of Indian and American cuisine with a southern twist like their Okra and Paneer Malai or Bombay Shrimp and Grits. They also have delicious craft cocktails and provide outdoor seating for patrons to enjoy. The restaurant is open from 5:00pm – 11:00 pm for dinner service.

Brasserie le Banque is set to open this spring at 1 Broad Street. This French brasserie, owned by the Indigo Road Hospitality Group, will serve classic French pastries for breakfast in combination with a coffee bar and will also provide lunch and dinner for restaurant-goers.

News

Long-standing Downtown Restaurant Closing Its Doors

A long-standing restaurant situated in the heart of downtown Charleston will soon be closing their doors.

The Macintosh, which is located on Upper King Street, will officially be closing on March 7th after serving their staple brunch menu to patrons. The restaurant has been in business for over a decade and helped get Charleston’s food scene noticed by tourists and critics alike.

While the COVID-19 pandemic was not the primary reason they chose to close their doors, it certainly played a part in the ultimate decision.

In a statement on the decision to close The Macintosh, Steve Palmer, founder and partner of The Indigo Road restaurant group, said, “The Macintosh’s moment in time has come and gone. Our tastes have changed: We’re just in a different universe now…Sales is the ultimate report card, I believe the restaurant would be in a different place had COVID not happened, but COVID is not the reason.”

While The Macintosh will be closing, the Cocktail Club located above the restaurant will remain open.

Eat & Drink

Where to Find the Best Cajun/Creole Food in Charleston

Cajun/Creole food isn’t just for Mardi Gras! These Charleston-based restaurants are serving up some of the best southern Louisiana staples all year round.

LoLA

Located in North Charleston’s Park Circle, LoLA is home to Low Country Louisiana cuisine. Some of LoLA’s staples include Creole Jambalaya, Shrimp and Andouille Mac and Cheese and Classic Muffuletta. Finish off your meal with a delicious dessert of Beignets for a classic Creole sweet treat.

Cafe Roux

Cafe Roux, a self-proclaimed “mobile kitchen,” is famous for their traditional southern Louisiana food. Order their Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Blackened Alligator or Creole Red Beans and Rice and get transported straight to New Orleans. You can either place an order online or visit the food truck on Sullivan’s Island.

Charleston Caribbean Creole

The Charleston Caribbean Creole food truck fuses both Caribbean and Creole food. From Creole Fried Catfish Baskets to Charleston Creole Gumbo to Crawfish Tacos, Charleston Caribbean Creole has it all. The food truck is normally stationed at 3316 Ashley Phosphate Road but occasionally travels to other areas around the Charleston area. Check out their online calendar to see where you can catch them next.

Gillie’s Seafood

Who knew James Island was home to some of the best Creole/Cajun food in Charleston? Gillie’s Seafood, located at 805 Folly Road, has an extensive Creole menu. Try their Seafood Purloo, Okra Gumbo or Catfish Charleston – you won’t be disappointed.

Eat & Drink

Find a Slice of Heaven at the 5 Best Places for Pie in Charleston

National Pie Day is coming up on January 23rd and what better way to celebrate than with a little slice of heaven. Here are some of the best places to get your fill this year!

Bakehouse Charleston

Bakehouse Charleston prides themselves on their “New American Bakery” concept, utilizing some of the best ingredients possible. Some of their staple desserts include seasonal pies. Their seasonal pies include Mississippi Mud, Chocolate, Classic Pecan and Lemon Almond Meringue.

Kaminsky’s

Kaminsky’s is a dessert-lovers paradise. From milkshakes to cakes to sundaes to cobblers, they really have it all. But, their pies are out of this world. Try their Bourbon Pecan Pie, Coconut Cream Pie or Tollhouse Pie and see what you’ve been missing.

Peace Pie

Peace Pie provides the best of both worlds – pie and ice cream. Their ice cream sandwiches are layered with pie filling and are the perfect handheld treat. Peace Pie also offers both pickup and delivery options so you don’t even have to leave the house.

Sugar Bakeshop

You can’t go wrong with Sugar Bakeshop. Their fresh-to-order year-round pie flavors include pecan, chocolate bourbon pecan, buttermilk, lemon meringue and chocolate. They also have different seasonal flavors that change throughout the year.

Zombie Bob’s Pizza

Don’t have much of a sweet tooth? No worries! Head over to Zombie Bob’s Pizza in West Ashley to sink your teeth into one of their delicious pizzas (not to mention one of the largest pizza slices in town!). Pair it with a brew from Frothy Beard Brewing and it’s a match made in heaven. They are also offering takeout and delivery options.

Eat & Drink

Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” to Feature This Charleston BBQ Icon

You’ll soon be craving BBQ because Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” has decided to feature Charleston icon, Rodney Scott. For their seventh season, it’s all smoked and juicy barbeque. The local and fan-favorite, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ will make its debut on the streaming service come Sept 2.

Scott will be highlighted alongside world-renowned names for BBQ. The fellow chefs and pitmasters hail from all different corners, each with a unique take on grilling. As the show airs, it will take you through their dishes as well as the stories behind them. Netflix is teasing viewers with a short preview.

Charleston’s Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ has been officially smoking hogs since 2017. Though Scott is no newbie when it comes to grilling. He’s been behind the smoke since he was 11-years-old. In the restaurant’s first year of operation, it was named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine. Come 2019, Scott had opened up a second location in Birmingham, AL. This isn’t Scott’s first time on screen, as he’s made appearances on The Today Show helping Al Roker feed folks affected by devastating tornadoes in Alabama.

Folks can taste the classic BBQ at the King Street locale, as well as classic sides like potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, collard greens, and hush puppies. Open for guests Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The restaurant’s motto is that “Every day is a Good Day,” so there’s no wrong time to grab a plate of smoked BBQ.

Eat & Drink

Local Charleston Hotel and Restaurants Ranked Amongst Best in The World

Charleston has been home to so many accolades over the years, including Top City in the World Outside the United Kingdom for the 9th year running. Now to add to the tally, Tripadvisor has released it’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards. Charleston received a #1 hotel in the country title and 3 restaurants made the top 10 fine dining list.

The fabulous French Quarter Inn was named #1 hotel in the country and #24 in the world. Hall’s Chophouse comes in #3 for fine dining, Charleston Grill at #9, and Peninsula Grill at #10. With over 7 million visitors each year, it’s no surprise that Charleston hotels and restaurants are consistently successful.

This year, Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards were conducted pre-pandemic. “This has been a tough year for our industry, but the global desire to go and explore, whether the destination is an hour away or across the world, remains strong,” said Lindsay Nelson, chief of experience and brand officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travelers’ Choice program is one way that travelers and diners can benefit from the real-life experiences of other people so they can plan their perfect trip that meets their needs, budget and style.”

The French Quarter Inn is open for business this summer, so you still have a chance to book a stay. As for the restaurants, they remain practicing social distancing, and take-away is a safe option for those unable to leave their homes.

Uncategorized

Best Ice Cream Shops in CHS

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, this July 19th, we’ll be celebrating the best way we know possible, eating our way through the Lowcountry! What better way to enjoy the day than with a cold scoop of soft serve. If you’re looking to celebrate, here’s a round-up of the best ice cream and gelato joints in CHS.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

This creative flavor chain always has a line out the door, so you’ll want to come early before your favorite scoop runs out. Located in the heart of Downtown, you’ll know you’re close when you smell the savory aroma. Take a pint to-go, or enjoy a waffle cone to beat the summer heat. Hours are noon – 11 p.m. daily.

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream

As a Charleston staple, Ye Ole is known for its lip-smacking good milkshakes and fantastic food. Hit the drive-through for soft-serve at locations in North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt Pleasant, and Goose Creek. Celebrate the holiday with Ye Ole from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. today.

Off Track Ice Cream

Off Track is hardly off the beaten track. This delicious ice cream parlor crafts homemade flavors from pop tart to your classic vanilla. You’ll find their storefront on Beaufain and King Street open 12 p.m. – 10 a.m. With traditional and vegan options, Off Track is sure to please everyone in your family.

Park Circle Creamery

You know it, you love it. It’s the famous Park Circle Creamery. This North Charleston ice cream shop is offering a free scoop this National Ice Cream day for its first 150 customers. Grab a friend and enjoy a cone from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.