Category Archives: Restaurants

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Inside Keswick: The Pampering Continues

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When you left us last, Jan and I were enjoying a bottle of champagne and yummy chocolate covered strawberries delivered to our room by the incredibly attentive and caring staff of Keswick Hall.  Restored and refreshed after our snowy ride to the resort, we set out to explore.

When I made the reservations, I did not realize that the Hall was originally a private residence.  “The seventeen-room Villa Crawford, the north wing of Keswick Hall, with it’s original fireplaces, ornate ceiling molding, and grand staircase, was built in 1912”.

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“Designed to resemble an Italian villa, the 8000 sq ft, two-story, stucco clad, slate roofed home originally cost $100,000”.

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We enjoyed a delicious dinner in Fossett’s Restaurant,

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and then wandered down to Treble, the wine cellar named after Thomas Jefferson’s use of the word:

“I have lived temperately….I double the doctor’s recommendation of a glass and a half of wine each day and even treble it with a friend.” – Thomas Jefferson

“The cellar features a glass entrance door framed with handmade wrought-iron gates and lanterns reminiscent of old-world European wine cellars that were kept– like prison cells or bank vaults– under lock and key. Two adjoining rooms offer both informal and more formal dining. You’re also surrounded by 600-700 labels, at least 5,000 bottles in all” (http://www.readthehook.com/89940/stellar-cellar-treble-it-over-keswick)

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Treble is a wine lovers paradise,

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and a photographers challenge.

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Our nightcap in the Villa Crawford Bar, the original family dining room, was happily interrupted by the engagement announcement of one of the employees.  We felt a part of the family and joined in on the celebration.

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The staff of Keswick completely pampered us and their kindness and care added so much to the experience.

How’s this for a view while eating breakfast?  Those of you who checked out Monochromia yesterday may recognize the two chairs off in the distance.

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 Here they are again from another angle.

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The weekend was coming to an end and it was almost time to begin the journey home.  In a couple days, I hope you’ll join me for one final post about Keswick.

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Charleston: Delicious!

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After just 48 hours in Charleston, I had gained 5 pounds!  Thank goodness I got some exercise riding the bicycle.

Some of you know that I live in a small town and the choice of restaurants, yummy though they are, is limited.  So one of the reasons I love to travel is the opportunity to explore new restaurants, especially independent and locally owned restaurants, and new foods.

As I was getting closer to Charleston, Andrew asked if I had eaten.  Was he kidding?  I was waiting to savor the food of Charleston! Almost as soon as I got into town, we headed to a place called Five Loaves Cafe.

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The food did not disappoint!  The Tomato & Mozzarella Salad with roasted sweet peppers & asparagus over mixed greens was delicious and the Ultimate BLT Sandwich with smoked bacon, cheddar, thick sliced tomatoes, sweet basil mayo, lettuce & onion was even better!

Andrew had to work that evening, so I spent some time where he works, a restaurant called Taco Boy.  I was completely distracted by the cold beer and amazing guacamole and am afraid I didn’t come away with any decent photos.  The photo gallery on the restaurant’s website however includes lots of pictures of food, drink, and the wonderful decorations.  Much of the artwork and furniture are reclaimed or recycled, and the place has a true feel of Mexico.  (Of course, I’m guessing about that because I’ve never been to Mexico).  I do however encourage you to check out Taco Boy if you are ever in Charleston … the Grilled Fish Taco and the Tempura Shrimp Taco were delicious!

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(this photo is from the Taco Boy website)

The next day, we enjoyed an amazing brunch at The Grocery.

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I started with a yummy cocktail called the Negroceri, made from Bombay Sapphire Gin, Aperol, Sweet Vermouth, and Grapefruit Bitters.  I loved that the coaster was made from a menu and the drink was perfect for me – not at all sweet!

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I enjoyed the Sausage and Egg Sandwich  – a Ginger-Sage Sausage, Scrambled Egg, Cheddar, English Muffin, with ‘Dijonnaisse’ and my son had the Hangtown Fry – Fried Oysters and Green Tomatoes, Farm Egg Frittata with Bacon and Toast.

Another thing I love about Charleston restaurants, besides the tasty food, is that most of them are in spaces that are reclaimed / retrofitted.  The decorations and artwork are unique, eclectic and beautiful.

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Even the takeout was amazing!  Basil Thai Restaurant offered me the yummiest Masaman ever (which I can’t get in my little city).

When Andrew moved to Charleston, I never really thought that FOOD would be one of the benefits of having him live there.  I can’t wait to check out more restaurants on my next visit!