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.

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!

(this photo is from the Taco Boy website)

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

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!

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.

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!