Charleston ranked among top "foodie" destinations

According to a Travel Industry Association of America study, 58% of all U.S. leisure travelers say they are somewhat or very interested in taking a trip to engage in culinary or wine-related activities. With this in mind, editors of travel Web site Travelocity ranked international cities as top “foodie” destinations and Charleston made the 10-city list. “Culinary tourism has become very popular over the past few years,” said Jennifer Gaines, Travelocity editor. “People are traveling to cities around the world just to have an opportunity to savor the local cuisine.” The top 10 culinary destinations include:

• Barcelona, Spain
• Boulder, Colo.
• Charleston, S.C.
• Las Vegas
• London
• Montreal
• New Orleans
• New York
• Rome
• San Francisco

as provided by Charleston Regional Business Journal

Dining out at Granville's

Last night, My Husband and I joined friends at Granville's on Rutledge Avenue just outside Wagener Terrace.  While we waited at the bar and perused the wine list, the staff recommended dishes and drinks from the varried menu.  I decided on a Chinin Blanc while Whit enjoyed a Victory Golden Monkey (high gravity beer).

We dined outside and other than the flies (ceiling fans are needed on the patio) the evening was quite lovely.  Both couples chose a variety of small plates, appetizers and salads to share.  The Asian braised Short Ribs were the crowd favorite and suggested by the entire staff.  Slow cooked, falling off the bone, smothered in an amazing sauce and just enough for 2.  Next time I'm sure we will split the dinner portion.

The Mussels were also great.  The sauce was a red curry, coconut milk combo with just enough spice.  We also enjoyed a Maple Leaf Duck Breast over greens and still had room for dessert.

A Sorbet Champagne Float finished our evening with a refreshing twist.

All in all Granville's lived up to their short but untarnished reputation.  We will definitely return.

GRANVILLE'S
703 RUTLEDGE AVE
CHARLESTON, SC 29403
(843) 577-0486

Beef O’Brady’s - Coming to Mount Pleasant, SC

Restaurant expected to open in August at Belle Hall Shopping Center, off of Longpoint Road in Mount Pleasant, SC. The 3,600-square-foot restaurant will be located next to Stein Mart and will be outfitted with 30 high-definition televisions. The restaurant is expected to employ about 30 full-and part-time workers. Owners Mark and Cathy Reamer said they hope to open three more Beef O’Brady’s in the Charleston area in the next two years. Beef O’Brady’s launched its first Charleston area location in March 2006 in Summerville. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the Beef O’Brady’s chain has expanded to 220 independently owned franchises in 19 states and recently opened locations in the Myrtle Beach area. New restaurants in North Myrtle Beach and Conway are in the planning stages, said Tim Humes, the company’s director of franchise and real estate. “South Carolina and North Carolina are going to be big areas for us,” Humes said. The Beef O’ Brady’s chain typically locates in neighborhood shopping centers anchored by supermarkets and in areas near high schools. The restaurant has a family-casual concept with an emphasis on sports and the chain typically supports school sports teams and community fundraising. The pub-style restaurant menu features chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches and salads, and the only alcoholic beverages sold are beer and wine. "I am looking forward to trying this new establishment.  Keep an eye out for a New Restaurant Review"

There are several restaurants in Belle Hall shopping center:

Dog and Duck bar & grill, McAllisters, 6-Tables, Sunrays deli, Wendy's, Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, Turtles, Charleston Bagel and Moe's Southwest Grill

Simply Orka formally "Billy's Back Home" Restaurant
Off Coleman Blvd. Moutn Pleasant, SC 29464

I usually start my morning off with breakfast at Billy's Back Home restaurant in Mount Pleasant, SC located off of Coleman Blvd. It's a great place to get a full southern breakfast (or any meal of the day), but most importantly COFFEE. Fuel to get my day started and to read the morning paper (News and Courier newspaper). They have a small bar area for the regulars to come in and sit, drink coffee and chat.  The service is always great and the food (great) is as good as most southern gradmothers can make. Billy's Back Home restaurant has been a staple in Mount Pleasant for a long time and I have been there many times. I usually have a low-carb breakfast consisting of eggs and bacon with no side and coffee (lots of coffee). had There are many good restaurants around Mount Pleasant, SC and this is one you should add to your list of restaurants to try.  I'm sure you'll return! Billy's Back home was sold to new owners (Tony and Linda Page) around the end on last year. They are in the process of changing the name to "Simply Okra" Don't worry the food and service is as good as ever and they have started serving dinner in addition to breakfast and lunch. Maybe I'll see you there!

Cuisine: Southern

My Dining Rating is 5 out of 5 (5=Excellent)

McCrady’s to be featured on Food Network

McCrady’s Restaurant in downtown Charleston will be featured on the Food Network show “Giada’s Weekend Getaways” at 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Host Giada de Laurentiis recently spent a weekend with McCrady’s chef Sean Brock and his culinary team. The show will explore Charleston dining and Lowcountry cuisine for food lovers seeking a city or town ideal for a three-day, “food-filled” weekend.

The Charleston episode also will air at 12:30 a.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. March 18

"Many people have been anticipating the airing of this episode.  The City was quite a buzz having Giada de Laurentiis in town. It's very exciting to get National recognition for our amazing local cuisine!"

By Daily Journal Staff

Emperor's Garden Chinese Restaurant            
874 Orleans Road, Charleston, SC 29407

My Dining Rating is 3 out of 5   (5=Excellent)

My family and I ate lunch today at the Emperor's Garden Chinese Restaurant located on Orleans Rd. in the West Ashley area (across from Citadel Mall) of Charleston, SC.
The service was great but the food was only average.  We had "General Tso Chick en" and "Chieken LoMein".  We have eaten there in the past and the food was much better then.