McCrady's Restaurant

Food is good, and good food is even better. Every now and then you get to experience a meal that stirs your emotions and leaves you wanting more. McCrady's was one of those experiences.

Tucked away in a little alley in Charleston, South Carolina is a little gem of a restaurant that has been there since 1788 and I'm sure has only gotten better over time. It is now creating culinary masterpieces under the direction of Executive Chef Sean Brock, who won the 2010 James Beard Best Chef Southeast award.

The restaurant specializes in innovative cuisine using a fresh farm to table approach. They work with local farmers and producers to use only fresh, seasonal ingredients and sustainably harvested seafood.

We chose to do the 4 course tasting menu and Jim took the option with wine pairings for each course. Here's what we had:

Jim's Menu:

First Course - 

Masami Ranch Wagyu Beef Tartare

Egg Yolk, Ramps, Chrysanthemum and Black Walnuts

Wine Pairing - Brut-Premier Cru, Rene Geoffroy, "Expression". Champagne-France

Fish Course - 

Grilled Charleston Swordfish

Roasted Cabbage, Turnips, and Green Apple

Wine Pairing - Riesling, Donnhoff, "Tonschiefer". Nahe-Germany

Meat Course - 

Moulard Duck

Heirloom Pumpkin, Lacinato Kale, Butter Peas and Pear

Wine Pairing - Gamay Robert Serol, Cote Roannaise-France

Dessert - 

Chocolate Pots de Crème

Peanut Butter and Vanilla Mascarpone

Wine Pairing - Brachetto/Moscato, Euo Perrone, "Bigaro". Piedmont-Italy

Emma's Menu:

First Course - 

Pears Roasted over Pecan Shells

Pecan, Coconut and Grains of Paradise

Fish Course - 

Snapper Crusted with Green Peppercorn

Carrots, Whey and Wild Beach Herbs

Meat Course - 

Thornhill Farms Chicken

Autumn Greens, Chesnut, Apricot and Roasted Garlic

Dessert Course - 

Heirloom Pumpkin

Vanilla Ice Cream, Gingerbread

Simply listing the menu cannot begin to describe how great this meal was. Everything from the ambiance in the restaurant to the perfectly timed courses was outstanding. This is a splurge, but it is an experience that is well worth the price. I highly, highly recommend making a trip to Charleston just to eat at McCrady's.

Oh, and plan to get there early for your reservation so you can enjoy a cocktail or two and some phenomenal bar snacks that will only tempt your taste buds with what's to come.