http://www.charlestonguidebook.com The most fun for locals, visitors and new residents Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:13:24 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en [caption id="attachment_2360" align="alignnone" width="570" caption="Left to Right: Tom Read of Read Brothers, Billy Reid of Billy Reid"][/caption] -- Read and Reid both purvey on King. Different gigs, with common traits: Both sell some of the best “men’s stuff” in town. One store was founded in1912. Another looks like it was. One is at King’s lower ... http://www.charlestonguidebook.com/feature-sidebar/mens-stuff-read-brothers-and-billy-read/ One of Charleston’s real treats has been on King Street for over four decades and its owners know the first name, birthday and probably ring size of everyone in Charleston. Small and large budgets are welcome. For a really  authentic Charleston shopping experience, ring the bell at 308 King Street ... http://www.charlestonguidebook.com/feature-sidebar/croghans-jewel-box/ Dreaming of Rome (or Milan); sipping Campari (or barbera); and indulging in the Bolognese (or Salsiccia e Fagioli). You may hear the restaurant before you see it: owner Afredo  Temelini’s warm bonomia pervades, matched by the lively residentes! http://www.charlestonguidebook.com/feature-sidebar/al-fresco-pane-e-vino/ Any given day the kitchen might take in heirloom tomatoes, duroc pigs, and jimmy red corn. But every night deliciousness will be delivered.  Housed in the Gibbes Museum Studio School haunts on Queen Street, Husk promises instruction in the regional food artistry that has put Charleston firmly on the gastro ... http://www.charlestonguidebook.com/feature-sidebar/mouthful-of-south/ Every article written about Hominy Grill praises it. It’s a buttermilk pie with layers of mystery and delight both light and lemony with cool custard below, and frothy, lighter-still cake-y layer atop. It’s slightly tart and slightly sweet; it’s a perfect desert in the heat, Also delish in the cold.  ... http://www.charlestonguidebook.com/feature-sidebar/charleston-legend-buttermilk-pie/ Recommendation for this little lord Fauntleroy is to order it open face with the soup de jour or cold gaspacho (pictured).  Also recommended: drink pairing the 12 oz. Orangina, or the house merlot. Again, it is LE Haute dog. It’s served at Fast and French (G&M), all for less than ... http://www.charlestonguidebook.com/feature-sidebar/under-10-le-hot-dog/ Pair at least one or two with mergez sausage, a meze platter, a seared manchego and arugula salad. Ask the bartender about the magic tricks up his sleeve... http://www.charlestonguidebook.com/feature-sidebar/wine-bar-muse/ Pop Quiz:  True or False 1. The buzz in town around a few restaurants is the best indication of where to dine. 2. Locals are in the know, and therefore can direct you on the best places to dine. 3. Hotel restaurants are just for corporate power lunches and/or ladies luncheons. Bonus:  Have you ... http://www.charlestonguidebook.com/feature-sidebar/the-palmetto-cafe/ Social is climbing: Chef Doug Svec’s new menu brings us light and delightful options like this tempura fried shrimp with roasted red pepper sauce to pair with ever changing wine trio flights: War of the Roses, Ocean Air, Med Whites, Euopean Mountain Whites, My Pinot’s Bigger than Yours, Indicative Italian ... http://www.charlestonguidebook.com/feature-sidebar/it-aint-bar-food/ The sloe gin fizz tastes like the devil’s smoothie, but the off-menu Beach Bum Reviver would wake the dead. Bartender! http://www.charlestonguidebook.com/feature-sidebar/the-gin-joint/