If you are looking for a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings, look no further than Charleston Restaurant Week 2024. This annual event showcases the best of the Lowcountry cuisine, featuring dishes that are rich in flavor, history, and creativity.
Whether you are a fan of seafood, barbecue, or Southern classics, you will find something to love among the 10 must-try dishes we have selected for you. These dishes at Charleston Restaurant Week 2024 are not only delicious but also offer a glimpse into the culture and heritage of Charleston, one of the oldest and most charming cities in the US. So, get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey that will make your dinner unforgettable.
Charleston Restaurant Week 2024 – Must-Try Dishes
#10 Shrimp and Grits
This is the quintessential dish of Charleston, a creamy and comforting combination of local shrimp and stone-ground grits. The shrimp are sautéed with bacon, garlic, and green onions, and served over a bed of smooth and buttery grits. The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce, adding a touch of spice to the savory flavors.
#9 Pulled Pork Sandwich
Nothing beats a tender and juicy pulled pork sandwich, especially when it is made with the famous Carolina barbecue sauce. The pork is slow-cooked for hours until it falls apart, then shredded and mixed with a tangy and vinegary sauce that gives it a distinctive kick. The pork is piled high on a soft bun, topped with coleslaw and pickles, and served with a side of fries or chips.
#8 Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern staple, and a great way to enjoy the unripe tomatoes that grow in abundance in the region. The tomatoes are sliced, dipped in a cornmeal batter, and fried until golden and crispy. They are usually served with a creamy and zesty remoulade sauce, or a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper.
#7 Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a delicacy that showcase the fresh and succulent seafood that Charleston is known for. The crab meat is mixed with bread crumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and herbs, and formed into patties that are pan-fried until crisp and brown. The crab cakes are served with a lemon wedge and a dipping sauce of your choice, such as tartar, cocktail, or aioli.
#6 Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles are a soul food classic, a sweet and savory combination that will make your mouth water. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and deep-fried until crunchy and juicy. The waffles are fluffy and golden, made with a batter that includes vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The chicken and waffles are drizzled with maple syrup and butter, and garnished with fresh berries or whipped cream.
#5 She-Crab Soup
She-crab soup is a creamy and decadent soup that is a specialty of Charleston. The soup is made with crab meat, crab roe, cream, sherry, and spices, creating a rich and velvety texture and a delicate and sweet flavor. The soup is served hot, with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of paprika on top.
#4 Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ John is a traditional dish that is eaten on New Year’s Day in the South, as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The dish is made with black-eyed peas, rice, bacon, onion, and spices, and cooked until the peas are soft and the rice is fluffy. The dish is usually served with collard greens, cornbread, and hot sauce.
#3 Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a dessert that is synonymous with the South, a sweet and nutty treat that is perfect for any occasion. The pie is made with a flaky crust, a filling of eggs, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla, and a generous amount of pecans on top. The pie is baked until the filling is set and the crust is golden, and served warm or cold, with whipped cream or ice cream.
#2 Oysters Rockefeller
Oysters Rockefeller are a sophisticated and elegant appetizer that will impress your guests. The oysters are shucked, topped with a mixture of spinach, cheese, butter, breadcrumbs, and herbs, and baked until the cheese is melted and the oysters are cooked. The oysters are served on a bed of rock salt, with a lemon wedge and a dash of hot sauce.
#1 Lowcountry Boil
Lowcountry boil is a festive and fun dish that is great for feeding a crowd. The dish is made with a large pot of boiling water, seasoned with Old Bay, lemon, garlic, and bay leaves, and filled with shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage. The dish is cooked until everything is tender and flavorful, and then dumped on a large table covered with newspaper. The dish is served with cocktail sauce, butter, and bread, and eaten with your hands.
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