Beer and Food in "Chucktown" Part 2

I've always wanted to visit Charleston, SC, mainly because I had heard and read about its compelling history and its architectural beauty. So with it being a scant two and a half hour drive from my humble abode, we set out to explore some of the "Holy City" over the course of two days.

In addition to the history and architecture, many of our experienced friends advocated strongly for the "Low Country" cuisine, so our two day trip allowed for four meal experiences. As a Shrimp and Grits guy, I was ready to make comparisons, and, as in most of the southeast, the exploding beer scene provides many opportunities to complement whatever you're eating.

What follows will be four quick reviews--well, five, really, when you count our impromptu visit to Revelry Brewing, an increasingly popular brewing complex making some amazing beers. The nice thing is that since this introduction will be part of each review, you only have to read it once.

Unless, of course, you just enjoy my work. And feel free to share.

Ms. Rose's Fine Food and Cocktails

We had been told by folks with serious Charleston experience that while the food in the historic district was usually outstanding, it was almost always pricey. Since our lodgings were on the western side of the Ashley River, we searched for a place nearby.

We found Ms. Rose's Fine Food and Cocktail, saw that it had solid recommendations and headed out.

A uniquely interesting place in terms of design, it had a sizable, covered outdoor eating area, and a cavernous inside once you passed the bar area.

After being seated by a hostess who looked like Maggie Siff's sister, I perused the beer menu. Some good beers were offered there, but my eye stopped at one: Revelry Gullah Cream Ale. (That's an example of Gullah Sweetgrass basket-weaving in the top photo.)

Revelry. Revelry. Where had I heard that brewery name before? And then it came to me. One of my son's high school buddies--and one of my former wrestlers--had come down to SC to seize an opportunity at an upstart brewery. I'll tell you more about him in Part 5, but I asked for a sample of this Gullah Cream Ale.

Made with grits grown on Edisto Island, it was very different--and very good. And, probably because of those grits, it went absolutely perfectly with my--er, Ms. Rose's--Award-winning Shrimp and Grits, which came with an excellent, homemade cornbread. The missus had corn bread croutons in her salad, and couldn't stop raving about it. (I'm guessing the plump crab cake that sat atop it helped somewhat.)

Our server shared that Ms. Rose's Shrimp and Grits was an award-winner for the second straight year. After tasting it, I could see why. As we visited on a Monday evening, it wasn't busy at all, but we made online reservations just in case. I'd imagine the place gets a lot busier on the weekends, but we'd definitely go back, just to get more cornbread.

And, if you're anything like us, you'll be excited to pick up a beautiful, handmade Gullah Sweetgrass Basket as a souvenir.

Until you see the prices.

For The PubScout, that's money better spent on shrimp and grits and Gullah Cream Ale.

We rated Ms. Rose's a nine out of ten.

Cheers!

The PubScout--since 1996