Just when you thought you'd had some of Charleston's juicy-best burger offerings, a la Poe's, Rue, and Five Guys, along comes another gutsy burger joint serving up veritable whoppers of flavorful, beefy girth - Grindz. Though the one month-old, family-owned restaurant doesn't touch its aforementioned competitors in the fries or onion rings department (both here tasted and looked pre-fabricated), its leading the front of the pack in the greater Charleston burger department.
Hand-formed patties of house ground, rib-eye beef form 8 ounce, round, mini-mountains of deliciousness that would make Wimpy whimper for more and more and more. Piled atop a sturdy, fresh buttered bun and slathered with a wide assortment of condiments from chili to sauteed onions and mushrooms, these are highly effective hunger busters with easy $11 or less prices. Aptly named burger behemoths like "The Big Sloppy" (chili, bacon, smoked cheddar cheese, mushrooms, bbq sauce, fried onion straws, pickles, lettuce, tomato & homemade ranch dressing) and "Texas Hold 'Em (pepper jack cheese, bbq sauce, red onions, bacon, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato & homemade ranch dressing) give new meaning to the phrase big bite. The most brazen beef lovers among us are invited to layer on another 8 ounce patty for good measure.
Though there was nothing amusing about the passing of Amuse, the new resident of the former restaurant's West Ashley address provides ample reasons for burger lovers to smile. Wings, salads and milkshakes are all on the menu, but burgers at Grindz are the undisputed stars.
Grindz Burgers & Brew
1720 Sam Rittenburg Blvd, West Ashley
(843) 556-0257
www.grindzbuergersbrew.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
WildFlour in Full Bloom
Lauren Mitterer, Chef/Owner of this brand new pastry shop, was walking her black lab, Calla, on the beach one day while musing what she might call her not-yet- conceived business baby, WildFlour. "I saw some beautiful wild flowers and I thought, hmm, that's it," says Mitterer.
Mitterer proved her talent for creating sumptuously simple desserts with witty word-play titles at Red Drum, where she worked as Executive Pastry Chef since the restaurant's opening day six years ago. Thus followed waves of praise and award nominations, including one from the James Beard House, and a loyal legion of local Mitterer fans, myself included. The creative powerhouse finally couldn't resist the urge to open her own shop, and did so just a little over a week ago, with the enthusiastic emotional and partial financial support of her close-knit family.
Charleston is now blessed with Mitterer's very own version of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Hers is a much more maternal, feminine, and sane version, but chocolate at WildFlour, like in the movie, takes center stage in her myriad cupcakes, custards, cakes, cookies, sweet breads and croissants.
The diminutive shop situated where Spring Street and Percy Street connect looks, feels, and smells like an enchanted dollhouse. Pretty little puffs of cupcakes house flavors like vanilla, lemon curd and coconut or chocolate cake, hazelnut ganache, and raspberry and are topped with pastel and cocoa hued swirls of buttercream. They looked like dressed up edible dolls dancing to the beat of temptation even as they decorate the refrigerator cabinet situated temptingly in clear view upon entering the shop. On top of the counter, cookie jars are lined up like so many kids sweet-tooth dreams. Snickerdoodles, sugar and chocolate chip - the classic rainy day afternoon comfort cookies - are all on dazzling, disarming display.
The piece de resistance, however, is Mitterer's signature double chocolate cookie. Made with decadently dark bittersweet chocolate laced with nuggets of white chocolate, it is quite easily the best cookie in these parts, especially if it comes hot out of the oven as it did the moment I arrived. It screams for a glass of cold milk and a warm hug from momma.
Alas, cold milk is not on the menu, but you can belly-up to a soothing cup of steamed milk and a warm embrace from Mitterer seems available to all whom enter WildFlour. When she's not almost single-handily crafting her regular menu items, Mitterer pursues her second love (behind chocolate, that is), creating custom cakes for weddings and other special occasions. Savory scones and biscuits are at the ready if you're not feeling the need for sweet at Wildflour.
WildFlour Pastry
73 Spring Street, downtown
(843)327-2621
Wildflouring@gmail.com
Mitterer proved her talent for creating sumptuously simple desserts with witty word-play titles at Red Drum, where she worked as Executive Pastry Chef since the restaurant's opening day six years ago. Thus followed waves of praise and award nominations, including one from the James Beard House, and a loyal legion of local Mitterer fans, myself included. The creative powerhouse finally couldn't resist the urge to open her own shop, and did so just a little over a week ago, with the enthusiastic emotional and partial financial support of her close-knit family.
Charleston is now blessed with Mitterer's very own version of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Hers is a much more maternal, feminine, and sane version, but chocolate at WildFlour, like in the movie, takes center stage in her myriad cupcakes, custards, cakes, cookies, sweet breads and croissants.
The diminutive shop situated where Spring Street and Percy Street connect looks, feels, and smells like an enchanted dollhouse. Pretty little puffs of cupcakes house flavors like vanilla, lemon curd and coconut or chocolate cake, hazelnut ganache, and raspberry and are topped with pastel and cocoa hued swirls of buttercream. They looked like dressed up edible dolls dancing to the beat of temptation even as they decorate the refrigerator cabinet situated temptingly in clear view upon entering the shop. On top of the counter, cookie jars are lined up like so many kids sweet-tooth dreams. Snickerdoodles, sugar and chocolate chip - the classic rainy day afternoon comfort cookies - are all on dazzling, disarming display.
The piece de resistance, however, is Mitterer's signature double chocolate cookie. Made with decadently dark bittersweet chocolate laced with nuggets of white chocolate, it is quite easily the best cookie in these parts, especially if it comes hot out of the oven as it did the moment I arrived. It screams for a glass of cold milk and a warm hug from momma.
Alas, cold milk is not on the menu, but you can belly-up to a soothing cup of steamed milk and a warm embrace from Mitterer seems available to all whom enter WildFlour. When she's not almost single-handily crafting her regular menu items, Mitterer pursues her second love (behind chocolate, that is), creating custom cakes for weddings and other special occasions. Savory scones and biscuits are at the ready if you're not feeling the need for sweet at Wildflour.
WildFlour Pastry
73 Spring Street, downtown
(843)327-2621
Wildflouring@gmail.com
Mini- Blog Bites: Al di La Lunch, Mia P's Pizza
The once entirely celestial Al di La recently announced it's serving lunch in the charming bacaro and outside patio from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Having been at least thrice burned by rude, almost hostile service since former owner John Marshall's departure a few years ago, I was reluctant to return to check it out. But shades of eternal optimism, the changing shades of a new, cooler season, the prospect of lower lunch prices and sweet memories of Al di La's always heavenly food got the better of me. Indeed, the wheel seemed to take over along with my subconcious, virtually steering the car onto Magnolia Road when the initial destination had been the always yummy Glass Onion situated a little farther south on Savannah Highway.
Lunch proved to be impeccable. Great, friendly service from a gentle, non-hurried staff and the scent of smoke wafting from the wood-fired pizette oven quickly softened my armor into a molten self-admission that Al di La can be as sweet as it always was, especially during the less hectic daytime hours. Soups, salads, and mini-pizza's shine with fresh flavors and top grade ingredients, not the least of which is the house-made mozzarella. The prosciutto, mozzarella and arugula panini ($8.25) served with a small, fresh salad made for a perfectly delicious lunch. Prices are as gentle as the daytime service, ranging between $5 to $8.50. Throw in a glass of wine sipped underneath a merry Campari umbrella and you're inviting a sweet, Northern-Italian style nap quicker than you can say Ciao. Perhaps this kind of comforting and nurturing lunch bodes well for improved nocturnal service experiences. For more on prices, hours, menus, visit: www.aldilarestaurant.com.
Mia Pomodori
There's been a lot of positive buzz on the streets about this tiny, young pizza shop that popped up on Charleston's hottest(seemingly all of a sudden!) restaurant corner at Cannon and Rutledge. A darling little spot owned by a Brooklyn native and his wife, it emits a wonderful stream of Italian aromas that mingle with Hominy's Southern and Lana's Mediterranean respective aromatic arsenals in a most wonderful way.
I've heard people rave about the Sicilian style pizza which has a very thick, very chewy crust. For me, it's a little bit too much and reminds me of eating an open face sandwich on a halved submarine roll. Opt for the thinner specialty pies which includes the usual suspects like margherita, bianca and carne ($16.99-$18.99, 16-inch) prepared with unusual amounts of love and sincerity from the small staff. Mia's most winning points have to be the intimate outside dining patio that feels more like a Charleston backyard/garden and a pungent, saucey red sauce. Pacing's a big problem and needs to pick up. It's painful to wait a full hour with an empty stomach while breathing in all those fabulous scents. For more information on the menu/hours, etc. visit:www.miapomodori.com.
Lunch proved to be impeccable. Great, friendly service from a gentle, non-hurried staff and the scent of smoke wafting from the wood-fired pizette oven quickly softened my armor into a molten self-admission that Al di La can be as sweet as it always was, especially during the less hectic daytime hours. Soups, salads, and mini-pizza's shine with fresh flavors and top grade ingredients, not the least of which is the house-made mozzarella. The prosciutto, mozzarella and arugula panini ($8.25) served with a small, fresh salad made for a perfectly delicious lunch. Prices are as gentle as the daytime service, ranging between $5 to $8.50. Throw in a glass of wine sipped underneath a merry Campari umbrella and you're inviting a sweet, Northern-Italian style nap quicker than you can say Ciao. Perhaps this kind of comforting and nurturing lunch bodes well for improved nocturnal service experiences. For more on prices, hours, menus, visit: www.aldilarestaurant.com.
Mia Pomodori
There's been a lot of positive buzz on the streets about this tiny, young pizza shop that popped up on Charleston's hottest(seemingly all of a sudden!) restaurant corner at Cannon and Rutledge. A darling little spot owned by a Brooklyn native and his wife, it emits a wonderful stream of Italian aromas that mingle with Hominy's Southern and Lana's Mediterranean respective aromatic arsenals in a most wonderful way.
I've heard people rave about the Sicilian style pizza which has a very thick, very chewy crust. For me, it's a little bit too much and reminds me of eating an open face sandwich on a halved submarine roll. Opt for the thinner specialty pies which includes the usual suspects like margherita, bianca and carne ($16.99-$18.99, 16-inch) prepared with unusual amounts of love and sincerity from the small staff. Mia's most winning points have to be the intimate outside dining patio that feels more like a Charleston backyard/garden and a pungent, saucey red sauce. Pacing's a big problem and needs to pick up. It's painful to wait a full hour with an empty stomach while breathing in all those fabulous scents. For more information on the menu/hours, etc. visit:www.miapomodori.com.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Upcoming Charleston Area Book Signings - Southern Farmers Market Cookbook
October 8, 6:30 p.m. I'll be teaching a class inspired by the book's fall recipes in a participation class called Fall Farmers Market at Charleston Cooks!, 194 East Bay Street, downtown. The fee for the class is $60. A signing will follow the class. C'mon by. This will be both fun and delicious!
October 10, 8 a.m. - noon. Charleston Farmers Market book-signing at Marion Square, downtown.
October 15, 7 to 10 p.m. and October 18, 2 to 5 p.m. I'll be hosting a signing at my home/garden in conjunction with the Preservation Society of Charleston's Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens. Will offer tasty samples of recipes from the book and libations. Should be a couple of lovely afternoons! I'd love to see you. Go to www.preservationsociety.org for more details or to get your tickets.
Also, I'll be appearing on Lowcountry Live this Friday morning, 9/25 at approximately 10:15 a.m. to prepare Red Cabbage Slaw with Bacon, Scallions, Toasted Pecans and Roquefort. First caller to get through to the show gets a free, signed copy of the book!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Rita's Does Burgers Right
Like the shifting sands of time and fickle nature of fashion, Folly Beach continues to morph and change with the ongoing evolution (or de-evolution depending on whom you ask) of Charleston. Nowhere is that more evident than in the Edge of America's restaurant scene, which has gone from offering a series of beachcomber shacks and oyster joints, to becoming a virtual restaurant renaissance destination. Gone are Anchor Line and The Terrapin - enter the sophisticated waves from Blu and the bodacious burgers from Rita's across the street.
Most everyone resists change, especially at this beloved Bohemian beach and surfer land, but the addition of Rita's will be a welcome one by any red-blooded American lover of great, beefy burgers. These are drip-to-your-elbows stacks of decadence on a (slightly too soft) bun. The burgers are 10 ounce, hand-formed patties of Angus beef that are charbroiled to your preferred temperature (and at your own risk, as stated on the campy menu).The smoky, crust of the char grill recalls Burger King, but the over-the-top toppings knock these burgers well into the gorgeous, gourmet ballpark.
The Cantina Burger ($9.50) is fattened with charred red onion, jack cheese and guacamole while the Reuben Burger ($10) rolls out on rye bread with corned beef, kraut, Swiss cheese and 1000 island dressing. Bring it on! I sampled and immediately fell in love with the Southbound Burger ($9) which is simply topped with smooth, mild house-made pimiento and slabs of apple-smoked bacon. Add the fresh slivers of red onion, tomato and lettuce, and this baby was a mouthful! Shy appetites or modest eaters need to apply. A pile of hot, but otherwise forgettable fries rounds out the platters.
The restaurant also serves an array of salads, sandwiches and seafood platters, that I have not yet sampled. The latter (all about $13) looked and smelled delicious, ample and local. Still, there is something about sea air, which flows in and around through an open deck and open windows, that brings out big appetites for big, delicious burgers, and that's exactly what Rita's delivers. The prices flirt with the edge of being high for the Edge of America audience, but in my opinion, the size and quality of the ingredients in the burgers make up for it. Service is young, friendly and slightly erratic.
Next time you're craving a burger, Rita's the place to be on the beach.
Rita's Seaside Grille
2 Center Street, Folly Beach
(843) 588-2525
Most everyone resists change, especially at this beloved Bohemian beach and surfer land, but the addition of Rita's will be a welcome one by any red-blooded American lover of great, beefy burgers. These are drip-to-your-elbows stacks of decadence on a (slightly too soft) bun. The burgers are 10 ounce, hand-formed patties of Angus beef that are charbroiled to your preferred temperature (and at your own risk, as stated on the campy menu).The smoky, crust of the char grill recalls Burger King, but the over-the-top toppings knock these burgers well into the gorgeous, gourmet ballpark.
The Cantina Burger ($9.50) is fattened with charred red onion, jack cheese and guacamole while the Reuben Burger ($10) rolls out on rye bread with corned beef, kraut, Swiss cheese and 1000 island dressing. Bring it on! I sampled and immediately fell in love with the Southbound Burger ($9) which is simply topped with smooth, mild house-made pimiento and slabs of apple-smoked bacon. Add the fresh slivers of red onion, tomato and lettuce, and this baby was a mouthful! Shy appetites or modest eaters need to apply. A pile of hot, but otherwise forgettable fries rounds out the platters.
The restaurant also serves an array of salads, sandwiches and seafood platters, that I have not yet sampled. The latter (all about $13) looked and smelled delicious, ample and local. Still, there is something about sea air, which flows in and around through an open deck and open windows, that brings out big appetites for big, delicious burgers, and that's exactly what Rita's delivers. The prices flirt with the edge of being high for the Edge of America audience, but in my opinion, the size and quality of the ingredients in the burgers make up for it. Service is young, friendly and slightly erratic.
Next time you're craving a burger, Rita's the place to be on the beach.
Rita's Seaside Grille
2 Center Street, Folly Beach
(843) 588-2525
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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