Charleston, South Carolina, is known for a few things: southern charm, great seafood, and coconut cake - OK, maybe that last one is specific to Peninsula Grill.


Peninsula Grill is a high-end restaurant that promises an exquisite experience.



“Peninsula Grill has the sophisticated feel of an urban eatery without losing sight of its Southern charm. The menu is inventive, offering boldly flavored dishes spiced up with Lowcountry accents like collard greens, hushpuppies, grits and black-eyed peas. There’s also a champagne bar menu of decadent little treats like oysters, lobster, foie gras, caviar and duck pâté.” — FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE



I found myself at the champagne bar area and looking over the menu.



But first, some warm bread and incredible butter with salt.


And then, one of my favorite things, a little gift from the chef.




It was a raw fish with fresh herbs and sauce.


And I ordered the - Lobster "3 Way" Lobster Ravioli, Lobster Tempura and Sautéed Lobster with warm Tomato-Basil Beurre Monte.


It's small, but oh so satisfying.


And the main reason for going: The legendary 12-layer ultimate coconut cake.

"Today, Peninsula Grill is famous for its signature 12-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake®, one of the South’s most celebrated desserts. Slices of the cake are served to guests at the restaurant nightly, and entire cakes are shipped across the United States via overnight delivery. This beloved cake that has earned praise from AFAR, Bon Appétit, Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Good Morning America, Martha Stewart Living, Saveur, Southern Living, The Food Network, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Travel & Leisure, TODAY Show, USA TODAY, and Vogue, among others."

For a nightcap to end our first night in Portland, Maine, Kaitee and my friend Joshua and his friend all ventured to Flood's.

“[Flood’s] is a reference to a writer I’ve always loved named Joseph Mitchell,” Mitchell said (and no, there’s no relation to the author). “He did a lot of fun and poignant writing on fishermen and butchers and fishmongers around New York City. He had a character [in his book] called ‘Old Mr. Flood.’ [The character] wasn’t a real person; he was an amalgamation of characters at the South Street Seaport fish market. It kind of spoke to me, this collection of ideas and characters.” [source]


Flood's is owned by one of the same owners as Palace Diner and features dinner, drinks and desserts - kind of everything the Palace Diner doesn't.


We tried the blueberry-peach cobbler, which was a beautiful blend of homey, warm, sweet treat topped with a cold scoop of ice cream. Always a winner.

Extra Virgin Oven. That's the name of one of the best pizzerias in the Charleston, South Carolina, area.


The wood-fired pizzeria and craft bakery is known for some unique pizzas, like pancetta and cauliflower. Chorizo and tomatoes. Salami and mushrooms.


But the one that gets rave reviews is the Pistachio Pesto - pistachio pesto, Split Creek Farm fromage blanc, ground pistachio, creme fraiche, mozzarella, parmigiano-reggiano.


It's definitely a unique flavor - but tasty.

After having plans displaced, Kaitee and I decided on an impromptu trip to Local 188 (perk: They have parking behind the building!).

Local 188 specializes in Spanish cuisine and local ingredients - as well as an extensive beverage list.


"Staying true to Maine’s seasonal offerings, Executive Chef Jay Villani, Chef de Cuisine Travis Kern and Sous Chef Henry Remenapp construct a menu that is both innovative and familiar. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers, foragers, and fishermen. Many components of the menu, such as breads, charcuterie, pickled vegetables, and desserts, are prepared in-house. Local 188 has its roots in Spain but draws influence from all over the Mediterranean to create a unique blend of old and new."

I went with a Thyme Traveler drink, which has thyme and blackberry bourbon, lime, ginger liqueur, simple syrup, and bitters.

And, it was fabulous.

Then, we had some bread to start our meal - always a favorite of mine.

And, then, I ordered Potato Gnocchi with compound butter, ricotta, swiss chard, spiced sunflower seeds. Wow. This is one of my favorite dishes I've had in a very, very long time.

The love the bite of the gnocchi, the umami flavor, everything.

And we also got a cheeseboard that just looked beautiful!

Charleston, South Carolina, has so many good restaurants, it's hard to fit all the must-tries into one visit.


But I kept on my eating tour, and the next stop was Edmund's Oast.



"Edmund’s Oast is a restaurant like no other, because it’s so much more – a unique combination of brewery, seasonally-focused kitchen, and encyclopedic bar program. Scott Shor had the vision to bring these often-singular pursuits under one roof without sacrificing an inch of quality among them. The restaurant offers an elevated but approachable menu, providing guests a warm and exciting dining experience. Executive Chef Bob Cook’s distinctively dynamic menu includes bar snacks, house made charcuterie, small plates, heartier entrees, and classic desserts with a contemporary spin. The food is authentic without pretention, delivering an extraordinary dining experience inspired by the beverages featured on the menu."



First, I ordered a sip of "Peanut Butter & Jelly" beer, which is peanut butter, grape jelly, milk sugar, sandwich in a glass. And you really can taste it.


I also went for the "well rested," which is a blended sour ale with oak, white wine and light earthy funk flavors. Both were delicious.


For a meal, I went for a farro and shrimp, scallop and fresh herb dish. It was light and refreshing for a very warm day.