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I’m on a mission to prove you can rock it (or at least feel like you’re rockin it) over 40!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Red Drum

Oh, Chef Barryhill, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…One red drum, two red drum…three. It’s Restaurant Week in Charleston! It’s every foodies dream. There is so much to offer this year and so little time and money to do it all. Therefore, I had no choice but to pick Red Drum as one of the restaurants I would use to pleasure my palette. Sounds like a line from a bad romance novel, right? Well…you’ll be making some interesting noises as you sink your teeth into the dishes made on the Red Drum wood-burning grill.

Located in Mt. Pleasant at 803 Coleman Boulevard, Red Drum looks like a setting in San Diego or San Antonio. I instantly miss home when I pull into the parking lot. When you arrive, the valet will be ready to assist you in parking your car. While the valet parking is complimentary, be sure to bring some extra cash for tipping. Check in with the hostess and if you have a few minutes to burn check out their incredible bar. They have some amazing beers available and if you tell them the taste you’re in the mood for, they have recommendations. You won’t be disappointed. The staff is quite knowledgeable of their wine, beer, and spirits.

We arrived about thirty minutes early and decided to take advantage of their Happy Hour. Happy Hour wine is $5 a glass and select beers range from $3 for PBR to $5 for a Fat Tire. We decided to have the Chips and Marta’s Guacamole ($4). It was fabulous. The guac was perfect. If you choose to, take your drink out on the patio and enjoy the live band while you sit on an outdoor sofa. There’s even an outdoor fireplace for cool evenings.

Since its Restaurant Week, we ordered off that menu, however you can order off their regular menu also. My husband and I both chose the Seared Sea Scallop with Pan Roasted Wild Mushrooms served over grits with an amazing cascabel chile sauce and truffle oil. The scallop was cooked to perfection. The sweetness of the scallop with the chile sauce was an amazing combination. Take your time and savor the flavors.

For my main course I chose Wild Boar Ragu with Papardelle with roasted carrot, cippolini mushrooms and heirloom tomatoes. The ribbons of papardelle noodles were buttery and delicious. The wild boar was marinated in ancho chiles and reisling. I absolutely loved the flavor and texture of the shredded boar. The light sauce with the mushrooms and carrot was very good. Make sure to take a bite of everything together. The flavors are perfect. This dish reminded me of a rich stroganoff dish. It was so yummy. My husband chose the Wood Grilled Natural Chicken Breast & Crisp Tortilla served with melted Mexican cheese, avocado relish, and a garlic cream sauce with a couple of spears of asparagus. Typically, I would not order chicken when I go out to eat, but this is THE BEST chicken dish I have ever had. You can taste the flavors from the wood-fire grill and it goes perfect with the spices and avocado relish.

For my dessert choice, I chose to go with the Rustic Peach Tart with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. Definitely a good choice as they were all out before we left. The crust was buttery and flaky, the fresh peaches were perfect, and the vanilla bean ice cream was creamy. My husband chose the Wisconsin Cheese Tasting Plate. The Wisconsin cheddar cheese was creamy and rich. It was served with house made crackers and a caramel dipping sauce. The sweetness of the caramel with the saltiness of the cheese was a really pleasant combination. My husband was quite impressed with his dessert and I think I may have to order it next time.

If you decide to make reservations at Red Drum for Restaurant Week, I don’t think you will be disappointed. This is not my first visit to Red Drum and it definitely won’t be my last, however it is a special night out because it is not easy on the pocketbook. Although, you won’t forget your meal…you’ll be telling everyone about it and thinking about it until the next time you go. Seriously, you'll be belting out stupid sonnets like the one I started this blog post with :)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Charleston Restaurant Week

Charleston Restaurant Week is coming soon. September 7th - 18th, you have the opportunity to try some fabulous grub at excellent prices. Restaurants in the area will be offering a pre-fixed menu. You will have a choice of three items and depending on where you go it may cost you $20, $30, or $40. Some area restaurants are even offering two individuals for $20. For example, Wild Wing Cafe you can get an appetizer and two entrees for $20.

However, I say take advantage of this opportunity and go somewhere you haven't been. Treat this as a special night out and make reservations at Grill 225. The menu looks fantastic. I personally want to start out with the Chopped Caesar Salad, followed by a 12 oz Ribeye and end it with the Classique Napoleon...all for $40.

Check out the website and the pre-fixed menus availabe at:

http://www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/charleston-restaurant-week/

Do me a favor and if you go, come back here and let me know where you ate, what was good, what was not, and whether I should make a visit.

Carpe Victus my foodie friends.