Sunday, November 13, 2011

Queen Anne's Revenge, Daniel Island, SC - Stone Brewing Beer Dinner

Okay, this is starting to become a serious problem.  I brought the camera, I told Kari to remind me to take pictures, then, one beer later, no pictures.  The beer was so good, and the first course Sea Island Nachos were so amazing, I just forgot!  It's a good thing I'm not getting paid for this - I'd probably get fired!

Scott Sheridan, the Southeast Representative for Stone Brewing, was his usual enthusiastic and knowledgeable self.  He was funny too, except that Merry-go-Round joke.  He and the cooking staff gave us great descriptions of the beer and food, with a little history thrown in.  I was really impressed how much the chefs and management got involved in the dinner.  This was one of the best dinners I've been to.

The appetizer course was the aforementioned Sea Island Nachos.  These were nachos with a creamy sauce and large chunks of salmon.  They brought three large plates for a table of six, which, you would think would be plenty, but we finished it off and would have eaten more.  Turns out this was good planning by the restaurant as we left the restaurant absolutely stuffed.  We gave the Nachos a 4.5.  The beer was Levitation Ale, Stone's lightest beer, which we gave a 4.0.

The salad was an Arugula and Beet Salad with an IPA vinaigrette.  The dressing was a little thick, but still good.  We gave it a 3.0.

Then they brought a trio of local oysters, one fried, one Rockefeller, one with sausage.  All were excellent, and went perfectly with Stone IPA, one of my absolute favorite beers.  The Oysters were a 4.25, the beer a 4.75.

Then they brought beer braised pork ribs with sweet potato chips.  Oh my god, these were covered with an amazing, crispy layered sauce that had a slowly building heat.  Awesome, 4.75.  The beer was Arrogant Bastard - liquid arrogance.  Another phenomenal beer - 4.75!

For desert, Smoked Doughnut Holes with Chocolate served with Stone Smoked Porter.  I didn't quite get the smokiness, but they were still excellent - 4.0.  The beer was lighter than you might expect from a porter, delicious and smoky - 4.5

All in all this was a great experience.  The company at the tables was awesome, and Scott was a great spokesman for his beers.  Can't wait for the next one!!

Queen Anne's Revenge on Urbanspoon

details to come....


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Charleston's Cafe - Mt Pleasant, SC

You know the food is good when you completely forget to take pictures.  I was staring at a massacre of eggs, pulled pork, cheese, spinach, biscuits...within 5 minutes of getting served.  I know you didn't want to see a picture of that!

For those of you who know Charleston's Cafe, you probably think I got one of the Island Casseroles - trick question - you didn't see chippers on the list!  One of their specials was a hash dish based on pulled pork that was amazing!  Add perfectly cooked eggs, biscuits, and awesome coffee and you have my meal.  A solid 4.5!

Kari had a Dewee's Island Casserole and a single Pumpkin Pancake with caramel drizzle.  Both 4.25!

Charleston's Cafe remains the best breakfast in Chucktown!

http://charlestonscafe.com/

Charleston's Cafe on Urbanspoon