Photograph courtesy of Purlieu
By Chef Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams in the chef at the Purlieu, a modern French brasserie in Charleston's westside neighborhood from executive chef and owner, John Zucker of Cru Cafe. Here is Jeff's hit list for Charleston.
Photographs courtesy of Purlieu
PURLIEU
237 Fishburne Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 626.773.0700
Facebook Page
CHEF JEFF WILLIAMS' GUIDE TO CHARLESTON
Morning Coffee & Breakfast
Photograph courtesy of Kudu Coffee
Kudu Coffee
This is my go to spot for a cup of joe in the morning. Locally owned and operated, they have great variety of craft beer as well. They actually roast their own coffee at a separate location.
4 Vanderhorst Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.853.7186
www.kuducoffeeandcraftbeer.com
Photograph courtesy of Butcher and Bee
Butcher & Bee
It is usually pretty crowded, but that's because the Butcher and Bee is all about flavor. I could eat here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No one is doing food like they are and the Bee is dialed into what people crave. I love the morning hummus with chick peas, poached eggs, and pita. I usually get a side of crispy potatoes as well.
1085 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.619.0202
www.butcherandbee.com
Marina Variety Store | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Marina Variety Store
I love the diner feel and the bonus is that it overlooks the marina. My secret pleasure is the corned beef hash, poached eggs and the shredded potatoes. Great place for a little hair of the dog.
Charleston City Marina
17 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.723.6325
www.varietystorerestaurant.com
Lunch
Photograph courtesy of Cru Café
Cru Café
The short rib pastrami sandwich at Cru Café is not to be taken lightly. It's brined, then smoked, and has incredible flavor. They offer a ton of salads and sandwiches that will not leave you hungry. It has been open for 16 years and still packs the house everyday. On the weekends you will find the chef /owner John Zucker running the whole show, just as he has done since they opened their doors in 2001.
18 Pinckney Street, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.534.2434
www.crucafe.com
Rodney Scott's BBQ | Photo Credit: Andrew Cebulka
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
The whole hog plate here is my favorite BBQ ever. It's been a long time coming, but he is finally here in Charleston. He has a way with the hog that is something magical.
1011 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.990.9535
www.rodneyscottsbbq.com
Afternoon Snack
Photograph courtesy of Minero
Minero
The perfect midday snack for me is trip to Minero. Chef Sean Brock has taken his craft and applied it to authentic Mexican food. I think I have had everything on the menu and there is always something new to be had. I am a sucker for the catfish taco and the pastor. Brock has hand-picked the corn he uses in the tortillas (some imported from Mexico) and grinds it in-house daily to make fresh masa. Who else is doing that in Charleston?
153 E Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.789.2241
www.minerorestaurant.com
Late Afternoon Spirits Tasting
Photograph courtesy of The Charleston Distilling Co.
The Charleston Distilling Co.
This is a great place to try local spirits. They offer tours and tastings and offer spirits made from South Carolina grown corn, wheat, rye, and millet. The Calhoun's rye whiskey is my favorite.
501 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.718.1446
www.charlestondistilling.com
Early Evening Cocktails & Beer
Photograph courtesy of The Dewberry
The Living Room at The Dewberry
If you're in the mood for ultra chic, The Living Room at the Dewberry will not disappoint. Great relaxed atmosphere and creative cocktails. I'll take a Negroni every time.
334 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 888.550.1450
www.thedewberrycharleston.com/drinks-dining
Local 616
If you wanna catch some local industry folk, this is the place to talk shop and drown your sorrows.
616 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.414.7850
DINNER
Photograph courtesy of FIG
FIG
FIG has been my favorite restaurant for many years and the ability and drive it takes to stay so relevant after 15 years is nothing short of remarkable. James Beard award-wining chef Jason Stanhope was passed the torch by his mentor, chef Mike Lata, and he has run with it. I actually quit a well paying chef position just to work here. I needed to see the chicken liver mousse and the ricotta gnocchi for myself.
232 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.805.5900
www.eatatfig.com
Late Night
Blind Tiger
My late night pick would definitely be the Blind Tiger. I have been coming here for years and the set up is pretty unique. They have a nice area up front where you can listen to live music or you can adjourn to the back deck where there is a very spacious outdoor bar. There are lots of sectioned off areas where you can enjoy a drink and a private conversation. When the weather is nice it's a great place to be.
Open until 2am
36-38 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.872.6700
www.blindtigerchs.com
JEFF'S CHARLESTON SOUVENIRS
Quintin Middleton
Get a hand-crafted oyster knife. He has established an incredible reputation within the local culinary community.
Geechie Boy
Get their grits. Edisto Island farmers Greg and Betsy Johnsman own and operate an antique miller and separator using heirloom corn.
FED Charleston Pro Guides
