Recently, I went on a family vacation to Charleston, South Carolina. The previous weeks leading up to vacation included running a lot and eating very healthy,knowing I was going to have to be in a bikini all week long, but more importantly, so I could fully indulge in all of what the south has to offer! Most of the week was a lot of laying on the beach, drinking cocktails, and taking turns making dinner. All of the dinners were typical meals you make at home, so towards the end of the week we decided to venture off and enjoy some real Carolina specialties. We started off the day with a local favorite, banana nut bread french toast! If any of you have ever seen the show "Best Thing I Have Ever Eaten", this would be mine! Then we headed to downtown Charleston for lunch were I was determined to have some fresh seafood. Since I wasn't starving I settled for the crab dip. Sounds like nothing special but, it far exceeded my expectations! It consisted of giant chunks of fresh crab smothered in a luscious but light mayo lemon sauce, served with traditional crackers. I would serve it with crustini but the crackers made it that much more southern. Then we headed out to Isle of Palms, a town outside of Charleston, for a delicious seafood inspired meal at The Boathouse. There, I tried my first oyster....not the biggest fan (way too much of a texture freak to enjoy), but I also think it is an acquired taste. For my main entree, I had the seared sea scallops over risotto, which was to die for! Sea scallops are one of those entrees where the chef either nails it or their chewy. Not only did the chef nail it, but since they came directly from the ocean, they were as fresh as could be. With such a fresh scallop, the perfect sear they gave it is all you need. Serving it over risotto with asparagus is just an added bonus.
In just one day, I would like to say I got a pretty good taste of southern cuisine, and let me tell you, for health reasons I am glad I don't live there. In the words of Paula Deen, I send you love and best dishes from the south!
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