A Charleston Restaurant Rant & Rave

Work is incredibly busy lately, so when hubby and I were actually able to make reservations for date night, I was beyond excited. We had a gift certificate to you at the Old Village Post House .

I was super excited because I've been there with a friend before and absolutely loved it! Unfortunately, last night wasn't the case. We didn't even get to dinner. We checked in for our reservation at 8pm and waited for 40 minutes before we decided to get up and walk out. We politely told the hostess we were leaving as we had a reservation almost an hour ago and we sick of waiting. She didn't say a word. Not an I'm so sorry, or let's clear you a spot to eat in the bar area, nothing.


I've had bad experiences with the Maverick Group before, but did have a lovely past experience with food and service, so we gave it a whirl. FAIL.


After sitting and waiting, I was in a horrible mood. Our favorite downtown places were packed, and the night was shot. So I thought.


We stumbled upon a new restaurant off of East Bay Street called The Rice Market OMG. Amazing experience.

photo courtesy of Read Charlie

Service: We were greeted and seated immediately. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu as well as the wine list {hubby drilled her}. They weren't overwhelmingly on top of our table, but checked in at perfect timing. Chef even sent out an appetizer to our table- Crispy Shrimp Satay with two different soy dipping sauces. To die for.


Our Meals: Being a restaurateur child, I order all over the menu, like my father does. I like a smattering of dishes to try, as you can't really feel out a restaurant if you only order an entree.


Appetizers:

THE STONE soy & sake marinated hanger steak sliced thin for
you to cook to your preference at the table

DUCK PROSCIUTTO fig, red wine black pepper caviar

STEAMED EDAMAME

Main Courses:

CHIPOTLE RUBBED WOOD GRILLED HANGER STEAK
Carolina gold rice cakes, sauteed spinach, red wine demi glace

Of course, I've always been taught to order the specials if they sound delicious as they aren't typically on the menu. I ordered a flounder marinated in a light sake and soy served with little neck clams, bok choy and rice noodles. The fish was cooked perfectly and the marinade nice and light.


Dessert:
Oreo cookie crust, bourbon cream, chocolate molasses tart

Price: For a variety of appetizers {3}, two glasses of wine, a cocktail, two amazing entrees & dessert for $133- that's a steal!

Ambiance: I wouldn't necessarily say romantic for couples, but better suited for groups. They have a fun and funky interior with large u-shaped tables underneath modern wooden arbors and also larger family style tables in the bar area for large group cocktail hours. Very well put together international decor.

I'd highly recommend this fabulous new dining spot and not the over rated, under serviced Maverick Restaurants {SNOB, Post House & High Cotton}.