Noshing Nirvana: May 19, 2016
Our monthly food column has a matrimonial vibe for May. Daniel Island husband and wife duo Mike and Becky Howard travel a lot. They’ve had their share of meals on the road. And by meals on the road, we don’t mean squealing into Cracker Barrel on two wheels. We mean sampling some of the best cuisine this nation has to offer before catching another red-eye or puddle jumper home. So, even though home is Charleston, which is less of a stranger to exceptional food with each passing week, it stands to reason that the Howards have the foodie cred to conduct some comparisons. And just how does horking in the Holy City stack up against dining in other U.S. destinations? Just (ridiculously) fine, thank you very much.
Unlike the Mikey from the Life cereal commercials, this Mikey doesn’t hate everything. His taste runs the gamut from diner fare to fine dining. But that doesn’t mean he’ll eat anything with that discerning palate. But the chicken liver parfait at Edmond’s Oast in downtown Charleston is not just anything. Served with rye bread points, its moniker comes from the layers of housemade chicken pate, radish, and apple.
“It’s super fresh and feels so farm-to-table,” beams Howard.
And when he orders the $8 “snack,” wife Becky secures the fresh Ricotta small plate, drizzled with olive oil and accompanied by warm crusty bread. Though they so often have to travel apart, this couple clearly knows how to work together.
When Becky has dining dibs, it’s off to The Obstinate Daughter in Sullivan’s Island. Her go-to at the O.D.? Farro and chicken from the brunch menu.
“Filling farro grains with roast chicken and black truffles and charred Brussels sprouts…” Becky swoons, “Such a unique hearty combo that doesn’t make you feel over-full but is oddly comfort food.”
With the flavors of peanut and balsamic gently awash over all that nourishing goodness, the dish surely can’t disappoint. And a full brunch for $12 isn’t too shabby when you likely won’t be hungry until 8 p.m. Logging the miles has made Becky one savvy southerner.
Want to share your tale of noshing nirvana? It’s simple – just respond to the following:
1) Where were you served the best thing you ate all month?
2) What was the food that left you speechless (mainly because you couldn’t stop horking it down)?
3) Can you describe what made the dish so magical? Be sure to speak slowly...
4) Dish more on the dish, if you can - price, portion size, availability on regular menu, and the psychological repercussions of consuming something so rad.
5) Please email a photo of your to-die-for dish and responses to the four questions above (don’t leave any out!) to jennifer@thedanielislandnews.com.