Charleston - Monday

So this morning I got up and wondered around with my camera! I love this place! Oh I could only hope to retire here in Charleston and have this house or one just like it! Just look at how beautiful it is from the drive way all the way up to the house!

This is the 3rd floor "apartment" where Stacey and I were staying

The back of the house and the back yard are just as beautiful!

They have a dock that leads out to the water

That is an alligator bed!! Oh yay! lol

And this is beautiful Lo lounging! She is just so funny!

Stacey and I got ready and decided to head into town to get some lunch...while I was sitting in the car waiting on Stacey...I caught some National Geographic moment on camera! lol I saw this lizard and then as I was watching him he turned around and caught a moth and ate it!!!

We ate lunch at On the Border and got us some "big girl" drinks! lol

Stacey

Me

Our "big girl" drinks

Then it was off to get pedicures!

We got back to the house where we took a little nap before getting ready for the most amazing dinner of my life!

So...working for Richard Blais definitely has its perks! I told him Stacey and I were going to Charleston and that we were wanting to go eat dinner at McCrady's which is Sean Brock's place. Sean and Blais go way back so Blais made a call to him and got us reservations. When Stacey and I arrived, I told them my name and they said, "Oh! Right this way!" As they sat us, I noticed we didn't get menus!? Then our server came over and asked if he could start us off with a drink and we of course said yes! He then proceeded to tell us that Chef Blais had called ahead and Chef Brock has prepared an 8 course tasting menu for us with wine pairings!!! We were so excited!!! We felt like rock stars!! lol

Walking up to McCrady's on the cobblestone road

Stacey :)

Our drinks! lol

Me :)

First Course: Charleston Stone Crab with Lime, Watermelon Ponzu, Watermelon Gelée, Watermelon Foam and Frozen Coconut paired with Tozai, "Living Jewel", Sake, Junmai, Japan

Second Course: Scallop with Citrus, Cauliflower and Saffron Foam paired with Valminor, Albaino, Rias Baixas, 2007

Third Course: Grouper with Pickled Clams, Charred Onions, Sunchokes and Red Pepper Dashi paired with Wild Rock, Pinot Noir, Central Otago, 2007

Fourth Course: Pork, Asparagus, Ramps and Truffle Jus paired with E. Guigal, Syrah, Hermitage, 2000

Fifth (Surprise) Course: General Tso's Sweetbreads, Pork FriedRice and Broccoli paired with a Riesling (that I didn't get the name of...but it was a brilliant pairing...something you would never have thought of but it was amazing!)

Sixth Course: Beef with Creamed Kimchee, Mushrooms and Smokey Hollandaise paired with Castello di Uzzano, Sangiovese, Chianti Classico, 2005

Seventh Course: "Banana Puddin" - Banana Pana Cotta with Vanilla Wafer Ice Cream paired with Chateau Guiraud, Sauternes, 2005

Eighth Course: Soft Chocolate with Toffee Ice Cream and Hazelnuts paired with Domaine de L'Elephant, Grenache/Carignan/Syrah, Rivesaltes Grenat, 2007

Looking around the restaurant

Me and Stacey going into the 8th course! Sean came out and greeted us :)

Love love love this picture! It was actually taken in the bathroom at McCrady's! LOL

Oh yeah...on our way to Wet Willies (where I ended up leaving my credit card! lol)

They do Metal Monday's where they have karaoke to a live band!

Me and Stacey...tired and buzzed and headed back to the house to sleep!