Kerry B.
Yelp
Hubby and I went to the Charleston Friends of the Library That BIG Book Sale at the Omar Shrine Temple (going on through Sunday May 30, so check it out), and afterwards looked to see what good food was in the area. Graze popped up and neither of us had been yet so it was our winner (though we passed Grace & Grit on the way and it was looking pretty good. Next time...).
Apparently everyone in Mount P had the same idea, so we arrived to a little bit of a wait, 20-30 minutes. Outdoor dining was available first but we were trying to cool down from the Book Sale so we let others have that opportunity and waited for inside seats. You know those people who know their table is in demand so they just sit there stirring the ice in their empty glasses for like 15 minutes? Yeah, don't be those people. Regardless, the manager/host was attentive to everyone waiting and quick to bus the tables and keep things moving.
The friendly manager seated us after the squatters departed and our very nice server asked what drinks we would enjoy. The Cucumber Fiz was right up my alley on this hot day. I worried about the St. Germain in it being too herbal but the drink arrived cool, refreshing, and well-balanced. Hubby got sweet tea which was not too sweet and also great on a hot day. Water and straws were provided without needing to ask.
After sipping my cocktail I chose the entree I felt suited it best: Cilantro-Lime Buffalo Shrimp Tacos. Other strong contenders for delicious lunch were the Crab Cakes, the Lobster Roll, and the Sea Scallops. Another day! The side of the day was potato salad and I asked our server if it was good. She said it looked good. I am a True Southerner and super-picky about potato and macaroni salads but she looked sincere so I decided to give it a day in court. Hubby got the Graze Burger and the upgrade to pomme frites over regular fries. He made the right call there.
The atmosphere was clean, open, and inviting and were it not so packed would have been calm and soothing. The decor is sleek and modern in a classic, homesteady way. The tables are hefty slabs of dark wood and the chairs are solid and comfortable. There are simple box planters featuring fresh what looked like catgrass but really could be any grass. Get it? Graze? Cute. There was art for sale on the walls and while it wasn't all great it definitely was something to talk about while waiting.
Waiting was not a huge issue, as our food arrived about 10 minutes after ordering. Not long at all, especially on such a bustling day. And oh my, do they know what they're doing. They call it Creative Casual Cuisine and that sums it up. Classics well-executed with a unique spin. The Buffalo Shrimp Tacos were loaded with gorgeous fried shrimp, spicy arugula, pungent Bleu cheese, and a light drizzle of sauce that was not too spicy, thick or heavy-handed, so the shrimp were crisp, not soggy. The Bleu cheese hunks stole the show. The 2 tacos were filling but I still had to eat all the potato salad. It wasn't as good as mine but it was really good. Tangy with mustard, nice chunks of red-skin potato cooked textbook, red onion for crunch, simple but perfectly balanced. My compliments to the chef.
Hubby's burger was stacked high and well-seasoned, the 2 patties having excellent flavor, added to that fresh lettuce, red onion, tomato, cheese, and garlic aioli on a nice bun. Served white-hot, he tried his pomme frites while the burger cooled enough to handle. Definitely upgrade your fries: the truffle oil, parmesan, and garlic aioli take them to a ho nuvva level. The HNL! They were snappy-crisp outside, fluffy inside, just fantastic fries.
We were both stuffed to the gills and grateful for a delicious meal served with a smile. Thanks for a wonderful experience everyone, and we'll be back. Probably bring the mother-in-law next time. This is a place you can totally see as your mom's favorite restaurant. As long as your mom loves great food!