I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve been overly curious as to what’s going on at the former location of Larry’s Giant Subs on the corner of Capitol and Virginia Streets. So much so, in fact, that I actually crossed the street on my way to the United Bank building to see if I could get a better idea.

From the street, one can only notice the decorative window coverings featuring a variety of sliced deli meats and cheeses. But up close, and especially on the “Now Hiring” sign, one can deem that the former Subway-turned-Larry’s Giant Subs is being renovated, redesigned and rehashed into another sub shop.

Now I’ve never heard of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, but they have a great website, fun advertising and an interesting Charleston connection. That’s right! Did you know that the first Jimmy John’s was established in Charleston in 1983? Well, it’s true… (more…)

By Brooke A. Brown

Did you know that today, January 23rd, is National Pie Day? Yeah, me neither.

But it is, and I’m completely cool with that. As a matter of fact, in honor of what might be the greatest day ever, I think I’ll partake of a slice of my favorite Charleston-area pie. Or perhaps I’ll finally try that recipe for Pump-can Pie. Either way, I highly recommend that you all celebrate in similar fashion.

If it seems cruel that National Pie Day comes only a few weeks after most weight-loss resolutions are made, well, that’s because it is! So, for those still wishing to celebrate, I recommend dusting off that Don McLean CD and serving up a healthy portion of his classic ‘American Pie’ instead.

By Brooke A. Brown

I hinted at my fanaticism for Jerry Seinfeld in my recent review of Delish Express. I’ve even posted a photo clip of the fictional version of the “Original” Soup Man on a previous entry. It’s a safe bet that the real guy would not approve.

My fascination with everything Seinfeld has been reinforced of late by viewings of various episodes – and all of those wonderful extras – from my very own copy of Seinfeld - The Complete Series DVD collection. I just so happened to watch “The Soup Nazi” episode a few days ago, and learned that the real-life inspiration for the character – Mr. Al Yeganeh – has not only franchised his soup stand, but also created a retail line of premium, gourmet, “heat-n-serve” soups.

No… seriously.

And do you want to know the best part of this bit of news? You can actually find the Soup Naz… I mean Soup Man’s soups in the freezer section of the Ashton Place Krogers, among other locations in the state. My buggy was already loaded down (and my budget already shot) when I first noticed the soups, so I had to pass this go around. But I can assure you that I’ll be sampling them very soon. The first one on my “to-try” list is the Seafood Bisque.

Have any of you guys tried the Soup Man’s soups yet? If so, leave your comments below. Otherwise, look out for an update from yours truly in the week’s ahead. Until then…

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Up close and personal with the Gyro Platter from Best of Crete

By Brooke A. Brown

It’s not too often that I make it to the food court of the Charleston Town Center for lunch. But seeing as how I was already there purchasing a birthday gift for my Lovely Miss S, I thought ‘What the heck?’ I can recall a time when the food court nearly covered the entire third floor of the mall, save for a really cool video game arcade. There was even a bakery located in one of the corner lots that served excellent French crullers.

These days, only about half of the space is dedicated to food vendors. We’ve seen fast food icons such as McDonald’s and Long John Silvers come and go. I’m pretty sure there was even a Wendy’s at one time or another, but that’s neither here nor there. This post is dedicated to a Town Center food court mainstay.

The Best of Crete is not your typical fast food joint. You’re certainly served quickly, but there’s nothing quick about the food preparation. There’s the lemon-infused baked chicken; rice and beef-stuffed dolmades; and the Bechamel-topped pastitsio (a dish I often times refer to as ‘Greek Beefaroni.’) Each of these offerings, and countless others on the menu, are clearly prepared with great attention to detail and an overwhelming sense of pride in heritage.

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW the latest 5-minute “WineBoy” webcast.

Gazz wine blogger John Brown is often asked about whether he supports adding a flavor dimension to wine by aging it in oak barrels. Does the oak actually improve the taste? His answer to that question goes all the way back to his grandfather’s wine cellar. View the latest “WineBoy” webcast — and see Brown’s own oak barrel– at the “WineBoy” blog at thegazz.com. For more ruminations on the art of oak and wine, see the “WineBoy” post below.

Photo by Kenny Kemp

By Brooke A. Brown

I know that my one dish review of Gratzi wasn’t a glowing one, but I didn’t think it would close the place down! That’s right, folks… the Charleston Gratzi is no more. The ability to get a free birthday meal in this town just became a touch more difficult.

I was never terribly impressed with the food at Gratzi, but the restaurant was very cozy and the service was first-class. Food quality can always rebound with the right type of management, though. I guess we just couldn’t get Gordon Ramsay here in time to save the place. C’est la vie.

Here’s hoping we get something new and exciting in the space, like a mini-Cheesecake Factory, for instance. Or a P.F. Chang’s (let’s be realistic, it’ll be a chain of some sort that replaces Gratzi, so it might as well be a good one!). What type of restaurant would you like to see ‘give it a go’ in Charleston? Leave your comments below.

The West Vegetarian Wrap | Photo by Stacey Angel

By Brooke A. Brown

Dick Clark tells me it’s a new year, so let’s kick things off with a new review of one of Charleston’s newer restaurants. I’ve been meaning to get over to Delish Express for quite some time now, but each attempt wound up with me at a table across the street at the nearby Bluegrass Kitchen. What can I say? If I were TV’s Jerry Seinfeld, Bluegrass would be my Monk’s Diner.

Anyway, getting back to the review at hand, I finally made it to Delish Express over the holidays for a little look-see at what they’ve got going on. Joining me on the excursion was my Lovely Miss S, of course, and her mother, Mary. The first thing that struck me pulling into the lot was the parking meters. I’m sure there’s a perfectly good reason why they’re there, but it was a drag thinking they had free parking in their lot only to discover differently.

Upon entering the restaurant, I instantly recognized it as a Virgil Sadorra endeavor due to the use of bold colors, local artwork and feng shui a la his other local eatery, Cilantro’s. One thing that needs to be made clear before we go any further, Delish Express is not a smaller version of the original Delish. You’ll find no Satay Samplers or Ramen Noodle dishes, so consider yourself prepared. (more…)