Saturday, November 8, 2008

Dinner -- 11/7/08

Anson
12 Anson St
Charleston, SC 29401

853-577-0551

http://www.ansonrestaurant.com/

6:15-9:50 PM

$$$

Ramona: She-crab soup, Caesar salad, Sea Bass with clam chowder, black-bottom pecan pie with vanilla ice cream

Jim: She-crab soup, Caesar salad, Sea Bass with clam chowder, cheese and contrast, coffee

Shared: Oysters times three (raw, fried, Rockefeller), calimari, breaded fried okra, Jean Gott Sauvignon Blanc (California) 2007

We were fortunate to share this dinner with six colleagues of Ramona in Charleston for the annual Charleston [Library] Conference. The company was fun and we had several spirited discussions going at all times, books, reading libraries, and of course politics. But, as Shakespeare wrote, "Do as lawyers do -- strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends." We did both.

The atmosphere was elegant but relaxed, and the service was superb. A special thanks to our head server, Blake.

The food was outstanding. The she crab soup began the meal and it was delicious, as was the Caesar salad, which was topped with an anchovy. We will run out of superlatives before this review has come to an end! Ramona and I ordered an off-the-menu special, which was sublime. There was broiled sea bass floating on a bed of arugula over a New England clam chowder reduction.

The desserts were also special. Ramona's was warm and tasty. Jim is not a big fan of pecan pie, however, he admitted this was the best he ever tasted. Jim's dessert was most unusual. It consisted of figs soaked in port wine, spiced pecans, garlic bread straws, and tangy goat cheese. This roller coaster ride of tastes was one of the most unusual desserts he has ever had with its variety of tastes, textures, and aromas.

The wine was also an excellent suggestion by Blake. Our first choice was a Russian River Sauvignon Blanc, but, unfortunately, they were out at that moment.

Even the coffee was a perfect ending to the meal.

Anson will be added to our annual list of restaurants to visit in Charleston. We are going to have to lengthen our trip if this trend continues!

-Jim

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