Dinner -- 11/8/08

La Fourchette Bistro Francaise
432 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403

843.722.6261

6:15 - 9:15 PM

http://lafourchettecharleston.com/

$$$$

Ramona: Tomato and rosemary soup, seared duck breast with honey and orange sauce, garlic mashed potatoes.

Jim: Salad (with roasted beets, leeks, and pepper vinagrette dressing), veal stewed in white wine cream sauce with spinach pasta

Shared: Assorted cheese and bread, duck pate with cornichons, mustard and croutons, Chateau Chapelle Siguer (French) 2003 [Montagne St. Emillion], and crepe with lemon whipped cream.

On previous trips to Charleston, we checked this place out, but never went inside, preferring the fabulous seafood restaurants, such as Hyman's, Hanks, and Anson. Since we had seafood on Friday night, we decided on something completely different for Saturday.

This bistro reminded us of many small, intimate restaurants we had visited (Alas! not together!) in Paris. The owner milled about the room greeting guests as they came and left. The soft music in the background as the waiters and guests swirled around the room gave this place a subdued but festive atmosphere. The food was spectacular.

Ramona's soup was hot and delicious. We are more familiar with tomato and basil soup, but this was a wonderful change. Her duck was juicy and tasty. The cheeses presented a variety of tastes from mild to strong and spicy.

Jim's salad was an interesting combination of beets, which he loves, tempered with the slight taste of the leaks. None of the dressing went to waste, since there was plenty of warm baguette to sop up the remainder. His veal was tender, and the sauce was delicate and added to the overall deliciousness of the dish.

The dessert was a special treat. The crepe was warm and soft, and the lemon cream the perfect ending to a spectacular dinner.

The wine was also a great compliment to these dishes. St. Emillion is Jim's favorite Bordeaux, and neither of us was disappointed.

Obviously, this meal was quite expensive. Remember our symbols do not include the tip or the wine, but we both agreed as we walked the two blocks back to our hotel that it was worth every penny. Another must-visit restaurant on any trip to Charleston!

-Jim