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Pearlz Oyster Bar

Well, it never fails. The week I finally think we’re going to be able to start doing a couple of posts a week ends up being the longest amount of time we’ve had between posts so far.

BUT…

Nothing can bother me this week because the Charleston Wine and Food Festival has started! Alfonso will be cooking for one of the signature dinners and we are going to the Culinary Village for locals’ day on Sunday. Two years ago was the first time I became aware of the festival, last year I dutifully stalked all the event pictures, and this year we will finally make it to an event. Just so you know, I am already planning which events we will be attending next year- maybe it’s time to volunteer and get some insider knowledge?

Past year's opening night.
2014 opening night. Source: Wade Spees, Post and Courier staff

Want to come? Or at least see what you’re missing so you can dream about next year’s events? Their website might even have some last minute tickets available for this weekend.

Be sure to look for a foodie packed post on the festival next week!

While we were anticipating the start of five days of culinary fun we took a trip to Pearlz Oyster Bar, one of our go-to spots. Alfonso used to work next door and we would often stop for a drink after he got off work. He’s moved restaurants, so it’s been a while since our last visit. Cheap happy hour paired with refreshing seafood definitely does the mind and body good on a Monday afternoon.

It was going to be just a beer and a steamed oyster tapa and then home…

12 juicy oysters
12 juicy oysters
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!

But, after Alfonso decided that Monday was a good day to start liking oyster shooters, we stayed for dinner and…another oyster shooter. I have never personally done one, but seeing the faces on our friends who have is plenty for me.

This oyster shooter was being divinely shined on, so excuse the washed out photo.

Presenting the oyster shooter: oyster in spicy, tomato-y vodka shot
Presenting the oyster shooter: oyster in spicy, tomato-y vodka shot

We followed the oysters up with seasoned peel and eat shrimp, which at happy hour prices are a must order. Easy to eat, juicy and not over cooked, dipped in lovely horseradish and cocktail sauce. This used to be a standard of ours even off the happy hour menu.

Seasoned peel and eat shrimp
Seasoned peel and eat shrimp

After the shrimp, I was still down to continue the seafood route, but Alfonso said he wanted something fried or “bread-y” (must have been the oyster shooters 😉 ). We performed the Great Castejón Compromise and ordered mussels with extra baguette for broth dipping. I have had the mussels in broth there before and it was always a favorite, but I think Monday was an off day or maybe they changed chefs? The mussels were very well cooked and plump, but the broth was too thin (like maybe it had been mixed with too much water) and not very flavorful. Bring back the mussels of old!

Mussels with baguette
Mussels with baguette

Monday’s mussels aside, Pearlz is one of our favorite hang-outs and has lots of delicious menu items to choose from. Don’t miss the patio and the great Avondale people watching either.

Oh! What would a fresh, whole foods dinner be without a slice of Bourbon Pecan Pie?

Bourbon Pecan Pie
Bourbon Pecan Pie

That counts as whole foods eating, right? Pecans are heart healthy nuts, no? Well, either way, it got devoured.

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Also, remember how I said I was going to make one Indian food meal a week? Well, again, we didn’t quite make it. But, thanks to our friends, we did get to eat some! We were gifted a certificate to Quickfoxes, a restaurant delivery and catering company. After you order through their site they will pick up your food and bring it to you, even if the restaurant doesn’t normally deliver. It sure beats having to order from greasy pizza or Chinese food places.

We ordered from our local Indian restaurant, Taste of India, so I’ll just call this week investigative. We didn’t get any good pictures because, as with most nights when you order in, there was no time for the set up. I promise the chicken tikka masala and the lamb vindaloo were super scrumptious!


Try not to loose any sleep because you’re so excited for the Charleston Wine and Food Festival this week (This may be advice for myself.) and stay tuned for culinary adventures on the blog soon!

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