Circa 1886-Restaurant Review

So it's the end of Restaurant Week in Charleston. Beau and I took advantage of the deals by going to one of the more expensive restaurants in town because of the set price that allowed us the biggest bang for our buck. And let's be honest, we probably wouldn't have gone here otherwise.

 

Here is Circa 1886. It's located downtown Charleston on Wentworth Street behind the Wentworth Mansion. We had a reservation for 8:30, but decided to get there a little bit early to sit at the bar. Beau and I ended up walking through the mansion, which is beautiful by the way and headed into a courtyard out the back. We walked through the courtyard to find the restaurant tucked away in bushes of flowers and old trees. The restaurant was able to seat us early and so we sat in beautiful high-back cushioned chairs that were perfectly spaced. By the way, I feel as though I should mention that there is slight dresscode. Women typically where a skirt or a dress with heels and men are not allowed to wear shorts. It's beautifully lit with a dim glow that's not too dark but not overpoweringly bright. I thought it was perfect.

 

Beau and I started our luxurious meal off with cocktails. He got his typical Bourbon and Diet and I got a Cosmopolitan. Then came the menu! During Restaurant Week, the deal is that there is a set menu and a set price and you get to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert for that set price. Oh and the waitor recommended a wine pairing, which we took advantage of. We each got a half glass of a different wine with each course.

 

My choices:

Appetizer-Lowcountry "One Pot"-braised local beans, duck leg confit, turnip greens and cornbread-served with Chardonnay

Entree-Anteloupe Loin cooked medium-rare with Quinoa, Stone Ground Mustard and Red Wine Sauce with long beans-served with a Bourdeaux

Dessert-Sweet Potato Creme Brulee with Roasted Marshmallow-Served with a Port Wine

 

Beau's choices:

Appetizer-Shrimp served over grits cakes and a spicy sauce-served with white wine

Entree-Beef Tenderloin cooked medium-rare with risotto and hearts of palm-served with a Cabernet Sauvignon

Dessert-Seared Angel Food Cake with Seasonal Berries and Honeysuckly Ice Cream-served with a sweet dessert wine

 

And we finished the night with a cup of coffee that was really nice.

 

The service was great and the ambience was peaceful and romantic.

 

I will be returning here for sure. A huge recommendation if ever you're looking for a really fancy, romantic meal that is equally delicious!