Charleston Food Writers Name the Best Restaurant Meal of 2019

In keeping with Eater tradition, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. To kick it off in Charleston, Eater asked the group eight questions, ranging from the restaurants they frequent most to the biggest surprises of the year. Responses are in no particular order, and readers are encouraged to leave answers in the comments.

Q. What was your best restaurant meal of 2019?

Kenneth Andrews, Eater Charleston contributor and pop-up enthusiast:
2019 was yet another year where Bob Cook at Edmund’s Oast fed me the greatest meal of the year. His ability to introduce you to new and foreign ingredients in a way that feels both familiar and instantly comfortable has consistently delighted me over the years. He is one of this city’s greatest treasures.

Barbara Skidmore, Eater Charleston contributor:
Tasting menu paired with wine at Charleston Grill

Marion Sullivan, Food editor Charleston Magazine:
Too many to single out just one

Stephanie Burt, writer and host of The Southern Fork:
It’s hard for me to choose one, but both were seafood.

If you make me choose, though, I’d have to say a late summer weeknight evening at Chubby Fish where my table ate through the menu and it was just a matter of what dish was the best, since they were all so on point. And the wine selection for that time of the summer was perfection with those plates, seasonal seafood from purveyors I love to support!

Hanna Raskin, Food writer and critic for the Post & Courier:
Can we go with memorable? I had the very good fortune earlier this year to take a first-year Citadel cadet on a review visit to Henrietta’s, where she tried foie gras for the first time in her life.

Parker Milner, Eater Charleston contributor:
Mansueta’s (located in Workshop) Filipino pancit with crab fat.

Leslie Ryann McKellar, Eater photographer:
Chubby Fish

Erin Perkins, editor Eater Charleston:
Introducing my boyfriend’s parents to the tomato tarte tatin at FIG. It’s the best bite of the year, every year.

Jenn Rice, Eater Charleston contributor:
Jolie. A few weeks ago it was super cold and was craving something warm so perched up at the bar and ordered Savoy style fondue, cassoulet and hot chocolate — and didn’t have to share any of it. I left feeling super content and warm inside. It’s such a special place, the food and the people.