Lowcountry Cuisine Summer/Fall 2019

LC 18 www.LowcountryCuisineMag.com | www.MountPleasantRestaurant.com | www.CharlestonRecipes.com lowcountry cuisine As the restaurant only seats 80 and usually opens to a full house, a wait is to be expected — but you will leave satiated. The quirky street sign posted out front will draw you in, but it’s the awesome food that compels your return. FAT HEN Featured on the “Brunch-nado” episode of the Travel Channel show “Food Paradise” (among others), Fat Hen has received plenty of recognition in the culinary world, and, when you eat there, you’ll understand why. Nationally acclaimed chef Fred Neuville owns and operates the John’s Island hot spot along with his wife, Joan. Kick off your brunch bash with a cup or bowl of she-crab soup. Flavorful appetizers include fried green tomatoes layered with pimento goat cheese, sweet pepper relish and tomato jam, and a steak tartare with Dijon, anchovy, capers, toast points and a quail egg. Then choose from mouth-watering entrée options like a Barbecue brisket and macaroni and cheese open- faced sandwich (cue Homer Simpson drool) or a Fat Hen burrito loaded with eggs, chorizo, avocado and cheese and topped with red and green chili sauces, queso fresco, sour cream and cilantro. Relish in the sweet-and-savory blend of the sausage and French toast sandwich, crème brulée French toast piled high with sausage, fried egg, jam, smoked gruyere and bacon cheese grits. Fat Hen also serves a couple of great gluten-free selections such as its quiche of the day and the squash rice with lentils, rice, butternut squash, roasted tomatoes, artichokes, goat cheese, arugula, olive tapenade and pistou. Enjoy it all in a warm, laid-back atmosphere where you can relax and unwind with a bloody mary or mimosa in a mason jar. Brunch is served Sundays from 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. GRAZE Sure, it’s situated in a strip mall near Whole Foods, but don’t judge a restaurant by façade only. Step inside to the casual elegance of Graze and explore a brunch menu chock-full of creative and delectable dishes that will wow your taste buds. Treat yourself to a pulled-pork Barbecue Benedict smothered in hollandaise because it’s never too early for barbecue. Sample the poutine, Graze’s decadent version of this French-Canadian comfort-food classic. Theirs features hand-cut fries covered in a warm, savory blanket of pork cheek ragù cheddar curd and topped with a garlic aioli. And the duck confit BLT — thank you, sir, may I have another? If you’re more in the mood to indulge your sweet tooth, Graze provides an array of brioche French toast selections including bananas Foster, apple cinnamon and Nutella. Or maybe you’d prefer to combine the best of both flavor worlds and order the chicken and waffles, featuring Fat Hen’s Chef Fred Neuville. Photo courtesy of The Chart Group. Photo by Tonya Brisson.