I took a quick trip to Charleston last week for work and had an opportunity to dine at the Peninsula Grill with some colleagues. The restaurant is located in the beautiful Planters Inn in downtown Charleston, a hotel that I’ve actually stayed in before. But this was my first time dining at Peninsula Grill.
There were three items on the menu that involved bacon. I’m not an oyster fan so I passed on the Casino Style Oysters with Smoked Bacon and Green Onions. But for my salad I had the Super Chilled Wedge of Iceberg with Smoked Bacon Jerky and Buttermilk Dressing. And for my main course I had the Grilled Boneless Berkshire Pork Chop with Smoked Bacon-Cheddar Grits, Creamy Garlic Greens and Shiitake Gravy.
The bacon jerky for the iceberg wedge was made with Nueske’s bacon, a favorite bacon of many top chefs around the country. The combination of the smooth, creamy dressing, salty bacon jerky bits, and chilled lettuce wedge was a refreshing way to begin the meal after a hot, steamy day in Charleston.
The juicy pork chop was also quite delicious and cooked perfectly. It was accompanied by a delightful little scoop of bacon-cheddar grits. The grits were so good that I actually ate them all before I touched anything else on the plate.
The restaurant itself has an upscale but comfortable atmosphere. Our server was very helpful and attentive – she definitely contributed to our overall positive dining experience. It is no surprise that the Peninsula Grill is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Charleston, a city that definitely knows good restaurants. I look forward to returning.