Charleston is an absolutely charming city with fabulous food. There are other reasons to visit, including a lot of history, but here are six standouts for those who plan around meals (including yours truly).

I had forgotten about the simple delights of pimento cheese.  Sitting outside at Husk, sipping a Sun Kissed Mule and devouring a bowl of this Southern staple accompanied by housemade benne crackers was sheer bliss. The pickles were the proverbial icing on this cake.

The Obstinate Daughter is a perfect spot for pre or post beach-combing.  The name pays homage to the Revolutionary War history of the area — not to the owners or their offspring – which had been my best guess.  Their sublime peel and eat shrimp made me realize what I had been missing. There is nothing like fresh-caught crustaceans.

The stars were aligned and I made it to Sugar Bakeshop on the first day in Charleston.  Thank goodness, for  while they are open seven days a week — which would have wreaked havoc on my waistline and my ability to eat elsewhere — they closed for a short break the next day.  Their cupcakes (and I ate three) were the best I have eaten anywhere.

Local coffee shop and roastery Second State Coffee  gets my vote for best java and their shakeratos were the perfect mid-morning pick me up.

How do I love fried chicken? Many many ways, but after eating the version served at Leon’s Oyster Shop I now have a favorite.  In fact, this restaurant – housed in a former body shop – is the one to which I would return again and again if I lived in the area.  The atmosphere, the service and the food were all outstanding.Plan ahead and you can enjoy a cooking class and fabulous food at Zero George Street on Monday night or Saturday morning.  Chef Vinson Petrillo  (whom you may recognized from Chopped and/or Top Chef Masters) provided excellent tips on organizing and preparing dinner for a crowd, and we enjoyed the fruits of his labor.

More on Charleston’s non-food features in the next post!