Le Farfalle
By Libby Williams, @PlateSouth
It’s been a hot minute since I blogged lately. But it’s not because I haven’t been doing the things. It’s BECAUSE I have been doing ALL the things. Seriously. All of them. So many things. I can’t even wait to share all the foods I have seen and eaten. But I can’t think of a better place to start than the beginning.
The beginning happens first. It’s where you start. And for me, the place I love to begin is Le Farfalle because friends – that place has allllllllllll the best things on their bar menu. I love to cozy up to one of their huge booths or linger on the patio at sunset and just order everything off their Aperitivo menu (I like saying Aperitivo because it makes me feel all fancy and continental.) Because the Aperitivo is the place to start if you really think about it.
For one of our recent TastemakersCHS events, my crew and I got to sample some of the tastiest treats on the peninsula – and WITH PARKING! (FUN FACT: if there are no spaces in the lot, you can park in the garage across the street and get your ticket VALIDATED! There is now no officially other reason to go anywhere else in Charleston.) This paired down menu is a great starter to get to know some of the delicious dishes that Chef Michael Toscano & his wife Caitlin have cooked up.
Chef Michael and Caitlin relocated to Charleston to start a new and raise their adorable family in the city that everyone loves. But to open a restaurant in a strange town takes guts and a lot of moxie, especially in a city that seems to have an ever expanding repertoire of amazing culinary treats. Lucky for these two, they know what’s up having come from some of the finest establishments in NYC and beyond, but they also have a series of awards and recognition under their belts (I am looking at you James Beard semi-finalist) that would impress the pants off even the pickiest food critic in Charleston…not that I am naming any names. AHEM…
When you get to Le Farfalle, you are almost immediately transported to a lovely little European oasis. Walking into the secluded courtyard where lemon trees and basil co-mingle is nothing short of delightful. We were served our meal at a long (and perfectly instagrammable) farm table in the courtyard. I felt like someone was going to film a movie.
Everyone settled in with some cocktails and conversation. They are known for their delicious Negroni menu featuring cocktails like the beautiful Boulevardier (Henry McKenna 10 Year Bourbon, Del Professore Vermouth Rosso, Strawberry-Infused Campari) and their Kingston (Appleton Estate Rum, Yzaguirre Rojo Reserva, Bruto Americano, Tiki Bitters), I opted for some house bubbles which did not disappoint. Bubbles are always a good option.
Then, the food started flowing. First up was the Italian take on hummus – CECI IN UMIDO. It was a delicious combination of Umbrian Style Stewed Chickpeas, Preserved Lemon, Aleppo Pepper, and seasonings served with a deliciously textured baguette. This is one of my most favorite things. The tang of the lemon. The sweetness of the pepper. The creaminess of the spread. It’s magical. Toast some chickpeas and call it a winner.
Next up was the life affirming Whipped Ricotta – a blend of house made ricotta, honey, cracked black pepper, and served with a baguette (always get things served with baguettes. always.) This is the stuff dreams are made of people. Sweet. Savory. Creamy. Just good stuff. REALLLL GOOD!
After that, I think I died because someone brought me the most cheesy, delicious mozzerella sticks I have ever seen in my life. Deep fried, golden, cheesy goodness served with their house made marinara sauce. I am still trying to figure out why these aren’t something I eat every single day. Because they were delicious. And life is too short to say no to this.
AMIRIGHT???
My girl Marianne from Basil & Bubbly coming in as a winner on the cheese pull!
After I left my body over this cheesy goodness, I came back around and realized that I was in love with yet anotherdish – the Sicilian style seafood fry served with a Lemon-Caper Aioli was pretty much what tied up this place with a bow and made me realize the miracles of life… and food. Seriously. There were even fried olives in it. FRIED. OLIVES. Why haven’t i thought of that before. Briny fried goodness alongside the freshest fried seafood in the world. I have no more words.
(Okay…we all know that was a lie.)
Seriously. I can’t not share. Sharing’s my favorite.
If this blog post doesn’t convince you to go to Le Farfalle for a meal or a snack or even a cocktail, I don’t know what will. Seriosuly. What are you doing??? Make your reservation now! Before they run out of mozerella sticks!
15 Beaufain St.
843.212.0920
