82 Queen + Charleston Stage
By Isa Miraldi, CharlotteBergerPR Account Coordinator
An evening spent in the French Quarter with local food and arts is the epitome of the Charleston experience. So when we were invited to enjoy a quintessential Lowcountry meal in one of the city’s oldest restaurants, followed by a play at the country’s oldest theater, we were tickled pink.
Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, 82 Queen unfolds its charm across three buildings and a delightful courtyard. We found ourselves in an intimate room overlooking the enchanting courtyard, adorned with butterfly chairs and lush greenery. With the hospitality as abundant as the portions served, our experience was a feast fit for royalty. 82 Queen’s menu pays homage to Charleston’s culinary heritage, drawing inspiration from African, French, Caribbean and Anglo-Saxon cuisines.
We started off with a round of colorful drinks including the tequila- and grapefruit-based Charleston Breeze, and the crowd favorite Violet Vesper, a martini featuring vodka, gin, elderflower liqueur and lemon juice. Their non-alcoholic options, including Walker Brothers Kombucha and the N/A Berry Mojito, were not to be missed especially during Dry January.
The first dish to hit the table was the highly-sought-after Southern Fried Chicken and Biscuits, in honor of Charleston Stage’s debut performance of Broadway’s GLAAD-nominated comedy “Chicken and Biscuits.” Typically only served on their brunch menu, this take on the classic dish features scrambled eggs, country sausage, applewood bacon and smoked gouda. The dish serves as 82 Queen’s nonprofit donation item through February 24.
For our appetizers we tried the Barbecue Shrimp & Grits, which was infused with a bourbon barbecue sauce and applewood bacon, presenting a flavorful twist on the classic dish. The Southern Tomato Pie was a meal highlight with an irresistible cheese pull that we’re still dreaming about. The Southern Pickins’ showcased a variety of local produce, including pickled vegetables and pimento cheese, which added a refreshing touch to the more decadent dishes.
For our mains we savored the Grilled French-Cut Pork Chop, Crispy Roasted Duck and Carolina Crab Cakes. It wouldn’t have been a Southern dinner without a healthy portion of 82 Queen’s Jambalaya, featuring Charleston red rice and packed with shrimp, crawfish, peppers, onions and tasso ham, all cooked in a delicious Creole butter.
To round off the meal, we took a quick stroll to the Dock Street Theatre for opening night of Charleston Stage’s “Chicken and Biscuits.” We had a blast watching this modern dramedy that follows the Jenkins, the first family of their African-American church, as family bonds are tested and long-held secrets are revealed. The packed house was filled with laughter and occasional tears and was the perfect end to our evening, leaving our hearts as full as our bellies.
82 Queen is generously donating $1 from each Southern Fried Chicken & Biscuits sold through February 24 to our Q1 nonprofit partner Charleston Stage, which offers community access to theater through education and outreach programs.
82 Queen St., Charleston
