492

By Libby Williams, @PlateSouth

I am not sure if you know this about me, but I pretty much have a crush on anyone who utters the words “farm-to-table” in my midst. In any way, shape, or form, if you are sourcing local foods and using them in your restaurant, bar, homemade apple pie, or kids birthday party, I am probably gonna have a lot to talk to you about and may very well develop stalker like instincts on how we can talk more about this very topic. I know…I need to get out more. But that’s neither here nor there. What I really crave is conversation about authentic foods and whole cooking.

When I was recently invited to a Tastemakers of Charleston event to 492 (by far, one of Charleston’s most beautiful restaurant renovations to date), I jumped at the chance. Not only did I want to spend time enjoying this space, but I couldn’t wait to see what Chef Josh Keeler had in store for our group of foodies. Josh is one of my favorite chefs in the city. I fell in love with his cooking after attending a Compost in my Shoe collaboration dinner at his first restaurant, Two Boroughs Larder. After shedding a few tears and a lot of heavy sighs over Josh and his wife, Heather, shuttering that space, I was ecstatic to find out that Chef Josh would be partnering with 492 to bring his hyper local food focus and awareness to this awesome space.

As most Tastemakers events do, our evening started out with an cocktail tasting – because yay cocktails!  Mixologist and Bar Mmanager, Ian Miller, started us off on the right foot with a light and refreshing “Welcome Punch” – the Roots, Rocks and Rum Punch – made with Plantation Silver Rum, Striped Pig Spiced Rum, Absinthe, Lime and a refreshingly aromatic pop of basil. It was honestly the kind of drink I imagine someone handing me as I walk through the door after a long, hard day at work. Or a long, hard day laying by the pool. Or really any day. Because it was that incredible. And I need people to just hand me things at the end of the day.

After mingling and catching up on the latest and greatest Charleston foodie news and meeting a few new members, we moved into the dining room upstairs. I just have to say that this room is really one of my favorite rooms in any Charleston restaurant with it’s lovely, dreamy hues and aged patina. It has an incredibly different feel than the downstairs hip, urban vibe and outdoor patio. I imagine brunches and proposals happening in this room. Definitely cheersing with like-minded foodies!

I digress....

Once we got seated and comfortable, we started noshing on some light bites. First up (and likely my favorite thing of the evening) was their Beef Tartare on toast. Some people get a little squeamish about eating tartare of any kind. But I am here to tell you, GET OVER YO’SELF. This is worth all the bites!  Served on sourdough toast with sunchoke, green olives and a hint of citrus, this is something I could keep coming back for each and every day. Easily one of my favorite bites in the city.

Perhaps not my best moment in photography, but I was hungry and this was ready for my belly.

Our first sit down cocktail arrived shortly after the tartare vanished into thin air. It was a refreshing drink to compliment the light fare we had in front of us. Called the Green Thumb, this drink was my everything that night. Cool and crisp, it was crafted with Bar Hill Gin, Dolin Blanc (a white and slightly sweet vermouth), Lemon, Cucumber, and Salad Burnet (an herb with a slightly cucumbery flavor). A perfect match for the evening’s delicate fare.

Tall and slender, just like she tasted.

Since we were in full on spring mode and everyone’s gardens were full and ripe with bright green, we got to eat all the deliciously locally grown fare we could get our grubby little hands on. Peas were the first item out and they were deliciously fresh and artfully presented – as is all are Chef Josh’s plates. But the delicate pea shoots are what pulled me in to this fresh starter.

Next out came the Persian Cucumber. Filled with avocado, pistachio and topped with a salty country ham, I was almost in summer heaven. This could be a good go-to meal after a day by the pool (just make sure you bring me that Welcome Punch to go with it.) Creamy. Cool. And oh so good!

Last up was the Asparagus. But this wasn’t JUST asparagus. It was Asparagus gone sophisticated. Minced and served with Ramps and Nasturtium in a creamy, salty, divinely perfect sauce, it reminded me of a fresher, brighter, greener version of vichyssoise.

Chef Josh and Ian did an incredible job of highlighting flavors of the area and season and pairing them with complementing cocktails. Thankfully they both know what they are doing when it comes to pairings. Because honestly, there is nothing worse than eating a great dish and having a cocktail overpower it. Or Vice versa. AM I RIGHT? 

I know I am right.

I am also right to tell you to get yourself over to the 492 to try everything on their menu. They have everything from popcorn to peanuts, salads to steaks. And it all sounds amazing. While we opted for the light bites for our tasting, they have plenty of great foods – including a burger that sounds like it could be my new best friend.

I can’t wait to go back for more.

492- sadly now closed :(