Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography

Charleston: Ft Sumter and More

May 3, 2017 By Carole

Shall we get back to our Charleston travelogue? Today I’m going to tell you how we spent Tuesday. Or, as Dale called it, Ft. Sumter Day. You may have guessed that a big part of the attraction of visiting Charleston, for Dale anyway, was the Civil War sites and Ft. Sumter was at the top of that list.

The only way to visit the fort is by boat and it’s a really pleasant thirty minute ride. We saw lots of pelicans and jellyfish and even a porpoise. As for the fort itself, well, to me if you’ve seen one fort you’ve seen them all.

Dale, on the other hand, thought this was a really big deal. He wore his East Bridgewater Civil War Roundtable t-shirt and he just loved getting to be in the spot where it all began. I was very glad for him but I was also very glad that the boat left after one hour and that meant we had to go, too.

After our safe return to Charleston proper we headed to 167 Raw for lunch. (You’ll notice I made Dale change out of that EBCWRT shirt. Ahem.) I had read great things about their oysters and they have a restaurant in Nantucket as well so I thought it was fitting for us to visit. Imagine our surprise when we saw that their oyster list that day included Duxbury, MA – the very spot where we often get our own oysters.

We treated ourselves to The Big Boy, a platter that included oysters, little necks and shrimp. That, along with a couple of beers, was just the ticket after our tramping around Ft. Sumter.

By then it was late in the afternoon and we headed back to our air bnb for a little siesta and regrouping. We eventually got hungry again and decided to head to Halls Chophouse for dinner. Halls had been highly recommended by the owner of our air bnb weeks before we visited but I hadn’t been able to get a reservation. We figured we’d give it a shot and hoped we’d be able to get seats at the bar.

Okay, my friends, I’m about to gush so just stick with me. We were greeted at the door by Jeanne Hall. Yes, Jeanne Hall matriarch of the Hall family that owns Halls. She put her hand out to me and said, “Hello, I’m Jeanne Hall, welcome to Halls, we’re so glad you’re here.” I smiled and told her my name and that I was visiting from Massachusetts. And she said, “that’s wonderful, dear, let me check your reservation.” Oh, I thought, here it comes, when I tell her we don’t have a reservation she’ll drop me like a hot potato.

But that’s not what happened.

I explained that I hadn’t been able to get a reservation and that we hoped we could find seats at the bar. She turned to the hostess and said, in her beautiful Southern drawl, “honey, go check those high tops at the bar, I think I just saw some people leave. See if there aren’t seats for this lovely couple.” You could have knocked me over with a feather at that point. I mean, here in Massachusetts, well, restaurant people just don’t treat you that way. Mostly, especially high end restaurants of this type, they act like they are doing you are favor by letting you in the door. That hostess came back straight away and said she had two seats for us at a high top near the bar and would we please follow her and she would seat us.

Amazing. And I have to tell you before I forget to mention it that Mrs. Hall came back to check on us twice and her son, Tommy Hall, came over and introduced himself and asked if we were getting on okay and could he do anything for us. The waitress was wonderful and took great care of us. She helped us with the menu and answered questions and left us alone at just the right times, too. I have never felt so valued and welcomed in a restaurant in my whole life.

As for the food, it was fantastic. Expensive? Oh hell yes. But worth every penny. The steaks are huge and cut to order. We wound up sharing a dry aged rib eye – mostly because 16 oz is a lot of meat and we knew that would be enough for us to split – and also because, well, $56 for a steak isn’t a small amount of money. We also got the creamed spinach and the loaded mashed potatoes, which was really heaven in a cast iron skillet. The steak was out of this world. Seared and crusty on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. Truth be told I think we both could have eaten a whole steak! And you’ll just have to trust me on all of this because, in a completely out of character move, I have no pictures of our dinner.

That’s right. No pictures because it was so good I forgot to take any.

I know.

The only picture I do have is this one of the remnants of the bread pudding we had for dessert. It was loaded with cherries and pecans and topped with a bourbon sauce that was sweet and boozy and wonderful. Our waitress brought us complimentary glasses of port to accompany the bread pudding and it was the perfect ending to a really perfect meal.

In case you haven’t gotten the gist of my post – if you’re ever in Charleston and you’re looking for a wonderful steak dinner in a truly exceptional restaurant – go to Halls. Tell ’em that lovely couple from Massachusetts sent ya.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailCharleston, Day One Default ThumbnailMore About Charleston Default ThumbnailCharleston: Magnolia Plantation Default ThumbnailCharleston: A Visit to Boone Hall
« Charleston: A Visit to Boone Hall
Think Write Thursday »

Filed Under: Adventures of Dale and Carole

Comments

  1. Mary K. in Rockport says

    May 3, 2017 at 7:04 am

    Wow!

  2. kayT says

    May 3, 2017 at 7:47 am

    I have got to stop reading your posts before breakfast. I am sitting here listening to my stomach growl!

  3. Robby says

    May 3, 2017 at 7:48 am

    THAT is the difference between hospitality and good business. Hospitality is remembered, and shared with others so word spreads. It is the place you take visitors and loved ones. It’s also The South. Thanks for sharing it with us.

  4. Mary says

    May 3, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Loved this post today Carole. it’s still early am and I getting very hungry ?

  5. Bonny says

    May 3, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Now I want to head to Charleston just so I can go to Halls! I see a fort with crumbling stone and brick, but I’m glad there are people like Dale that truly appreciate the place, its historical significance, importance, and can educate the rest of us. (Otherwise, I might be one of those people confused about the Civil War and Andrew Jackson. :/)

  6. Kym says

    May 3, 2017 at 10:49 am

    There really is nothing quite like Southern hospitality, is there? (Y’all come back now, y’hear?) What a great, great meal! And like Bonny already mentioned, it’s GOOD that people like Dale know and appreciate the historical significance of REAL, historical events. (Just sayin.)

  7. Jo says

    May 3, 2017 at 10:52 am

    Carole, the next time you’re traveling, you must take Dale to the knitting museum lol! Wow–your dinner experience at Halls has to be the epitome of southern hospitality. GReat reason to visit Charleston.

  8. AsKatKnits says

    May 3, 2017 at 12:06 pm

    That is southern hospitality and then some! Wow! I’d say they are pretty darned smart, because now a plethora of your readers are contemplating a meal with the super hospitable Halls! Oh, and those meals that you forget to take pictures of? Yeah, I know – they are so stinking good, you can only think about how fast can you get that food in your belly! lol xoxo

  9. margene says

    May 3, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    We can certainly see what the important part of this trip to Charleston was for you! The food and the hospitality sound beyond fabulous. A fort (no matter how historic) just can’t compete!!

  10. Patty says

    May 3, 2017 at 1:11 pm

    Spending time in the south has shown me that there really is a true difference in many ways…we’re just in such a hurry around here! Sounds like you met THE southern belle! 🙂

  11. Becky says

    May 3, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    Ah, seduced by the southern charm and hospitality! As the only southerner who comments, I love it! It is disappearing some in the south, but it is the best of us, so I hope we never lose it entirely. I have never been to Hall’s, but when I am in Charleston again, I will go. Thanks for the travelogue, Carole! I too struggle with forts, but I have also seen that pile of rocks – LOL.

  12. Mary says

    May 4, 2017 at 7:03 am

    What a great day – a little touring, oysters, a nap and then a wonderful dinner – thank you for sharing all of it with us. I’m delighted, too, that you experienced real Southern hospitality along with the food!

  13. Mary says

    May 4, 2017 at 7:05 am

    p.s. I must do a more timely job with comments next round so Becky realizes she’s not the only southerner who comments!

  14. Vicki says

    May 4, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    Isn’t that fabulous!?? My sister & I dined at some mighty fine establishments in New Orleans and there wasn’t a disappointment among them… even at Pesche, where we *did* have reservations for two but they were very pleasant & accommodating when we spontaneously invited the lady next to us at the bar to join us for dinner! (That friendly warmth & hospitality must be catchy!) 😉

  15. Lydia S says

    May 7, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    Oh wow, I can almost taste that steak and bread pudding!

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2020 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 5 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
5 of 75 (6%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

One last turkey dinner by the Christmas tree. I sw One last turkey dinner by the Christmas tree. I swear we are taking it down tomorrow. Yep. I swear. #turkeydinner #dontjudgeme #mychristmastreeisstillup #saturdaynightathome #saferathome
It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Friday N It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Friday Night Snacks photo so here we are. Cheese and crackers, salami and grapes and apples, and witty cocktail napkins ... nothing has really changed, friends. #fridaynightsnacks #thosenapkinsthough #martinitime #cocktailhourathome #cheeseandcrackers #happyfriyay #helloweekend
On Fridays we bake. #attaboyjack #nanalife #baking On Fridays we bake. #attaboyjack #nanalife #bakingwithjackie  #bakingbrownieswithlove
A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to dr A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to drink coffee and read in bed. #rainysaturday #cozyvibes #readinginbed #mudandyarn #christmasbedroom #ignoringmytodolist
Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close now, I think. #amaryllis #amarylliswatch #waitingtobloom #amaryllisvelvetnymph
Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #white Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #whiteflowerfarm #amaryllisvelvetnymph #winterblooms
If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good for, it’s my sourdough game. I actually started learning about making sourdough bread a week before the stay at home orders thanks to @sprboston as he shared his starter and recipe and technique with me. Since then I have kept Mama Cass fed and alive and have baked many loaves of bread. This one might be my best one yet. I did the final proof in the fridge for 24 hours and baked it from its cold state. Great spring and ear and crumb, it was delicious with dinner tonight. #sourdough #sourdoughbread #lookatthatcrumb #lookatthatear #homebakedbread #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my gr Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my grandson to the library to pick out books. #nanahasakey #librarytime #readtoyourkids #attaboyjack #nanalife
Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only 2 instead of our usual 8 and I missed my crew. Still, it was special to have my guy all to myself and we enjoyed an evening of good conversation, lots of music, and a few dances, too. GoodBYE 2020, Welcome  2021! #happynewyear #capresesticks #bakedstuffedshrimp #filetmignon #cocktailhourathome #dinnerathome #newyearsevedinner #thosenapkinsthough #imadeitmyself
My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of D My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of Dale. Good thing I love him! #topnine2020 #instagramtop9
When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I ha When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I have French onion soup and I’d like to share it ... you say YES! And when it turns out to be much more than soup but also crocks and bread and cheese and garnish ... you say, I sure am lucky to be part of this community. Thank you, Deb, from the bottom of our hearts. #homemadesoup #frenchonionsoup #kindneighbors #buildingcommunity
For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish rye bread, ridges and all! That’s right, my local friends, no more stalking the Italian Kitchen for their bakery order to arrive, I can do it myself! Medwurst sandwiches forthcoming! #swedishryebread #limpabread #vörtlimpa #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #roundrye
God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight # God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight #glugg
Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #chris Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #christmasbedroom #christmasallthroughthehouse #christmaspillows #christmasbedding #letsstayhome #cozychristmas #letsstayinbed
Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #su Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #sushitime #tatamieastbridgewaterma #sushifordays #watchingchristmasmovies #achristmascarol #georgecscottisthebestscrooge #tistheseason
That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritz That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritzcookies #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #cookiebaking
I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of my favorite ornaments on the tree. #wheatoncollege #christmasorbaments #wheatoncollegema #christmasbaubles
Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Di Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Did I post the photo I took, though? Nope! I forgot until today but here they are, a day late but definitely not a dollar short. #stluciaday #lussekatter #saffronbuns #swedishchristmas #swedishtraditions #christmasfood #lussekatt #homemadeisbest #julbak #godjul
I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato latkes! Happy Hanukkah, my friends! #potatolatkes #happyhannukah
Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #choppedliver #thosenapkinsthough
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in