Happiness is...

I realize that my last two blog posts have been dwelling on the negative. Therefore, my post today is about happiness—specifically, the five Charleston food experiences that make me really, really happy. Here they are:

1. Sugar Bakeshop: Just stepping into the shop makes me smile. First of all, it smells like my departed Nana’s house when she was on a baking binge. Second of all, the owners, Bill and David (NYC transplants) could not be nicer or more helpful. The ginger cookie is to die for—chewy and crispy all at the same time. I’m not even a sweets person, but the iced-to-order red velvet cupcakes rock. I’m told that the lemon tarts are amazing, but I never get one—I bought them for Christmas dinner, but they disappeared in a flash.
2. Basil: First, the Thai food served there is way, way above good. Second, it is absolutely consistent. I have never had anything that varies—it tastes fresh (and more importantly, the same) every time. For my last meal, I want at least a gallon of the chicken coconut soup and about twenty perfectly tight spring rolls. I love sitting at the kitchen table—right up against the glass so that I can watch the cooks. The kitchen cannot be more than six feet wide –it’s just a long galley. They are machines—there is one guy who has been there forever. I don’t think he strays from a six inch circumference around him, but can churn out a perfectly cooked dish in about three minutes.
3. Al Di La: The focaccia, which they shave thinly, is like crack (or at least I think it is, since I’ve never smoked crack). It’s salty and perfect. The pancetta wrapped fig (stuffed with gorgonzola) is fantastic when figs are in season. The pasta never disappoints and the pizzettes are tasty. It’s not fancy—literally just painted cinder block walls, but it’s cozy and candlelit. It’s also really near my house, which makes it even more perfect.
4. Poe’s: It’s a haul to Sullivans, but well worth it. The burgers are not too big and not too little. The fries are crispy and obviously hand cut. In other words, the food is good, but it’s the ambiance that makes it. Something about the beach breeze makes the beer colder and the food better.
5. Farmer’s Market (both downtown and Mt. Pleasant): It’s my favorite weekend thing to do. I love getting those huge pretzels from some lady in Summerville. If I get there early enough, I get a crepe. I love Pete’s Herbs. I love Mr. Fields’ produce (once, my dog knocked over and ate about a pound of okra—he laughed so hard, he fell out of his lawn chair—“ain’t never seen a dog like okra that much”. The best is to go, then tuck into a burger and pommes frites at Rue de Jean.