For all of the talk we’ve done about how long it takes us to get an episode on television after we first talk about it (some have taken up to a year or more to come together after) our show on Coastal Towns came together pretty quickly. It was first discussed in August. Within a week we had zeroed in on some candidates to feature and by October -during the hiatus we were forced to take due to Hurricane Matthew-we finalized our choices.
I actually had a shoot day planned for October 10th in Sullivan’s Island, we now know that the storm forced a change there as well. I made the trip to Charleston anyway, but we shot other segments for future episodes of the show. Being that we are discussing The Obstinate Daughter, we will start with them.
TOD is no hidden gem, plenty of people know about it in and around Charleston, but it is one of those spots that is absolutely worth planning a weekend up that way just to eat there. Italian and Mediterranean in influence, there is a significant seafood presence, but there is plenty more for everyone. They have pizzas and other pastas as well. I had a wonderful brussel sprout and chicken dish that I’d love to recreate at home, but then I think I am addicted to brussel sprouts. The name is interesting. Loved it. From their website:
“Our name, The Obstinate Daughter, is an homage to the rich Revolutionary War history of Sullivan’s Island. On June 28, 1776, under the command of Colonel William Moultrie, the defenders of Fort Sullivan foiled the British fleet’s attempt to capture the city of Charleston in the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. This first American Patriots victory inspired a London political cartoon of the defiant defenders of Charleston: “Miss Carolina Sulivan, one of the obstinate daughters of America, 1776”. To us, The Obstinate Daughter is a beautiful reminder that the stubborn refusal to change one’s course of action can change the course of history.”
Definitely worth the trip.
Old Bull Tavern
I’d been hearing about OBT for quite some time. Knew I had to get up there and try it soon. As fate would have it, I was invited to a dinner there in August. Boom. Instant hit. I love the vibe there. Absolutely love the vibe there. They open at 5:00pm (not open for lunch) and immediately the regulars all begin to trickle in for a glass of good cheer or a bite to eat before they head home. Practically everyone greeted by name, the conversations seemingly picking up where they left off a couple of days ago. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. That will give you an idea of how successful they are when they can do that. A wonderful spot in Old Town Beaufort.
Palmer’s Village Cafe
Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. How did we find out about Palmer’s? A small group of us doing some work for Whiskey Wine and Wildlife Food Festival on Jekyll Island early in 2016. We were on St. Simon’s Island at Halyard’s. Probably the most popular restaurant on St. Simon’s Island. There we met a young lady who asked us if we had been to this tiny unknown spot called Palmer’s. We had not. She told us all about it. She told us it was most popular at breakfast time. Their breakfasts are apparently legendary around those parts. She said their dinner was their best meal and very under the radar on the island. Less than 8 months later, I was having dinner there. An eyerollingly (I just made that word up) good restaurant. John Belechak is a major talent who chose to be on St. Simon’s Island to raise his family. Having spent 7 years at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee and some more time in Washington DC, he is doing some of the best food along the Georgia coast. Southern, with a twist. Small menu changes weekly, so you won’t find it on-line. You will however, Eat It and Like It. You can find Palmer’s in Kings Village -right on the tiny strip there-on St. Simon’s Island.
See you on TV
Jesse
