Verde
We’re big fans of grab-and-go salads here at the magazine, so it was with great enthusiasm that we greeted the news of Verde’s arrival in Mount Pleasant. The locally owned, eco-friendly restaurant that’s wooed King Street shoppers with its made-to-order and “signature creation” salads and wraps just opened on Coleman Boulevard. Might we suggest the Mesa Verde with romaine, roasted chicken, grape tomatoes, red onion, avocado, black beans, corn, cilantro, tortilla chips, and a chipotle lime vinaigrette? www.eatatverde.com
Kitchen 208
Like eggs without bacon, the breakfast scene on lower King has felt lacking. Luckily, the Charming Inns group (of Circa 1886 fame) has come to the rescue with Kitchen 208, an indoor/outdoor café. At the counter, order the plantation waffles with honeysuckle butter, berry compote, and applewood bacon or shrimp ’n’ white cheddar grits. Lunch offers hearty options—avoid the delicious buttermilk fried chicken on a bacon waffle if you need to stay awake through an afternoon meeting—as well as lighter fare like the quinoa salad. Brunch is available on Sundays, and with the patio’s breeze, we can’t think of a better place to enjoy it. www.kitchen208.com
Coda del Pesce
James Beard-nominated chef Ken Vedrinski has wowed us time and again at his Bogard Street Trattoria Lucca. Now he’s conquering Isle of Palms with the opening of his new Italian seafood spot, Coda del Pesce. Housed in the former Hucks Lowcountry Table, Coda provides a rare oceanfront view, but even with the crashing waves, it’s hard to keep one’s eyes off the plate. Yellowfin tuna arancini comes plated with rainbow radish, crisp and moist all at once. For the primi, order the conchiglioni pasta with blue crab and herb parmesan brood. And if you’re lucky, the tiramisu cheesecake will be available for dessert. www.codadelpesce.com
