Ok, Charleston SC: Memorial Day weekend, the Spoleto Festival, gorgeous weather forecasted and new chef specials at Amen Street Fish & Raw bar…now, that’s a recipe for a fantastic weekend! As far as we can see, all signs are pointing to the Holy City for some quality time with friends and family. But, with so many options, where do you begin? Here are a few suggestions that are happening near our restaurant on East Bay Street.
The Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto Festivals begin in Charleston this Friday, May 25th. For 17 days in venues throughout the city, Charleston is treated to well-known and emerging artists in theater, opera, music, dance and visual arts. This year during the Spoleto season, our sister restaurant Southend Brewery & Smokehouse (located just 2 blocks away from Amen Street) will be hosting the artwork of local expressionist, Helen Duckworth from May 30, 2012 through June 10, 2012. Ms. Duckworth will be featuring over 20 oil paintings from her “Stories of the Heart” collection on the third floor of the brewery. We’ve had a sneak peek and they are gorgeous, vibrant paintings…we highly recommend you have a look for yourself!
While you are in Charleston enjoying the arts, we hope you will stop in to Amen Street to enjoy fresh seafood and Southern fine dining at its best. We will be serving traditional favorites, such as Fried Green Tomatoes and Shrimp and Grits, along with specials listed daily by Chef Stephen Ollard. You simply can’t miss his mouth-watering creations which have recently included such dishes as: Roasted Chicken Hash served with Stone Ground Grits and Fresh Tomato Sauce; Seared Opah with Sweetbay Farms Green Leaf Lettuce, Julienne Vegetables and Sesame Soy Aioli and Pan Braised Wreckfish served with Patty Pan Squash, Asparagus, Tomatoes and Natural Broth.
Whether you stop in for a drink at our bar before a performance or enjoy a meal here, our wine bar and cocktail menu delivers many refreshing options.
While taking in the Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto Festivals this weekend, Charleston will also be pausing to reflect and remember the fallen heroes who gave everything for our country. On Monday, May 28th at 3 p.m., The Charleston Community Band will be performing at Marion Square in honor of Memorial Day. The Charleston Community Band features 75 volunteer brass, woodwind and percussion musicians from the Charleston area. The path between Marion Square and Amen Street is delightfully filled with historic buildings, churches and specialty shops to enjoy along the way. On Memorial Day, Amen Street is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. making it easy to either enjoy lunch here before the concert or dinner afterwards. We encourage you to make reservations by calling 843-853-8600 or booking online.
Without a doubt, this will be an exciting weekend to be in downtown Charleston. We are looking forward to seeing you!