FIG (Food Is Good) | Charleston

I am so glad we got a reservation (10 pm Saturday evening) at FIG. This upscale neighborhood bistro run by Chef Mike Lata has garnered attention at a national level for years now and has always been the one in Charleston not to miss. The seasonally driven menu pays homage to the lowcountry regions bounty in a convivial and approachable meets elegant atmosphere.

When we were at Bin 152 the bartenders (sommeliers? wine pourers?) raved on about the Ricotta Gnocchi Bolognese ($16). The four of us decided to share this appetizer, where otherworldly pillows of gnocchi melt into a rustic, flavorful beef Bolognese finished with mint. The folks at Bin did not steer us wrong - this appetizer is a must order. We also dove into a bowl of blistered, benne (local sesame) flecked Shishito Peppers ($8) with a tart, creamy Greek yogurt dip. 

An adorably labeled bottle of Laughing Pig Rosé ($65) from Willamette Valley, Oregon packs bold fruits on the nose and a rich palate of strawberry and tart cherry that linger to a crisp, dry finish. It presented a welcome pairing with my slow baked, melt-in-your mouth Wreckfish ($32) laced with Castelvetrano olive and fino sherry accompanied by a ratatouille of summer squash, zucchini and shishito. Also pictured is the divine Suckling Pig & Carolina Gold Rice Bowl ($30) with peas, shishito and a plum glaze. I can't quite seem to remember what we had for dessert (it has been a long day - and near midnight as we finish up) but it was some type of luscious, springy cake accompanied by a strong Nizza, Espresso ($3.50) to fuel our night on the town (drinks at The Belmont and then The Cocktail Club.)

FIG

32 Meeting Street

Charleston, SC 29401