Flavor * * * * *
Uniqueness * * * * *
Price $$$
Comfort/Convenience * * * * - (Minus one star for downtown parking)
Price Ranges:
Appetizers $7-16
Drinks $8-? (I was scared to keep looking)
Entrees $13-36 (I counted the flatbreads)
Desserts $8-12
Located right in the heart of downtown, The Block is in what should really be the perfect location. After a series of fairly quick flops in the same location (the French restaurant that was around so shortly few remember the name, the Bus Station Grille, and a McDonalds) it's clear you need more than just location to stay afloat downtown.
I'm pleased to say I think The Block has it.
The inside is a little intimidating: pristine hardwood floors, almost floor to ceiling windows on the street side, a large open-fronted wine vault in the middle room, and high ceilings with dangling lights. Ah, and they're still very busy, so you may want a reservation at this point in the game (but don't be bothered if they have to look for a seat for you or there's a wait: it's worth it and they're not mean about it) It's a place you want to dress up for, but not one that you necessarily need to.
The host was very pleasant and found us a seat quickly, even without reservations (I'm sorry, host, you're the one person whose name I didn't get!) and we sat down to review the drinks list and menus.
Hands down (and pages turned. Twice.) The Block has the largest wine list in Charleston. No exaggeration needed. It is literally a three page, legal paper size, front and back menu of wines to choose from. This also includes flights, offered nowhere else in Charleston, of roughly 1/3 glasses of wine that run in the range of 10-16 dollars for three samples. Confused by the options? Off to the side of each wine is a number which corresponds is also seen next to one of your food menu items. Or you can ask the server. (Ours was very knowledgeable and happy to find out anything he didn't know) Individual glasses start at about $8, but can get very pricey depending on what you want.
Lest you think the poor beer drinkers are forgotten, they also have about 10 beers on tap. Nothing to sneeze at for any establishment, let alone one that focuses on wine. Bottled beers and ciders are available as well (including very nice specialized glasses for Lindeman's) Prices are reasonable, running around $8 for a pint.
And cocktails can't be forgotten either. I tried both the chocolate martini and the Island Colada. Both were made well and well worth the 8-13 price range. Plus the dollop of whipped cream on the chocolate martini...mm...
Finally, the food. This particular time we were going right after work, so we just stuck with something "light", but I feel like we got our value.
First was a watermelon and feta stack with mint, balsamic reduction, and walnuts: I admit I was a little hesitant. It sounded not particularly unappetizing, but certainly strange, and yet it was delicious. I feel like a tangier cheese might have brought the watermelon flavor forward a little more (or possibly a very light sprinkle of salt?), but overall it was just light, refreshing, and very pleasing.
Then came bruschetta that came out as the toasts and you put the topping on yourself (actually a very bright idea: keeps the toast from getting soggy) The flavor on this was a little disappointing for me: it wasn't bad at all, just a little bland compared to everything else we ate and not as adventurous.
Our "main" meal was flat breads. The further one is the Santorini and the closer one is the Paizano. Both were amazing, lip-licking, eating-far-too-much experiences. The Santorini is Manouri cheese (a slightly tangy goat cheese), artichokes, kalamata olives, dates, and fig balsamic glaze: slightly smokier and sweeter flavor (also stickier). The Paizano is pesto, truffle oil, artichokes, roasted red peppers, purple onion, portobello mushrooms, golden raisins (I didn't taste any of these, but they were supposedly there), and Manchego and Parmesano-Reggiano cheeses-deeply savory and slightly earthy from the mushroom. (Umame, as the Japanese would say) Flat breads, by the way, are very much are enough to be a meal, possibly even for two depending on how hungry you are.
Finally, we ordered dessert, already too full, but determined to have the full experience. My friend ordered the Tres Leches and my husband and I ordered the Bailey's cake.
Hm. The Tres Leches (thank you, dear friend, for letting me try!) was very good, but the Bailey's cake (above), which had been described as a kind of tiramisu, was very dry and dense. Possibly just because we were thinking of it in the mindset of a tiramisu rather than a cake, but it was too thick and not very Bailey's-ish. It was still a good flavor, but the texture was not right.
And, in contrast to my last review, I'd like to say we had some of the best service we've ever had here from the server, Scott. Our drinks never ran low, we never had to do more than glance up to have a question answered, he never pushed us to order (or to leave, and I know we committed the cardinal sin of lingering. I hope we tipped well enough, Scott), and he was just so darned pleasant! Bless you, Scott, and may this bring you many customers. We also got a buzz by from the manager, Brittany, making sure everything had gone well (to whom we also mentioned the fantastic food and service).
Overall, kudos for a meal I am more than willing to pay the price for. It was delightful and the service was impeccable.
Words to the wise: Beware your seating in the late evening. As the sun comes in those big windows, you may find yourself with it right in your eyes.
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