I had heard a lot of buzz about the Fat Hen, so I was really excited to kick off Dinner on Thursday with this restaurant. Maggie and I hopped in the car for a late dinner, plugged the address into the GPS...and discovered we were in for a solid 25 minute drive to John's Island. As residents of downtown Charleston though, the (relative) out-of-the-wayness of The Fat Hen turned out to be the best part of the experience.
Everything about the Fat Hen is in support of having a great meal. The experience of a great meal, not just the food of one. I felt like a local when I walked in (it's debatable whether I really was) - an experience totally foreign to someone who eats mostly downtown, among the crush of tourists and second-homers. At the Fat Hen were groups of friends, huddled around wood-slab tables, enjoying a last glass of wine before bed.
We were seated around 9:15, with last service at 10. After a drink, the wonderful tomato tart (which could have plausibly been served for dessert), not-too-salty just-right-crunchy duck confit, poached salmon, and a crème brûlée, the time had tocked past 10:30. The restaurant was closing, and most other diners had left. Our waitress approached the table, undoubtedly to give us the bill. But no, she wanted to know if we would like some coffee, or another drink. No one has ever been rushed out of the Fat Hen.
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