Lunch at a Charleston, South Carolina, USA Institution: Magnolias, one of the first Restaurants to elevate Southern Cuisine to a Fine-dining experience in Charleston (Isle of Palms 2025)

Lunch at Magnolias in Charleston

 

A staple in Charleston for over 30 years, Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, presenting traditional ingredients and cooking techniques elevated by modern flair and artful presentation. 

 

Magnolias opened in 1990 and is credited with initiating a culinary renaissance in Charleston, paving the way for a new generation of Lowcountry cooking. The restaurant is situated in the historic Customs House building, which was significantly damaged in the 1887 earthquake and later restored to its current elegance. 

The menu features classic Southern dishes like Fried Green Tomatoes, Spicy Shrimp & Sausage, and Shrimp and Grits (which Doug had). They also offer modern interpretations such as Lowcountry Bouillabaisse (which I had), Parmesan Crusted Market Catch, Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs, and Down South Egg Rolls. Popular desserts include Pecan Pie and Flourless Chocolate Cake. 

 

Lunch at Magnolias

 

 

Menus

 

Starters

 

Main Courses

 

 

Full Self-driving (Supervised) Tesla
 

The father of my son-in-law Chris Tremann, Chuck Tremann, took me in his Tesla to our lunch. Chuck turned on the Full Self-driving (Supervised) feature of the car. Essentially, the car drove by itself from our house to the restaurant, without any intervention by Chuck.

 

Beach Week in Charleston (Isle of Palms), South Caroline, at Ocean Thriller (903 Ocean Boulevard), July 2025 

 

Annette and I went to Charleston, South Carolina, for a beach weak with our daughter Cornelia Treman and her husband Chris with Viatrix and Ernst. We stayed at Ocean Thriller (903 Ocean Boulevard), their rental property. 

 

Also with us where our daughter Katharina (who flew in from Mexico City), the parents of Chris and Doug and Amanda with their 2 children. In addition, Jessy and Becca and their 4 children were with us most of the time, while they had rented a beach house next to house of Cornelia and Chris.

The routine was basically the same every day: We would get up and have breakfast. Then we would go to the beach followed by lunch at home. In the afternoon, some of us would go for a second round to the beach, others would stay at the pool. At 6:00 was dinner time, prepared by Cornelia/ Chris or Doug/Amanda or Jessy/ Becca. After dinner, the kids would spend another 2 hours or so at the pool with the adults enjoying a glass of wine or beer at the pool. 

 

See: Beach Week in Charleston (Isle of Palms), South Caroline, at Ocean Thriller (903 Ocean Boulevard), July 2025  

Ocean Thriller at 903 Ocean Boulevard on the Isle of Palms 

Brand New Construction! Ocean Thriller at 903 Ocean Boulevard on the Isle of Palms is a Ocean view, 6 bedroom, 6 ensuite, and 2 half bath, custom-built home as of 2024. Located in a premier spot with the beach just across the street. Enjoy easy access not only to the beach, but to the local restaurants, beach shopping, and County Park all just one block away.

The backyard of this home is a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment with a private Salt-water pool, heated jacuzzi, gaming area with ping pong and foosball, and plenty of seating. The screened in porch includes a large al fresco dining area and outdoor seating. Enjoy two ocean view decks on the front of the home.

The interior of the home includes a gourmet kitchen with new appliances and an expansive island with bar seating. An open floor plan flows from the comfortable living space to an interior dining area with seating for 14 guests. There are 6 spacious bedrooms, including one that is perfect for kids with two queens and two twins. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. First floor bathrooms equipped with shower seats. Dual primary suites on the second floor featuring king beds, dual vanities, and walk-in showers. 

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