It is always a temptation to get out of the kitchen on a sunny day.
The first time I recall dining outdoors at a restaurant was at a location by the Río de la Plata in Buenos Aires, Argentina. My family had moved there in 1973 so that my dad could manage a project for General Motors. We were wined and dined (yes, even I, at the tender age of sixteen, was served wine) at wonderful places throughout the historic city. The padillas are grills located mainly in the Palermo neighborhood, near the sports arenas. The smoky aroma of barbecued meats wafted along the sidewalks. When we walked into what I remember being called a casita, or little house, there was an open fire pit on which several goats were roasted at once. This stood out for me because I had never before eaten goat or seen an entire animal splayed open and skewered on a spear. The waiter brought hot and oozing provoloee cheese with oregano to our table as an appetizer. This dish certainly demonstrated the Italian influence in the region. The asado and chorizo were juicy and delicious. Alfresco has since been my favorite way to dine.
Our European vacations always include sidewalk cafés and moonlit patios for lunch and dinner. It is delightful to watch the world of tourists and locals go by as we sit enjoying a meal in the fresh open air. This was not a widespread American custom in the colder northern states until last year, when restaurants struggled to survive during the pandemic. My family has always enjoyed the opportunity to dine outside, even on chillier days.
The southern United States feature many outdoor dining opportunities. Most of the restaurants where we live, on Daniel Island in South Carolina, have more people outside than in. It is always a temptation to get out of the kitchen on a sunny day and head to an outdoor venue to relax with friends at lunch while absorbing some natural vitamin D. We have a brewery, a sports bar with televisions outside, two Mexican eateries, two pizza restaurants, fine dining choices, and a bagel shop. There are a few fast-food options as well as picnic areas. My hubby and I have tried them all, and Sermet’s is our favorite, for its creative food, good wine selection, and excellent service. A new River Front complex has just opened — it promises to be the hot spot for this summer, with expansive outdoor terraces. We can walk to all of these places from our home, which is why Daniel Island is such an appealing place to live.
Downtown Charleston has fewer outdoor options except during the Second Sunday event each month, when a stretch of King Street from Calhoun to Broad transforms into a festival atmosphere. The street is blocked off to vehicles so people can stroll down the middle with their babies and doggies. All the eateries bring out tables and chairs to do curbside dining. Shops put sale items on the sidewalks. It starts at 1:00 pm, so the choice seats get taken up quickly for lunch. It would be nice if the shopkeepers could manage it every Sunday, but it must be a lot of work.
In the meantime, 82 Queen is always popular, with its inner courtyard for alfresco dining. A couple hotels such as Charleston Place and Mills House also have courtyards for dining. These are quiet and peaceful spots with beautiful gardens. There are also some rooftop bars that are fun and have spectacular views of the Charleston steeples and the Ravenal Bridge.
From September to April we keep our eye open for the Oyster Roasts that are offered at bars and festivals. I much prefer roasted over raw seafood. My sons-in law have perfected the roasting process on the charcoal grill; they made Oysters Rockefeller for my birthday. Catered events are an easy way to feed a larger group. It is a blast eating oysters right out of the shell, with cocktail sauce and a cracker, then tossing the shells into a hole in the middle of the table — it’s a Southern thing.
Aiken, South Carolina, has a variety of eateries situated on the charming Laurens Street. Several have a few tables and chairs placed outside. The Alley offers a lovely alfresco dining experience, as it is tucked away behind the brick buildings and has the feel of a European village with cobblestone streets and fabric awnings. Smaller towns are conducive to outdoor gathering spots so that people can meet and enjoy a little nosh at the same time.
Picnics in the parks, or even at home, with food off the grill, offer an inexpensive way to get outside. The setup and cleanup are a big job for one person, so I prefer to have the restaurant experience. Be warned — there are often tiny guests involved. Sweets and fruity drinks attract bees! Protect your feet and ankles because mosquitoes are lurking and start their attack at dusk. And ants come marching in the minute we lay down a blanket for a romantic picnic.
We like to get outside as often as possible. Eating out means alfresco to our family. When traveling or at home, we find time to enjoy dining with nature. Even with a bustling crowd in the city, it is more pleasant to sit outside with the sky as our canopy.
