Charleston Edition: Graziano's Pizza

When I was feeling a little anxious and displaced about moving to a new town, my dad told me to do two things: Find somewhere to get a beer and find a good pizza place. Then you'll start to feel at home. I recently found the latter.

Yes, there is Lola's and Pies and Pints, but for a regular pie, I hadn't found my go-to. That is, until I wandered upon Graziano's. I had an interview in the evening at Taylor Books not too long ago, and as I was heading back to my car, I felt my tummy rumble. I looked around and realized I should've grabbed something from Taylor's, but right next to my car was this pizza joint that I hadn't tried yet.

 

After walking in completely dumbstruck - usually I try to research a new restaurant a LITTLE before trying it - I stared at the menu for a solid 10 minutes. They have some items prepped and on the counter, but you can also order. I got awkwardly flustered by the options and instead ordered a small pizza. With mushrooms.

I sat at a table and made small talk with a woman working. She had been there for quite some time and was folding pizza boxes. I was listening to some of her tales when a man from behind the counter handed me a box and told me to make sure I keep it level.

Also to note here - the folks working called me "hun." And I generally hate this because 1 - it's condescending or 2 - it's obnoxious. A small portion of people can pull of the 3rd option where it's this sweet, homey feel. These folks made me feel right at home. And that's something I'm desperately searching for in Charleston - this sense of belonging. But back to the main story here...

This is the best regular pizza I've had in Charleston, and I couldn't be more thrilled! The dough is not so thin that it rips and tears but not so thick that it overwhelms the flavor. It's thin, but not paper thin. I like it to be thin enough to act as a vehicle for the rest of the ingredients without falling victim to grease, sog or deconstruction.

The sauce has that very slight tang to it, rather than being watered down, and enough cheese to properly coat the top without masking the flavor. To top it off? A nice helping of salty shrooms. If you've read my blog, you know this is my preferred pie.

And in Charleston, this is my preferred pizza joint.

I've even had it delivered once already, for only a $1.50 charge (+ tip, of course), and it's just as delicious.

And and, it's nowhere near the grease levels for half the stuff Morgantown produces. Nuh-uh.

Grade: A

Charleston Edition: Sistah's Rib Shack

How could you not be interested in a place called "Sistah's"? A friend and I went over the West Side (gasp!) to check out the Queen of Ribs' place. Upon arrival, I realized there really isn't a dining area inside. They do, however, have a couple of like - wooden spools? - outside to dine at.

So, we placed our order for a rib dinner, complete with two sides. I opted for macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes. You gotta order at least $10 worth to use a credit card; luckily, my total came to $10.60

They told us to come back in a half hour or so to pick up our food. A half hour goes by, and we come back. They tell us they had an issue with their smoker, so it'd be another 20 minutes. We waited this long, we figured, so we might as well stay. Another 20 minutes goes by, and they tell us it'll be another 20. Again, we figured, we already paid so we might as well stay.

Repeat this scenario for three hours. Three hours total, that is. We asked at least for our sides around hour two, and they gave them to us. They were delicious. The macaroni and cheese was homemade and slightly sweet. The potatoes, creamy and doused with brown gravy. Delicious. The cornbread was also the perfect consistency between crumbley and moist. If the ribs were this good, it would've been worth the wait.

But by the time three hours went by, I was just unhappy. I tasted the ribs once I got home, and I was just completely let down. I know they had a problem with their smoker, so that may be the culprit. But they were fatty, and it didn't look like they were cooked through. That worried me, so instead of risking it, I ended up throwing away most of my dinner.

I feel like if their smoker was working correctly that this may be a completely different review. But, I just can't get over that wait and then being let-down by the taste. I waited forever, then was still hungry. And while I really enjoyed the Queen's personality - she was super sweet - if you REALLY want your customer to give this place another try, you comp their meal.

Grade: C

Charleston Edition: Wellington's Cafe and Catering

I had to head out on Greenbrier Street for a story I was covering, and of course, things have a funny way of working out right around lunch time so I had to forgo my previous lunch options for breaking news.

While I was covering the story, we had a break, so a few other reporters and I walked to the nearby Wellington's Cafe. It was packed full inside, so we just opted for some take-out.

The menu is pretty basic with items like hotdogs, grilled cheese sandwich, chicken strips, etc. The easiest and quickest option seemed to be the chicken strips - and also the first thing I saw - so that was my selection. I waited 20 minutes or so then went back inside for my order.

For less than $10, I got some chicken strips, fries and a side of cole slaw. It was tasty, as far as fried food goes. It wasn't homemade - most likely frozen - but that doesn't mean it was bad. It tasted fine, though the quality of the chicken could have been slightly better. I had some chewy, cartilage-y pieces. But I also could've chosen an item that required some tender love and care from the chef.

Alas, time was of the essence, and it was convenient. My whole meal, including a drink, came to under $10, so it's not a bad deal. Next time, though, I'll try their chicken salad or a burger.


Grade: B

Charleston Edition: Slyce Pizza Company

One huge difference between Morgantown and Charleston is the lack of a college presence. While that is sometimes a good thing, it also means restaurants aren't open as late to cater to that crowd. Charleston does have one lone restaurant that will cure those late-night munchies. Slyce is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and then 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. for late-night.

After a night of drinking, adventures took my friend and me to Slyce. They have your typical pizza joint fare - salads, pies, calzones, wings, and subs. Instead of a typical pepperoni pizza, we opted for a Philly steak pizza: steak smothered in red onions, green peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella and provolone.

There was a ton of red onions and green peppers, which aren't really my favorite - but that's not their fault. Just pretty heavy-handed on those toppings. Was it the best pizza I have ever had? No. Was it the best pizza I could have that night? Yes. High marks for offering pizza late at night and for a not bad pie. Next time I'll opt for something a little less heavy on the onions/peppers.

Philly Steak Pizza

Grade: B

Hundred Edition: Miss Blue's Restaurant

I don't have many photos for Miss Blue's because I didn't even plan on blogging about it. It's owned by my best friend's grandmother. My best friend, Kayla, was my freshman roommate, and we've been friends ever since. And I've been eating at Miss Blue's the entire time - 6 years now.

Kayla's grandmother actually owned a different restaurant in Hundred, but then bought out her competition: Miss Blue's. Miss Blue's is located in Hundred, and I'm sure it's one of the few - if not the only - restaurant in town.

But it's also fantastic. Everything is homemade. It's clean, tidy, the service couldn't be better, and everything I've had is absolutely amazing.

My favorite item? Their Rogers Salad. Its lettuce, tomato, cheese, hard-boiled egg, chicken and french fries. It's the unhealthiest salad, but it's delicious. It's simple but fantastic. I get one at least every couple of months. And considering I'm not up that way often, that says something.

Grade: A