Charleston Eats: Cru Cafe

A couple of weeks ago during The Southern C, I had the pleasure of going out to dinner with a couple of fellow bloggers, Erin and Allie.  I was so excited to hear that Erin had chosen another place that I had yet to check off my Charleston bucket list: Cru Cafe.  They call themselves "gourmet comfort food," and that description is definitely spot on.  Located in an adorable Charleston single-style house on Pinckney Street, Cru Cafe has outdoor porch seating as well as two indoor dining rooms.  We were seated right next to the kitchen, and it was so much fun to see the chefs at work!

It feels so home-y inside Cru Cafe, and we were immediately welcomed by Chef Erin.  She told us all about their menu that evening.  

We were delighted to hear that we went to Cru Cafe at the right time of year - the height of shrimp season!  Ahead of our appetizers, Chef Erin sent out a special treat for each of us - fresh shrimp!  As for appetizers, we ordered their famous Four Cheese Macaroni and the Seared Scallop with spätzle and Italian sausage.

As if we hadn't eaten enough already, our entrees arrived.  For me, it was the grilled basil shrimp with orecchiette pasta and kielbasa.  The four cheese cream sauce was AMAZING, and the bowl was huge - enough to bring some home for Mike to try.  He loved it, too.  Allie ordered one of the specials: an arugula salad topped with more fresh shrimp and Erin got Sesame Tuna and a big plate of Truffle Parmesan Fries.  We all enjoyed bites of each other's dinner, and my favorite was definitely the General Tso’s Brussels Sprouts that accompanied Erin's tuna!

If you are looking for delicious food in a fantastic neighborhood setting, Cru Cafe has it!  I would highly suggest anything with seafood as it some of the freshest I've had in Charleston.  I will definitely be back with my husband and can't wait to try even more of their menu items.  Thanks so much for your wonderful hospitality, Cru Cafe and Chef Erin!