Gratzi

I've been to Gratzi several times in my life and this was my most recent visit. My family and I went for my Mom's birthday dinner. During the Summer they have outdoor seating where, if you want, you can have drinks before your table is ready. My parents had a a nice red wine sangria which I got a taste ( I missed drinks time because I was at work) When our table was ready we were taken inside the restaurant. There is an upstairs and a downstairs. I believe I've only been in the downstairs area myself. However the upstairs looks nice as well. Especially the tables that are near the large glass window that takes over the top and lower levels. We were sat in one of the cozy booths. I prefer the booths over the tables because it's more intimate and quieter.

Our server Molly handed us a wine list and menus. After looking over a wine list I chose an Italian Pino Grigio; we were in an Italian restaurant anyway. The wine was crisp and smooth without a sharp after taste which I hate when drinking wine. Now a side note: on Main street there are two Italian restaurants across the way from each other. Palio's across the street focuses more on Southern Italian cuisine and Gratzi focuses on Northern Italian cuisine. So even though there are two Italian restaurants on the same block they still serve entirely different types of food.

Their menu has many choices for everyones tastes. Now they even serve gluten and wheat free pasta which I think is great news. Having gluten free pasta opens up the menu to patrons with gluten allergies. My Dad and I decided to split two entrees. I ordered the goat cheese ravioli with pancetta. My Dad ordered the veal tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes. My Mom ordered the filet minion. My ravioli was good but the combination of the pacetta and the goat cheese made the dish a very salty. It wasn't so salty that I couldn't enjoy it, but for some people that may not be the case. Actually when I micro-waved the left overs the next day it killed the salty taste quite a bit. My Dad's veal was wonderful and cooked perfectly. The garlic potatoes were tasty compliment to the veal without being over powering.

I did not get desert but my Mom did. It was her birthday and she got a free cannoli. However she was bummed that her free cannoli was the traditional rolled one instead of the stacked version which is much fresher and needs to be eaten right away. If I had gotten desert I would've gotten a mouse.

I enjoyed the my time and meal at Gratzi. It is a great place for a birthday, a date or other special occasion. There's no special kids menu so unless your children have adventurous taste I wouldn't recommend brining them here. If you want to experience a different side of Italian cuisine then I would recommend giving Gratzi a try.

Bin 152

This is a wonderful wine bar I went to in Charleston SC. The owners Michael and Patrick are awesome. They serve strictly wine and a few beers. So if you are looking for a fancy cocktail then this is not the place for you. The owners are very knowledgable about the selection of wines they carry.This is wonderful for someone for like me who knows next to nothing about wine.

As far as food goes they have delicious cheese and cured meat plates. While there I had a smooth goat cheese plate. It may not sound like a lot of food but with the generous helping of fresh baked bread it fills you up.I didn't get a chance to try one of the meat plates but they looked really good.

The place is very chill and relaxed,which is a breath of fresh air in a sea of roudy loud bars in this college town. Bin 152 is a great place to meet local Charleston people. During the three nights I went there I met really cool people. They serve wine by the glass starting at $7 and going up from there. The plates start at $5 and go up from there as well.

The next time I'm in Charleston this is the first place I plan on going for drink and a good time. I defiantly rcommend coming here. It's a great place to go for a good glass of wine, great conversation and friendly Southern charm.