What I wanted for my birthday this year was a romantic dinner. The Hollywood kind ~ cozy banquette, white table cloth, beautiful table setting and creative cuisine. We were spending the day in Charleston, South Carolina, so I did a bit of research and came upon 1886. It’s a charming little boite set in a carriage house behind the Wentworth Mansion, a grande dame of Southern houses. Sure it’s off the beaten path of downtown, but as my husband pointed out it was full of natives the night were were there. The cooking is Low Country cuisine focused on locally sourced ingredients. We stopped for a cocktail at the bar before dinner and had a delicious grapefruit and basil martini. Our meal was one delectable course after another. From the cold pea soup starter to the asparagus appetizer with duck egg, and then the game entree it was a terrific meal. My husband ordered the antelope loin simply because it’s something you don’t often see on a menu. My dessert came complete with happy birthday written across my plate thanks to their thoughtful pastry chef. On the whole it was a perfect night. If you’re in Charleston I would definitely make a reservation and stop by.