Ink N Ivy Charleston

Hubby and I were walking up King St. looking for food, headed in the general direction of a popular burger joint, when this place lured me in with a sidewalk sign reading "Bahn Mi". It was an excellent moment of serendipity that led to an amazing meal. We were greeted warmly by the staff as the kicking AC sapped the heat from our sunkissed skin. The atmosphere was loose and comfortable, but clean and hip. We were seated by a sweet hostess and Kevin, our waiter, promptly took our drink orders and produced ice water as if by magic. They don't have a ton of beers, but their selection is choice. I got my favorite Stiegl grapefruit Radler and hubby ordered a Manhattan. Mine was chilled to frigid perfection and while his was not the best Manhattan he had ever had, he said it was right up there in the Top 5. Kevin took our appetizer and entree orders at the same time, and soon we were presented with my lovely cup of she-crab soup, loaded with handpicked blue crab (I can tell) and dosed with the perfect splash of sherry. Little potato pieces and the tiniest carrots enhanced the silky broth without overpowering or obscuring the gorgeous meat. Hubby's shrimp taco app was a meal in itself, with 3 tacos presented beautifully in a stand, loaded with delicately fried shrimp and a side of tantalizing pickled veggies that were the perfect foil to the creamy aioli sauce. Dangerously close to being full, we faced our entrees, delivered at the perfect moment when we had finished the last bites of our appetizers. Kevin is on point! My bahn mi was everything I hoped it could be, with tender filet cooked to moist perfection, seasoned boldly with chicory and other exotic spices. The bread was fresh, soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, the better to hold in the meat's savory juices. There was a handful of cilantro on top which some may find overwhelming, but I found the perfect counterbalance to the rich meaty flavor. It was a symphony! Hubby's burger was ok, a hair overcooked and underseasoned, but the meat was flavorful on its own, the veggies fresh as could be, and the fries were worth writing home about! So crisp on the outside, with an almost panko crunch, and light, steamy, fluffy perfection inside. We headed out with leftovers in tow, blissfully full and glowing with pleasure in a meal well-done. We will definitely be back for more!