I finally made it to CYPRESS (www.magnolias-blossom-cypress.com) the gastronomic realm of Chef Craig DEIHL here in Charleston, and truly one of the most beautiful places to dine in town. The tall backed green cloth covered chairs are so comfortable and the crisp white linens, Riedel crystal, two storey glass open wine cellar, open kitchen, exposed brick and more made it a true dining destination.
The three of us started with an excellent crisp, creamy and citrusy ELK GROVE Pinot Gris 2005 from Oregon. We all ordered the same items which may have been boring, but made us all happy, since the food is the star here. The SEARED FOIE GRAS on FRENCH TOAST with BOURBON MAPLE SYRUP and Toasted Pecans was superb, if a bit too overdosed with the sweet syrup. Some flash fried SAGE leaves made a nice contrast, and the Pinot Gris was perfect with the dish as a sweet wine would have just been double overdose.
The TRADITIONAL CAESAR Salad was prepared tableside and was indeed one of the best ever, I even got a wonderful marinated fresh anchovy on top.
We switched to an Oregon PINOT NOIR 2003 EVEHSAM WOOD "Cuvee J" that was excellent, full-bodied and loaded with fruit, if a bit too young, but opened up quite quickly. It was just right with the moderately spicy CRISP WASABI TUNA with EDAMAME, MUSHROOMS, and Ginger Garlic Glaze. We almost wanted a bit more spice, but the dish was superb and the crispy wrap around the rare fish was just a great concept. I had to go to a three hour opera, so we left blissfully full, but sadly skipping dessert.
I look forward to returning to CYPRESS on my next trip for a full evening of even more exciting dining!
