Located in the heart of downtown lies an upscale New York City feel steak house, OAK. Low and behold, Chef Brett McKee uses his culinary expertise and marketing how-to’s to attract Charleston locals and visitors. Now, let me give you a little history lesson on Chef Brett McKee and his little golden nugget, Oak Steak House.

Chef Brett McKee grew up in Brooklyn; yes, there is still a hint of an accent. It really comes out when you don’t pay attention to the details, like he does with every aspect of his restaurants. He’s a lovely man, very smart and extremely talented.

After getting married, he moved down to Charleston, why? I am honestly not sure. I missed the opportunity to ask that question. I’m assuming Charleston was just more fabulous than Brooklyn. Brett did a couple of restaurant ventures that lead up to Oak and his hospitality consulting business, The Indigo Road; giving him a total of 33 years experience in the hospitality industry. I would say he knows a thing or two. So in 2005, Oak Steak House was born.

OAK is located on Broad Street, right before you get to East Bay. No need to look for parking, he’s providing valet for free. Yes, I said valet. I don’t know about you, but I get pretty darn angry if I can’t find a spot to park. And if you know Charleston, you know the pain I am talking about. Who parks in parking garages? Not me. I’m just saying. The valet opens your door, smiles with a warm greeting, ‘how are you doing this evening? Welcome to Oak.” He is the first person of the night to make my experience pleasant. Upon entering the restaurant I am immediately greeted by the host. I am already in high spirits before I even get to the table, much less the bar. The host is very well groomed and dressed which for some reason gives an even better outlook for the evening. The bar is welcoming; I decide to have a glass of wine before I sit. The female bartender whom is rather good looking and charming, greets me and fills my wine glass pleasantly full. Its prime time for dinner guests and the bar is full! Mostly men, they look as though they just got off work and decided to hobnob some before heading home for the evening.

From the lighting and music to the atmosphere, it’s obvious that there was a great deal of attention put into the details in this restaurant. At the top of the stairs you will find wooden cubbies with engraved gold name tags where you can keep anything you want; wine, shoes, or whatever your heart desires. This is when Oak makes you feel like you’re home. Nicely done Brett, nicely done! Don’t forget to see the narcissistic hallway near the bathrooms where you will find strategically placed photos and reviews of Brett. I am hoping he will frame this one too. I might even autograph it!

Now for the food! Michael, the GM, sent over lobster shrimp macaroni and cheese to start and it was served in a lovely martini glass. I am a sucker for presentation. What a beauty! So pretty, you almost don’t want to eat it. I don’t know what it is with this man, but he can whip up some ‘out of this world’ macaroni and cheese. The cheese was creamy and sweet, similar to alfredo, my tasted buds definitely went into shock. Next up, I opted for a healthier option; the beefsteak tomato and fresh mozzarella salad that had drizzled balsamic reduction and an herb infused olive oil around the plate. The sweet and salty mixture of the cheese and balsamic make you go hmmm, hmmm, hmmm. Now, we all know about Brett’s meatballs, so tender and juicy. He sent an order out for me to sample, again! What? I LOVE them! These are to die for! So meaty! The melted cheese and basil atop make for a deadly combination and beautiful presentation. Moving on to the main dish as if I haven’t had enough already.

Brett sends over a nice pinot noir mixture that smells delicious. Now, I’m not a wine expert but when I want to sit there and sniff the wine because it smells so good, I know I’ve got something good going on. I definitely smelled this one. It’s going to pair nicely with my filet that’s about to come out to my table. Brett’s got this down to a science. He orders a petite filet, medium rare, Pittsburgh style. What’s Pittsburgh style? I asked the same thing. Charred on the outside, rare in the middle. I wouldn’t normally order it this way, yes I know I am doing a food review, but tend to get picky sometimes. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Accompanying my steak and wine were creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and brussel sprouts. Oh my honey, the creamed spinach had that saltiness from the Parmesan but something else was triggering my taste buds. I had to ask Brett, a little hint of nutmeg. The mixture of the salt and sweet just threw my palate for a loop. Everything went so well together. The adjoining carbohydrate this evening was the mashed potatoes, but not just any ol’ mashed potatoes. These were the real deal Lucile! I could feel the love handle developing as I slowly savored the ever so rich and creamy potatoes. It just melts in your mouth. I’m a southern girl who likes her greens and brussel sprouts. These were different, sweet almost, with that cinnamon and brown sugar taste. They could almost be classified as a desert. Did I say desert? This is where it got a little crazy. Brett brings out NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE. Yes I did all caps. It deserves the recognition. Oh my, it was so creamy and not healthy, but that didn’t matter. The wine pairing for the dessert was excellent. The mixture of sweet cake and washing it down with the sweet white wine went so well together. I would definitely recommend ordering that for dessert. By this time of the evening, I needed to be rolled out of there.

During my dining experience, a few patrons came up to my table asking of my food expertise. I grinned. I decided to ask them one question: Why OAK? Not being from the area, they like the city-feel atmosphere. The food is excellent as well. The only issue they had: why don’t the women wait on the tables? If you saw the lovely ladies here, you would know why! Here’s to all the men: Can’t have your way all the time!

Oak Steak House has defined itself on integrity, experience and attention to detail. I think the last words that Brett said to me were, “It will have to take 7 people to make your experience bad, the valet, the host, the bartender, the server, the cook, the manager and me.” For all of them to make your Oak dining experience unpleasant makes it pretty impossible to have a bad experience here. When you visit Oak, be sure to say hello to Brett if he doesn’t get to you first. Although he has many other restaurant ventures, this is where you can find him. My overall experience exceeded my expectations. If you are opting for a girls or guys night out or even a date night, Oak will bring to the table whatever you’re missing. Happy Hobnobbin at Oak! Tell Chef Brett I sent you. Bon Appetit!

Oak Steak House

17 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401-3001
(843) 722-4220

www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com

If you are looking for an unusual place to vacation and checking out accommodations think Long Beach, CA and the Queen Mary. This is a cruise ship that never leaves port, so you don't have to worry about getting sea sick. The reason, this vintage ship has been permanently moored in Long Beach since 1967 and was turned into a floating hotel. The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In World War II it was called the "Grey Ghost" and Winston Churchhill stayed on board.

The Queen Mary has 314 staterooms that have been converted into modern guestrooms, but if you want to experience a bit of the past glory of the ship there are suites that retain their original Art Deco ambiance. There are six different award winning restaurants, cafes, and bars on board with views of the ocean and city skyline. The Sir Winston, a five star restaurant, is known for great service and creative cuisine. The Observation Bar is a Southern California landmark with lively entertainment. The Grand Salon, the ship's original first-class dining room, has a special Sunday Brunch. Tibbies Cabaret offers delicious cuisine along with a critically-acclaimed, "Broadway-Cabaret" style show.

Ship attractions include historical tours, and for some scary fun, ghost tours, because the ship has a haunting dark side to its past. Haunted Encounters Tour takes you on a guided tour of the ship's most haunted areas while the tour guide reveals the stories of the Queen Mary's most famous reported ghosts. Queen Mary also has a interactive special effects show called Ghosts & Legends featuring spooky animations of the ship's haunted past. Increase the mystery and fun by taking the nighttime tours.

Since you can leave the ship at your leisure take time and explore the city of Long Beach with its many attractions. Aquarium of the Pacific, Downtown Shoreline Marina and Village, the Pike at Rainbow Harbor are featured places to explore with entertainment, shopping, and restaurants. Long Beach is a bicycle friendly city where you and your family can explore the waterfront and city by bike. Check out Bike Long Beach for biking fun. Upcoming events of notice include the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which takes place April 16-18, 2010. The 15th Annual All Toyotafest is scheduled for May 8, 2010. The Queen Mary Park will be packed with over 370+ Toyota products (including Scion and Lexus). Featured vehicles include- modified, restored, hybrid, and all-original Toyota products.

Long Beach Airport ranked in the top five for lowest average domestic air fares in the nation. So, hop on a jet at your local airport and take off to Long Beach and experience the Queen Mary. Queen Mary can be found at 1126 Queen's Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802.-Vacation Rick Travel for travel information.

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on blog Vacation Rick.

Located on Sullivan’s Island, Poe’s Tavern is named in honor of Edgar Allen Poe, who was stationed for thirteen months on the isle at Fort Moultrie. The restaurant (which turns into a local hangout late night) is decorated with the author’s quotes and artwork-depicting characters from his stories. In the bar area, you have to check out the author’s portrait painted on the brick above the fireplace. It’s as creepy as the author’s work.

Poe’s offers indoor and outdoor seating and everything on the menu is worth trying—from the nachos to the chicken sandwiches. You won’t be disappointed.    

For more information or to view their menu, visit Poe's Tavern

The first thing you notice when you stroll through the door of the East Bay Coffee House is the goodies lining the front café bar: cream cheese Danishes, shortbreads, buttery croissants, and giant, chocolate muffins. Why anyone would bother with the fruit bowl exiled to the end of the counter is beyond me.

When you manage to stop drooling and focus on the coffee menu, the truly awesome and friendly baristas will make you some of the best lattes and mochas on the peninsula. As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, this is not an exaggeration. I take my vanilla lattes very seriously.

East Bay Coffee House has a European feel, but without the pretense. Even if you’re not a voracious travel reader, at this point you’re probably rolling your eyes at how unoriginal that description is, but in the case of this café, it’s true. Possibly the best adjective to describe it is cozy. But cozy in a classy, inviting way, and not in the rustic Bavarian Inn sense.

Divided into two rooms, the atmosphere from front to back is quite different. The café storefront is floor-to-ceiling glass, so for the people watchers out there, you can sit for hours and watch the foot traffic along East Bay. And it’s well lit so you can actually read the newspaper without straining your eyes. Past the dark wood carriage doors, the bar/lounge area is much more intimate, with olive walls and dim lighting. Recline on the leather sofa or sit at the bar and order from the bar menu, which offers martinis, wine, beer, and a variety of liqueurs and cordials.

So, if you’re looking for a morning jolt of java, a place to meet friends, to rest your legs after a day of sightseeing, or somewhere for late-night desert and a glass of wine, this is the spot. It’s within walking distance of most downtown hotels, historical sights, and some of the best restaurants in the city.

The East Bay Coffee House serves lunch daily and offers a full desert menu. They offer a happy hour from 4 pm to 7 pm Monday through Friday. They are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. & Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

About the Author: Michelle Salater is an award-winning writer and president of Sūmèr, LLC, a company which specializes in web copy writing, SEO copywriting, and the promotion and marketing of websites after they launch. Michelle is the author of Charleston: A Photographic Portrait and has published dozens of articles in national and international publications.

East Bay Coffee House

159 East Bay St
Charleston, SC 29401

It was a beautiful sunny day in the Historic District of Charleston. We were sitting at a table outside of the Southend Brewery and Smokehouse absorbing the festive atmosphere and the happy people parading past us along the busy sidewalk. A gentleman sporting a very unusual bushy mustache walked past. My daughter couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a picture of this individual who politely obliged.

The waitress brought out the menus and asked us what we would like to drink. My daughters suggested I should try the brewery's sampler of the eight different microbrews it offers, to which I agreed. They each ordered a Bloody Mary. We took our turns posing for some quick family pictures and a few moments later the waitress returned with our drinks. While we waited for our orders we sipped our drinks and shared some laughs. My nineteen year old son snuck a few of my samplers. A good start to a delightful lunch.

The Southend Brewery and smokehouse is located in the historic Wagener Building downtown on East Bay Street close to the famous Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park. The first thing you notice upon entering the brewery is a distintive three story atrium housing large copper and stainless steel brew tanks. The presense of the tanks and open atmoshere heightens your dining experience. There is not just one, but three floors of dining space accessed by Charleston's only indoor glass elevator.

The indoor glass elevator will wisk you up to the third floor Southend Harborview Bar where you can have a brew, play pool, shoot darts, or watch sports. If Charleston's nightlife is your thing, Southend Brewery is the place for after-hours entertainment. All attire is appropriate and perfect for bringing the family or a date. Southend offers a diverse menu of regional American lowcountry cuisine. A full description of the menu offering oak-smoked and grilled dishes can be viewed by clicking on this link. Oh, just one more thing. While sitting at your table you might be surprised to find a stranger has joined your dining party. The building has a long fascinating history and is now featured on local ghosts tours. Enough said, come and see for yourself.

Sullivan’s Island is a barrier island north of Charleston Harbor. The island was called O'Sullivan's Island prior because of Captain Florence O'Sullivan, who was stationed there as a lighthouse keeper in the late seventeenth century. The Town of Sullivan’s Island was formed when Atlanticville, a community on the north-east of the islands, and Moultrieville, located on the south-west half of the island, merged. Moultrieville was incorporated in 1817.

The history of the island has been dominated by Fort Moultrie, previously named Fort Sullivan during the American Revolution where a major battle was fought on June 28, 1776. The fort is now closed, but you can tour the remains and learn of its history. The remains of the Civil War sub the Hunley, which was the first submarine in history to sink an enemy ship, was discovered over 3.5 miles off the island’s shore.

The famous writer Edgar Allen Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie from November 1827 to December 1828. His now famous short story “The Gold Bug” uses Sullivan’s Island as its setting for most of the story. You should pick it up sometime and read it. You can visit Poe’s Tavern near the Town of Sullivan’s Island where you will learn about his time there and enjoy an excellent meal too.

There are no hotels or motels on the island itself, but there are plenty of beautiful ocean front vacation rentals to choose from. The Isle of Palms is close by and has motels, resorts, and vacation rentals for your convienence and pleasure. In addition, the beautiful historic city of Charleston is across the Ben Sawyer Bridge and down the road where there are numerous places for you to stay. Plenty of sandy beaches, water activity, golf, shopping, and history to keep you pleasantly occupied for the duration of your visit. Vacation Rick Travel Charleston

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on travel blog Vacation Rick