This was my wife and I's second visit to Robert's of Charleston. Robert's of Charleston gets a lot of reviews ...it's a AAA four diamond restaurant, year after year. An accomplishment not easy or simple to attain, much less maintain. So, as terrific as the food is…I'd really like to focus on the experience. First, yes the experience of the food is truly fabulous. My taste buds still have each morse ...committed to memory so many weeks after our visit. But the blended experience is what is so superb. It's a much more personal experience than any other. You actually relate to the food and those who prepared it. Robert is very at ease with his guests and seems to enjoy their company. I, myself, wonder how he does it, week after week, year after year…yet it seems like it is opening night, and his personal friends have come to see him perform. He carries with him a bit of celebrity, so his visits to the table are welcomed and savored as are his fine creations of both taste and sound.

Robert's has been named the most romantic restaurant in Charleston, but I just don't think it's enough to call it romantic. What is it about Robert's that makes it romantic? The room is great for sight and sound. Most restaurants seem to be too noisy today, and with less than 50 people at a time, the sound level is very conducive to quiet, intimate conversation. Most of the 3-hour sitting, you're only listening to the piano. And when Robert is singing, you're listening to him. So guess what, when Robert isn't singing, you can focus on each other. The lighting in the room along with the choice of color enhances the mood. It's nearly intoxicating when combined with the music to say nothing of the wine. I'm terrible at remembering the names of tunes, but you know the ones…the songs they play at just the right time of your favorite romantic comedy? In today's Mars/Venus world where men are struggling to emote sufficiently, if your man is still numb after an evening at Robert's, then find yourself a copy of Old Yeller and see if that doesn't get him stirred up.
Now, if you'll journey from your right brain to your left with me, I'd like to talk about value. I think a lot of people miss out on Robert's because they look at the $80 price tag and conclude that it's a bit steep. If you do some simple math, and add in the cost of a moderately priced bottle of wine (or two) and a movie, the $80 is more than reasonable. Matched wines are included with each course and of course there is the fabulous entertainment.

So do yourself a favor this year. Don't wait until Valentines Day or your anniversary to take your sweetie to the most romantic restaurant in Charleston. Make your reservation now!

If you want the five-star taste and selection without the price tag…make the trip over to the Old Village Post House in Mount Pleasant…101 Pitt Street.