Within the section dedicated to Charleston, Schultz recommends dining at Magnolias to experience the best of low country cuisine. My hope is that I don't die anytime soon, but just in case, I decided to enjoy a meal at Magnolias while I was visiting the area.

The restaurant is conveniently located within the historic district, and my group was able to secure a reservation for 16 people on a Thursday evening. We made the reservation just one day in advance, however, we were split into two eight person groups for dinner. I don't know if they can accomodate a single setting for a really large group, but they managed to seat our two tables right next to each other.

The dining room was packed with customers due to Magnolias’ reputation for excellent food. It has been showered with accolades from epicurians and foodies from across the country. Tables are set very elegantly, and the seating is tight but comfortable. The surroundings are a perfect combination of dark wood, wrought-iron, and fine art.

The menu has an extensive number of choices for food lovers of every taste. Dishes include seafood, red and white meat, and even game. It didn't take me long to review the menu and decide upon the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast. It is served with cracked pepper biscuits, mashed potatoes, collard greens, cream style corn, and sausage herb gravy. If it was socially acceptable, I would have licked the plate clean. There is also a long list of wines available for order.

When I was living at home in Knoxville, my mother made dinner for the family nearly every evening. Fortunately for me, she was an excellent cook. I bring up my mom's prowess in the kitchen because my meal at Magnolias was equal to her best efforts, and that is quite a compliment to the chefs in Charleston. The food, service, and setting were all flawless, and you would be doing yourself a disservice by missing out on a meal at Magnolias.

My wife and I enjoyed our meals, especially the spicy shrimp and sausage with tasso gravy over creamy white grits and warm oysters on the half shell with andouille sausage and cheese grits, country greens, yellow corn salsa and a tomato butter.

The waiters are excellent and willing to help picking out a wine from the expansive wine list.

The atmosphere here is very upscale with hardwood floors, dim lights, and wine cabinets that serve as functional decor. The wine selection, by the way, is very good, but the bar serves any kind of mixed drink you might want.

While the restaurant is often very busy, the waitstaff is helpful and efficient and full of suggestions if you desire them.

The menu is first-rate, and, while a meal is a little pricey after appetizers and drinks, it is well-worth the money for anyone who enjoys indulging in good food. I ate here for the first time almost a decade ago the night before my wedding, but I've made a point of visiting again upon each subsequent trip to the Low Country.

Make reservations before your weekend in Charleston to avoid a long wait at the bar. Or enjoy Magnolias for lunch for an elegant respite from the heat.