“Cheers” Meets “Chinese” at Red Orchids

Red Orchids China Bistro really cannot be labled “a Chinese restaurant.” How many local Chinese restaurants have you dined in with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, an impressive wine list and “where everybody knows your name?”

Tony and Kelly Chu, along with their loyal and knowledgeable servers, have enjoyed the reputation of being the best Asian restaurant in Charleston every year since their existence, but they have not let that title go to their heads. Tony is continually learning about new wines, sakes and bourbons to introduce to his customers, while Kelly loves inventing creative confections to the delight of her dessert-loving patrons.

And where else can you go in The Holy City for melt-in-your-mouth Korean Style Steak, paired with an exquisite Rumbauer Merlot (at half price on Thursdays!) and end your repast with a chocolate, chili pepper cupcake served with a dish of creamy ginger ice cream?

The menu items range from “Soothing Lettuce Wraps” that make PF Chang’s version taste like fast-food, to spicy Indonesian Lamb. If you’re in the mood for seafood, tell your server you feel like “snappin’,” which is insider short-hand for ordering Red Snapper filets served with a Chinese vinaigrette in a rich sherry reduction.

Okay, so we already know the food is to die for, but did you know that around 80 percent of the patrons are regulars? Some nights, there is so much table-hopping you could forget where you were originally sitting or who you came with. And speaking of “came with”… If you don’t have a date, friend or significant other for the evening, it’s not a problem. Just ask to eat at the bar where you’ll instantly be best friends with the people on either side of you.

There are lots of other perks to being an insider at R.O., as the regulars call it. For instance, once Tony finds out about your preferences in wine, sake, beer, Scotch, whatever, he will be sure to stock your favorites as well as let you try his newest discoveries.

After you’ve tried everything on the menu six times, you can always ask Will, one of the most popular servers (for good reason) to surprise you with something “off-menu.” He loves it when you say, “You know what I like, so just bring me something fabulous!”

So next time you stop in to R.O. for live jazz on Tuesday or half-priced wine on Thursday, or just because you feel like making new friends, drop by CHARLIE’s table and introduce yourself. We’ll be the ones Snappin’.

Story by: Cindy Roemer
Photos by: Chrys Rynearson