Charleston Welcomes a Culinary Legend: Martha Stewart’s Lunch at Chubby Fish
Charleston, the charming Southern gem known for its rich history and delectable cuisine, recently had a special guest grace its vibrant culinary scene. The one and only iconic Martha Stewart dropped in for a delightful lunch at the highly acclaimed seafood restaurant, Chubby Fish. While most diners queue up as early as 4 p.m. for a coveted spot at this eatery, Martha effortlessly hosted a private luncheon for 25 lucky patrons who gathered to hear about her groundbreaking career and celebrate her 100th book, titled The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, With Lessons and Stories From My Kitchen.
Lunch with a Local Twist
After a whirlwind visit to the bustling Charleston Gaillard Center to speak about her new book, Martha took to her Instagram to share a glimpse of her culinary experience. In her post, she described Chubby Fish as a charming eatery and mentioned how Chef James London graciously allowed them to host the luncheon. “Some photos of the food – Utterly delish!” she gleefully exclaimed, showcasing a mouthwatering menu that featured:
- Buttery potato rolls with gobs of caviar
- Oysters topped with crab and shallots
- Crudo of fresh tuna with a citrus salad of celery and potato chips
- Filet of tile fish with habanero cream
For those who are familiar with Chubby Fish, it’s easy to recognize some of the fan-favorite dishes that defined the experience—caviar sandwiches, grilled oysters, and the beloved Life Raft Treats for dessert. It’s no wonder many consider this place a must-visit!
A Heartfelt Encounter
Chef James London, who had the honor of introducing Martha to Chubby Fish, couldn’t help but share his admiration for the iconic figure. “Martha was a gem,” he recalled. “She bee-lined it to the kitchen and wanted to know all about the food. She was really sweet, lovely, and grateful.” London reminisced about his past experiences cooking for her and emphasized the special connection they shared during this recent encounter. “We had a wonderful time catching up,” he added warmly.
The Impact of a Culinary Icon
It’s fascinating to note that while Chef London didn’t grow up watching Martha on television, he holds her in high esteem. Reflecting on her career, he stated, “I very much admire the enormous impact that she has had on food, hospitality, and lifestyle. She is a force in our industry, and our conversation further reinforced my admiration for her career and legacy. I mean, she just put out her 100th book. That’s nuts.”
What’s Next for Chubby Fish?
With the buzz of Martha Stewart’s visit, it’s likely that the already popular Chubby Fish will see an uptick in visitors eager to experience this iconic restaurant for themselves. Fans of the culinary legend may soon be lining up, hoping to catch a taste of the culinary delights that took Martha’s fancy. After all, who wouldn’t want to dine at a place that received a glowing endorsement from one of the most recognized figures in the world of food?
In conclusion, Martha Stewart’s visit to Chubby Fish is not just a highlight for the restaurant but a celebratory moment for Charleston itself. Known for its rich flavors and warm hospitality, Charleston proves time and again that it is more than just a destination—it’s a culinary delight waiting to be explored. Who knows what other exciting guests and experiences await in this beautiful city!
