Eat Like a Local at Charleston’s Persimmon Cafe

Waiting in long lines to get a table or searching for a reservations while on vacation often leads weary travelers to seek out those local joints kept hidden from the tourist crowds. Persimmon Cafe, on the corner of Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston, is one such local hideaway. Located within walking distance of colleges, private schools and hospitals, the café is kept busy with a constant stream of doctors, students and faculty members who come in search of owner and chef Rob Cassi’s housemade soups and sandwiches. The fare may sound simple, but Cassi puts a gourmet spin on each item. For example, take his Sweet Potato Curry Soup. Cassi adds a bit of Jamaican curry for a punch of flavor with just a bit of heat , then drizzles in honey to enhance the sweet potato. The grilled cheese is made with goat cheese for a bit of tang, havarti for creaminess, and Pullman bread for a tasty crunch. Next time you’re in Charleston, take a break from the beaten path with Chef Cassi’s take on lunchtime classics.