A Favorite Spot: Lana Restaurant, Charleston, South Carolina.
After quite many people emailed asking about the restaurant we seemed to always take our workshop attendees to when in Charleston, I figured I’d do a little special post about it and its wonderful crew.
The restaurant is Lana. Located a tad off the tourist path at the corner of Cannon and Rutledge in Charleston, SC. It is by far my favorite spot in town. Granted, Executive Chef John Ondo is not only a close friend but he is one of those "good people" with a heavy dosage of natural talent for his craft. It is easy to just walk in, sit at the bar and order blindly from the menu. And have a heck of a tremendous meal.
John and his staff focus their culinary talent on Mediterranean cuisine while infusing a touch of Southern flair by interpreting classic regional dishes through local ingredients. I love their respect for sustainable and local seafood, local business and the care they put into each dish. Classical inspirations with an adventurous spirit.
I love nothing more than taking a night off and grabbing my camera to hang out with those guys. They are a dream for a photographer’s eye. You can tell from the flow of the kitchen, the fast yet precise pace of their motion, all the intensity of their dedication to the meal being prepared. The whole restaurant crew make it very easy for you to fall in love with the food, the place, the moment.
My dream is to have John sit down long enough to compile his favorite dishes into one book. That I would campaign to photograph…of course! Not only I would cook from it every day, but I would still visit the restaurant for more.
Comments
Jaime December 1, 2012 um 11:21 pm
These photos are beautiful and capture such movement and excitement of being in the kitchen. The food looks spectacular! I always tease my husband that we have to visit Charleston someday, since that's his name and everyone we meet does the little dance for him. It's hilarious!
Wellington Artist December 2, 2012 um 12:56 am
My husband and I love visiting Charleston. It's definitely one of our favorite food cities. Now I can't wait to go back just to dine at Lana Restaurant!
Ilke December 2, 2012 um 12:27 pm
We will definitely visit next time we are in Charleston. I am sure it will be very soon.
Stephanie December 2, 2012 um 3:07 pm
Gorgeous photos. Makes me want to get int he car and head down.
Unknown December 2, 2012 um 3:22 pm
Very brilliant overview. Would love to check this place out.
Katy Noelle December 2, 2012 um 5:05 pm
The people images are just extra fascinating and wonderful! Thanks for the peek!
Laura (Got Chocolate) December 2, 2012 um 5:20 pm
As always, I love the simplicity of your writing, letting your photos tell most of the story.
Sarah December 2, 2012 um 10:53 pm
It's always refreshing to see a more creative style of photographing restaurants for a blog. Sometimes the single dish in the spotlight isn't enough to convey the atmosphere of a place.
Unknown December 3, 2012 um 9:15 am
Sitting in my office looking out over a grey December morning in Yorkshire, England, wishing I was walking into Lana for a plate of delicious fish! Great images, as ever
Marina December 3, 2012 um 11:34 pm
Stunning story telling photos. You caught some impressive moment's in the kitchen… Thanks! 🙂
Katie @ Blonde Ambition December 4, 2012 um 7:58 pm
Everything looks not only delicious, but beautiful too! Sounds like a great restaurant.
Wild Greens and Sardines December 5, 2012 um 7:01 pm
Beautiful photos!