For more than two decades, Chef Mike Lata has helped define Charleston’s modern culinary identity.
Story by Hailey Wist | Photographs by Lizzy Rollins
The James Beard Award–winning chef behind FIG and The Ordinary—and the culinary advisor to Kiawah Island Club—brings an ingredient-driven philosophy to everything he does, celebrating the Lowcountry’s farmers, fishermen, and foodways. His wife, Jenni Lata, a recipe developer and food and prop stylist whose work has appeared in acclaimed cookbooks and national publications, shares his eye for craft and beauty. Together, they offer a local’s guide to the city they love—a curated mix of favorite haunts, hidden gems, and beautifully made things that capture Charleston’s creative pulse.
WENTWORTH
162 Wentworth Street
At the corner of Wentworth and Rutledge, Wentworth reshapes Charleston’s design language with a boutique devoted to interiors that are thoughtful, tactile, and beautifully personal. Founded by event designer Gregory Blake Sams, the shop feels like a refined treasure hunt—stacked with vintage silver, hand-blown glass, linens, Limoges porcelain, one-of-a-kind finds, and elegant everyday essentials. Sams envisioned it as an “adult candy shop for the home,” where every piece feels personal enough to live in your own rooms. Open now in a restored nineteenth-century storefront, Wentworth also offers interior design services by appointment, extending its ethos from shop floor to living space.
Jenni’s Take
Wentworth is in a league of its own. Blake is a genius!
I am a food and prop stylist and have a big shed full of props, so I really am like a kid in a candy store at Wentworth. They are sourcing things that no one would know how to get—so unique and unexpected. It really is the most beautiful home store you’ll ever walk into.
HIGH WIRE DISTILLING
311 Huger Street
On Huger Street, High Wire Distilling Co. has redefined Charleston’s spirits scene by rooting its craft in the South’s agrarian heritage. Founded by husband-and-wife team Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall, the distillery partners with South Carolina farmers to revive heirloom grains—Jimmy Red corn, Abruzzi rye, and Carolina Gold rice—transforming them into award-winning bourbons, ryes, and gins. This devotion to sourcing is more than flavor; it’s a philosophy that ties each bottle to the region’s agricultural heritage. Their tasting room and tours highlight not only the craft of distilling, but also the stories of the farmers whose work makes it possible. In a city celebrated for its foodways, High Wire adds a spirited dimension—proof that the future of Southern distilling rests on the roots of its past.
Mike’s Take
Scott and Ann are very forward-thinking.
They started making whiskey out of local heritage corn known as Jimmy Red. The difference is evident when you taste their spirits; the texture and the oils are so layered and complex. I’ve toured a notable whiskey maker’s distillery before and quickly realized they are just buying a commodity product. The idea that a distiller could be ingredient-driven is relatively new. From my view, High Wire broke the mold.
GRADY ERVIN & CO.
313 King Street
Grady Ervin & Co. defines Charleston menswear with class, craftsmanship, and Old World care. In a city that treasures its past, the shop offers a contemporary expression of tradition, blending heritage and modern relevance. Since opening in 1995, its flagship at 313 King Street has earned Charleston’s first Carolopolis Preservation Award and even features a wrought-iron gate by the legendary blacksmith Philip Simmons. Under the banner “Classic Clothiers to Gentlemen,” the store offers a mix of ready-to-wear and fully custom suits, sport coats, and blazers, plus accessories ranging from handmade bow ties and belts to field sport tools and colognes. The result is a space where timeless style meets exacting detail, crafted for the modern gentleman.
Mike’s Take
At Grady Ervin, they have a great selection of well-made clothing.
They can even tailor your clothes on-site—an incredibly convenient service. There is always a great essential piece that I’m not necessarily looking for, a nice polo or jacket. You can also have shirts made there. You pick the fabric, and they will make you a custom shirt. It saves me the trouble of buying five shirts; instead, I just have the one perfect shirt.
BABAS ON MEETING
804 Meeting Street
In Charleston’s NoMo neighborhood, Babas on Meeting blends European café flair with Charleston warmth. Inspired by neighborhood cafés across Italy, France, and Spain, Babas serves espresso, house-made pastries, sandwiches, salads, and curated wines and cocktails. During morning and lunchtime hours, its kitchen turns out items like jammy eggs, quiche, pistachio-parm salad, and the “Babas cookie”—a signature brown butter, chocolate delight. With a polished interior and an inviting courtyard, it’s both neighborhood haunt and memorable discovery. Happy hours featuring wine specials and petite cocktails add to the appeal. In a city steeped in tradition, Babas on Meeting keeps café culture elevated and distinctly local.
Mike’s Take
You have an espresso at Babas, and you can see the brushstrokes all around you.
I want to absorb the vibe and feeling when I go to a place; I want it to feel unique and worth my time. And this is an owner-operator who is really sharing a vision and differentiating himself. It comes down to the integrity of the experience. You can feel how much he cares.
TWO MEETING STREET INN
2 Meeting Street
Overlooking White Point Garden, Two Meeting Street Inn is set in one of Charleston’s most picturesque corners. Built in 1892 as a grand Queen Anne residence, it was recently restored by South Street Partners as an elegant retreat for Kiawah Island Club Members. Designer Tammy Connor reimagined the interiors with her signature balance of comfort and refinement, using antique furnishings alongside soft modern touches, layering artwork in sunlit rooms, and highlighting original details like Tiffany stained glass and carved oak. With just eight suites and sweeping piazzas, it offers an intimate home base for exploring the city’s cobblestone streets, galleries, and restaurants.
Jenni’s Take
Our stay was so lovely.
We arrived in the afternoon and just enjoyed the Inn! It was our anniversary, so we walked to dinner at Sorelle. It felt like a really fun staycation.
Mike’s Take
It’s very unique, like a little oasis.
Tammy Connor did such a fantastic job with the interiors. It’s set in a picturesque but busy part of town, so it feels like such a privilege to have your own private haven in the midst of that.
THE GEORGE GALLERY
54 Broad Street
In Charleston’s Broad Street district, The George Gallery brings a fresh perspective to a city often celebrated for its historic past. Specializing in contemporary and modern work, the gallery highlights abstract, nonrepresentational, and postwar-inspired art, offering a counterpoint to the traditional landscapes and portraits that dominate much of Charleston’s art scene. Under the eye of owner-gallerist Anne Siegfried, the roster features nationally and regionally recognized artists, including Vicki Sher, Paul Yanko, Raishad Glover, Tom Stanley, and Catherine Booker Jones. Exhibitions rotate regularly, with opening receptions and artist talks throughout the year.
Jenni’s Take
I just love what Anne is doing at The George Gallery.
She focuses strictly on abstract, contemporary art, working with such a unique set of artists, estates releasing little by little, and local artists that don’t fit the typical Charleston gallery. She just started representing Isabel Bornstein, whom we love. We have a few of her pieces!
TUTTI
700 King Street
Just off King Street, Tutti channels a fresh energy into Charleston’s dining scene. Founded by Miles White and Femi Oyediran (of Graft Wine Shop) in collaboration with Anthony Guerra of Oakwood Pizza Box, Tutti blends New York-style pizza tradition with a thoughtful wine program. The menu is simple and ingredient-driven, featuring round, square, and gluten-free pies made with meticulous care and market-fresh toppings. Inside, the space feels easy: airy and welcoming for families, with a swankier back room for private gatherings. There’s always a great playlist spinning, music that makes you want to hang for a glass of wine. Tutti proves that casual dining can still feel intentional, soulful, and distinctly Charleston.
Mike’s Take
It’s delicious every time.
With Tutti, Miles and Femi fill a gap for highly crafted pizza in a New York style. What I love about it is the simplicity—they quiet the noise and focus on simple pies.
Jenni’s Take
The pizza is insane.
We’ve seen nothing but meteoric success from Miles and Femi! Tutti feels super true to Charleston and who they are. We had it for our son Oscar’s fifth birthday party!
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