After an exciting first year at the College, I decided to head home to New Jersey for the summer. Although I love spending time with my family, I did not realize that leaving Charleston meant giving up something so precious and close to my heart, Charleston’s food. Over the past month I have experienced the relentless symptoms of withdrawal from the insanely delicious food the holy city has to offer. Here are the 5 stages of withdrawal I have been suffering through.
Sheer Panic
Oh god, oh no. Look at the gooeyness and deliciousness oozing out of that sandwich from Persimmon. I cannot have one of these for the next 8 weeks. 8 WEEKS. I have absolutely no idea what I am going to do with myself without Charleston food. My life will never be the same.
Chest-tightening Anxiety
Sunday, brunch-day! Oh wait, Hominy Grill isn’t in my neighborhood. This is absolutely heart-breaking. All I want to do is sleep in too late, overload my stomach with southern brunch, and then go home and nap while avoiding all of my responsibilities. While it is totally possible to complete the first and third wishes, the system is completely flawed without SOUTHERN BRUNCH. I don’t think I will be able to sleep soundly on Saturday nights anymore knowing my Sunday mornings will never be the same.
Overbearing Sense of Grief
Take me back. I need to go back. All I want is one meal. Just one. Charleston, I can’t make it three meals per day without you. I need you.
Acceptance
Day by day, time will pass and everything will be okay. In a few short weeks I will be back and I can eat as much Charleston food as my stomach can fit (and probably more). Everything will be okay. I will survive without this food. I hope.
Planning a Trip Back to Charleston
Mid-summer weekend trip to Charleston? Booked.
In all seriousness, Charleston, your food has changed me. I will be home soon. To all of my fellow Charleston lovers suffering with me, get well soon.