Rain attempts to dampen first LIME dinner

Saturday evening marked the inaugural presentation of LIME (Local, Impromptu, Movable, Evening), the newest addition to Charleston's underground fine-dining ranks benefitting Simply Divine Gardens.

Guests gathered in a Johns Island field, curious as to what exactly the evening would hold, especially given rather ominous clouds accumulating overhead.

Fitted with mystery LIME bags containing necessities for the evening, including a blindfold and divinely scented bug spray from Earth Maiden, the participants mingled for a cocktail hour preceding the nine-course dinner.

Alas, it was not one glass of champagne into the evening before the skies opened sending guests and hosts dashing for cover under a stilted riverfront house. The crowd appeared happy to adapt to the slight adjustment of plans, although the rain seemed to be a hurdle from which the evening never quite recovered.

The dinner, originally set to take place 10 minutes away at a poolside location, was forced to move to the upstairs of the house in which guests were now huddled under.

Despite the change in plans, the dinner featured a crab and coconut ceviche as well as peppercorn ice cream served beside poached pears and walnuts.

Disappointingly, although the menu included cocktail pairings, many drinks came out after their intended course.

Perhaps it was the copious amount of cocktails combined with the strain of a last-minute change of location, but the ambiance of the evening seemed to get a little odd around the intermezzo course.

Incredible accolades to head chef and LIME creator Renata Dos Santos, however, for making the best of the evening.

Dos Santos handled the tension of the evening well. This trend of underground fine dining must be similar to the stress of a restaurant's opening night. And having to change just about every element so last minute seems an incredibly daunting hurdle for a chef to overcome.

Brava Renata!

Fingers will remain crossed the next installment of LIME will have none of the hiccups the first had to conquer.