The Dish
The Dish
May 2025
Welcome back to The Dish. We’re glad you’re here! This month, we’re celebrating thoughtful touches, unforgettable flavors, and the people who make every moment at Wentworth Mansion® and Circa 1886 so special. There’s so much to share—and even more to experience.

Let’s take a look at what’s new (and delicious).

sip, sip, hooray!
summer sips happy hour
garden room
Join us for Happy Hour daily—including weekends—from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Enjoy a rotating selection of red, white, and sparkling wines curated by Denis for just $9, along with well cocktails (vodka, gin, rum, scotch, and tequila) also available for $9. You are welcome to order from the bar and enjoy your drinks inside or on the patio. While there is no table service outdoors, drinks can be taken out to enjoy in the fresh air. Complimentary bar snacks will also be served to complement your sips. 

Our Summer Sips Happy Hour wraps up on August 31, so stop in soon and raise a glass before it’s gone!
breakfast at wentworth mansion
breakfast at wentworth mansion
breakfast at wentworth mansion

soufle
Circa 1886's Seasonal Soufflé

In the last Dish, we shared a few of our favorite spring desserts, but we should have mentioned that–of course–the soufflé is still on the menu! As one of the few restaurants in the area that includes soufflés on the menu, Circa 1886 is proud of its commitment to this timeless dessert. 

Chef Cardona emphasizes that achieving consistency in soufflés requires the entire team to follow the same meticulous process every night. “Consistency is key,” she says. “We work hard to ensure that each soufflé is as perfect as the last, so our guests can enjoy the same exceptional quality every time.”

The Circa 1886 soufflé is a sweet finale to an amazing evening. But don't forget, they change with they change with the season. The Vanilla Bean Soufflé paired with lemon curd swirl gelato and a blueberry compote won’t be here for long, so book your reservation and savor it before it’s gone.
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the heart Behind the celebration
meet Michael dawson, event + office manager at circa 1886
michael
Behind every unforgettable event at Circa 1886 is a team dedicated to excellence—and leading the charge is our Event and Office Manager, Michael Dawson. 

Whether it's an intimate dinner in the Garden Room or a full restaurant buyout for a milestone celebration, Michael ensures that planning each occasion feels seamless, personal, and memorable. With a background in hospitality and a deep appreciation for meaningful moments, Michael brings both creativity and precision to every event he plans.

In our latest Q&A, Michael shares what inspired his love for event planning, how he collaborates with guests to bring their visions to life, and why Circa 1886 offers a truly one-of-a-kind setting for private gatherings. From custom menus and stunning décor to exceptional service and thoughtful details, you'll discover just how special your next event could be.

Read the Full Interview here!
VIEW EVENT SPACES

Drink Recipe
Learn to Craft Cocktails at Circa 1886

Looking for a fun and interactive experience? Book a Shaking With the Seasons class with Bar Manager and craft cocktail extraordinaire, Denis Kats. Enjoy one-on-one instruction, seasonal inspiration, and plenty of hands-on fun as you learn to shake up cocktails like a pro!

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circa will be open May 25 and 26

Meet The charming inns® family
charming inns hotels
In 1982, Richard Widman, founded Charming Inns® as a labor of love. He began the company with the mission to help guests create special memories by providing exceptional service and honoring the unique histories of each of the one-of-a-kind properties.

Today, with four boutique hotels and an award-winning fine dining establishment in the portfolio, we continue that mission by staying true to our core values: Family, Service, History, and Comfort. 

We believe the loyalty and longevity of our staff are a testament to those values—setting our brand apart in an ever-evolving hospitality landscape. 

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Call 843-853-7828 for more information.
Circa 1886
149 Wentworth Street | Charleston, SC 29401
Logos: Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Andrew Harper, Historic Hotels of America