The Farewell Message from Jestine’s Kitchen is a reminder of the sense of community that was Charleston, S.C.

Over a decade ago, Jestine’s Kitchen was the first place I dined in downtown Charleston when I came out for a weekend with my father. The aromas from the kitchen, warm congenial hospitality, the homage to history and the embracing of tradition were all so immediate as we were taken away to a wonderful dining experience. I’ll never forget that first meal and the way we were treated that night.

In June, after a 24-year journey, Jestine’s Kitchen said goodbye to its loyal patrons, tourists, and entire extended family with a Love Letter to Charleston written by Dana Berlin Strange.

Dana’s words serve as a reminder of the small intimate Southern warmth and a deep sense of family, history, and tradition that Charleston stood for so many years. They were from the heart and like me, I am sure they will hit a personal nerve for so many of our readers.

As we continue to see the evolution of Charleston, its culture and priorities, let us hope we have not lost our way

Message from Jestine’s Kitchen – June 18, 2020 – Facebook Page

I am a very lucky lady as I have had the incredible pleasure to introduce you to the iconic Jestine Matthews who raised my lovely mother as well as her four children.

With a dash of this and a pinch of that we were among the first to serve up Jestine’s savory lowcountry cuisine to my hometown and surprisingly to a national following.I hoped for a longer run after all Jestine lived to be 112. With the quick onset of the scary pandemic I have done everything from takeout to wearing a chicken suit to try and stay afloat.

While I will miss those who have come in expecting southern food with lots of soul, truthfully it is my team who always made me look good. They too have become my family and gave you their best on every single dish.Their greatest gift to me aside from their loyalty was their enabling me to become a mother to my darling son Berlin who towers over me now. Jestine would have been over the moon with him.

Of course the food had to be delicious and up to Jestine’s taste test because the nod of approval was given every time Jestine’s family came in to eat. So we knew we must have been doing something right!

To my sister Charlye and my Berlin’s Restaurant Supply brothers Edward and Ellison, thank you for your support and just being you.

To my vendors and suppliers your kindness and compassion will long be remembered.To my mother who had the fortitude and luck to bring Jestine into our world, I love you.

With tears, smiles and a heavy heart I must announce the closing of Jestine’s Kitchen. Your friendship will stay with me forever and I know would have made Jestine so very proud.

To all of you raise a glass of sweet tea as we all learn to live in our new way of normal.

With love and gratitude,

Dana Berlin Strange

Jestine’s Kitchen

Thank you for everything Jestine’s Kitchen