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By: Valerie Antaki
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A city recognized for its regal shopping and exquisite cuisine, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour players travel to Charleston not only for illustrious tennis but also for unique off-court attractions. Many players look forward to visiting their favorite Charleston shops and restaurants after match-point. Lowcountry allure is not found in high-priced luxury establishments, however, but rather in shops and restaurants visited by locals day after day. In fact, it is likely that you will find yourself next to a star WTA Tour player when dining out in this fine city.
If you are new to the area, or would just like a few insider tips on how to dine like the top players, the Best of Sony Ericsson WTA Tour 2010 Zagat guide serves as a useful resource. With this guide, the world’s best players act as your personal concierge. After all, what would Charleston be without southern cooking and barbecue?
 Voted Charleston's "Best New Restaurant" (2007), Mercato has become popular destination to savor authentic, Italian classics. Classic pasta and pizza dishes, daily creations and house made desserts and gelato’s compliment Chef specialties like Potato Gnocchi and Pork Osso Bucco. "This is a great Italian restaurant in Charelston," says Alize Cornet. "All the pasta is fantastic. I went every night."
Cypress Lowcountry Grille offers an American menu that is rooted in the lowcountry but influenced by the exotic. "Order the chef's specials. They are always good," says Ai Sugiyama. "The pork is very good. The place has a very nice atmosphere and good wine."
 Craving seafood? Check out the Coast Bar & Grill, a favorite of Elena Dementieva. "The food was delicious. I had the lobster and wish I could go back again," says Elena. Coast is also a must-stop for Rennae Stubbs. She says, "The menu has a great variety of choices. The atmosphere and decor are great, with exposed brick walls and wood floors. It also has a fun bar."
A native of France, Virginie Razzano can enjoy a taste of home while in Charleston at 39 Rue de Jean. "They have a lot of 
good French dishes," says Virginie. "I especially like their coq au vin, steak frites, and beef bourguignon."
 Perhaps the only thing as powerful as Serena Williams’ serve is the powerful soul found in Jestine’s Kitchen. A favorite of Serena Williams and many Charlestonians alike, Jestine’s Kitchen offers traditional southern cuisine. “I always make sure I visit Jestine’s at least once each time I go to Charleston” says Williams.
 Also offering sultry southern cuisine, Poogan’s Porch on picturesque Queen Street offers delectable cookery with a nostalgic twist and is a favorite of dog lover, Lisa Raymond. “The crab soup, fried green tomatoes and crab cakes are so good, and how could you not love a place that’s named after the owner’s beloved dog?” says Raymond, who travels with her dachshund, Casey, whenever possible.
 When it comes to good southern barbecue, Dominika Cibulkova turns to Sticky Fingers, also a popular pick for many Charleston locals. While offering traditional southern pork barbecue, Sticky Fingers has something for everyone. “The chicken is fantastic” says Cibulkova.
 A culturally diverse city, Charleston has award-winning eclectic restaurants as well. Patty Schnyder awards Basil, a King Street Thai restaurant, first prize when it comes to their curry, proclaiming it “the best curry I have ever had”. She also highly recommends the pineapple curry.
 Flavia Pannetta frequents Chai’s Lounge and Tapas on King Street in downtown Charleston and eats there as much as possible when playing the Family Circle Cup. She says “you can definitely expect good food at this restaurant”.
 King Street, the Grand Slam of Charleston’s shopping and dining experience is a popular destination for players on the WTA Tour. Pannetta may also be seen carrying bebe bags down king street as she says the area is “always a good option” when doing some shopping. WTA Tour veteran, Jill Craybas agrees saying “King Street has some really good shops. I like to go to Lucky, and I also like Boomer’s Books & Collectibles”.
 After finishing her eleventh straight Top 10 doubles season, Rennae Stubbs may be seen perusing the King Street cobblestones. “I love walking down King Street, checking out the goings-on that Charleston has to offer and the array of eclectic shops” says Stubbs.
It is true that Charleston offers something for everyone with a friendly charm and contemporary offerings. When visiting a city with such vast options, it may prove beneficial to use an extensive guide such as Zagat’s “Best of” guides. Regardless of which restaurant or shop you choose, however, both players and fans agree that Charleston-area serves an ace every time.
*This Zagat guide can be purchased from the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, or by calling their corporate headquarters directly at (727) 895-5000. Visit www.charlestoncvb.com or www.charleston.net/preview for more information regarding Charleston area dining, shopping or other entertainment.
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