While a small wine bar and restaurant on the beach in South Carolina may have very little to do with Washington D.C., it was this DCist’s summer vacation destination. A unique behind the scenes experience and extensive conversation with the head chef of 11 Center Street Wine and Gourmet (full disclosure: owned by this DCist’s mother) proved the source of much inspiration.

This tapas restaurant on Folly Beach has been kicking out upscale small plates for just over a year. Grilled cheese was one item that was never on the menu, but always happily prepared for children with a more finicky palate. While making the simple sandwich every American child knows so well, the restaurant staff asked each other “What if….?” The Caribbean Grilled Cheese with mango salsa was one of three tasty results.