August Foodie Events

L.I.M.E. Charleston to Benefit Center for Women
Local. Impromptu. Moveable. Evening. On August 13 from 5-10p.m., enjoy a seven course dinner with pairings and live entertainment, all benefiting the Center for Women.

L.I.M.E. is the newest underground experience created by Chef Renata Dos Santos. The emphasis is on slow foods, local sustainability and sense of community. This dinner's featured talent is Chef Ulfet Ralph of UR The Cook & Mixologist Laura Appleton of Speakeasy.

Dinner includes a BeBa Luxe fashion show and is all inclusive. Tickets are available for $75 at http://www.limeincharlesto​n.com/charleston-limes.htm​l.

Julia Child Birthday Dinner

The Glass Onion will host a dinner to celebrate Julia Child’s birthday on Monday, August 15, with three courses featuring classics from Child’s repertoire, such as beef tartare, chicken fricassee, sweetbreads and chocolate roulade. The West Ashley restaurant is located at 1219 Savannah Highway. and dinner will be served during regular dining hours from 6-10p.m. The GO also has a pretty great blog that's worth checking out for some awesome recipes using local ingredients.

The cost of the birthday dinner will be $35 per person, and reservations are required. This event also happens to coincide with the Glass Onion’s Monday special -- half priced bottles of wine. Customers can choose a bottle to enjoy at half the regular cost from the restaurant’s eco-conscious wine list.

VegStock - 7 Courses of Peas, Wine & Love
Charleston Grill recently announced the details for the second annual VegStock dinner. Last year's inaugural dinner was a sold-out affair, so this year the Grill will host VegStock 2011 on back-to-back nights, Wednesday, August 17 and Thursday, August 18. Seating for both dinners will be limited.

Both Executive Chef Michelle Weaver and Sommelier Rick Rubel guarantee for a fantastic seven-course vegetarian feast, with the perfect pairings. Dishes such as Watermelon with Ginger-Lime Broth, Heirloom Tomato Shortcake and Avocado Crudo will be accompanied by fine wines. This evening is sure to be innovative and nothing short of delectable.

Tickets are $70 (plus tax and gratuity) for dinner and wine. Reservations are required. For more information please call (843) 577-4522.

Femivore
What's a femivore, you ask? A woman who knows the importance of using local food. Lowcountry Local First's 2011 Femivore Awards will honor one foodie woman working to promote a business or community outreach program in each of four categories: Grow, Nourish, Inspire, and Give.

The winners will receive $2,000 to use towards their project as well as an "Entrepreneurship Pack" with new ideas. The first annual Femivore Awards will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at Ashley Hall (Dining Hall), 172 Rutledge Ave, 6-9pm. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased by calling (843)740-5444 or online.

Charleston Named Second Best City in America

Travel + Leisure has confirmed what plenty of us already know to be true. Charleston is among the very best places to live in the whole country. The travel mag's 2011 World’s Best Awards list of Top Cities in the United States and Canada awarded Charleston the No.2-ranked city in the U.S., displacing San Francisco and achieving its highest ranking ever in the survey. The top-ranked city in the U.S. and Canada is New York City for the eleventh consecutive year. Four South Carolina hotels and resorts are also recognized among the top hotels in the World’s Best Awards readers’ survey this year—two of which are in Charleston.

Top 10 Cities in the United States and Canada:
1.            New York City          
2.            Charleston, South Carolina
3.            Chicago
4             San Francisco
5.            Santa Fe, New Mexico
6.            New Orleans
7.            Savannah
8.            Vancouver      
9.            Victoria, British Columbia
10.          Quebec City

Four South Carolina properties rank among the top hotels and resorts in the Continental U.S. and Canada.

• Inn at Palmetto Bluff located in Bluffton, South Carolina is ranked No. 7 on the list of Top 50 Resorts in the Continental U.S. and Canada and ranks No. 60 on the list of World’s Best Hotels Overall.
• Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina ranks No. 17 on list of Top 50 Resorts in the Continental U.S. and Canada and ranks No. 97 on the list of World’s Best Hotels Overall.
• Charleston Place Hotel is the top-rated hotel in Charleston and ranks No. 26 on the list of Top Large City Hotels in the Continental U.S. and Canada.
• Planters Inn in Charleston ranks No. 10 on the list of Top 10 Small City Hotels in the Continental U.S. and Canada.

yesUmay - Don't Mind If I Do

There are really few things in life more satisfying than a cookie, and yesUmay Cookies in Mount Pleasant does not disappoint. Local owner and cookie connoisseur, Ashley Swider, brings a simple philosophy to her cookies - enjoy life through deliciously unique flavor combinations that create the perfect sweet treat. These are truly not your average cookies - even her take on a plain ol' chocolate chip variety (Milk's Companion) brings a certain decadence that you just won't find in a roll of Pillsbury or even your average from-scratch recipe. 

They were out of the monthly flavor variety when I went in, but be sure to ask about their changing flavor. This month's is a vegan cookie! Here is what I did try - 

Blissed Out: Toffee, chocolate and a hint of sea salt. Far and away my favorite yesUmay cookie to date. I love the crunch of the sea salt with the sweet toffee. 

Optimistic Chew: Oatmeal, butterscotch and apple. I love butterscotch! This is one cookie you could potentially get away with for breakfast. Did I mention that it has butterscotch? Yum.

Sweet Satisfaction: Oh. My. This cookie has delicious buttercream frosting that manages not to overpower the delicate sugar cookie underneath. It was rich, but delicious nonetheless.

Abundant Bite: Gogi berries and dark chocolate. Okay, this cookie could even be construed as good for you. Yes, I know. Radical. Goji berries and dark chocolate are high in antioxidants and other nutritives that are good for the skin, hair and nails, in addition to help protect against certain types of cancer. 

In short, I love the cookies and yesUmay has set the bar high in terms of both quality and creativity. I recommend yesUmay after a long day at work, on a night-in with friends or if you're looking to give that perfect gift people will truly appreciate. Because after all, there are really few things in life more satisfying than a cookie. 

Blissed Out

An Ode to Ted's

Yesterday as I waited patiently on my favorite sandwich from Ted's Butcherblock, it occurred to me that I have not given this local foodie establishment its due, at least not on this blog!

Don't mistake me - I eat at Ted's . . . a lot. I am an absolute sucker for their Greek-Style Panini (I have divulged my obsession with Greek food before), and I genuinely appreciate the time and effort Ted's puts in to making its Tzatziki sauce. Cucumbers are a pain in the a** to peel and seed and grate, but it makes all the difference. Not to mention the quality Greek yogurt that is obviously being put to good use.

What else? There's plenty. Smoked gouda mac and cheese is available daily from the case and is perfect when warmed (upon request). Other favorites of mine include the chicken, pancetta and avocado on baguette, in addition to the first sandwich I ever tried at Ted's, the house wagyu beef panini with caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms and blue cheese aioli. Yes and please.

My favorite thing to do at Ted's is browse. I love to see the meats that the owner, Ted Dombrowski, has selected for the case. From bacon to duck confit to filet mignon, you can be sure that it is the best of the best - international products sit right next to meats raised no further than upstate South Carolina. Plus, there is a fair selection of housemade pasta sauces and dips, as well as specialty wines and cheeses that help to round out any good meal.

Ted's has gained quite the cult following with sellout Craft Beer Dinners. This week's Friday dinner menu included indulgences like Lemon-Tarragon & Shallot Whole Roasted Chicken / Truffle Honey-Mustard Potato Salad / Fennel & Baby Arugula with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette / Peanut Butter and Coconut Bread Pudding with Turtle Sauce. My mouth. . . it waters.

Good news (at least for me) - Ted's has recently expanded its seating to accomodate its ever-growing lunch crowd. Never been? I highly suggest a hop on the bandwagon.

Potlikker Film Festival: Charleston

Wednesday, March 2, 2011
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Upstairs at McCrady's Restaurant
(2 Unity Alley, off East Bay Street)
$50/ticket

Charleston, SC - On March 2, on the eve of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, the Southern Foodways Alliance will pitch its tent at McCrady’s Restaurant. On the menu: SFA-produced Lowcountry foodways films. Smart words. Good local drinks. Honest local foods. Cool music. Good company.

By way of Joe York-directed films, John Simpkins-crafted words, and the bass drum stylings of Mr. Jenkins, we will celebrate South Carolina food titans like Robert Barber, Buckshot Colleton, Emile DeFelice, Bertha Grant, and Glenn Roberts.

Sean Brock of McCrady’s and Husk, Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill, and Sarah O’Kelley of Glass Onion, will be our cooks for the evening. You’ll taste potlikker, squirrel gravy, and other delights. You'll sip oyster-flavored beer from local fave Coast Brewing. SFA founders Vertamae Grosvenor, Marion Sullivan, and Nathalie Dupree will hold court.

Tickets, priced at $50 per person, include food, drink, music, films, and, for a lucky few, a cool door prize. Available by advance purchase only. Click here to buy tickets.

O-Ku Opens for Lunch on Upper King

CHARLESTON, S.C.  – Lunch fare in downtown Charleston is about to get more interesting as O-Ku announces that it will open for lunch beginning Feb. 28, serving a diverse selection of Japanese cuisine and sushi from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Celebrating authentic Japanese cuisine with a contemporary spin, Executive Chef Sean Park’s lunch menu will feature appetizers, such as dumpling dimsum; sushi and sashimi selections, including Tasmanian salmon and Kanpachi yellowtail; specialty rolls such as the fire cracker roll and the salmon and lemon wrapped roll and a variety of combination choices. O-Ku will also offer a modern take on a traditional bento, a Japanese-style lunch box featuring an assortment of sides, salads, noodles and sushi for $10-$15.

As an added incentive to the neighborhood locals, O-Ku will offer a 10% discount to Upper King Street residents, students, and businesses on Mondays.

Appetizers:            
Miso soup
Edamame
Yellowtail carpaccio
Dumpling dimsum

Bento Box: 
Chicken Teriyaki Bento
Yakiniku (tender beef) Bento
Seafood Teriyaki Bento
Tofu Bento, with veggie roll
Sushi Bento, with 5 pieces of nigiri
Sashimi Bento, 6 pieces of sashimi
Sushi and Sashimi Bento, 4 pieces of nigiri, 6 pieces of sashimi

* Each Bento Box includes:
·        Mesclun salad with ginger carrot vinaigrette
·        Crab salad, avocado roll
·        Steamed glass noodle with sautéed mushroom, onion and carrot with a ginger garlic sweet soy    
sauce

Rolls: 
Potato Wrapped Roll
Fire Cracker Roll
Tuna Wrapped Roll
Salmon and Lemon Wrapped Roll
Rainbow Roll
Tuna Crunch Roll

Sushi Lunch includes ginger salad, choice of specialty roll and five pieces of nigiri.

Sashimi Lunch includes ginger salad, bowl of rice and 10 pieces of sashimi.

Sushi and Sashimi Lunch served with salad, choice of specialty roll, four pieces of nigiri and six pieces of sashimi.

For more information, please visit www.o-kusushi.com or call 843.737.0112.

Ovis Hill Farms Barn Raising

CHARLESTON, S.C.  – More than 400 people will fill the lawn of Lowndes Grove Plantation Feb. 20 as Patrick Properties, Lowcountry Local First and Keegan Farms host the Ovis Hill Farms Barn Raising event to benefit farmer Charlie Caldwell of Ovis Hill Farms, who tragically lost his barn and more than 500 of his prized animals in a fire this past December.

Guests at the event will enjoy an oyster roast prepared by Nico Romo of Fish restaurant from 1 to 4 p.m., as well as special dishes from 12 other Charleston chefs: Mike Lata of FIG, Sean Brock of McCrady’s and Husk, Ken Vedrinski of Trattoria Lucca, Frank Lee of S.N.O.B., Jeremiah Bacon of Oak Steakhouse, Craig Deihl of Cypress, Ricky Hacker of Evo, Fred Neuville of Fat Hen, Marc Collins of Circa 1886, Mike Lotz of Triangle Char and Bar, Ben Berryhill of Red Drum and Jacques Larson of Wild Olive. The afternoon will also feature live music by local singer Elise Testone.

Tickets for the event are $50 per person and include all food and entertainment (beer and wine are not included), and free for kids ages 10 and under, in the hopes of raising $20,000 to rebuild the Ovis Hill Farms barn and replace the lost livestock. 100% of the proceeds benefit Ovis Hill Farm! http://ht.ly/3W3cs

Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at Fish

I just saw the menu for Fish's Chinese New Year Dinner next week, and I felt obliged to share! Make your reservations early to enjoy this quintessential Chinese meal that is sure to impress even the most jaded palate. I will definitely be in attendance.


Chef Nico and his team have created a special prix-fixe 4-course menu for $35, which will be offered in addition to the new winter menu.

First course - crab spring roll, fresh mint, noodles, carrots, daikon
Second course - pan-seared tilefish, sweet soy glazed noodles, local wok veggies
Third course - homemade peking duck, cashews, shiitakes, jasmine rice, cilantro, moo-shu pancake, sweet and spicy hoisin sauce
Dessert - basil rice milk ice cream, sweet red bean puree

Diners can also pair their meal with specialty sake and sake-inspired cocktails.

And, Fish will have a Chinese money tree in honor of the New Year, where guests can make donations to benefit local non-profit AFFA, the Alliance for Full Acceptance.

Reservations are highly recommended so call Fish at 843-722-3474. I am looking forward to partaking in the festivities!!

Better Than Crack Brownies

I tried these "Better than Crack" Brownies on Saturday. Ah-mazing. I'm not sure whether to thank my friend for introducing this recipe to me or hold it against her forever! No other brownie will ever hold a candle to these.

Better Than Crack Brownies:
1 box (18.25 Oz. Box) Brownies
Additional Required Ingredients Specified In Mix Package (typically Water, Eggs And Oil)
½ cups Salted Peanuts
1 cup Chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
1-½ cup Milk Chocolate Chips
1-½ cup Creamy Peanut Butter
½ Tablespoons Butter
1-½ cup Rice Krispie Cereal


Instructions:
- Mix brownies according to directions (you’ll typically need water, eggs and oil, as directed in mix package), and bake for 20-25 minutes in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Remove and top with peanuts and peanut butter cups, and bake for 4-6 minutes more.
- While they are finishing baking, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Stir in cereal. Remove brownies from oven and evenly pour chocolate mixture over the top.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Best Week of the Year! Charleston Restaurant Week January 14-22

It is that time of year again! Charleston Restaurant Association has announced the dates for Restaurant Week, and menus are up. I have done plenty of perusing already, so here is what I suggest based on the menus posted. Let me know what you try! I will follow-up with details about where I end up.

Tristan - http://www.mycharlestonrestaurants.com/cra/pdfs/tristan3for30.pdf

Circa 1886 - http://www.mycharlestonrestaurants.com/cra/pdfs/circa.pdf

Rice Market - http://www.mycharlestonrestaurants.com/cra/pdfs/ricemarket3for30.pdf

Carolina's - http://www.mycharlestonrestaurants.com/cra/pdfs/carolina.pdf

O-Ku - http://www.mycharlestonrestaurants.com/cra/pdfs/oku.pdf

Belgian in the District

Washington, D.C. is a melting pot, which aptly applies to all of the District's moving parts. From the people on the Metro, to the neighborhoods and restaurants, to the open air markets, our nation's capital provides a plethora of some of the best and most diverse eats and treats in the country.

If you crave it, you can find it. We wanted a hearty brunch, and Belga had it. Located on Barracks Row in Capitol Hill, I am not sure I could have named a famous Belgian food other than chocolate and waffles before eating at Belga. But who needs more than chocolate and waffles? Stuffed pastry cigars, mussels, duck confit, lamb burgers and more served in a style that is both old and new world. Belga is true to its roots, while infusing enough creativity to keep things interesting.

I had a chicken pita with garlic sauce that was extraordinary. That is rare to say about a chicken pita. For one, the presentation was gorgeous and the flavors were multi-dimensional. How? I'm still not sure. I tasted lots of fresh garlic and hints of nutmeg though. It was served with a yogurt-cucumber sauce. Other menu hits included a Croque Madame and a savory cornbread waffle with pulled pork and a poached egg. And of course, strong European coffee helps every hangover... =) They were slammed due to the Rally to Restore Sanity at the National Mall, but it was well worth the wait. It should also be noted that despite the fact they had been swamped all morning, our service was excellent. 

We also strolled through the Eastern Market in Capitol Hill near where my friend Anna lives. I am so jealous of cities that have farmers markets open daily. So, so much amazing stuff all in one place including fresh cheeses, meats, seafood, pasta, produce, flowers and on the weekends, handmade wares and local artisans. City of Charleston, this is my plea. 

We ate at We, the Pizza too, which is a favorite of the First Family and owned by Top Cheffer, Spike Mendelsohn. His burger joint next door is also a local favorite. I can't wait to venture back. Roaming the streets of Washington makes me want to try it all!

Belga Cafe

tin can art at Eastern Market

Country Funk (love)

Blowfish at Eastern Market (also on the menu at Hominy Grill!)

Fall Farmers Market

Summer's come and gone, even in the Lowcountry! I strolled through the local Farmers Market this past Saturday and was impressed with all the goodness that was still available from local farms. I wanted to share my finds. Be sure to take advantage one Saturday before it closes for the season. You have between now and December 19th!

Closed for Business Combines Traditional Pub Food with Light and Local Summer Fare

Closed for Business, the sister restaurant of Monza, Taco Boy and Poe's Tavern, is located in the former Raval at 453 King Street, and serves up traditional pub fare, along with an extensive beer selection. Owned by proprietors, Revolutionary Eating Venture, and led by Partner and Chef Kevin Johnson, the REV group's distinct flair and unique interiors make the neighborhood bar stand out from its competition. 

I recently hosted a surprise birthday party there and chose based on its pub appeal, ordering high gravity pale ales and wheat beers from a long table facing the busy kitchen, with an illuminated sign that reads, 'EAT'. For the party, I ordered appetizers including crispy fried green beans, loaded potato skins and spicy BBQ pork rinds, which were all a hit with my guests.

The CFB menu epitomizes classic pub fare. If you are looking for a pork sandwich or Chicago-style hot dog, this is your place. I imagine the popular fried pork cutlet loaded with ham, Swiss cheese and green tomato chutney on a bun, could satiate the heartiest of appetites. Read a recent review by local resident food reviewer, Jeff Allen, of the CFB Pork Slap in Charleston City Paper - Slap Happy.

But, last week I revisited CFB for lunch and was really looking for something on the lighter side. I did not even hesitate about what to order upon hearing the day's specials. A fresh, local salad of arugula, watermelon and ricotta salata tossed with an herb vinaigrette. Soups of the day included a chilled cucumber soup with basil and shrimp, as well as a cantaloupe soup that was also served cold. 


The ladies and I all ordered the salad and cold soups. Turned out that the cucumber soup was accidentally spilled on the floor as it was being taken out of the refrigerator. Poor guys, I am sure that was a bloomin' mess to clean up. We all obliged and chose the cold cantaloupe soup instead, which turned out to be absolutely delicious. Cantaloupe soup was a first for me, but infused with basil, mint and honey, it turned out to be refreshing and deeply layered in flavor. 

I am also a big fan of watermelon salad, complemented with salty cheeses, such as feta and ricotta salata. The CFB watermelon salad stood up well to others that I have tried, and is also a simple, summer salad that anyone can make. Sweet fruit, combined with a pungent-tasting cheese, is a personal favorite for me. Depending on the season, I really like strawberries and cranberries with goat or blue cheese, as well as mandarin oranges (strained) with crumbled feta. All of these salads are best with mixed greens and a vinaigrette (Balsamic dressing is my go-to.)

I have included a watermelon-feta salad recipe below that I have tried myself, as well as an original balsamic dressing. Let me know what you try and how yours turns out! Be sure to try Closed for Business soon, too. The entire menu is filled with options that won't disappoint.

Bon Appetit!

Watermelon and Feta Salad:

(courtesy of Margot Bowers)

1 1/2 C. Diced, Seedless Watermelon

3/4 C. Diced Cucumber

1/4 C. Kalamata Olives (optional)

1/4 C. Diced Red Onion

1/2 C. Crumbled Feta 

Sauce:

3 T. Lemon Juice

3 T. Veg. Oil (May cut in half, depending on juiciness of watermelon)

1/4 C. Chopped Parsley

1 t. Dried Oregano

3/4 t. Salt

1/2 t. Ground Cumin

1/2 t. Black Pepper

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

1/4 C. Balsamic Vinegar

3/4 C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 T. Dijon Mustard

1 T. Minced Garlic

Salt & Pepper

- Whisk vinegar, oil and mustard together, adding garlic and spices, until blended. The dressing should lightly coat the back of the spoon. 

Lana Restaurant & Bar

Mediterranean-inspired Lana Restaurant, located at 210 Rutledge Ave., brings together all of my favorite flavors. If I had to pick one region's cooking to eat for the rest of my life, Mediterranean it would be. But Lana surprises even devotees like me with original dishes that pop with familiar, yet decadent and delicious flavors.

I visited Lana last weekend to avoid Bridge Run madness in more touristy neighborhoods, and as always I was torn about what to order. Previously I have visited and been inclined to order more appetizers and small plates. Their best are the daily risotto, lamb spanakopita and cheese plate (truly satisfying to any serious cheese lover, like myself). I also really love and appreciate the Greek influence - the lamb spanakopita includes ground lamb, spinach, goat and feta cheeses wrapped in phyllo and served with tomatoes and a thick, garlicky and creamy tzatziki sauce, along side a mint relish. Truth be told I could eat the sauce alone. I consider Greek food some of the hardest dishes to perfect.

I went with a more traditional approach this last visit, ordering first the Arugula salad that includes granny smith apples, prosciutto, goat cheese and a port vinaigrette. Delicious. For my main course, I had to try the house-made Gnocchi Brasato al Barolo, which consists of red wine braised beef, pearl onions, arugula, parmesan broth and tender gnocchi. It was so delicate and yet the meat was so rich and tender. Mouth-watering even thinking of it again now at 9:05am. My family raved about their dishes as well, which included the pan-roasted Basque-style Chicken with prosciutto, peppers and potato croquettes, as well as the Halibut special. 

We were assured by the waiter that everything that can be sourced locally is indeed found in the Lowcountry, and the notations on the menu of their membership with the Sustainable Seafood Initiative reassured me that they do indeed talk the talk and walk the walk. The Vegetable Plate is next on my list to try, as the Chef's selection is impromptu and serves up generous portions of locally grown produce. I give them huge kudos just for this effort and commitment alone. 

So, if you haven't tried Lana it's your lucky day. I heard word of a certain Guerrilla Cuisine dinner coming up at the end of April that will feature Lana's chef and part-owner, John Ondo. A Charleston native, Chef Ondo has honed his skills at some of the peninsula's best restaurants including McCrady's, Fulton Five and Carolina's before opening Lana in 2005. In the words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there!"

Rita's Roots to leave Lowcountry - First Local CSA Program

Unfortunate foodie news today that Rita's Roots, organic vegetable farm located on Wadmalaw Island, SC, will be taking their produce North to Richmond,VA. Hard to believe that only three years ago, Rita Buchmann established the Lowcountry's first Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program* on Johns Island, bringing locally-grown organic product directly to consumers. Now one of ten CSA programs, Rita's product has also been readily available at area farmer's markets and found on the menus of local restaurants. See the whole article at Charleston City Paper.

You can also find a listing of all local CSA programs and how to get involved at LowcountryLocalFirst.org. Support your local agriculture!

Vegetable of the Day: Scorzonera (Salsify)

[SAL-sih-fee]

This root vegetable is also known as oyster plant  because its taste resembles a delicately flavored oyster. The parsnip-shaped salsify can reach up to 12 inches in length and 2 1/2 inches in diameter. The most commonly found salsify has a white-fleshed root with grayish skin, though there are varieties with a pale golden skin, as well as one with a black skin (also called Scorzonera). Though salsify is more popular in Europe than in the United States, it can be found here from June through February, usually in Spanish, Italian and Greek markets. Choose well-formed roots that are heavy for their size and not too gnarled. Refrigerate, wrapped in a plastic bag, up to a week. Salsify is generally eaten plain as a vegetable, or used in savory pies and soups. 

- Epicurious.com

*Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a program that provides a direct connection between the farmer and the consumer.  CSA’s reconnect these relationships through maintaining open communication and distributing farming’s inherent risks.  Participants purchase a share of the season’s harvest, which ultimately supports the farm’s early season start up expenses such as seeds, irrigation, fuel, labor, and tractor maintenance.  In return, shareholders receive a weekly box of healthy, fresh, sustainably raised produce, fruits, meat, poultry or eggs throughout the season.

 - Lowcountry Local First

My Charleston Gift-Giving Guide

Giving locally-bought gifts was my mission. What I found was that in buying locally, I was much more thoughtful with each gift purchase, all while providing Charleston businesses with my own micro-stimulus.

Below is a list of the places I shopped, and the establishments I most recommend for your own gift-giving. Happy Holidays!

The Backpacker (1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC)

I sought the expertise and variety available at The Backpacker, but since moving to James Island, I wanted to be sure that they had what I wanted before going. Luckily, their website holds all of their available inventory. I was able to buy a number of gifts here, and was given great customer service. They appreciated that I went to their website and that I made the effort to shop with them again. It made me want to go back!

The Vegetable Bin (10 Society St., Charleston, SC) 

New packaged goodies including house-made buffalo nuts, banana nut chips, yogurt covered pretzels and more provided great stocking stuffers for my health conscious family members. The Vegetable Bin is my regular market for fresh, local and imported ingredients. I constantly find myself recommending it to people because you get the best of what's available, at the best price. I am no longer tempted to buy overpriced, out of season, tasteless fruits and veggies! When you think about it, what more could you want?

Charleston Cookie Co. (1750 Signal Point Rd., Charleston, SC)

I had the pleasure of trying the Candy Cane Brownies and White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies made for this holiday season by Charleston Cookie Co. I would highly recommend any purchase from local baker, Judith Moore, as it is obvious that she has more than a knack for baking and an acute taste for the classics. A perfect brownie really, the Candy Cane brownie was fudgy and moist, topped with a pink and white candy cane icing. I was worried it would be overwhelmingly minty, but was happy to find the taste as subtle as a Thin Mint. Her gifts arrived with a tasteful amount of Christmas flare and would provide a delicious solution to your gift-giving needs, from client gifts to hostess presents to supper club dessert. I am going to stay tuned to Judith's changing menu and will keep you posted with new offerings and information. Check it out at www.charlestoncookie.com. 

Monster Music and Movies (946 Orleans Rd., Charleston, SC)

Monster Music & Movies is a dying breed. It is truly one of the only music/dvd stores left in Charleston. Other than Best Buy, most national music store chains are gone as well. But in my effort to avoid online shopping, I ventured to the West Ashley establishment. I found not only what I was looking for (Inglorious Basterds), but also a heady second-hand music/movie shop, complete with well-versed, emo employees and an array of burning incense. Tacky stickers and key chains abound. As we enter this next decade, I can't help but think about the way we were all purchasing music ten years ago. What will another ten years bring? It was still nice to be able to enter a store, talk with a person, purchase a gift. That will never change. 

Gwynn's (916 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC)

Gone are the days of locally-owned department stores, except for Gwynn's of Mt. Pleasant. What I love about Gwynn's is that it has all of the classics, with just a touch of the trends. Gwynn's selection includes cosmetics, clothing, shoes, and accessories for men & women. The customer service is part of the package, so you should take advantage of the knowledgeable sales associates. Whether it's for you or someone else, Gwynn's is a charming place to shop. 

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." 

-A Christmas Carol

Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is - One Foodie's Quest to Buy Local this Christmas

This year, I have been inspired. Inspired to start my own business, inspired to stay in a city that I love for no other reason but the fact that I love it, and inspired to take action on the causes that I believe in most.

This year, I have fervently embraced buying local. Nonprofit oganization, Lowcountry Local First, gets much of the credit for motivating me to consciously act on the conviction that buying locally is a selfish act really -  not only am I putting my own hard-earned money back into the community which I love and live, but as a small business owner, I am profiting from the generation of more local commerce.

So then, why wouldn't I? It's good for everybody else, too. Local farms, restaurants, small businesses of all kinds - we share this common interest in the state of our local economy. In a world where we as individuals fail to impact our national or global economic situation, we can embrace the opportunity as a community to significantly affect our local economy. Below are examples of my switch to the 'Local Mentality'.

 - Need a key made? Can of spray paint? Go to Jantzen, Hughes or True Value Hardware, not Lowe's or  Wal-Mart.

 - Want the perfect holiday card? Check out the RSVP Shoppe or mac & murphy, instead of Hallmark or online card stores.

 - Ordering a birthday cake? Need a holiday pie? Skip the Publix bakery and go to WildFlour Pastry (save money and taste heaven at the same time!)

 - Have to do your grocery shopping? Piggly Wiggly is locally owned/operated and the Vegetable Bin offers the best selection of seasonal fruits and veggies at a very reasonable price. Ted's Butcherblock sells all natural meats, cheeses from around the world.

 - Need a cup of coffee and some wi-fi? Starbucks is played out and you PAY for the wi-fi. Try one of dozens of coffee joints locally owned and operated - Alchemy Coffee, Kudu, City Lights, Kronic Coffee, Muddy Waters and more.

So, as I begin my Christmas shopping, I will document here my efforts to buy them all locally. I will do my best and let you know how I fair. Good luck and BUY LOCAL!

La Fourchette - Fine French Food in the Heart of Downtown Charleston

For Mackenzie's 25th birthday, we ventured to La Fourchette at 432 King St. A cozy French bistro, La Fourchette proved to be a worthy venue for a celebration. Most of us had not tried the restaurant before, but we were all immediately drawn to the French culinary staples.

The formage plate featured a balanced mix of French cheeses including truffled goat, brie and roquefort and served with the appropriate accoutrement. Housemade duck pate was accompanied by pickled gherkins and crusty bread. The pommes frites (fried in duck fat) were probably the most decadent and memorable selection from our first course, truly redefining the meaning to the words "french fries".

Our next course featured eggplant, red pepper, zucchini and goat cheese tortes, boeuf bourguignon and steak frites. We skipped desert, having planned ahead for our birthday girl, and indulged in a one-of-a-kind cookie cake courtesy of WildFlour Pastry. The evening was decadent to say the least, but La Fourchette is high on my list of places to return. Let me know what you try!

A 'Taste' of Local Flavor

For nearly 30 years, the Taste of Charleston has celebrated Lowcountry cuisine, featuring some of Charleston’s finest, nationally renowned chefs. This year’s event, spread out over the entire weekend, brought together more than 40 of Charleston’s best restaurants to host more than 10,000 locals and tourists alike. Put on by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association (GCRA), the Taste of Charleston has long been lauded one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by the Southeastern Tourism Society. The addition of three new events to this year’s schedule catered directly to visitors, enticing a weekend-long culinary indulgence from regional and national tourists. 

For the first time, the Taste of Charleston offered a full weekend of events that included a local Iron Chef competition and a downtown art walk, but it was Sunday’s main event at Boone Hall Plantation that drew huge crowds. Visitors poured into Boone Hall to take advantage of the first-rate food and live entertainment, set amongst one of Charleston’s most historic backdrops. Fine representations from Charleston’s best restaurants offered visitors a true “taste” of Lowcountry cuisine and a chance to sample local fare without the huge impact to their wallet.

Live music and good libations may be enough to draw a steady crowd to Taste of Charleston on a muggy October day, but it is the food that keeps people coming back year after year.  Standouts included seared duck with broccolini in a fig-wine reduction from the Library at Vendue Inn as well as the Maverick Southern Kitchens menu, which featured a vegetable tart with pickled shrimp and beef sliders done right. Most notable though was the abundance of fresh ingredients – much of what has recently been available at the farmer’s market presented itself in many of the restaurants’ tastings. Local event-goer Lindsay Branciforte said, “To be able to create so many small plates at such high quality is truly a testament to these restaurants, and all with the historic Charleston experience of Boone Hall Plantation. The only thing lacking about the Taste of Charleston is the parking.”

The Taste of Charleston also serves as a forum for the GCRA to give back to the community in which it thrives. The GCRA represents the largest private sector employer in the tri-county area and serves as the voice of the Charleston Area food industry. The Taste of Charleston and the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival, both sponsored by the GCRA and held at Boone Hall Plantation, raise funds for local charitable organizations such as the Hollings Cancer Center and Charleston County Schools enrichment programs. For more information about these events, visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com. 

Recession Savvy Foodie

If there is an upside to the nation's economic woes, it is that locally, businesses are embracing unprecedented customer service and benefits, offering pocket-friendly deals to customers in order to maintain their bottom line. This is no where more evident than in the food &  beverage industry. Many of Charleston's best restaurants and specialty stores are modifying their businesses to best serve their customers. 

Tristan's Dinner Incentive Card offers half price on any bottle of wine on Monday/Tuesday nights (under $75) in addition to their new (and affordable) bar menu and Sunday brunch. They have a new chef and everything we tried recently was tasty. 

Red Drum Gastropub (Coleman Blvd.) has added a Margarita Madness happy hour on Thursdays as well as a Sunday Brunch. The Red Drum never disappoints, and the brunch menu is cheap and diverse with plenty of Chef Berryhill's signature Southwestern touch.

Fish Restaurant is doing half price wines on Monday and "Mercy of the Chef" night on Tuesdays - 3 courses for $25, 5:30-8:30pm.  But as long as you go early, they have a deal every day of the week. 

Oak Steakhouse even has a Sunday Brunch, and recently held a recipe contest awarding one local talent a night at Oak for two. 

I have also noticed a serious surge in wine, sake, fondue and sushi tastings, in-store cooking demos and foodie classes- from Queen St. Grocery, Caviar &
 Bananas, Avondale Wine & Cheese, Ted's Butcherblock, Bull St. Gourmet and the like, you can sample new and different store pairings for a nominal fee ($10). I want to try the sushi tasting at Caviar & Bananas next. Who's with me? 

So, I say thank you, recession. For forcing businesses back to their customer base, and for breeding new and innovative ideas. I look forward to reaping the benefits.