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Comment Archives: Last 7 Days
Re: “Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House”
I finally made it into the peninsula to visit Craftsmen Kitchen, after a couple month wait for opening day. When you first walk in the door, you can tell there was a lot of money invested into design and decor. I really enjoyed the ambiance with the focus around a beautiful series of bars. There was plenty of space inside, and also an outdoor area with 4 large picnic tables.
The menu was very basic. One side had appetizers and smaller dishes. The other side featured more entree-like options. The waitress also gave us a large tap/bottled drink menu. My first thought, after glancing at the drink menu, was that it contained a lot of confusion. They tried to split things up by flavor profile, but didn't really get it right. There was a section for hoppy/IPA type beers, a section for local brews, a section for malt forward beers, and one other that I can't remember. The IPA/Hoppy section was fine, and featured many great brews. I am not sure there was a reason to separate the locals from the style based menu, as we didn't know exactly what flavor profile fit some of the local brews. The malty beer section was a complete cluster. There were pale ales (Hoppy), belgians, browns, and stouts all mixed in there. Those styles do not all fit the same flavor profile. I would have preferred them to not worry about style and just list all beers by brewery, or perhaps take time to separate by more than a couple flavor profiles. I didn't take time to check if most of the beers listed on the menu were actually on tap, but I didn't have any issues with my orders. The beer selection, while numerous, was not really impressive for a craft beer bar. It seemed like the had the normal basic offerings from many breweries, without carrying many seasonals or limited releases. I found it difficult to pick out a beer I really wanted to drink, but I am probably pickier than most patrons. I did like the option to have 8oz or 16oz pours, but I am not 100% sure the tumblers they use actually hold 16oz. The prices were a touch high, but that could be par for the course when you are a block from the market. The beers were served in clean glassware and seemed to be about the right temperature. My only suggestion there would be to use proper glassware for the style, but that is really asking for a lot.
Once we had a few drinks, we decided to order a few food items. We wanted to try two appetizers and a couple sandwiches. We ordered the Scotch Eggs (hard to find in the low country) and General Tso's Chicken Wings. The wings were really tasty, and they nailed the sauce. It was a nice mix of sweet and spice, and went well with the base crispy wings. The scotch eggs were not exactly what I am used to, but still very good. You only get one large egg, cut in half, so take note if you are sharing with a few people. My main course was the burger, which is made with house ground beef and some added pork belly in the mix. Pork belly makes for some delicious burgers, but also prevents you from getting a rare or medium-rare burger. It took quite a while to receive my burger, but we were in a large party. The burger comes with some thick cut fried potato rounds, but you only get 4 of these. If you are really hungry, it is better that you order more than just the burger. I did enjoy the seasoning on the burger, and would eat it again. I do wish there was more of a side with this. The other dish we got was the crispy pork belly sandwich. Basically, this is a piece of fried pork belly, between two pieces of toast, with a fried runny egg on top. I am not sure why the egg goes on top, as it makes the dish excessively messy. The belly was a touch overcooked, but the whole sandwich was still pretty good. This also cam with the small side of fried potato rounds.
Overall, I think this is a place worth checking out if you like craft beer. They are still very new and will probably be working on things like tap offerings and food. I think my expectations were a bit too high, due to years of drinking craft beer. I will likely return to see if they fall into a groove with food and beer selection. I wish them luck and much success. I am still happy to see another craft-centric bar in downtown Charleston, which covers a growing market of better beer drinkers.
Re: “Charleston County considering a switch to paper ballots”
If you saw what happens to paper ballots (now absentee and provisional), you wouldn't want them. First, the Board of Elections throws out batches of them for minor flaws (I remember a case in which an elderly couple voted, and the wife witnessed both ballots. Hers was thrown out.) Then they are run through an old optical scanner which tears up at least one in 10 of them. Each damaged ballot is given to two election workers who painstakingly transfer the votes on it to a clean ballot, which is run through the machine (and perhaps torn up again).
Re: “Mr. Sanford goes (back) to Washington”
This district -- and all of the state -- was very carefully gerrymandered in 2011. This time, the GOP not only took out most Black folks, but also most Democrats -- for instance, Clyburn's district now includes the west side of the peninsula all the way down to Broad, because it's College of Charleston territory. There's not much that can be done about that. And your post says it -- "a rare vote to a Democrat." Colbert Busch was a strong conservative Democrat and a businesswoman. What is your definition of "stronger candidate"?
Re: “Clean energy activists to join Saturday for "Hands Across the Sand"”
"will stand along their coastlines in solidarity".......rotflmbo!
Re: “Columbia’s art community gives Charleston a run for its money”
wow. I am like a year getting back to these responses. I see a lot of people promoting their own interests and groups in these postings. In order - really bad photo to use.
Dance omission - absolutely correct.
Palmetto Opera - not a major player.
I've been to all these things in G-ville and know the city and its arts community well. G-ville open studios has been a huge success in ways that the one in Columbia could only hope to be. I do not know what museum in G-ville shows artwork going back to 2000 BC. And you forgot the BJUniv. Art Museum and Pendleton St. arts area.
Re: “Late Night law would force bar owners to create powerless police force, endanger lives”
The little tyrant is loving his last days. He finally has a toady for a police chief without the guts to tell him this is an idiotic idea. City Council is simply a rubber stamp for this sort of Bloombergism.
Re: “Burbage’s sale in the works”
One of the great things about this transition is that Al is going continue to smoke the pork... and more.
Re: “Burbage’s sale in the works”
This is great news. David understands what the Burbage's have done for this neighborhood and he wants to ensure that neighborhood feel continues. I hope he can smoke pork half as well as Al!
Re: “Gearing up for a sober summer on Folly Beach”
I don't see how you can call this propaganda, Chris. It's really nothing more than an update on where the ban-opposition movement stands, with some colorful language to make it an interesting read. My inclusion of LaJuan was reason enough to stick to a straight-forward approach that doesn't waver to either side. I respect her and her stance throughout this process. I think you've read it with strong bias. And of course, you're right - if they don't get the signatures they need, it's a dead issue. If they do, the story explains the process of what will happen. Simple as that. Finally, you'd be surprised how many people who do not live on Folly aren't exactly sure what the status of the ban is. I have to tell people all the time, especially now that it's beach weather, that 'yes, drinking is illegal now.' So the piece was also a reader service to reinforce that the ban is indeed in place.
Re: “Charleston Bakery”
Web site advertising, sign on door, and telephone message says hours are 7 AM to 9 PM Tues thru Sun. We drove 20 miles from West Ashley on Fri evening but they were closed at 7 PM. Thought we would try again Sun but call 1st to understand hours. No phone answer but message still says open 7 AM to 9 PM. Finally called emergency number and find they closed at 3 PM. This is needlessly confusing and troublesome to potential customers not yet familiar that wants to try. We won't try again.
Re: “Gearing up for a sober summer on Folly Beach”
No doubt, the beer pour into Coke cans
is rampant, not that I have ever done that. No way.
No sir.
Re: “City Council considers requiring bar security to patrol sidewalks, parking lots”
In this article, Boston, from the Rec Room, rightly states that bars pay higher taxes because its already recognized that we're more of a burden on city services. I think we pay like 1000% more for our business license than a similarly sized law office. What no one has mentioned yet is: 1). Liability insurance rates skyrocket when bars employ bouncers, I mean security personnel, because ins. co.s know that it leads to more lawsuits. 2). We are still gonna call the cops, only now we'll have more incidents, so we'll call even more. 3). Affected communities can already persue remedy against offending businesses: noise, nuisance, drug, and pandering laws are already on the books, and responsible business owners stay on good terms with their neighbors and avoid getting sued/arrested. Irresponsible business owners can be forced out. 4). There will be no geographical boundaries to this law. While it's aimed at upper King, it will apply equally to freestanding buildings in industrial zones and suburban shopping malls.
The city already has an arsenal of tools to affect change. Like the gun lobby says: "Let's start enforcing existing laws before we rush to write new ones".
Mike Kulick
Voodoo Tiki Bar & Lounge
The Tattooed Moose
Re: “Late Night law would force bar owners to create powerless police force, endanger lives”
In the related article, Boston, from the Rec Room, rightly states that bars pay higher taxes because its already recognized that we're more of a burden on city services. I think we pay like 1000% more for our business license than a similarly sized law office. What no one has mentioned yet is: 1). Liability insurance rates skyrocket when bars employ bouncers, I mean security personnel, because ins. co.s know that it leads to more lawsuits. 2). We are still gonna call the cops, only now we'll have more incidents, so we'll call even more. 3). Affected communities can already persue remedy against offending businesses: noise, nuisance, drug, and pandering laws are already on the books, and responsible business owners stay on good terms with their neighbors and avoid getting sued/arrested. Irresponsible business owners can be forced out. 4). There will be no geographical boundaries to this law. While it's aimed at upper King, it will apply equally to freestanding buildings in industrial zones and suburban shopping malls.
The city already has an arsenal of tools to affect change. Like the gun lobby says: "Let's start enforcing existing laws before we rush to write new ones".
Mike Kulick
Voodoo Tiki Bar & Lounge
The Tattooed Moose
Re: “Old Crow Medicine Show to headline First Flush FesTEAval”
If you don't like good beer or family friendly music, this is the event for you!
To be fair, I got to the First Flush a few hours after opening and with a poor attitude. I'd hoped things would get better. Nope. Parking was, of course, as far as you could get from the event; forgiveable, but made worse by a parking attendant who directed us the nearest entrance, only to be turned away to re-trace our steps as it was "reentry only".
Upon entering we were subjected to the worst disappointment: the beer selection. Although the beer was provided by Lee Distributors (maybe the biggest craft beer supplier in town), the selection was limited to light american lagers and RJ Rockers peach beer. No local beers, no craft beers. I felt like I was at Wave-Fest circa 2002. Maybe all the good beer was allocated to Brittlebank park beer fest? $5 for a 16oz miller was expensive but expected (festival draft cups are usually 20oz, with craft beers in 16oz). $8 for a vodka drink (firefly sweet tea conspicuously absent) was just gouging.
The food trucks were great (as always) and there seemed to enough to serve everyone. I particularly enjoyed my Auto-Banh bahn mi.
The grounds are nice, with plenty of shade. There is however, a major bottleneck: a choke point the width of a single sidewalk that separates the entrance, the toilets, and most of the food from the main area. A handful of foot bridges over the ubiquitous ditches would help relieve pedestrian congestion.
My second biggest complaint is the music selection. Not that it was bad, but when Old Crow Medicine Show is headlining, I expect some complimentary music, not the mix of local rock and white-guy reggae/hip hop that dominated the (loud) main stage. None of it was terribly family-friendly. No bluegrass, no americana, no old-timey music was to be heard. Some of the best music could barely be heard, coming from the very quiet second stage.
The other bottleneck becomes apparent when 1000 cars try to leave at the same time: there's only one way out. I don't think it would be asking too much to divert some of those beer profits to building a second exit. We weren't the last cars in, but it took a solid 45 minutes to get to Maybank Hwy at midnight.
I went to First Flush a few years ago when it was a smaller affair. Now that it's grown into it's current incarnation I won't be going back.
Re: “Late Night law would force bar owners to create powerless police force, endanger lives”
It is in fact, Statistism
The City is passing this as an ordinance. A business must comply or face the loss of
their business license. As IP points out some of the reason this is happening is the progression of the city's intrusion into every aspect of our lives.
Re: “Late Night law would force bar owners to create powerless police force, endanger lives”
"Statism? It's the opposite of 'statism.' This is the privatization of a basic government function. Isn't this the stuff your libertarian wet dreams are made of?"
No, Travis, it isn't. This is government compelling private businesses to perform an act of law enforcement on its behalf. And, these businesses (and most everyone else) have already paid taxes to fund said government to perform this duty. Sounds like the opposite of libertarianism on both ends, to me.
Re: “School of the Arts tweet exposes Charleston County Schools' hypocrisy”
I absolutely can't believe I read what "and if elected..." wrote... It blows my mind the logic of racist people... I don't treat anybody different, and I respect all people regardless of any differences we have, on the other hand, I don't need to apologize for something someone I don't even know did... That logic doesn't make sense... You can't treat me bad for something someone else did to your distant relatives, or even you. I can't be held accountable for someone else's crimes.. If that's the case, then whose gonna be paying for your crimes of hate today? Your children? Your great grandchildren?
Re: “School of the Arts tweet exposes Charleston County Schools' hypocrisy”
It's not that they are doing something now, it's that they STILL DON'T DO ANYTHING, to address the racist actions done to whites by blacks. Those issues still exist and are VERY COMMON in charleston county schools. Black students are NOT punished for the things they say, or tweet, regardless of where they say or tweet them. They can be on school grounds & threaten teachers or students, but nothing is done.. Basically, you are only punished for racist comments if you are white...
Re: “Wool author Hugh Howey traces his literary roots to a CofC English prof”
Finished Wool Omnibus Edition (Wool 1 - 5) tonight. Wow! Really good writing, Mr. Howey!
- Cartoon 'child porn' & 3D printer guns, the 1st Amendment protects them both2 comments
- Mark Sanford rises from the dead8 comments
- The Film Incentive Bill hurts you and me6 comments
- Violinist Seth G Plays Bieber and Bach1 comment
- S.C. pint bill makes it through Senate and House, awaits Haley's signature1 comment
- Barbecue nonsense, Texas-style7 comments
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Oak Steakhouse
This is one of my favorite downtown restaurants. I have tried every appetizer and always… -brewengineer
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Craftsmen Kitchen and Tap House
I finally made it into the peninsula to visit Craftsmen Kitchen, after a couple month… -brewengineer
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Charleston Bakery
Web site advertising, sign on door, and telephone message says hours are 7 AM to… -Jim McKelvey
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Chopsticks House
This is truly the tastiest Chinese food in recent memory. After 10 years living near… -drval
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Phuong Restaurant
Yes! -Paul Cheney
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Rezoning the Sergeant Jasper apartment building will have a big effect on what replaces it
Up or Out?
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The Film Incentive Bill hurts you and me
TV Casualties
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Putting together a night to remember is easy when Spoleto's in town
Show and Place Pairings
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Steve Martin and Edie Brickell are a match made in bluegrass heaven
Love Has Come for Them
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Cartoon 'child porn' & 3D printer guns, the 1st Amendment protects them both
Judy Blume and Lolita, too
Re: “Mr. Sanford goes (back) to Washington”
Colbert Busch was supported by the unions that wanted to kill Boeing in the Charleston area. That alone should be enough to see that she didn't have the best interests of Charleston in mind. The district is largely conservative, especially in the fiscal sense and, all of his other faults not withstanding, that is the way that Sanford has always voted. ECB was evasive and vague about her positions so voters had to extrapolate her beliefs based on her supporters and donors such as the union support mentioned above. She had a very orchestrated campaign that largely only went to 'safe' situations. Like/agree with him or not, Sanford campaigned everywhere he could. Also, a bunch of her supporters were obviously not very informed as they thought they should be able to vote for her even though they did not live in her district. As for gerrymandering, it happens in every state, red or blue, and is done to benefit the party that was in power at the time redistricting happens. That is how I have the joy of being stuck in Jim Clyburn's district, arguably one of the worst Congressmen ever.