Charleston City Paper: Food+Drink

Chopsticks House now open on Society

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Caroline Eubanks) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:49:00 -0500

One month ago, they made their new home in the former Normandy Farm space on Society Street. by Caroline Eubanks This past June, longtime King Street fixture Chopsticks House found out that they were being forced to move. In their place would be W.O.K., the new hip Asian restaurant. One month ago, they made their new home in the former Normandy Farm space on Society Street. The new location is smaller, but clean. The dining area is well-lit by the windows, rather than behind the kitchen as in the old location. The menu hasn't changed, but business seems quieter. The…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

COAST bottles two beers

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:09:00 -0500

COAST recently installed new equipment for filling, capping, and labeling two of their most popular beers into 22-ounce amber glass bottles. by T. Ballard Lesemann COAST recently installed new equipment for filling, capping, and labeling two of their most popular beers into 22-ounce amber glass bottles. Previously, their most popular styles were only available on draft at local restaurants and by growler from a few specialty shops. It took several trial runs for brewers David Merritt and Jaime Tenney to work out a few kinks, but the operation is now running smoothly. Currently, COAST bottles two of their signature varieties — the golden-colored 32/50 Kölsch…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Guerrilla Cuisine's jimihatt is having fun, living right

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Stephanie Barna) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:57:00 -0500

It's a foodie love story. by Stephanie Barna It's a foodie love story. Jimihatt, the fearless leader of Guerrilla Cuisine, tied the knot on Sunday afternoon with food writer and art gallery owner Angel Powell. The setting was Poplar Grove, where jimihatt has hosted a couple of his underground dinners, and the guests were a mix of family, friends, foodies, and chefs. The two met because Powell pretty much demanded an interview for a piece she wanted to write for Preview. "I didn't do an interview for about…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Pizza Rustica opening soon on George Street

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Caroline Eubanks) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500

Pizza Rustica, a franchise from Florida, has claimed its home in the former Haven spot on George Street. by Caroline Eubanks Pizza Rustica, a franchise from Florida, has claimed its home in the former Haven spot on George Street. The pizzeria will offer fresh salads, hot sandwiches, and specialty Roman-style rectangular pizzas. This differs from most of the pizza joints in Charleston, like Andolini's New York-style or Monza's Neapolitan pies. House-made toppings range from rosemary potatoes and shrimp pesto to the more traditional arugula, so there is a pie for every palate. You can wash down your favorite with selections from…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Gringo's serves up fresh southwest in Mt. P

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Marina Fleming) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:27:00 -0500

Gringo's, a new "kinda sorta Mexican-ish" restaurant in Mt. Pleasant enjoyed their soft opening yesterday and reported that business is good. by Marina Fleming Gringo's, a new "kinda sorta Mexican-ish" restaurant in Mt. Pleasant enjoyed their soft opening yesterday and reported that business is good. Co-owners Reggie Kinney and Tom and Vicki Walker have had the idea of opening a restaurant for sometime, but it clearly developed into far more than the original plan of a hot-dog joint. The fresh southwest menu features burritos, little burritos, tacos, salads, quesadillas, nachos, and fajitas. There's also a kids menu with small nachos, small quesadilla, and a…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

A chef's tour of New Orleans

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Marina Fleming) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:06:00 -0500

Chef Iran Coleman has planned Crescent Connection's first annual New Orleans bus tour, taking a group of Charleston folks to the Big Easy for either a three-day, two-night trip or a six-day, five-night trip. by Marina Fleming This Mardi Gras, Crescent Connection restaurant is taking you straight to the party. Chef Iran Coleman has planned Crescent Connection's first annual New Orleans bus tour, taking a group of Charleston folks to the Big Easy for either a three-day, two-night trip or a six-day, five-night trip. Both trips include bus transportation, hotel accommodations at the Holiday Inn two blocks from Canal Street and two blocks from the Super Dome, daily parades, and tours through the city as well as…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Win a year's supply of chocolate

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Caroline Eubanks) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:10:00 -0500

Baked is teaming up with Divine Chocolate for the Share the Love Recipe Story Contest. by Caroline Eubanks Even if you're no Willy Wonka, everyone has a favorite family recipe that involves chocolate. Whether it be a chocolate cake for special occasions, Grandma's secret chocolate chip cookie recipe, or an afternoon chocolate milkshake, your best recipes could win you $250. Baked is teaming up with Divine Chocolate for the Share the Love Recipe Story Contest. Chocolate lovers are asked to submit a story about their favorite chocolate recipe in the categories of Cookie, Cake, Pastry, or Drink. Baked…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Biggby Coffee is looking for franchisees

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Caroline Eubanks) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:27:00 -0500

Biggby Coffee owner Bob Fish will be at North Charleston's Holiday Inn teaching a seminar about successful franchising on Thurs. Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. by Caroline Eubanks Biggby Coffee owner Bob Fish will be at North Charleston's Holiday Inn teaching a seminar about successful franchising on Thurs. Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. The Michigan-based coffee franchise has 109 locations throughout the country, including one in Summerville, and is the largest franchise-owned coffee retailer in the country. Fish grew up in Europe before the Seattle coffee craze began in America and has taken a different approach to serving coffee. None of the drinks have pretentious names and are…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Sean Brock, Adam Howard on MNN's list of 40 Chefs Under 40

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Stephanie Barna) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0500

Sean Brock and fellow Charleston chef Adam Howard of Street Foods make the grade by Stephanie Barna More Sean Brock news. We just wrote about how the McCrady's chef fed Tom Colicchio and introduced him to his pigs out on Wadmalaw. Today, we've got more to share. Mother Nature Network (MNN) , an online resource for environmental news, has named Brock one of their 40 Chefs Under 40. The site has put together a list of young chefs across the nation who "make dining a memorable, eco-epicurean experience." Along with Brock, fellow Charleston chef/trailblazer Adam Howard of…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Grindz burgers are big, but basic

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Jeff Allen) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500

Gourmet burgers resemble all those beautiful women you run into after a long night on Upper King. They just keep coming out of the woodwork, and most will leave you broke with a bad taste in your mouth. by Jeff Allen Gourmet burgers resemble all those beautiful women you run into after a long night on Upper King. They just keep coming out of the woodwork, and most will leave you broke with a bad taste in your mouth. But let's define gourmet burger. We're not talking about a Hardees Thickburger here, or even a respectable fast food attempt put up by In-n-Out or Five Guys. We're going for special stuff, distinctive, regional, fresh beef with enough flavor to approach the…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

The Hastings' love affair with food

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Marina Fleming) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500

When you pick up a copy of Chris and Idie Hasting's new cookbook, Hot and Hot Fish Club Cookbook: A Celebration of Food, Family, & Traditions, you're getting far more than the average breakfast, lunch, and dinner breakdown. The book has been in the couple's thoughts for about 10 years and has finally reached maturity. "We started the process a few times but didn't have the time, team, right information, or clear enough vision for what the cookbook needed to be," Chris Hastings says. "It's not the typical cookbook format, and we wanted it that way." It's evident that the wait was well worth it. by Marina Fleming When you pick up a copy of Chris and Idie Hasting's new cookbook, Hot and Hot Fish Club Cookbook: A Celebration of Food, Family, & Traditions, you're getting far more than the average breakfast, lunch, and dinner breakdown. The book has been in the couple's thoughts for about 10 years and has finally reached maturity. "We started the process a few times but didn't have the time, team, right information, or clear enough vision for what the cookbook needed to…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Tom Colicchio on McCrady's

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Stephanie Barna) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:50:00 -0500

And the Lee Bros. are once again tapped for their local expertise by Stephanie Barna Just stumbled across a blog post over at Food + Wine by Tom Colicchio, the head judge on Top Chef and the guy behind Craft, Craftsteak, and a host of other Crafty restaurants that are revered for their simple food prepared well. Chef Colicchio is relaying "the highlights of the six-day, 1,200 mile journey that took me from Atlanta to Columbia, on to Charleston, then Chapel Hill, the Chesapeake, Washington DC, rural Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and finally back to New York."…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Charleston Chefs Feed the Need: 14,000 meals served

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Stephanie Barna) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:23:00 -0500

Rally the hospitality industry together around a cause, let them go, and see the good karma pile up. by Stephanie Barna Mickey Bakst knew this would happen. Rally the hospitality industry together around a cause, let them go, and see the good karma pile up. Since launching Charleston Chefs Feed the Need six months ago, Bakst, the general manager of Charleston Grill, has seen his friends and colleagues serve 14,000 meals and save the local food banks $42,000. Of course, he's not all that surprised. Charleston's F&B community is famously generous and even got recognized by the City of Charleston for…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Two Hot & Hot events next week

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Marina Fleming) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:30:00 -0500

In celebration of their book, the Hastings are on a Southeastern book tour and plan to stop in Charleston later this month. by Marina Fleming Charleston foodies get not just one treat next week but two. Birmingham Chefs Chris Hastings and Idie Hastings have published a new cookbook, Hot and Hot Fish Club Cookbook: A Celebration of Food, Family, & Traditions. In celebration of their book, the Hastings are on a Southeastern book tour and plan to stop in Charleston later this month. They have a dinner planned at FIG restaurant on Sunday Nov. 22, where Chris joins Chef Mike Lata in preparing a four-course…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

A neighborhood favorite quietly impresses with Mediterranean flavors

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Robert Moss) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500

Lana is one of the hidden gems in Charleston's rich dining world. It's on Rutledge Street in the Elliotborough neighborhood, which is a little off the beaten path, but the restored storefront holds a small, beautiful dining room. by Robert Moss Lana Restaurant & Bar Mediterranean Downtown. 210 Rutledge Ave. (843) 720-8899 lanarestaurant.com Entrée Prices: Moderate ($11-$24) Serving: Lunch (Mon.-Fri.) and Dinner (Mon.-Sat.) Lana is one of the hidden gems in Charleston's rich dining world. It's on Rutledge Street in the Elliotborough neighborhood, which is a little off the beaten path, but the restored storefront holds a small, beautiful dining room. Inside you'll find Mediterranean-inspired meals that are simultaneously elegant and comforting — a very rare combination. The moderately-priced menu offers…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

FIG brings us some sticky pudding for dessert

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Erica Jackson) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Unlike a lot of chefs in town, FIG's Mike Lata doesn't delegate desserts. by Erica Jackson Unlike a lot of chefs in town, FIG's Mike Lata doesn't delegate desserts. The James Beard award-winner has made a name for himself with simple yet exquisite dishes highlighting whatever's local and in-season, and his dessert menu follows the same formula. Make sure to leave room for this final, and most important course, or if you're just craving an indulgence, stop by for coffee and a treat. Averaging $7 a pop, you're sure to get some major bang for your…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Open now: Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Stephanie Barna) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:40:00 -0500

Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar opened last week at the corner of Cumberland and East Bay street. by Stephanie Barna Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar opened last week at the corner of Cumberland and East Bay streets. Owner Keith Jones (Southend Brewery) says they've already had some fairly busy nights. The menu has classic raw bar selections, including oysters from the May River in Beaufort. The appetizer menu ranges from calamari and fried oysters to mussels and shrimp cocktail, and the entrées focus on fresh fish preparations. Stop by 205 East Bay St. and check it out yourself, then…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Wine bar Bin 152 opening soon on King Street

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Caroline Eubanks) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500

Lower King antique stores will have a new neighbor as Bin 152 is set to open next week at 152 King St. by Caroline Eubanks Lower King antique stores will have a new neighbor as Bin 152 is set to open next week at 152 King St. The store will be a wine and cheese bar, antiques store, and art gallery owned by husband-wife duo Patrick and Fanny Panella. Patrick says that they will sell wines from around the world but focus on small producers and under-appreciated wines. Artisan cheeses, charcuterie, pâtés, and other cured meats will accompany the wines, but the menu may expand…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Smoky Oak Taproom days from opening

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Stephanie Barna) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:49:00 -0500

Chef Rick Agius, formerly of Lombardi's, has been working hard over the last year to build a barbecue restaurant in the oft-overlooked strip mall that houses the official Town of James Island. by Stephanie Barna They are days away from opening the Smoky Oak Taproom, a barbecue restaurant at the corner of Dills Bluff and Camp Road deep in the heart of James Island. Chef Rick Agius, formerly of Lombardi's, has been working hard over the last year to build a barbecue restaurant in the oft-overlooked strip mall that houses the official Town of James Island. Co-owner Mario Inglese says they are literally waiting for the paint to dry on a lacquer bar. The liquor…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

La Tabella takes over old Lombardi's space

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Stephanie Barna) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:04:00 -0500

The old Lombardi's space on Harbor View Road was recently purchased by longtime James Island residents Bobby and Carol Newman. by Stephanie Barna The old Lombardi's space on Harbor View Road was recently purchased by longtime James Island residents Bobby and Carol Newman. The couple have made careers in the construction and real estate businesses respectively, but "Bobby's always wanted to do this," says Carol. And with the recession slowing down their industries, the two — along with Bobby's brother Randy — are jumping into the restaurant world, not a huge leap since they both have some experience in food and bev. Carol…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Paisano's transforms JI Gilroy's

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Marina Fleming) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:25:00 -0500

About a month ago, the old Gilroy's on James Island underwent a transformation and emerged as Paisano's Pizza Grill, owned and operated by close friends Mark Slater and Nick Skover. by Marina Fleming About a month ago, the old Gilroy's on James Island underwent a transformation and emerged as Paisano's Pizza Grill, owned and operated by close friends Mark Slater and Nick Skover. Slater got the in on the spot after working for the previous owner. "My old boss wanted to sell the place and focus on the Gilroy's downtown," Slater said. "So my buddy and I moved in and started making our own pizza." Slater and Skover did major renovations to the…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Some autumn seasonals taste like pie

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500

In the craft brewing scene, autumn welcomes the arrival of slightly heavier and darker-colored specialty ales and lagers — many of them flavored with fruit, spices, herbs, chocolates, and vegetables. by T. Ballard Lesemann In the craft brewing scene, autumn welcomes the arrival of slightly heavier and darker-colored specialty ales and lagers — many of them flavored with fruit, spices, herbs, chocolates, and vegetables. There are a few newly-released bottled specialties that specifically use pumpkin and traditional pumpkin pie spices to celebrate the season. Two are outstanding — clean, balanced, and deep in flavor. Two more are like whipped candied sweet-potato casserole. Baltimore's Currently Clipper City Brewing has an assertive Imperial Pumpkin Ale (part…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

The Lee Bros. new cookbook takes an easy weeknight approach to Southern food

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Stephanie Barna) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500

Shrimp and deviled egg salad rolls figure prominently in the Lee Brothers' new cookbook Fresh Simple Southern: Knockout Dishes with Down-Home Flavor. Ted Lee says the things practically started the whole project. by Stephanie Barna Shrimp and deviled egg salad rolls figure prominently in the Lee Brothers' new cookbook Fresh Simple Southern: Knockout Dishes with Down-Home Flavor. Ted Lee says the things practically started the whole project. Ted, along with brother and co-author Matt, tells the story of how they developed the shrimp salad rolls after browsing a small-town collection of recipes and stumbling across something called "Shrimp-Deviled Egg Casserole." "The recipe was, as you might imagine, pretty far-out," they write in the opening pages…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Lee Bros face Bobby Flay on Throwdown Wed. night

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (Stephanie Barna) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:33:00 -0500

Last spring, the Lee Brothers, Matt and Ted, were approached by the Food Network to film a segment on something called "Lowcountry Lowdown." by Stephanie Barna Last spring, the Lee Brothers, Matt and Ted, were approached by the Food Network to film a segment on something called "Lowcountry Lowdown." Matt remembers having a suspicion at the time that it might be a reality show or something, but they went along with it, demonstrating their Country Captain recipe. In June, the Food Network called again and said they wanted the brothers to do one more segment, this time in New York City. "So they had us come…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Brewmaster Adam Avery holds court at CBX

editor@charlestoncitypaper.com (T. Ballard Lesemann) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:01:00 -0500

Brewmaster Adam Avery showed off some new ales from his Colorado brewery to Charleston last Wed. Oct. 28. by T. Ballard Lesemann Back in town almost exactly one year after hosting a roaringly fun, high-gravity beer dinner at Chai's, brewmaster Adam Avery showed off some new ales from his Colorado brewery to Charleston last Wed. Oct. 28. We caught up with him during a late-afternoon in-store appearance Charleston Beer Exchange (14 Exchange St.), where he held court behind a massive stack of Avery six-packs. The aisles were packed with young fans and beer enthusiasts. The Beer Exchange hosted the get-together as a…]]> [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]