 Georgetown County will have its own version of a restaurant week this February, something meant to support restaurants and deliver tasty dishes to customers at an affordable price point.
Georgetown Foodland's Jamie Sanderson says "Restaurant Showcase Week" is a way to give locals their chance to experience the flavors in our eateries and feel special while doing so. "This is a simplistic event. Restaurants were asked to create a three-course menu at $35. There's been lots of feedback since announcing this. Lots people are very interested. There have been a few restaurants whom have submitted menus. We have one sweet-treat focus, too. The foundation will be built the first week of February 2021 so we may have the opportunity to make this annual." An event page has been created, where menus will be posted for all restaurants participating. Sanderson goes on to say this is just the start. "The culinary industry in Georgetown has seen an uptick in customers in the past few years. The pandemic has taken a toll on restaurants. We've lost some to it. But, the future is innovative concepts and menu pivots. Take-out alone will not support our restaurants. We have to have dine-in, inside and out. We have to have special events. We have to focus on both locals and tourists, not one or the other. Down the road, bigger events are being thought of and planned. If we are safe, we can pull these off to help all our culinary families and friends stay afloat, and build a great local foodie base." This week-long event is the first of its kind and will evolve over time. It's meant to help get locals out and enjoy our restaurants and be part of something unique. The week begins Monday, February 1, and ends end of day Sunday, February 7. Plus, it's the lead-up to one of the biggest eat-out days of the year, Valentine's Day. For more information, click the button below for the event page. 
Have you ever been wanting to cook that perfect snapper for dinner? Wanted to try your hand at triggerfish? How about preparing mussels?
Well, with Wicked Inlet Seafood, you can do just that, using their fresh catches to create awesome dishes with some great instructors. They recently held a sushi-making class, which you'll see in a video below. These cooking classes began in 2020 and there's a few classes lined up for February and March of this year. Take a look at the photos and videos. This is the link to sign up/reserve spots for classes: wickedinletseafood.com/product-category/cooking-classes/  With the hope that 2021 will be a year of recovery for local restaurants, get your taste buds ready and bring your appetites as Restaurant Week South Carolina makes its much-anticipated return January 7-17. Join us in celebrating the local restaurant community in your region of the state. Restaurant Week South Carolina is a foodie-favorite that is the perfect time to take a culinary tour throughout the diverse and thriving food culture across our state. As in years past, participating restaurants will offer special menus for dining in; however, new this year, some restaurants will also offer takeout during the 11-day event. Diners who wish to stay home may take advantage of Restaurant Week specials via takeout and delivery at some of the restaurants. A win-win for diners and the local economy, Restaurant Week gives consumers the opportunity to enjoy fantastic meals at great prices, while giving restaurants a much-needed boost. From casual to high-end restaurants, there’s truly something for everyone. In compliance with Governor McMaster’s Executive Order, it is important to wear a face covering, be socially distanced, adhere to local laws and comply with each restaurant's requests for guest comfort and safety. Participating restaurants, including those who have made the Palmetto Priority Commitment, and their menus can be found at RestaurantWeekSouthCarolina.com. Ready, set, reservation! About the SC Restaurant and Lodging Association For over 75 years, the SCRLA has represented more than 2,200 member companies and 210,000 employees across the state. Our mission is to promote, protect and educate the foodservice and lodging industries of our state and to ensure positive business growth for our members. The SCRLA strives to represent the best interests of its members on small business issues, hospitality and tourism concerns and towards the protection of South Carolina’s quality of life.  Restaurant bonds? Kentucky chef crafts culinary version of war bond to help save restaurants12/8/2020  610 Magnolia Chef Edward Lee If you can't remember or never heard of it, a war bond was created to help get this country through a couple wars, to say the least. Right now, restaurants are at war with not only the pandemic, but governments placing restrictions on them. Well, as I scrolled through Instagram today, I saw something I thought was a throwback. It wasn't. Chef Edward Lee at 610 Magnolia, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has introduced the culinary version at his restaurant. @610magnolia is introducing a new concept for gift certificates. We are calling them Restaurant Bonds. They are the same as gift certificates but the longer you wait to redeem them, the more they go up in value. When I saw this, and the crafted bond, I was taken. It's really come to this. Restaurants are literally in a war. In many states, they were the first to see restrictions. It came with shorter hours at first, then as cases climbed, they faced no-dine-in mandates. Inside dining was erased. Eateries had to become savvy to not only keep staff and themselves afloat, but feed people who, at first, were shocked they couldn't eat inside their favorite restaurant. Curbside, delivery and to-go became the only way for some. Others, like Litchfield Restaurant, Perrone's, and R'Way Pizza, turned parking lots and side lots into a outdoor getaway. Locally, restaurants have seen an easement in restrictions, but who's to say there won't be another round? Lee has even said "he's afraid it's too late to save restaurants" in an Bon Appetit article.  610 Magnolia's Restaurant Bond Now, we face a rise in cases all across the United States. Areas in California are seeing restaurants slapped with restrictions again, and this time tempers are flaring.
Chef Lee has a great concept here, and hopefully restaurants follow his lead. Given the fact tourism season provides a major boost to eateries, this would be a huge incentive for folks visiting. And with restrictions looming in wintertime, it could be the death bell for many restaurants. According to survey findings conducted by the National Restaurant Association, 10,000 have closed in three-months time. The concept of a restaurant bond is an investment. It helps restaurants survive this part of the year and customers receive a perk in value when they decide to use later down the road. Given those restaurants are still here.  It's that time of year where Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet is lit up with thousands of candles and lights. That's right, folks, it's Christmas time. That means Night of a Thousand Candles is in full-shine mode! Locals who have been attending for years already know the go-to spots to eat before the event, including dining options inside the venue. Let's take a look at those, starting with what's offered on site. Due to COVID this year they will have a number of smaller options for dining:
 For the folks who want a grab-and-go option or want to enjoy eating outside at a local restaurant before the 4 p.m. start, here are a few places we suggest. Jimmyz Hibachi of Pawleys Island is a great stop on the way to NOTC. Not only can you dine inside, but there is a patio outside you can sit and eat at. If you want to eat in the car on the way to the event, they have a drive-thru. The hibachi is super good and they have poke' bowls. The are located at 10378 Ocean Highway in Pawleys Island and their phone number is 843-314-3682. A quick "pit stop" for grab-and-go food is Chester's Pit Stop in Pawleys Island. Located at 12161 Ocean Highway, Chester's is an award-winning hot dog server. The small brick-and-mortar eatery is easy to miss, but you can always look for the big "Hot Dogs" sign close to the roadway on the left heading to Brookgreen Gardens. If you want more than a hot dog, Chester's has you covered. Fried Shrimp, Fried Flounder can be enjoyed by itself or in sandwich form, and you can add fries. Order from the window, then take with you to your car or truck, or sit at one of the picnic tables and enjoy. You can call ahead at 843-630-2041, too. Another grab-and-go stop is Beach Burgers and BBQ. They are located at 13088 Ocean Highway and can be reached at 843-979-3333. They also have dine-in and outside dining options. If you're in the mood for a burger, fries and milkshake served fast, fresh and with flavor, this is the spot to hit. They even do salads. The chicken sandwich and chicken salad is sure to be light on the stomach while walking through Brookgreen Garden. Click their name above (as with all the restaurants I have mentioned) and it will take you to their menus. Call ahead is also available.  There are other great restaurants to enjoy on the way to Night of a Thousand Candles, like Rustic Table, Bistro 217, Local Eat Drink Celebrate and Yagi Sushi & Hibachi, but plan ahead and call ahead, depending whether you want to dine in, eat outside or grab a to-go order.
 There's a rise in Covid-19 cases in the United States, and with that, restaurants are starting to feel the brunt.
In some states, restaurants are seeing the reimplementation of restrictions. And, with the holidays paired with non-tourism months, it couldn't come at a worst time. But, we wanted restaurants to know their is help out there. You can start with your food service providers. For example, this "Operating Safely Guide" by US Foods provides expansive details on how to manage through the pandemic. From FOH and BOH recommendations to federal and local requirement overviews, you're sure to find comfort in knowing there are folks making sure you have the latest information so you can provide a safe dining experience for customers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also have guiding principles and important information on operating safely in restaurants. Click here for details. You can also tell your customers the CDC has information regarding food safety and eating out. There is also OSHA Covid-19 guidance for restaurants offering take out or curbside pick up. Whatever the case, make sure you, as a restaurant owner, seek out the latest information when training staff on Covid-19. A visit to The Growers Market with Chef Danny Smith leads to cooking event on November 14, 202011/8/2020  Check out Wedgefield Country Club's Executive Chef Danny Smith visiting the Growers Market at 1711 South Fraser Street. He spoke with Carol Williams of Millgrove Farms and plans to cook next Saturday at the Market, using produce from them and other tables set up. Come out and taste what's been grown. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Both Fox Farm and Third Day Farms will be at the market. Click the name of the businesses for their Facebook pages. Stay tuned for more details. 
The time has come.
After years of being under executive chefs in South Carolina, Danny Smith has found his home. And that home comes with a lot of culinary history. The Manor House at Wedgefield Country Club will be witness to award-winning dishes and elegant tastes while keeping current food options available. Named executive chef by owners Mitch and Jamie Thompkins, Smith brings accolades and reputation for being a down-to-earth person and team builder. More, his relationships with local non-profits Friendship Place and Champion Autism Network open the door to events to benefit them at the location. The former two-time seafood champion of South Carolina is excited for the new role and says it's been a long-awaited opportunity. Please watch the video for the full story, including interviews from Jamie and Mitch Thompkins, and Executive Chef Danny Smith. 'Mystery Chef Dinner': a first in a series with hopes of putting Georgetown in culinary spotlight9/30/2020  A year in the making, the first in a series "Mystery Chef Dinner" will actually happen. Live. In a restaurant. Given the current pandemic and social guidelines, precautions are being taken for the first event, taking place at Root in the City of Georgetown. The restaurant is located at 919 Front Street. "It's a simple concept, but exciting," event organizer Jamie Sanderson said. "It's taking a team of like-minded individuals to come together and plan this. We've been at it for a few months now with origination and process flow. I think we have the potential to establish a great first impression." The concept has two chefs entering a restaurant or eatery in Georgetown County. These two chefs are unknown to the guests and the chefs have no clue on who they are serving. There will be limitations with seating and amount of guests during the pandemic. The chefs will prepare a three-course meal each that includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert. This means a guest will get two three-course meals to enjoy. While the guests wait in between servings, Sanderson will be providing interactive commentary and dialogue both in person and live streaming on social media. "It's going to have an entertainment value. I'll be jazzing it up, hyping the chefs to the attendees, talking about dishes, and asking folks who they think is back in that kitchen. I might even try and get a peek back there. They might stop me, but I'll try," Sanderson said. The guests will be provided a menu as they are seated. It will be in a Chef A / Chef B format. The guests will not know ahead what they are being served and the chefs will not know each other's menu until the event starts.  Jamie Sanderson hopes the 'mystery chef dinner' helps chefs and restaurants reach greater limits. "I think it'll be fun and a break from all the other items we are dealing with in our daily life. A chance to sit down, enjoy some food with the mystique of not knowing who cooked it, have some laughs at my expense, and showcase the chef talent we have in Georgetown and beyond."
Sanderson adds, "This is the first of something exciting for the culinary scene in Georgetown County. I hope to continue this afterward and include many other chefs and restaurants. Those folks have earned the spotlight, now it's time to give it to them and help them reach the stars." The first "Mystery Chef Dinner" takes place October 11, 2020, at 6 p.m. The link to the event page is below. Click the button for details on how to prepay. The event is limited to 25 people and a list is being taken by the restaurant. UPDATE: 9/30/2020 - The event at Root has sold out in one day. They ask, however, you call and have your name placed on a stand-by list in the event spaces open up before October 11. Their phone number is 843-461-9344.  Chef Chelsea Cribb plating dishes at an event. This will be the first chef's spotlight installment since the pandemic started. We feel this person was the best choice to reintroduce the series. Chef Chelsea Cribb has many years experience in the culinary industry. She's been at numerous restaurants and has put her touch on dishes that wowed customers. Unfortunately, those restaurants didn't last. It was with Chef Greg Metcalfe of SoCo Grille and SoCo Marina Grille that Cribb found a home at the former Southern Comforts, Southern Dining and Seafood Shack eatery in The Hammock Shops, located in Pawleys Island. With his tutelage, she began to grow her technique and become more confident in who she was. It was also during this time she participated in culinary events with Metcalfe, like the Family Justice Center's Taste of Georgetown and Friendship Place's Cooking with Friends. But, again, she was faced with a restaurant closure. Metcalfe had seen it through in Pawleys Island and felt the need to come to the City of Georgetown. This time, Cribb was part of the package. So, in May 2020, and during a pandemic, Metcalfe opened SoCo Grille on Front Street. Cribb was again back at it and finding her voice in the kitchen. And Metcalfe noticed. Soon, he opened another restaurant, SoCo Marina Grille, at the Belle Isle Marina Yacht Club. It was then he realized what he must do. After ups and downs in her career, Cribb was promoted head chef at SoCo Grille. She would now be leading the culinary brigade with her flavors and style. Don't worry. Greg is still around. But he knows the restaurant at Front Street isn't going anywhere but up. It's in good hands. Thank you Chef Chelsea Cribb for being part of Georgetown's culinary adventure. Go by and visit her at 619 Front Street, and click the button below for SoCo Grille's Facebook page.  
Incredible Edibles Bakery Cafe is moving to 11326 Ocean Hwy Unit 3 in Pawleys Island.
Mark it down.
Saturday, September 19, 2020, was the last day Incredible Edibles Bakery at 10126 Ocean Highway served you baby cakes, coffee or cupcakes. Yup, the retail side has closed. At least until they get situated at their new location in Sweetgrass Center at 11326 Ocean Highway, Unit 3. The bakery will still entertain orders for birthday and wedding cakes, but you have to call them at 843-237-5040 for details and limitations. The next week or two, the crew will be moving into their new digs. Both Heather Angus, head pastry chef, and Holly Braddock, assistant pastry chef and decorator, are truly excited with their new - and bigger - kitchen area.
Below, you can see the roughing in of the main area of the new bakery café.
The retail side will be larger and incorporate a sitting area both inside and out. Owner Nancy Carr will have a dedicated area for wedding cake consultations, too. The atmosphere will be comforting and inviting. The staff are striving to make a true customer experience that takes your breath away each time, with naturistic visuals and delightful aromas.
Stay tuned. There will be more news coming regarding the new location. For now, we congratulate the entire staff on growing out of their old location and reaching greater heights.
 Incredible Edibles' own Holly Braddock decorating a wedding cake. Any foodie who is an avid Food Network fan knows September means the start of Halloween-themed shows. We love Halloween Wars. But, this season's Halloween Baking Championship will feature Incredible Edibles' Holly Braddock, an executive pastry chef. She recently traveled to California to film the series. Braddock has been with the bakery, located in Pawleys Island, for more than a year now. She works with Nancy Knarr, chef and owner, and Heather Angus, pastry chef. Season six's first episode entitled "Haunted Housewarming" airs September 14 at 9 p.m. on Food Network.  Holly Braddock will be on this season's "Halloween Baking Championship" on Food Network.  South Carolina ETV, or SCETV as locals know it, will feature Janette's Super Burger in the new season of "Backroad Bites" on October 1, 2020. The small, quaint and family-owned restaurant has been consistent in food service and safety during the pandemic. They've won numerous awards before the pandemic grew, such as our Simply Amazing Dish of the Month and Lowcountry Cuisine Magazine's Golden Spoon Award. They have also been featured in Southern Flavor Magazine as a Delicious Discovery.  Ms. Janette with a great meal getting ready to go to a customer. COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina ETV (SCETV) today announced the premiere of a new season of its digital series, “Backroad Bites.” Featuring five, three to five-minute episodes, the new season will spotlight five local eateries in South Carolina. Each episode will premiere Thursdays at 1 p.m. on the network’s Facebook page, starting Thursday, September 3.  Josh Quigley Josh Quigley has always given back to the community he lives and does business in. What he's been doing since the pandemic grew shouldn't be a surprise. Quigley's Pint & Plate, one of his restaurants, has been serving "Pay As You're Able" meals on Tuesdays. These meals are for anyone "in need of something to eat" and is a "gift to anyone in need." They even say you can pick one up if you need a break from your kitchen. Quigley, along with Billy Davis and the entire staff, have always found ways to help those in the Pawleys Island, Georgetown areas. "Donations are accepted, but not expected. All funds collected will be used to create next week's meal, and provide non-perishable food items to the Baskervill Food Pantry." Meals can be picked up at their Quigley's Next Door location at 251 Willbrook Blvd in Pawleys Island. Check the Quigley's Pint & Plate Facebook page for each Tuesday's menu.  The 8-25-2020 menu. Menus are similar, but offer different meals each Tuesday.  There's a familiar magazine back in production on the culinary adventure of the Lowcountry.
And its Fall issue is burgerlicious. Southern Flavor Magazine paused as the pandemic grew through the area. Now, Bert Wood, owner and publisher, has put out an issue that's sure to grab the attention of those in Georgetown County. The cover of "The Burger Issue" features the Bistro Burger from Pawleys Island own Bistro 217. And we're sure as soon as people saw it, the eatery saw those people requesting the famous burger. The magazine has featured Georgetown County restaurants since its beginning. We're glad to see them back doing what they do best, and that's promoting the culinary scene of our area. You'll love their features section, too. You can read the Fall 2020 digital issue - including great stories and awesome recipes - by clicking here. The hard copies will available in select Georgetown County restaurants soon. |
archives
January 2021
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed