​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.

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.

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:

• Inlet Affairs - will be serving their signature favorites in the Leonard Pavilion.
• Let's Ride BBQ and Austin's Garden Galley will be on the lawn next to the restaurant.
• Harvest Restaurant will be open with a limited menu - indoor and terrace seating by reservation only. 
• The Old Kitchen, in the heart of the sculpture garden, will be serving small bites, soup, and beverages.
• Brookgreen Beverage Stations will provide beverages, beer, wine, and their homemade hot cocoa. 

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.