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Queen of the Food Age

Random Fodder

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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I for one, could not be more excited for the new year. My 2015 was a pile of garbage, with a few diamonds mixed in, so I’m hoping that 2016 will be the opposite. Cheers to a diamond year!

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I have lots of goals for myself for 2016, but here are a few of the resolutions I’m making:

  • Learn Spanish
  • Cook at home more
  • Be better about posting restaurant reviews (not sure how that’s going to work with my previous resolution, but we’ll see).
  • Try something new that terrifies me.

 

Anywho, I’m off to drink a ridiculous amount of champagne.

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Happy new year!

Charleston Restaurant News

Charleston Restaurant Week January 6 – 17, 2016

December 30, 2015

Well, it’s my favorite time of year in Charleston: Restaurant Week! The Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, Inc. has announced its Winter 2016 installment of Charleston Restaurant Week will be happening Wednesday, January 6 – Sunday, January 17. Diners are invited to begin the New Year by experiencing the diverse and enticing mix of Charleston’s world-renowned restaurant offerings. Charleston Restaurant Week is one of the most anticipated culinary events of the season, providing locals and visitors alike with the opportunity to experience award-winning cuisine from acclaimed Charleston chefs at an affordable cost.

restaurant-week-winter-2016

“The participation in Charleston Restaurant Week continues to grow year after year, as does the innovative restaurant menu offerings,” states Greater Charleston Restaurant Association President Anthony DiBernardo. “We are excited to kick off 2016 in Charleston with twelve days of delicious dining for an incredible value.”

(pulled pork Nachos at Rita's Seaside Grille)

(pulled pork Nachos at Rita’s Seaside Grille)

Patrons can choose special offerings at participating restaurants. Over 140 restaurants participate in Charleston Restaurant Week twice a year (both in January and in September) including favorites such as Indaco, Halls Chophouse and Coast Bar and Grill. Recent additions to the Charleston Restaurant Week roster are newcomers 5Church and Élevé at the Grand Bohemian Hotel.

(Nutella pizza at Indaco)

(Nutella pizza at Indaco)

For a complete list of restaurants participating in Charleston Restaurant Week, to view menus and to make reservations, visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/charleston-restaurant-week.  To join the #CHSRestaurantWeek conversation, follow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. The “Charleston Restaurant Association” app is also available for a free download, listing participating restaurants and deals associated with Charleston Restaurant Week.

(Ramen at CO)

(Ramen at CO)

Charleston Restaurant News Events

Charleston New Year’s Eve Party Round Up

December 28, 2015

Charleston is known for putting on a great party, and there’s no better night to party than December 31st! Here are all the great options for your NYE event:

[editor’s note: I’ll be updating as I get more details leading up to New Year’s Eve]

[Last Update 12/27/16 1:30 am]

The Alley

The Alley is rolling into 2017 with their annual all-inclusive New Year’s Eve Party on Saturday, December 31st at 9pm.

The general admission ticket, which is only $85, includes everything you’ll need to to ring in the new year, including drink tickets for house beer, wine and spirits, beats from DJ Phamtastik, light hors d’oeuvres, free bowling and arcade games, a photo booth and a champagne toast at midnight.

For guests looking to start the new year in style, 4 VIP lanes are available for groups up to six people. The VIP treatment, which costs $750, includes premium liquor from the private, back bar area, a personal server and a bottle of bubbly for a new year’s toast.

The Alley will be open to the general public starting at 3pm for the Alabama vs. Washington CFB playoff game, and then, starting at 7pm, only ticket holders will be able to stay and enjoy the Clemson vs. Ohio State playoff game.

Please visit www.AlleyNYE.com for more information and to purchase tickets. The Alley is located at 131 Columbus Street, Charleston.

Bay Street Biergarten

Bay Street Biergarten, one of America’s best biergartens, seeks to defy the laws of time, space and gravity with their Cirque Du Soleil inspired New Year’s Eve event, Zirkus Der Garten, on Saturday, December 31st 9pm – 1am.

Guests will escape into a biergarten of make-believe with surreal characters and watch as daring aerialists fly through the air while exhilarating music spun by DJ rDot brings the magical world to life.The all-inclusive general admission ticket, which includes haus liquor and wine, domestic biers and hors d’oeuvres, is only $100.

Guests may also purchase VIP tickets for only $25 more to enjoy a bourbon bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, access to the craft bier wall, as well as a private bar featuring premium liquor and wine.The Garten welcomes all ticket holders to a pre-event, special Clemson Viewing party from 6:30 – 9pm, where attendees will enjoy an exclusive viewing of the bowl game on the big screens.

This event is 21 & over. Tickets available at BiergartenNYE.com.

Red’s Ice House/ Tavern & Table

Tavern & Table and Red’s Ice House will say goodbye to 2016 and raise a glass to a New Year at their annual New Year’s Eve Party on the Creek.

2 Locations • 3 Entertainment Acts • Cocktails • Beer & Wine • Champagne • Party Favors • Fireworks!

Live Music Lineup:
Red’s Ice House

  • Not So Serious
  • Morning Fatty

Tavern & Table

  • Dance Party with DJ Scoobie!

Ticket Options
9pm

  • $90 all inclusive for Red’s + Outside at T&T
  • $145 all of the above, plus premium bar & food options inside at Tavern & Table

Early Access at 6pm

  • $165 for EARLY ACCESS VIP Watch Party at T&T, 6pm. Catch the Clemson vs. OSU game at 7pm on the big screen on the docks, oysters, food and beverage.

Cash Only – purchase at Red’s or Tavern & Table

5Church

Ring in NYE on Market Street!

$70: 5:00-5:45 pm
$80: 6:00-6:45 pm
$90: 7:00-7:45 pm

  • Delectable 3-course meal
  • Half a bottle of champagne for a party of 2 and a full bottle for a party of 4.
  • $30 upgrade for open bar from 10 pm – 2 am
  • Champagne Toast
  • Balloon Drop at midnight
  • Festive party favors
  • Live DJ
  • Countdown of the ball drop

$100 8pm – till

Everything that’s included in the earlier options, but without the $30 upgrade to the open bar (it’s included in this price).

To make reservations, please visit www.5ChurchCharleston.com or call 843.937.8666.

Crave Kitchen & Cocktails

On Saturday, December 31, 2016, Crave Kitchen & Cocktails will ring in 2017 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. Guests are invited to enjoy a night full of great food and great times with a special dinner, designed by Executive Chef Landen Ganstrom.

Crave Kitchen & Cocktails will offer a New Year’s Eve menu, food and drink specials as well as couples packages. The couples packages include a five course dinner and a shared entree course that must be selected upon at the time of reservation. To view the full New Year’s Eve menus and for more information, visit CraveKitchenandCocktails.com/New-Years.

Guests that dine with Crave on New Year’s Eve are also welcome to party the night away with evening festivities including a Campfire Oyster Roast on the patio at 11:30pm, music and dancing with DJ SaturDave beginning at 11:45pm, a champagne toast at midnight and more.

Crave Kitchen & Cocktails will also be open on Sunday, January 1, 2017 for a New Year’s Day brunch from 10am – 4pm. Executive Chef Landen Ganstrom will be serving up all of your favorite brunch dishes including Shrimp & Grits, Eggs Benedict, Chicken & Waffles and more.

Reservations are strongly recommended for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day as they will fill up fast. To make your reservations, please visit CraveKitchenandCocktails.com/New-Years or call the restaurant at 843-884-1177.

The Cedar Room

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in The Cedar Room on Saturday, December 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar provided by Mercantile and Mash. In addition, we will also be showing the Fiesta Bowl (Clemson vs Ohio State).

Musical performances by The Mighty Kicks and Wade Walker “DJ United.” Midnight champagne toast to ring in 2017.

  • Attire: Black Tie
  • Tickets are $125 and are nonrefundable.
  • Doors open at 8:30 p.m.

*The Clemson / Ohio State game will be on for those who want to watch.

Edmund’s Oast

Offering a special December 30th and New Year’s Eve dinner option featuring:

  • Bone-in 32oz ribeye with an optional foie gras and/or lobster upgrade.
  • Pumpkin tortellini with rabbit confit in parmesan brodo
  • Head bartender Jayce McConnell will offer some classic cocktails made with extremely high-end and rare ingredients.
  • Special champagnes offered like Étienne Calsac champagne at $22 a glass
  • “Oude Quetsche Tilquin a l’Ancienne” (a sour plum lambic, 6.4%ABV) offered by the glass at $12/5oz pour.

To make reservations, please visit www.edmundsoast.com.

Bar Mash

Join us at Bar Mash on December 31st beginning at 9pm, as we Ring in the New Year “Westworld” style, sponsored by Macallan Scotch whisky.

Saunter into Mash, donned in your best Western attire, as a “guest” in our world.

Tickets are only $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and will include a complimentary glass of Macallan punch, a ticket for a shot off of our custom Ice Luge, and a Macallan scotch toast at midnight! Snacks and full bar will be available for purchase throughout the evening, as well as some fantastic Macallan drink specials.

Prizes will also be awarded for best costumes!

Hope to see you there!

Cocktail Club

Ring in the New Year at The Cocktail Club! The event is open to the public and includes live music, a “dress to impress” dress code, $10 cover after 10 p.m. and more!

Saturday, December 31
8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Burns Alley

The good, the bad, the ugly….say Goodbye to 2016 and come Rock in the New Year with Action City Blackout and Hearts on Fire at Burns Alley, King Street, Downtown.

9PM
$10 and 21+
PBR swag and PRB Toast at Midnight.

Come on, let’s spend the night together!

Check out Hearts on Fire

O-Ku

Ring in the New Year at O-Ku beginning at 9 p.m. with a DJ and midnight champagne toast! This event is open to the public but there will be a $10 cover (cash only) beginning at 10 p.m. See you then!

Club Trio

Come ring in the New Year with your favorite people!

Doors open at 9, $40 cover charge, champagne toast at Midnight. Tickets ON SALE NOW!

Cover includes individual split bottle of Chandon per guest

****ONLY 2 VIP TABLES LEFT**** EMAIL FOR VIP
VIP CHAMPAGNE TOAST INCLUDES COMPLIMENTARY BOTTLES OF CHAMPAGNE SPONSORED BY VEUVE CLICQUOT

DJ C-Nile upstairs
DJ Precise downstairs

Dudley’s On Ann

Join us for the most Glittery and Glamorous party of the year… Glitter and Glam 2017! Our annual party returns to bring in 2017 the only way we know how… plenty of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, great music, a champagne toast at midnight, and the best host we have, Patti O’Furniture!

We have limited tickets available to this private party, which sells out every year. Get your tickets at eventbrite.com now to guarantee your spot at the party! Avoid the long New Year’s lines and waiting at different bars for a drink, and join us for a night of New Year’s magic as we watch 2016 come to a close!

Prohibition

Prohibition cordially invites you to ring in the New Year with an unforgettable evening at Prohibition! Gather all your friends and tell them that this year, we are going to celebrate New Years Eve the Charleston Way!

With live Jazz, Featuring The Bill McSweeney Swing Band, plus DJ Brian, a champagne toast, passed hor d’ouevres and party favors, this is a party you are not going to want to miss.

Tickets sales are only $20 and are limited to first come first serve, so be sure to assure your spot by buying a ticket today! Stop by the restaurant today to purchase your ticket, or buy them online at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-nye-the-charlston-way-tickets-29445231480.

It’s time to ring in a New Year, the Charleston way.

Revelry Brewing

Join us on the Rooftop @ Revelry Brewing Saturday December 31st for an all day, and through the night, celebration as we ring in 2017 in Revelry style.

Mynt

General Admission: $40

DJ Kevbo and Seth G

Please email for VIP reservations myntcharleston@gmail.com

Dress Code: cocktail attire

Spiritline Cruises

Kick start your New Year by kicking up your heels with SpiritLine Cruises!  This cruise is a true SAIL-ebration and one not to miss.  The Spirit of the Lowcountry will be rockin’ the harbor and rollin’ on the river with awesome dance music provided by your favorite DJ, Ric Rush.  A pleasing menu of heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar available, everyone is sure to have fun. Make your reservation now, these tickets will go fast as the number is limited and sells out every year!

SAIL-ebration Event Details

  • Saturday – December 31, 2016
  • $70 per person (includes tax and gratuity)
  • Cash bar available onboard
  • Menu
  • Cruise departs from Aquarium Wharf (downtown Charleston)
  • 360 Concord Street, SC 29401
  • Boarding time begins at 9:45pm
  • Cruise time is from 10:30pm to 1:00am

Triangle Char + Bar – West Ashley

Ring in the New Year with us at Charleston’s only Ball Drop at Triangle West Ashley! There’s no cover charge so get there early. Enjoy food & drink specials…DJ starts at 10pm!

SC Aquarium

Snyder Grand Ball New Year’s Eve 2017
Saturday, December 31st
8pm – 1am | 21+

All-inclusive VIP tickets: $149 (advance purchase only)

FEATURING:
– Full Open Bar
– Chef Action Food Stations with Heavy Hors D’oeuvres
– Champagne Toast at Midnight

ENTERTAINMENT:
David Higgins Music
DJ NattyHeavy

ATTIRE:
Black Tie Optional

The Rooftop at Vendue

Ring in 2017 on Charleston’s Favorite Rooftop Bar!

  • $20 Cover Charge
  • DJ
  • Midnight Champagne Toast

Purple Buffalo

Come celebrate NYE with the herd at Purple Buffalo! Doors: 9pm, Music: 10:30pm featuring hip-hop duo Speakerbox, and DJ Raz (RAZ Productions) Tickets are $40 BEFORE Christmas, and $50 AFTERChristmas. Includes indulging on a smoked whole pig and a champagne toast. Live countdown. Games. Excitement. History being made.

Brought to you by: BigBadBetter and JYVE

Tin Roof

The END is NIGH! Come party like it! DJ Lanatron will be spinning so you can boogie 2016 away. Come dressed for an apocalyptic PROM. Gas masks, last day on earth, fancy pants… dress however you would celebrate the end of days!

California Dreaming

Celebrate the New Year with us at California Dreaming #Charleston!

Live DJ | $10 admission beginning at 10PM | Drink specials all night long.

We look forward to seeing you! ?

Midtown Bar + Grill

Say goodbye to 2016 with Midtown! Don’t worry about bringing a mask, well have masks + face painters! Complimentary champagne toast at midnight
Photographer + Free Pizza at 1am!
$20 cover at the door
DJ TYEDYE starts at 10!

VIP Cover $50- Skip the Line! Also includes a bottle of champagne! Email us if interested at jenna@kshgevents.com. Limited quantities available.

The Dewberry

Join us for a Mid-Century New Year’s Eve at The Dewberry!

Entertainment by Joe Clarke Big Band Featuring Greg Massaro, Frank Puzzullo, David Patterson and Brent Swaney. If you love Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and great American Jazz Standards, come out for a Fun, Memorable, and Romantic evening.

Dancing, a Premium Open Bar, Passed Hors d’oeuvres, Late Night Bites and Champagne Countdown!

Adults are $175 all inclusive.

Tickets will not be sold at the door. All transactions are nonrefundable. Tickets are transferrable.

Call (877) 835-6530 or visit https://new-years-eve-at-the-dewberry.eveyevents.com/ to purchase tickets!

Tabbuli

The most exclusive New Years Eve Party in Charleston, where only a golden ticket will get you in…..Tabbuli’s Gold Party!

Tickets will be available for purchase at Tabbuli. This WILL sell OUT!

$100 ALL INCLUSIVE TICKET = HOOKAH, DRINKS AND FOOD PLUS VIP SEATING!

$25 General Admission

Join us as we deck out in ALL Gold for New Year’s Eve!

Sponsored by Moët

Warehouse

HELLO, 2017

8 pm
99 People
99 Tickets
99 Dollars
99 Libation Menu / Open Bar

  • Passed Snacks & Fancy Fare
  • DJ Breeze @ Epic Charleston
  • Dress to Impress
  • Festive Props Aplenty
  • The best party in Charleston for an intimate evening.

Happy New Year!

Zero George 

7-Course Prix Fixe menu including beverage pairings. $245 per person.

Que d’Keys

Join us for New Year’s Eve at Que d’Keys! THREE Pianos will be dueling long into the night and in to the new year!

Located at 32 D North Market Street, right above Queology BBQ. Que d’Keys Dueling Piano Bar is Downtown Charleston’s ONLY Dueling Piano Bar. Guaranteed to have you on your feet, laughing, singing and dancing with your friends.

Boone’s

Saturday, December 31st 2017 at 9 pm
Photobooth
Light hors d’oeuvres
DJ Jerry Feels Good
Champagne Toast at Midnight
Ice Luge on the patio

Kingdom Bar & Grill

We at Kingdom Bar & Grill invite you to join us as we ring in 2017 with some really great people.

We will be offering several NYE options this year:

Dining Only – Be our guest on NYE and enjoy our dinner service from 5pm until 8pm. Call to reserve your table today! 843.577.9911

Dinner & Celebration – Join us for dinner service between 5PM and 8PM & receive a complementary ticket for each person who orders a dinner entree. We will be offering special dining options for the special occasion. Live music starts at 7pm and goes unti 10pm when our special guest DJ will take the stage.

VIP lounge – Book a VIP lounge with us! *While supplies lasts* For more information or to reserve your lounge call 843.518.3678.

Celebration Only – Join us in ringing in the new year right! We have pre sale tickets that are $25 in advance (ends Dec 15th) and our regular admission tickets are $35 at the door. Tickets include, heavy hors d’oeuvres, free champagne toast, cash prizes, live music and a special guest DJ!

ALL tickets can be purchased on site at Kingdom Bar & Grill – 468 King St

Republic Garden & Lounge

Doors open at 4pm to 2am

2017 Door Prizes and Giveaways all night(Cash and Prizes)

Complimentary general admission for everyone until 9:00pm. (Subject to cover charge and line wait after 9:00pm

  • VIP Access $55(No line wait, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and Champagne)
  • VIP Tables(Please call for availability)(Will sell out fast.)
  • VIP Tables Include: 2 Premium Liquours, 1 Premium Champagne, and Heavy Horderves.

Slightly North of Broad

Enjoy our special three-course prix fixe menu on Saturday, December 31st, with several dishes featured in Chef Lee’s cookbook, ‘The S.N.O.B. Experience’!

$80 per person, non-inclusive of alcohol, sales tax, or gratuity.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling us at 843-723-3424.

Charleston Beer Works

Come for football, stay for a New Year’s Eve celebration!

Clemson Football plays Ohio State University Football in the Fiesta Bowl. Kickoff is at 7:00.

A $10 cover charge starts at 9:00 pm and live music from Token Marystarts after the game ends. The cover charge takes care of your midnight Champagne toast!

Charleston Wonderland

Charleston Wonderland features live music and performances inside and outside of our 15,000 square foot facility. Enjoy a top shelf open bar sponsored by Red Bull and Titos Vodka, local cuisine, Charleston’s best DJs andlive bands, cirque performances, insane audio/visual, Charleston’s largest balloon drop, phoro booths and so much more.

Visit Charlestonwonderland.com for more information
Instagram – @Charlestonwonderland

Henry’s / NV

Come join us for our New Years Eve 2017 Celebration! Its been another great year for us and we are ready to end it the right way! The staff will be set and ready to make sure this is one amazing night. Let’s bring in 2017 with a good time.

Party begins at 8pm

MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP
FIRE SHOW
LIGHT SHOW
MORE TBA

General admission: $25 in advance $30 at the door
(Includes entry, party favors and champagne toast)
Get tickets at: www.shinebright2017.brownpapertickets.com

VIP Packages

PACKAGE #1: $600
• Up to 6 people
• 1 bottle of premium liquor
• 1 bottle of premium champagne
• Hors d’oeuvres
• Entry fee

PACKAGE #2: $900
• 7-9 people
• 2 bottles of premium liquor
• 1 bottle of premium champagne
• Hors d’oeuvres
• Entry fee

PACKAGE #3: $1200
• 10-12 people
• 3 bottles of premium liquor
• 2 bottles of premium champagne
• Hors d’oeuvres
• Entry fee
(Each additional person is $50 extra)

Taxes and gratuity are not included

To reserve your VIP package today contact TYLER WILLIAMS
PHONE: 240-271-6801
EMAIL: TYLER.THEEPICBRANDS@GMAIL.COM

Marion Square

This free to the public celebration offers a family friendly, non-alcoholic event featuring kid friendly activities, including karaoke. The program continues after dark with high-energy performances from local bands and unique lighting displays to help ring in 2017.

Activities for kids include jump castles, face painting, a crazy hat station, a photo booth and a karaoke stage.

The lineup for the Main Stage kicks off at 6pm and includes performances from New Galaxy Band and Whiskey Diablo.

 

Random Fodder

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2015

I hope you’re all having a happy and festive Christmas!

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This will be me all day after I finish opening presents:

giphy

 

Charleston Restaurant News

Tavern & Table 1st Anniversary Party

December 12, 2015

tavern & table-1st-anniversary

Next Monday (Dec. 14) from 5 – 8pm, Tavern & Table will be turning one! To celebrate, they’re hosting a champagne cocktail party, and all you have to do to get in is bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.

For more details, check them out on Facebook.

Random Fodder

Dunkin’ Donuts Holiday Review & Giveaway

December 11, 2015

It’s holiday time once again at Dunkin’ Donuts, and DD has gone all out this year with their new holiday coffees, donuts, and holiday stocking stuffers! Since I’m now hopelessly addicted to coffee, I thought I’d share the buzz-buzz love with you, my dear readers, and give you a taste (pun intended) of what’s new and fun at Dunkin’ this holiday season:

New Donuts

Can you hear my tummy grumbling from where you're sitting?

Can you hear my tummy grumbling from where you’re sitting?

Snickerdoodle Croissant Donut

A glazed croissant donut, filled with cookie dough-flavored buttercreme, finished with white icing drizzle and sprinkled with cinnamon streusel topping. *dies inside*

Caramel Cheesecake Square

A square donut with smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, frosted with caramel icing and topped with chocolate caramel candy cups.

Holiday Coffee

Cookie Coffees

The sugar cookie coffees offers the traditional taste of frosted holiday sugar cookies, while the Snickerdoodle Cookie Coffees bring together the sweet taste of sugar and spice of cinnamon.

Peppermint Mocha Coffee

Combines the cool taste of peppermint with rich chocolate flavors.

Stocking Stuffers

Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee

Dunkin’ Donuts packaged coffee and K-Cup® pods are available this season in several varieties, including Original Blend, Dunkin’ Decaf®, French Vanilla, Hazelnut and the brand’s Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Dark Roast Coffee, and Hot Cocoa K-Cup® pods are available at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants only.

K-Cup® Pods

This year, you can purchase two 12-count K-Cup boxes in a special new Gingerbread House package, which make a great gift for coffee lovers in your life (*coughmecough*). Or, mix it up with the K-Cup® Variety donut box, which leverages Dunkin’s iconic dozen donut box, and is filled with 25 assorted K-Cup® pods.

Ornaments

e4c9e0cf-b4d8-4464-ba03-ed17d74537ab

Limited-edition branded holiday ornaments in are available in five fun choices, including (my personal favorite) an Ugly Christmas Sweater, a snowman, a holiday ball, a Dunkie Snow Globe and a box of DD’s famous donuts.

Drinkware

Look how shiny it is!

Look how shiny it is!

Dunkin’ Donuts also offers branded mugs, tumblers, gift baskets, and more! All are available exclusively at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide, or online at www.DunkinDonuts.com.

Gift Cards

Dunkin’ Donuts Cards are available in a variety of holiday and winter themed designs, including three new options: the Merry Mischief Card, the Mistletoe Card and the Igloo Card, and always have no fees and no expiration date (although let’s be serious, you’re going to use the gift card right away).

As my Christmas gift to you, I’m giving away an assortment of Dunkin’ Donuts’ holiday goodies for you to try! Here’s what’s in the box:

  • Red Christmas tumbler
  • Dunkie Snow Globe ornament
  • Ugly Christmas Sweater Ornament
  • DD Car Air Freshener in French Vanilla
  • $5 Dunkin’ Donuts Gift Card (to try out those sweet new donuts & coffees)

Enter to win below. Winner announced 12/18.

Holiday-Giveaway

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Merry Christmas! 

Charleston Restaurant News

Market Street Saloon Hosts “Pass The Purse” Fundraiser

December 10, 2015

Market Street Saloon is hosting a support night for Pass The Purse, The Lady to Lady Project and invites guests to join in the effort to help homeless and underserved women in the Lowcountry. Attendees are encouraged to donate a new or gently used purse filled with the “little things” that are easily taken for granted.

pass-the-purse

Guests are invited to stop by Market Street Saloon, located at 32 N. Market Street, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m with their purse for a fun and festive evening of networking and dancing, all for a great cause.
Please see below for a list of suggested items to include in the purse:

    • Toothbrush
    • Toothpaste
    • Hair Comb/Brush
    • Ponytail Holders
    • Nail file and Clippers
    • Q-Tips or Cotton Balls
    • Maxipads / Tampons / Panty Liners
    • Lotion
    • Deodorant
    • Soap
    • Washcloth
    • Hygiene Wipes (diaper wipes)
    • Mini Hand Sanitizer
    • Hard Candy or Gum
    • Inspiration Books
    • Fun Small Gift

Purses can be gently used but the contents inside must be new. Travel size items are acceptable.For more information about Pass The Purse and how to help, please visit the Facebook event page.

Charleston Restaurant News

Halls Chophouse Named #4 Best Restaurant in America

December 5, 2015

The honors just keep rolling in for Halls Chophouse! OpenTable diners have voted them the #4 Best Restaurant in America. It was the only restaurant in South Carolina to make the cut.

halls-chophouse-best-in-america

“We are thrilled and humbled to be recognized by our loyal OpenTable diners,” states restaurant Owner Bill Hall. “We look forward to continuing to provide our guests with exceptional cuisine and hospitality, in addition to debuting a number of new and exciting offerings on the horizon for 2016.”

Charleston, SC Restaurant Reviews

Vincent Chicco’s

December 4, 2015

Vincent Chicco’s is one of seemingly 1,000 Italian restaurants in Charleston (and no I’m not counting Olive Garden in that list, sorry). I remember hearing a lot about VC’s when it was first being constructed, but I recently realized that I didn’t actually know anyone who’d ever eaten there. Since it’s my job to tell y’all about food, I went in and got the scoop (and like 4 bowls of pasta, don’t judge me).

Look at that sexy brickwork.

Look at that sexy brickwork.

Because I think eating Italian food without bread should be illegal, I started the meal with the bruschetta (House Focaccia Bread, Local Tomatoes, Baby Arugula, Olive Oil, Goat Cheese, Basil, $10). Speaking of things that should be illegal, I think this is the best bruschetta I’ve ever had. The bread was that great consistency where it’s nice and crunchy on the outside, but soft and gluteny on the inside. The tomatoes and goat cheese were locally sourced, while the olive oil was imported from the Motherland. Note: if you aren’t a fan of goat cheese, you might want to go with a different app, because they don’t skimp on that creamy goodness when it comes to their bruschetta.

I'm not sure there's anything better than cheese on bread.

I’m not sure there’s anything better than cheese on bread.

Next up was the Roman Artichokes (Roasted Shallots, Heirloom Tomatoes, Castelvetrano Olives, Micro Herbs, $9), which were fantastic. The waiter made a point to tell me that the olives and artichokes were both imported from a tiny town in Italy that the chef picked out specifically because they produce the best quality of both veggies. I love how well they balance local ingredients with those imported directly from Italy. The artichokes were marinated and basically melted in your mouth without any of that chewiness that I’m used to from the artichokes on the Harris Teeter olive bar. I’m usualy meh about olives, but these were fantastic. Give me a bowl of these, and I’d eat ’em like popcorn.

lll

But that would be really gross to have at the movies.

The Masami Wagyu (Pickled Peppers, Capers, Parmesan Tuile, Sun Dried Tomato Aioli, Dried Olives, Heirloom Tomatoes, Ciabatta Toast, $11) was a cool take on a carpaccio, but it was a much thicker cut of meat, which was interesting. It was a little on the chewy side, so I was glad they gave us the crunchy ciabatta toast to add a little more texture to each bite. The sun dried tomato aioli was so good, you could put it on an old piece of shoe and call it a gourmet meal.

But please don't ask me to do follow through with that statement.

But please don’t ask me to do follow through with that statement.

I’m a fan of every cheese that’s ever existed, and the Housemade Burrata (Served With Roasted Tomatoes, Saba, Aged Balsamic, Marinated Olives, $9) was no different. It’s basically described as “cheese-stuffed cheese,” like a cross between mozzarella and brie, it was super creamy and paired extremely well with the roasted tomatoes and aged balsamic vinegar.

Taking back my earlier statement. Cheese-stuffed-cheese is better than bread and cheese.

Taking back my earlier statement. Cheese-stuffed-cheese is better than bread and cheese.

The menu at Vincent Chicco’s for entrees is split between Italian American favorites like Chicken Parmesan (Topped With Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese, Served Over Spaghetti & House Tomato Sauce) and dishes that are a little more authentically Italian like the Veal Saltimbocca (Fresh Sage, Mozzarella, Prosciutto Di Parma, Fettucini, $24). Obviously I wanted to be a little more authentic, so I ordered solely off the Italian side. The Veal Saltimbocca was delicious, but a bit heavy on the sage, so be prepared for that.

veal

Take my sage advice. (Man, I’m so funny).

Ever since watching the first episode of Chef’s Table, I’ve been kind of obsessed with Cacio e Pepe (Spaghetti With Pecorino Toscano, Parmesan Cheese, Cracked Pepper, Topped With A Parmesan Tuile, $19) and Vincent Chicco’s version was pretty great. Even though the sauce is essentially just cheese and butter, it was very light and totally delish. Kind of like a grown up version of mac and cheese.

Like alfredo, but way better.

Like alfredo, but way better.

I think the Lamb Sugo (Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder Bolognese Style, Tagliatelle Pasta, House Ricotta & Lavender Mint, $19) was my favorite of all the pastas I tried. It kind of tasted like a deconstructed lasagna, if I had to compare it to anything. The house ricotta was superb and the lavender mint was a cool element that I wasn’t really expecting. It made this dish very unique and is a dish I’m sure to order again on my next visit.

ggg

That lavender mint, though.

Even though there was literally no more room in my stomach, I decided to order the Tiramisu (Espresso Rum Soaked Italian Lady Fingers Mascarpone Cream, $9) to be able to give a well-rounded review. I was not expecting it to come out covered in chocolate and cappuccino anglaise sauce, but I was really thankful for it, because it was totally yummy. I think if you’re a tiramisu purist, you might not be a fan, but if you love dessert in general, this is a definite win.

I'm drooling.

I’m drooling.

I also couldn’t pass up trying the Zeppole (Italian Donuts, Vanilla Sugar, Shaved Chocolate, Cappuccino Anglaise, $9), which were basically mini funnel cakes. They were so damn good. If you have a soul, you will like the zeppole.

Hello, Italian donuts. Where have you been all of my life?

Hello, Italian donuts. Where have you been all of my life?

Vincent Chicco’s is hidden in the alley between Rue de Jean and the Charleston Music Hall and is connected to Michael’s on the Alley by way of Victor’s Social Club. It’s a little hidden gem in Charleston, and I highly recommend you check it out!

That brickwork is even sexier at night.

That brickwork is even sexier at night.

Vincent Chicco's Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Charleston Restaurant News

Merry Beary Christmas at Bay Street Biergarten

December 2, 2015

On Friday Dec. 4, 2015 from 8pm – 2am, Bay St Biergarten will be kicking off the holiday season with their annual Merry Beary Christmas party complete with DJ Rehab spinning Christmas mashups, a Tacky Sweater contest, and more.

Merry Beary Christmas

DJ Rehab will be spinning Christmas mashups all night long as you enjoy drink specials, like $5 Egg Nog and Cider, plus a Christmas Beer special.

The thing I’m most excited about: tacky sweater contest with a $50 grand prize.

Plus, bring a new, unwrapped toy donation for Toys for Tots and get $5 bier bucks!