Taste Spring 2012

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CONTENTS FALL ISSUE • 2011

FEATURES 8

TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Fishing For Great Seafood?

12 PATTY’S PIG ‘N’ PIT Don’t Let The Name Fool You.

18 CRANFORD & SONS Toe-Tappin’ Tunes.

26 HILTON HEAD HOSPITALITY PROFILE Lauren Thompson Of Wild Wing Cafe.

36 WHERE THE LOCALS DINE OUT A Date With John Farrell, Head Professional At Harbour Town Golf Links.

42 FRESH AND LOCAL Spring Fishing, Straight From The Sea To The Skillet.

46 HILTON HEAD ISLAND WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL It’s Back And It’s Big.

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52 THAI CUISINE A Harmony Of Flavors.

60 IN THE KITCHEN With Owner And Chef Ardis Matthews Of Tapas Restaurant.

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

10 A TASTE OF DINNER 48 A TASTE OF LUNCH 62 A TASTE OF BREAKFAST/BRUNCH 65 A TASTE OF NIGHTLIFE/LOUNGES 72 A TASTE OF ENTERTAINMENT/SERVICES 74 ADVERTISING DIRECTORY/MAP

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PUBLISHERS NOTE

What a difference a year makes. At this time last year we were coming out of one of the worst winters I can remember. Day after day of cold weather doesn’t exactly put people in the best of moods, especially when the vast majority of people are here to escape it whether on a permanent or temporary basis. Twelve months ago we also were in the midst of searching for a title sponsor for the Heritage golf tournament and to be honest, there was a lot of uncertainty if 2011 would be the grand finale. Then there was the economy which wasn’t exactly churning ahead. All in all it was a scenario that was better left in the past tense.

Fast forward to the spring of 2012 and things seem to be much more positive and stable. We are definitely on an upward swing. We are coming out of one of the mildest winters in history and RBC has signed on for five years as the title sponsor of The Heritage golf tournament.

Are we finally shaking off the doldrums of a bad economy? Most experts would say not yet, but here on the island things sure seem to be headed in the right direction. With so many plusses in our column, it is easy to see why our hotels and condos are filling faster and our restaurants and shops are busier.

Spring is the official kick off of the “season” every year and with it comes a combination of all things that make Hilton Head a great place to be. As the weather warms up and the visitors return, there is no shortage of things to keep both tourists and locals entertained. In March, the Wine and Food Festival returns for its 27th year and features wine tasting, fantastic food, live entertainment and a silent auction. If wings are more your thing, don’t miss the 17th annual Wingfest. Held at Shelter Cove Community Park, this one-day event served up over 6,000 pounds of wings last year and is always a family favorite.

In April, don’t miss the The RBC Heritage golf tournament. The tournament brings the best golfers from around the world right into our backyard and is a combination of amazing golf and one big cocktail party.

So celebrate all the positives this spring and enjoy all Hilton Head has to offer. Visit our wonderful festivals and events, recreate on our fabulous golf courses and gorgeous beaches, and eat hearty at our world class restaurants.

We are certainly in no short supply of events and places to keep your body active and your belly full.

TASTE OF HILTON HEAD VOLUME VII, ISSUE 1 PUBLISHER David Mudwilder ART DIRECTOR Kim Bowen CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Rob Kaufman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stephanie Ingersoll Louise Lund Risa Williams McMillan DISTRIBUTION Bryan Kirby

TASTE OF HILTON HEAD 3 Cardinal Court #572 Hilton Head Is., SC 29926 (843) 384-2014 mud@atasteofhiltonhead.com

ABOUT THE COVER David Mudwilder

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Colorful and tasty, Sushi from Asian Bistro is sure to please any palate.

Photography by Rob Kaufman.

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Fishing for great seafood?

Try Topside Waterfront Restaurant in The Sea Pines Resort.

BY STEPHANIE INGERSOLL • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

There is certainly something fishy going on in the shadow of Harbour Town's famous striped lighthouse.

As the sun begins its sweet descent over Calibogue Sound each night, the music of wine glasses meeting in mid-air mingles with the aroma of fresh food and a feeling of contentment. All five senses come alive with the arrival of appetizers that tickle the taste buds and entrees delicious enough to compete with a breathtaking sunset.

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The philosophy behind the Topside is simple – combine the freshest seafood, in an innovative way while letting views of Calibogue Sound, Harbour Town’s 18th hole and the pier below provide entertainment.

“There are no other Hilton Head sunset views like this,” said Jeff Kruse, director of food and beverage operations at The Sea Pines Resort, which owns Topside. “The stunning sunset over Calibogue Sound with the Lighthouse Pier in the foreground, it is

truly one-of-a-kind.”

Resort Executive Chef Michael Ramey agrees.

“I believe it’s the most incredible piece of real estate on the island,” he said.

But there’s more to Topside than its beautiful second-story setting.

When deciding how to breathe new life into the restaurant about six years ago, the first step was to focus on the menu.

Forget gimmicks. The idea was not

to create a “theme” restaurant but let the food and how it’s cooked and served speak for itself.

“We realized we wanted a nonconvoluted approach to the innovative preparation of fresh seafood,” Ramey said. “The personality comes through on the plate.”

Each dish is cooked in a way that allows “nature to shine.”

Of course, diners have a lot to say about how their meals are prepared too. In addition to the regular menu, which changes throughout the year to reflect dishes that are in season, there is a Fresh Fish Market section that includes at least two other fish choices every day.

Customers can experiment with fresh new offerings when they are in season. That could mean cobia, wreck fish or barrel fish, among others.

“We have guests all the time that are able to try a fish they’ve never even had,” said restaurant chef Chad Vetter.

“I try to source mostly local species. I take pride in the freshness of the product and the variety.”

Once diners select a fish, shrimp or scallops from the Fresh Fish Market, they can decide how it’s prepared.

They can have their seafood grilled, blackened or sautéed and served with a variety of sauces including pineapple salsa, green tomato chow chow, spicy lump crab cream, salsa verde, citrus

butter or citrus-tomato jus.

Entrees are served with a choice of Yukon mashed potato, Southwestern rice, creamy cheddar grits, roasted fingerling potato or sweet potato fries.

Other menu selections include crispy fried whole flounder, shrimp and grits and passion fruit BBQ‘d salmon.

There are chicken and steak dinners, pasta and vegetarian offerings, along with a variety of salads, appetizers, crab bisque and Lowcountry gumbo.

There are “Small Plates with Big Flavors,” including petite servings of shrimp and grits, Far East salmon, twin scallops and beef tenderloin taquitos.

Small plates range from $12 to $13. Entrees range from about $18 to

$30. Popular appetizers include the fried green tomato stack with fresh Lump Crab meat or the seared scallops with hoe cakes and peach relish.

Calamari, crab cakes and pecan crusted chicken fritters round out the appetizers.

There is also a dessert menu with key lime pie, chocolate lava cake a la mode, baby carrot cake and bourbon pecan pie.

Topside offers more than 120 wines, 40 by the glass, and has earned the 2011 Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence”. In addition, diners have access to a full bar and coffee, tea, espresso and cappuccino are available.

The atmosphere is inviting but casual, a perfect spot for couples seeking a romantic dinner, families, tourists and golfers. There is even access for boaters.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Just call (843) 842-1999, visit their website at seapines.com/dining, or opentable.com.

Those who haven’t visited the Topside in the past five or six years, might be surprised by some of the changes they find.

Those who come back, often will return again and again.

“The focus of what we do here is a superior dining experience,” Kruse said.

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A TASTE OF DINNER

ALEXANDER’S

ASIAN BISTRO

Located at 76 Queens Folly Rd. in Palmetto Dunes.

Outstanding menu featuring fresh seafood, great steaks, lobster, creative salads and chef prepared desserts. Dine in our lovely dining room or on our enclosed porch overlooking the picturesque lagoon. Vintage Harleys and an extensive wine list. Serving dinner nightly from 5 until 10 p.m.

Call (843) 785-4999.

Located at 51 New Orleans Rd., just off the Sea Pines circle.

Sleek contemporary style restaurant offering Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine as well as a nice selection of dim sum choices. A sushi bar, traditional bar and an all-you-caneat buffet (lunch only) highlight this magnificent Asian fusion location. Happy hour nightly from 5 until 8 p.m. and carry out is also available. Serving continuously from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. Call (843) 686-9888.

A LOWCOUNTRY BACKYARD Located at 32 Palmetto Bay Road in the Village Exchange.

Capture the true essence of the island while enjoying local and regional inspired cuisine featuring owner Dave and Raina Peck’s family recipes. Choose from Potato chip meatloaf, Charleston fried green tomato sandwich, shrimp & grits, the Bischick and a wide selection of other lowcountry favorites.

Dine in or outside in the comfortable backyard. Experience the island, love the food! Serving breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-YARD (9273) or visit us online at www.hhbackyard.com.

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AUNT CHILADAS EASY STREET CAFE Located at 69 Pope Avenue. Enjoy fantastic food and good times with your friends. Featuring the best Steaks on the Island, Authentic Mexican fare, Momma Reilleys famous Italian cuisine, all-you-can eat Crab Legs and much more. Full bar with daily happy hour and kid’s menu available. Serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 785-7700.

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Patty’s

Pig ‘N’ Pit

Don’t let the name fool you.

BY STEPHANIE INGERSOLL PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Sure, Patty’s Pig ‘N’ Pit has southern pulled pork barbeque, ribs that fall off the bone and wings that might leave diners a little bit sticky.

But don’t expect plastic checkered tablecloths, paper napkins or a smoky atmosphere. This “Smoquehouse and Grill,” comes with white tablecloths, a soothing atmosphere and saucy but friendly service with a choice of wines, beers and cocktails. And flowers, of course.

It’s a place to pig out, with class.

“We just wanted to redefine the expectations of barbeque,” said Chef Richard Spine, who operates the restaurant with partner Patty Randazzo.

“There is no reason barbeque can’t be enjoyed in a nice, comfortable environment.”

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Spine and Randazzo, for whom Patty’s is named, opened the restaurant in the Courtyard Plaza in May 2011 but they are no strangers to the business or Hilton Head Island.

Spine lived on the island 30 years ago and was the corporate chef at the Old Fort Pub and Skull Creek Marina before moving on to help open the InterContinental Hotel, which is now the Port Royal Westin. He then traveled around the country helping open other hotels. On vacations he returned to Hilton Head, where his father has a home off South Forest Beach.

He was the corporate chef for one of the nation’s largest food service distributors when he first met Randazzo. She was opening a

restaurant with partners and went to him to consult about the menu, food preparations and to generate ideas for the business.

“As they say, I guess the rest is history,” he said.

Six years later, Station 43 is still popular in Ohio and has doubled in size. But even after the menu was polished, the two still had plenty of personal and professional business to attend to. Randazzo went to work for the same company as Spine and eventually the couple decided they wanted to open their own restaurant together.

Over the past four years, they’ve often vacationed on Hilton Head Island. Both love the water and even compete in international sailboat races.

They decided Hilton Head would be a perfect location for their new endeavor, especially when the restaurant, formerly home to Stripes, became available.

As a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and with his background dishing up all sorts of foods, they next had to decide what type of fare to serve. They considered French cuisine, but felt the Lowcountry needed something different. Besides, the Italian Randazzo, who manages the front of the restaurant laughs that she just isn’t fluent in French.

They decided barbeque fit the bill.

“The people who do barbeque here do a good job, but it’s just not the same as ours,” Spine said.

The difference comes from the way Patty’s barbequed goodies are prepared. He uses four different woods to smoke various products. And customers get to sauce their own food, choosing from six house made varieties. There is South Carolina Mustard Sauce, Auntie JD’s Bourbon Sauce, Ancho Sauce, Kansas City Sweet Sauce, Kansas City Spicy Sauce or North Carolina Vinegar.

Patty’s offers two kinds of ribs, St. Louis Style or Baby Back Ribs.

Other popular entrees include the Smoky Brisket Platter, smoked chicken and even Chicken ‘N’ Waffles.

Wings are another specialty, never fried, but smoked and grilled before being sauced by customers.

The menu also includes salads, stuffed potatoes, smoked seafood, burgers, sandwiches, soups and appetizers, along with a variety of side dishes. For dinner, all entrees are served with a little bit of collard greens, sweet potato tater tots, cole slaw, corn bread and a side of the diner’s choosing.

“We’re trying to bring value to the table with lots of good food,” Spine said.

A children’s menu , takeout and catering are also available.

Since opening, the restaurant has gathered a legion of followers, who come back time after time. The first experience is usually not what they expect. Customers with flip flops or those out on a nice date should feel equally at home.

“They’re surprised as soon as they open the door,” Randazzo said. “They say, ‘You call this a barbeque place?’”

But they don’t leave disappointed, Spine said.

“In their minds, they think paper towels on the tables and picnic table cloths,” he said. “What we wanted to convey is it’s fun. It’s upscale, but it’s still fun.”

Prices range from $8 for a pulled pork sandwich to $28 for a Delmonico steak. For under $4, diners can get a small side salad or cup of chili. Burgers with French fries are available for about $10.

The restaurant has a full bar, several flat screen TVs, 20 bottled beers with four on draft and a variety of white, red and sparkling wines.

But don’t rely on a GPS to get you there. While people never complain about the food or value, many have lamented how difficult Patty’s is to find, with GPS systems sending them almost anywhere else, Spine said.

Patty’s Pig ‘N’ Pit is located at 32 Office Park Road on Hilton Head, across from the entrance to Park Plaza and not far from the Sea Pines main gate. For directions or to place an order for pick up, call (843) 842-5555.

The restaurant is open at 11 a.m, Monday thru Saturday. A daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. includes halfprice appetizers and $2 draft beers.

Randazzo said business is growing as word of mouth spreads.

“It’s been really good,” she said.

“Everyone who comes in comes back and brings their family and friends.”

That following is rewarding, Spine said.

“It’s organic growth,” he said.

“People will come back almost immediately and then share it with other people.”

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THE BIG BAMBOO CAFE Located upstairs in Coligny Plaza, Oceanside. A 1940’s themed restaurant with reasonable prices and huge portions.

Our extensive menu features steaks, ribs, seafood, pasta, burgers, salads, sandwiches, pizza and more. Great early bird specials from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Also, check out our 2 for Tuesday specials. Fantastic kid’s menu available. Enjoy popcorn on the house with your favorite beverage from our full bar. Serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and dinner from 3:30 until 10 p.m., Monday thru Saturday.

Call (843) 686-3443.

BRITISH OPEN PUB Located in The Village at Wexford, Sheridan Park and Sun City. Authentic English fare served in an attractive pub-style atmosphere with golf art, memorabilia, and the only bar by Titleist. Great nightly specials including BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Prime Rib, Live Lobster, Fish and Chips, 1/2 lb. Angus Burgers, Lobster Pot Pie and more. Full bar, extensive wine list and beers, ales and stouts from around the world. Kid’s menu available. Serving daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Sunday Brunch 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call Hilton Head (843) 686-6736, Bluffton 815-6736 or Sun City 705-4005.

Best Burger on the Island”. Great sandwiches, wings, soups, salads and more all served at the Island’s original sports bar.

Catch a game on one of our 35 TV’s, play NTN Buzztime Trivia,shoot pool at one of the six pool tables or try your luck at one of the video games. Full bar and take-out available. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m. Call (843) 686-POOL (7665).

CAPTAIN JOHN’S GALLEY AT THE SALTY DOG CAFE Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Enjoy seafood right out of the ocean and onto your plate while overlooking beautiful Braddock’s Cove. The legendary captain serves up fresh seafood, steaks, pasta and more in this fun, nautical atmosphere. Early bird dining special, 10% off from 5 until 6:30 p.m. Full bar and kid’s menu available. Call (843) 671-CAFE (2233) for seasonal hours.

CAPTAIN WOODY’S Located in Palmetto Bay Marina off Helmsman Way and in Bluffton at the Calhoun Street Promenade. A local favorite for 30 years! Great seafood and more in a casual atmosphere overlooking Palmetto Bay Marina. Serving a wide variety of fresh seafood, great signature sandwiches (Grouper melt &

CALLAHAN’S SPORTS BAR & DELUXE GRILL Located at 49 New Orleans Road. Voted “Best Pub Food and

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Po Boy’s), soups and salads all at affordable prices. Dine inside or on the patio. Open daily from 11 a.m. til 10 p.m., bar until late. Call (843) 785-2400 or 757-6222 or online at www.captainwoodys.com.

CAROLINA CAFÉ Located at the Westin Resort & Spa in Port Royal Plantation.

Southern hospitality is alive and delicious at the Carolina Café where warm smiles and the island’s best seafood buffet are sure to please locals and visitors alike. Casual, fun and unique, the Café features all day dining. Open daily for dinner from 5:30 until 10 p.m. Call (843) 681-4000.

CATCH 22 FRESH SEAFOOD & GRILL Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. Serving the freshest and best seafood along with USDA prime steaks, pasta, chops and the best bone-in filet. Fantastic specials and delicious menu choices make us a favorite with locals and visitors alike. For Early Bird specials call for hours and reservations. Happy Hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. daily. Open daily for dinner from 5 p.m. Call (843) 785-6261.

CASEY’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. Offering a full menu for the hearty and healthy appetite. Great Buffalo wings, roast beef on weck, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and more. An awesome sports atmosphere with over 40 TV’s and a great collection of sports memorabilia. Full bar and fantastic happy hour. Open daily from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Call (843) 785-2255.

CHARLIE’S L’ETOILE VERTE Located at 8 New Orleans Rd., just off Hwy. 278. The only restaurant on the Island that writes its entire menu daily based on the freshest local seafood available. Our epicurean dinner menu offers an array of Fresh Fish, Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon and many other delights. Our wine list, The Best of Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence”, offering half off all bottles of wine under $100 on Monday nights. Patio seating now available. Serving dinner Monday thru Saturday from 5:30 p.m. and lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Smoke-free bar and private parties are accepted.

Call (843) 785-9277 for reservations or online at www.charliesgreenstar.com.

THE CHART HOUSE (Formally Charley’s Crab) Located at Two Hudson Rd., just off Squire Pope Rd. Serving up sensational food prepared by Executive Chef Eric Seaglund, accompanied by spectacular waterviews of the Intracoastal waterway and extraordinary service. The expansive menu features fresh fish, pristine seafood, succulent steaks, Lowcountry specialties and an extensive collection of fine wines and decadent desserts. (continued on page 20) 16

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Cranford & Sons TOE-TAPPIN’ TUNES

TASTE: Tell me about you and your music.

JOHN: Music has always been in the water for me. I come from a community in Wisconsin that has produced some great musicians. Before I could talk, my dad used to ride me around in his Grand Am and play cassettes of bands like BB King and Van Morrison. I could sing before I could talk.

TASTE: What is it about your music that makes it so fun to listen to?

JOHN: I am by no means a shredder, but I play old guitar and make it my own. We will play anything from blues to Hank Williams. I will take a Hank Williams song and turn it into minor chords and make it grittier. On any given night I will have 4 guitars on stage with different tunings. I’ll have one for playing blues, one folk, one with open tuning. I do a lot of slide guitar. Our music is dirtier, earthier, muddier. They call it Southern Stomp or Foot Stomp or Swamp Stomp. Take your pick.

TASTE: Who are your “Sons”?

JOHN: We have a fiddle player and a bass. I used to have to see who was available to play when I had a gig lined up, so I would play with a lot of different people. I walked into Big Bamboo one night and the owner said, “Here come Cranford & Sons.” The name just stuck and so has the band.

BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLIAN • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

TASTE sat down with John Cranford, lead singer and guitarist of Cranford & Sons, to explore his success as a musician and the appeal of his down-home, foot-stompin’ band.

TASTE: How did you get to Hilton Head?

JOHN: My family has always had a place here so we used to come for vacation. Two years ago, I finished a contract I had with a hotel up north and my mom told me to come down 18

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and explore my prospects on Hilton Head. I followed her advice and never left.

TASTE: Is music your vocation or your passion?

JOHN: Both. I have been fortunate enough to make a full time career out of music. When I’m not performing, I run a recording/promotional company called Swampfire Records. We are building a studio, but right now we do more promotional stuff for local bands.

TASTE: What’s next?

JOHN: Hilton Head is a great home base, but we look forward to branching out. We have upcoming gigs lined up in Columbia, St Augustine, Jacksonville, and Charlotte.

Locally, you can see Cranford & Sons at The Smokehouse. Cranford also plays periodically at a number of other local establishments including Wild Wing Café and Big Bamboo.

For more information and their upcoming schedule visit www.reverbnation.com/cranfordandsons.

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Relax on the expanded contemporary patio. Open for lunch and dinner daily, as well as Sunday Brunch. Happy hour offered daily from 4 until 7 p.m. Call (843) 342-9066 or online at www.chart-house.com. Reservations are recommended.

COCO’S ON THE BEACH Located at the end of the boardwalk at Hilton Head Resort mile marker 7 or on the beach at beach marker 94A Singleton Beach. Just steps from the beach with a spectacular ocean view. Coco’s is an authentic beach bar and grill with a casual friendly atmosphere; your place for island enjoyment. Unwind ocean side in the Carolina sun with one of the largest selections of Beer, Rum, Tequila and the best Margarita’s on the Island. Coco’s grill menu offers something for the entire family. Live entertainment Friday’s 6-9 p.m. Visit our website at Cocosonthebeach.com or become a fan of Coco’s on Facebook. Call for seasonal hours. For directions and information, Call (843) 842-2626 (COCO).

CONROY’S Located in The Marriott Resort and Spa in Palmetto Dunes.

A unique experience awaits you in this fine dining restaurant named after the famous author. Offering the best of taste and textures so revered in the Lowcountry with each dish prepared with creativity and flair by our sous chef. Award winning crab cakes, and the best she-crab soup and lobster mac and cheese on the island. Amazing ocean views and relaxing atmosphere will take your breath away. Serving dinner nightly from 5 until 10 p.m., early bird from 5 until 6:30 p.m. Call (843) 686-8499.

CORKS WINE BAR Located South Island in the Publix Shopping Center next to Staples and Old Towne Bluffton in the Calhoun Street Promenade. The Lowcountry’s only neighborhood wine bar where class meets comfort in a warm, friendly and fun atmosphere. Offering wines by the glass, bottle, flight and porron. Gourmet ‘Big’ small plates made from fresh, local and organic ingredients and a full selection of spirits and American craft beers. Great happy hour specials from 4 until 6 p.m. daily. Open Monday thru Saturday from 4 p.m. until midnight. Catch us online at www.corkswinecompany.com.

CRANE’S TAVERN STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD Located at 26 New Orleans Rd. A family tradition of excellence in quality and value for over 100 years. The destination for steak and seafood lovers offering all USDA Prime Grade beef, including our Famous Prime Rib. Fresh selection of seafood, pastas, soups and salads as well as

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tantalizing desserts. Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” for a wine list comprised of over 500 selections. AAA Three diamond award. Early dining menu from 5 to 6 p.m. and great bar menu available. Serving dinner daily from 5 p.m.

Reservations suggested. Call (843) 341-2333.

on the island. Featuring Fresh Catch Seafood, Angus Steaks and Italian Creations. Extensive boutique wine collection and fantastic cocktails. Open daily for dinner from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Call (843) 785-3030 or online at www.elasgrille.com.

FLATBREAD GRILL CRAZY CRAB Located in Harbour Town in Sea Pines and Hwy. 278 on Jarvis Creek. Fresh local seafood served in two picturesque settings on the water. Casual dining and great family fun.

Enjoy local seafood favorites prepared anyway you like. Kid’s menu available. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

Call (843) 363-2722 or 681-5021.

THE DRYDOCK SEAFOOD GRILL & SPIRITS Located at 21 Office Park Rd. in the Sapelo building. Go where the locals go for fresh seafood, cold drinks and good times. Choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, signature sandwiches, salads and more in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. Dine inside or enjoy the outdoor deck and bar.

Open 7 days for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m.

Call (843) 842-9775.

ELA’S BLU WATER GRILLE

Located at Coligny Circle oceanside in the Beach Market Center. This upscale casual dining sensation is sure to be a favorite of both visitors and locals. Choose from Neopolitan pizza, fresh pasta, fajitas, steak, salmon, gourmet salads, or hearty sandwiches all cooked in our open hearth oven.

Hang out in our friendly lounge and enjoy a nice selection of appetizers and cocktails while viewing your favorite sporting event on our HDTV’s. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner. Call (843) 341-2225 or online at www.flatbreadgrillhhi.com.

THE FROSTY FROG CAFÉ Located in Coligny Plaza, next to the Art Café. A comfortable, casual atmosphere offering a “web-footed lickin” menu and an enormous amount of frozen daiquiris by the glass or by the gallon. Our menu features a wide array of selections including our 10 oz. and 20 oz. Certified black angus burger, crab cakes, pizza, prime rib sandwich, salads, subs, wraps,

Located at Shelter Cove Harbour. One of Hilton Head’s newest dining sensations offers some of the best water views

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COOKING CLASSES

AND

D E M O N S T R AT I O N S H E L D W E E K LY

IN

OUR

TUSCAN INSPIRED CULINARY CENTER Serving Dinner Monday - Saturday beginning at 5:15 p.m.

Orleans Plaza, 37 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island

8 4 3 . 7 8 5 . 6 2 7 2 Call or visit our website for Details W W W. M I C H A E L - A N T H O N Y S . C O M

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If you enjoy excellent food at reasonable prices, personal service, a comfortable setting highlighting local artwork, reservations instead of waiting in line, You should dine with us at Catch 22

Early Dining March - May

5 - 6:15 p.m. $16.95 Glass of wine, salad & choice of 7 menu entrees PLEASE CALL FOR RESERVATIONS

Catch 22 Specials

Sun., Mon., Tues. & Wed. 2 1/2 lb Crab Legs Special $29.95 Thurs. Slow Roasted USDA Prime Rib $23 & $29 “Most Innovative Menu” – Hilton Head Monthly

“Catch 22’s Bone-On Filet is the BEST STEAK on Hilton Head Island”

USDA PRIME STEAKS & FRESH SEAFOOD

Consistently Voted one of Hilton Head’s Top 3 Restaurants

785-6261 A Sampling of Catch 22’s Menu Items …

Almond Encrusted Tilapia Crispy Roasted Half Duck • Cracked Pepper Tuna • Pan-seared Jumbo Scallops Eggplant Napoleon • Chicken Cordon Blue Pork Saltimbocca • Tarragon Grilled Ribeye Seafood Pasta • Lump Crab Cake Char-Braised Short Ribs The Catch 22 Surf & Turf (A few menu items will change seasonally).

Reservations Suggested • Evenings from 5:00 pm • 1/4 mile from the Sea Pines Circle, Orleans Plaza, New Orleans Rd (The Road behind McDonalds)

Complimentary Brushetta or Southern Fried Pickles Appetizer Present your KEY and receive with dinner. (Limited to one appetizer per table) Not to be combined with any other discounts including Early Dining.

appetizers and of course fried frog legs. 22 HD TV’s for great sports viewing and NTN Trivia is also available as well as a kid’s menu. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m.

Call (843) 686-FROG (3764) or online at www.frostyfrog.com.

HARBOURSIDE BURGERS & BREWS Located in Harbour Town, near wonderful Harbour Town shops, this seasonal open-air café offers a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the Harbour Town Yacht Basin and specializes in tasty refreshments, such as the Sunset Margarita, and light casual fare. Call (843) 842-1444, seapines.com/dining.

HARBOUR TOWN GRILL Located at the Harbour Town Golf Links Clubhouse, this “Tuscan steakhouse,” a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” winner, features wonderful steaks, delicious pastas, sides, desserts, a children’s menu and early bird value menu.

Open daily to the public for dinner. Reservations suggested: (843) 363-8380, opentable.com, or seapines.com/dining.

HINOKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR Located at 37 New Orleans Road in New Orleans Plaza.

Enjoy traditional Japanese dishes such as grilled fish, chicken and steak, suki yaki, a variety of noodle dishes, tempura,

daily specials, plus sushi and sashimi. The very extensive menu includes dozens of appetizers, several kinds of broiled fish, salads and over 20 entrees from which to choose. Three intimate dining rooms, a sushi bar and a cocktail lounge offers something for everyone. Early Bird specials and takeout available. Open for dinner 5:30 until 10:00 p.m., Monday thru Saturday and lunch, 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Call (843) 785-9800 for reservations.

HUDSON’S SEAFOOD ON THE DOCKS Located on the Intracoastal Waterway off Squire Pope Rd. Celebrating over 30 years, Hudson’s is one of the Island’s most recognized landmarks. Featuring fresh seafood from our docks to your table, as well as pasta, steaks, chicken and more. Fabulous waterfront dining and spectacular sunsets all in a comfortable atmosphere. Kid’s menu available. Featured on the Food Network “Best of Hilton Head Island” and “$40 a day”. Open daily from 11 a.m. Call (843) 681-2772.

IL CARPACCIO Located in Pineland Station. Enjoy highly regarded, authentic cuisines from Northern Italy in a casual, attractive atmosphere overlooking the duck pond. Savor original Italian pizza cooked in our brick oven, specialties made to order and (continued on page 28)

Premium Golfer's Pub, est. 1998

Just a Sampling SANDWEDGES Lobster Roll, Grouper Melt, Angus Burgers, Wexford Rubens FROM THE GREEN Pub Lobster Salad, Chef Salad, Cobb Salad, Hogan Black & Blue BRITISH FARE Award winning Fish & Chips, Steak & Mushroom Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, Bangers & Mash, Liver & Onions PRESTWICK TABLE Driver Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Lobster Pot Pie, Orange Glazed Salmon, BBQ Ribs, NY Strip Lunch and Dinner daily 11 a.m. Until late Sunday Brunch 9 a.m. Until 2 p.m.

Happy Hour Daily from 4 until 7 p.m.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, VILLAGE AT WEXFORD: 843.686.6736 BLUFFTON, SHERIDAN PARK: 843.815.6736 • SUN CITY: 843.705.4005 24

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Voted Islands Best Bar/Tavern and Best Fish & Chips 2010 & 2011.

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Lauren Thompson Of Wild Wing Cafe

BY LOUISE LUND • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Lauren Thompson, bartender extraordinaire at Wild Wing Cafe on Hilton Head, took time out of her busy day to sit down with TASTE to answer some questions about her likes and dislikes about the business and what has made her successful at what she does.

TASTE: How long have you been with Wild Wing Cafe?

LAUREN: I started at Wild Wing Cafe in 2001 as a hostess. I moved up to a server position, and then to bartending, which is my current position. I left Hilton Head to move to Maui in 2006, stayed there until 2010 when I moved back to the Island and returned to Wild Wing Cafe.

TASTE: What does it take to be successful at your job?

LAUREN: To be successful in this job, it is important to maintain a positive attitude. I still live by the notion that the customers are right and we appreciate their business! Being a good listener is also very crucial to being a good bartender.

TASTE: What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

LAUREN: I like to train in mixed martial arts at Riptide Mixed Martial Arts studio. I love to surf and I love to travel.

I love the beach for walking and reading. I like to sew and I like to paint.

And, last but not least, I like to shop!

TASTE: What do you like best about your job?

LAUREN: I like meeting new people and getting to know the regulars. I really appreciate working for owners that truly care about their employees; we all appreciate that! And, last but not least, I like being able to take vacations whenever I have an opportunity and somewhere to go, which makes me a better bartender.

TASTE: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

LAUREN: My dream job would be to design and make bikinis, and then travel the world selling them.

TASTE: What is the worst part about your job?

LAUREN: The worst part of my job is saying goodbye to the summer staff.

They come in for a few months and we have so much fun over the summer, and then they leave.

TASTE: What brought you to Hilton Head Island?

LAUREN: I grew up in North Augusta, South Carolina, and came to Hilton Head with my family for the summers. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in hospitality,

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and moved in with my sister who was living on Hilton Head and expecting her third child. She was on bed rest, and I helped take care of the other two children. I left the island in 2006 to move to Maui, and moved back here in 2010.

Lauren is at the bar at Wild Wing Cafe most evenings making everyone feel welcome and appreciated.

Whatever you want, she and the other staff will do their best to make it happen. And, you’re bound to find something exciting on the menu!

For directions or information, call (843) 785-9464.

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excellent choices of wine. Private party room available.

Reservations accepted and walk-ins welcome. Open Monday thru Saturday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 until. Call for reservations (843) 342-9949.

THE JAZZ CORNER Located in the "corner" of The Village at Wexford. Voted "Favorite Restaurant with Live Entertainment". Our intimate, elegant atmosphere is the perfect setting to enjoy an evening of worldclass entertainment enhanced by our innovative southern flavors menu and impeccable service. The Jazz Corner offers a signature martini menu, extensive wine list, full bar and late-night menu. Open nightly from 6 p.m.

Reservations are recommended. Call (843) 842-8620 or check us out online at www.thejazzcorner.com.

KENNY B’S CAJUN SEAFOOD HUT Located in Circle Center, just off Pope Avenue. Enjoy Creole cuisine with a Low country influence. Find an appealing choice of Cajun fare such as Shrimp Etoufee, Crawfish Etoufee, Jambalaya, N’awlins Po Boy’s, Red Beans & Rice and authentic Gumbos. Great soups and salads, as well as a kid’s menu and take-out service available. Also, cold beer and awesome desserts. Open Monday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday, 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Call (843) 785-3315.

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KINGFISHER SEAFOOD, PASTA, AND STEAK HOUSE Located at 18 Harbourside Ln. at Shelter Cove Harbour.

Newly remodeled restaurant offers affordable casual dining in a 5 star setting with breathtaking waterfront views from inside or on the outside deck. Early Bird from 4:30 until 6 p.m. Best Island Happy Hour from 4:30 until 7 p.m. featuring incredible drink and seafood specials. Live music and dancing with R&B from Alexander Newton on Wednesdays, classic soft rock with David Wingo on Thursdays, and jazz with Earl Williams on Fridays. Tableside magic shows on Sundays and Mondays. Call (843) 785-4442 for reservations and information or online at www.kingfisherseafood.com.

KURAMA JAPANESE SEAFOOD AND STEAK HOUSE SUSHI BAR Located at 9 Palmetto Bay Rd. Specializing in complete dinners, prepared at your Teppanyaki table in the Japanese tradition. Our well-trained chef’s serve a delicious combination of food and entertainment all in a charming Japanese setting. An extensive sushi bar serving tempting sushi and sashimi. Children’s menu, Early Bird specials and take-out available. Open daily for dinner from 4:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Call (843) 785-4955 for reservations. (continued on page 30)

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LAND’S END TAVERN Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Featuring great seafood, steaks, sandwiches and salads. A casual atmosphere with a pirate theme ensures fun for the whole family. Great kid’s menu and desserts. It’s a bounty of treasure waiting to be plundered. Serving all day, every day starting from 8 a.m.

Call (843) 671-5456 for seasonal hours.

MANGIAMO New location, 2000 Main Street next to the Main Street Inn. A comfortable and cozy atmosphere featuring outstanding pizza, subs, salads and pasta. Beer and wine, kid’s menu, and daily specials offer something for everyone.

Enjoy half price cheese pizza from 3 until 4 p.m. Dine inside, on the patio or take it to go. North Island delivery available.

Your home away from home for The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Open Sunday thru Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call (843) 682-2444.

MELLOW MUSHROOM Located in Park Plaza on Hilton Head and at 878 Fording Island Rd. in Bluffton. If you’re looking for a fun and lively place for the whole family, this is it. Specializing in great pizza and calzones, monumental hoagies and fresh salads all in a comfortable and casual setting. Kid friendly and affordably priced menu for both lunch and dinner. Over twenty-four

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beers on tap, fifty more by bottle and a full bar available.

Dine inside or outside in the courtyard. Open daily from 11 a.m. Call (843) 686-2474 or 706-0800.

MICHAEL ANTHONY’S Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. Offering classic Italian cuisine. Homemade gnocchi, succulent veal dishes and creative fish preparations are offered nightly. The versatile wine list offers a broad selection designed to satisfy the novice or seasoned enthusiast. Reservations are suggested. Weekly cooking classes offered in the Tuscan inspired demonstration kitchen. The adjacent Italian Market offers a wide array of Italian wines and gourmet foods. Open Monday thru Saturday beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call (843) 7856272 or visit www.michael-anthonys.com.

MURPHY’S IRISH PUB Located in Heritage Plaza off Pope Avenue. An Authentic Irish pub serving Fish & Chips, Cottage Pie, Bangers & Mash, Steak, Pasties, Sandwiches, Soups, Salads and more. Full bar with Guinness, Harp, Stella Artois and Smithwicks on tap plus imports and domestics by the bottle and wines by the glass.

Also, Irish coffees and desserts. Take-out and kid’s menu available. Call (843) 842-3448 for seasonal hours. (continued on page 32)

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OCEANS Located at the Westin Resort & Spa in Port Royal Plantation.

Enjoy the island’s finest seafood and oceanfront views at Oceans. Lowcountry style meets high cuisine in a casual, family friendly atmosphere. Catch up with friends over a bottle of wine or your favorite cocktail. Indoor and outdoor seating available. At Oceans, good times are as regular as the tide.

Call (843) 681-4000 for seasonal hours.

THE OLD OYSTER FACTORY Located on 101 Marshland Rd. Waterfront dining with expansive views of Broad Creek and beyond. Serving the Island’s best steaks and freshest seafood. Extensive wine menu and great service will guarantee a wonderful dining experience.

Children’s menu and large groups welcome. Serving dinner from 4:45 p.m., 7 nights a week. Call (843) 681-6040 or online at www.oldoysterfactory.com.

PANERA BREAD Located at 1012 William Hilton Parkway, just before the Sea Pines circle and Bluffton at Tanger 1 Outlet. With the skill of an Artisan, the heat of the oven and a few fine ingredients our bakers make bread that is simply delicious and baked fresh right here every day. Offering a wide selection of fantastic food including our signature sandwiches, hot paninis, delicious soups and signature salads. Catering also available. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Call (843) 686-3838 or 757-5611.

PATTY’S PIG ‘N’ PIT Located at 32 Office Park Rd. in the Courtyard Building, just before the Sea Pines gate. Succulent Wood Smoked BBQ featuring a variety of regional sauces. Hand-cut steaks, chops, and the finest fresh seafood and much more round out a delectable menu at the island’s newest must visit eatery. For the casual diner, sit at the comfortable bar or enjoy the patio.

Carry out and catering available. Serving lunch and dinner, Monday thru Staurday from 11 a.m. Call (843) 842-5555.

THE QUARTERDECK Head to Harbour Town’s legendary Quarterdeck, overlooking Calibogue Sound, to enjoy the island’s best sunsets, as well as light evening fare, such as the seared salmon burger. Live outdoor entertainment offered seasonally. Call (843) 842-1999, seapines.com/dining.

REDFISH On the corner of Palmetto Bay Rd. and Archer Rd. Serving Innovative Cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere.

Offering local seafood, steaks, salads and nightly specials.

Attached retail wine shop and bar with over 1,000 selections of fine wines. Outdoor seating available. Serving lunch Monday thru Saturday from 11:30 a.m. and dinner (continued on page 34) 32

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daily from 5 p.m. For more information call (843) 686-3388 or online at www.redfishofhiltonhead.com.

REILLEY’S Located in Reilley’s Plaza just off the Sea Pines Circle and Port Royal Plaza. An Island tradition since 1982. Featuring Beef Tenderloin, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Fish & Chips, Cottage Pie, Burgers, Salads and much more in a casual Island atmosphere. Dine inside or on our new patio. Full bar, extensive wine list, take-out and kid’s menu available. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 842-4414 or 681-4153 or online at www.reilleyshiltonhead.com.

SAGE ROOM Located at 81 Pope Avenue in Heritage Plaza. Enjoy fine dining in a casual atmosphere with unique appetizers, diverse cuisine and nightly innovative specials. Elegant palate pleasing fare is prepared in our open kitchen which highlights the restaurant. An extensive wine list, full bar and fantastic service, complete a perfect night out. Open for dinner Monday thru Saturday from 6 until 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Call (843) 785-5352 or check us out online at www.thesageroom.com.

THE SALTY DOG CAFE Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. The Island’s favorite outdoor café overlooks beautiful Braddock’s Cove and offers fantastic seafood and great beverages in a truly fun and casual atmosphere. Full menu available at Captain John’s Galley, Jake’s Pizza or try Kiwi’s Island Cookout (seasonal). For dessert, visit our ice cream shop or just sit back and enjoy our live entertainment. Offering something for the whole family.

Call (843) 671-CAFE (2233) for seasonal hours.

SAN MIGUEL’S MEXICAN CAFE Located at Harbourside III on Shelter Cove Harbour. Serving Hilton Head’s freshest Mexican food for over 25 years. Dine inside or out while enjoying breathtaking views of the marina.

Burrito’s, enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas, seafood and salads plus a full bar complete with the Island’s best margarita. Kid’s menu available. Serving dinner daily from 5 p.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Call (843) 842-4555.

SANTA FE CAFÉ Located at 807 William Hilton Parkway near the entrance to Palmetto Dunes. Our elegant yet casual, cozy atmosphere captures the spirit of New Mexico. Innovative southwestern cuisine features dinner favorites such as Tortilla Crusted Salmon, Wood Roasted Quail, Grouper, 30 oz. Ribeye and many more great selections including our all new vegetarian menu. Excellent wine list, imported beers and full bar. Takeout available. Reservations are “gladly” accepted. Open for (continued on page 40) 34

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SERVING THE FINEST WATERFRONT SUNSETS!

Fresh From our Docks to Your Table!

World Famous Waterfront Restaurant Established 1912

Featured on the Food Network “Best of Hilton Head Island” & “$40 a Day”.

Serving lunch & dinner everyday. Oyster Bar opens at 11 a.m. daily

Phone: 681-2772

Located just off Squire Pope Road on the Intracoastal Waterway. visit us on the web at www.hudsonsonthedocks.com ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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WHERE THE LOCALS DINE OUT

A Date With John Farrell Head Professional, Harbour Town Golf Links

BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLIAN PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

TASTE thought it would be fun to discover where some of our favorite Islanders go out to eat. For our first article on “Where the Locals Dine Out,” we chatted with the animated, athletic, and always cheerful John Farrell, Head Golf Professional at Harbour Town Golf Links. What does he know that our readers, local and visitor alike, do not?

TASTE: Before we talk food, let’s talk you. How did you get to Hilton Head?

JOHN: When I graduated from college in the 80’s, Hilton Head hosted all the major tours: LPGA in Moss Creek, Seniors in Shipyard, and PGA, the Heritage, in Sea Pines. If you were going to be in the golf business, there was no better place to be. My first job on the island was in Shipyard. I was in charge of making sure that the golf bags made it from the carts to the trunks without incident. I moved to the Ocean and Sea Marsh courses in ’89 and started in Harbour Town in 1991.

TASTE: What does it mean to you that the RBC Heritage golf tournament will be back?

JOHN: You know a lot of people come up to me all the time and say, “Congratulations!” I say to them: I am happy; I hope you are too. The most exciting thing about the golf tournament is that everyone benefits.

No one is exempt. Young, old,

spectator, volunteer, business owner… everyone participates and everyone wins. It’s like a religious holiday around here.

TASTE: So you’ve been on the island over 20 years. You must have some favorite places to eat. Where do you like to eat breakfast?

JOHN: The Harbour Town Bakery and Cafe where everything’s baked fresh daily. I love to sit outside. My favorite is the Fly Sandwich with sausage. You shouldn’t come to Hilton Head and not go there. My children love to go to the Sunrise Café for a special treat.

The chocolate chip pancakes and lowcarb omelets are always a hit.

TASTE: How about lunch?

JOHN: You have to eat the She Crab Soup at the Harbour Town Grill. I like to put a bit of tabasco in it. In season, I also like the Harbourside Burgers and Brews right on the water at the marina.

All of their fried seafood is great, as

well as the Soft Shell Crab Sandwich.

TASTE: Favorite dinner spot?

JOHN: The Topside Waterfront Restaurant has the best sunset on the island. Their servers are so good that you can just trust them with your order.

They will tell you what is right off the boat and then you can pick any way you want it prepared and any sauce. I want people to look across the table at my plate and say, “I want what he got.”

I guess that’s the competitor in me.

TASTE: Where do you take your wife for a romantic dinner?

JOHN: We go to the Harbour Town Grill and order Chateaubriand. It’s the best. For a fun night out and a special occasion we go to Catch 22. We can visit with friends in the bar area and then order up a chef’s special of whatever is fresh. It’s all about good friends and great food.

TASTE: Dinner with the kids?

JOHN: The Surfside Outdoor Restaurant & Bar. It’s right on the beach so you sit there with a five-star view and the menu is perfect. The kids can choose from a great kid-friendly menu and adults can order a nice piece of fish. After dinner, we go take a walk on the beach.

TASTE: How about casual dining with friends?

JOHN: That would be the Quarterdeck and the Reilley family restaurants. At the Quarterdeck, we sit outside, listen to the live music, watch the boats roll in, and order plates of oysters and shrimp. To not visit the Quarterdeck on a trip to Hilton Head would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. If you want to go somewhere with a group where everyone will find something they love, I suggest any of the Reilley restaurants--Reilley’s North and South, and Aunt Chiladas. They are family-run and they treat you like family.

It’s always a pleasure to go there.

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Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily.

FOR MORE INFORMATION call (843) 671-CAFE Fried Shrimp Ba sket from The Salty Dog Cafe

lmon from Margarita Sa the Salty Dog The Wreck of

Saturday, April Salty Dog Easte 7, 2012 r Egg Hunt

The Salty Dog is going Green by recycling, using environmentally friendly products and reducing our carbon “paw” print.

March 17, 2012 Annual Kid’s t Shamrock Hun

Crab Cake Sandwich fro m Land’s End.

Homem Sunda ade Ice Crea e s, S m At the oothie m, Shakes, Salty D og Cafe s & Mo • South re!

Beach Mar ina

e e of Paradis A Little Slic

2012 SPRING CALENDAR ANNUAL KID’S SHAMROCK HUNT: March 17 Hunt BEGINS at 10:00 am. Find four leaf clovers redeemable for free Salty Dog T-Shirts, prizes & treats. Jake the Salty Dog & kid’s entertainment 10 am - Noon. Plus, a special Irish lunch!

ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT: April 7 Prizes & candy for the kids from Jake & the Easter Bunny.

Face painting for the kids with children’s entertainment.

Hunt begins at 10 am and the fun lasts until noon!

THE SALTY DOG CAFE The Salty Dog is located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines and overlooks beautiful Braddock Cove. Live music and children's entertainment echo the sounds of family fun nightly during the season, while fresh seafood is served daily.

THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG The same delicious menu as The Salty Dog, but with a few extras.

Its casual waterfront dining boasts two bars with extraordinary views of Braddock Cove. If you're lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the dolphins feeding in the creek.

LAND’S END TAVERN Land's End Tavern offers something different than your standard seafood. Try some pizza and sandwiches that are sure to please.

The upstairs crow's nest ensures a bird's eye view of the marina where you can watch the charter boats float in and out as dolphins and wildlife feed in the creek.

www.saltydog.com 232 S. Sea Pines Dr. • Hilton Head Island, SC

dinner 7 nights a week from 5 p.m., and for lunch Monday thru Friday from 12 noon until 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-3838 or www.santafehhi.com.

SEA GRASS GRILLE Located at 807 Wm. Hilton Parkway in the Plantation Center, just outside the entrance to Palmetto Dunes Resort. Intimate yet casual dining. Chef owned and operated and a local favorite for over 8 years. Featuring fresh fish plus seasonal specialties like soft shell crabs, bluffton oysters, cobia and more. Also, Filet Mignon, Rack of Lamb, Veal Scallopini, Pasta, and Chops. An extensive wine list with over 50 by the glass. Gluten free friendly. Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and dinner from 6 p.m., Tuesday thru Thursday. Call (843) 785-9990 or visit us online at www.seagrassgrille.com.

THE SMOKEHOUSE Join us in our larger and newly renovated location at 34 Palmetto Bay Rd. Serving up award-winning ribs and BBQ, our new expanded menu offers even more outstanding choices including fresh cut steaks, fantastic seafood, sandwiches, salads and a great selection of appetizers. Enjoy the large covered out-door deck complete with brick fireplace or sit at the expanded bar and enjoy an ice cold brew. Kids menu, convenient take-out and catering available.

Serving continuously from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call (843) 842-4BBQ (4227) or visit us at smokehousehhi.com.

STEAMER SEAFOOD Located on the pond in Coligny Plaza. Featuring huge portions of fresh seafood, shellfish, pastas, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts all served in a rustic Lowcountry atmosphere. Choose from over five fresh local catches daily.

The most kid-friendly restaurant on the Island with seating inside or outside on the deck or patio. Seasonal live entertainment featuring Todd Cowart. Full bar and take-out available. Open from 11:30 a.m. until late, 7 days a week.

Call (843) 785-2070.

THE STUDIO Located at 20 Pope Executive Park Rd., just off Pope Avenue. An artistic dining experience. Innovative cuisine with Chef Paul Colella and featuring a fine art gallery with artwork

by Lunonia Colella and guest artists. Live musical entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings with Armand DeMille.

Serving dinner Tuesday thru Sunday from 5:30 until 10 p.m.

Call (843) 785-6000 for reservations.

SURFSIDE OUTDOOR RESTAURANT & BAR Located at The Sea Pines Beach Club. Enjoy relaxing oceanfront views, as well as daily drink specials, a casual all-day menu and children’s menu. Featuring seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches and more. Live outdoor entertainment offered seasonally. Call (843) 842-1888, seapines.com/dining.

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TAPAS RESTAURANT New location in Port Royal Plaza, near Sam’s Club. Join Chef/Owner Ardis Matthews, who has been featured in Bon Appetit magazine, for an outstanding dining experience. A tapas style menu includes dishes such as Lobster Thermador, Escargot, Filet Mignon, Fried Green Tomatoes, She Crab soup and many more delicious selections. Great selection of fine wines available as well as a full bar. Catering available.

Open for dinner from 5 p.m. nightly. Call (843) 681-8590.

TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Specializing in fresh fish and shellfish, great steaks and appetizers, this Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” winner offers stunning views of Calibogue Sound, Harbour Town and Harbour Town Golf Link’s famous 18th green.

Open daily for dinner. Reservations suggested. Call (843) 842-1999, opentable.com, or seapines.com/dining.

TRUFFLES CAFE Located in Sea Pines Center, off Pope Avenue in Executive Park and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. Casual cafés featuring the freshest food and finest service for over 25 years. Fresh local seafood, Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs, homemade soups, fresh garden salads, Angus burgers, pasta, and excellent desserts. Outside seating available at Pope Ave. and Belfair locations. Full bar and fine wines by the glass or bottle. Reservations accepted. Private dining available for 6 to 100 people. Serving lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call (843) 671-6136, 785-3663 or 815-5551 or go to www.trufflescafe.com.

WILD WING CAFE Located at 72 Pope Avenue in Circle Center and just off Hwy. 278 in Bluffton. Celebrating over 20 years on the Island, Wild Wing is famous for serving “The Best Wings South of Buffalo” in 33 different flavors. With a huge menu, there's something for everyone including big beefy burgers, chargrilled chicken sandwiches, tender baby-back ribs, mountains of nachos, awesome salads and the original Bucket O’ Beer.

Wild Child Menu and take-out available. Live music and late night fun all week. Open Monday thru Saturday, 11 a.m. until 2 a.m., and Sunday 12 noon until 2 a.m. Call (843) 785-9464 or 837-9453 or check us out online at wildwingcafe.com.

THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Overlooking beautiful Braddock’s Cove, The Wreck offers casual waterfront dining in the same spirit of The Salty Dog Cafe.

Featuring fresh seafood, steaks, chicken, pastas, salads and great desserts. Early Bird dining special, 10% off from 5 until 6:30 p.m. Full bar, great wine selections and kid’s menu available. Available for private parties. Call (843) 671-7327 for seasonal hours.

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FRESH

and Local Spring Fishing Straight From the Sea to the Skillet

BY RISA WILLIAMS MCMILLAN • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

If you are a seafood lover, there is nothing quite as tasty as “today’s catch”. Living on the ocean, we can certainly get our fill of fresh and local year-round. But what is the best tasting catch of the day in the springtime? What’s biting and what’s the best way to cook it up? To find out what’s fresh and local this spring, some of our favorite local chefs and charter fishermen were consulted. There is no better way to ensure that your fish is fresh than to catch it by day and fry it up by night.

Robby Maroudas, a partner at Red Fish, takes things up a level when it comes to fresh and local. He actually powers up his own 36’ vessel named “Tuna Hutt” and catches the fish his restaurant will serve that night. Using his ‘Sat’ phone, Robby will ring up his chef from off-shore and let him know what will be on that night’s menu.

While Robby’s routine sounds ideal, it is not logistically that simple which is why most restaurants will not catch their own fish and why local fishermen cannot sell their catch to the 42

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restaurants. It’s all about licenses and regulations. Robby has to keep a Commercial Saltwater License as well as a Dealer’s and Wholesaler’s Permit to make “fresh and local” possible.

There are limits on sizes and numbers and what you can take and what you have to throw back. “They don’t make it easy,” said Robby.

Both prevalent and popular in the spring, Robby explains, are the Cobia.

“As much as I fish, I really don’t like to eat fish that much, but my favorite is the Cobia.” While fishing for Cobia, they also catch Grouper which is harvestable and Red Snapper and Sharks, which they throw back as they are not harvestable. Robby explained that while they can target certain species, other species that eat the same bait will often end up on the hook. Depending on how far off-shore they travel, they can have a pretty good idea of what will be for dinner.

The Cobia bite from right off the beach to 30 miles out, while the Grouper, Sea Bass, and Triggerfish are 30 to 50 miles out. “We take a

couple of spring trips every year out to the Gulfstream and catch Mahi, Wahoo, and Blackfin Tuna,” described Robby. Gulfstream trips are not for recreational fishermen. They leave shore at midnight, travel 80 miles out, and don’t return until the next evening. Robby usually leaves it up to his chef as to how to prepare the day’s catch, but Robby’s favorite is to just lightly blacken his fish and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top.

“When it’s that fresh, I let the taste do the talking,” he said.

Epitomizing “fresh and local” is Chef Chris Carge of Hudson’s. Not only will Chris’s special’s board feature what was brought in that morning, but he uses all fresh and local vegetables straight from the farmers and the Friday Farmer’s Market at Honey Horn.

“Every night I’ll have about 6 specials – they will include an appetizer, a blackened fish with our homemade blackening seasoning, and a fresh catch of the day which we are often out of by 8:30 pm. Then we will start all over the next day,” said Chef Chris.

With the shrimp boats actually docking right at Hudson’s and bringing in their tally, shrimp doesn’t get much fresher than that! Hudson’s procures most of its fresh fish in the spring from north end charter boats. Favorites include Mahi Mahi, Black Sea Bass, Blackfin Tuna, Grouper, and Cobia. Chris will also serve up local oysters in season.

“Usually the tourists come in for the shrimp and oysters, but they will eat everything.”

Charlie’s L’etoile Verte is another popular dinner locale for fresh and local fish and oysters. Chef James McHugh will write up a new menu every day in the spring. “Triggerfish is popular in the spring and our Soft Shell Crab is huge. Most people buy it frozen, but ours is fresh, pan sautéd, softly breaded, and then topped with a sauce like a remoulade with pine nuts.” Chef James will go the extra mile to cook up a feast for Charlie’s patrons. Last fall he took a jaunt over to Beaufort to meet up with The

Discovery Channel’s ‘Eagle Eye II’ for some well fought for, fresh Swordfish.

(The Eagle Eye II is a 100’ long, steel hulled boat famous for its crews’ prowess and battles with the sea on the channel’s “Swords” series).

Herb Britton, Executive Chef of the Salty Dog Café, says that they always have a special’s board up featuring their catch of the day.

Popular choices in the spring are Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Red Fish, and Cobia. “We occasionally feature the Sheepshead which I really like. It always prompts a lot of questions from our customers because it is not as well known as some of the other spring runners,” explained Herb. “Grouper is our most popular fish. It’s just something that everyone likes.” Salty Dog Café features Grouper on its menu as their fish bite.

Captain Dave Fleming, commander in chief of the Mighty Mako out of Palmetto Bay Marina, specializes in inshore fishing

excursions. His favorite spring eating fish? “Sheepshead – it is wonderful and underrated!” Caught late February through late April, Sheepshead can grow up to 12 or 13 pounds. They have a narrow body with silver and black vertical stripes and have been a popular gaming fish since the antebellum in the south.

They are caught inshore by bridges, docks, and pilings, or offshore by artificial reefs. “They love to eat crabs,” Captain Dave explains. “What they eat is what makes them taste so good.” This sweet tasting fish is tender but firm, not flaky.

To prepare the Sheepshead, Dave advises to first cut out the filets. “They are a ‘booger’ to scale and filet with their ‘prickly horns’, but they are worth the work,” said Captain Dave. Once filleted, he soaks them in a mixture of whisked egg and a bit of milk. Before frying, Dave does a “dusting”, not to be confused with a “crumbing”.

Whatever you dust with should be very

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fine; the finer the better. You can use parmesan cheese or a block cheese if it grates well or a cracker. Dave’s favorite cracker to dust with is Town House. Pop a couple of tablespoons of butter into a frying pan and turn it up to medium high to high. “This is flash frying. The pan needs to be smoking and sizzling before you drop the fish in.” When the pan is ready, add a tiny dash of soy and lemon juice to the butter. Depending on the size of the Sheepshead, they should take 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Captain Jay Prescott pilots the Top Shot out of Palmetto Bay Marina and specializes in offshore fishing excursions. Jay explained that spring fishing brings out the Triggerfish, Snapper, Grouper, Sea Bass, and later in the season the Cobia. His favorite eating fish in the spring is the Grouper and his favorite way to prepare it is blackened in an iron skillet and served with a brown butter sauce. “It’s simple, but tasty,” said Jay. Put the butter in a sauté pan and cook it over medium heat until it browns. Just pour the butter over the blackened grouper (Jay uses Paul Prudhomme’s Blackened Redfish Seasoning) and you have a quick and delicious dinner.

Wherever you dine or however you prepare it, spring is a time for fresh not frozen, local not long distance. Enjoy our local bounty and try some of our chef’s recipes!

Wasabi Pea Encrusted Local Tuna Courtesy of Red Fish

INGREDIENTS PONZU SAUCE ½ cup Light soy 1 cup Rice wine vinegar ½ cup Lemon juice ½ Tablespoon Fresh minced ginger 2 Tablespoons Sugar Combine all ingredients and let sit for 1 hour before using.

WASABI CREAM ½ cup Mayonnaise ½ cup Sour Cream ¼ cup Wasabi Combine all ingredients.

Crush 2 cups of Wasabi Peas in a food processor.

DIRECTIONS Cut Tuna into 8 oz filets. Coat with Wasabi Cream (just enough to help Wasabi Peas stick). Roll and press Tuna into Wasabi Peas. Pan sear in sesame oil in a medium to high temperature skillet about one to two minutes per side.

Serve rare to medium rare sliced thin on a bias. Serve with rice and wakame salad. Drizzle with Ponzu and have a side for dipping. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and pickled ginger.

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Blackened Catch Courtesy of Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks

INGREDIENTS 2 cups of stone ground grits 2 cups of cheddar cheese 1/2 cup of heavy cream 2 roasted garlic cloves 1/4 cup of chicken stock 3 fresh vine ripe tomatoes

3 tablespoons of Parmesan 2 tablespoons of mayo 1/2 cup of fresh jumbo lump crab 1 cup of spinach 1/3 cup of Hudson’s blackening seasoning 4 six oz. portions of fresh Mahi-Mahi

DIRECTIONS In a pot, heat your chicken stock and six cups of water.

When it reaches a boil add your grits and cook for 15 minutes then add your cheddar cheese, mix well. In a greased pan, dump the cheddar grits and place in the fridge for 30 minutes. While the grits are setting, roast three tomatoes and two garlic cloves in the oven at 350 degrees in separate pans with olive oil and salt and pepper for about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and place in a blender add heavy cream then puree. Set aside for plating. In a large mixing bowl mix crab, spinach, parmesan, mayo and set

aside for fish. On medium heat with a large sauté pan add oil then blackened fish and sauté for two minutes on each side. Remove from pan and add spinach mixture on top of fish and place in oven for eight minutes at 350 degrees. Cut grits into squares and place in oven also at 350 for eight minutes. Remove from oven and place gritcake onto the center of the plate. On top of the gritcake carefully place fish with spinach crust on top of the gritcake, then pour the tomato coulis around the plate, then serve and enjoy.

Serves 4.

Sautéed Soft Shell Crabs with Spiced Pecans Noisette

Pecan Crusted Fish

Courtesy of Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte

topped with jumbo lump crabmeat, and finished with a sweet tea cream sauce.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups House-Autry Seafood Breading Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 medium soft-shell crabs, cleaned and rinsed 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 1 cup pecan pieces 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pinch of cumin Lemon wedges, for serving

DIRECTIONS To prepare the soft-shell crabs: Put the seafood breading in a pie dish or plate and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge the crabs in the seasoned flour to coat, shaking off the excess. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high flame. Lay the crabs in the hot oil in a single layer without crowding; you may have to fry them in batches.

Be careful, the crabs have a tendency to pop and spatter.

Cook the crabs for about 3 minutes on each side, turning once, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and cover to keep warm.

Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. Let the butter melt and start to bubble. Add the pecans and spices; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until nuts are toasted and butter is browned. Serve soft shell crabs with pecanbutter mixture while hot along with lemon wedges.

Courtesy of The Salty Dog Cafe

INGREDIENTS 2 8 oz. Filets (you can us Halibut, Grouper or Mahi) 2-3 oz. Lump Crabmeat PECAN CRUST 2 cups of crushed pecan 1/2 cup of crushed ritz crackers salt and pepper to taste combine well and set aside SWEET TEA CREAM SAUCE 1/4 cup of butter 1/2 cup diced sweet onion 3 Tablespoons flour 2 cups fresh brewed sweet tea 1 cup heavy cream

DIRECTIONS Melt butter. Add onions and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add flour and whisk for 3-4 minutes. Whisk in sweet tea and cream. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let thicken. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Place fish in buttermilk for 10-15 minutes. Take fish from buttermilk and dredge both sides in the pecan crust. Sear fish in a saute pan with a tablespoon of butter on each side for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Plate fish and top with crabmeat and the sweet tea cream sauce.

Serves 2.

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL

It’s Back and It’s Big

BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLIAN PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

If you were afraid that our Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival would fall to the wayside, fear no more. It’s back and it’s as big as ever.

In its 27th year, 2012’s festival will pack more bang than ever before.

The festival kicked off back in January with the International Wine Judging & Competition. If you missed it, the good news is that you can sample and purchase many of the festival winners at The Wine & Food Festival and Silent Wine Auction. Touted as one of the largest wine festivals on the east coast, this culminating event will be on March 10th at Honey Horn Plantation.

If you have never been before, the scope of this event will amaze you. It’s not just the physical size, but the multitude of tents to visit, the wines to taste, the foods to sample.

It’s more than wine and food however, its entertainment and education too. Listen for the cheers at the Bartender’s Challenge and at the 46

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Waiter’s Race, both tests of our best locals whipping up whopper drinks or running around barrels with trays of full glasses over their heads. At the Outdoor Gourmet, you will find chefs doing demonstration, offering up free samples, and giving out tips. Make some bids in the Silent Auction tent and you may buy yourself a great case of wine for a fraction of the price.

New additions to this year’s festival will be a number of tents that will house a further selection of gourmet treats, special demonstrations, and educational seminars.

“We are very excited about the prospect of setting up a Health and Wellness Stage and also a Celebrity Authors tent this year,” explained Jan Gourley, Festival Director.

Other festival events will take place in the week leading up to the 10th. Don’t miss the Great Chefs of the South Wine Dinners where local chefs will whip up their own magical

menu featuring the perfect food and wine pairings. The Grand Tasting and Silent Auction, limited to 250 people, is for the wine connoisseurs and connoisseurs-in-making and will take place March 9th from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Harbour Town Conference Center. For $65, attendees will swish and swirl high end wines and enjoy gourmet tastings.

According to Tami Bream, Festival Chairwoman, they are hoping to bolster attendance this year through online promotions, ticket deals, and discounted hotel rooms.

“Our Advance Ticket Sales promotion with Walgreens will start on February 6, 2012 whereby you can purchase the $45 Wine & Food Festival ticket for $39.99. There are over 8,000 Walgreens throughout the U.S. and 14 stores within a 50 mile radius of Hilton Head.” Tickets and a full schedule of events can be found at www.hiltonheadwineandfood.com.

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A TASTE OF LUNCH

A LOWCOUNTRY BACKYARD Located at 32 Palmetto Bay Road in the Village Exchange. Capture the true essence of the island while enjoying local and regional inspired cuisine featuring owner Dave and Raina Peck’s family recipes.

Choose from Potato chip meatloaf, Charleston fried green tomato sandwich, shrimp & grits, Southern Belle salad and a wide selection of other lowcountry favorites.

Dine in or outside in the comfortable backyard. Experience the island, love the food! Serving breakfast/ brunch, lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Call (843) 785-YARD (9273) or visit us online at www.hhbackyard.com.

ASIAN BISTRO Located at 51 New Orleans Rd., just off the Sea Pines circle.

Sleek contemporary style restaurant offering Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine as well as a nice selection of dim sum choices. A sushi bar, traditional bar and an all-you-caneat buffet (lunch only) highlight this magnificent Asian fusion location. Happy hour nightly from 5 until 8 p.m. and carry out is also available. Serving continuously from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. Call (843) 686-9888.

AUNT CHILADAS EASY STREET CAFE Located at 69 Pope Avenue. Liven up your day with lunch at Aunt Chiladas. A fun, festive atmosphere with great food and drinks. Featuring at least 5 daily lunch specials starting at $7 including meatloaf, fried chicken, fish ‘n chips and great Italian specialties served with homemade mashed potatoes and vegetables. You may also order your favorite Mexican fare from our regular menu as well as a wide variety of salads.

Full bar and kid’s menu available. Serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 785-7700.

BRITISH OPEN PUB Located in The Village at Wexford, Sheridan Park and Sun City. Authentic English fare served in attractive pub-style atmosphere with golf art, memorabilia, and the only bar by Titleist. Featuring our famous Sandwedges like the Aberdeen Burger, Clubhouse Classic, Wexford Reuben, French Dip and Crab Cake Sandwedge. Full bar and beers, ales, and stouts from around the world. Serving daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Sunday Brunch 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call Hilton Head (843) 686-6736, Bluffton 815-6736 or Sun City 705-4005.

THE CAFÉ Located in The Marriott Resort and Spa in Palmetto Dunes.

Just steps from the beach, The Café offers an excellent selection of breakfast and lunch items, including a full breakfast buffet. Serving breakfast from 6:30 until 11:30 a.m., and lunch until 2 p.m. Call (843) 686-8488.

CALLAHAN’S SPORTS BAR & DELUXE GRILL THE BIG BAMBOO CAFE Just steps from the beach, the Big Bamboo Cafe is located in Coligny Plaza on North Forest Beach Drive. Featuring great seafood, delicious salads and the legendary Big Bamboo burger, the Big Bamboo Cafe provides an all American menu in a laid back beach atmosphere. Thirsty? Try a famous margarita as you sit amongst the WWII memorablia and the Bamboo inspired island vibe. Full bar and kids menu available. Serving lunch Mon-Sat. 11.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Call (843) 686 3443.

Located at 49 New Orleans Road. Voted “Best Pub Food and Best Burger on the Island”. Great sandwiches, wings, soups, salads and more all served at the Island’s original sports bar. Catch a game on one of our 35 TV’s, play NTN Buzztime Trivia, shoot pool at one of the six pool tables or try your luck at one of the video games. Full bar and take-out available. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Call (843) 686-POOL (7665).

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Tapas Restaurant The Island's Fabulous Taste of Paradise.

In 1992, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook Southern California early one June morning. The tremblor was enough to rattle Ardis Matthews and her husband, Max, into travelling across the country “to fabulous places, none of which were exactly right.”

But, as it turns out so many times in life, the road less traveled, led to the most adventure.

When the Matthews were in Charleston “we were sitting in a bar being friendly,” laughs Ardis. “We were talking to a nice couple from Hilton Head about our trip to Savannah. They said Hilton Head was right on the way, just make a left and go over a bridge.” The Matthews fell in love with the Island immediately. “It reminded us of our old home in California.”

After trading one paradise for another, and replacing surprise earthquakes with preemptive hurricane warnings, Ardis had to find out what to do with herself.

Ardis is perpetually jovial and enthusiastic. She is enthusiastic about

anything. Anything. Every new experience is “exciting”, “cool” or “fabulous”. Every past experience, even if it was less than grand, has one little slice of humor, wisdom or combination of the two. She is sweet, sassy and indefatigable. She doesn’t fear change, she embraces it.

“This is all learning by doing,” she says of her extensive menu. “Except that I did have a fabulous […there’s that word again, ‘fabulous’…] opportunity to take cooking classes with some of the greatest chefs of the

1980’s in California.” Wolfgang Puck, Bert Greene and Julia Childs among them. “It was mostly fun. And the main thing I learned from these classes was, ‘I can do this.’”

To Ardis, the best cooking she comes up with is “looking around that kitchen and reinventing the same ingredients over and over and over again. I’m not classically trained, I just makes what tastes good. And fortunately it seems to taste good to other people too.” Besides food that tastes good, the good food changes all the time. “There are certain items I would never take off the menu. I like the classics, but then I like totally wacky new flavors.” Ardis reflects and then starts laughing again, “And then I like the stuff in between! I don’t know! I like food!

Anything but beets!”

You can’t help but smile in her presence.

Visit us at our new location in Port Royal Plaza near Sam’s Club.

Chef/Owner Ardis Matthews has been featured in Bon Appetit Magazine!

Serving Lunch, Mon. - Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Dinner Nightly From 5 p.m. - til’ *Catering Available

Visit us at our new location in Port Royal Plaza Near Sam’s Club 95 Mathews Drive, Suite B5, Hilton Head, SC 29926

(843) 681-8590

Complimentary House Wine • 2 glasses per person maximum with minimum food purchase of $16 per person • Not valid with any other offers • Must present ad when ordering *A 15% Gratuity will be added to the pre-discounted total

S c a l l o p s • E s c a r g o t • Fi l e t M i g n o n • Tuna

L o b s t e r Th e r m a d o r e • S h r i m p • A l l i g a t o r

Award Winning She Crab Soup • Crab Rangoon • Quail • Lamb

Fr i e d G r e e n To m a t o e s • S a l m o n • C h i c k e n • Po r k • D u c k • Ve a l • Ti l a p i a ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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CAPTAIN WOODY’S Located in Palmetto Bay Marina off Helmsman Way and in Bluffton at the Calhoun Street Promenade. A local favorite for 30 years! Unique Island Location highlights fresh seafood, daily specials, great signature sandwiches (Grouper melt & Po Boy’s) and more in one of Hilton Head’s favorite dining destinations. Dine inside or on the patio. Open daily from 11 a.m. until late. Call (843) 785-2400 or 757-6222 or online at www.captainwoodys.com.

CAROLINA CAFÉ Located at the Westin Resort & Spa in Port Royal Plantation.

A casual, family friendly café offering dining throughout the day, including breakfast featuring SuperFoods, an amazing Sunday Brunch (seasonally) and a fantastic seafood buffet.

General hours are 6:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch, and 5:30 until 10 p.m. for dinner. Call (843) 681-4000.

CASEY’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. Offering a full menu for the hearty and healthy appetite. Great Buffalo wings, roast beef on weck, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and more. An awesome sports atmosphere with over 40 TV’s and a great collection of sports memorabilia. Full bar and fantastic happy hour. Open daily from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Call (843) 785-2255.

CHARLIE’S L’ETOILE VERTE Located at 8 New Orleans Rd., just off Hwy. 278. Casual dining at its best. One-of-a kind Cobb salad piled high with crispy bacon, turkey and cheese. Dressed with Essie’s home-made sweet tomato vinaigrette that has kept the locals hooked for more than 25 years. Fish Cakes, Sauteed Flounder and an array of salads for anyone on the run.

Patio seating now available. Dine-in or Take-out. Open for lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., and dinner Monday thru Saturday from 5:30 p.m.

Call (843) 785-9277 or online at www.charliesgreenstar.com.

THE CHART HOUSE (Formally Charley’s Crab) Located at Two Hudson Rd., just off Squire Pope Rd. Serving up sensational food prepared by Executive Chef Eric Seaglund, accompanied by spectacular water views of the Intracoastal waterway and extraordinary service. The expansive menu features fresh fish, pristine seafood, succulent steaks, Lowcountry specialties and an extensive collection of fine wines and decadent desserts.

Relax on the expanded contemporary patio. Open for lunch and dinner daily, as well as Sunday Brunch. Happy hour offered daily from 4 until 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Call (843) 342-9066 or online at www.chart-house.com.

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COCO’S ON THE BEACH Located at the end of the boardwalk at Hilton Head Resort mile marker 7 or on the beach at beach marker 94A Singleton Beach. Just steps from the beach with a spectacular ocean view. Coco’s is an authentic beach bar and grill with a casual friendly atmosphere; your place for island enjoyment. Unwind ocean side in the Carolina sun with one of the largest selections of Beer, Rum, Tequila and the best Margarita’s on the Island. Coco’s grill menu offers something for the entire family. Live entertainment Friday’s 6-9 p.m. Visit our website at Cocosonthebeach.com or become a fan of Coco’s on Facebook. Call for seasonal hours. For directions and information, Call (843) 842-2626 (COCO).

CRAZY CRAB Located in Harbour Town in Sea Pines and Hwy. 278 on Jarvis Creek. Fresh local seafood served in two picturesque settings on the water. Casual dining and great family fun. Enjoy local seafood favorites prepared anyway you like. Kid’s menu available. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Call (843) 363-2722 or 681-5021.

THE DRYDOCK SEAFOOD GRILL & SPIRITS Located at 21 Office Park Rd. in the Sapelo building. Go where the locals go for fresh seafood, cold drinks and good times. Choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, signature

sandwiches, salads and more in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. Dine inside or enjoy the outdoor deck and bar.

Open 7 days for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m.

Call (843) 842-9775.

FLATBREAD GRILL Located at Coligny Circle oceanside in the Beach Market Center. This upscale casual dining sensation is sure to be a favorite of both visitors and locals. Choose from Neopolitan pizza, fresh pasta, gourmet salads, or hearty sandwiches all cooked in our open hearth oven. Hang out in our friendly lounge and enjoy a nice selection of appetizers and cocktails while viewing your favorite sporting event on our HDTV’s.

Open daily from 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner. Call (843) 341-2225 or online at www.flatbreadgrillhhi.com.

THE FROSTY FROG CAFÉ Located in Coligny Plaza, next to the Art Café. A comfortable, casual atmosphere offering a “web-footed lickin” menu and an enormous amount of frozen daiquiris by the glass or by the gallon. Our menu features a wide array of selections including our 10 oz. and 20 oz. Certified black angus burger, crab cakes, pizza, prime rib sandwich, salads, subs, wraps, appetizers and of course fried frog legs. 22 HD TV’s for great (continued on page 54)

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Thai Cuisine

BY LOUISE LUND • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Thai cuisine, the national cuisine of Thailand, as a whole is extremely varied and features many different ingredients and methods of preparation. Whether spicy or bland, there must be harmony of tastes and textures. Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences. As with other Asian cuisines, balance, detail, and variety are important. There must be a harmony of flavors. The ideal Thai meal is a blend of the spicy, the subtle, and the sweet and sour, and is meant to be equally satisfying to the eyes, nose and palate.

When serving Thai cuisine, it is customary to serve more dishes than there are guests at a table to offer variety. Instead of serving dishes in courses, a Thai meal is served all at once, and usually with a variety of sauces and condiments, including fish sauce, lime juice, chopped chilies and garlic, dried chili flakes, sweet chili sauce, and sliced chili peppers in rice vinegar.

Ideally, eating Thai food is a communal affair, as the more diners there are, the more dishes are ordered, and the more variety there is.

Two diners generally order three dishes in addition to their own individual plates of steamed rice, three

diners four dishes, and so on. Fruit forms a large part of the Thai diet and is customarily served after a meal.

How is it eaten? Thai food was traditionally eaten with the right hand but now it is eaten with a fork held in the left hand, used to push food onto the spoon in the right hand, and knives are not used at the table. Even single dish meals such as fried rice with pork, or steamed rice topped with roasted duck, are served in bite-sized pieces. Chopsticks are used only eating noodle soups.

Thai food is known for its use of fresh herbs and spices. Common herbs include cilantro, lemongrass, Thai basils, mint, ginger, galangal, tamarind, turmeric, garlic, soy beans, shallots, white and black peppercorn, kaffir lime and chilies.

Fish sauce is a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine and adds a unique character to Thai food. Fish sauce is prepared with fermented fish that is made into a fragrant condiment and provides a salty flavor. There are many varieties of fish sauce and many variations in the way it is prepared.

Rice is a staple grain of Thai cuisine, as in most Asian cuisines.

Jasmine rice is indigenous to Thailand, and it grows in abundance there.

Noodles are popular as well but

usually are served as a single dish, as in Pad Thai or in the form of a noodle soup. Thai dishes use a wide variety of herbs, spices and leaves rarely found in the West. The characteristic flavor of kaffir lime leaves appears in nearly every Thai soup recipe.

Certain insects are also eaten in Thailand. Many markets in Thailand feature stalls which sell deep-fried grasshoppers, silkworm, ant eggs, crickets, bee larvae, and termites.

Most of the insects taste fairly bland when deep-fried, similar to popcorn.

In contrast, some insects have been described as having a taste similar to that of a very ripe gorgonzola cheese.

Giant water bugs are often used in chili dip. Some insects, such as ant eggs and silk worms, are eaten boiled in a soup.

When many think of Thai food, they think of Pad Thai. This recipe calls for tamarind concentrate and palm sugar which can be found at some Asian grocers or online. The best and easiest way to make Pad Thai is to make the sauce in advance and use only 3-4 tablespoons per serving. The remainder can be refrigerated for up to a month. It is best to make no more than 2 servings in the cooking pan at a time so that the noodles don’t get overcooked and mushy.

Authentic Pad Thai Recipe INGREDIENTS • 1/3 cup fish sauce • 1/2 cup palm sugar • 1/2 cup tamarind juice concentrate • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 4 ounces dried rice stick noodles • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided • 4 cloves garlic, minced • cup red onion, thinly sliced • 1 ½ cups thinly sliced chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu • 1 egg • 1 cup carrots, match sticks • 1 cup green onion cut diagonal in ½ inch segments • 1 cup mung bean sprouts • 1 cup cilantro • 1 cup toasted peanuts chopped • Lime wedge

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat a small pan on low and add fish sauce, palm sugar, tamarind concentrate, and garlic. Cook sauce until palm sugar has completely dissolved. To make it more spicy add a little Thai chili powder. Remove from heat and allow to cool 10 minutes before storing it in a jar or plastic container.

2. Boil noodles for 4-5 minutes, drain and rinse with cold water. Noodles should be slightly firmer than Al dente, but they will continue to soften and cook later when stir frying. Cut the noodles in half to make it easier to fry.

3. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a wok or frying pan on high and cook chicken, pork, beef, tofu or shrimp for 3-4 minutes. Place into a small bowl. Heat remaining oil; add garlic and red onions; and stir fry for 1 minute. Add noodles and stir for 1 minute.

Add 3-4 tablespoons Pad Thai sauce, continually stirring noodle mixture until well coated with sauce. Add cooked meat/tofu/ seafood back and fry for 2-3 minutes. Move the noodle and meat mixture to one side of the pan and crack an egg on the other side.

Scramble the egg with a wooden spoon and cook for 30 seconds. Add carrots, green onions, and sprouts and cook for one more minute frying everything together.

Test the firmness of the noodle. If the noodle is too firm, fry for an additional minute. If your noodles need more flavor, add another tablespoon of sauce and fry another half minute. Remove from heat and serve. Garnish with remaining raw carrot match sticks, spouts, cilantro, toasted peanuts, and a wedge of lime.

2 servings

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sports viewing and NTN Trivia is also available as well as a kid’s menu. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m.

Call (843) 686-FROG (3764) or online at www.frostyfrog.com.

HARBOURSIDE BURGERS & BREWS Located near Harbour Town’s famed Liberty Oak, this seasonal open-air café offers a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the Harbour Town Yacht Basin and specializes in tasty frozen drinks and a variety of sandwiches, burgers and salads. Call (843) 842-1444, seapines.com/dining.

THE HARBOUR TOWN BAKERY & CAFÉ Known for great home-cooked breakfasts, soups, salads, paninis and pastries, everything is baked fresh daily. Lunch served daily, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Dine in or grab to go.

Across from Harbour Town Playground. Call (843) 363-2021, seapines.com/dining.

HARBOUR TOWN GRILL Located at the Harbour Town Golf Links Clubhouse, the grill is open daily to the public for lunch. Enjoy fresh seafood, grill-fired pizzas, smoked turkey club sandwiches, delicious pastas, desserts, a children’s menu and more, indoors or out. Call (843) 363-8380, opentable.com, seapines.com/dining.

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HINOKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR Located at 37 New Orleans Road in New Orleans Plaza.

Enjoy traditional Japanese dishes such as grilled fish, chicken and steak, suki yaki, a variety of noodle dishes, tempura, daily specials, plus sushi and sashimi. The very extensive menu includes dozens of appetizers, several kinds of broiled fish, salads and over 20 entrees from which to choose.

Three intimate dining rooms, a sushi bar and a cocktail lounge offers something for everyone. Early Bird specials and take-out available. Open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday thru Friday and dinner from 5:30 until 10 p.m., Monday thru Saturday. Call (843) 785-9800.

HUDSON’S SEAFOOD ON THE DOCKS Located on the Intracoastal Waterway off Squire Pope Rd. Celebrating over 30 years, Hudson’s is one of the Island’s most recognized landmarks. Featuring fresh seafood from our docks to your table, as well as pasta, steaks, chicken and more. Fabulous waterfront dining and spectacular sunsets all in a comfortable atmosphere. Kid’s menu available. Featured on the Food Network “Best of Hilton Head Island” and “$40 a day”. Open daily from 11 a.m.

Call (843) 681-2772.

IL CARPACCIO Located in Pineland Station. Enjoy highly regarded, authentic cuisines from Northern Italy in a casual, attractive atmosphere overlooking the duck pond. Savor original Italian pizza cooked in our brick oven, specialties made to order and excellent choices of wine. Private party room available.

Reservations accepted and walk-ins welcome. Open Monday thru Saturday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 until. Call (843) 342-9949.

KENNY B’S CAJUN SEAFOOD HUT Located in Circle Center, just off Pope Avenue. Enjoy Creole cuisine with a Lowcountry influence. Find an appealing choice of Cajun fare such as Shrimp Etoufee, Crawfish Etoufee, Jambalaya, N’awlins Po Boy’s, Red Beans & Rice and authentic Gumbos. Great soups and salads, as well as a kid’s menu and take-out service available. Also, cold beer and awesome desserts. Open Monday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday, 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Call (843) 785-3315.

THE LAKEHOUSE GOLF PUB Located in the Plantation Club overlooking the Ocean Course and Heron Point by Pete Dye fairways, the pub serves breakfast daily, 7 – 11 a.m. Enjoy tasty omelets, breakfast sandwiches, Bloody Marys and more. Dine in or tee off.

Call (843) 842-1441, seapines.com/dining.

LAND’S END TAVERN Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Featuring great seafood, steaks, sandwiches and salads. A casual atmosphere with a pirate theme ensures fun for the whole family. Great kid’s menu and desserts. It’s a bounty of treasure waiting to be plundered. Serving all day, every day starting from 8 a.m.

Call (843) 671-5456 for seasonal hours.

MANGIAMO New location, 2000 Main Street next to the Main Street Inn. A comfortable and cozy atmosphere featuring outstanding pizza, subs, salads and pasta. Beer and wine, kid’s menu, and daily specials offer something for everyone. Enjoy half price cheese pizza from 3 until 4 p.m. Dine inside, on the patio or take it to go. North Island delivery available. Your home away from home for The Ohio State Buckeyes. Open Sunday thru Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call (843) 682-2444.

MELLOW MUSHROOM Located in Park Plaza on Hilton Head and at 878 Fording Island Rd. in Bluffton. If you’re looking for a fun and lively place for the whole family, this is it. Specializing in great pizza and calzones, monumental hoagies and fresh salads all in a comfortable and casual setting. Kid friendly and affordably priced menu for both lunch and dinner. Over twenty-four ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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beers on tap, fifty more by bottle and a full bar available.

Dine inside or outside in the courtyard. Open daily from 11 a.m. Call (843) 686-2474 or 706-0800.

MURPHY’S IRISH PUB Located in Heritage Plaza off Pope Avenue. An Authentic Irish pub serving Fish & Chips, Cottage Pie, Bangers & Mash, Pasties, Sandwiches, Soups, Salads and more. Full bar with Guinness, Harp, Stella Artois and Smithwicks on tap plus imports and domestics by the bottle and wines by the glass.

Also, Irish coffees and desserts. Take-out and kid’s menu available. Call (843) 842-3448 for seasonal hours.

PALMETTO BAY SUNRISE CAFE Located in Palmetto Bay Marina off Helmsman Way. Serving breakfast and lunch all day. Awesome sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, chicken, seafood and daily blue plate specials in cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Beer, wine and liquor available as well as take-out and childrens menu. Eat inside or relax on the outside patio. “One of the Best Breakfasts on Hilton Head”, Southern Living magazine. Open Daily Monday thru Friday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Call (843) 686-3232 for more information.

PANERA BREAD Located at 1012 William Hilton Parkway, just before the Sea

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Pines circle and Bluffton at Tanger 1 Outlet. With the skill of an Artisan, the heat of the oven and a few fine ingredients our bakers make bread that is simply delicious and baked fresh right here every day. Offering a wide selection of fantastic food including our signature sandwiches, hot paninis, delicious soups and signature salads. Catering also available.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Call (843) 686-3838 or 757-5611.

PATTY’S PIG ‘N’ PIT Located at 32 Office Park Rd. in the Courtyard Building, just before the Sea Pines gate. Succulent Wood Smoked BBQ featuring a variety of regional sauces. Hand-cut steaks, chops, and the finest fresh seafood and much more round out a delectable menu at the island’s newest must visit eatery. For the casual diner, sit at the comfortable bar or enjoy the patio.

Carry out and catering available. Serving lunch and dinner, Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. Call (843) 842-5555.

PLANTATION CAFÉ & DELI Located South Island at 81 Pope Avenue in Heritage Plaza and North Island at Port Royal Plaza. An Island favorite since 1974. From soups and salads to sandwiches and Blue plate specials, we have something for everyone. Choose from a great selection of meats and sides and a wide array of salads, soups and sandwiches, all served at moderate prices. We

promise you will not leave hungry. Beer and wine available.

Open for lunch Monday thru Saturday at 11:30 a.m., and Sunday brunch from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 7859020 or 342-4472.

THE QUARTERDECK Harbour Town’s legendary Quarterdeck offers the island’s best sunsets, overlooking Calibogue Sound and the Harbour Town Yacht Basin, as well as an extensive lunch menu of salads, sandwiches, burgers and specialty drinks. Live entertainment offered seasonally. Call (843) 842-1999, seapines.com/dining.

REDFISH On the Corner of Palmetto Bay Rd. and Archer Rd. Serving Innovative Cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere.

Specializing in excellent seafood, steaks, salads and daily specials. Attached bar and retail wine shop with over 1,000 selections of fine wines. Outdoor seating available. Serving lunch Monday thru Saturday from 11:30 a.m. and dinner daily from 5 p.m. Call (843) 686-3388 or online at www.redfishofhiltonhead.com.

REILLEY’S Located in Reilley’s Plaza just off the Sea Pines Circle and Port Royal Plaza. A long running lunch destination, Reilley’s offers fish & chips, cottage pie, corned beef & cabbage, great sandwiches, soups, salads, seafood and much more in a casual Island atmosphere. Dine inside or outside on our new patio. Full bar, take-out and kid’s menu available. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 842-4414 or 681-4153 or online at www.reilleyshiltonhead.com.

THE SALTY DOG CAFE Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Enjoy the famous steamed shrimp, frozen drinks and casual atmosphere at the Island’s favorite outdoor cafe. Full lunch menu or try great pizza from Jake’s Pizza Parlor. Visit our ice cream shop for dessert. Truly something for the whole family. Call (843) 671-CAFE (2233) for seasonal hours.

SAN MIGUEL’S MEXICAN CAFE Located at Harbourside III on Shelter Cove Harbour. A great combination of beautiful views and Mexican delicacies makes this the perfect spot for food from south of the border.

Burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas and more Mexican fare offers something for everyone. Open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m until 5 p.m. Dine inside or out. Call (843) 842-4555.

SANTA FE CAFÉ Located at 807 William Hilton Parkway near the entrance to Palmetto Dunes. Our elegant yet casual, cozy atmosphere captures the spirit of New Mexico. Innovative southwestern cuisine featuring our Quesadilla Soup and Salad Trio, ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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Santa Fe Salad, Fish Tacos, Steak Fajitas and many other great lunch selections including our all new vegetarian menu.

Excellent wine list, wide selection of imported beer and full bar. Take-out available. Open for lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Dinner 7 nights a week starting from 5 p.m. Call (843) 785-3838.

SEA GRASS GRILLE Located at 807 Wm. Hilton Parkway in the Plantation Center, just outside the entrance to Palmetto Dunes Resort. Intimate yet casual dining. Chef owned and operated, and a local favorite for over 8 years. Great salads, sandwiches, homemade soups and local favorites such as Carolina Tomato Pie, Lump Crab Potato Pancake, and daily specials. Lunch takeout available, gluten free friendly. Serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and dinner from 6 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday.

Call (843) 785-9990 or visit us online at www.seagrassgrille.com.

THE SMOKEHOUSE Join us in our larger and newly renovated location at 34 Palmetto Bay Rd. Winner of over 30 food awards since 1999, choose from hand-pulled pork barbeque, Texas-style beef brisket, baby back ribs, smoked turkey, burgers, wings and more all served with delicious sides and cold beverages.

Enjoy the large covered outdoor deck or sit inside and catch a game on one of the flat screen TV’s. Kids menu, convenient

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take-out and catering available. Serving continuously from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call (843) 842-4BBQ (4227) or visit us at www.smokehousehhi.com.

STEAMER SEAFOOD Located on the pond in Coligny Plaza. Fresh seafood, shellfish, sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts all served in a rustic Lowcountry atmosphere. Try one of our famous baskets with your choice of chicken, fish, shrimp or oysters.

The most kid-friendly restaurant on the Island with seating inside or outside on the deck or the patio. Full bar and takeout available. Open for Lunch daily at 11:30 a.m.

Call (843) 785-2070.

SURFSIDE OUTDOOR RESTAURANT & BAR Located at The Sea Pines Beach Club. Just steps from the beach, enjoy relaxing oceanfront views, as well as daily drink specials, a children’s menu and casual all-day menu with burgers, sandwiches and more. Call (843) 842-1888, seapines.com/dining.

TAPAS RESTAURANT New location in Port Royal Plaza, near Sam’s Club. Join Chef/Owner Ardis Matthews, who has been featured in Bon Appetit magazine, for an outstanding dining experience. A tapas style menu includes dishes such as Lobster Thermador, Escargot, Filet Mignon, Fried Green Tomatoes, She Crab soup

and many more delicious selections. Great selection of fine wines available as well as a full bar. Catering available. Call for information regarding private lunch parties. Open for lunch, Monday thru Friday 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call (843) 681-8590.

Lowcountry fare with a Caribbean twist sets the mood for a refreshing afternoon. Sip on your favorite tropical drink as you enjoy the warm ocean breezes and seasonal live entertainment. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., weather permitting. Call (843) 681-4000.

THE TARTAN LOUNGE Situated within The Inn at Harbour Town, the sophisticated, yet inviting Tartan Lounge provides guests of the inn with allday room service and a deluxe continental breakfast buffet, including an omelet station, daily. Resort attire requested.

Call (843) 363-8100, seapines.com/dining.

TRUFFLES CAFE Located in Sea Pines Center, off Pope Avenue in Executive Park and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. Delicious homemade soups, fabulous salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and fresh local seafood. Casual Cafes featuring the freshest food and finest service for over 25 years. Full bar and fine wines available by the glass or bottle. Don’t forget to try one of our outrageous desserts. Outside seating available at Pope Ave. and Belfair locations. Reservations accepted. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Call (843) 671-6136, 785-3663 or 815-5551 or go to www.trufflescafe.com.

TURTLES BEACH BAR & GRILL Located at the Westin Resort & Spa in Port Royal Plantation.

Enjoy lunch al fresco by the pool just steps from the beach.

WILD WING CAFE Located at 72 Pope Avenue in Circle Center and just off Hwy. 278 in Bluffton. Celebrating over 20 years on the Island, Wild Wing is famous for serving “The Best Wings South of Buffalo” in 33 different flavors. With a huge menu, there's something for everyone including big beefy burgers, chargrilled chicken sandwiches, tender baby-back ribs, mountains of nachos, awesome salads and the original Bucket O’ Beer. Wild Child Menu and take-out available. Live music and late night fun all week. Open Monday thru Saturday, 11 a.m. until 2 a.m., and Sunday 12 noon until 2 a.m. Call (843) 785-9464 or 837-9453 or online at www.wildwingcafe.com.

THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Enjoy a casual and fun atmosphere in the same spirit as the Salty Dog Cafe.

Fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads and soups all served with your favorite beverages. Enjoy spectacular waterfront views of Braddock’s Cove. Available for private parties.

Call (843) 671-7327 for seasonal hours.

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IN THE

KITCHEN

with Owner and Chef Ardis Matthews

Of Tapas Restaurant

BY LOUISE LUND • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Tapas Restaurant is a unique treasure on Hilton Head with a really eclectic cuisine. The menu is large, everything is fresh, and the portions are small enough so that diners will have an opportunity to try a varied and generous amount of food. While everything on the extensive menu is delicious, be sure to try anything that is prepared with one of the unique sauces. Order a little at a time and give yourself time between plates to digest.

Owner and Chef Ardis Matthews, perpetually gracious, jovial, and enthusiastic, took time out of her very busy schedule to share with us how she developed her interest in this business and her passion for making her guests happy. She has been featured in many food articles and magazines, including Bon Appetit.

TASTE: How did you get started in the business?

ARDIS: All my adult life, people that I entertained said that I should have my own restaurant. When I was a child, I saved my allowance and 60

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from the book - grilled cheese and a banana studded with walnuts. I knew at an early age that cooking was a passion for me. After school most days, Mom and I watched cooking shows on television featuring Francois Pope and Julia Child.

Antoinette and Francois Pope held a special place in my culinary heart.

“Antoinette Pope’s School of Fancy Cookery” offered lessons on television and through their cookbooks.

Although I watched Julia Child on television in later years, my big influence was Francois Pope.

purchased the Betty Crocker Boys and Girls Cookbook. I remember making my Mom’s birthday lunch from a recipe

TASTE: What is your background?

ARDIS: Early cooking shows, self-training, reading, experimentation, trial and error, lots of experience, and a passion for cooking.

TASTE: What brought you to Hilton Head?

ARDIS: After growing up in Park Ridge, Illinois, I moved to California after college. My husband Max and I were living in Los Angeles, and we got tired of the earthquakes. We were looking for a calmer lifestyle and moved to Hilton Head 17 years ago.

VISIT VISIT

ISLAND WINERY

TASTE: How long have you had Tapas Restaurant?

ARDIS: We started at our former location in Northridge Plaza 9 years ago. We had a lot of regular customers who came to Tapas before or after a movie, or just for a dining experience. This past June, we had the opportunity to move to our new location in Port Royal Plaza. It was a great choice, and we have started to serve lunch as well as dinner.

TASTE: What are your favorite dishes to prepare?

ARDIS: That would be like asking a mother who her favorite child is! All the dishes we serve are my favorites. And, I’m always adding new dishes.

TASTE: What do you like to cook at home?

ARDIS: The dishes I prepare at home are entirely different from those I prepare at the restaurant. I have the time to experiment, cook at a slower pace, and fine-tune recipes before deciding to add them to our menu.

TASTE: What do you like to do when you’re not working?

ARDIS: I enjoy being outside as much as possible – reading a book, walking, riding my bike - and I love walking the beach with Buddy Holly, my rescued Cocker Spaniel.

TASTE: What is the best thing about being a chef?

ARDIS: I would have to say that the best thing about being a chef is making people happy. Being a chef in my own restaurant allows me to utilize my creativity. Making people happy and making memories – that is my art, my passion, my joy!

TASTE: What is your favorite thing about living on Hilton Head Island?

ARDIS: The people who live and vacation here – that’s my favorite thing! The island is such a melting pot of people – from all over the country and the world. And of course I love the weather.

Tasting Room/Store Hours Monday thru Saturday • 12:30 to 5:30 pm Available variety of award winning wines made on premise.

Flights of Wine offered 12:30 - 2:30pm Some of the most popular Tapas dishes include lobster thermidor, wild porcini mushroom ravioli, fried green tomatoes, potstickers in ginger garlic sauce, Grand Marnier duck, and wild caught Ahi Tuna, grilled or pan seared, and almond encrusted with a light honey ginger soy sauce. The creme brulee and other desserts are amazing.

The restaurant is cozy and can fill up quickly, so reservations are recommended.

Tapas Restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, is located in the Port Royal Shopping Center. For hours, information, and reservations, call (843) 681-8590.

Select Three Wines and we will pair a complimentary cheese tray to enhance your tasting

Happy Hour Begins at 4 pm Enjoy light appetizers while sampling a varity from our extensive wine list Located North end of Wm Hilton/278 pkway (near the HH airport) Matthews to Cardinal Rd (mailbox on wine barrel)

12A Cardinal Rd • Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 842-3141 • www.islandwinery.com ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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A TASTE OF BREAKFAST / BRUNCH

A LOWCOUNTRY BACKYARD Located at 32 Palmetto Bay Road in the Village Exchange. Capture the true essence of the island while enjoying local and regional inspired cuisine featuring owner Dave and Raina Peck’s family recipes. Choose from Uncle Bill’s biscuits and gravy, James Island crab cake benedict, Backyard benedict, Bananas Foster french toast and a wide selection of other lowcountry favorites. Dine in or outside in the comfortable backyard. Experience the island, love the food! Serving breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner Mon-Fri 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. 9 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.. Call (843) 785-YARD (9273) or visit us online at www.hhbackyard.com.

CAROLINA CAFÉ AUNT CHILADAS EASY STREET CAFE Located at 69 Pope Avenue. There’s no place like Aunt Chiladas for Sunday Brunch. Featuring omelets, made to order waffles, smoked bacon, link sausage, garlic hash browns, fruit salad, cheese grits, English muffins and more.

Catch your favorite team on one of our 18 flat screen TVs screens, including 6 plasma’s while enjoying a Bloody Mary, Mimosa, Margarita or a wide variety of other beverages.

Serving Sunday Brunch from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Call (843) 785-7700.

Located at the Westin Resort & Spa in Port Royal Plantation.

A casual, family friendly café offering dining throughout the day, including breakfast featuring SuperFoods, an amazing Sunday Brunch (seasonally) and a fantastic seafood buffet.

General hours are 6:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch, and 5:30 until 10 p.m. for dinner. Call (843) 681-4000.

THE CHART HOUSE

Located in The Village at Wexford, Sheridan Park and Sun City. Fabulous Sunday Brunch served in an authentic English style pub. Choose from Watson’s Steak & Eggs, Eggs Faldo (Benedict), Old Tom Morris Omelette, Pancakes, Alpine French Toast and more. Add a bottomless glass of champagne or mimosa for $2.99. Open for Sunday Brunch from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call Hilton Head (843) 686-6736, Bluffton 815-6736 or Sun City 705-4005.

(Formally Charley’s Crab) Located at Two Hudson Rd., just off Squire Pope Rd. Serving up sensational food prepared

by Executive Chef Eric Seaglund, accompanied by spectacular water views of the Intracoastal waterway and extraordinary service. The expansive menu features fresh fish, pristine seafood, succulent steaks, Lowcountry specialties and an extensive collection of fine wines and decadent desserts. Relax on the expanded contemporary patio.

Open for lunch and dinner daily, as well as Sunday Brunch.

Happy hour offered daily from 4 until 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Call (843) 342-9066 or online at www.chart-house.com.

THE CAFÉ

THE HARBOUR TOWN BAKERY & CAFÉ

Located in The Marriott Resort and Spa in Palmetto Dunes.

Just steps from the beach, The Café offers an excellent selection of breakfast and lunch items, including a full breakfast buffet. Serving breakfast from 6:30 until 11:30 a.m., and lunch until 2 p.m. Call (843) 686-8488.

Located across from Harbour Town Playground. Great home-cooked breakfasts, such as quiche and corned beef hash, soups, salads, paninis and pastries – everything is baked fresh. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., breakfast is available all day. Dine indoors or outdoors, or grab to go.

Call (843) 363-2021, seapines.com/dining.

BRITISH OPEN PUB

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HARBOUR TOWN GRILL

LAND’S END

Located at the Harbour Town Golf Links Clubhouse, the grill is open to the public daily for breakfast and offers a la carte brunch on Sundays. Enjoy delicious Southern-style breakfasts, omelets, pancakes, quiche, crab cake Benedict, mimosas, lattes and more. Reservations suggested. Call (843) 363-8380, opentable.com, or seapines.com/dining.

Located in Sea Pines at South Beach Marina overlooking beautiful Braddock's Cove, Land's End Tavern is one of the few Hilton Head Island restaurants with a spectacular, waterfront view. Complete with a broad selection of breakfast favorites, plus Lowcountry staples like Crab Cake Benedict and Shrimp and Grits. Land's End Tavern is a casual atmosphere with a pirate theme that the whole family will enjoy. Open daily from 8 a.m. Call (843) 671-5456 for seasonal hours.

KENNY B’S CAJUN SEAFOOD HUT Located in Circle Center, just off Pope Avenue. Enjoy Creole cuisine with a Lowcountry influence. Our Sunday brunch buffet features beignets, scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, grits, fruit and a made-to-order omelette station with eggs benedict. For a sampling of our regular weekday menu, choose from french toast, crabcake benedict, Mississippi tall stack pancakes, café au lait, quiche and a creole omelette. Open Monday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday, 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m until 9 p.m. Call (843) 785-3315.

THE LAKEHOUSE GOLF PUB Located in the Plantation Club overlooking the Ocean Course and Heron Point by Pete Dye fairways, the pub serves breakfast daily, 7 – 11 a.m. Enjoy tasty omelets, breakfast sandwiches, Bloody Marys and more. Dine in or tee off.

Call (843) 842-1441, seapines.com/dining.

PALMETTO BAY SUNRISE CAFE Located in Palmetto Bay Marina off Helmsman Way. An Island-er favorite for breakfast and brunch featuring eggs benedict, omelettes, french toast, pancakes, quiches, daily specials an more. Enjoy a bloody mary, mimosa, coffee or your favorite beverage while dining inside or on the patio.

“One of the Best Breakfasts on Hilton Head”, Southern Living magazine. Open Daily Monday thru Friday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Call (843) 686-3232 for more information.

PANERA BREAD Located at 1012 William Hilton Parkway, just before the Sea Pines circle and Bluffton at Tanger 1 Outlet. With the skill of an Artisan, the heat of the oven and a few fine ingredients our

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bakers make bread that is simply delicious and baked fresh right here every day. Offering a wide selection of hot breakfast sandwiches and freshly baked bagels. Choose from a variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, espresso drinks and more. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Call (843) 686-3838 or 757-5611.

PLANTATION CAFÉ & DELI Located South Island at 81 Pope Avenue in Heritage Plaza and North Island at Port Royal Plaza. An Island favorite since 1974. Offering fresh breakfast items such as omelettes, crab cake benedicts, skillet dishes, pancakes, waffles, French toast, biscuits & gravy and much more, all at moderate prices. Also a wide variety of sides and beverages to complete any meal.

Open for breakfast, Monday thru Saturday from 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and Sunday 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. for breakfast and brunch. Call (843) 785-9020 or 342-4472.

REILLEY’S Located in Reilley’s Plaza just off the Sea Pines Circle and Port Royal Plaza. Quite possibly, The Island’s longest running brunch. Our legendary brunch features Eggs Benedict, Omelettes, Steak and Eggs, as well as all of our regular lunch items. Champagne, Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s complement the casual Island atmosphere. Dine inside or on our new patio. Serving Brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. Call (843) 8424414 or 681-4153 or online at www.reilleyshiltonhead.com.

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THE SMOKEHOUSE Located on 34 Palmetto Bay Road. You will find that in addition to award winning BBQ, The Smokehouse is now serving Sunday Brunch featuring a wide variety of Brunch entrees. Try our Huevos Rancheros with two eggs atop tortillas and refried beans, smothered with Pork Green Chili, chorizo sausage and blended cheese, or enjoy Filet Eggs Benedict with sautéed mushrooms and Hollandaise Sauce. If you are in the mood for something sweet, our French Toast is sure to please with hearty slices of Texas toast battered and grilled served with bacon or sausage.

Relax with a Bottomless Mimosa or Homemade Bloody Mary. Indoor or outdoor seating available. Open for Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (843) 842-4227.

TRUFFLES CAFE Located in Sea Pines Center, off Pope Avenue in Executive Park and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. Fabulous weekend brunch in a casual cafe featuring the freshest food and finest service. Featuring Eggs Benedict and a full lunch menu. Outside seating available at Pope Ave. and Belfair locations. Open for brunch Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.

Call (843) 671-6136, 785-3663 or 815-5551 or go to www.trufflescafe.com.

A TASTE OF NIGHTLIFE / LOUNGES

ASIAN BISTRO Located at 51 New Orleans Rd., just off the Sea Pines circle.

Sleek contemporary style restaurant offering Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine as well as a nice selection of dim sum choices. Enjoy happy hour daily from 5 until 8 p.m. featuring $2.99 house wines, wells and beers. Relax at the traditional bar or enjoy some amazing sushi at one of the island’s best sushi bars. Serving continuously from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. Call (843) 686-9888.

AUNT CHILADAS EASY STREET CAFE Located at 69 Pope Avenue. Voted the Island’s best Happy Hour. Awesome Happy Hour menu featuring special prices on steamed shrimp, chicken wings, tacos, Mexican pizzas and Alaskan Snow Crab Legs. Drink specials include a gold dollar back on any liquor drink and a Kennedy half dollar back on any beer or wine selection. Catch your favorite team on one of our 18 flat screen TVs, including 6 plasma’s while enjoying your favorite fare from our regular menu. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 785-7700.

BARONY LOUNGE Located at the Westin Resort & Spa in Port Royal Plantation.

The perfect place to relax and unwind with friends, The Barony offers pool tables, foosball and darts along with several TV’s to catch all your favorite sporting events. A great selection of beverages and a light bar menu are available.

Open daily from 4:30 until late. Call (843) 681-4000.

THE BIG BAMBOO CAFE Located upstairs at Coligny Plaza, Oceanside. The Island’s finest selection of imported and microbrewed draft beer in a unique 1940’s themed bar. Awesome happy hour with Margarita Madness and many other specials. Live music during dinner Friday and Saturday. Call for late night entertainment schedule. Full menu available. Open from 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m., Monday thru Saturday.

Call (843) 686-3443.

BRITISH OPEN PUB Located in The Village at Wexford, Sheridan Park and Sun City. Hilton Head’s first true golfer’s pub featuring the only bar by Titleist. A wide selection of beers, ales, stouts and wines from around the world. Awesome appetizer selections, brilliant martini list and full menu available. Blarney is invited, singing encouraged and good humor admired. Open daily from 11:00 a.m until late. Call (843) 686-6736, Bluffton 815-6736 or Sun City 705-4005.

CALLAHAN’S SPORTS BAR & DELUXE GRILL Located at 49 New Orleans Road. Hang out with the locals at the Island’s original sports bar. Catch your favorite team on one of our 35 TV’s, play NTN Buzztime Trivia or shoot pool on one of our six pool tables. Voted “Best Pub Food and Best Hamburger on the Island”. Also serving a wide variety of

sandwiches, wings, soups, salads and more. Full bar and takeout available. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m. Call (843) 686-POOL (7665).

CAPTAIN JOHN’S GALLEY AT THE SALTY DOG CAFE Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Step up to Jake’s raw bar for some of the Island’s finest seafood and good times. Enjoy spectacular views of Braddock’s Cove while selecting from steamed oysters, shrimp, crab legs and more. Full bar available and the frozen drinks are made with fresh fruit. Happy hour from 4 until 6 p.m. Call (843) 671-CAFE (2233) for seasonal hours.

CAPTAIN WOODY’S Located in Palmetto Bay Marina off Helmsman Way and in Bluffton at the Calhoun Street Promenade. A local favorite for 30 years for fresh seafood and fine beverages. Great signature sandwiches (Grouper Melt & Po Boy’s), oysters, crab legs, shrimp and scallops served with your favorite beer, wine or cocktail all while overlooking Palmetto Bay Marina.

Happy Hour from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. daily with great prices.

Open daily from 11 a.m. until late, food available until 10 p.m. Call (843) 785-2400 or 757-6222 or online at www.captainwoodys.com.

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CASEY’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. The sports bar of choice offers an awesome sports atmosphere with over 40 TV’s and a great collection of sports memorabilia. Karaoke on Tuesday and Friday nights as well as Trivia on Thursdays.

A full bar and fantastic happy hour with great drink and food specials. Also serving a full menu featuring award-winning Buffalo wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. Open daily from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Call (843) 785-2255.

CATCH 22 FRESH SEAFOOD & GRILL Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. A great choice for some of the Island’s best Happy Hour deals. Relax in a comfortable and cozy atmosphere and choose from great seafood appetizers and beer, wine and liquor specials.

A full menu is also available at the bar as well as a wide selection of fine wines. Happy Hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. daily and dinner served from 5 p.m. Call (843) 785-6261.

THE CHART HOUSE (Formally Charley’s Crab) Located at Two Hudson Rd., just off Squire Pope Rd. Serving up sensational food prepared

by Executive Chef Eric Seaglund, accompanied by spectacular water views of the Intracoastal waterway and extraordinary service. The expansive menu features fresh fish, pristine seafood, succulent steaks, Lowcountry specialties and an extensive collection of fine wines and decadent desserts. Relax on the expanded contemporary patio. Open for lunch and dinner daily, as well as Sunday Brunch. Happy hour offered daily from 4 until 7 p.m. Call (843) 342-9066 or online at www.chart-house.com. Reservations are recommended.

CHARLIE’S L’ETOILE VERTE Located at 8 New Orleans Rd., just off Hwy. 278. Casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. Relax on the leather couch or sit at the bar with Jeff and try one of his famous real chocolate martinis or one of his other unique concoctions.

Full bar, extensive wine and beer offerings, and happy hour specials. Dinner is available at the bar. Happy hour from 5 until 7 p.m. Non-smoking environment. Open Monday thru Saturday. Call (843) 785-9277 or online at www.charliesgreenstar.com.

COCO’S ON THE BEACH Located at the end of the boardwalk at Hilton Head Resort mile marker 7 or on the beach at beach marker 94A Singleton Beach. Just steps from the beach with a spectacular ocean view. Coco’s is an authentic beach bar and grill with a casual friendly atmosphere; your place for island enjoyment. Unwind ocean side in the Carolina sun with one of the largest selections of Beer, Rum, Tequila and the best Margarita’s on the Island. Coco’s grill menu offers something for the entire family. Visit Coco’s website Cocosonthebeach.com or become a fan of Coco’s on Facebook. Seasonal live entertainment. Call for seasonal hours. For directions and information, call (843) 842-2626 (COCO).

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CORKS WINE BAR Located South Island in the Publix Shopping Center next to Staples and Old Towne Bluffton in the Calhoun Street Promenade. The Lowcountry’s only neighborhood wine bar where class meets comfort in a warm, friendly and fun atmosphere. Offering wines by the glass, bottle, flight and porron. Gourmet ‘Big’ small plates made from fresh, local and organic ingredients and a full selection of spirits and American craft beers. Great happy hour specials from 4 until 6 p.m. daily. Open Monday thru Saturday from 4 p.m. until midnight. Catch us online at www.corkswinecompany.com.

CRANE’S TAVERN STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD Located at 26 New Orleans Rd. Relax around our antique Old English bar and enjoy a cocktail, appetizer, sandwich or full meal. Select from our extensive wine and liquor list, true classic cocktails, infused martinis, aged scotches and small batch bourbons. Great bar menu and happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. daily. A family tradition of excellence in quality and value for over 100 years. Serving dinner daily from 5 p.m.

Call (843) 341-2333.

THE DRYDOCK SEAFOOD GRILL & SPIRITS Located at 21 Office Park Rd. in the Sapelo building. Go where the locals go for fresh seafood, cold drinks and good times. Fantastic outdoor bar and deck is the perfect place to enjoy a cool cocktail and some of the island’s best seafood.

Great happy hour specials and plenty of TV’s for all your favorite sporting events. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 842-9775.

ELA’S BLU WATER GRILLE Located at Shelter Cove Harbour. One of Hilton Head’s newest dining sensations offers some of the best water views on the island. Featuring an extensive boutique wine collection and mixology collection. Local artist Dean St. Hillaire performs each Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 until 11 p.m. Call (843) 785-3030 or online at www.elasgrille.com.

FLATBREAD GRILL Located at Coligny Circle oceanside in the Beach Market Center. This upscale casual dining sensation is sure to be a favorite of both visitors and locals. Choose from Neopolitan pizza, fresh pasta, gourmet salads, or hearty sandwiches all cooked in our open hearth oven. Hang out in our friendly lounge and enjoy a nice selection of appetizers and cocktails while viewing your favorite sporting event on our HD TV’s.

Open daily from 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner. Call (843) 341-2225 or online at www.flatbreadgrillhhi.com.

THE FROSTY FROG CAFÉ Located in Coligny Plaza, next to the Art Café. A comfortable, casual atmosphere offering a “web-footed lickin” menu and an enormous amount of frozen daiquiris by the glass or by the gallon. Our menu features a wide array of selections including our 10 oz. and 20 oz. Certified black angus burger, crab cakes, pizza, prime rib sandwich, salads, subs, wraps, appetizers and of course fried frog legs. 22 HD TV’s for ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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great sports viewing and NTN Trivia is also available as well as a kid’s menu. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m.

Call (843) 686-FROG (3764) or online at www.frostyfrog.com.

THE JAZZ CORNER Located in the "corner" of The Village at Wexford. Voted "Best Live Entertainment Venue". Our intimate, elegant atmosphere is the perfect setting to enjoy an evening of world-class entertainment enhanced by our innovative southern flavors menu and impeccable service. The Jazz Corner offers a signature martini menu, extensive wine list, full bar and late-night menu. Open nightly from 6 p.m.

Reservations are recommended. Call (843) 842-8620 or check us out online at www.thejazzcorner.com.

KINGFISHER SEAFOOD, PASTA, AND STEAK HOUSE Located at 18 Harbourside Ln. at Shelter Cove Harbour. Newly remodeled restaurant offers affordable casual dining in a 5 star setting with breathtaking waterfront views from inside or on the outside deck. Early Bird from 4:30 until 6 p.m. Best Island Happy Hour from 4:30 until 7 p.m. featuring incredible drink and seafood specials. Live music and dancing with R&B from Alexander Newton on Wednesdays, classic soft rock with David Wingo on Thursdays, and jazz with Earl Williams on Fridays. Tableside magic shows on Sundays and Mondays.

Call (843) 785-4442 for reservations and information or online at www.kingfisherseafood.com.

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MELLOW MUSHROOM Located in Park Plaza on Hilton Head and at 878 Fording Island Rd. in Bluffton. A fun and lively place with great food, beer and service. Over twenty-four beers on tap, fifty more by bottle and a full bar all in a comfortable and casual setting.

Specializing in great pizza and calzones, monumental hoagies and fresh salads. Plenty of TVs to view your favorite teams.

Win prizes at live team trivia Wednesday nights at 9 p.m.

Enjoy Karaoke on Saturday Night. Happy Hour from 3 until 6 p.m. everyday. Open daily from 11 a.m. Call (843) 686-2474 or 706-0800.

MURPHY’S IRISH PUB Located in Heritage Plaza off Pope Avenue. Come join us for a pint in this Authentic Irish pub. Featuring Guinness, Harp, Stella Artois and Smithwicks on tap plus imports and domestics by the bottle and wines by the glass. Happy Hour from 2 until 6 p.m. with drink and food specials. Great Irish dishes, coffees and desserts available. Take-out available.

Catch a rugby match, live English soccer game or Irish hurling or football on one of our TVs. Call (843) 842-3448 for seasonal hours.

OCEANS Located at the Westin Resort & Spa in Port Royal Plantation.

Enjoy the island’s finest seafood and oceanfront views at Oceans. Lowcountry style meets high cuisine in a casual, family friendly atmosphere. Catch up with friends over a

bottle of wine or your favorite cocktail. Indoor and outdoor seating available. At Oceans, good times are as regular as the tide. Call (843) 681-4000 for seasonal hours.

OLD OYSTER FACTORY Located on the waters of the Broad Creek at 101 Marshland Road. Built on the site of an original oyster cannery on Broad Creek, the Old Oyster Factory is a delight for family and children of all ages. Enjoy superb, innovative seafood and steaks while taking in one of the Lowcountry's best panoramic views of the marshland landscape. Out door seating is available. Open nightly at 4:45 pm. Call or visit our website for details about our seasonal happy hour and summer entertainment. (843) 681-6040.

PATTY’S PIG ‘N’ PIT Located at 32 Office Park Rd. in the Courtyard Building, just before the Sea Pines gate. Succulent Wood Smoked BBQ featuring a variety of regional sauces. A comfortable and casual bar is the perfect place for some of the island’s finest cuisine and coldest beer. A full bar is also available as well as great service and fantastic viewing on our flat screen TV’s.

Happy hour daily with awesome food and drink specials.

Serving lunch and dinner daily, Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. Call (843) 842-5555.

THE QUARTERDECK Head to Harbour Town’s legendary Quarterdeck for the island’s best sunsets, overlooking Calibogue Sound, and enjoy an extensive menu of beers, wines and specialty cocktails, as well as light evening fare and desserts. Live outdoor entertainment is offered seasonally. Call (843) 842-1999, seapines.com/dining.

REDFISH On the corner of Palmetto Bay Rd. and Archer Rd. Our unique bar and retail wine shop offers a contemporary, yet casual atmosphere for the wine connisuer. Over 1,000 hand-selected wines from all over the world are available as well as a full bar selection. The wine shop is open Monday thru Saturday at 10 a.m. Dinner is available daily from 5 to 10 p.m. Call (843) 686-3388.

REILLEY’S Located in Reilley’s Plaza just off Sea Pines Circle and Port Royal Plaza. An Island Tradition since 1982. Happy Hour from 4 until 7 p.m. featuring 50% off on all liquor, wine, beer and appetizers. Also, occasional live entertainment (call for schedule). Full menu and bar available inside or outside on our new patio. Open daily from 11:30 a.m.

Call (843) 842-4414 or 681-4153 or online at www.reilleyshiltonhead.com.

“Brilliant” Hilton Head’s Authentic Irish Pub Heritage Plaza , 81 Pope Avenue, Suite 11 (Behind New York City Pizza)

843-842-3448 Open Monday-Saturday from 2 p.m. until Closed on Sunday www.murphyspubhhi.com ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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THE SALTY DOG CAFE Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Great food, frozen drinks and live entertainment at the Island’s favorite outdoor cafe. Beautiful views of Braddock’s Cove in this fun and casual atmosphere. Happy hour daily from 4 until 6 p.m.

Full menu available, Pizza from Jake’s Pizza Parlor, ice cream and much more. Call (843) 671-CAFE (2233) for seasonal hours.

SAN MIGUEL’S MEXICAN CAFE Located at Harbourside III on Shelter Cove Harbour. Do Mexican on the marina while enjoying the Island’s best margaritas. The outdoor bar overlooking the marina is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Great happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., seasonal live entertainment and panoramic views make this a must stop. Open daily from 11:30 a.m.

Call (843) 842-4555.

SANTA FE CAFÉ Located at 807 William Hilton Parkway near the entrance to Palmetto Dunes. Capturing the spirit of New Mexico in an elegant yet casual, cozy atmosphere. Our outdoor rooftop cantina is the perfect setting for one of our famous margaritas, sangrias or an imported beer. Enjoy Happy Hour daily from 5 until 7 p.m. and live entertainment Wednesday thru Saturday. Open Daily for dinner from 5 p.m., and lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-3838 or www.santafehhi.com.

THE SMOKEHOUSE Join us in our larger and newly renovated location at 34 Palmetto Bay Rd. The island’s newest nightlife destination for Rhythm and Brews! Offering 12 choices of ice-cold beer from our state of the art beer towers, full complement of premium liquors and wines, plenty of flat screen TV’s and an amazing sound system and occasional live entertainment to keep you rockin! For a more mellow evening you can chill out on our outdoor deck complete with a brick fireplace. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 842-4BBQ (4227) or visit us at www.smokehousehhi.com.

STEAMER SEAFOOD Located on the pond in Coligny Plaza. Fresh seafood, amazing appetizers, raw bar delicacies all served with a wide variety of beverages. Over 250 beers from around the world, buckets of beer, frozen drinks, pitchers of cocktails and wine by the glass or bottle. Celebrating 21 years on the Island.

Seasonal live entertainment featuring Todd Cowart. Open from 11:30 a.m until late, 7 days a week. Call (843) 785-2070.

THE STUDIO Located at 20 Pope Executive Park Rd., just off Pope Avenue.An artistic dining experience. Innovative cuisine with Chef Paul Colella and featuring a fine art gallery with artwork

by Lunonia Colella and guest artists. Live musical entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings with Armand DeMille. Serving dinner Tuesday thru Sunday from 5:30 until 10 p.m. Call (843) 785-6000 for reservations.

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Situated within The Inn at Harbour Town, the sophisticated, yet inviting Tartan Lounge Bar is open to the public, beginning at 3 p.m. daily. Enjoy delicious appetizers, desserts and a variety of beverages, including cordials, until 11 p.m. Resort attire requested. Call (843) 363-8100, seapines.com/dining.

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TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Enjoy a fabulous dinner, wonderful wines, signature cocktails and delicious desserts at Topside, amidst incredible sunset views, then head to the iconic Quarterdeck, just steps away, for live outdoor entertainment (offered seasonally.) Call (843) 842-1999, seapines.com/dining.

TRUFFLES CAFE Located just off Pope Avenue on Executive Park Road.

Featuring a comfortable and contemporary atmosphere.

Choose from an impressive selection of fine wines, top shelf liquors and premium beers. Happy hour is available from 5 until 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. until close with special pricing on all beverages and appetizers. A full menu is available in the bar area. Our new outdoor terrace provides a perfect atmosphere for outside dining. Open for lunch, Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and dinner, Monday thru Saturday from 5 until 10 p.m. Reservations accepted.

Call (843) 785-3663.

TURTLES BEACH BAR & GRILL Located at the Westin Resort & Spa in Port Royal Plantation.

Enjoy lunch al fresco by the pool just steps from the beach.

Lowcountry fare with a Caribbean twist sets the mood for a refreshing afternoon. Sip on your favorite tropical drink as you enjoy the warm ocean breezes and seasonal live entertainment. Weather permitting. Call (843) 681-4000 for seasonal hours.

WILD WING CAFE Located at 72 Pope Avenue in Circle Center and just off Hwy. 278 in Bluffton. When the sun goes down on Hilton Head, the night lights up at the Wing! Of course this legendary hot spot serves “The Best Wings South of Buffalo” in 33 different flavors, but there's a whole lot more as well. Known as one of the premier spots for live music, sports on the big screen and late night fun including karaoke and trivia. Enjoy the original Bucket O’ Beer, fantastic food, great service and more in this Island institution for over 20 years. Open Monday thru Saturday, 11 a.m. until 2 a.m., and Sunday 12 noon until 2 a.m. Call (843) 785-9464 or 837-9453 or check us out online at wildwingcafe.com.

• OVER 40 TV’S! Watch all the sports action.

• Featuring Every March Madness Game!

• GREAT FOOD OFFERING A FULL MENU • BEST HAPPY HOUR ON THE ISLAND, MON-FRI 4-7

^ ^ ^ • MONDAY NIGHT FIESTA $3 Margaritas • LADIES NIGHT TUESDAYS • KARAOKE – Tuesdays & Fridays • TRIVIA NIGHT – Thursdays • TGIF $2 Well Drinks • SAT $2.50 Vodkas all day • SUN $2 Bloody Mary’s all day 37 New Orleans Road Orleans Plaza • (843) 785-2255

THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Enjoy a casual and fun atmosphere in the same spirit as the Salty Dog Cafe.

Great food and beverages while overlooking beautiful Braddock’s Cove. Crab, shrimp and food specials from 4 until 5:30 p.m. and drink specials from 4 until 6 p.m. Available for private parties. Call (843) 671-7327 for seasonal hours.

NOT A BAD SEAT IN THE HOUSE!

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A TASTE OF ENTERTAINMENT/SERVICES HEAVENLY SPA BY WESTIN Located at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa in Port Royal Plantation. Amidst the palmetto lined boardwalks, winding through lush gardens, serene fountains and enchanting lagoons rests a heavenly oasis. The first Heavenly Spa by Westin in the continental United States includes a full service salon. We welcome you to experience pampering essences to soothe the spirit, rejuvenate the body and enrich the mind. Open daily 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (hours vary seasonally). Call (843) 681-1019 to book an appointment or visit us online at www.HiltonHeadHeavenlySpa.com.

HILTON HEAD ICE CREAM Located at 55 New Orleans Road, just off Pope Avenue.

Hilton Head Ice Cream has received accolades from CNN, Warner Books, Southern Living magazine and voted best of Hilton Head in every local media poll. Even the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain has touted Hilton Head Ice Cream. The shop has created many flavors: Girl Scout Cookie, Flower Power, Mocha Pecan, Banana’s Foster and Espresso. Salt air is our secret ingredient and there is love in each batch too. Call (843) 842-6333.

ISLAND FUDGE SHOPPE Located in Coligny Plaza. The best homemade confections

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anywhere. Offering16 flavors of fudge made fresh daily, 8 flavors of saltwater taffy and a large variety of hand dipped chocolates sure to please even the sweetest tooth. Gift baskets and shipping available. Locally owned and operated.

Senior citizens receive a 10% off discount. Call (843) 8424280 for more information or check us out online at www.islandfudge.com.

ISLAND WINERY Located at 12A Cardinal Rd. Island Winery presents a unique concept in fine wines, traveling the world’s vineyards to select the perfect grapes and handcrafting their wines in small batches right on Hilton Head. Also featuring Lowcountry specialty wines with unique recipes made from local fruit.

Enjoy tastings Monday thru Saturday, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., or join the wine and cheese happy hour each Monday thru Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Call (843) 842-3141 for directions and information or online at www.islandwinery.com.

MICHAEL ANTHONY’S Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. Designed to reflect old world ambiance the culinary center has a state of the art designer kitchen where Executive Chef Michael Cirafesi holds classes each week and teaches the art of

classical Italian cooking. Hands-On participation classes and Demonstration classes are offered Wednesday thru Saturday starting at 11:00 a.m. The adjacent Italian Market offers a wide array of Italian wines and gourmet foods. Reservations are required. Call (843) 785-6272 or visit www.michaelanthonys.com for more information.

OCEAN TIDES SPA Located at 23 Ocean Lane in Palmetto Dunes Plantation at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort. Spend the day being pampered from head to toe by the specially trained therapists. Choose from among an extensive massage menu, facials, manicures, pedicures and wraps. Emerge renewed through an enchanting ritual of treatments and experience the soothing atmosphere of this ocean front spa.

Offering the only beachside Cabana massages on the Island.

Open daily with evening and sunrise appointments available.

Call (843) 341-8056.

SEA PINES CATERING & WEDDINGS Hilton Head’s premier caterer offers award-winning service and cuisine, as well as incredible golf course, clubhouse, marina and beach venues, and can expertly accommodate groups of 2 to 500 guests. Special Events, Special Places, Special Memories. Call (843) 842-1495, seapines.com/meetings.

SPA SOLEIL Located inside the Marriott Resort & Spa in Palmetto Dunes.

Relax and let us take care of you in our beautiful and tranquil European spa. An absolutely breathtaking relaxation room complete with amazing lighting, waterwall and fireplaces is the perfect atmosphere for you to enjoy a variety of spa treatments all served with a touch of southern hospitality.

Open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. (hours vary with season).

Call (843) 686-8420 or 686-8429 or online at www.csspagroup.com.

TOBACCO ROAD Located at 119 Arrow Road, Suite B. An impressive array of cigars, perfect humidification and a well trained staff will meet all your needs. Hilton Head’s oldest smoke shop has catered to locals and tourists alike for over ten years. Offering a complete selection of fine cigars, domestic and imported cigarettes, and a comfortable smoking lounge in which to enjoy them. Open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Call (843) 341-6265 or online at www.hiltonheadcigars.com.

YELLOW CAB The largest cab fleet on Hilton Head. All vehicles are radio dispatched, late model sedans or mini-vans. Serving all area airports. Service 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Providing great service and comfortable air-conditioned transportation. Call (843) 686-6666.

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ALEXANDER’S (843) 785-4991 A LOWCOUNTRY BACKYARD (843) 785-YARD (9273) ASIAN BISTRO (843) 686-9888 AUNT CHILADAS EASY STREET CAFE (843) 785-7700 THE BIG BAMBOO CAFE (843) 686-3443 BRITISH OPEN PUB (843) 686-6736, 815-6736 or 705-4005 THE CAFÉ (843) 686-8488 CALLAHAN’S SPORTS BAR & DELUXE GRILL (843) 686-POOL (7665) CAPTAIN JOHN’S GALLEY AT THE SALTY DOG CAFE (843) 671-CAFE (2233) CAPTAIN WOODY’S (843) 785-2400 or 757-6222 CAROLINA CAFE (843) 681-4000 CASEY’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL (843) 785-2255 CATCH 22 FRESH SEAFOOD & GRILL (843) 785-6261 CHARLIE’S L’ETOILE VERTE (843) 785-9277 CHART HOUSE (843) 342-9066 COCO’S ON THE BEACH (843) 842-2626 (COCO) CONROY’S (843) 686-8400 CORKS WINE BAR (843) 671-7783 or 815-5168 CRANE’S TAVERN STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD (843) 341-2333 CRAZY CRAB (843) 363-2722 or 681-5021 THE DRYDOCK SEAFOOD GRILL & SPIRITS (843) 842-9775 ELA’S BLU WATER GRILLE (843) 785-3030

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23. FLATBREAD GRILL (843) 341-2225 24. THE FROSTY FROG CAFÉ (843) 686-FROG (3764) 25. HARBOURSIDE BURGERS & BREWS (843) 842-1444 26. THE HARBOUR TOWN BAKERY & CAFÉ (843) 363-2021 27. HARBOUR TOWN GRILL (843) 363-8380 28. HINOKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR (843) 785-9800 29. HUDSON’S SEAFOOD ON THE DOCKS (843) 681-2772 30. IL CARPACCIO (843) 342-9949 31. ISLAND FUDGE SHOPPE (843) 842-4280 32. ISLAND WINERY (843) 842-3141 33. THE JAZZ CORNER (843) 842-8620 34. KENNY B’S CAJUN SEAFOOD HUT (843) 785-3315 35. KINGFISHER SEAFOOD, PASTA AND STEAK HOUSE (843) 785-4442 36. KURAMA JAPANESE SEAFOOD AND STEAK HOUSE SUSHI BAR (843) 785-4955 37. THE LAKEHOUSE GOLF PUB (843) 842-1441 38. LAND’S END TAVERN (843) 671-5456 39. MANGIAMO (843) 682-2444 40. MELLOW MUSHROOM (843) 686-2474 or 706-0800 41. MICHAEL ANTHONY’S (843) 785-6272 42. MURPHY’S IRISH PUB (843) 842-3448 43. OCEANS (843) 681-4000 44. THE OLD OYSTER FACTORY (843) 681-6040 45. PALMETTO BAY SUNRISE CAFE (843) 686-3232

46. PANERA BREAD (843) 686-3838 or 757-5611 47. PATTY’S PIG ‘N’ PIT (843) 842-5555 48. PLANTATION CAFE & DELI (843) 785-9020 or 342-4472 49. THE QUARTERDECK (843) 842-1999 50. REDFISH (843) 686-3388 51. REILLEY’S (843) 842-4414 or 681-4153 52. SAGE ROOM (843) 785-5352 53. THE SALTY DOG CAFE (843) 671-CAFE (2233) 54. SAN MIGUEL’S MEXICAN CAFE (843) 842-4555 55. SANTA FE CAFE (843) 785-3838 56. SEA GRASS GRILLE (843) 785-9990 57. THE SMOKEHOUSE (843) 842-4BBQ (4227) 58. SPA SOLEIL (843) 686-8420 or 686-8429 59. STEAMER SEAFOOD (843) 785-2070 60. THE STUDIO (843) 785-6000 61. SURFSIDE OUTDOOR RESTAURANT & BAR (843) 842-1888 62. TAPAS RESTAURANT (843) 681-8590 63. TOBACCO ROAD (843) 341-6265 64. TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT (843) 842-1999 65. TRUFFLES CAFE (843) 671-6136, 785-3663 or 815-5551 66. TURTLES BEACH BAR & GRILL (843) 681-4000 67. WILD WING CAFE (843) 785-9464 or 837-9453 68. THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG (843) 671-7327