Spring 15

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CONTENTS

14 FEATURES

60 THE STEPPIN STONES Livin’ the Life, Chasin’ the Dream.

10 SAN MIGUEL’S MEXICAN CAFE The New Old Tradition.

62 CINCO DE MAYO What’s the Fiesta For?

14 THE ALL NEW SEA PINES BEACH CLUB Redefining Oceanside Options.

78 TO LIVE AND DINE IN BLUFFTON Spring in Bluffton Delivers Two Culinary Can’t-miss Events.

20 JEFF MIX Bartender Extraordinaire, Charlie’s L’etoile Verte.

80 BLUFFTON’S RED FISH An Iconic Island Restaurant Takes its Game Over the Bridge.

28 HILTON HEAD WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Celebrating 30 Tasteful Years.

32 YACHT HOP

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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A TASTE OF DINNER

A Hoot of a Hop for Hospice.

38 IN THE KITCHEN With Chef Sean Cavanaugh Of Crane’s Tavern and Steakhouse and Seafood.

44 HILTON HEAD ISLAND SEAFOOD FEST

50 A TASTE OF LUNCH 64 A TASTE OF BREAKFAST/BRUNCH 66 A TASTE OF ISLAND RECIPES

Showcasing Local Sights, Sounds, Chefs and Flavors.

68 A TASTE OF NIGHTLIFE/LOUNGES 46 20TH ANNUAL WINGFEST Wings, Wings and More Wings.

48 QUALITY FIRST - PART 1 OF 3: Health and Fitness Tips from CrossFit Hilton Head.

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76 A TASTE OF SWEETS & SERVICES 81 A TASTE OF BLUFFTON 82 ADVERTISING DIRECTORY/MAP

PUBLISHER’S NOTE For most people, the New Year begins January 1st, a time for change and transformation. Here on the Island, I feel like the New Year always begins in the spring. As locals, we basically hibernate during the winter and use these months to prepare for the upcoming season. So when debating the topic for this publisher’s note, I spent time reflecting on the past and peaking into the future.

Let’s start with reflection. It seems like yesterday when I decided to quit my job of seventeen years and start a brand new magazine. It was probably not the safest choice when entering my 40's with 2 young children to support, but I had a vision and I went for it. Fortunately over the years I had built some strong relationships with many of the Island's most influential restauranteurs. Having worked with these masters of their trade over the years got me in the door, but by no means guaranteed me instant support.

The pressure of those early days is hard to imagine now as I could have been dead in the water before I ever produced even one issue of this magazine. I thought I was prepared. With over 20 years in the industry, I had a well thought out plan and I had done my research. I still, however, faced the biggest obstacle of all…..convincing restaurants to advertise in a completely new publication. The leap of faith by many of the Island's leading restaurants for that first issue in the spring of 2006 has led to the magazine that you see today. Without the support of those early believers, Taste would never have taken flight and for that I thank all of my faithful advertisers as well as the readers who are their faithful patrons.

An equally important part of the longevity of Taste is the amazing people that work on each and every issue and have made the magazine into something that I am proud to publish and share. Each and every one of my staff brings a unique skill set to the table and has been a major reason for the magazine’s success.

Looking ahead, for 2015 and beyond, there is a new and invigorating vibe for the magazine. One new area to check out is our expansion into Bluffton. A natural progression with all of the growth over the bridge, it was time to let the audience know all of the cool things to do there, especially Old Towne Bluffton which is one of my favorite areas to frequent.

So with the Commencement of our 10th year of publishing, Taste will not be resting on our laurels, but will be constantly looking for ways to improve the magazine to bring you up to date news about the local food and beverage industry. We look forward to the next decade when we will continue to be your resource for the best in dining, nightlife and entertainment.

TASTE OF HILTON HEAD VOLUME X, ISSUE 1 PUBLISHER David Mudwilder ART DIRECTOR Kim Bowen CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Rob Kaufman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christy Baroni Allyson Jones Barry Kaufman 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 /TasteHHI /TasteHHI

ABOUT THE COVER David Mudwilder Publisher 6

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Celebrate the colors of spring at San Miguel’s with some delicious fish tacos.

Photography by Rob Kaufman.

A TASTE OF DINNER

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 Lunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Dinner 4:30 - 9 p.m., Monday - Saturday and Brunch on Saturday 8 - 11 a.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-YARD (9273) or visit us online at www.hhbackyard.com.

AMIGO’S CAFÉ Y CANTINA The original Amigo’s is located at 70 Pope Avenue in the Circle Center. Quick, casual and healthy Mexican food prepared fresh daily. Featuring the best burrito outside of Baja, quesadillas, tacos, amazing BBQ chicken salad, Jimmy’s World Famous Margaritas and ice cold beer. This local favorite has been serving islanders and visitors for over 19 years. Dine in or take-out available. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Call (843) 785-TACO (8226) or online at www.amigoscafeandcantina.com.

ANNIE O’S SOUTHERN EATS Located at the corner of Arrow and Target Road. The Island’s best southern food featuring main dishes such as Buttermilk Fried Catfish, Shrimp and Grits, Mama’s Fried Chicken, Meatloaf and Gravy and many more. Great sides, soups, salads and homemade desserts round out the menu. Full bar, cold beer and a nice wine selection. Open Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Call (843) 341- 2664.

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-youcan-eat 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. 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.

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.

BIG JIM’S BBQ, BURGERS & PIZZA New restaurant located in Palmetto Dunes at the Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse. Big Jim’s features BBQ, gourmet burgers and grilled pizza plus fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks & slow-smoked ribs. Enjoy big screen TV’s and expanded outdoor seating overlooking the golf course. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours are 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Happy Hour every day 4 until 7 p.m. and seasonal live entertainment. Take out and catering available. Call (843) 785-1165 or www.palmettodunes.com/big-jims. (continued on page 12)

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!

where mexican Fare meets american Flair !

!

The New Old Tradition:

San Miguel’s How an island institution has kept itself relevant while embracing everything that made it a tradition.

BY BARRY KAUFMAN PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

It’s a fact of the restaurant business that sometimes you can build a business so perfectly positioned that you can pretty much go into autopilot.

If you have a great location with a stunning view, you can pretty much phone in the menu.

If you have a great menu, you can pretty much forget about updating the décor.

And if you have a great location with a stunning view and a great menu, well those are some pretty comfy laurels to rest on. But as San Miguel’s is proving, just because you can rest on them doesn’t mean you should. Without fanfare, this iconic Shelter Cove restaurant has spent the last few years quietly updating both its décor and its menu while preserving everything that made it an island institution.

To be clear, San Miguel’s has a great location with a stunning view. Since the mid-80s, it has occupied a prime piece of real estate on a corner of Shelter Cove Harbor with one of the finest water views you’ll find. It doesn’t hurt that every Tuesday during the summer, the combined populations of nearly every state in the Midwest makes its way down to Harborfest and finds its way in the door of San Miguel’s.

And it goes without saying that they have a great menu. Their bevy of Mexican classics has become “destination cuisine” for generations of visitors, with tourists planning their vacations around their next chimichanga or fajita and locals naming it the spot to bring out-of-town guests. What’s more, their chips and salsa tend to disappear as fast as they can be served, and their trophy cabinet overflows with accolades for their margaritas.

So the folks at San Miguel’s can pretty much just put their feet up, right?

Not even close.

THE MENU Updating the menu at San Miguel’s is a tricky proposition, to say the least.

These are dishes that vacationers plan their trips around and locals have grown to love for decades, so it’s a delicate balancing act keeping the offerings fresh while pleasing long-time customers.

So how does San Miguel’s do it? First, they’ve simply taken a new approach to the old favorites.

“We have a really good chef in the kitchen, Jesus Rios, who is putting different twists on all of our recipes,” said Mary Anne Laskowitz, who along with her husband Scott has owned the restaurant since 1991.

“We used to have, for example, only white meat chicken breast because everyone knows it’s the best,” she said.

“These guys were like, ‘No you can’t just have white meat because it doesn’t offer enough flavor; it doesn’t cook right.’ They started adding a little bit of dark meat, it went from being good to being really good. Those are the little changes that have taken the classic recipe and just made it better.”

Rios has also updated the famous chips and salsa at San Miguel’s, making the salsa fresh each day and reaching out to a unique local source for tortillas.

But there are still the old favorites to consider. You can’t simply take something off the menu without ruining someone’s vacation, after all. Enter San Miguel’s “secret menu.”

If you know what to ask for, there is an array of old-school options that have disappeared from the menu but can still be obtained by the savvy diner. Simply ask, and you can have the classic San Miguel’s salad, which is the same as the regular only larger. There’s also the sampler platter, with taquitos, nachos and a quesadilla.

“There’s a lot we still make available for old-time customers that know what they like,” said Laskowitz.

And beyond tweaking the classics while honoring the originals, the crew in charge of the kitchen has amplified San Miguel’s offerings with key ingredients:

authenticity and fresh ingredients.

“With the crew in the kitchen and the way they know how to prepare it, we’re as authentic as it gets without being in Mexico,” said Laskowitz. “I was in Mexico and I was amazed that everywhere I went, the guacamole was the same as ours, the chips were the same as ours, and I said, ‘See?’” THE DÉCOR Just as return visitors know that their trip to Hilton Head will contain at least one hastily devoured bowl of San Miguel’s famous chips and salsa, they also know that for dessert they’ll watch the boats slowly ply the harbor from a perch at the famed fountain outside San Miguel’s.

The harbor has scarcely changed. The fountain is still there, even if the water stopped flowing years ago. It’s everything else about San Miguel’s exterior that has changed. And to say it changed for the better would be a huge understatement.

The outdoor under-the-awning seating has expanded, providing one of the best waterfront dining experiences on the island. The massive planter that once held the trickling waters of a fountain has been scaled back for a hip patio setting providing the perfect open-air spot to grab a mouth-watering margarita.

And all of this has allowed for San Miguel’s to expand into the arena of live music venue, a feat that has made it the destination for a night out during the warmer months.

“In the spring, depending on when spring break falls, we’re basically offering live music seven nights a week May through August,” said Laskowitz,

rattling off a who’s-who of local crooners that call San Miguel’s home including Chris Jones, Tommy Simms, Eric Daubert, Mike Korbar and Kirk O’Leary.

“At one point this past year we did in fact have seven different acts on seven different nights.”

What had once simply been a beautiful outdoor space with harbor views has been expanded, tweaked and improved slowly but surely by San Miguel’s to now offer one of the finest outdoor experiences on the island. But for those who have made the restaurant one of their must-visits while on vacation, the fountain is still there and the harbor is still there. Inside seating is available as well as an indoor bar featuring awarding winning margaritas.

It’s this careful, deliberate approach to both décor and menu that has allowed San Miguel’s to stay current while still embracing its role as an island tradition.

They could have simply rested on their laurels and watched clientele return time and time again anyway. But San Miguel’s chose to keep moving forward, and the result is a dining experience that is both new and comfortable. Rest on their laurels?

Perish the thought.

“We’ve kept up and we’re keeping up,” said Laskowitz. “We haven’t rested.”

San Miguel’s is located at Harbourside III on Shelter Cove Harbour. For more information call (843) 842-4555 or visit www.sanmiguels.com.

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BRITISH OPEN PUB Located in The Village at Wexford and Sheridan Park in Bluffton. Authentic English fare served in an attractive pubstyle 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., Saturday and Sunday Brunch 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call Hilton Head (843) 686-6736 or Bluffton 815-6736.

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 All New Location at 6 Target Road on Hilton Head and in Bluffton at the Calhoun Street Promenade. A local favorite for 30 years! Great seafood and more in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. Serving a wide variety of fresh seafood, great signature sandwiches (Grouper melt & PoBoy’s), soups and salads all at affordable prices. Fantastic outdoor deck and bar.

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.

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. Wednesday and Thursday 10% discount on dinner at the bar, Saturday and Sunday 1/2 price bottle of wine (under $100) with 2 entrees. Happy Hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. daily. Open daily for dinner from 5 p.m. Call (843) 785-6261.

CHARBAR CO Located in Park Plaza right outside Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head. A local favorite serving award winning gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads and more! We feature specialty craft beers, wines and a music collection spanning the decades in a relaxed indoor/outdoor environment. Voted Hilton Head Island “People’s Choice Best Burger”, 1st Place Winner of Burgers & Brews 2012, 2013 & 2014! Come enjoy our large outdoor patio with a fireplace and the only outdoor bar in Park Plaza! Kids menu and takeout available. Happy (continued on page 16) 12

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The All New

Sea Pines Beach Redefining Oceanside Options

BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLAN

The all-new Sea Pines Beach Club has quickly become a beacon for not only beachgoers in search of sand and surf, but a destination for those looking for a great meal and a refreshing cocktail with a view. In keeping with all of its new resort development, the owners of The Sea Pines Resort have spared no expense to bring homeowners and visitors a world-class destination that has redefined beach clubs as we know them on Hilton Head. With its completely new building, restaurants, and amenities, the Sea Pines Beach Club is now on pace to compete with world-class resorts.

“People talk about this renaissance on Hilton Head and Sea Pines has 14

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been at the forefront of that,” said Jeff Kruse, Vice President of Food & Beverage at The Sea Pines Resort.

“We have fantastic ownership and they believe in providing an elevated and premier experience for guests and property owners.” While the Beach Club has always been a destination for Sea Pines residents and visitors for beach access and a seaside cocktail or bite to eat, it is now an expansive operation that houses multiple options for year-round food and drink, a surf shop, as well as event space. “With our complete rebuild, we wanted to be able to offer expanded dining options so we would no longer be a seasonal destination,” Kruse explained.

There are three different venues for dining at the new club as well as a newly renovated bar area where all cocktails come with a breeze and a view.

The Beach Club’s new signature restaurant, Coast, specializes in fresh and local seafood. Coast has seating inside and out and the doors of the restaurant can completely open up to bring the outdoor in and provide diners with the visuals of the ocean, the auditory of crashing waves, and the aura of the ocean in the air. The restaurant is tastefully done with subtle and relaxing tones and a blend of traditional yet modern décor and comfortable seating. The outdoor area is spacious and welcoming and tables

PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN PHOTO BY ROB TIPTON

Club

come with fold-up umbrellas to give diners a reprieve from the sun.

Diners at Coast have a wide variety of items to choose from. In keeping with the spirit of the ocean, the menu offers a fresh shellfish bar with oysters, shrimp, and snow crab legs and lighter choices like fresh salads and tuna tacos. There are also a variety of hearty burgers and healthy wraps. For a marriage of southern and sea, try the lobster BLT made with smoked bacon and fried green tomatoes.

The dinner menu at Coast has some overflow with the lunch menu so items like the popular shellfish bar and burgers are still available, but the evening menu also features numerous signature dishes. The professional presentation of these dishes is worthy of culinary note as the visuals will please you before you even take your first bite. Seafood dishes include the likes of Bronzed Swordfish served with Lump Crab and Sweet Potato Hash

and a Grilled or Fried Seafood Platter loaded with a fresh catch, shrimp, oysters and hushpuppies. Another seafood option is somewhat of a “Build Your Own” angle as diners can choose between the type of fish they want (Sword, Tuna, Shrimp, Scallops, Salmon or Crab cakes), the type of preferred preparation (Grilled, Sautéed, or Blackened), and their sauce of choice (Green Tomato Chow Chow, Orange Sriracha, Cocktail, Mango Salsa, Chive-Peach Butter, Remoulade, Salsa Verde, and Spicy Coconut Green Curry). For the nonseafood lover in the group, there is Grilled Filet of Beef, Creole Chicken Carbonara as well as a Vegetarian Deep South Sweet Potato Polenta.

There is also a children’s menu available that comes complete with crayons and unique Sea Pines word games.

The second floor of the Sea Pines Beach Club is home to Ocean Lounge which boasts coastline views all the way over to Tybee Island and comfy seating with couches and nooks to help you sit back and forget that somewhere out there is the real world.

The attire is more upscale at Ocean Lounge and is reserved for guests 21 years or older. The lounge opens at 4:30 p.m. and offers appetizers and desserts making it an optimal stop for pre-dinner or post-dinner plans. Light food options include flatbreads, chips and guacamole, tuna tacos, oysters, and shrimp cocktail. For dessert, there is gelato and Snickers Bar cheesecake.

Specialty and tropical cocktails will help you savor the view with the likes of margaritas, mai tais, cosmos, mojitos and more.

They have also added a beautiful

event space area on the second floor, the Atlantic Room, the perfect location for a wedding reception or corporate social function. The bright and airy event room has glass doors that all open so the ocean ambiance is very much a part of the experience.

The outdoor bar at the Beach Club now boasts a new square shape with ample seating that offers full views of their eight flat screen televisions.

There are plush seating options as well as lofted bar stools and tables to elevate the priceless ocean views.

Entertainment on the deck is seasonal.

Another dining option is the Surfside Market which is perfect for the bathing-suit clad and casual diners who just want a fast and casual lunch on the deck or a nutritious snack to carry back to the beach. This nifty little spot has hotdogs, salads, and sandwiches; frozen yogurt, sno-kones, and smoothies; and plenty of refreshments including bottled water, sports drinks, and beer to quench your thirst and cool you off. It is a family friendly and convenient market with its own outdoor dining area right at the top of the beach walkway.

Three cheers go to the masterminds behind the beautiful new Sea Pines Beach Club for not only raising the bar on resort and beach access excellence on Hilton Head, but for executing a plan for year-round dining options that gives people an oceanfront opportunity that is not connected to a hotel. You will surely find the Sea Pines Beach Club and all it has to offer a breath of beautiful fresh air. For more information and complete menu listings, go to www.coastoceanfrontdining.com.

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Hour specials daily from 4-7 p.m.! Serving daily 11:30 a.m. 10 p.m. Call (843) 785-CHAR (2427) or visit us online at www.Facebook.com/CharbarCo!

and dinner daily, as well as Sunday Brunch. Happy hour offered daily from 4 until 8 p.m. Call (843) 342-9066 or online at www.chart-house.com. Reservations are recommended.

CHARLIE’S L’ETOILE VERTE

CHOW DADDY’S

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. Serving dinner Monday thru Saturday from 5:30 p.m. and lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Semi-private parties are accepted. Call (843) 785-9277 for reservations or check us out online at www.charliesgreenstar.com.

Located at 14B Executive Park Road, just off Pope Avenue.

One of the island’s newest and most creative restaurants offers a healthy alternative to casual dining. Slow roasting their pork and chicken on Big Green Eggs and using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Menu items include, Homemade White Bean and Kale Soup, Arugula Salad with grilled fennel and citrus vinaigrette, Chicken with Ricotta and Onion Jam on Ciabatta, A Ground in house Prime Rib Burger, great Tacos and an amazing Smoked Fried Chicken. Full bar, extensive wine selection and great cocktails. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. until midnight.

Outdoor seating available on our terrace. Call (843) 842-CHOW (2469) or online at www.chowdaddys.com for live music schedule.

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.

Relax on the expanded contemporary patio. Open for lunch

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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 (continued on page 18)

friendly atmosphere; your place for island enjoyment.

Unwind ocean side in the Carolina sun with one of the largest selectons 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 Cocosonthebeach.com or become a fan of Coco’s on Facebook. Call (843) 842-2626 (COCO) for seasonal hours, directions and information.

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 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.

CRAZY CRAB There are two great waterfront locations- one in Harbour Town in Sea Pines and the other on Hwy. 278 overlooking Jarvis Creek. Fresh local seafood served any way you like in two picturesque settings. Casual dining and great family fun.

A kid’s menu is available and children will be entertained by our onsite playground and the largest saltwater aquarium on Hilton Head (Jarvis Creek Location). Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Call (843) 363-2722 (Harbour Town) or 681-5021 (Jarvis Creek) or visit us online at thecrazycrab.com.

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 One Shelter Cove Lane. Waterfront dining, fresh catch seafood, and prime steaks of the highest quality delight the senses at ELA’S Blu Water Grille. This quaint, unique restaurant offers a pleasantly casual and intimate interior with gorgeous views of Shelter Cove Harbor. The kitchen, supervised by Chef Ryan Alpaugh, makes the most of global resources, putting a modern spin on local island offerings. Our first class wine selection from boutique vineyards compliments each culinary masterpiece. Live entertainment is featured weekly. Serving lunch Sunday thru Friday from 11:30-2:30 and dinner daily from 5 pm. Call us at (843) 785-3030 or visit us online at www.elasgrille.com. (continued on page 22) 18

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Jeff Mix Bartender Extraordinaire, Charlie’s L’etoile Verte

BY LOUISE LUND PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Charlie’s L’etoile Verte is unquestionably a very special place.

The name alone which is French, meaning “the green star,” is evocative.

And who better to tend their Bistro Bar than Jeff Mix, long-time, beloved bartender known for his cocktails and for handing out Hershey kisses. He has tended bar at some of the most popular places on the island since 1976 and has been with Charlie’s for the past five years.

The bar has a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere with a wonderful eclectic soft seating of leather couches and chairs. Jeff is behind the bar, and he always has a smile on his face and an ear to lend not easy feats when you consider how many people want a piece of his time.

A special menu is offered on the bar side of Charlie’s where Jeff presides.

Owner Charlie Golson stated that people wait in line before the restaurant opens in the evening to get a seat at the bar with Jeff. Without a doubt, he is known for going the extra step to build lasting connections and loyalty.

Jeff took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about why he moved to Hilton Head, how he got into this profession, and to describe what it 20

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takes to be a great bartender. Born in White Plains, New York, and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Jeff came to the island in July of 1975 to work with his brother-in-law. He got his start in food and beverage as a busboy at the Hyatt’s opening in 1976. Five years later, he joined Mariner’s Inn as Maître d’ in their restaurant. He managed Fulvio’s Grill at Main Street, spent 11 years as bartender at Remy’s from ’84‘95, and bartended at Captain’s Table at the Sea Crest. “I’ve pretty much done all areas of restaurant management,” Jeff said, “and I definitely prefer working directly with customers.”

“To be a good bartender, you pay attention to everyone you’re serving,” Jeff said. “You have to be knowledgeable, organized, a quick thinker, and a good listener. And you have to be nice!” Anyone who knows Jeff knows that being nice comes naturally for him, as well as being knowledgeable about the entire

operation. He takes immense pride in making everyone comfortable and ensuring that their experience is a great one.

“As a bartender I’m often asked what the best cocktail is, to which I reply that there is no such thing as a best cocktail, but I can recommend the most popular ones. The Mango Key is made with Van Gogh Mango Vodka, key lime and pineapple juice with Mango puree is very popular. Charlie’s Chocolate Martini, made with real Belgian chocolate, Bailey’s, and vanilla vodka is also frequently ordered.

However, all the cocktails are delicious!”

Jeff is proficient at making all recognized classic drinks as well as recommending some of the finest wines. The restaurant has received the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for more than ten consecutive years. They carry more than 500 selections, specializing in California and the Rhone Valley and

Bordeaux choices.

There is a separate Bistro Bar Menu with dishes available only in the bar.

“The most popular dishes are the Fresh Catch Salad, served over baby greens with veggies, the Chicken Crepes made with mushrooms, spinach and Béchamel sauce, and an awesome Filet Mignon Bistro Burger.”

When he’s not at Charlie’s, Jeff likes to relax on the beach with his wife and best friend, Kim. “I like to play golf also” he said. His son, Eric, is attending culinary school in Charleston and managing the kitchen at a Charleston restaurant while his stepsons Ferris and Davis have steered clear of the food and beverage life so far. Clearly, Jeff has found his niche in life and Charlie’s is elated to have him.

Charlie’s L’etoile Verte is located at 8 New Orleans Road and is open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner and Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until. (843) 785-9277.

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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, 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. A comfortable, casual atmosphere offering a “web-footed lickin” menu and an enormous amount of frozen daiquiris by the glass or by the gallon.

Outside seating with retractable roof, fire pit, beach area and tiki bar. Live music nightly. Certified black angus burger, crab cakes, pizza, prime rib sandwich, salads, subs, wraps, peel & eat shrimp, calamari and of course fried frog legs. 28 HD TV’s for great sports viewing 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 Sea Pines, near wonderful Harbour Town shops,

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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 or online seapines.com/dining.

HILTON HEAD BREWING COMPANY Located just off Greenwood Drive in Reilley’s Plaza. South Carolina’s first microbrewery since Prohibition. Serving fresh local seafood, great pizza, burgers, wings, salads and much more. Happy hour daily from 4 until 7 p.m. with nightly drink specials and over 30 TV’s inside and out for all the sports action. Open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and dinner starting from 4 p.m. Call (843) 785-3900 or online at www.hhbrewingco.com.

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 dinner 5:30 until 10:00 p.m., Monday thru (continued on page 24)

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Annie O s

Southern Eats & Down Home Cookin’

With all the food cooked to order and homemade down to the last cornbread crumb, Annie O’s is sure to please your palate and become part of your A-list when it comes to eating out. Annie O’s serves that true southern soul food that envelops your senses. The aroma captivates you and then that first bite brings you home. It’s one of those meals that you dive into with a smile on your face and every mouthful is better than the last. If you manage to come up for air before your plate is clean, you are probably among the few at your table who does so. This is Down Home Cookin’ at its finest.

While it will please your palate, what Annie O’s will not do, happily, is take a big dent out of your billfold. Owner Tom Egerton started his restaurant with a vision of “gourmet food that would not cost an arm and a leg.” He was looking for a niche market that was affordable and chose southern fare because he enjoys cooking and eating it.

Annie O’s is named after Tom’s mother who was his mentor and inspiration. He wanted a name with meaning. “Annie O loved to eat and was a great cook. I used to like to watch her cook and finally one day she said,

‘Tom – you’re right in the way.’ So she put a spoon in my hand and from then on I always helped her prepare our meals. She showed me the basics and instilled in me a love of food.” There is a picture of Annie on the wall as you walk in the door. Tom says that perhaps she is watching over his shoulder or perhaps the meat mallet in her hand is ready to dole out a good whack if his grits are a tad runny.

Off the beaten track a bit, Annie O’s is located in a small strip mall at the corner of Arrow and Target Roads on the south end of Hilton Head near the Sea Pines Circle. Dianne Flowers will treat you well if you sit at the bar, or you can cozy into one of the tables or booths and be wined and dined for the duration of your stay. A party of four can have a fabulous meal and a beer to compliment it and walk out the door for $50. Tom calls it Quality Affordable Cuisine. “We offer good value,” said Tom. “Our portions are big enough to fill people up and we use a lot of ‘to-go’ boxes for leftovers.”

Tom described the most popular dishes at Annie O’s as the Tomato Pie and the Pork Shoulder. The Tomato Pie has a light crust made with cream cheese, butter, and flour and is served with a salad. “It makes the perfect light lunch,” explained Tom. His Pork Shoulder is slow roasted for seven hours and is tenderness times ten. Tom’s personal favorite is his Chicken Biscuit served with sausage gravy and a side of Collard Greens. The biscuit is homemade. The gravy is homemade.

Even the sausage that goes in the gravy is homemade.

The menu at Annie O’s has something for everyone. Diners can go light with a choice of salads with chicken or catfish,

Crab Cakes or traditional with fried chicken, shrimp and grits or meatloaf and gravy, or the meat lover in the group can get a burger that was ground fresh that morning. At $18, the Strip Steak is the most expensive item on the menu. The sides will be hard to choose from as they include Black Eyed Peas, Stone Ground Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, Collard Greens, and Braised Cabbage among others. People can mix and match as Tom will cater to your whim. He will try to accommodate special dietary needs and will prepare food gluten-free or even salt-free if necessary. Desserts are all homemade daily and range from Coconut Cream or Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie to their popular Chocolate Pudding which is available occasionally. The Kids’ Menu features all the hits like burgers, mac and cheese, and chicken fingers.

Annie O’s is open all day, Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

They choose not to shut down between lunch and dinner so anyone with a 4 p.m. hankering for fried chicken can get their fix. Visit them on Facebook at Annie O’s Southern Eats or call (843) 341-2664.

Saturday and lunch, 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Call (843) 785-9800 for reservations.

HOLY TEQUILA Located in Park Plaza, the Holy Tequila taqueria blends gourmet tacos with American flavors, Mexican street food and tequila in an eclectic atmosphere! Prepare your senses for a fusion of flavors that reaches into the heart of Mexico! Holy Tequila combines an open kitchen with indoor/outdoor dining and a dynamic bar to create a high energy fiesta! We serve gourmet tacos, quesadillas, and smalls plates all under $10, with a full bar offering over 40 kinds of premium tequilas.

The cuisine is modern, fun and uninhibited, just like our guests!

The restaurant is open 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily with happy hour specials from 4-7 p.m. Call us at (843) 681-TACO (8226) or visit us online at www.Facebook.com/HolyTequila!

HUDSON’S SEAFOOD HOUSE ON THE DOCKS Located on the Intracoastal Waterway off Squire Pope Rd. With 45 years of casual dining experience and spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Hudson's is one of the Island's most recognized landmarks. Featuring the freshest, local seafood in the area as well as pasta, steaks, chicken and more. Kids menu available. Featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Bon Appe´tit. Open daily at 11 a.m. Call (843) 681-2772.

HUGO’S Located at 841 William Hilton Parkway at South Island Square.

For over 30 years, Hugo has served generations of locals & visitors. Offering tableside flaming desserts to make your dinner the most memorable! Experience Hugo’s AwardWinning Steaks and Seafood. Choose from Lobster, Flounder, Crab Legs, Salmon, Crabcakes, to Ribeyes, Chops, Bourbon BBQ Babyback Ribs & much more. Enjoy wines from our climate controlled wine cellar or any cocktail from the full bar!

Dinner nightly from 4:30 until close. Call (843) 785-HUGO (4846) or click to HugosHiltonHead.com.

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 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.

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, (continued on page 26) 24

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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.

KURAMA JAPANESE SEAFOOD AND STEAK HOUSE & SUSHI BAR Located at 9 Palmetto Bay Road next to Sea Pines Circle, Kurama Japanese Restaurant has been one of Hilton Head's most popular spots for tourists and locals alike. Kurama prides itself on using the freshest ingredients at both our entertaining hibachi-style tables and inviting sushi bar. Our highly-skilled chefs and family-friendly atmosphere will entertain any size party. Open daily from 4:30 until 10 p.m. Early Bird specials, children's menu and take out available. Call (843) 785-4955 for reservations or visit www.KuramaHHI.com for more info.

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.

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LIVE OAK - LOWCOUNTRY INSPIRED CUISINE Located in the new Plantation Golf Club, Live Oak is a fresh culinary experience showcasing Lowcountry-inspired cuisine and locally sourced produce and products. Boasting a 35-foot rotunda ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide an incredible 270 degree golf view, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating options. Guests can choose from an expansive selection of local craft beers, a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list, or a signature Bourbon collection.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.

Reservations are suggested, please call (843) 842-1441 or visit liveoakrestaurant.com. Proper resort attire required.

LUCKY ROOSTER KITHCEN & BAR Located at 841 William Hilton Parkway in South Island Square.

An American Bistro with southern soul serves seasonal inspired food with local beers, craft cocktails and an esoteric wine list. Our menu is constantly changing and evolving with seasons, tides, weather and our inspirations. Dine inside or outside on our patio. A healthy children’s menu is also available. Open Tuesday thru Saturday from 4 p.m. til late, dinner from 5 until 10 p.m., happy hour from 4 until 6:30 p.m. and late night menu available. Open Mondays starting April 6th. Call (843) 681-3474 or online at www.luckyroosterhhi.com. (continued on page 30)

Stellini

ItalIan RestauRant Twenty-Six Years Of The Family Biz? Don’t Fuhgeddabout It…

Our 26th Anniversary!

Stellini’s is Italian. Very Italian. So Italian that you might feel like you’re on a movie set or in a place where there might be one welldressed, quiet guy in the back who wears a pinky ring, everyone whispers to and is known to take care of… well… “things.”

Maybe that happens and maybe it doesn’t.

Maybe you should mind your own business and enjoy your meal. But, whatever happens in Stellini, it is most likely as far from a highly imaginative writer’s manufactured Soprano-esque musings as possible and centered on the one thing that has kept the restaurant in business for the last twenty-six years: the experience.

Joe Pesce—like Joe Pesci, but not— bought the place twenty-six years ago without any prior restaurant experience because his daughter, Elise, and his son-inlaw, Kyle Parlagreco, “worked there and needed a job.” Kyle, Stellini’s manager and resident chops buster, maintains that Joe simply wanted free food. Pesce agrees that nothing has changed in twenty-six years.

Jokes aside, the trio found the opportunity to improve on an existing establishment.

Twenty-six years in the same place on an Island that, at times, seems to change with the tides has proven them correct.

In over two decades they’ve only had two chefs. Currently Chef Larry Schneider, culinary graduate, oversees menu items like the Veal Saltimbocca, Zuppa di Pesce, Lamb Shank Osso Buco, Filet Mignon, Clams Casino, Tortellini Carbonara and meat-based Lasagna among many other appetizers and entrees. “The menu says Italian,” relays Kyle with a significant degree of confidence, “but we do it any way we want to do it.”

“We run the restaurant as a family owned restaurant,” Kyle continues, “not a corporation. Basically, everybody gets along, you do the right job, everybody’s happy, we’re all friends. We’re a small, Jersey-style place with consistent, quality food.

Without exception, the brain trust that runs Stellini is proud of what they do; they should be, they’ve seen a lot of the

competition come and go over the years.

And, without exception, they have a fantastic sense of humor that can only come from a family as close-knit as their own.

Stellini, at 15 Executive Park Drive, off Pope Avenue, opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A three course Early Bird is available from 5 until 5:45 p.m.

Reservations are strongly recommended.

Specials happen nightly. For information call (843) 785-7006 or check out www.stellinihhi.com.

What’s changed over at Stellini in twentysix years? “My age, my sanity,” jokes Kyle.

Pesce, still whimsical but a bit more existential, relates this feeling on the matter: “The fact that Kyle is still my son-in-law after all that time, I think, speaks very highly of us here.” Indeed. Kind of like a father investing in a restaurant because he believes in his daughter and her husband. When you’re in the family, you’re in for life. That’s consistency. That’s quality. That’s why customers keep coming back.

BY ALLYSON JONES • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Blending the traditional with the innovative, the Hilton Head Wine + Festival celebrates “30 tasteful years,” March 9-14.

The Sea Pines Resort has signed on as presenting sponsor for the pearl anniversary and a new series of events are lined up to complement the signature Grand Tasting and Public Tasting. A golf tournament, show home and pig roast are just a few of the fresh offerings in 2015.

This year, the Public Tasting – the largest outdoor public wine tasting on the East Coast – takes place on Saturday, March 14, in the Harbour Town Yacht Basin. Friday night’s Grand Tasting & Auction of super-premium wines will be held under a massive tent on the 18th green of the famed Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines.

Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Hilton Head Wine + Food Festival has always enjoyed strong local support since its humble beginnings as a three-hour wine tasting in a hotel parking lot.

Today, the festival attracts connoisseurs from across the country and executive director Paula Magrini hopes to expand 28

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the accessibility and visibility of the festival with a smorgasbord of happenings, ticket packages and sponsorships, plus a redesigned website, new social media campaign and mobile app courtesy of The Reynolds Group.

Great Chefs of the South Wine Dinners are scheduled throughout the week and, on Tuesday, the Par for the Cork golf tournament tees off on the Ocean Course. Wednesday brings the opening of the Designer Show Home in an exclusive Sea Pines neighborhood showcasing the talents of renowned interior designers and featuring an array of cooking demonstrations and art exhibitions through Saturday.

Thursday is the Pig Roast and Craft Beer Tasting at the Stoney-Baynard Ruins, “remnants of a grand antebellum plantation home built 1793-1810 by Captain John ‘Saucy Jack’ Stoney,” according to Love Real Estate Consultants. On Friday evening, attendees can enjoy the Grand Tasting or join the Stroll and Sip progressive tasting around the Harbour Town Marina. Following the Saturday Public Tasting, the festival wraps up on

Sunday with a special brunch.

“That’s what we all love about this event – it involves the community,” notes Magrini. “It takes a village and we’ve had great support from everyone from tent vendors to transportation.

The list goes on, whether it be the interior designers, our accommodations partners or our wine vendors. The local food and beverage community has been awesome!”

Along with The Sea Pines Resort and other hotel partners, the Sonesta Resort will offer accommodation and ticket packages for the festival. In February, the Shipyard Plantation hotel hosted the invitation-only International Wine Judging where Master Sommeliers, wine industry experts and wine critics spend a weekend tasting and rating more than 800 wine entries featured throughout the festival.

For the complete schedule of Hilton Head Wine + Food Festival events or to book ticket and/or accommodation packages, visit www.hiltonheadwineandfood.com.

For the latest updates, download the new mobile app or follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

MANGIAMO Located at 2000 Main Street. 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 beers on tap, fifty more by bottle and a full bar available.

Dine inside or outside on the patio. Open daily from 11 a.m.

Call (843) 686-2474 (HHI) or 706-0800 (B-Town).

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) 785-6272 or visit www.michael-anthonys.com.

OKKO RESTAURANT Located at 95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza, Suite C. Contemporary Asian cuisine served in a magnificent atmosphere. Choose from Hibachi, Thai or Chinese or relax at the sushi bar or in the lounge. Open 7 days from 11:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., Sunday thru Thursday and 11:30 a.m. until midnight on Saturday and Sunday. Call (843) 341-3377 for more information or directions.

THE OLD OYSTER FACTORY Located on 101 Marshland Rd. Waterfront dining with expan-sive 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.

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DRYDOCK SEAFOOD, GRILL & SPIRITS

HARD TO FIND, BUT WORTH IT! “So, where do the locals go?”

This question is asked countless times a day by visitors looking for the best places to eat, drink and be merry on Hilton Head.

Generally off the beaten path and found by word-of-mouth, homegrown favorites offer a place to unwind with good food, cold drinks and an inviting atmosphere. It’s no accident that the DryDock Seafood, Grill & Spirits, tucked away in the Sapelo Building on Office Park Road, has all of these ingredients.

“Hard to find, but worth it,” this Island institution, which opened in 1994 moved to its current, yet still well-hidden,location near Park Plaza in 2009.

Thanks to favorable online reviews and an emphasis on “fresh seafood, cold drinks and good times,” the DryDock kept its strong local following, while attracting a new crowd eager to try something different.

Open daily for lunch and dinner, patrons can enjoy reasonably priced, made-toorder dishes while seated on the outdoor deck, in the cozy, nautical-themed main dining room or in the private, 20-seat party room. Sports fans can claim a spot at the

spacious indoor bar and lounge area to catch the game on one of several flat screen TVs or head to the outside bar. A large aquarium, shuffleboard table and assorted video games provide plenty of entertainment for the kids before or after their meal.

Crazy 8’s Lunch Combo Specials are available from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. with a selection of seven signature sandwiches, such as smoked BBQ, Philly cheese steak or grilled chicken, as well as garden salads and seafood baskets accompanied by homemade dressings and sauces. Pattied by hand, the Certified Black Angus hamburgers are considered by many to be the Island’s best, especially when topped with Rob’s own ketchup.

From an array of appetizers, soups and salads to sandwiches and entrees, seafood is the star of the show at the DryDock.

Starters include She Crab Soup and Lowcountry Seafood Gumbo, plus Hot Shot Shrimp, DryDock Pork Belly blackened scallops, fried calamari and garden or Caesar salads topped with grilled, seared, fried or blackened ahi tuna, shrimp, grouper, scallops, mahi mahi or chicken.

The Fish & Chips basket with handbreaded grouper is always a top seller or try a shrimp, oyster or clam Po’ Boy served on a hoagie roll with a side of tartar sauce.

For heartier appetites, the DryDock Steampot includes a cluster of snow crab legs, two Jonah crab claws, mussels, clams, shrimp, smoked sausage, corn on the cob and coleslaw for less than $30.

Make it a double and share the platter for under $50.

Can’t decide? The Fin Fish and Shellfish Dinner offers a choice of grouper, mahi

mahi, yellowfin tuna, shrimp, oysters or scallops prepared broiled, grilled, seared, blackened, Caribbean jerk or fried. On the other hand, the DryDock Fried Seafood Platter includes shrimp, scallops, oysters, clams and grouper served with coleslaw, hushpuppies and French fries. Grover’s Fries topped with blue and feta cheese, crumbled bacon and balsamic reduction, Stockyard Dinners of smoked BBQ babyback ribs and hand-cut NY strip steaks round out the diverse menu offerings.

“Hilton Head’s Home” for the University of Michigan Wolverines as well as the Miami Dolphins, the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees, Rob is quick to note that he’ll find the game you want to see.

Happy Hour deals are offered from 4-7 p.m. and the DryDock is the perfect place to watch Major League Baseball, professional golf and other sporting events, indoors or out on one of our 9 HD TV’s including a 12 foot large projection screen and 2 TV’s on the deck.

The outside deck is a huge draw when the weather is nice and the perfect spot to enjoy a great meal and cocktails under the huge live oak.

Owner and operator of many successful restaurants, when asked about his plans for the future, Rob just laughs and replies, “I figure after 20 years, I’ve made the right choice.”

So you want to know where the locals go? If you can find the DryDock, you’ve found the place.

(843) 842-9775 Sapelo Building at 21 Office Park Road facebook.com/DryDockHHI ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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Yacht Ho A HOOT OF A HOP FOR HOSPICE

BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLAN • PHOTOS COURTESY YACHT HOP

E

very May, on the first Sunday, Harbour Town is transformed into a massively chic party as Islanders and visitors hobnob and hop from yacht to yacht all under the auspices and in the worthy name of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. It is a one-of-a-kind party to be sure as smartly clad revelers dance, eat, drink, and be merry while strolling the docks of Harbor Town and decks of luxurious vessels.

According to Darlene Schuetz, Director of Community Relations for Hospice, “Living in a small community with so many non-profits, this is truly a unique experience that really gets people into the spirit of the event.” You could say it is a Hoot of a Hop for Hospice.

With their teak polished and their decks fully swabbed, between 20 and 24 yachts adorn Sea Pine’s horseshoe harbor and invite yacht hoppers on board to share in their splendor. Some of the yachts are locally owned while others come in from Charleston or Savannah or are snowbirds returning north for the warmer weather.

No one traverses the planks empty handed as food stations, manned by 32

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local restaurants, are set up on both land and sea. Darlene expects approximately 24 restaurants to participate this year, offering up sample size portions of their chef’s most well liked delicacies. “I have to say it is a ton of delicious food,” said Darlene. Last year, participating restaurants included Ela’s, Neo, Sea Grass Grille, Sea Pines Resort, and Sunrise Cafe among others.

Of course, no one goes thirsty either as cash bars are set up for easy access.

The evening closes with dessert and a champagne toast.

Entertainment for the night will again be provided by long-time local favorites, the Headliners – a perfectly smooth musical accompaniment to an evening on the water and under the stars. Another feature of the event is both a live and silent auction. People can bid on items such as restaurant gift certificates, golf, purses, jewelry, golf packages with celebrities, bikes, a Stay and Play at Harbour Town, catered sunset cruises, and the list goes on.

Darlene was hopeful that Jaguar Land Rover of Hilton Head would again be a sponsor and park some of their posh vehicles around the venue.

“This is just an historically fun event that some people cater their vacation around,” said Darlene. Last year they introduced a bit of competition to the evening and held a “Best Nautical Attire” award to the docket.

Competitors included pirates, a sexy boat captain, Gilligans, Gingers and Maryannes. The winner was decided by audience applause, so if you are competing this year, be sure to bring lots of friends.

Darlene noted that the Yacht Hop is Hospice’s signature fund raiser and garners over $100,000 every year.

“Funds go directly to Patient Care Services and help bridge the gap between Medicare and what is not covered by the care we provide. Many of our services, like the extra time that our nurses and nurse assistants put in, is just not covered,” she explained. “The Hop raises awareness for what we do and it’s also a ‘friend-raiser’.” Hospice sets up a table by their complimentary water station that is manned by their Board members who are on hand to educate people and share their passion.

“What people don’t’ realize is that we have been around for over 32 years and we are truly a non-profit. We have no parent company and our entire Board is volunteers.”

This year’s Yacht Hop will be held on Sunday, May 3rd from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Darlene recommends purchasing tickets in advance as there have been years when they have reached their capacity of 500 and sold out. Tickets are $110 and Valet Parking is included. Hospice is currently taking nominations for this year’s Admiral of the Yacht Hop to succeed last year’s admiral, Andy Twisdale. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or register a yacht, go to www.hospicecarelc.org or call (843) 7062296. Come on out and have a hoot and a hop while supporting this great cause: “Hospice can’t do anything about death. But hospice can do something about Pain. About Fear.

About laughter. About Comfort. About Grief.”

OMBRA Located in the Village at Wexford. Serving authentic classical Italian cuisine. Being of Italian heritage Chef Michael Cirafesi proudly promotes all of the foods and wines of Italy. He prepares all pastas, homemade gnocchi, desserts and breads daily as well as a large variety of fish, veal, beef and game additions. An extensive wine list is available with a brilliant array of wines from every region in Italy. Open nightly from 4:30 until 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended and walk-ins welcome. Call (843) 842-5505 or visit us online at www.ombrahhi.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.

PELICAN’S POINT (Formerly The Kingfisher) Located at 18 Harbourside Ln. at Shelter Cove Harbour. Offering affordable casual dining with breathtaking waterfront views from inside or on the outside deck. Early Bird from 5 until 6 p.m. Best Island Happy Hour from 5 until 7 p.m. featuring incredible drink and seafood specials. Live music and dancing with Pete Carroll on Wednesdays, classic soft rock with David Wingo on Thursdays, and jazz with Earl Williams on Fridays. Catch some great comedy too. Call (843) 785-4442 for reservations and information or online at www.pelicanspoint.com.

THE QUARTERDECK Long considered an island icon, The Quarterdeck offers indoor and outdoor dining with stunning sunset views overlooking Calibogue Sound. An enticing all-day menu, featuring fresh seafood appetizers, innovative and traditional sandwiches, garden salads and certified angus beef burgers, is complemented by a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list offering 40 wines by the glass. Located at the base of the Harbour Town Lighthouse, The Quarterdeck is open daily, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., with seasonal live entertainment.

Call (843) 842-1999.

REDFISH On the corner of Palmetto Bay Rd. and Archer Rd. on Hilton Head, and 32 Bruin Rd. in Bluffton. 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 (continued on page 36) 34

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seating available. Serving lunch Monday thru Saturday from 11:30 a.m. and dinner daily from 5 p.m. For more information call (843) 686-3388 or 837-8888 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 the newly renovated patio. Full bar, extensive wine list, take-out and kid’s menu available. Seasonal live entertainement. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 842-4414 or 681-4153 or online at www.reilleyshiltonhead.com.

RUAN THAI HUT Located at 1107 Main Street. Serving Authentic Thai fare using the freshest ingredients available. Mild to very hot, you can choose the spice level of your meal. Appetizers, soups, salads, desserts and kids meals round out an extensive menu with something for all ages. Sit inside or outside on the comfortable patio. Open Monday thru Saturday for lunch and dinner. Call (843) 681-3700.

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. Great food, frozen drinks and live entertainment from the island's favorite outdoor cafe. Enjoy beautiful waterfront views overlooking Braddock's Cove in a fun and casual atmosphere. Happy Hour daily with a full menu available, plus an outdoor cookout, Salty Dog Ice Cream and Jake's Pizza during the season.

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 (continued on page 40)

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USDA PRIME STEAKS & FRESH, “OFF THE BOAT” SEAFOOD

A Sampling of Catch 22’s Menu Items…

(A few menu items will change seasonally).

Almond Encrusted Tilapia • Crispy Roasted Half Duck Cracked Pepper Tuna • Pan-Seared Jumbo Scallops Eggplant Napoleon • Pork Saltimbocca Char-Braised Short Ribs • The Catch 22 Surf & Turf Veal Bolognese al Forno • Tarragon Grilled Manhattan Steak Lump Crab Savannah • Grilled Chicken Penne

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

…or join us for our Early Dining Menu*

*Featuring a glass of wine, salad, and your choice of 11 selected menu entrees

5:00pm – 6:15pm

•

Reservations Recommended

37 New Orleans Rd., Orleans Plaza

$16.95 - $21.95

•

•

Open Every Evening from 5:00pm – Until

843.785.6261 ¼ Mile From Sea Pines Circle •

catch22hhi.com

IN THE

Kitchen Of Crane’s Tavern and Steakhouse and Seafood

Chef Sean Cavanaugh

BY LOUISE LUND • PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Crane's Tavern on Hilton Head Island has the look and feel of an establishment much older than its 15 years. Owned by Hank Crane and daughter Beth Anne, the tavern and steakhouse bearing their surname was established by family patriarch and Irish immigrant Frank Crane in Philadelphia at the turn of the last century. Hilton Head Island's destination for steaks, prime rib, and seafood lovers, Crane's takes pride in serving only the finest USDA prime grade beef and freshest seafood.

Coupled with his kitchen leadership, Head Chef Sean Cavanaugh reflects the Crane family’s commitment to professionalism and excellence. His passion and growth as a chef have been realized at Crane’s. A native of Columbia Station, Ohio, a little town outside of Cleveland, Cavanaugh graduated from Johnson and Wales University with degrees in culinary arts and food service management.

“I started in this business at 16 washing dishes and moved up ever since, so I have been working in food and beverage for 27 years now,” Cavanaugh said. “When I moved to Hilton Head, I worked for Stripes Restaurant. The chef/owner was excellent and he taught me a lot. I joined Crane’s over 13 years ago as the 38

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sous chef. After 6 years, the head chef opened his own restaurant and I moved into his position of Head Chef.”

Cavanaugh has a distinctive style of cooking that artfully blends the finest steaks, prime rib, and seafood with the best flavoring and ingredients. His creations express a dedication to classic technique with a vast array of flavor profiles. Cavanaugh said, “You can’t get too crazy with the menu for our customers as they like familiar dishes and good portions. I prepare every dish with that in mind. Although more diners order seafood in the warmer months, steaks and prime rib are what we’ve built our reputation on.”

“Some diners request strictly vegetarian dishes, and we have several items on the menu which are vegetarian. The Mushroom Ravioli, one of our most popular vegetarian dishes, is tossed in a roasted garlic and caper cream sauce and finished with shredded parmesan. Our biggest request by diners these days is for gluten-free items. I had to study that at first to find where gluten may be hidden in some products but have that down now,” Cavanaugh said. Crane’s makes everything from scratch, including delicious vegetable dishes, fruit dishes, and an assortment of delectable desserts.

“My favorite dish to prepare is probably the Osso Bucco over risotto. It is a veal shank braised with tomatoes, onions, celery, bell peppers and red wine served over parmesan risotto. I put it on the menu 2 years ago and have received great feedback. I just love the smell when it comes out of the oven and you pull back the foil, releasing that amazing aroma.”

The wine list is carefully crafted to complement the menu, and Crane’s is a recipient of the Award of Excellence from The Wine Spectator. They do a brisk business in vintage libations to accompany the menu offerings.

Chef Cavanaugh has created "The Chef's Selections," a mix of seafood and non-seafood dishes which change often. Through his work, he has gained a profound respect for the complexities that go into creating stellar yet simple dishes. Jason Mullis, sous chef at Crane’s, summed up what co-workers and others who know Cavanaugh say about him. “My boss is the kindest, most honest, and hard working person I know. While many chefs are demanding and controlling, Sean Cavanaugh is not.

He is an all-around great person.”

Cranes’ Tavern is located at 26 New Orleans Road. Call (843) 341-2333 for reservations.

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 vegetarian items.

Excellent wine list, imported beers and full bar. Early dining menu from 5 until 6 p.m. Take-out available. Reservations are “gladly” accepted. Open for dinner 7 nights a week from 5 until 10 p.m., and for lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-3838 or www.santafehhi.com.

SKILLETS CAFE Located just off the beach in Coligny Plaza. An excellent choice for the whole family since 1994, offering a wide variety of dinner selections, all at a fair price. Nightly dinner specials starting at $16.99. Choose from tempting appetizers, fresh seafood, southern-style dishes, beef, chicken and an extensive salad bar. Full bar and wine list available. Take-out and Kid’s menu. Dine inside or outside on the patio (Dog Friendly). Open daily from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Call (843) 785-3131 or check us out online at www.skilletscafe.com.

STEAMER SEAFOOD Located on the pond in Coligny Plaza. Featuring huge portions of fresh seafood, shellfish, 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. Full bar and take-out available. Open from 11:30 a.m. until late, 7 days a week. Call (843) 785-2070.

STELLINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT Located at 15 Executive Park Dr., just off Pope Avenue.

Voted the Island’s best Italian restaurant, Stellini features popular menu items from the Little Italy section of New York and northern New Jersey. Choose from items such as Clams Casino, Veal Saltimbocca, Zuppa di Pesce, Osso Buco, Lasagna and more. Chefs specialties created nightly.

Extensive wine list, Early Bird specials, children’s menu and take-out available. Serving dinner Monday thru Saturday from 5 p.m. til 9:30 p.m. Call (843) 785-7006 for reservations.

SUNSET GRILLE Located on the Intracoastal Waterway at Hilton Head Harbor, 43 Jenkins Rd. The Grille offers a casual fine dining experience with breathtaking sunset views. The creative 40

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menu features house specialties such as Hugh's famous hot smoked salmon, shrimp & grits, grilled sea scallops & braised lamb shank all prepared to perfection by Executive Chef Tom Boland. An extensive wine list, craft beer selection and full bar available. Call (843) 689-6744 for reservations or visit us at sunsetgrillehhi.com. Dinner is served Tuesday-Sunday 6 p.m. until.

TAPAS RESTAURANT New location in Port Royal Plaza, near Sam’s Club. Join Chef/Owner Ardis Matthews, who has been featured in Bon Appe´tit 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.

list and a knowledgeable staff. Topside is open for dinner nightly, 5–9 p.m. Reservations are suggested, please call (843) 842-1999 or visit seapines.com/dining.

TRUFFLES CAFE Located in Sea Pines Center and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. Casual cafés featuring the freshest food and finest service for over 30 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 Belfair location. 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 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. at Sea Pines Center and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. Call (843) 671-6136 or 815-5551 or go to www.trufflescafe.com.

THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Dine at Topside Waterfront Restaurant and enjoy its famous “Fresh Market Seafood” menu. Located directly next to the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, Topside offers stunning one-of-a-kind sunset views of Calibogue Sound, as well as the signature 18th fairway and green of Harbour Town Golf Links. Topside’s breathtaking views and outstanding menu are complemented by a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine

Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Enjoy a casual and fun atmosphere in the same spirit as The Salty Dog Cafe.

Serving a full bar with excellent food and waterfront view overlooking South Beach Marina and Braddock's Cove, The Wreck offers excellent Happy Hour drink and appetizer specials. Available for private parties. Call (843) 671-SEAS (7327) for seasonal hours.

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BY ALLYSON JONES

This year, the Lowcountry’s spring festival season starts with the 8th Annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest, March 1-7.

A delicious weeklong series of events hosted by the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation and presented by Hilton Head Monthly and forkandfun.com, the festival showcases local sights, sounds, chefs and flavors.

The Kickoff Fish Fry and Oyster Roast at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks takes place on Sunday, March 1.

Tickets for this fish fry and oyster roast may be purchased online in advance or at the door on the day of the event. For details, call Hudson’s at (843) 681-2772.

The festivities then move to the Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar on Monday with a Chef Collaboration Dinner. The culinary creations of Clayton Rollison, chef/owner of this American Bistro + Southern Soul restaurant on William Hilton Parkway, will be paired with those of Tyler Lyne, Exective Chef of Cloud Catering and Events and recently named one of Zagat's 30 Under 30.

Reservations are required, call (843) 681-3474.

March 2-6, cruise the Island's inland waterways with Captains Christopher and Matthew Shoemaker of May River Excursions for the Lowcountry Seafood Experience on Water. Departing from the dock at Hudson’s, these 44

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•

PHOTO COURTESY ISLAND RECREATION ASSOCIATION

experienced local watermen take participants out on the water to catch their own seafood meal, which is then prepared on site at Hudson’s when they return. According to one of the festival organizer's, Erin Carmines, the trips were such a huge success last year that they will now be offered twice a day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. throughout the week. Call (843) 304-2878 to reserve a spot.

On Saturday, March 7, the event wraps up with the family-friendly Seafood Fest at Shelter Cove Community Park from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Enjoy seafood specialties and other fare from local restaurants while listening to Beach Music, disco and dance classics from The Headliners, smooth R&B and Motown from DeasGuyz or the jamband, funk and soul sound of nationally renowned recording

artist Zach Deputy. Other entertainment and activities include the famous Crab Races, a Kids Zone, programs from area museums and a Silent Auction of trips, excursions, restaurant certificates and merchandise.

All of this food and fun benefits cancer research, cancer patient support and public recreation through the nonprofit David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation, an organization founded

by Brian and Gloria Carmines of Hudson’s Seafood to “Keep the Faith” after their son David passed away from non-testicular germ cell carcinoma in 2001.

To date, over $250,000 has been raised by Seafood Fest and other foundation events and distributed to the American Cancer Society, M. D. Anderson Cancer Research Center and the Island Recreation Association.

Originally a one-day festival, “When we expanded it to a full week, we were trying to think of other events to help talk about our seafood heritage and the Island’s culinary revival – what comes from our waters,” explains Andrew Carmines, General Manager at Hudson's. “While it’s informative, it’s also a fun week of events that revolves around seafood.”

To view the complete Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest or purchase tickets online, visit www.davidmcarmines.org.

BY LOUISE LUND • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Hey - it's back! Brought to you by The Island Recreation Association and Hargray Communications, the 20th annual Wingfest will be held this year on Saturday, March 21, at the Shelter Cove Community Park.

Local restaurants will again break out their best wing recipes for the event to compete for the Best Wing of Hilton Head award. Local restaurants donate over 6,000 pounds of chicken wings and prepare them in a variety of flavors.

All event proceeds go to the Children’s Scholarship Fund, where no child is denied participation in recreation activities provided by the Island Recreation Center. During the summer of 2014, the Association provided $85,000 in scholarships for community children in need to participate in recreation activities offered at the Island Recreation Center, according to Natalie Maffett, Marketing and Development Director for the Association.

Come “tip-off” the weekend on 46

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Friday night, March 20, from 5-8 p.m. and tailgate at the Pre-Wingfest Party at the Shelter Cove Community Park. It will be an evening of music, kidfriendly events, happy hour prices and restaurant rivalry. What better way to kick off Wingfest than with a tailgate.

Then on Saturday, March 21, from 11a.m. until 6:00 p.m., chefs from local restaurants will be cooking and serving their best wings in a fun-filled atmosphere. Activities planned include a kids’ zone, a rock climbing wall, and a bungee jump, to name a few. Catch a March Madness basketball game on the big screen provided by Custom Audio Video. Live entertainment, featuring local bands, will play on stage while Adventure Radio will be on hand broadcasting all the excitement.

Vote for your favorite wing! Taste test wings from each of the participating restaurants and choose your favorite. Restaurants will be competing for the title of Best Wings in both the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice categories. At last year’s Wingfest, for the Judge’s choice, 1st

place award went to Absolute Islander, 2nd place to One Hot Mama’s, and 3rd place to Wild Wing Café. For the People’s choice award, 1st place went to Cheap Seats Tavern, 2nd place to The Smokehouse, and 3rd place to the Hilton Head Firemen.

Although it was not an actual award, the celebrity judges agreed that, “2 Fat 2 Fly” should receive the Most Creative Wing award,” according to Maffett.

“The food truck by that name operates out of Columbia, SC, where the group is known for their stuffed chicken wings.”

And the attendance for Wingfest is expected to be larger this year. “We are expecting 4,000-5,000 people to attend this year’s event, as we are expanding our marketing regionally,” she added.

Admission for Wingfest is $6, and children 10 and under are free. Shelter Cove Community Park is located at 39 Shelter Cove Lane. For more information, visit islandreccenter.org., or call (843) 681-7273.

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Quality First PART 1 OF 3:

BY CHRISTY BARONI • PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Welcome to 2015! I hope you have had a great start to this new year.

What’s on your goal list for the year?

Have you thought about what you can accomplish in the course of just 12 short months?

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to accomplish and you, my friend, kept coming to mind. If you caught the article in the Winter edition you read all about the pieces to the fat loss puzzle. But perhaps it left you wondering how to apply them to your daily life. You are in luck! This is the first in a three part series on taking each piece of the puzzle and breaking down the nuts and bolts.

If getting healthy, losing fat, and building a body you are proud of is on your goal list for 2015 you came to the right place.

Quick recap: fat loss requires that both your workouts and your nutrition be dialed in and aligned to your goals.

The three areas you can control about your nutrition are quality, quantity, and timing. We are going to drill down to what quality means and how you can 48

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ensure that the quality of your food is supporting your goals.

When you walk around the grocery store, you might be overwhelmed with how to make healthy choices. Here’s a tip: the “real” food is primarily located on the perimeter of the store. Think vegetables and fruits, lean meats and dairy, nuts and seeds. If you can make a habit to fill 80% of your cart with food from the perimeter you are well on your way to making healthy choices.

Maybe you’ve heard the buzzword ‘superfood’. So what is a superfood and how do you find it? Well, I hate to bust the bubble on this one, but ‘superfood’ is a term that is popular now because so much of what we can buy at the grocery store is not really food. There are products that looks and act like food, they probably taste amazing, but what you can buy in a box or a bag isn’t really what your body needs to thrive. So the term ‘superfood’ emerged to highlight what is actually just real food. Blueberries and avocados top popular lists of

superfoods, and they are so good for you! But the only thing that makes them super is that they are real food.

The last step to ensuring that you are choosing the highest quality food is to take your cues from mother nature. Take a trip out to any of the local farmers markets and notice what is in season. Buying locally for seasonal foods is a great way to get the most nutritional bang for your bite.

You are getting as close to the source as possible, which is always a good idea.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series which focuses on Quantity. That’s right, we’ll be talking calories!

Christy Baroni is the Nutrition Specialist at Conviction Training Facility, home of the original CrossFit Hilton Head. She is an island resident, a military spouse, a mother of 2, and a competitive athlete. To get more recipes and healthy living ideas, visit ConvictionTraining.com/Wellness Blog, or contact her directly at Christy@ConvictionTraining.com.

A TASTE OF LUNCH

A LOWCOUNTRY BACKYARD

ANNIE O’S SOUTHERN EATS

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 Lunch 11 a.m. 3 p.m., and Dinner 4:30 - 9 p.m., Monday-Saturday and brunch on Saturday 8 - 11 a.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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

Located at the corner of Arrow and Target Road. The Island’s best southern food featuring main dishes such as Buttermilk Fried Catfish, Shrimp and Grits, Mama’s Fried Chicken, Meatloaf and Gravy and many more. Great sides, soups, salads and homemade desserts round out the menu. Full bar, cold beer and a nice wine selection. Open Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Call (843) 341- 2664.

AMIGO’S CAFÉ Y CANTINA The original Amigo’s is located at 70 Pope Avenue in the Circle Center. Quick, casual and healthy Mexican food prepared fresh daily. Featuring the best burrito outside of Baja, quesadillas, tacos, amazing BBQ chicken salad, Jimmy’s World Famous Margaritas and ice cold beer. This local favorite has been serving islanders and visitors for over 19 years. Dine in or take-out available. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Call (843) 785-TACO (8226) or online at www.amigoscafeandcantina.com.

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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.

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.

BIG JIM’S BBQ, BURGERS & PIZZA New restaurant located in Palmetto Dunes at the Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse. Big Jim’s offers signature Southern dishes, including BBQ, gourmet burgers and grilled pizza plus soups, salads, seafood, steaks and ribs. Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating with big screen TVs and golf course views.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours are 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Happy Hour daily 4 until 7 p.m. and seasonal live entertainment. Take out and catering available. Call (843) 785-1165 or www.palmettodunes.com/big-jims.

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BRITISH OPEN PUB Located in The Village at Wexford and Sheridan Park in Bluffton. Authentic English fare served in attractive pub-style atmosphere with golf art, memorabilia, and the only bar

by Titleist. Featuring our famous Fish n’ Chips or Sandwedges like the Aberdeen Burger, Clubhouse Classic, Wexford Reuben, English Dip and Lobster Roll. Full bar and beers, ales, and stouts from around the world. Serving daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Brunch 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call Hilton Head (843) 686-6736 or Bluffton 815-6736.

CAPTAIN WOODY’S All New Location at 6 Target Road on Hilton Head 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. Fantastic outdoor deck and bar. Open daily from 11 a.m. until late. Call (843) 785-2400 or 757-6222 or online at www.captainwoodys.com.

CHARBAR CO Located in Park Plaza right outside Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head. A local favorite serving a chef inspired menu featuring award winning gourmet burgers, signature

sandwiches, veggie and shrimp burgers and salads that are as great as our burgers — all for around $8-10 with quick casual dining experience. We feature a fun and inviting indoor/outdoor environment with a full bar and a music collection spanning the decades. Voted Hilton Head Island “People’s Choice Best Burger”, 1st Place Winner of Burgers & Brews 2012, 2013 and 2014! Open daily from 11:30-10 p.m.

Kids menu and takeout available. Call us at (843) 785-CHAR (2427) or visit us online at www.Facebook.com/CharbarCo!

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 highwith crispy bacon, turkey and cheese, dressed with Essie’s homemade sweet tomato vinaigrette that has kept the locals hooked for more than 30 years. Fish Cakes, Sauteed Flounder and an array of salads for anyone on the run. Dine-in or Takeout. 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 check us out online at www.charliesgreenstar.com.

THE CHART HOUSE 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, Open for lunch and dinner daily, as well as Sunday Brunch. Happy hour offered daily from 4 until 8 p.m.

Reservations are recommended. Call (843) 342-9066 or online at www.chart-house.com.

CHOW DADDY’S Located at 14B Executive Park Road, just off Pope Avenue.

One of the island’s newest and most creative restaurants offers a healthy alternative to casual dining. Slow roasting their pork and chicken on Big Green Eggs and using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Menu items include, Homemade White Bean and Kale Soup, Arugula Salad with grilled fennel and citrus vinaigrette, Chicken with Ricotta and Onion Jam on Ciabatta, A Ground in house Prime Rib Burger and Great Tacos. Full bar, extensive wine selection and great cocktails. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. until midnight. Outdoor seating available on our terrace. Follow us on instagram and Facebook for live music schedule. Call (843) 842-CHOW (2469) or online at www.chowdaddys.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 ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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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).

COLIGNY DELI AND GRILL Specializing in Philadelphia cheesesteaks, awesome reubens and great sandwiches featuring Thuman’s fine deli meats.

Burgers, dogs and fries as well! Or try our southern treat FritoPie! Fantastic Kids menu too! Eat in, dine outside, or call ahead to take out. Don’t forget to get your picture with Mooey Looey to remember your visit. Located in Coligny Plaza next to Coligny Hardware. Call (843) 785-4440.

CRAZY CRAB There are two great waterfront locations- one in Harbour Town in Sea Pines and the other on Hwy. 278 overlooking Jarvis Creek. Fresh local seafood served any way you like in two picturesque settings. Casual dining and great family fun.

A kid’s menu is available and children will be entertained by our onsite playground and the largest saltwater aquarium on Hilton Head (Jarvis Creek Location). Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Call (843) 363-2722 (Harbour Town) or 681-5021 (Jarvis Creek) or visit us online at thecrazycrab.com.

DELISHEEYO Located at 32 Palmetto Bay Rd. in The Village Exchange.

The Island’s health food kitchen features organic juices, smoothees, salads, wraps, bowls and healthy snacks. Offering food that makes you feel good, choose from raw, vegan or gluten free options. Open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Call (843) 785-3633 or online at www.delisheeyo.com.

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 One Shelter Cove Lane. Waterfront dining, fresh catch seafood, and prime steaks of the highest quality delight the senses at ELA’s Blu Water Grille. This quaint, unique restaurant offers a pleasantly casual and intimate interior with gorgeous views of Shelter Cove Harbor. The kitchen, supervised by Chef Ryan Alpaugh, makes the most of global 54

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resources, putting a modern spin on local island offerings.

Our first class wine selection from boutique vineyards compliments each culinary masterpiece. Live entertainment is featured weekly. Serving lunch Sunday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and dinner daily from 5 pm. Call us at (843) 785-3030 or visit us 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 HDTV’s.

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

viewing 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 or online, seapines.com/dining.

THE HARBOUR TOWN BAKERY & CAFÉ Located across from Harbour Town Playground. 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.

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

THE FROSTY FROG CAFÉ

HILTON HEAD BREWING COMPANY

Located in Coligny Plaza. A comfortable, casual atmosphere offering a “web-footed lickin” menu and an enormous amount of frozen daiquiris by the glass or by the gallon.

Outside seating with retractable roof, beach area and tiki bar. Certified black angus burger, crab cakes, pizza, prime rib sandwich, salads, subs, wraps, peel and eat shrimp, calamari and of course fried frog legs. 28 HD TV’s for great sports

Located just off Greenwood Drive in Reilley’s Plaza. South Carolina’s first microbrewery since Prohibition. Serving fresh local seafood, great pizza, burgers, wings, salads and much more. Happy hour daily from 4 until 7 p.m. with nightly drink specials and over 30 TV’s inside and out for all the sports action. Open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and dinner starting from 4 p.m. Call (843) 785-3900 or online at www.hhbrewingco.com.

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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.

HOLY TEQUILA Located in Park Plaza, the Holy Tequila taqueria blends gourmet tacos with American flavors, Mexican street food and tequila in an eclectic atmosphere! Prepare your senses for a fusion of flavors that reaches into the heart of Mexico!

Holy Tequila combines an open kitchen with indoor/outdoor dining and a dynamic bar to create a high energy fiesta! We serve gourmet tacos, quesadillas, and smalls plates all under $10 with a full bar offering over 40 kinds of premium tequilas.

The cuisine is modern, fun and uninhibited, just like our guests!

The restaurant is open 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily with happy hour specials from 4-7 p.m. Call us at (843) 681-TACO (8226) or visit us online at www.Facebook.com/HolyTequila!

HUDSON’S SEAFOOD HOUSE ON THE DOCKS Located on the Intracoastal Waterway off Squire Pope Rd. With 45 years of casual dining experience and spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Hudson's is one of the Island's most recognized landmarks. Featuring the freshest, local seafood in the area as well as pasta, steaks, chicken and more. Kids menu available. Featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Bon Appe´tit. Open daily at 11 a.m.

Call (843) 681-2772.

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.

KURAMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Located right off of Sea Pines circle at 9 Palmetto Bay Road, Kurama Japanese Restaurant offers a new delicious lunch menu featuring our famous hibachi meals as well as our entire sushi menu. In addition, we have added a compliment of healthy and mouth-watering salads such as our new Teriyaki Salmon Salad and Panko-breaded Oyster Salad. Come and 56

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enjoy our authentic Japanese lunch menu from 11:30am2:30pm Monday to Friday. Dinner is served daily from 4:3010:00pm. Reservations are accepted. Call (843)785-4955 or visit our website at www.KuramaHHI.com.

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.

LIVE OAK - LOWCOUNTRY INSPIRED CUISINE Located in the Plantation Golf Club. A fresh culinary experience showcasing Lowcountry-inspired cuisine and locally sourced produce and products. Boasting a 35-foot rotunda ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide an incredible 270 degree golf view, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating.

Choose from an expansive selection of local craft beers, a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list, or a signature Bourbon collection. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Reservations are suggested, please call (843) 842-1441 or liveoakrestaurant.com. Proper resort attire required.

MANGIAMO Located at 2000 Main Street. 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 beers on tap, fifty more by bottle and a full bar available.

Dine inside or outside on the patio. Open daily from 11 a.m. Call (843) 686-2474 (HHI) or 706-0800 (B-Town).

OKKO RESTAURANT Located at 95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza, Suite C. Contemporary Asian cuisine served in a magnificent atmosphere. Choose from Hibachi, Thai or Chinese or relax at the sushi bar or in the lounge. Open 7 days from 11:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., Sunday thru Thursday and 11:30 a.m. until midnight on Saturday and Sunday. Call (843) 341-3377 for more information or directions.

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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 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.

PLANTATION CAFÉ & DELI Located South Island at 81 Pope Avenue in Heritage Plaza, North Island at Port Royal Plaza and 1532 Fording Island Rd. in Bluffton. 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) 785-9020, 342-4472 or 815-4445.

THE QUARTERDECK Located at the base of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Long considered an island icon, The Quarterdeck offers indoor and outdoor dining with stunning sunset views overlooking Calibogue Sound. An enticing all-day menu, featuring fresh seafood appetizers, innovative and traditional sandwiches, garden salads and certified angus beef burgers, is complemented by a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list offering 40 wines by the glass. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. –9 p.m., with seasonal live entertainment. Call (843) 842-1999.

REDFISH On the Corner of Palmetto Bay Rd. and Archer Rd. on Hilton Head, and 32 Bruin Rd. in Bluffton. 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 58

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Saturday from 11:30 a.m. and dinner daily from 5 p.m.

Call (843) 686-3388 or 837-8888 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, pasta, burgers, great sandwiches, soups, salads, seafood and much more in a casual Island atmosphere. Dine inside or outside on the newly renovated 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.

RUAN THAI HUT Located at 1107 Main Street. Serving Authentic Thai fare using the freshest ingredients available. Mild to very hot, you can choose the spice level of your meal. Appetizers, soups, salads, desserts and kids meals round out an extensive menu with something for all ages. Sit inside or outside on the comfortable patio. Open Monday thru Saturday for lunch and dinner. Call (843) 681-3700.

THE SALTY DOG CAFE Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Great food, frozen drinks and live entertainment from the island's favorite outdoor cafe. Enjoy beautiful waterfront views overlooking Braddock's Cove in a fun and casual atmosphere.

Happy Hour daily with a full menu available, plus an outdoor cookout, Salty Dog Ice Cream and Jake's Pizza during the season. 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, Santa Fe Salad, Fish Tacos, Steak Fajitas and many other great lunch selections. 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 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Call (843) 785-3838.

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Livin’ the LIFE,

BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLAN

I really feel that I have stepped up my coolness three notches as I now drive around Hilton Head rocking out to The Steppin Stones last CD, “Looking Glass”. If I had listened to the CD before I met with the band, I would never in a million years have guessed that the musicians were just young adults. In three words: They ROCK it!

With Hannah Wicklund on guitar and lead vocals, Ryan Badger on drums, and Andrew Ottimo playing bass and backup vocals, this trio has one goal and one goal only -- to play music. Of a single mind, they are most definitely livin’ the life and chasin’ the dream.

Taste wrote on an article on this band back in 2008 when they were just little kids playing cover songs at local gigs. You would think it difficult for a band that started in elementary school to stick together so long, but they had a vision when most people their age were still learning their multiplication tables. “I always planned on being a musician,” claimed Hannah, who at 17 graduated high school two years early and devotes herself full time to her music. According to Ryan, who also is out of school and is ‘music 24-7’, “It was always my hope and dream to play music. We are just waiting for Andrew to finish school and then we will travel full time.” Andrew, a junior at SCAD 60

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The Steppin Stones with a Sound Design major, joined the band two years ago upon the departure of Mick Ray. Andrew was in a Savannah band prior to joining Hannah and Ryan and said, “It was an easy transition for me. I was stuck in a Classic Rock cover band and now I am ready to commit to The Steppin Stones and make our own music.”

The evolution of the band over the past eight years has been epic and the result of long hours of work and determination. They transitioned from a cover band to playing original works when Andrew came on board and are now composing “cool stuff” and playing at music festivals and gigs all over the southeast. “Our fate is in our own hands,” said Hannah. “We constantly have to work toward a goal and there is constant pressure.” One thing they all agreed on was that it was a whole lot more work than people

Chasin’ the DREAM PHOTO COURTESY THE STEPPIN STONES

would imagine. “Practicing is like reflexing a muscle. You have to keep at it every single day,” commented Ryan.

The Steppin Stone’s third album is set to be released on April 1st at City Market in Savannah and is all original music. “Our first album was strictly rock.

Now we have opened up to new influences and our songs and lyrics have a whole new level of depth,” explained Hannah. Hannah writes the base of the song and brings it to the boys and then they coordinate on the perfecting process. Their music is definitely classified as Rock n Roll, but they have a bit of a bluesy twist going on in there too. They liken themselves to Susan Tadeschi, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, and Janis Joplin, noting that classical rock was the influence behind their inspirations. They play both cover songs and their originals at gigs, and like to close out with their signature song, “Rockin’ in the Free World” which they absolutely jam to for 20 minutes.

Where will they be in 5 years? “We are not at our highest level yet, but it’s all about the journey,” said Hannah.

“We want to get as far as we can, “ added Ryan. So watch for this threesome to turn their musical dreams into reality. Follow them on Facebook and order their CD’s at www.thesteppinstones.com.

SKILLETS CAFE Located just off the beach in Coligny Plaza. An excellent choice for the whole family since 1994. Wonderful selections including old-fashioned lunches, great sandwiches, burgers, jambalaya, chicken pot pie or our extensive salad bar. Full bar and wine list available. Kids menu and take-out. Dine inside or on the patio (Dog Friendly). Open daily from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Call (843) 785-3131 or check us out online at www.skilletscafe.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 take-out available. Open for Lunch daily at 11:30 a.m.

Call (843) 785-2070.

SUNSET GRILLE Located on the Intracoastal Waterway at Hilton Head Harbor, 43 Jenkins Rd. The Grille offers a casual fine dining experience with breathtaking sunset views. The lunch menu offers a great selection of gorgeous salads, Mussels

provencal, shrimp & grits, smoked salmon, fried frog legs and the famous stuffed burger as well as daily specials.

Come enjoy a fantastic lunch with fantastic views. Lunch is Tuesday thru Friday 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Call (843) 689-6744. www.sunsetgrillehhi.com.

TRUFFLES CAFE Located in Sea Pines Center and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. Delicious home-made soups, fabulous salads, sand-wiches, burgers, pasta and fresh local seafood.

Casual Cafes featuring the freshest food and finest service for over 30 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 the Belfair location.

Reservations accepted.Serving lunch and dinner daily. Call (843) 671-6136 or 815-5551 or go to www.trufflescafe.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. Serving a full bar with excellent food and waterfront view overlooking South Beach Marina and Braddock's Cove, The Wreck offers excellent Happy Hour drink and appetizer specials. Available for private parties.

Call (843) 671-SEAS (7327) for seasonal hours.

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What’s the Fiesta For?

BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLAN

For most Americans, Cinco de Mayo is like St. Patrick’s Day in that it is a wonderful excuse to celebrate a different culture. When it comes to delving into the finer taste points of other cultures, Mexican food and drink is hands down my favorite. I mean who would turn their cheek to an excuse to eat all that Mexican goodness and drink margaritas and ice cold cervezas?

Throw in some Mexican song and dance to get you in the mood and you have the perfect fiesta. But what's wrong with this scenario is that in order to be able to fully join in the Cinco de Mayo festivities, you should have an understanding and appreciation for what the party is all about.

While here in the United States the 5th of May has become a day to celebrate the Mexican culture as well as the achievements of our neighbors with a Mexican heritage, down in Mexico it is a celebration of a different sort – one of a grand military victory that occurred just over 150 years ago.

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• PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Cinco de Mayo, also known as the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, is a national holiday in Mexico in honor of their victory over the French forces of Napoleon III in 1862. In order to comprehend why this “W” was so important to the Mexicans that they named a whole day after it, a bit of a history lesson is in order.

Things started to heat up between Mexico and France with the French occupation of Mexico after the Mexican-American War of 1846-48 and the Reform War of 1858-61. The Reform War was a civil war and it pitted Liberals (who believed in separation of church and state and freedom of religion) against the Conservatives (who favored a tight bond between the Roman Catholic Church and the Mexican State). These wars left the Mexican Treasury nearly bankrupt. On July 17, 1861, Mexican President Benito Juarez issued a moratorium in which all foreign debt payments would be suspended for two years. This did not go over so well with

countries with whom they traded and the result was that France, Britain, and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew, but France, at the time ruled by Napoleon III, saw an opportunity to establish a new Latin empire in Mexico that would favor French interests.

On May 5, 1862, the 8,000-strong French army attacked the much smaller and poorly equipped Mexican army of 4,500 at Puebla, southeast of Mexico City. The Mexicans dominated and approximately 1,000 French troops were killed in the battle. At the time, the French were considered "the premier army in the world". As Time magazine remarked, "The Puebla victory came to symbolize unity and pride for what seemed like a Mexican David defeating a French Goliath." Aside from the physical victory, it was also a moral triumph and helped establish a much-needed sense of national unity and patriotism. The victory became a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination.

Puebla has since been renamed Puebla de Zaragoza (after the Mexican General who won the battle) and is the site of a museum devoted to the battle while the battlefield itself is maintained as a park. Since the Battle of Puebla, no country in the Americas has been invaded by any other European military force. Also interesting to note, is that some scholars believe that had the French defeated Mexico at Puebla, France would have aided the South in the American Civil War in order to free Southern ports of the Union Blockade. This certainly could have rewritten our history books and the course of our country and thus is plenty of cause for celebration among Americans too.

Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico, especially in Puebla, with parades and speeches. In some cities there are reenactments of the Battle of Puebla.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has also become a festive holiday especially in many cities of the Southwest with large Mexican American populations. Mexican Americans also see the day as a source of pride and a way they can honor their ethnicity. The holiday has always been celebrated in the southwest, but didn't gain popularity elsewhere until the 1980’s when marketers, especially beer companies, capitalized on the celebratory nature of the day and began to promote it.

Our small Island always finds ways to celebrate grand occasions and Cinco de Mayo is no different. Be sure to check in with our favorite local Mexican restaurants -- Aunt Chilada’s, San Miguel’s, Santa Fe Café, Amigos, and Holy Tequila! -- to see what they have in store for May 5th. Also check local event calendars for Cinco de Mayo festivities featuring colorful Mexican costumes, authentic dancing, and food.

Ole’! !

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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 Lunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Dinner 4:30 - 9 p.m., Monday-Saturday and brunch on Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Sunday 8 - 2 p.m.

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

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 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Call (843) 785-7700.

BIG JIM’S BBQ, BURGERS & PIZZA New restaurant located in Palmetto Dunes at the Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse. Big Jim’s serves breakfast daily from 7 until 10 a.m. featuring classic favorites plus the $5 breakfast special. Enjoy a bloody mary or mimosa to start your day.

Lunch and dinner daily featuring BBQ, gourmet burgers and grilled pizza. Hours are 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Happy Hour every day 4 until 7 p.m. and seasonal live entertainment.

Take out and catering available. Call (843) 785-1165 or www.palmettodunes.com/big-jims.

Mary, May River Mimosa or Promenade Poinsetta. Open for brunch on Sunday’s only from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-2400 or 757-6222 or online at www.captainwoodys.com.

THE CHART HOUSE 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. Featuring 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 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

Call (843) 342-9066 or online at www.chart-house.com.

ELA’S BLU WATER GRILLE Located at One Shelter Cove Lane. Waterfront dining, fresh catch seafood, and prime steaks of the highest quality delight the senses. This quaint, unique restaurant offers a pleasantly casual and intimate interior with gorgeous views of Shelter Cove Harbor. The kitchen, supervised by Chef Ryan Alpaugh, makes the most of global resources, putting a modern spin on local island offerings. Live entertainment is featured weekly.

Serving Brunch Sunday 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call us at (843) 785-3030 or visit us online at elasgrille.com.

THE HARBOUR TOWN BAKERY & CAFÉ Located across from Harbour Town Playground. Great homecooked 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

HUGO’S

Located in The Village at Wexford and Sheridan Park in Bluffton. Fabulous Brunch served in an authentic English style pub. Choose from Watson’s Steak & Eggs, Eggs Faldo (Benedict), Old Tom Morris Omelette, Pancakes, Cinnamon French Toast and more. Serving bottomless Mimosa’s and made from scratch Bloody Mary’s. Open for Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call Hilton Head (843) 686-6736 or Bluffton 815-6736.

Located at 841 William Hilton Parkway at South Island Square.

Hugo’s Brunch features Brunch classics and originals such as Crème Brulee French Toast, Omelettes, Crabcake Benedict, Bourbon Ribeye & Eggs, Honey Pecan Waffles as well as many of our lunch sandwiches and favorites from Hugo’s lunch menu. Bottomless mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s are available.

Tableside flaming crepes and desserts also available! Enjoy Sunday Brunch at Hugo’s from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-HUGO (4846) or click to HugosHiltonHead.com for the full Brunch menu.

CAPTAIN WOODY’S All new location at 6 Target Road on Hilton Head and in Bluffton on the Calhoun Street Promenade. Serving Sunday brunch featuring shrimp & grits, steak & eggs, crab cake benedict, prime rib benedict, French toast, omelettes and much more. Wash it all down with a Captain Woody’s Bloody 64

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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.

LAND’S END 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.

LIVE OAK - LOWCOUNTRY INSPIRED CUISINE Located in the new Plantation Golf Club. A fresh culinary experience showcasing Lowcountry-inspired cuisine and locally sourced produce and products. Boasting a 35-foot rotunda ceiling and floor-to- ceiling windows that provide an incredible 270 degree golf view, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating options. Choose from an expansive selection of local craft beers, a Wine Spectator Award-

winning wine list, or a signature Bourbon collection. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.

Reservations are suggested, please call (843) 842-1441 or liveoakrestaurant.com. Proper resort attire required.

PALMETTO BAY SUNRISE CAFE Located in Palmetto Bay Marina off Helmsman Way. An Islander 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 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.

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A TASTE OF ISLAND RECIPES

MESQUITE GRILLED PORK CHOPS WITH SOUTHWESTERN SWEET POTATO HASH Courtesty of Santa Fe’ Cafe

INGREDIENTS 12 oz. Pork Chop (Frenched) 4-5 Brussel Sprouts (blanched) 1 med. Sweet Potato (peeled, diced then blanched) 3 oz. Chorizo 2 oz. Diced Onion (Yellow) 2 oz. Green Onion (garnish) 1 clove Garlic (sliced thin) Salt & Pepper 2 oz. Olive Oil 8 oz. Aruma Malbec 1 Beet (peeled and sliced thin) 2 oz. Brown Sugar Pinch of Salt

REDUCTION In sauce pan over medium heat add Malbec wine and one red beet, simmer for 15 minutes. Add the sugar. Reduce until it coats the back of a spoon. Strain and keep at room temperature until service.

BRUSSEL SPROUT & SWEET POTATO HASH (SERVES 4) In a sauté pan over medium heat add olive oil, onions and chorizo. Sweat them for 2-3 minutes, add the brussel sprouts and sweet potato and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Salt & Pepper to taste.

MESQUITE GRILLED Pork CHOP (12 OZ) From the butcher you will need one Frenched Pork Chop per guest you are serving.

For charcoal grill you will need to add mesquite wood chips. When charcoal is ready, grill chops to desired temperature.

Salt & Pepper to taste.

PLATE Mound the hash on the plate a little above center. Place chop on top of the hash, then drizzle the beet reduction over top. Garnish with green onions.

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PLANTATION CAFÉ & DELI Located South Island at 81 Pope Avenue in Heritage Plaza, North Island at Port Royal Plaza and 1532 Fording Island Rd. in Bluffton. 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, 342-4472 or 815-4445.

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. Complimentary Mimosas and Champagne are served with all brunch items. Dine inside or on the newly renovated patio. Serving Brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. Call (843) 8424414 or 681-4153 or online at www.reilleyshiltonhead.com.

SKILLETS CAFE Located just off the beach in Coligny Plaza. A breakfast favorite of both visitors and islanders alike since 1994. Try one of our famous layered dishes prepared in a porcelain skillet.

Also offering steak and eggs, pancakes, french toast, omelettes, eggs benedict, Belgian waffles and too many others to mention. A wide beverage variety including fresh coffees, juices, bloody marys, and more. Dine inside or on the patio (Dog Friendly). Open daily from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Call (843) 785-3131 or check us out online at www.skilletscafe.com.

SUNSET GRILLE Located on the Intracoastal Waterway at Hilton Head Harbor, 43 Jenkins Rd. The Grille offers a casual fine dining experience with breathtaking sunset views. One of the best brunches on Hilton Head. Offering Linda's deep dish-quiche, fried chicken & biscuits with bacon gravy, filet mignon over bleu cheese grits, crab cake benedict and many more island favorites.

Voted one of the best bloody mary's in the Southeast by Garden & Gun Magazine. An amazing brunch with an amazing view. Call (843) 689-6744 for reservations. Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Online at www.sunsetgrillehhi.com.

TRUFFLES CAFE Located in Sea Pines Center 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 Belfair location. Open for brunch Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 671-6136 or 815-5551 or go to www.trufflescafe.com.

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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.

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.

BIG JIM’S BBQ, BURGERS & PIZZA New restaurant located in Palmetto Dunes at the Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse. Big Jim’s features a wine and beer menu, delicious appetizers and Happy Hour daily from 4 until 7 p.m. in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy seasonal live entertainment, big screen TVs and outdoor seating overlooking the golf course.

Big Jim’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily featuring BBQ, gourmet burgers and grilled pizza. Hours are 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Take out and catering available. Call (843) 7851165 or www.palmettodunes.com/big-jims.

BRITISH OPEN PUB Located in The Village at Wexford and Sheridan Park in Bluffton. 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 a.m until late. Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 686-6736 or Bluffton 815-6736.

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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 All new location at 6 Target Road on Hilton Head 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. Happy Hour from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. daily with great prices. Fantastic outdoor deck and bar. 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.

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.

Wednesday and Thursday 10% discount on dinner at the bar, Saturday and Sunday 1/2 price bottle of wine (under $100) with 2 entrees. Happy Hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. daily and dinner served from 5 p.m. Call (843) 785-6261.

CHARBAR CO Located in Park Plaza right outside Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head. A local favorite serving award winning gourmet

burgers, sandwiches, salads and more! We feature specialty craft beers on tap, niche wines, two full service bars, and a lounge equipped with a music collection spanning the decades in a fun indoor/outdoor environment. Voted Hilton Head Island “People’s Choice Best Burger”, 1st Place Winner of Burgers & Brews 2012, 2013 and 2014! Enjoy our large outdoor patio with flatscreens, fireplace and the only outdoor bar in Park Plaza! Happy Hour specials daily from 4-7 p.m.!

Live music nightly! Call (843) 785-CHAR (2427) or visit us online atwww.Facebook.com/CharbarCo!

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 8 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 including half price wines by the glass, from 5 until 7 p.m.

Select bar menu and full dinner menu available at the bar.

Open Monday thru Saturday. Call (843) 785-9277 or check us out online at www.charliesgreenstar.com.

CHOW DADDY’S Located at 14B Executive Park Road, just off Pope Avenue.

One of the island’s newest and most creative restaurants is the perfect place for delicious and healthy food, fine cocktails and good times. Choose from an extensive selection of beer and ales, creative cocktails, delicious martinis and fine wines.

Happy hour is available daily from 4 to 6 p.m. and also for the late crowd from 9 p.m. until midnight. Offering live entertainment on selected evenings, please call for schedule.

Outdoor seating available on our terrace. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. until midnight.

Serving food and libations until 12 a.m. Call (843) 842-CHOW (2469) or online at www.chowdaddys.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 70

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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).

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.

CRAZY CRAB There are two great waterfront locations- one in Harbour Town in Sea Pines and the other on Hwy. 278 overlooking Jarvis Creek. Fresh local seafood served any way you like in two picturesque settings. Casual dining and great family fun.

Happy Hour serves up drink specials from 4 until 6 p.m. in the bar at both locations. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a

week. Call (843) 363-2722 (Harbour Town) or 681-5021 (Jarvis Creek) or visit us online at www.thecrazycrab.com.

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 One Shelter Cove Lane. Waterfront dining, fresh catch seafood, and prime steaks of the highest quality delight the senses at ELA’s Blu Water Grille. This quaint, unique restaurant offers a pleasantly casual and intimate interior with gorgeous views of Shelter Cove Harbor. The kitchen, supervised by Chef Ryan Alpaugh makes the most of global resources, putting a modern spin on local island offerings.

Our first class wine selection from boutique vineyards compliments each culinary masterpiece. Live entertainment is featured weekly. Serving lunch Sunday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and dinner daily from 5 p.m. Call us at (843) 785-3030 or visit us online at www.elasgrille.com.

Premium Golfer's Pub, est. 1998

Just a Sampling SANDWEDGES Lobster Roll, Grilled Veggie Sandwedge, 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 Gleneagles Surf & Turf, Filet Mignon, Lobster Pot Pie, Orange Glazed Salmon, BBQ Ribs, Seafood Platter Lunch and Dinner daily 11 a.m. Until late Saturday & 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

Voted Islands Best All Around Restaurant 2012 Best Bar/Tavern and Best Fish & Chips 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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VISIT

ISLAND WINERY Tasting Room/Store Hours Mon thru Sat 12:30 to 5:30 pm Taste our award winning wines made on premise.

Flights of Wine offered Mon - Friday 12:30 - 2:30 pm Saturday 12:30 - 4:00 pm Enjoy 3 Wines and a cheese platter.

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. Catch your favorite sporting event on one of our HD TV’s. Enjoy Happy Hour from 4 - 6 :30 p.m. featuring $4 cocktails, beer and wine and $3 appetizers.

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

Happy Hour Begins at 4 pm Monday - Friday Enjoy light appetizers while sampling a variety of wines 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

THE FROSTY FROG CAFÉ Located in Coligny Plaza. A comfortable, casual atmosphere offering a “web-footed lickin” menu and an enormous amount of frozen daiquiris by the glass or by the gallon.

Outside seating with retractable roof, fire pit, beach area and tiki bar. Live music nightly. Certified black angus burger, crab cakes, pizza, prime rib sandwich, salads, subs, wraps, appetizers and of course fried frog legs. 28 HD TV’s for great sports viewing 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.

HILTON HEAD BREWING COMPANY Located just off Greenwood Drive in Reilley’s Plaza. South Carolina’s first microbrewery since Prohibition. Serving fresh local seafood, great pizza, burgers, wings, salads and much more. Happy hour daily from 4 until 7 p.m. with nightly drink specials and over 30 TV’s inside and out for all the sports action. Open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and dinner starting from 4 p.m. Call (843) 785-3900 or online at www.hhbrewingco.com.

HOLY TEQUILA Located in Park Plaza, the Holy Tequila taqueria blends gourmet tacos with American flavors, Mexican street food and tequila in an eclectic atmosphere! Prepare your senses for a fusion of flavors that reaches into the heart of Mexico!

Holy Tequila combines an open kitchen with indoor/outdoor dining and a dynamic bar to create a high energy fiesta!

We serve gourmet tacos, quesadillas, and smalls plates with a full bar offering over 40 kinds of premium tequilas and live music at night. The cuisine is modern, fun and uninhibited, just like our guests! The restaurant is open 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily with happy hour specials from 4-7 p.m.!

Call us at (843) 681-TACO (8226) or visit us online at www.Facebook.com/HolyTequila!

HUDSON’S SEAFOOD HOUSE ON THE DOCKS Located on the Intracoastal Waterway off Squire Pope Rd. With 45 years of casual dining experience and spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Hudson’s is an island icon.

Featuring the freshest, local seafood in the area as well as pasta, steaks, chicken and more. Enjoy beer, wine or specialty cocktails in the Oyster Bar or while watching the sunset on 72

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the deck bar. Featured on the Food Network and in Bon Appétit. Open daily at 11 a.m. Call (843) 681-2772.

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.

KURAMA JAPANESE SEAFOOD AND STEAK HOUSE & SUSHI BAR Located at 9 Palmetto Bay Road next to Sea Pines Circle, Kurama Japanese Restaurant offers a wide selection of beer, wine, cocktails as well as the finest Japanese sake.

Only at Kurama can you take advantage of our Happy Hour specials and indulge yourself in authentic Japanese meals that will complement your choice of beverage.

Open daily from 4:30 until 10 p.m. Call (843) 785-4955 or visit www.KuramaHHI.com for more details.

LUCKY ROOSTER KITHCEN & BAR Located at 841 William Hilton Parkway in South Island Square.

An American Bistro with southern soul serves seasonal inspired food with local beers, craft cocktails and an esoteric wine list.

Our menu is constantly changing and evolving with seasons, tides, weather and our inspirations. Dine inside or outside on our patio. A healthy children’s menu is also available. Open Tuesday thru Saturday from 4 p.m. til late, dinner from 5 until 10 p.m., happy hour from 4 until 6:30 p.m. and late night menu available. Open Mondays starting April 6th.

Call (843) 681-3474 or online at www.luckyroosterhhi.com.

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 (HHI) at 9 p.m.

(Tuesday’s at 9 p.m. in Bluffton). Enjoy Karaoke on Saturday Night (HHI). Happy Hour from 3 until 6 p.m. everyday. Open daily from 11 a.m. Call (843) 686-2474 (HHI) or 706-0800 (BTown).

OKKO RESTAURANT Located at 95 Mathews Drive in Port Royal Plaza, Suite C. Contemporary Asian cuisine served in a magnificent atmosphere. Choose from Hibachi, Thai or Chinese or relax at ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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the sushi bar or in the lounge. Open 7 days from 11:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., Sunday thru Thursday and 11:30 a.m. until midnight on Saturday and Sunday. Call (843) 341-3377 for more information or directions.

OMBRA Located in the Village at Wexford. Enjoy authentic classical Italian cuisine prepared daily by Chef Michael Cirafesi. Relax at the elegant, yet casual bar and enjoy a brilliant array of wines from every region in Italy. A large selection of Italian specialty cocktails, aperitifs, digestivos, homemade limoncello and grappa are also available. Open nightly from 4:30 until close.

Call (843) 842-5505 or visit us online at www.ombrahhi.com.

PELICAN’S POINT (Formally The Kingfisher) Located at 18 Harbourside Ln. at Shelter Cove Harbour. Offering affordable casual dining with breathtaking waterfront views from inside or on the outside deck. Early Bird from 5 until 6 p.m. (off season). Best Island Happy Hour from 5 until 7 p.m. featuring incredible drink and raw bar specials. Live music and dancing with Pete Carroll on Wednesdays, classic soft rock with David Wingo on Thursdays, and jazz with Earl Williams on Fridays. Catch some great comedy too. Call (843) 785-4442 for reservations and information or online at www.pelicanspoint.com.

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, or online at seapines.com/dining.

REDFISH On the corner of Palmetto Bay Rd. and Archer Rd. on Hilton Head, and 32 Bruin Rd. in Bluffton. 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 or 8378888 or online at www.redfishofhiltonhead.com.

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 selected liquor, wine and beer plus great appetizer specials. Also, occasional live entertainment (call for schedule). Full menu and bar available inside or outside on the newly renovated patio. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 842-4414 or 681-4153 or online at www.reilleyshiltonhead.com.

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THE SALTY DOG CAFE

STEAMER SEAFOOD

Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Great food, frozen drinks and live entertainment from the island's favorite outdoor cafe. Enjoy beautiful waterfront views overlooking Braddock's Cove in a fun and casual atmosphere. Happy Hour daily with a full menu available, plus an outdoor cookout, Salty Dog Ice Cream and Jake's Pizza during the season.

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

Located on the pond in Coligny Plaza. Fresh seafood, amazing appetizers, raw bar delicacies all served with a wide variety of beverages. Over 300 beers from around the world, fresh homemade frozen drinks, pitchers of cocktails and wine by the glass or bottle. Celebrating 23 years on the Island.

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

SAN MIGUEL’S MEXICAN CAFE

TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

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.

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, or online at seapines.com/dining.

THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG 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 and first Sunday of every month. 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.

Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Enjoy a casual and fun atmosphere in the same spirit as The Salty Dog Cafe.

Serving a full bar with excellent food and waterfront view overlooking South Beach Marina and Braddock's Cove, The Wreck offers excellent Happy Hour drink and appetizer specials. Available for private parties. Call (843) 671-SEAS (7327) for seasonal hours.

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A TASTE OF SWEETS & SERVICES

DELISHEEYO

HILTON HEAD ICE CREAM

Located at 32 Palmetto Bay Rd. in The Village Exchange.

The Island’s health food kitchen features organic juices, smoothees, salads, wraps, bowls and healthy snacks. Offering food that makes you feel good, choose from raw, vegan or gluten free options. Open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Call (843) 785-3633 or online at www.delisheeyo.com.

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 local media polls. Even the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain has touted Hilton Head Ice Cream. The newly renovated shop has created many flavors: Cookie Monster, Butter Pecan, Brownie Cheesecake, Chocolate Cupcake and Reese’s Cup. Salt air is our secret ingredient and there is love in each batch too. Call (843) 842-6333 or www.hiltonheadicecreamshop.com.

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.

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ISLAND FUDGE SHOPPE Located in Coligny Plaza. The best homemade confections 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., wine and cheese happy hour each Monday thru Friday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and flights of wine and cheese Monday thru Saturday 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Call (843) 842-3141 for directions and information or online at www.islandwinery.com.

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. (843) 842-1495, seapines.com/meetings.

RITA’S ITALIAN ICE Celebrating our 21st year on Hilton Head. Featuring real soft serve custard and Italian Ices made fresh daily on premise with real fruit. Cool off with Rita’s Famous Gelati, an amazing combination of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard layered to

perfection. If it’s just old-fashioned Frozen Custard you want, we have Vanilla, Chocolate or Twist available on a cone, in a shake, in a sundae or our Blendini. And you can’t beat the heat better that with our frozen Lemonades. Located Oceanside at Coligny Plaza. Call (843) 341-5587.

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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To Live and Dine in Bluffton

Spring in Bluffton delivers two culinary can’t-miss events.

BY BARRY KAUFMAN • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Common knowledge would say that spring’s biggest foodie festivals are all on the island. There’s the Wine and Food Festival, The Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest and Wingfest in March, The Rib Burnoff in May, and a whole host of smaller fests in between.

That’s what common knowledge would say. But as usual, common knowledge doesn’t know half the story.

Off-island, foodies will find plenty of reasons to get out this spring and get social while dining on some of the finest food you won’t find east of the bridges.

And while it’s true that Bluffton’s biggest food festivals may call autumn home, with the Arts and Seafood Festival in October and Beer Fest in November, the fairer seasons still hold plenty of celebrations to tempt the taste buds.

While some food fests make you wait all year long to get your fix, you’ll find some of the best produce in the state along the stalls and tables of Calhoun Street at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market 78

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every Thursday during the spring. And if you’re going to talk about food events in Bluffton, in fact if you’re going to talk about events in Bluffton period, you’re going to talk about Mayfest.

Bluffton Farmer’s Market What began as a way to bring fresh, local produce to Bluffton has become the default meeting place for the entire town, as locals flock to Calhoun Street every Thursday for a chance to shop, grab a drink, enjoy some live music, and mingle.

The small town vibe of Bluffton reaches a fever crescendo here, as musician Bill DuPont provides the soundtrack to a smorgasbord of local flavors. Besides local vendors plying inseason tomatoes, okra, root vegetables and gourds, you’ll find fare from carnival food to mouthwatering barbecue.

Your kids won’t let you leave without a bag of Palmetto Kettle Corn, so get that out of the way early. Then, it’s time

to get your meal plan set up for the rest of the week with a jar of “We Island” gumbo, a few loaves of fresh bread from The Cottage, an order of Rio Bertolini’s amazing pasta (get there early; they sell out quick), and a to-go order of Palm Key Catering’s otherworldly pulled pork.

You can also fill your larder like a local with 7th Heaven Spices, cheese from Charleston Artisan Cheesehouse, and honey from Lee's Bees.

Then, with your shopping complete, you’ll usually find a lively crowd enjoying a few beverages at The Dispensary or Vineyard 55.

Mayfest Officially the Bluffton Village Festival (although no one calls it that), Mayfest has been the crown jewel of the Bluffton social calendar for 36 years as of the 2015 installment, which will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 9.

The brainchild of Bluffton icon Babbie

Guscio, the festival began as a way to shine the spotlight on local artists and musicians, a mission it still fulfills to this day. And while early incarnations of the festival celebrated the culinary arts to a certain extent, Mayfest’s foodie cred ignited after the Rotary Club took over in 2009.

It should come as no surprise that

seafood is abundant up and down the tent city that Old Town Bluffton becomes during the festival. The logo is a blue crab, after all. But there’s still plenty of landlubber fare, with booths from nearly every local restaurant serving up burgers, pizza, barbecue and so much more.

There’s even a nod to the more

competitive eaters among us with the annual pie eating contest featuring offerings from local baker The Sugaree.

Having an iron stomach is a given to anyone looking to win, but the real key to victory will be resisting the urge to savor each bite.

But bar none, the crowning culinary accomplishment of Mayfest, the single dish that becomes an annual event for festival goers and indeed Blufftonians in general, is the shrimp salad sandwich from The Church of the Cross. While it’s just a simple blend of shrimp, mayo and spices on a roll, there’s some kind of magic they add that makes it less a sandwich and more an event.

Maybe it’s the year-long wait, maybe it’s the way it’s usually savored while seated high on the bluff overlooking the May River. Maybe it’s just some of that old-time religion. Whatever the cause, you’ll definitely want to make sure you make your way to the very end of Calhoun Street as early as possible before this year’s batch of shrimp salad sandwiches sells out.

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‘The Same, But Different’:

Bluffton’s Red Fish AN ICONIC ISLAND RESTAURANT TAKES ITS GAME OVER THE BRIDGE.

BY BARRY KAUFMAN • PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

When Myrtle’s Bar & Grill closed its doors as a full-time restaurant in 2010, the Bluffton restaurant scene was a much different place. The restaurants of the Promenade and Calhoun Street were still in their infancy and the great migration of chain restaurants along the Hwy. 278 corridor had only just begun. Myrtle’s remained a special event space in the years that followed, as Bluffton’s prestige and culinary scene grew.

This past March, the one-time post office and former restaurant on Bruin Road became ground zero for the next phase in Bluffton’s dining revolution, as the new home for Hilton Head Island’s famed Red Fish.

Red Fish’s original Hilton Head Island location has gained numerous accolades and awards for its unique concept that hits the sweet spot of a great night out: a stellar wine list without the standard wine bar pretense, and a menu that hits the right notes for the discerning foodie and the casual diner alike. You want a burger? They have it. You want Shrimp and grits? They have that, too.

So when you view Red Fish as the sophisticated yet laid-back concept that it is, a Bluffton location makes perfect sense, as Bluffton is wellversed in laid-back and steadily growing in sophistication.

Plus, the fact that partners Robby Maroudas and Ric Peterson — famed for their trio of Red Fish, Old Oyster Factory and Alexander’s — saw the growing potential of Bluffton as the place for the next Red Fish location speaks volumes.

This being Bluffton, they were shown that potential from the front seat of a golf cart.

“A friend of mine would constantly comment to me about the growth out here in general. Living on the island, you don’t think about it as often,” said Maroudas. “He invited me out on a Friday night, we went around on his golf cart and I just fell in love with it.”

Truth be told, it’s hard not to fall in love with Bluffton when you see it on a Friday night golf cart tour.

The partners agreed on the move out, and were able to purchase the old Myrtle’s location in November of 2013. When the time came, there was no doubt about how well Red Fish’s concept would translate. That’s not to say they aren’t willing to tweak the concept to fit the Bluffton location’s unique atmosphere.

“Red Fish is the template we’re going to use, but anytime you have a different location there’s going to be a different feel,” said Maroudas. “Even something as big as Outback, you’ll see that the Outback Steakhouses in Cincinnati and Miami are going to be different entities.”

Maroudas says that at its core, the new location will take the bar and wine room concept that has made the island location such a hit and extend it. But he also promises that the concept will get its own unique Bluffton tweaks as customers demand them. So Bluffton diners, it’s up to you to get out there and truly make Bluffton’s Red Fish our own.

“We’re very excited about bringing Red Fish out here, and we understand it will be different,” said Maroudas. “It’s the same, but it’s different.”

Bluffton Red Fish is located at 32 Bruin Road. For more information please call (843) 837-8888 or online at www.redfishofbluffton.com.

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A TASTE OF BLUFFTON

CAPTAIN WOODY’S

REDFISH BLUFFTON

Located at the Calhoun Street Promenade. Visit Old Town Bluffton and enjoy great seafood in a casual and fun atmosphere. Serving a wide variety of fresh seafood, great signature sandwiches (Grouper melt and Po Boy’s), soups and salads all at affordable prices. Dine inside or out or enjoy the rooftop bar. Serving lunch and dinner Sunday thru Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 757-6222 or visit us online at www.captainwoodys.com.

Located at 32 Bruin Road. Our eclectic menu specializes in locally caught fish, natural and free range meats and vegetables from our garden to provide the freshest ingredients possible. Dine inside or out on the beautiful patio. Extensive wine list and full bar available. Serving lunch Monday thru Saturday, 11:30 a.m until 2 p.m., dinner nightly from 4:30 until 10 p.m. and Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 837-8888 or online at redfishofbluffton.com.

OLD TOWN DISPENSARY Located right off of Calhoun Street, in the heart of historic, downtown Bluffton. Delicious food, cold drinks, and a great atmosphere make this place a locals favorite! Dine inside or sit outside and enjoy live music under the stage. Open daily from 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Happy Hour is offered seven days a week from 4-7 p.m., and Sunday Brunch is served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Visit otdbluffton.com for more information, or call (843) 837-1893.

VINEYARD 55 Located off Calhoun Street in downtown Bluffton. This fun wine and cheese bar is worth checking out! Serving over 80 different kinds of beers with 22 on tap, as well as an extensive variety of wines to choose from. Throw in a rustic pizza or antipasto platter with some live entertainment (Thurs. thru Sat.) and you are all set. Happy hour features half priced appetizers from 4 until 7 p.m., Monday thru Saturday. Late night menu is available. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. Call (843) 757-9463 or online at www.vineyard55.com.

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A TASTE OF ADVERTISERS / MAP LOCATION

1.

2.

A LOWCOUNTRY BACKYARD (843) 785-YARD (9273) aMIGO’s CaFÉ Y CantIna (843) 785-TACO (8226)

3.

ANNIE O’S SOUTHERN EATS (843) 341-2664

4.

ASIAN BISTRO (843) 686-9888

5.

6.

7.

AUNT CHILADAS EASY STREET CAFE (843) 785-7700 THE BIG BAMBOO CAFE (843) 686-3443 BIG JIM’S BBQ, BURGERS & PIZZA (843) 785-1165

8.

BRITISH OPEN PUB (843) 686-6736 or 815-6736

9.

CAPTAIN JOHN’S GALLEY AT THE SALTY DOG CAFE (843) 671-CAFE (2233)

10. CAPTAIN WOODY’S (843) 785-2400 or 757-6222 11. CATCH 22 FRESH SEAFOOD & GRILL (843) 785-6261

23. THE FROSTY FROG CAFÉ (843) 686-FROG (3764)

45. OMBRA (843) 842-5505

24. HARBOURSIDE BURGERS & BREWS (843) 842-1444

46. PALMETTO BAY SUNRISE CAFE (843) 686-3232

25. THE HARBOUR TOWN BAKERY & CAFÉ (843) 363-2021

47. PANERA BREAD (843) 686-3838 or 757-5611

26. HILTON HEAD BREWING CO. (843) 785-3900 27. HINOKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR (843) 785-9800 28. HOLY TEQUILA (843) 681-TACO (8226) 29. HUDSON’S SEAFOOD HOUSE ON THE DOCKS (843) 681-2772 30. HUGO’S (843) 785-HUGO (4846) 31. ISLAND FUDGE SHOPPE (843) 842-4280 32. ISLAND WINERY (843) 842-3141 33. THE JAZZ CORNER (843) 842-8620

12. CHARBAR CO (843) 785-CHAR (2427)

34. KENNY B’S CAJUN SEAFOOD HUT (843) 785-3315

13. CHARLIE’S L’ETOILE VERTE (843) 785-9277

35. KURAMA JAPANESE SEAFOOD AND STEAK HOUSE SUSHI BAR (843) 785-4955

14. CHART HOUSE (843) 342-9066 15. CHOW DADDY’S (843) 842-CHOW (2469)

16. COCO’s On tHe BeaCH (843) 842-2626 (COCO) 17. CRANE’S TAVERN STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD (843) 341-2333 18. CRAZY CRAB (843) 363-2722 or 681-5021 19. DELISHEEYO (843) 785-3633 20. THE DRYDOCK SEAFOOD GRILL & SPIRITS (843) 842-9775

36. LAND’S END TAVERN (843) 671-5456 37. LIVE OAK - LOWCOUNTRY INSPIRED CUISINE (843) 842-1441

50. THE QUARTERDECK (843) 842-1999 51. REDFISH (843) 686-3388 or 837-8888 52. REILLEY’S (843) 842-4414 or 681-4153 53 RUAN THAI HUT (843) 681-3700 54. SAGE ROOM (843) 785-5352 55. THE SALTY DOG CAFE (843) 671-CAFE (2233) 56. SAN MIGUEL’S MEXICAN CAFE (843) 842-4555 57. SANTA FE CAFE (843) 785-3838 58. SKILLETS CAFE (843) 785-3131 59. STEAMER SEAFOOD (843) 785-2070 60. STELLINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT (843) 785-7006 61. SUNSET GRILLE (843) 689-6744 62. TAPAS RESTAURANT (843) 681-8590

39. MANGIAMO (843) 682-2444

63. TOBACCO ROAD (843) 341-6265

40. MELLOW MUSHROOM (843) 686-2474 or 706-0800

64. TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT (843) 842-1999

41. MICHAEL ANTHONY’S (843) 785-6272 42. OKKO (843) 341-3377 43. THE OLD OYSTER FACTORY (843) 681-6040

22. FLATBREAD GRILL (843) 341-2225

44. OLD TOWN DISPENSARY (843) 837-1893

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49. PLANTATION CAFE & DELI (843) 785-9020 or 342-4472

38. LUCKY ROOSTER KITHCEN & BAR (843) 681-3474

21. ELA’S BLU WATER GRILLE (843) 785-3030

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48. PELICAN’S POINT (843) 785-4442

65. TRUFFLES CAFE (843) 671-6136 or 815-5551 66. VINEYARD 55 (843) 757-9463 67. THE WESTIN RESORT & SPA (843) 681-1019 68. THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG (843) 671-7327