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
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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.