PUBLISHER’S NOTE

It’s not necessarily a bad thing to look ahead. Just make sure you’re also taking a look around.

It seems sometimes like we don’t really live in the moment anymore. We’re always looking ahead to that next big trip, that next party, that next project to work on. I know I’m guilty of it at times.

And if you’re reading this, odds are good you’re in the middle of a vacation that you have spent the last few weeks and months planning. I’m sure you’ve snuck a few minutes of company time in the leadup to your trip to check review websites, scout out great activities to experience while you’re here and see where all the best restaurants are (by following Taste of Hilton Head on social media, of course).

It’s likely been a lot of looking ahead on your part. And now that you’re here, I urge you to shift that focus back to the present. You’ve made it! Now you get to enjoy the fruits of all that planning as you relax in an island paradise. As Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

And not to sound like a curmudgeon, but it feels like we’re missing a lot these days. The technological marvel of your smartphone puts the entire universe of information at your fingertips, nearly infinite knowledge available in an instant. But mostly, it seems like it exists to give people a place to retreat to. I see people at the golf course, on the street, in restaurants and worst of all while driving, faces buried in the screen’s comforting glow.

But here, surrounded by the beauty of Hilton Head Island, and all the attractions, dining and fun that entails, it’s worth giving the phone a rest. Look out from behind that tiny screen and you’ll find one of the most perfect spots on the planet surrounding you.

Don’t let the digital addiction keep you from missing out. This summer, join me in enjoying life as it’s meant to be lived – unfiltered, unbound from a screen and with gusto. I guarantee your vacation, and your whole summer, will be better for it.

TASTE OF HILTON HEAD VOLUME XVIIl, ISSUE 2

PUBLISHER

David Mudwilder

ART DIRECTOR

Kim Bowen

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Rob Kaufman

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karla Angel

Christy Baroni

Allyson Jones

Barry Kaufman

DISTRIBUTION

Brandon Duffner

Gray Mudwilder

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

@TasteHHI

David Mudwilder Publisher

About The Cover

Taste

Dinner

ALEXANDER’S RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR

Located in Palmetto Dunes at 76 Queens Folly Road adjacent to the General Store, Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar is an upscale seafood restaurant featuring locally-caught seafood and many locally sourced ingredients creating a menu which pays tribute to classic lowcountry and Alexander’s favorites such as Shrimp and Grits and Wiener Schnitzel. Dinner daily 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Early Dining menu daily from 5 - 5:45 p.m. Reservations are highly encouraged, although walk-ins are welcome. Call (855) 300-5976 or visit www.AlexandersRestaurant.com for more information.

Amigos Caf Y Cantina

The original Amigos is located at 70 Pope Avenue in the Circle Center. Casual healthy Mexican food prepared fresh daily. Featuring the best burrito outside of Baja, quesadillas, tacos, amazing BBQ chicken salad, World Famous Margaritas and ice cold beer. This local favorite has been serving islanders and visitors for over 28 years. Dine in, take-out or curbside delivery available. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Call (843) 785-TACO (8226) or visit us online at www.amigoscafehhi.com or check us out on Facebook and Instagram.

Aunt Chiladas Easy Street Cafe

Located on the south end of the island at 69 Pope Avenue, Aunt Chilada’s offers an ever-changing variety of unique tacos plus Tex-Mex staples like sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and Mexican seafood boils. Dine indoors or on the huge, covered outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze with Margaritas and tequila flights, and listening to live music. Open TuesdaySunday from 12 - 9 p.m. Happy hour is 4 - 7 p.m. at the bars: $3 off apps, $2 back on liquor and $1 back on beer and wine. Member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 1988. Call (843) 785-7700 or visit auntchiladashhi.com.

THE BANK, HILTON HEAD’S BEER GARDEN

Located at 59 Pope Avenue. Features over 20 craft beers from Side Hustle Brewing Co.; two new restaurant concepts: Mo’ Money Tacos and Bank Heist Burgers; three new food and beverage trucks: All About the Benjamins Seafood, Dollar Billy’s Ice Cream & Treats, and the Armored Bar; in addition to an island Pizza Co. location. Open seven days a week, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. www.thebankhhi.com.

Big Bamboo

Located just steps from the beach in Coligny Plaza. Escape to our South Pacific themed restaurant featuring Carolina seafood, Healthy Bowls, sensational salads, “Build your own” burgers and grillers, exotic Margaritas and craft beers from around the Carolinas. One of the best live music venues on the island. Full bar, happy hour, kid’s menu and indoor and outdoor dining available. Open Monday thru Saturday for lunch