How To Picnic on the Beach

BY BARRY KAUFMAN

There’s a certain romance to a picnic on the beach. The steady ocean breezes keeping insects at bay, the sun keeping your food nice and toasty, the salt air adding that subtle hint of flavor to every bite… it can be magic.

It can also be a nightmare, if you don’t know what you’re doing. That same breeze can scatter napkins, that sun can quickly turn your potato salad and with that salt air comes plentiful sand, and that stuff gets everywhere.

So to help make your next oceanfront meal an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons, allow us to be your guide for creating the ultimate beach picnic. Fortunately, one of the island’s best beaches just happens to have some one-stop-shopping just across the street at Coligny Plaza.

Piggly Wiggly has been an island mainstay for decades, not just for the groceries and sundries that the chain is known for, but for its section devoted to beach gear. “That was always my dad’s favorite part of the store – we have so much stuff,” said owner David Martin, whose father Gene founded “The Pig” in 1969. If you’re going to do a beach picnic right, that has to be your first stop. Among the boogie boards and sunglasses, you’ll find a fresh towel to serve as your blanket, koozies to keep your beverages icy, umbrellas to shade your less sun-friendly fare and all the plasticware and paper towels you’ll need.

But a picnic is more than just towels and umbrellas. The key ingredient here is the food. Or at least the right food. The sand and sun of the beach can make some items non-starters. Don’t try to get too fancy with anything you’ll have to prepare – if you’re doing cold cut sandwiches, have them ready to go before you arrive. And unless you have one of those expensive designer coolers, just now that anything mayonnaise-based is going to be a roll of the dice after a few hours.

And as a word to the wise – The Town of Hilton Head Island doesn’t allow open flames on the beach. Whether a propane grill constitutes an open flame will vary from one member of beach patrol to the next, so play it safe and keep your picnic readymade.

Fortunately, as long as you’re already at The Pig for all of your beach gear, you can pick up a few dishes to go. And on that count, Martin has a few suggestions based on his decades of serving picnickers headed to Coligny beach.

“What’s always been surprisingly popular is our steamed local shrimp,” he said. Head back to the deli to grab-and-go some peel-and-eat, prepared simply with hot water and Old Bay. “It’s like a fantasy for some people to just sit on the beach and peel shrimp. Sitting there with shrimp juice on your hands, you really get to know somebody.”

And if you really want an authentic Southern beach picnic, you have to pick up some goober peas, aka boiled peanuts. “If you like them, then you are southern,” said Martin. “They’re in season now through August and we just got our first delivery today.”

And now equipped with all the right beach gear and grub, it’s time to get out there, claim your spot of sand and fill your belly on the beach.

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 (843) 706-0800 (B-Town).

MICHAEL ANTHONY’S

Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. Featuring Italian cuisine from every corner of Italy. Menu choices include homemade pasta dishes, delectable veal, prime meats, fresh seafood and house-made desserts. The wine list is extensive yet approachable. Reservations are suggested. Weekly cooking classes offered in the Tuscan-inspired demonstration kitchen. The adjacent Italian Market offers wines, many gourmet products and take-home entrées. Open MondaySaturday beginning at 5 p.m. Call (843) 785-6272 or visit www.michael-anthonys.com.

NUNZIO RESTAURANT + BAR

South Carolina’s best new Italian restaurant is located at 18 New Orleans Road. Nunzio’s classic & contemporary Italian dishes perfectly portray the harmony and the simplicity of southern Italian food combining locally sourced ingredients. Nunzio’s menu features house-made pasta, fresh fish & seafood, and choice cut meats. The collection of wines have strong Italian influences with notable international selections. Reservations are suggested. Open daily from 4 p.m. with Happy Hour until 6 and Dinner from 4:30 p.m. Early Dining from 4:30 until 5:15 p.m. Call (843) 715-2172 or visit www. nunziohhi.com for more information.

The Old Oyster Factory

Located on Broad Creek at 101 Marshland Road, this iconic waterfront restaurant has stunning views of the Lowcountry. Serving fresh local seafood since 1989, Chef’s Lowcountry cuisine is featured along with your favorite seafood and landlovers entrées. The expansive raw bar offers locally sourced and East Coast oysters. Try the infamous SeaCuterie Board! The decks and outside patio bar offer intimate sunset views while dining on the water. Serving from 11 a.m. daily, Brunch on Sundays. Established in 1989, a member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 2019. Call (843) 681-6040 or visit oldoysterfactory.com.

THE PEARL KITCHEN & BAR

Located at 55 Calhoun Street in the historic art district of Bluffton. The Pearl brings a fresh approach to dining focusing

(continued on page 38) on a complete sensory experience offering fresh “clean eating”. Contemporary food preparations utilizing the best fresh catch seafood, certified steaks and local produce available. Live music Thursday thru Saturday. Open for dinner daily at 5 p.m. Reservations recommended, call (843) 757-5511.

Red Fish

Located at the corner of Palmetto Bay Rd. and Archer Rd.

Serving Innovative Cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Offering local seafood, steaks, salads and nightly specials. Attached retail wine shop and bar with over 1,000 selections of fine wines. Outdoor seating available. Serving dinner daily from 5 p.m. For more information call (843) 686-3388 or online at www.redfishofhiltonhead.com.

REILLEY’S GRILL & BAR

Located in Reilley’s Plaza, just off Sea Pines Circle, Reilley’s is a true local favorite, family-owned and operated for over 40 years. With a sophisticated warm ambiance, this family-friendly Island institution is the best place to enjoy nightly specials, excellent seafood, amazing salads, signature steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and classic Irish pub favorites. Voted Island’s Best Sports Bar! Dine indoors or on their beautiful, spacious gardenencircled patio and covered bar. Serving daily from 11:30 a.m. Member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 1982. Call (843) 842-4414 or visit 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 75 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) 7855352 or check us out online at www.thesageroom.com.

The Salty Dog Cafe

For over 35 years South Beach Marina in Sea Pines has been home to the legendary Salty Dog Café. Seafarers and landlubbers alike have been enjoying fresh dishes – from seafood and pasta to burgers and, of course hushpuppies –served on the waterfront docks along scenic Braddock’s Cove.

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