READERS’ CHOICE
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Readers’Choice 20 14
Monthly celebrates local businesses and communities with the 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards, the “best of the best” places to shop, dine and live, as voted by you, our readers. We received 7,528 electronic ballots in our eight-week Readers’ Choice promotional campaign, intended to identify the top businesses in a wide range of categories. Want to find the best of the Lowcountry? You will find it here. The list of categories and winners is extensive. As you read over the list, we’re sure you will recognize your favorites among the many categories. We also expect you will find some unexpected and unknown venues. We encourage you to peruse the list and visit these reader-selected winners to judge for yourself. And, if you don’t see a business or community listed here you think is deserving, be sure to vote in the 2015 Readers’ Choice campaign. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners! SPECIAL THANKS
PHOTOGRAPHY ARNO DIMMLING SANTA MICK AYRES DECORATION FLOWERS BY SUE LOCATION THE WESTIN HILTON HEAD ISLAND RESORT & SPA
MOST OF ALL, THANKS TO ALL WHO VOTED!
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BBQ
The most popular holidays for barbecuing are Fourth of July (71%), Memorial Day (57%) and Labor Day (55%). The most popular foods for cooking on the grill are burgers (85%), steak (80%), hot dogs (79%) and chicken (73%). HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE ASSOCIATION
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FAVORITE FOODS FAVORITE BARBECUE HILTON HEAD ISLAND: One Hot Mama’s: Authentic pitto-plate barbecue pork, beef and chicken. BLUFFTON Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BarB-Q: Smoke, meat and time — perfect low and slow since 1985. FAVORITE BURGER HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Charbar Co.: Award-winning gourmet burgers. Bring an appetite. BLUFFTON: Five Guys Burgers and Fries: There are more than 250,000 possible ways to order a burger at this popular chain. FAVORITE BURRITO HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Java Burrito Company: A familyowned Mexican grill and coffee bar that sources organic and local food when in season.
BLUFFTON: Mi Tierra: You can get nine gourmet burritos at this authentic Mexican restaurant. FAVORITE FRIED CHICKEN HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Publix: Perfect fried chicken, doublehand breaded and cooked to perfection. BLUFFTON: Cahill’s Market: The famous Chicken Kitchen serves up scrumptious Southern-style bird. FAVORITE PIZZA HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Fat Baby’s Pizza & Subs: Sweet Pete Bernstein’s baby continues to be an island staple for pie. The new location makes it even better. BLUFFTON: Orobello’s Bistro & Pizzeria: The pizza dough is made in-house over two days at this family-owned Sicilian restaurant.
FAVORITE FRENCH FRIES HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Five Guys Burgers and Fries: Enjoy Five Guys style or Cajun style, hand-cut and cooked in pure peanut oil. FAVORITE STEAK HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Alexander’s: These handtrimmed steaks have been an island tradition since 1977. BLUFFTON: Pour Richard’s: This blue-walled wonder has developed a strong following around the Lowcountry.
FAVORITE TACO HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill: Influenced by the Jalisco region of Mexico, this fast-casual Mexican restaurant is extremely popular with the lunch crowd. The salsa bar rocks. FAVORITE CRAB LEGS HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Crazy Crab: Two locations in Jarvis Creek and Harbour Town. BLUFFTON: Bluffton Oyster Company: A family-run operation since 1899.
FAVORITE SUSHI HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Hinoki Japanese Restaurant: This restaurant has been an island staple for nearly 12 years. BLUFFTON: Fujiyama: What is the Japanese word for phenomenal? It should be “Fujiyama.”
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p47 | Sushi
2013
FAVORITE
EATINGWELL.COM
VEGGIES
Frozen vegetables can be more nutritious than fresh vegetables. They are usually processed and packaged on the same day they were picked; therefore they maintain the maximum amount of nutrients.
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FAVORITE FOODS FAVORITE VEGETARIAN HILTON HEAD ISLAND: DelisheeYo: Build your own fresh, healthy bowl or go with a sure-fire hit such as the Buddahh Bowl. BLUFFTON: NEO: Fresh spinach, heirloom tomatoes, local shitake and portabellas. This place proves that healthy food can taste good. FAVORITE WINGS HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Wild Wing Cafe: Offering wings with 33 sauces ranging from virgin to fireball. Blue cheese or ranch? We’ll take both.
FAVORITE CANDY HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Chocolate Canopy: This spot has been and area favorite since 1982. BLUFFTON: Kilwins: Pecan brittle, true Southern pralines, Mackinac Island fudge, chocolates and more. FAVORITE SUB HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Subway: There are over 2 million sandwich varieties. BLUFFTON: Jersey Mike’s: This popular sandwich chain offers up Northeast-style sub sandwiches on freshly baked bread.
FAVORITE ICE CREAM/GELATO HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Pino Gelato: Thanks to an authentic Italian recipe, the cold treats here can’t be beat. BLUFFTON: Pino Gelato Gourmet Cafe: This Europeanstyle coffeehouse also serves fresh salads, crepes and wine. FAVORITE FROZEN YOGURT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Sweet Frog: Create your own frozen yogurt combination at the Park Plaza store. BLUFFTON: Lovin’ Spoons: Offering 12 flavors of delicious and healthy frozen yogurt.
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RANDOMFACTS.COM
JAVA
Coffee was originally regarded as a wonder drug in Yemen and Arabia and was taken only at the advice of a doctor. Many saw coffee as a brain tonic or as a way to stimulate religious visions.
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FAVORITE DRINKS & NIGHTLIFE FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Starbucks: Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of decades, you’ve probably heard of this place. BLUFFTON: The Corner Perk Cafe: Gourmet, organic, locally roasted coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch and delicious dessert bar. FAVORITE WINE SELECTION HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Red Fish: An extensive wine list is complemented with a wine shop offering more than 1,000 wines, including half bottles. BLUFFTON: Corks Wine Co.: Bluffton’s original neighborhood wine bar. Samplings of any wine served by the glass are offered in wine flights.
FAVORITE BAR/HOTEL HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Bayley’s Bar, Sonesta Resort: It is the place for a quick morning coffee, afternoon sweets and refreshments, and sophisticated evening cocktails. BLUFFTON: River House, Palmetto Bluff: An extensive choice of fine wines, craft beers and unforgettable cocktails.
FAVORITE BAR/LATE NIGHT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: The Boardroom: Rocking the “Barmuda Triangle” until 2 a.m., seven nights a week. BLUFFTON: Old Town Dispensary: Cold beer and stiff drinks in the heart of the historic district.
FAVORITE BAR/SPORTS HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Casey’s Sports Bar & Grill: More than 30 TVs complemented by tasty burgers and spicy wings. BLUFFTON: Hinchey’s Chicago Bar & Grill: The mainland expansion of the island sports watching destination has been a huge hit with the Bluffton crowd.
FAVORITE BEER SELECTION HILTON HEAD ISLAND: The Lodge: 36 rotating taps and an extensive bar. All draft beer is available in half-gallon growlers to go. BLUFFTON: The Brick Chicken: This spot is quickly becoming Bluffton’s craft beer destination thanks to a wide selection of local, regional and national brews.
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2 0 14 James’ phenomenal real estate career began on Hilton Head back in 1981 and is a proud co-founder of Charter One Realty – the #1 real estate company in the Lowcountry. James has been a #1 Realtor since 1990 and recognized as an Award Winning Top 100 agent in the USA. James brings expert real estate experience with over 30 years in this market, with exceptional credentials and a positive professional attitude and attention to details in negotiations and marketing. So whether it is buying or selling residential properties, I look forward to building a relationship with you!
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FAVORITE RESTAURANTS BLUFFTON: The Bluffton Room: Avery Early: Simple American cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients available.
FAVORITE CHEF HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Michael Cirafesi, Ombra: His classical regional Italian cuisine has drawn national praise. BLUFFTON: Russell Keane, NEO: Known for his adventurous neoclassic style and passion for fresh, premium ingredients. FAVORITE NEW CHEF HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Clayton Rollison, Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar: Diners appreciate his small, focused and adventurist dishes.
FAVORITE NEW RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar: An American bistro with a southern soul. The menu changes with seasons, weather, tides and inspiration. BLUFFTON: The Bluffton Room: The intimate and vibrant atmosphere has been a big hit in Old Town. FAVORITE ASIAN RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: OKKO: The sleek decor is only upstaged by the authentic Asian cuisine. BLUFFTON: Fujiyama: Contemporary Japanese dining on Burnt Church Road.
FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Michael Anthony’s: Tony and Becky Fazzini have been serving up a taste of Italy since 2002. BLUFFTON: Orobello’s Bistro & Pizzeria: This family-owned Sicillian restaurant proves you CAN have pasta with every meal.
FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Mi Tierra: An authentic Mexican restaurant known for its carnitas.
FAVORITE SOUTHERN RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Annie O’s Southern Eats: Traditional favorites made from scratch with plenty of TLC. BLUFFTON: Cahill’s Market: True Southern comfort food served in a relaxed country atmosphere. FAVORITE LUNCH HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Red Fish: Amazing food at reasonable prices makes this a favorite for business lunches. BLUFFTON: Cahill’s Market: Johnny Cahill’s Meat & Three will make lunch the highlight of your day.
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FAVORITE RESTAURANTS FAVORITE BRUNCH HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe: Breakfast served all day at this popular place on Broad Creek. BLUFFTON: Walnuts Cafe: Highlights include thick omlettes and fantastic French toast. FAVORITE BREAKFAST HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe: Great location and great food make this the island’s favorite early morning stop. BLUFFTON: The Cottage: Located in Old Town Bluffton, this unique restaurant exemplifies both old-world charm and the warm hospitality of the South. FAVORITE KIDFRIENDLY RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Salty
Dog Cafe: Your young ones will find plenty to do at South Beach Marina Village. BLUFFTON: Captain Woody’s: Super kid friendly with plenty of awesome sunsets on the rooftop bar. FAVORITE OUTDOOR DINING HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Skull Creek Boathouse: Take in amazing views of Skull Creek at this popular north end establishment. BLUFFTON: The Cottage: A great place to soak in the hustle and bustle of Calhoun Street. FAVORITE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Old Oyster Factory: If you are fishing for healthy choices, all fish here can be prepared naked.
BLUFFTON: May River Grill: Serving the latest catch from local rivers and farms. FAVORITE WATER VIEWS HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Old Oyster Factory: Overlooking Broad Creek, OOF offers one of the island’s best panoramic views of the marshland landscape. BLUFFTON: Backwater Bill’s, Hampton Lake: The lake views at this down-home Lowcountry restaurant can’t be beat. FAVORITE DELI HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Gruby’s New York Deli: Brothers Barry and Steven Gruber offer a taste of “Da Bronx.” BLUFFTON: The Downtown Deli: A Bluffton favorite for years.
FAVORITE DESSERT MENU HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Frankie Bones: Make s’mores right at your table or choose the homemade carrot cake. BLUFFTON: Claude and Uli’s Signature Bistro: The raspberry and mango mousse cake won over the Bluffton crowd. FAVORITE BAKERY HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Signe’s Heaven Bound Bakery and Cafe: An island tradition for more than 36 years. BLUFFTON: The Sugaree: They make bagels, donughts and muffins, all from scratch. FAVORITE CATERING/CATERER HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Two Tomatoes Catering: Owner Susan Lykins knows her way around a kitchen.
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