Taste of Hilton Head Fall 14 by Taste of Hilton Head

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CONTENTS

10 FEATURES

14 63 THE JUNIOR JAZZ FOUNDATION Preserving America’s Music Among our Youth.

10 HOLY TEQUILA Mexican with a Twist.

64 ISLAND REC CENTER Fall Festivals for a Good Cause.

14 OMBRA A Masterful Work of Culinary Art.

70 THE 3 HABITS OF THE NON-DIETER Health and Fitness Tips from CrossFit Hilton Head.

20 IN THE KITCHEN With Matt Jording, Owner/Chef, Sage Room.

72 BLUFFTON ARTS AND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Where Fine Art and the Bounty of the Sea Come Together.

26 THE WINE GEM OF TUSCANY Tuscany Wines for the Fall.

30 HILTON HEAD ISLAND ITALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL Has a new Home at Honey Horn.

40 TAYLOR KENT Singing with Soul.

44 25TH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE SEASON The Island’s Premier Tasting.

46 HARD CIDER The Perfect Drink for Fall.

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

A TASTE OF DINNER

50 A TASTE OF ISLAND RECIPES 54 A TASTE OF LUNCH 68 A TASTE OF BREAKFAST/BRUNCH 74 A TASTE OF NIGHTLIFE/LOUNGES 80 A TASTE OF SWEETS & SERVICES

52 BRIAN BROCK Head Bartender and Bar Manager, Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Café. 4

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82 ADVERTISING DIRECTORY/MAP

PUBLISHER’S NOTE The term “Staycation” has been gaining momentum recently and for many reasons I am intrigued by the increasing popularity. For the novices out there, Staycation is a vacation spent at home or near home, doing enjoyable activities or visiting local attractions. This must be an accurate definition because I googled it…and we all know that everything you learn on Google is 100% reliable. So just to be sure, I asked Siri her opinion and she concurred with The Google guru. So what’s with the increasing popularity of the Staycation? The term became popular in 2008 when gas prices were exorbitant and people needed an affordable alternative vacation. Please don't confuse the Staycation with the Nearcation or the Naycation (this was Siri's suggestion). I can’t speak for most people, but living here on Hilton Head Island for the past 26 years, I still can’t believe the good fortune I have enjoying this island every day. I feel like a big part of my life is a permanent Staycation. Last year, I actually took a Staycation and didn’t even realize it. My family put me in charge of finding a beach house for us to all get together for a weekend. Could there be a better place to do this than Hilton Head in the fall? This was perfect for me -- A beach house with family and friends all within a ten minute drive from my house. Hence my first Staycation was born and I became a believer. Over the course of the next few days, it was nothing but the beach, eating, drinking, laughing and of course, for my family, a ping pong marathon. We mixed in a little exercise, watched a lot of football and sampled some great cuisine at a variety of the island’s finest restaurants (going out to eat often is one of the Staycation caveats). Some things to remember on your Staycation to enjoy it to the fullest are leave work behind, don’t be in a hurry, and try some new things that you would not normally do. In other words, treat it like a real vacation. Being on your home turf gives you a tremendous advantage of where to go and what to do. It's simple: act like a tourist! Visit festivals and historic sites, sample exciting activities and world class restaurants, chill by the pool or on the beach, listen to some live music... The list is endless. Hilton Head is the ideal Staycation location. It's easy to see why the Staycation is gaining so much momentum. After last year’s successful long weekend, this year we are going bigger and better. A full week is already scheduled here on this beautiful island and I intend to enjoy every minute of it. I will pack my cooler and my sunscreen and leave my laptop at home. Give it a go. My guess is you will make it an annual tradition too! David Mudwilder Publisher 6

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TASTE OF HILTON HEAD VOLUME IX, ISSUE 3 PUBLISHER David Mudwilder ART DIRECTOR Kim Bowen CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Rob Kaufman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christy Baroni Allyson Jones 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 It’s oyster season, so head out to Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks this Fall. 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.amigoshhi.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-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. Enjoy fantastic food and good times with your friends. Featuring the best Steaks on the

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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.

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 (continued on page 12)

HOLY TEQUILA!

Mexican with a Twist BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLAN

You may speculate that after his resounding success opening Charbar that Nick Bergelt would be lounging by a pool in the Caribbean sipping rum drinks. But you would be wrong. Instead, Nick is back for more, having just opened his second restaurant, Holy Tequila. By the early looks of things, he has hit another home run with his venture into Mexican which he based on a simple concept -- Mexican with a unique American twist. According to Nick, they are not going for traditional Mexican. “Our goal in designing Holy Tequila was to keep the Mexican culture in place and innovate on other things. We saw a cool opportunity to use the tortilla as a vessel to do lots of things with. Just as we wanted to be innovative with how the burger could be delivered, we 10

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•

PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

wanted to use flavors not associated with Mexico and serve it on the tortilla," explained Nick. "There are no boundaries with a taco." Thus the ‘Mexican with a twist’ menu took form with unique and unusual flavors served on a flour or corn tortilla. The menu at Holy Tequila is simple to read but enticing. "We want to change people's perception of what can be delivered on a taco," said Nick. There are no fancy names or hard to understand words to confound you. The tablet on your table has pictures of everything if you need a visual that is not available from the table next door. What will ultimately make you reel is the flavor excursion of the unknown as well as the tequila pairings. The executive chef, Charles, came over from Charbar and he works with the sous chef, Jorge,

from Mexico. Together they make a formidable team concocting the fillings that go into the tacos like pulled pork, fried chicken, pork bellies, grilled shrimp, and roasted brussels sprouts among others. You can get a Taco Trio Sampler for a mere $10.95 and there are also salads, quesadillas, and even a Charbar burger which is music to my son’s ears. All ingredients are made fresh daily from the salsa and guacamole to the chips and tortillas. Prior to opening Holy Tequila, Nick and his whole team ventured up and down the Pacific coast of Mexico and spent long days immersing themselves in the culture, food, and (dare I say) tequila. They walked las calles and watched chefs at work in taquerías and went into las casas and observed food preparation there. They took in the

aromas, flavors, and décor. They learned about the heritage to better appreciate the cuisine. With the concept and knowledge in place, now they needed a home. You could say the stars aligned again for Nick when the perfect location in Park Plaza became available and it happened to be a stone's throw from Charbar. The interior design and ambiance is a direct takeaway from what they saw in the Mexico. Surrounded by the warm colors, the exotic woods on the walls, the lanterns, the hand-blown bottles of Patron and the hand-painted sugar skulls, you will leave Hilton Head behind when you walk in the door. What's more, Nick has added a large garage-like retractable door that he opens to bring the outdoors in and add another touch of Mexico with their open air restaurant and night club designs. With a goal of engaging all of his diner’s senses, Nick designed the layout in tiers so that patrons can sit high enough to view the chefs at work in the kitchen as well as the bartenders wielding their magic. "We want people to experience all the smells, sites, and flavors. Aesthetics are important to us." Nick also made special note of their music playlist which is Latin salsa and was carefully chosen to get people tapping their toes and in the mood for some great food, fun, and holy tequila. Thursday nights they have a Latin house band which really gets the fiesta revved up. A meal at Holy Tequila is not only an adventure into a whole new world of taco heaven, it is an opportunity to delve into the tastes of tequila and discover its wince-free wonders without the masks of salt and lime. During his Mexican journey, Nick and company spent days visiting agave farms and learning about how tequila was made and mixed and all of its flavorful

nuances. "I used to think tequila was a party drink. Now I understand the process and appreciate it. I want to educate people on tequila -- how it is produced and aged. There are a lot of great tequilas out there," said Nick. “When we would visit an agave farm, they would give us 10 different shots of tequila to sample. Then we go to the next farm and sample 10 more. By the

end of the day we would just say, ‘holy tequila!’” Nick relayed with a smile. Thanks to his wife’s recommendation the name for his restaurant was born. Holy Tequila's menu has five categories of tequila to choose from that are arranged according to age, taste, and distilling process and range from $5 to $55 a glass. The smoother tequilas are the higher-end ones, but they offer flights so you can get a feel for the variety of flavors. "Our tequila

menu is like a wine list. Everyone wants to take a stab at tequila when they come in here." Holy Tequila serves their tequila at the perfect 72°. They can chill it more to make it smoother, but then you risk losing some flavor. Other beverages include a full line of Mexican beers and a craft beer line to bring in a gourmet niche. Their margaritas are delicious and back to the basic recipe of fresh juices, agave syrup and tequila. Margarita pitchers are available in six different flavors. The wine list has the standard grape varietals and for every popular domestic wine, they offer comparable wines from Spanish or Latin origins to encourage people to try similar grapes at similar prices and continue their exploration and education of unchartered waters. Like at Charbar, Holy Tequila is kid friendly and has tablets on each table with games as well as photos and explanations of all the food on the menu. "We use the tablets for the visual side as well as the educational." Diners can use the tablets to dive into the history of a certain tequila, for example, and learn things that their server would not have time to explain. The tablets also have a service call button so servers know when they are needed and people don't have to seek them out making hospitality at Holy Tequila an A- plus. “Our goal is to create an awesome, fun environment at an affordable price point,” said Nick. Holy Tequila is located at 33 Office Park Road, Suite 229 and is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Large parties of 20 or more can make a reservation for the private tequila tasting room and call ahead seating is available for everyone else. İSalud! For more information visit facebook.com/holytequila or call them at 843-681-TACO (8226). ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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.

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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! Come enjoy our large outdoor patio with a fireplace and the only outdoor bar in Park Plaza! Kids menu and takeout available. Happy 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! (continued on page 16)

OMBRA

A MASTERFUL WORK OF CULINARY ART BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLAN PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

The story behind the birth of OMBRA Cucina Rustica on Hilton Head is one of a successful marriage of mentor and student uniting after years and miles of separation to create a masterful work of culinary art. OMBRA is the crowning achievement of two famous chefs dedicated to their trade. Michael Cirafesi, owner and executive chef at OMBRA, was raised in Philadelphia where he nurtured a love for his Italian heritage. He lived a few doors down from his nonna, Victoria, who brought the family’s traditions from Benevento, Italy including her passion for cooking. After spending hours in his nonna’s kitchen, it did not take Michael long to fall in love with the flavors of Italy. At the ripe and illegal age of 15, Michael started working professionally under an Italian chef, Angelo Romano, the famous sugar sculptor. At the age of 18, he became an apprentice to one of Philadelphia’s most famous chefs, Nunzio Patruno, from whom he learned everything he needed to know in order to create five star Italian meals from the antipasti to the pasticceria. Equipped with the knowledge and the tools he needed to become a famous chef in his own right, Michael moved to Hilton Head and worked his magic here for 11 years. Then one day he was approached by Nunzio with the idea that it was time for them to open a restaurant together and the idea of OMBRA took flight. The first piece of business for Michael was to find the perfect location. The stars aligned and a spot opened up in the upscale Village at Wexford. “We needed south end and at least 120 seats. When this spot opened, we lucked out,” said Michael. They hired a famous homebuilder who came in and gutted the place from floor to ceiling. With Nunzio’s help, he designed a master showcase for their culinary talents. When you walk inside the door at OMBRA, you feel like you have walked into a restaurant in Tuscany. The bricks are home-made, the white tile is Tuscan limestone, the walls are a deep orange, and the wooden beams are from old barn-wood and sport exquisite knots and rotted wood stains. The tables are all covered with crisp white linen and sparkling crystal wine

glasses and the walls are adorned with black and white photos of Italian scenes and architecture. It all adds an intimate setting and elegance to the experience of dining there, making you feel special before the antipasti is served or first bottle decanted. The doors of OMBRA officially opened during Thanksgiving of 2012 and Michael has already won Best Chef on the Island in Hilton Head Monthly's Reader Choice Awards 2013. The menu at OMBRA is a mixture of foods from different regions of Italy with strong Tuscan, Piemontese, and Bolognese influences. Michael describes their food as classic Italian with a contemporary flare. “There are things on the menu that you can’t pizzazz like the Osso Bucco which is high quality veal shanks served with saffron risotto. But with something like the Panna Cotta (eggless cream custard), we will add fresh seasonal fruit for the flash,” explained Michael. “Whatever is fresh and in season is what we are serving. The fish are still wiggling when we get them in and the vegetables are freshly harvested.” “No one leaves here with a frown. I would rather spend more money and get better quality.” All their breads and pastas are made in the OMBRA kitchen daily and Michael, aside from being executive chef, is also the pastry chef and prepares all of their desserts from recipes learned in his youth under Nunzio. Fresh foods and specials to look for in the fall at OMBRA include the prized Porcini mushrooms which only bloom twice a year, fresh fish like Wild Halibut, and the coveted White Truffle from Italy. Michael took me on a tour of his spotless kitchen where four people

were busy doing prep work for the evening meal cutting up baskets of beautiful brown porcini mushrooms and shiny red cherry tomatoes (where was the camera when we needed it?). There was a huge bowl of fresh beets on one counter and freshly cut veal on another. In the walk-in refrigerator was rack upon rack of Italian bread loaves lined up like soldiers resting in their ‘rise’ mode. When I returned later for dinner, I let my charming and experienced waiter, Ned Dyer, guide me through my meal. From the prosciutto for starters to the veal entree, everything was presented to perfection and tasted better than it looked. For dessert, Michael sent out some Panna Cotta al Cioccolato e Caramello which was light and delicious and the perfect finale to a wonderful meal. Needless to say I went home with a full belly and a smile on my face. When it comes to the wine list, diners at OMBRA are catered to personally. Choices are from many different regions of Italy as well as domestic wines from California and Oregon. There are over 140 selections and prices range from $32 to $600 a bottle. Michael describes his love of wine as a “sick, over the top obsession. I try to promote and to teach. I don’t want you to walk in here and order your regular glass of Chardonnay. I want you to try a Lugana from Veneto. If you like Cabs, I want you to try one of our Super Tuscans. You give me your price range and what you are eating, and I will choose you the perfect wine,” he said. For my wine choice, Michael chose me a bottle of Prelius from Tuscany which was affordable and complimented my meal perfectly. OMBRA has an early dining menu which is served from 4:30 until 5:45 and

includes a prix fixe, Tuscan style menu for $26.99. Early diners are served a delicious three-course meal consisting of an antipasti, a secondi, and a pasticceria. The secondi or entree includes choices ranging from pastas to fish, veal, and chicken. Happy hour is served from 4:30 until 6:30 with 20% off all cocktails, wine by the glass, and beer along with complimentary pizzettas. OMBRA offers private banquets, wine dinners with different wineries, and a variety of chef tasting menus throughout the year. When asked why OMBRA was so popular, Michael sighed, “Well, from what I've been told, I am the host of all hostesses. If I hear that the lady at table seven is celebrating her 50th birthday, I will go out of my way to do something a little bit different. No request is too big. The customer can have anything the customer wants. I try to make every customer my happiest. I have lots of uncles! The guy from Ohio and the one from Hilton Head are treated the same. They are all my family. I don't care if you order a $32 bottle of wine or a $600 bottle of wine. I want you to be my customer for the next 23 years.” OMBRA is located in the Village at Wexford. For more information please call (843) 842-5505 or visit www.OMBRAHHI.com.

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, Fresh Vegetable Bowl with Ricotta, Kale and Quinoa 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.

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 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.

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 (continued on page 18)

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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 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. 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 Meagen Mehaffey, 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.

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.

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IN THE

Kitchen

with Matt Jording | Owner/Chef, Sage Room BY LOUISE LUND • PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Sage Room offers a unique dining experience - an open kitchen, global cuisine, a full bar, an extensive selection of fine wines, and nightly innovative additions to the palatepleasing menu. Owner and Chef Matt Jording took a little time out of his hectic schedule to tell us about his experience and success with this great restaurant. Growing up in Fairfax, Virginia, Matt was a motor cross racer from the time he was 10, doing jumps, turns, and hills. “This sport embedded in me the work ethic that has carried over to my 20

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profession. It taught me discipline and goal setting from an early age. When others my age were hanging out and partying, I was in my garage lifting weights and working on my bike.” Matt is a self-taught chef who began traveling to fine restaurants early on in his career to define his own way of cooking. Most of his family had been in the restaurant business. He moved to Hilton Head in 1995 when he was 18 to work with his uncle, Jim Buckingham, owner at that time of Santa Fe Café. “I bussed tables and washed dishes at Santa Fe until a position came open at

the fry station. A lady who I worked with for several years, Denise Pierce, encouraged me and I developed a true passion for cooking. She had a way of making it an art.” For several years Matt worked with Denise, absorbing all he could about the culinary arts. “Although I burned myself, cut myself, and worked back-to-back shifts many days, I absolutely loved it!” When Denise left Santa Fe, Matt took over her position as head chef. “When my uncle was ready to sell the business, my pockets were far from deep enough to purchase it. And I had

been at Santa Fe for 7 years and wanted my own place. I decided to take over a building in Heritage Plaza, which was formerly Cheryl’s Piano Bar, and start my own restaurant. It was in one of the worst spots for a restaurant on Hilton Head, off the beaten path, in the back part of the Plaza. I had to completely re-do the building – the lighting, plumbing, and electrical, build the kitchen, and bring the bathroom up to code. I built the kitchen in the middle of the restaurant with a ten seat chef's counter surrounding it. In order to open for business, I had to build a prep station to cover an area I couldn’t afford to tile. I ate, slept, and worked there, rebuilding the entire restaurant.” Sage Room opened in March of 2002. “We are in our 13th year of operation, and although we’ve made a lot of mistakes, we have been successful beyond anything we expected!” Matt Jording and his wife Carol, who is the restaurant’s business manager, have a wonderful work ethic,

and his superb cooking at Sage Room is well known throughout the Lowcountry. The inquisitive diner can sit at the Chef’s table and enjoy watching the chef's culinary skills and imaginative artistry in the kitchen. Matt's intention was to give his customers a one-onone dining experience, and it certainly has been a success! Chef Matt keeps things fresh and seasonal at the Sage Room, with specials offered daily, many featuring local seafood from surrounding salt waters. Matt became a partner in the Old Town Dispensary in Bluffton in January 2013. The Dispensary is a wonderful spot to grab a drink, take in a deep breath of salty clean Lowcountry air and the beauty of Old Town. And now, with the excellent cuisine of Chef Matt Jording, it is so much more. “I prepare all the menus, and recipes, and one of the chefs who worked with me at Sage room for 9 years is now here at the Dispensary.” The restaurant has gone

from bar food, to really outstanding food. “We pay particular attention to where ingredients are from, and to preparing fresh food creatively.” And, since Matt lives in Bluffton, he is much attuned to that “Bluffton state of mind.” Matt’s two favorite dishes to prepare at the Sage Room are ivory salmon and soft shell crabs. “Go on our Facebook site to see when they will be serving these entrees,” he suggested, “as we sell out fast when they are offered.” Asked what he likes to prepare at home, Matt said he and his wife enjoy basic and simple menus, like spaghetti and meat sauce. Responding to the question of whether he and his wife Carol have children, Matt’s face lit up. “I’ve got the coolest dude for a son – Ayden, who is 8 years old. He is the most important part of our life!” Sage Room is located at 81 Pope Avenue #13 in Heritage Plaza. Call (843) 785-5352 for reservations or online at www.thesageroom.com.

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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 and NTN Trivia are also available 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, 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.

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

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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 (continued on page 24)

USDA PRIME STEAKS & FRESH SEAFOOD

Consistently Voted one of Hilton Head’s Top 3 Restaurants

Early Dining September - November 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. $16.95 to $21.95 Glass of wine, salad & choice of 11 menu entrees Please call for reservations

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, 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.

KINGFISHER SEAFOOD, PASTA, AND STEAK HOUSE

A sampling of Catch 22's Menu Items:

Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops • Bone-On Filet Crispy Roasted Half Duck • Eggplant Napoleon Char -Braised Short Ribs • Veal Bolognese al Forno Grilled Chicken Penne • Cracked Pepper Tuna

(843) 785-6261

Reservations Suggested Evenings from 5:00 pm 1/4 mile from the Sea Pines Circle, 37 New Orleans Rd, Orleans Plaza

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL MENUS AND REVIEWS!

www.Catch22hhi.com

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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 4:30 until 6 p.m. Best Island Happy Hour from 4:30 until 8 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. Tableside magic shows on Sundays and Mondays. Call (843) 785-4442 for reservations and information or online at www.kingfisherseafood.com.

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 (continued on page 28)

•

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 or Crab Cakes, fried

with chicken or catfish, traditional with 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 $17, 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. 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. ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

THE WINE GEM OF TUSCANY BY BETH ANNE CRANE â&#x20AC;˘ PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

A little over an hour's drive south of Florence in the sweepingly beautiful Val d'Orcia is the majestic hilltop town of Montalcino, where from every vantage point around the town, one looks down upon glorious vineyards. With the arid climate, altitude and highest sunlight intensity in all of Tuscany, these vineyards produce some of the most revered wines in the world. As the sun begins to set sooner in the sky and harvest is in full swing, the red wines from this region can be enjoyed to their fullest. Fall months offer up cuisine, which will 26

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pair wonderfully with the variety of wines available in local wine shops and restaurants in our culinary community. The king of Montalcino is Brunello (derived from the word bruno or brown in Italian), which is by law made with 100% Sangiovese grapes and has a release date no sooner than five years after harvest with two years of that in oak barrels. Its traditional characteristics are that of silky tannins and deep ripe fruit with the flavor of dark berries. Some Brunellos even have a leather smell and taste, and

many of them can be aged for decades before they reach their peak. Wine has been made in the Montalcino region for over seven hundred years, and it has gone through a virtual Renaissance in the last forty years. In the early 1970's there were under thirty Brunello producers. Today there are over two hundred. Numerous decrepit and dormant vineyard sites have been resurrected and have even created wine tourism sites with plush hotels and spas on their properties. Others have converted farmhouses into

agriturismos, which are more like small villa rentals with fully equipped kitchens and living space. The United States represents a significant portion of the export market for these wines, and thus some special bottles reach our tables easily. Try the Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino at Crane's Tavern and Steakhouse with a Prime Grade Rib Eye au Poivre or select the same bottle at Michael Anthony's and pair it with their Veal Involtini di Vitello e Spinaci. "Riserva" Brunellos are made from the rarest individual vineyard sites and highest quality grapes and can garner prices above $2,000 a bottle at retail. Select the Altesino "Morisoli" Brunello at Ombra Cucina Rustica and enjoy it with the veal chop and the black truffle sauce. Brunello's baby brother is the Rosso di Montalcino, which is also made with 100% Sangiovese, but it only has to age in oak for six months and a

total of one year before release. These wines tend to be lighter in texture with brighter fruit, but they have ample acidity and pair well with many foods. Some Rossos can actually be light enough to be sipping wine in cooler weather. At Pomodori, one can pair up the Col di Sole Rosso di Montalcino with the Salmon and Dried Cherries dish or with the Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin. Caparzo also makes a crowd pleasing Rosso di Montalcino, which can be enjoyed at Il Carpaccio. The Pollo alla Voldostana as well as many of the pizzas would be complemented nicely by the wine. The "Super Tuscan" style wine has a label designation of "Sant'Animo", named for the famous Romanesque abbey in the valley below Montalcino, where Gregorian Chant is part of every day service to this day. The Sant'Animo wines are simply called Rossos, and the wines can be made

with any varietals grown in the region ie.; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Nero or Sangiovese. There are no aging restrictions, and the profiles of flavor, fruit, acidity, and tannins as well as retail prices run across a large spectrum, however they are rarely light in style. Castello Banfi is the largest producer in the region, and their wines along with other Montalcino labels are available at Rollers and the Wine and Spirits Shop in Shelter Cove. Whatever your choice, you will not be disappointed by wines from Montalcino. In Vino Veritas! For anyone traveling to Italy soon, tours can be arranged at many properties in the region, and accommodations are also available for rent. Go to www.altesino.it, www.caparzo.com, or www.biondisanti.it to set up some special experiences.

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for reservations or visit www.KuramaHHI.com for more information.

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 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.

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. (continued on page 32) 28

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Back for its fifth annual celebration of the colorful culture of Italy, the Italian Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday, September 13th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. While the fun and fabulous food factor will remain the same, the festival is moving its location to Honey Horn Plantation. What has made the festival so popular is that it offers something for all ages and interests. It educates while it entertains, it appeals to all the senses, and best of all, no one walks away hungry. “Italians are all about food and family so that is what we are doing with this festival while at the same time raising money for local charities,” said Paul Caimano, event manager. Paul expects a crowd of about 4,000 this year and has hopes of one day expanding to a weekend long festival. Food booths will line the Honey Horn pathways with local restaurants serving up portions of their signature dishes. Festival goers can look forward to a wide variety of choices like homemade Italian sausage by Grandma Battaglia and frozen treats from Pino Gelato and Frosty’s. Also on hand will be Island favorites like Frankie Bones, Giuseppi's, Wise Guys, La Fontana, New York City Pizza, Joe’s Lobster, Mulberry Street, Stellini, Trattoria Divina, and Michael Anthony’s. While we all enjoy eating Italian food, we certainly cannot make it like they 30

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has a new Home at Honey Horn BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLAN

can, and thus the festival will include cooking demonstrations put on by Chef Bronco of Floras Italian Café. The Italian Club will also have someone on hand preparing traditional Italian dessert favorites like cannoli and zeppoli. “These are both a crowd favorite to sample. They love it,” commented Paul. Because all good Italians know that there is more to Italy then just their fabulous food, the festival will have other educational booths set up too. Island Travel will be there showcasing Trips to Italy and driving enthusiasts will be greeted by both fashionable and fun with a Fiat booth and one by Motorini displaying their vespas. The Italian Club will have a hospitality booth manned by an Italian expert to answer questions about family heritage. New this year will be a Piatti booth showing off hand-

made ceramics from Sicily. Other Italian merchandise and tee shirts will also be sold. Entertainment for the day will include music and good sport. A bocce court will be set up and there will be a dunk tank as well as a pizza wheel where patrons can win gift certificates to local pizzerias. Competitions will include grape stomping and pizza eating and the kid’s zone will keep the younger crowd busy with plenty of inflatable fun. Christopher Columbus will be a faithful festival attendee again this year as he mingles and takes pictures with everyone. A Silent Auction will feature an array of items including rounds of golf, gift baskets, and trips. This year’s musical entertainment will come from a professional couple singing Italian songs as well as 104.9 The Surf. The festival is put on by the local Italian Club and they all pitch in to pull it off. All proceeds go to local charities. “When you have a good product, a good committee and good people, it’s not hard,” said Paul. “We also have a good purpose and try and help the charities any way we can.” Tickets are $5 at the gate and in advance and parking is free (handicap parking is available). For more information, call Paul at (412) 897-1148 or email him at paccomkt@aol.com.

Stellini

ITALIAN RESTAURANT Twenty-Five Years Of The Family Biz? Don’t Fuhgeddabout It…

Our 25th 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-five years: the experience. Joe Pesce—like Joe Pesci, but not— bought the place twenty-five 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-five years.

Jokes aside, the trio found the opportunity to improve on an existing establishment. Twenty-five years in the same place on an Island that, at times, seems to change with the tides has proven them correct. In 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 twentyfive 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. ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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 expansive 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.

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.

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. (continued on page 34 32

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REDFISH On 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 lunch Monday thru Saturday from 11:30 a.m. and dinner daily from 5 p.m. For more information call (843) 686-3388 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) 8424414 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 plus a full bar complete with the Island’s best margarita. Kid’s (continued on page 36) 34

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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 kidfriendly 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 menu features (continued on page 38)

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 36

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

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house specialties such as Hugh's famous hot smoked salmon, shrimp & grits, grilled sea scallops & braised lamb shank over wild boar cassoulet all prepared to perfection by Executive Chef Doug Watson. 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.

nightly, 5–9 p.m. Reservations are suggested, please call (843) 842-1999 or visit seapines.com/dining.

TRUFFLES CAFE

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.

Located in Sea Pines Center, off Pope Avenue in Executive Park 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 Pope Ave. and Belfair locations. 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. Dinner only at Pope Avenue in Executive Park. Call (843) 671-6136, 785-3663 or 815-5551 or go to www.trufflescafe.com.

TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG

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 list and a knowledgeable staff. Topside is open for dinner

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.

TAPAS RESTAURANT

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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, University of Pittsburgh 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

Taylor Kent Singing with Soul BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLAN • PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Singer and songwriter, Taylor Kent has a beautiful smile that will reel you in, a seamless grace that will captivate you, and a mesmerizing voice that will leave you cheering for more. With a poise and confidence beyond her 17 years, Taylor is the complete package and is making a name for herself around the Lowcountry. Her voice is a soulful blend of country and blues. Taylor grew up in Radford, VA and started singing for an audience as a toddler. Her father, Lew, once a catcher for the Cleveland Indians, was then the baseball coach at Radford University and would often invite recruits over to the house who Taylor would promptly entertain. With a trained eye for talent, Lew then promoted her from the living room to the ballpark where she opened his games with the National Anthem and sang “Take me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch. At age 8, when Radford played against USC in Columbia, Taylor sang the National Anthem before her biggest crowd. “I learned how to become comfortable in front of an audience. I don’t get nervous now because I started so young,” said Taylor. Taylor accompanies herself on the acoustic guitar and is an avid songwriter, another talent she has nurtured from a young age. “Writing is good therapy for me. I am someone who is full of emotions, so it helps to write about things and be able to communicate how I’m feeling.” An extensive song list awaits Taylor’s audiences. She belts out older favorites from the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nix, and John Denver and she takes modern country tunes and puts her own spin on them. “I like songs that I can put soul into and I like songs with a good range that I can add slides and rifts to.” She notes that her audiences often prefer the older songs like Fleeetwood Mac’s Landslide. “My dad got me into the older artists. He has been the biggest influence on me. Even though I am stubborn, he has steered me in the right direction.” Aside from her dad, her band of cheerleaders includes her mom, Treva, younger brother, Colton, and a large contingent of students, teachers and locals. “Taylor’s music makes you feel good. She plays a variety of genres and we love to see her with our children. In fact, she has played at both of their weddings! It’s always fun to support a student that is pursuing their dream… their passion,” said Tina Webb Browning, head of the science department at Hilton Head Prep and a frequent face in

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the crowd at Taylor’s gigs. A senior at Hilton Head Preparatory School, Taylor is also a gifted student and member of the National Honor Society. She hopes to go to a college with a strong music school where she will major in commercial voice with an emphasis on song writing. She then has aspirations of living in Nashville where she can chase her dreams of being a professional singer. Taylor will release her first EP (Extended Production) album this fall, produced with the help of local drummer/musician Greg Critchley. It will contain five original songs, three with a full band accompaniment and two solos. Taylor plays for weddings and private parties and will be out and about on Hilton Head and Bluffton this fall. To find out where you can hear Taylor and order her album, visit her on Facebook at TaylorKentMusic.

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25TH ANNUAL

Taste of the Season BY LOUISE LUND

Tis the season for Taste of the Season - a festive sampling of local food, wine, and seasonal beverages. This event kicks off the holiday season and really gets everyone – chefs and patrons alike – in the spirit. All the chefs bring their “A-Game” to this event, recognizing that it’s a great chance to shine the spotlight on their talent and their restaurant. Enjoy great music and a silent auction chocked with an amazing selection of getaways, golf packages, spa packages, works of art, and more. Taste of the Season was created 25 years ago to celebrate the talents of the 44

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PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Lowcountry’s top chefs while indulging the food connoisseurs. This year, more than 35 area restaurants and chefs will showcase their skills and culinary creations. The culinary event of the year, hosted by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, will be held in the ballroom of the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa in Palmetto Dunes in November or December. Check the Chamber’s website at www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org for date and details. Taste of the Season brings you the

very best of favorite Lowcountry restaurants. Sample dozens of unique and diverse menu items – hors d’oeuvres, entrees, drinks, and desserts. Each of the restaurants offers a unique culinary experience and signature menu items - something for every palate. Treat yourself to the crème de la crème of the island’s restaurants and resorts with a ticket to this culinary extravaganza – a sumptuous sampling of the area’s top chefs and confectionary artists showcased in sparkling holiday elegance. With an outstanding selection of diverse cuisine and the

area’s share of nationally known chefs, here’s your chance to try those new restaurants you’ve been hearing about and sample some of the Lowcountry’s landmark favorites. One ticket provides as many tastes as you can manage, so come hungry! Food is the focus and the event is a party for your taste buds! Each year, winners are chosen by those attending. Awards are presented to the restaurants serving the most popular dishes. Hundreds of ballots are submitted for best cuisine and best decor. Bid on great gift items in the amazing silent auction. Again this year the event will feature an online auction so that participants can get an early view and be able to bid online at hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org. Last year’s Taste of the Season was a sold-out event, celebrated with twists on classic cuisine and an elegant sampling of the region’s best culinary offerings. Hugo’s Seafood and Steakhouse defended its title for Best Cuisine with its “Surf and Turf Bouquet,” a lobster truffled purse with Grand Marnier and Makers Mark caramelized Angus filet mignon. Second place for Best Cuisine went to Marley’s Island Grille for its “Petite Low Country Surf and Turf” with pan sautéed shrimp and jumbo lump crab cake over wood-grilled Angus beef tenderloin, topped with lobster, tomato and Chipotle aioli. The Best Décor award also went to Marley’s Island Grille. In third place for Best Cuisine was Conroy’s, located at Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa, for their signature aged, Sherry-infused She Crab soup and Dijon encrusted rack of lamb, with Bing cherry demi-pumpkin mousse, served in a dark chocolate cup. “Taste of the Season showcases the culinary arts of our area with award-winning cuisine from the area’s top chefs,” said Bill Miles, chamber president and CEO. “It’s a spectacular way to enjoy the very best of the best, all in one venue.” This year marks the 25th anniversary of the culinary showcase, and it continues to get better and better. Showcasing the gastronomic skills of Lowcountry chefs, this landmark event is a tradition of excellence. “We want our local chefs to shine at Taste of the Season while providing a great experience for all who participate,” said Dorothy Guscio, chamber events manager. “As usual, expect the unexpected and bring a big appetite!” Each year, when the evening is complete, the chamber and the participating restaurants donate over 300 pounds of food to Second Helpings for distribution throughout the Lowcountry. All food for the evening is included in the ticket price. Traditionally, one of the island’s most popular events—and always a sellout—this year’s event promises to be the best yet. Beginning in October, Taste of the Season tickets can be purchased online at hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org, at chamber headquarters, and the chamber’s Bluffton office, located on the corner of May River Road and Highway 46. Wine, dine, and enjoy award-winning cuisine at Taste of the Season, the culinary event of the year! ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

Hard Cider BY ALLYSON JONES PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Cider. For many, the word immediately conjures up images of bright red apples, crisp autumn temperatures, crackling fires and vivid fall foliage. For others who have recently jumped on the hard cider bandwagon, it evokes the flavor of a crisp, refreshing beverage centuries in the making. When fermented, apple juice becomes “hard” cider or apple wine. If pears are used instead, the drink is called perry. Alcohol levels and flavors of hard cider vary widely depending on the type of apples or juice used and amount of sugar added during the fermentation process. Popular in Europe since the Norman Conquest, “[hard] cider was America’s beverage of choice during colonial times,” notes an April 2014 article in TIME magazine. When mixed with contaminated water from shallow wells, the alcohol in the cider acted as a purifying agent to make it drinkable. Alcohol also served as a preservative and allowed farmers to enjoy their apple crop throughout the winter. John Chapman, a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed, was born in 1774. Legendary for planting apple orchards throughout the Midwest, history books don’t usually mention that “the trees Chapman planted had multiple purposes, although (continued on page 48)

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they did not yield edible fruit. The small, tart apples his orchards produced were useful primarily to make hard cider and apple jack.” (Jonathan Chapman. (2014). The Biography.com website.) The once thriving colonial cider industry in the United States was demolished by an influx of Easter European immigrants who preferred beer over cider, the digging of deeper wells and, later, by the burning and chopping down of apple orchards during Prohibition. Naturally gluten free, cider has enjoyed renewed popularity in both the Old and New Worlds thanks to health-conscious consumers looking to try the latest culinary trends and local “farm-to-table” offerings. Alongside the explosion of the craft beer industry over the last two decades, hard cider has enjoyed an unprecedented “comeback” among both men and women, reveals the TIME article. Citing statistics from the Oregonian, TIME noted annual cider sales increased 100% over a recent one-year period with 32 million gallons of cider produced in 2013, compared to 9.4 million in 2011. In 1990, the Vermont Hard Cider Company used a small winery to reinvent their Vermont Old-Fashioned Hard Cider. The result was Woodchuck Amber, which has long topped the hard cider hit chart. Today, the company’s core cider styles include Amber, Granny Smith, 802 Dark & Dry, Raspberry, Pear and Crisp, plus limited seasonal releases, private reserves and a cellar series. However, the demand for their hard cider still outpaces production. Other independent cideries, often listed as wineries, have sprung up across the country, especially near traditional apple orchards. Upstate South Carolina can even claim a couple of its own. Created “to serve and represent the hard cider and perry industry in the United States,” the The United States Association Cider Makers (USACM) 48

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was formed in February of 2013 following the annual CiderCON in Chicago. One major issue facing the national cider industry is regulation. Federal taxation of hard cider varies depending on both alcohol and carbonation levels. The rate generally falls between beer and wine, however, since many cideries use all-natural ingredients, it’s hard to accurately predict these levels in the final product. Cider with a high alcohol content is taxed as wine and those that are “bubbly” are taxed as champagne. Endorsing the recently introduced CIDER Act, the USACM hopes cideries will soon be allowed to increase the level of carbonation and “align the alcohol-content standard for hard cider with the natural sugar content of apples.” In the meantime, big breweries have jumped on the hard cider bandwagon by purchasing small cideries and creating their own signature labels to “bridge the gap between beer and wine.” MillerCoors purchased both the Crispin Cider Company and Fox Barrel pear ciders in 2012 and just launched Smith & Forge Hard Cider. AnheuserBush brought Michelob ULTRA Light Cider to the marketplace in 2012 and created its new Johnny Appleseed Cider “for anyone with a story to tell.” Crisp Apple and Green Apple are just two of the ciders included in Samuel Adams’ Angry Orchard line which is rapidly gaining in popularity. Whether paired with traditional pub fare, seafood, steaks or enjoyed on its own, Hilton Head Island restaurants are offering an ever increasing variety of hard cider, perry and fruit-infused beers. Angry Orchard recently replaced Woodchuck as one of the 40 tap choices at Mellow Mushroom in Park Plaza. Over the past six months or so, the restaurant has doubled its cider offerings with Crispin, Woodchuck Pear, Cidre by Stella Artois and Redd’s Apple Ale available by the bottle.

“It’s definitely a major player in the beverage market right now,” notes assistant manager/bartender Jacob Cline. “A wide variety of people are drinking these ciders. I’ve got buddies that love them. Ladies that love them. Old people. Young people – over 21, of course.” “I don’t think it used to be that way but the campaigns that have come out recently are geared more towards men, trying to pick up on that marketing sector.” Versatile, hard cider can be drunk straight out of the bottle, served over ice, topped with Guinness (The Snakebite) or served with a shot of Fireball Whiskey for an apple pie flavor. “It works out well for us,” adds Cline. “It seems like beer companies are releasing new ciders every month. I’ll be interested to see what happens over the next couple of years.” Just down the street, Steamer Seafood in Coligny Plaza features more than 300 bottled beers and fermented beverages from around the world. Bar manager Casey Todd finds ciders and fruit-infused beers are most popular during the summer months, although both men are women are ordering these crisp, lighter beverages. “The Crispin is very popular around here and Angry Orchard is one that has kind of taken off in our restaurant,” says Todd. “But honestly, Angry Orchard is becoming much more popular everywhere.” A Fruits & Ciders Bucket is available at this south end restaurant and includes a bottle of Angry Orchard, Stiegal Radler Grapefruit, Crispin Fox Pear, Abita Purple Haze, RJ Rockers Son of a Peach and Crispin. For those that want to learn more about beers and ciders, Steamer will soon be publishing a Beer Bible/Book detailing its international and domestic brew offerings. Fall is a season of change and, if you haven’t tried hard cider or perry yet, now might be the perfect time to discover this beer and wine alternative.

A TASTE OF ISLAND RECIPES

ADOBO RUBBED NY STRIP with pickled corn relish and tamarind ketchup Courtesty of Sunset Grille

INGREDIENTS Adobo:

Tamarind ketchup:

Canned chipotle in adobo sauce pureed

4 oz. tamarind paste 2 cups canned whole tomatoes, pureed 1 cup yellow onion, small diced 2 Tablespoon garlic, minced 1.5 cups orange juice 1.5 cups brown sugar 1.5 cups fresh mango, small diced 1.5 cups red bell pepper, small diced

Pickled Corn Relish: 10 cups corn, cut off cobb 2.5 cups red bell pepper, small diced 2.5 cups green bell pepper, small diced 1.5 cups red onion, small diced 2.5 cups champagne vinegar 1.5 cups granulated sugar 1.5 Tablespoon dry turmeric 1.5 Tablespoon dry mustard powder 1 Tablespoon dry celery seed, ground Sweat peppers and onions until translucent, add corn and dry spices. Cook down for 3 minutes on medium heat, add vinegar and sugar and reduce until sauce coats back of spoon

Sweat onions and peppers until translucent. Add mango, brown sugar, garlic, tamarind paste and cook down 5 minutes on medium heat. Add orange juice and tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes. Puree in blender and push through fine mesh sieve. Serve room temperature.

INSTRUCTIONS Rub steak with adobo puree and grill to temperature desired. Top with corn relish and ketchup. Serve with roasted potatoes and vegetables. 50

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BRIAN BROCK Head Bartender and Bar Manager, Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Café BY BY LOUISE LOUISE LUND LUND

Aunt Chilada’s is a family-run restaurant geared toward families. But, there’s also a community of golf patrons and football fans, and actually all sports fans. A happy hour menu offers crab legs, shrimp, Mexican pizza and tacos. There is nightly trivia and there are at least a dozen televisions for viewing games. Known by locals as one of the best happy hour spots on the island, Brian Brock, head bartender and bar manager, is an ideal person to tell us what it takes to be successful in the hospitality business. In 2007, a year out of college, Brian made his way down the east coast from Long Island, New York, in search of an escape from the standard January New England freeze. “I found myself with some family friends having several beers at Aunt Chilada's, and it took only two days to know that I was going back to New York for the sole purpose of packing my things to return to Hilton Head,” Brian said. “The people here were scarily nice and welcoming - not something I was accustomed to.” 52

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PHOTO PHOTO BY BY ROB ROB KAUFMAN KAUFMAN

Back in New York, Brian received a phone call from David Reilley, owner/partner of Aunt Chilada's. “His bartenders at the time had convinced him that I would be a great fit behind his bar, and they threatened to strike if he didn't offer me a bartending gig.” What a great move for both Aunt Chilada’s and for Brian! “I have been with Aunt Chilada's ever since! The Reilley family and staff took me under their wing and at the same time threw me into the fire. I was given a month to learn how to bartend and another month to get good at it!” When asked what makes his personality a good fit for his position, Brian said, “Passed down through generations of the Brock family is the gift of reading people. Within a moment of patrons walking up to the bar, I know what I can do and say to get a smile out of them, or at least an awkward grin. I have had some amazing conversations with people over the years and hands down my favorite part about bar tending is conversing with

seniors. Getting them to tell their stories and listening to grandma curse up a storm is awesome. Next Manhattan is on me!” Asked what he finds the most important trait a good bartender can have, Brian said that it is genuinely caring about the people that come to your bar - knowing who they are, where they are from, what they do, and what they care about. “Taking time to actually know someone is very important in this business. It’s almost as important as being able to sling drinks as fast as the next bartender!” Although Brian spends the majority of his time at Aunt Chilada’s, he spends mornings and days off on the water. “Hilton Head Island is blessed with beautiful surrounding waters and I spend the majority of my time away from work fishing for reds, spotted trout, cobia, flounder and sometimes just working on my tan!” Stop by Aunt Chilada's Easy Street Café at 69 Pope Avenue and let Brian show you Island hospitality at its best.

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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.

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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) 7851165 or www.palmettodunes.com/big-jims.

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 ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

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 and 2013! 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 Take-out. 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.charthouse.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, Fresh Vegetable Bowl with Ricotta, Kale and Quinoa 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.

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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.

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 Meagen Mehaffey, 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 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.

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, 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 viewing and NTN Trivia is also available 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

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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.

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.

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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 just off of Sea Pines Circle at 9 Palmetto Bay Road, Kurama Japanese Restaurant now offers delicious express lunches from our hibachi grill and sushi bar. Enjoy our fresh and authentic dishes featuring teriyaki chicken, steak and shrimp as well as our most popular sushi rolls. Kurama is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4:3010:00 p.m. Reservations are accepted. Call (843) 785-4955 or visit us online at www.kuramahhi.com.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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 60

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complemented by a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list offering 40 wines by the glass. Open daily, 11:30a.m. –9 p.m., with seasonal live entertainment. Call (843) 842-1999.

REDFISH On the Corner of Palmetto Bay Rd. and Archer Rd. 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 Saturday from 11:30 a.m. and dinner daily from 5 p.m. Call (843) 686-3388 or online at www.redfishofhiltonhead.com.

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.

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.

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 RUAN THAI HUT Located at 1107 Main Street. Serving Authentic Thai fare using the freshest ingredients available. Mild to very hot,

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

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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.

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 kidfriendly 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 green tomato B.L.T and thefamous 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. sunsetgrillehhi.com

TRUFFLES CAFE Located in Sea Pines Center and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. Delicious home-made soups, fabulous salads, sandwiches, 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. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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, 785-3663 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. 62

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Preserving America’s Music Among our Youth BY RISA WILLIAMS McMILLAN • PHOTO COURTESY JUNIOR JAZZ FOUNDATION

The question bears asking: Where would jazz music be on Hilton Head without Bob and Lois Mastellar? First they educated us about the genre when they opened the Jazz Corner in the Village at Wexford in 1999. Then they spoiled us by booking world renowned musicians and we watched as their club rose to one of the top ten in the United States. Now they have gone a step further to preserve the art form within our youth by establishing the Junior Jazz Foundation (JJF). The Mastellars started the JJF in 2004 after noticing a gap in the community when it came to our local youth and the art form of Jazz Music. "Jazz is America's music and we noticed a need for the preservation of this art form on an educational and performance basis. We found the schools were deemphasizing their music programs with respect to budget cuts,” said Bob. “When we first started, we just did things on a small basis and held used instrument drives.” Ten years later, they work with the Directors of Music at six different schools and fund them with enough new and used instruments to keep their musical programs alive. “We tailor what we do to the specific needs of the schools. One may need brass instruments, another needs a venue for the kids to play, and others just need funding.” Aside from their efforts in local schools, the Foundation sponsors a Jazz Camp in the summer that immerses students ages 12 to 19 in the culture of Jazz for an entire week with an all-star faculty and an artist in residence. At the end of the week they have a finale performance concert. “The camp is becoming more central to what we are about,” Bob said, “And we offer many scholarships.” Through their hard work, the Mastellars have cultivated a widespread appreciation for Jazz and have mentored over

1,000 students that have benefitted from the Foundation. Some have taken their musical talents to the next level and earned scholarships to colleges. Bob made note of one student who majored in music at the College of Charleston and another who went on to become a music teacher after studying at Furman. Bob shines with pride when he talks about Tafari Salaam, their “shining star” from Burton, who attended their first Jazz Camp and became a member of their first youth band. Tafari will be attending Boston’s Berkeley School of Music this fall on a scholarship. “Tafari has an innate ability that we recognized immediately. He has performed live all over the Island and we set him up for his audition for Berkeley.” When the Mastellars started the Junior Jazz Federation, they also started a golf tournament to help raise funds. The 10th Annual JJF Golf Tournament will be held at the Arthur Hills Course in Palmetto Dunes on November 22nd. It is possible to support the foundation by entering a golf team, sponsoring a hole, or donating a prize. The JJF sponsors a concert series throughout the region. Fall events include Las Vegas entertainer, Deana Martin, daughter of Dean Martin, performing live in Beaufort on September 25th. On October 30th, the JJF will present two events in conjunction with The Concours d’Elegance. The Noel Freidline Quintet will play at the Art Center while Rossano Sportiello, tagged as “the best jazz pianist in the world”, will play at the USCB Center for the Arts. Other ways that the community can support the Junior Jazz Foundation is through direct and specific contributions, volunteering, instrument donations, and participation in events. For more information, go to www.thejuniorjazzfoundation.org.

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Island Rec Center

FALL EVENTS BY ALLYSON JONES

Sports, food, music and family fun are four essential ingredients of fall on Hilton Head Island. For years, the Island Recreation Center has successfully mixed these elements to create signature festivals held throughout the year. Celebrating the best of Lowcountry life, proceeds from these seasonal events benefit its Children’s Scholarship Fund, ensuring “no child is denied recreational opportunities.” Held waterside at Shelter Cove Community Park, autumn is the perfect time to chill out, chow down 64

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•

PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

and enjoy all Hilton Head has to offer during this special time of year.

TAILGATE FESTIVAL Just in time for college football season, the inaugural Tailgate Festival kicks off on September 13. When the Hilton Head Island Italian Heritage Festival moved to Honey Horn, Joe Cain saw an opportunity to create a brand new fall festival at Shelter Cove Community Park. Special events director at the Island Rec. Center, Cain says highlights of the day include the South Carolina/ Georgia game served up on one of

the big screen TVs in the end zone, along with game day food favorites such as chili, chips, dips, dogs, burgers, ribs and more from local restaurants. Put on your favorite jersey and head over at 1 p.m. to claim a spot in your team’s cheering section, get your fill of food and drink, compete in a cornhole tournament or bounce with the little ones in the Kid’s Zone before the Gamecocks face off against the Bulldogs at 3:30 p.m. This new event promises plenty of gridiron and tailgating action until the party ends at 7 p.m.

VISIT 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.

BURGERS & BREWS On October 4, the 3rd Annual TD Bank Burgers & Brews returns to Shelter Cove Park with specialty sliders from select area establishments, a craft beer garden, live music and children’s activities. Bringing their best creations to the table, competition is fierce among the restaurants for the coveted “Best Burger” title. Charbar Co has won the popular vote two years in a row and was only open for a month before taking home the top prize with its “Champ” burger in 2012. The signature beef blend topped with sharp cheddar cheese, Benton’s bacon marmalade, smoky Dijon mustard and dill pickles on toasted brioche was such a crowd pleaser that it is now featured on the Park Plaza restaurant’s menu. Last year, Charbar closed its doors for the day to attend Burgers & Brews and claim the top spot for the second time. Ground beef is just one ingredient used in these gourmet sliders, notes Cain, adding that past burgers have been made with shrimp, veggies, lamb and other non-traditional ingredients. Again this year, Budweiser will host an on-site Craft Beer Garden at Burgers & Brew landscaped by Ocean Woods. Within this oasis of hops, samples of craft brewed ales, lagers, ciders, stouts await and can be sampled with the souvenir tasting glass included in the price of admission. As always, sports fans will find games shown on big screens TVs and the younger set can play in the Kid’s Zone. The sound of live music will fill the park throughout the afternoon as a popular local group will open for Asheville-based Common Foundation, a 10piece band specializing in a “blend of down tempo reggae, chugging Jamaican rocksteady and upbeat Ska.” Although not confirmed at press time, Cain was hoping to incorporate a Friday night Pre-Party into this year’s event with food, drinks and live music. Held during

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 ATASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM

Happy Hour, these pre-festival bashes are generally geared towards adults with a limited menu accompanied by jazzy music.

HILTON HEAD OYSTER FESTIVAL The Rec. Center’s fall festival season wraps up in true Southern fashion with an extended three-day oyster roast. A cool weather tradition in the Lowcountry, the SCB&T Hilton Head Oyster Festival is so popular that it now spans an entire weekend, November 7-9. Bring a knife and get ready to shuck buckets of oysters steamed by Hudson’s Seafood, sample seafood favorites prepared by other local restaurants or order burgers and dogs from Street Meet. Music is always an important part of any Hilton Head festival experience and you can dance away any overindulgence beginning on Friday night during the Opening Party from 5-10 p.m. These pre-festival gatherings have proven especially popular with visitors who depart on Saturdays and locals who work in the hospitality industry. Gates open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and, in addition to the usual festival food, drinks, music and fun, you can get a jump on your holiday gift list by bidding on select trips, sporting goods and other quality merchandise at the silent auction or while perusing the sizable Holiday Craft Show. “The Craft Show has really taken off,” Cain notes. “It’s 66

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one of the few festivals that is set up for that. I give them a third of the park and they go to town.” Asked if he has a favorite festival, Cain is slow to respond. “In theory, it should really be WingFest [held in March] because I grew up an hour from Buffalo,” he says. “Chicken wings were born in 1964, when I was born, and this birthday we both turned 50!” “But at WingFest there is just so much going on – not that I’m complaining. It’s so exciting but Oyster Fest is just so laid back, it’s in November and people have a choice about what day to come.” The Island Rec. Center has a few other special events scheduled this fall, including the Tuesday afternoon Shelter Cove Farmers Market which runs through October 28 and the Pumpkin Patch Halloween festival on October 24. All this fun and food is for a good cause – local children are the direct beneficiaries of the Island Recreation Association’s Scholarship Fund. Dedicated to improving the quality of life for all area residents, this non-profit organization uses event proceeds to keep kids active in the sports they love, promote a happy and healthy lifestyle and keep them safe before and after school. To confirm the dates, times, entertainment and admission fees for any the Island Rec. Center’s fall festivals and special events, call (843) 681-7273 or visit www.islandreccenter.org.

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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.

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 Meagen Mehaffey, 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.

HUGO’S BRITISH OPEN PUB 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, Blueberry French Toast and more. Add a bottomless glass of champagne or mimosa for $3.99 or bloody mary for $6.99. 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 Mary, May River Mimosa or Promenade Poinsetta. Open for 68

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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 Awardwinning 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.

PLANTATION CAFÉ & DELI Located South Island at 81 Pope Avenue in Heritage Plaza,

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THE 3 HABITS of The Non-Dieter BY CHRISTY BARONI • PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Healthy eating is not a fad diet. It doesn’t come in and out of style, and there is no brand new scientific discovery that proves or disproves the benefits. Making healthy food choices is a lifestyle that leads to fewer diseases, fewer aches and pains, and a state of physical and mental wellness that far exceeds any expectation. I’ve noticed that there are common characteristics to people who eat healthy as a lifestyle, and in the same vein there are some commonalties to the perpetual dieter. Let’s take a look at each and see how we can adopt a few of the non-dieters methods for success. QUICK FIX VS LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY Anything that promises a quick and easy way to succeed should raise an eyebrow. I’ve learned that anything worth having is worth working for, and the benefits of clean eating are in that same boat. Is it possible to lose 10 lbs in one week? Perhaps. But will you have the energy to get through your day? Did you create habits that can sustain your new weight or will those pounds creep right back on once the diet is over? When you are changing your nutrition habits, making small and sustainable changes is the way to make them part of your life. Instead of quitting soda cold turkey, consider reducing your intake by ½ for one week. Then by ½ again for another week. Sooner than you think the cravings will subside and you can make a hydration choice that is in line with your goals.

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PINHOLE VS PANORAMIC When it comes to nutrition it is very easy to get overwhelmed with the details and to fixate on the wrong ones. I had friend who recently spent hours researching the different options at Ben & Jerry’s to identify the most nutritious option on their menu. When we talked about it she confessed that she was just trying to get as much protein as possible. This stopped me in my tracks because she was obsessing over the macronutrient composition of her cheat meal. The CHEAT MEAL!! (which by definition is off plan, but that’s a topic for another day…) Taking a big picture look at your nutritional choices is the better approach. Choose whole foods over processed, choose fresh when possible, choose local when possible, etc, etc. This will help keep a variety of healthy foods on your plate as often as possible. HOPEFUL VS PREPARED The hopeful eater is the one who leaves the house in the morning with a strong desire to eat healthy and nothing else. The Prepared eater is the one who knows she’s going to eat healthy because her snacks and lunch are already with her. Being prepared to eat healthy is the most impactful habit to cultivate. Learning to prep food when you aren’t hungry means you are being mindful and intentional with your ingredients and your portion size. You can pack the exact quality and quantity of food that meets your goals before hunger clouds your judgment. Adding baggies and grab and go containers to your shopping list can help you be ready for anything.

Wouldn’t it be great to never diet again? What habits can you cultivate to become a lifelong healthy eater? Christy Baroni is an island resident, a military wife, a mother of two, and a competitive athlete. She is also the Nutrition Specialist and a Coach at Conviction Training Facility, Home of The Original CrossFit Hilton Head. For more recipes and healthy living ideas visit convictiontraining.com/Resources/ NutritionBlog, or contact her directly at Christy@CrossFitHiltonHead.com.

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, 785-3663 or 815-5551 or go to www.trufflescafe.com.

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Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival Where Fine Art and the Bounty of the Sea Come Together BY LOUISE LUND • PHOTO COURTESY HISTORIC BLUFFTON ARTS & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Mark your calendars for October 12 – 19 as the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood festival has evolved to include more fun, educational, May River-inspired activities than ever before. For a decade, this festival has grown from a daylong celebration to a weeklong festival, showcasing Bluffton’s locally harvested seafood, delicious Lowcountry cuisine, richly-layered history, local artists and Bluffton’s own fun, laid-back Southern hospitality. The 10th Annual Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival is a weeklong event offering countless activities throughout the week. On Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, enjoy the highlight of the festival at the Streetfest on Calhoun Street. At the juried art show, artists from all over the country will display an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, and water color, as well as metals, clay, and wood. This year’s show will feature 100 fine art artists from all around the country displaying and selling their art. Locally harvested seafood and low country cuisine will be served by the area’s premier restaurants and caterers, along with great music and entertainment. Come out and enjoy Low Country cuisine, rich history, culture and area art! On Saturday, October 18, a 10K road race and 5K fun run will be offered. Beginning at dusk at the Bluffton Oyster Company, a seafood extravaganza tasting will be offered with live entertainment. Then for a night to remember, end the day of activities with a grand finale – fireworks at dark. Continuing on Sunday, October 19, the second day of the Art and Seafood Street Fest, favorite bands will entertain on three stages throughout the day.

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“Created in 2005 to help further a sense of community, the festival attracts all ages, all income levels, locals, and tourists, to celebrate the community,” said Dan Wood, Festival Founder. “Festivals are like magnets. What began as a one day event in 2005 and expanded to a weekend celebration in 2006 has, since 2007, been a weeklong celebration highlighting the “gems of Bluffton”: the natural beauty of this river community; its rich history; the pristine quality of the May River; the bounty of the local waterways; and the cultural and artistic aspect of the community itself. It is touted as and truly is the celebration “where fine art and the bounty of the sea come together”! The citizens of the Town of Bluffton continue to express the need to protect and maintain the pristine quality of the May River and the historic Bluffton Oyster Company, as they are both instrumental to the very essence of the community. “As Bluffton continues to grow, it is paramount that we continue to introduce our citizens, old and new, to these precious Bluffton gems.” It is the purpose with each festival to help raise awareness that fosters protection of the May River and the rich culture and history of our area for the enjoyment of generations to come. Plan now to enjoy the fun, festivities, good food, and great art at this great annual festival. Save the dates for October 12 19 and help celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival! For further details on V.I.P. tickets and sponsorship, and the full schedule of events visit blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com.

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 74

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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.

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.

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 and 2013! 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

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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.

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.

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gorgeous views of Shelter Cove Harbor. The kitchen, supervised by Chef Meagen Mehaffey, 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.

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.

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 and NTN Trivia is also available 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.

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

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.

KINGFISHER SEAFOOD, PASTA, AND STEAK HOUSE 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 4:30 until 6 p.m. (off season). Best Island Happy Hour from 4:30 until 8 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. Tableside magic shows on Sundays and Mondays. Call (843) 785-4442 for reservations and information or online at www.kingfisherseafood.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.

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 (B-Town).

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.

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. 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.

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.

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 78

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SAN MIGUEL’S MEXICAN CAFE 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.

TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT 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.

SANTA FE CAFĂ&#x2030; 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.

TRUFFLES CAFE Located just off Pope Avenue on Executive Park Road. Featuring a comfortable and contemporary atmosphere. Choose from an impressive selection of fine wines, top shelf liquors and premium beers. Happy hour is available from 5 until 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. until close with special pricing on all beverages and appetizers. A full menu is available in the bar area. Our outdoor terrace provides a perfect atmosphere for outside dining. Serving dinner daily from 5:00 p.m. until 10 p.m. Reservations accepted. Call (843) 785-3663.

STEAMER SEAFOOD 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.

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A TASTE OF SWEETS & SERVICES

HEAVENLY SPA BY WESTIN

THE ICE CREAM CONE

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.

An island tradition since 1971 serving the most scrumptious selection of premium ice cream, soft serve frozen yogurts, shakes, malts, floats and sundaes. A wide array of flavors and toppings make it easy to create your special treat or try one of our new novelites. Open daily from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Follow the herd...to The Ice Cream Cone in Coligny Plaza next to Coligny Hardware. Call (843) 785-4440.

HILTON HEAD ICE CREAM 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 shop has created many flavors: Girl Scout Cookie, Flower Power, Mocha Pecan, Banana’s Foster and Espresso. Salt air is our secret ingredient and there is love in each batch too. Call (843) 842-6333 or www.hiltonheadicecreamshop.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.

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 PIGGLY WIGGLY Located at 1 North Forest Beach in Coligny Plaza, near the beach. A full service grocery offering fresh seafood, full deli, beach accessories, beer, wine and our famous Piggly Wiggly T-shirts. Locally owned and operated for over forty years. Call (843) 785-3881 or online at www.pigglywigglycoligny.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

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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A TASTE OF ADVERTISERS / MAP LOCATION

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

A LOWCOUNTRY BACKYARD (843) 785-YARD (9273) AMIGO’S CAFÉ Y CANTINA (843) 785-TACO (8226)

ANNIE O’S SOUTHERN EATS (843) 341-2664 ASIAN BISTRO (843) 686-9888 AUNT CHILADAS EASY STREET CAFE (843) 785-7700 THE BIG BAMBOO CAFE (843) 686-3443

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

43. OMBRA (843) 842-5505

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

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

24. HILTON HEAD ICE CREAM (843) 842-6333 25. HINOKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR (843) 785-9800 26. HOLY TEQUILA (843) 681-TACO (8226)

BIG JIM’S BBQ, BURGERS & PIZZA (843) 785-1165

27. HUDSON’S SEAFOOD HOUSE ON THE DOCKS (843) 681-2772

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

28. HUGO’S (843) 785-HUGO (4846)

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

29. THE ICE CREAM CONE (843) 785-4440

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

30. ISLAND FUDGE SHOPPE (843) 842-4280 31. ISLAND WINERY (843) 842-3141 32. THE JAZZ CORNER (843) 842-8620

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

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

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

34. KINGFISHER SEAFOOD, PASTA AND STEAK HOUSE (843) 785-4442

14. CHART HOUSE (843) 342-9066 15. CHOW DADDY’S (843) 842-CHOW (2469) 16. CRANE’S TAVERN STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD (843) 341-2333 17. CRAZY CRAB (843) 363-2722 or 681-5021 18. THE DRYDOCK SEAFOOD GRILL & SPIRITS (843) 842-9775 19. ELA’S BLU WATER GRILLE (843) 785-3030 20. FLATBREAD GRILL (843) 341-2225 21. THE FROSTY FROG CAFÉ (843) 686-FROG (3764)

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

45. PANERA BREAD (843) 686-3838 or 757-5611 46. PLANTATION CAFE & DELI (843) 785-9020 or 342-4472 47. THE QUARTERDECK (843) 842-1999 48. REDFISH (843) 686-3388 49. REILLEY’S (843) 842-4414 or 681-4153 50. RUAN THAI HUT (843) 681-3700 51. SAGE ROOM (843) 785-5352 52. THE SALTY DOG CAFE (843) 671-CAFE (2233) 53. SAN MIGUEL’S MEXICAN CAFE (843) 842-4555 54. SANTA FE CAFE (843) 785-3838 55. SEA GRASS GRILLE (843) 785-9990 56. SKILLETS CAFE (843) 785-3131 57. STEAMER SEAFOOD (843) 785-2070 58. STELLINI ITALIAN RESTAURANT (843) 785-7006

36. LAND’S END TAVERN (843) 671-5456

59. SUNSET GRILLE (843) 689-6744

37. LIVE OAK - LOWCOUNTRY INSPIRED CUISINE (843) 842-1441

60. TAPAS RESTAURANT (843) 681-8590

38. MANGIAMO (843) 682-2444 39. MELLOW MUSHROOM (843) 686-2474 or 706-0800 40. MICHAEL ANTHONY’S (843) 785-6272 41. OKKO (843) 341-3377 42. THE OLD OYSTER FACTORY (843) 681-6040

61. TOBACCO ROAD (843) 341-6265 62. TOPSIDE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT (843) 842-1999 63. TRUFFLES CAFE (843) 671-6136, 785-3663 or 815-5551 64. THE WESTIN RESORT & SPA (843) 681-1019 65. THE WRECK OF THE SALTY DOG (843) 671-7327