Celebrating Quite a Milestone

BY BARRY KAUFMAN • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Sometimes the history of CQ’s can get a little… murky. That’s bound to happen after 50 years as one of the most iconic restaurants on an island known for its iconic restaurants. Myths start to build up about a place, tall tales that can neither be confirmed nor denied. Stories of good times held at this Harbour Town restaurant tend to start out big, then get only grander as time goes by.

“It’s kind of the history of Hilton Head Island going back to when Charles Fraser was first developing it,” said owner Bonnie Lowrey, surveying the decades of newspaper clippings, photos and artwork that adorn the walls of the historic building. “When we bought the restaurant, we wanted to make sure we kept it as it was… it’s timeless.”

In telling the history of CQ’s, it can be a bit difficult at time to separate fact from fiction. Stories swirl around the building of the “blue lady,” the spirit of a lighthouse keeper’s daughter who died during a great storm, only to spend eternity wandering Harbour Town. Those… may not be true. But the stories of CQ’s origins as artist Ralph Ballantine’s studio, one of the first buildings erected in Harbour Town, are all true.

As are the stories of the restaurants early days as a haven for artists, an incubator for some of the Lowcountry’s most celebrated culinary talents and as a hangout spot for just about everyone at one point or another.

“I don’t think we really knew how much history there was when we first bought it. That appreciation only grew as we learned more about it,” said Lowrey. Plenty of visits to the Heritage Library archives, plus assistance from long-time islanders like Ruthe Edwards, helped fill in the gaps.

But merely existing for 50 years isn’t what makes this anniversary so special for CQ’s. It’s the indelible role the restaurant has played on Hilton Head Island and the people who call it home.

“I think it really comes down to the people who have been a part of the restaurant over the years,” said Lowrey. “The people who brought their families here where the children are now bringing their own children in… everyone left their mark here. If these walls could talk they would tell great stories.”

Fortunately, the walls don’t need to. Over the course of 50 years, CQ’s has plenty of guests and employees, former and current, who can supply stories. “I can’t imagine putting together the list of chefs, servers, managers who have been a part of this place,” said Lowrey. “So many people came here, fell in love with the island and stayed. It’s been a great breeding ground for talent.”

One great example of a superstar CQ’s employee who made their own mark is John “Jumpy” Griffin, who tended the small bar at CQ’s back when it was tucked under the stairs. “I met my wife Susan while working there,” he said. “During that time in our lives, the island was still new. It was a special time.”

A young bartender on an island of just a few thousand people, Griffin talks of a CQ’s that was quite different than today’s fine dining experience, one where burgers, seafood crepes and “appetizers that half the people who ordered didn’t know what to do with,” according to Griffin.

“Jim Paris ran the kitchen at one point, and one night he had this chicken dish he was doing as a special but he didn’t know what to call it.” Said Griffin. The name Chicken Nasus was selected, being Susan’s name spelled backward.

“One guy ordered it and said, ‘This is the best chicken nasus I’ve ever had, and I’ve had it in a lot of different places.”

Griffin’s biggest culinary claim to fame would be Jump & Phils, the long-time south-end establishment he owned for decades with partner Phil Henry.

“We tried to model Jump n Phil’s off of the feeling of CQ’s when we worked there,” said Griffin. “Those times were so carefree, that’s what we wanted to emulate.”

Lisa “Bernie” Bernstein, who has gained her own fame on the island as chef extraordinaire at Baby Cakes, has her own CQ’s stories, even though technically she only worked there in an emergency. Facing the impending arrival of Hurricane Bertha in 1996, Bernstein got the call while working at Old Fort Pub to come across town and help keep CQ’s open to feed those who had stayed.

“The only employees available were me, Scott Venrick, Bonnie and Pierce (Lowrey) and a few other people,” said Bernstein. “Bonnie made salads, Pierce did dishes and we got slammed.”

Still, with most islanders facing a fourhour trip off the island to evacuate, that simple act of hospitality made a huge difference. “It was a lot of fun and we laughed the whole time because none of us knew what we were doing,” said Bernstein.

It’s one of a million stories that people can tell you about CQ’s. But that’s just what happens when you occupy a unique slice of a resort island coming into its own, create something and shepherd it through 50 years of growth and evolution. You make memories.

CQ’S RESTAURANT

Tucked under the Live Oaks and Spanish Moss of Harbour Town (843) 671-2779

CQsRestaurant.com

11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. For reservations call (843) 785-9277 visit us online at www.charliesgreenstar.com.

CHOW DADDY’S

Two locations - Sea Pines Center on Hilton Head and Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. One of the areas newest and most creative restaurants offers a healthy alternative using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Menu items include amazing Pork Nachos on house-made chips, Kale and Quinoa Salad, Tuna Poke Bowl, Fried Chicken Tacos, Spicy Shrimp Tacos, Chicken Verde, and incredible Burgers ground in house daily. Full bar, extensive wine selection and great cocktails. Serving dinner 7 days a week, 5 until 9 p.m. on Hilton Head. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. in Bluffton. Outdoor seating available on our patio. For reservations call (843) 842-CHOW (2469) or (843) 757-CHOW (2469) or online at www.chowdaddys.com.

CQ’S RESTAURANT

Tucked under the Live Oaks and Spanish Moss of Harbour Town, CQ’s Restaurant remains an island favorite for nearly 50 years on Hilton Head Island. Exuding character, charm and sense of history, generations of families make it a ‘must-visit’ during their trips to the Lowcountry. Executive Chef Ferenc Bukta’s passion for locally sourced foods from the sea, land and fields yield elevated dishes that are sure to please the most discerning palate! Handcrafted cocktails, extensive wine list and decadent desserts round out the total dining experience at CQ’s. Offering curbside takeout, outdoor patio dining and private party room. Open nightly at 5 p.m. For reservations call (843) 671-2779 or visit CQsRestaurant.com for online reservations.

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. Offering a wine list comprised of over 500 selections. AAA Three diamond award. Bar menu available at bar only. Open Monday thru Saturday 5 until 9:30 p.m. Reservations suggested. Call (843) 341-2333.

CRAVE STATION

Located at 85 Pope Avenue near the beach. An American Asian Bar and Grill featuring all you can eat Sushi and Sashimi for $42.95 and all you can eat Sushi for $32.95. Also offering burgers, sandwiches, salads and much more. Our fully stocked bar offers Sake, beer, wine and a full selection of liquor. Daily Lunch specials from 11 am until 3 p.m. Indoor and outdoor dining as well as a menu for kids. Pick up and delivery available. Call (843) 715-3083 or visit us online at www.cravestationhhi.com.

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The Crazy Crab Harbour Town

Located in Sea Pines overlooking Harbour Town Marina. The “Islander’s place for fresh seafood for over 35 years,” The Crazy Crab restaurant is a fun, casual, family-friendly atmosphere adjacent to a convenient playground for kids and loved by generations of visitors. Abundant fresh local seafood selections (voted Best Crab Legs on the island for many years) plus steaks, chicken, ribs, salads, and fantastic apps. Serving daily from 11 a.m. Member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 1986. Call (843) 363-2722 or visit thecrazycrab.com.

The Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek

Near mile marker 1 on Hwy. 278 with a panoramic view of Jarvis Creek. The “Islander’s place for fresh seafood for over 35 years,” The Crazy Crab has a fun, casual, family-friendly atmosphere. There’s a playground for kids and a scenic fire pit to gather near the water. Fresh local seafood selections and seafood boils (voted Best Crab Legs on the island for years) plus steaks, chicken, ribs, salads, and apps. Enjoy their large covered deck, and live, local music (seasonally). Serving daily from 11 a.m. Member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 1986. Call (843) 681-5021 or visit thecrazycrab.com.

DEANO’S

Located at 7C Greenwood drive in Reilley’s plaza. Featuring

Shrimp and Grits by Magnolia Midlands and Paula Deen’s top 10 Pizza Hot Spots. Indoor and outdoor dining available as well as a late-night weekend menu. Open Monday thru Saturday. Call (843) 686-3000 or visit www.deanoshhi.com.

THE DRYDOCK SEAFOOD GRILL & SPIRITS

All new location at 840 William Hilton Pkwy. Go where the locals go for fresh seafood, cold drinks and good times. We are easy to find, but hard to leave. 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 patio. Open 6 days for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m., closed Tuesday. Call (843) 842-9775.

ELA’S ON THE WATER

Located at One Shelter Cove Lane. Featured in Bon Appetit and winner of numerous Open Table awards, Ela’s offers fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks of the highest quality, all prepared by our culinary team of experts and complimented by an extensive boutique wine selection. Known for the best water views on the island, we have a casual intimate interior, wrap around dining patio exterior and nightly entertainment. Private parties, rehearsal dinners and special events welcome. Open for dinner nightly at 5 p.m. and Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Reservations recommended. Call (843) 785-3030 or online

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For an island as famed for its laid-back reputation, Hilton Head has a hustle culture like nowhere else. People here work a little harder in order to live in paradise, but that life is its own reward. In short, we work hard, but we play even harder.