Food

DAUFUSKIE FESTIVAL PUTS GULLAH CULTURE FRONT AND CENTER

vibesThe flavors of Daufuskie Island will be on full display in October during a celebration of Gullah cuisine and culture. 

Vibes & Tides, to be held Oct. 18-20 and sponsored by Haig Point, will benefit the Haig Point Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving the island’s green spaces, encouraging community enhancements, and promoting Daufuskie’s historical significance. 

wasabi

New Japanese restaurant and sushi bar Wasabi has opened in Bluffton’s Buckwalter Place near Subway. Owner and chef LingXian Chen operated a restaurant in Bridge Center near the bridges to Hilton Head Island for three years, starting in 2013. The restaurant focuses on sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, hibachi options, and Japanese curry. Wasabi is open every day for lunch and dinner.

cottageThe Cottage Café, Bakery and Tea Room is turning 10 years old and is celebrating with a birthday party on Oct. 15 to bring together community leaders and foodies throughout the Lowcountry. The birthday bash includes complimentary champagne, celebratory fun and free gourmet cupcakes for all. For more information, go to www.thecottagebluffton.com

healthyhabitsFast-casual restaurant Healthy Habit has opened a new location on the south end of Hilton Head Island. The redesigned and rebranded restaurant is located at Park Plaza and offers a variety of healthy options made from fresh ingredients, like salads, wraps and superfood bowls. Healthy Habit plans to franchise and offer more locations in the future. 

SproutzSproutz of the LowCountry is a new Hilton Head Island-based business that cultivates and sells microgreens, popular for their delicate textures, distinctive flavors and health benefits. In general, microgreens also offer more nutrients than their mature counterparts. Sproutz co-owners Neal Bitner and Eddie Borzacchini sell at the Bluffton and Port Royal farmers markets, and are working on providing microgreens to local restaurants.

Old Oyster Factory has joined the Coastal Restaurant and Bars (CRAB) family of restaurants. The Old Oyster Factory is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It was built on the site of an original oyster cannery by Ric Peterson, who has owned and operated it since its inception. Coastal Restaurants and Bars is locally owned and operated for over 40 years. Old Oyster Factory will be their tenth establishment. 

Pizza Co. is now open in Main Street Village. Pizza Co. specializes in customized pizzas made with fresh ingredients and a plethora of sauces, cheeses, meats, veggies and other toppings. The restaurant will also feature three signature chopped salads and a build-your-own salad bar. 

Nonna Lucia, owned by Julio and Michelle Licona, has re-opened at 5 Godfrey Place near the traffic circle of S.C. 46 and Bluffton Parkway. Nonna Lucia is the winner of several locals’ choice awards including Best All Around Restaurant, Best New Restaurant, and Best Italian Restaurant. To make reservations call 843-707-4281 or go to www.blufftonnonnalucia.com