Executive chef Eric Sayers from The Cypress of Hilton Head Island was among five national finalists selected to compete in the inaugural LCS “Chef of The Year 2019” competition in August. Chefs were given three baskets containing mystery ingredients that they had to transform into three delectable courses. Sayers, the former executive chef at CQ’s Restaurant in Harbour Town, was the runner-up, scoring just one point less than the winner.

The long-awaited reopening of Starbucks at Sea Turtle Marketplace is scheduled for late November. The new store will replace the Starbucks that burned down due to an electrical issue in January 2018. There is an additional Starbucks store slated to open in early 2020 at Okatie Crossing in the Sun City area. 

Baja-style tacos have arrived in Lowcountry: Sean Fatzinger opened the state’s first Fuzzy’s Taco Shop franchise in Hardeeville in October. It’s the first 24-hour restaurant in the chain; the taco shop is located at exit 8 on Interstate 95. Fatzinger is originally from Texas, where the brand was created, and currently is the director of food service operations at Enmarket Convenience Stores.

The new business at 1230 May River Road is a beer-tasting room, informal restaurant, retail shop and art gallery. Wine, gourmet chocolates, and other specialty foods are for sale. Owner Mark Weisner, who also owns Bear Foot Sports event management company, envisions Bluffton Trading Post as a community gathering place.

GOOD TIMES FOR ALL SEASONS

When summer ends, the good times keep going at The Salty Dog Cafe on South Sea Pines Drive on Hilton Head Island.

For example, the restaurant is kicking off the fall season with a crab boil and live music on the deck — a lively celebration of cooler weather and a perfect fit for The Salty Dog’s laid-back, casual atmosphere. Lowcountry boils, chili and wing cook offs and live music evenings also are planned, as is a craft beer and burger festival, where guests can enjoy favorite brews from River Dog Brewing Co. and a seasonal draft.

DAUFUSKIE FESTIVAL PUTS GULLAH CULTURE FRONT AND CENTER

The 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. 

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.

The Island Rec Center will offer Food Truck Friday Oct. 11 and Nov. 1 from 3–7 p.m. The event will feature six local food trucks set up in the parking lot of the newly remodeled Rec Center. For details, go to www.islandreccenter.org.

The 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.