Taste the Lowcountry

FARM AND BLUFFTON SELF HELP COOK UP DELICIOUS PARTNERSHIP

Less than two years after opening, FARM Bluffton has established itself as a hub for progressive, sophisticated yet straightforward food. The fresh herbs and much of the produce come directly from the restaurant’s nearby garden at Williamson Lowcountry Farms — there’s no 18-wheeler pulling up to deliver jet-lagged veggies from another hemisphere. “In season only” is FARM’s mantra; that means no strawberries in December, but there will be loquats in May.

A Dunkin’ Donuts is coming to Okatie near the Burger King on S.C. 170. The coffee and doughnut shop also serves breakfast sandwiches and specialty drinks. Construction has not started on the new store and an opening date has not been announced.

Hilton Head and Bluffton pizza restaurant Local Pie has launched a program to identify and honor local heroes in the Lowcountry community. Brian Rose was the June Hometown Hero. He serves the community through the F3 Lowcountry Foundation. F3 stands for fitness, fellowship and faith, and the organization provides free workout groups for men who are involved in the community while raising money for other local charities.

Aldi, the discount grocery chain based in Germany, will be coming to the new shopping center on U.S. 278 at Burnt Church Road. The Fresh Market was rumored to have leased the space, but Beaufort County Design Review Board has confirmed that Aldi will be the anchor tenant of the new shopping center. An opening date for the new Aldi has not been announced. Other stores in the shopping center are Hobby Lobby, PGA Superstore, First Watch and Aspen Dental.

Claude & Uli's Bistro in Moss Creek Village is under new ownership. The new restaurant will be called Savory Café Provisions and Vignau. Owner and chef Pascal Vignau received his culinary training in France and plans to change up the existing menu. A few Claude & Uli’s favorites will remain on the menu, like the seafood trays, souffles and filet mignon. 

Hilton Head Brewing Company will feature new summer hours: the brewery will now be open from noon to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 2-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The summer season also means new brews on tap. Arlene has tawny amber color, malty flavor and a crisp hop finish. Bean Free Black Lager is a medium bodied lager with a coffee-like aroma and minimal bitterness. 

Park Plaza Cinemas will now serve local craft and domestic beers in the Mann Cave. The theater will also serve concession food like hot dogs, flatbread pizza and more. 

Tour company The Daufuskie Difference now offers an evening “booze cruise” featuring unlimited beer and wine, live music and beautiful views. Tickets are $37 per passenger. The cruise on the 80-foot river boat “Delta Lady” departs at 5 p.m. every Friday from Hilton Head Island's Broad Creek Marina. While passengers don’t disembark on Daufuskie Island, they see parts of the island from the boat, plus Harbour Town and other Hilton Head areas.

Montage Palmetto Bluff has a new restaurant: Octagon Porch, a new dining experience for locals and hotel guests. Located inside the inn, the menu features seasonally inspired Southern cuisine made from local ingredients. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served by chef Anthony Guiliano, with wines selected by award-winning sommelier Jesse Rodriguez.