HILTON HEAD’S SEAFOOD DESTINATION

Rockfish Seafood and Steaks is proud to call itself “Hilton Head’s Seafood Destination,” and locals and visitors agree.

The menu offers shrimp, oysters (as in Rockefeller, Charleston, on the half-shell and even in a Bloody Mary-based shooter), shrimp and grits, Ahi tuna, halibut and salmon, as well as a “Southern fried” menu, pasta and a wide selection for “land lovers,” including steak, pork shoulder, ribs and burgers. They use local fresh fish when available.

DELICIOUS ITALIAN FOOD IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

A top choice for fine Italian dining since opening in 2012, OMBRA Cucina Italiana continues win praise for its regional dishes and contemporary style. But for Lauren and Michael Cirafesi, running the award-winning restaurant is all about family — and not just their six sons but their staff and guests as well. 

Lot 9 Brewing Co. in Bluffton plans to open this summer. The nano-brewery, located on Red Cedar Street, brews in small batches for fresh quality, according to its website. The brewery is looking for food trucks that will park at the establishment on a rotating schedule. For more information call 843- 757-5689 or use Facebook messenger. 

Fat Baby’s Pizza is closing for the summer but plans to re-open. The restaurant said in a Facebook post that it is in a “fortunate” position to be able to close and expects to open after Labor Day. “We're lucky enough to have the resources to take care of our staff while not exposing them to any health-related risks,” the post said. 

Construction continues on the 20,000-square-foot Burnt Church Distillery in Bluffton, which hopes to open in December, according to The Island Packet. It will include a 7,000-square-foot space for tastings and events and a 5,000-square-foot rack house for storing aging whiskey barrels. Co-owner Billy Watterson said there will be a VIP event before the official opening. 

Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar welcomed guest chefs and pitmasters for watch parties during the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing. Charles Russo (Russo’s Fresh Seafood); chef David Carrier (Certified Burgers and Beverage, Ga.); pitmaster Robert Owens (Grand Champion BBQ, Atlanta); and brunch guest chef BJ Dennis (Charleston) were invited to help celebrating the culinary culture of the Lowcountry. Proceeds helped benefit the Literacy Center of Hilton Head Island. “So many of our local charities have been impacted this year and we hope we can help make a difference,” said chef and Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar and Lucky Rooster Market Street owner Clayton Rollison. 

The Pavilions at Plant Riverside District opens to the public this month. The riverfront area offers four new restaurants and scenic views. 

Visitors can meet in the pavilions for live music and riverside scenery. The space has Bellagio-style fountain shows timed with music and lights and a kid-friendly dig area, where fossils can be unburied. One of the new restaurants is a rooftop bar called Electric Moon. Another is Baobab Lounge, which will serve South African fare. 

As the temperatures rise, a crisp, cool salad is the perfect summer meal. Leave the iceberg and cucumbers and step up your salad game by thinking slightly outside the box. Seasonal favorites like watermelon, zucchini and herbs can turn your ho-hum salad into a work of art, both for your eyes and your tastebuds. While many may not think of watermelon as a salad ingredient, it pairs well with so many ingredients and delivers a refreshing bite. 

LOOKING TO DINE ALFRESCO IN THE LOWCOUNTRY? HERE ARE SOME PLACES TO TRY OUT