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Santee Cooper Extends Executive Contracts And Sponsors Golf Tournament Amid Financial Disaster

Featured Image: The State

As debt continues to pile up for Santee Cooper, lawmakers still remain halted at their decision for the future of the state-owned utility company. After lawmakers were forced to take a break earlier this year due to COVID-19, the utility’s fate will linger even longer. 

With the decision to sell still on the table, Santee Cooper in an attempt to continue reform plans is spending more ratepayer money on extending high-paying contracts to executives and on golf tournament sponsorships. 

The company recently announced that they will be extending contracts to Mark Bonsall, the CEO, and Charles Duckworth, the deputy CEO who were both brought on last year after former CEO, Lonnie Carter retired from the company when the utility’s debt began making headlines. Carter left with an initial payout and an annual retirement salary of $800,000 for 20 years, that Santee Cooper customers are still paying for. 

Last year we reported that Bonsall was guaranteed $1.1 million over the next 18 months in addition to bonuses, exceeding Carter’s previous salary of $541,000, while Duckworth made a reported $560,000 annual salary. All of which the utility’s direct service and electric cooperative customers pay for, and it doesn’t look like it’ll be changing anytime soon. The two will remain with the company until July 2021 and will continue to oversee all political and legal challenges. Bonsall and Duckworth will even have the opportunity to earn bonuses, pending their performance. 

Lawmakers have been debating the future of the company for the past three years since it undertook $4 billion in debt from the failed V.C. Summer project. Because of this, Santee Cooper has been under scrutiny with where they spend their money since the company’s debt is nearly $7 billion, has no Public Service Commission Oversight and its ratepayers are the only ones responsible for past bad financial decisions. Many, therefore, are not happy that the state-owned company decided to sponsor the Heritage Golf Tournament for yet another year. The tournament which was played 2 months later due to the coronavirus pandemic and without fans, was a large investment. This large expenditure is seen as unnecessary by many and has resulted in another level of concern with taxpayers and ratepayers.

As customers are left holding the bill for the interim and Santee Cooper fails to acknowledge the long term burden on them, they also fail to stop spending large sums of money that will only add to the already existing and growing debt. For some, a sale of the public utility “dinosaur” cannot come soon enough.

Eat & Drink

Pandemic Permanently Closes Local Restaurants

Some of our favorite restaurants in Charleston are sadly closing their doors permanently due to the coronavirus pandemic. We are sad to see them leave but are so grateful for all the years they spent serving us!

McCrady’s

This spot has been a staple in Charleston for generations but sadly is no longer viable due to its intimate setting. McCrady’s was a tasting-menu-only restaurant, located below Minero on East Bay Street with very limited seating. With its small capacity, the restaurant would likely not be able to accommodate enough customers to operate successfully. 

Minero

Located above McGrady’s and run by the same restaurant group, Neighborhood Dining Group, this casual Mexican restaurant has also closed its doors amongst the pandemic. Even though the downtown location is closing, the restaurant group was already planning to open a new location on Johns Island. Minero is sad to leave its downtown location that opened up in 2014 but is excited for its new spot in James Island that will offer a larger menu and outdoor seating!

Parcel 32

At the beginning of May, Parcel 32 announced on social media that it will close the restaurant and transition it into an event space. The restaurant, operated under Patrick Properties Hospitality Group, explained that “With the recent devastating disruption to the Charleston hospitality community, we saw a significant shortage of event space required to accommodate our city’s current and prospective groups desperately trying to find suitable new dates to travel and host events, especially weddings. By transitioning Parcel 32 from a restaurant to a true event venue, we can provide additional options for smaller groups looking for a more intimate experience.” ⁠

Old Towne Grill & Seafood

The oldest family-run restaurant in Charleston, Old Towne Grill & Seafood, has officially decided to shut down despite the easing of dine-in restrictions in SC. Post and Courier reported that the closure was due to a dispute between the restaurant’s co-owners. The restaurant was located on lower King St. since 1972 and will be missed by many.

Cane Rhum Bar

Charleston’s first and ONLY rum bar announced earlier in May that it will not reopen due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Rhum Bar opened its doors in August of 2016 and had a great run at its downtown location on East Bay Street. The owner hopes to find a new home sometime soon, but in the meantime, he thanks all their customers for the continued support!

Eat & Drink

Local Restaurants with Special Mother’s Day Deals

Under current circumstances, taking your Mother out for a nice meal this Mother’s day is not an option- However, that doesn’t mean you still can’t treat her to some delicious food from one of her favorite restaurants in town. These local spots are offering some great Mother’s Day meals for takeout and delivery! Be sure to check out their websites for more information and details on how to order ahead of time-

The Grocery

 


-Mother’s Day Picnic

-Mother’s Day Dinner

*Click this link to order*

Hall’s Chophouse

 

-Halls Picnic Package

-Southern Picnic Package

*Orders must be placed by Thursday, May 7th*

Eli’s Table

 


-Mother’s Day Brunch in Bed

*Orders must be placed by Saturday, May 9th*

82 Queen

 

 

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Don’t for to place your Mother’s Day Brunch Pick-Up!! #mothersday #brunch #charleston #chseats #chstoday #chs

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-Mother’s Day Brunch Pick-Up

*Orders must be placed by Thursday, May 7th*

5Church

 


-Mother’s Day Meals ($35/person)

-$25 Gift Card is included as a gift for Mom!

Toast

 


-Mother’s Day “Breakfast in Bed” meal kits

-Mimosa Kits

*Orders must be placed by Saturday, May 9th*

Edmunds Oast

 

 

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Don’t forget to reserve your Mother’s Day Feast!!

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-Mother’s Day Feast

-Butter Lamb Package

-Porch Picnic with Wine

Events

Charleston Antiques Show Is This Weekend! Here’s What You Need To Know…

The Gaillard Center will be hosting the annual Charleston Antiques Show for another year. The 3-day event will showcase 17th to mid-century modern English, European, and American period furnishing, decorative & fine art, architectural elements, garden furniture, vintage jewelry, silver and more. Tickets are $20, which includes unlimited entrance for the 3 days. Sunday guests can enjoy a complimentary Bloody Mary while walking through the exhibits as well! Single day admission tickets are not available to purchase and all proceeds from the Charleston Antiques Show events benefit the preservation initiatives of the Historic Charleston Foundation. 

This Antiques Show is a great place for collectors and designers to see some of the best antiques from antique dealers all over the world. Collectors and enthusiasts have the option to enhance their Antique Show experience by attending the 2020 Preview Party on March 5th. *additional ticket required* There is also a 2020 Collectors Circle Weekend Package, which includes admission to the preview party, admission to the 3-day show, invitations to exclusive parties, a behind the scenes tour, Sunday brunch and more! New this year, there is also a Designer’s Circle package for design enthusiasts which gives access to exclusive events, the 3-day show and much more as well! 

If you don’t want to spend the money on these packages and still want to participate in other Charleston Antique Show events, there are other (less expensive) things to do too! There is a walking tour Saturday morning that takes you around the Ansonborough neighborhood from 9am-10:30am with a licensed tour guide. If you’re not from Charleston, this is a great way to see some hidden parts of the city! The walking tour is $45 and includes daily admission to the Antiques Show as well. Check out more information on the 2020 Charleston Antiques Show and related events here!

Show Hours:

Friday, March 6: 10am-6pm

Saturday, March 7: 10am- 6pm

Sunday, March 8: 11am-5pm

Events

6 Things To Do In Charleston This Month – March 2020

Charleston Wine + Food Festival (March 4-8)

The annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival is coming up! Check out their website for more information on the events and ticketing. Since the festival is less than a week away, tickets are limited and some events are already sold out. So, buy your tickets while they’re still available! This is one of the biggest events of the year in Charleston and is always a big success. So many amazing restaurants participate in the festival and some of the best chefs in Charleston are showcased. Don’t miss out!

Charleston Antiques Show (March 6-8)

The Gaillard Center will be hosting the annual Charleston Antiques Show for another year. The 3-day event will showcase 17th to mid-century modern English, European, and American period furnishing, decorative & fine art, architectural elements, garden furniture, vintage jewelry, silver and more. Tickets are $20, which includes unlimited entrance for the 3 days. On Sunday guests can enjoy a complimentary Bloody Mary while walking through the exhibits as well! Single day admission tickets are not available to purchase and all proceeds from the Charleston Antiques Show events benefit the preservation initiatives of the Historic Charleston Foundation. Checkout their website for more information!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! (March 17)

Beginning at 10am at St. Patrick’s Church on King and Radcliffe, the parade will make its way down King St. to Broad. There will be Irish dancers, fiddlers, firetrucks and more! Come join the celebration!

Charleston Bluegrass Festival (March 20-21)

Located in the Charleston Woodlands, this 2-day festival features some of the best bluegrass artists. There will be local eats, vendors and full service bars. Single day tickets are available for purchase and camping is an option as well if you would like to stay for the weekend in the Woodlands.

Charleston Brunch Festival (March 21)

Head over to The Bend in North Charleston for the Charleston Brunch Festival, hosted by Charleston Wine Festivals! This event is a celebration of brunch, with brunch bites from local restaurants, mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and live music! The Brunch Festival will be from 12-4pm, although early entrance tickets are available for an extra cost. You must be 21 to attend. 

Pet Fest (March 21)

Bring your pets out for a day of fun at the Palmetto Islands County Park! This event is from 11am-4pm and is $8 for admission, and if you bring pet food or a pet supply donation you can save $3 on admission. There will be a dog parade, pet contests, dog show and more activities for you and your pet! Food and beverages will be available for purchase and there will even be an off-leash beer garden with live music from 12-4.

Events

How You Should Celebrate Mardi Gras In Charleston

Charleston is still mourning the loss of Folly Gras, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate Mardi Gras! 

Head over to Shem Creek on February 29th for the Low Country Parrot Head’s 16th Annual Mardi Crawl! This is a “Party with a Purpose” with proceeds going to local charities and causes like Pet Helpers, The Alzheimer’s Association, Ronald McDonald House and more. Over the last 15 years the LCPHC has been able to donate over $120,000 to these local charities! So, come out, drink and crawl for a cause!

Those participating in the Mardi Crawl will make their way around the various bars located on Shem Creek, including Red’s Ice House, Water’s Edge, Vickery’s Shem Creek, RB’s on Shem Creek and Saltwater Cowboys. This event will start at 1pm and will go until 6pm! Make sure to end back up at Red’s by 6pm in order to be entered into a raffle to win the grand prize. Live music will be playing all day and the event will happen rain or shine!

Register online here until February 27th! Online registration will cost $25, although walkup registration on the day of will be available for $30. Save some time and money by registering early! *Pre-registration check-in will be located between Red’s Icehouse and Tavern & Table*

Eat & Drink

Where To Get Your Fiesta On For National Margarita Day In Charleston

It’s time for a fiesta! National Margarita Day is on February 22 and for the occasion, we’ve found some of the best margaritas in Charleston.

Zia Taqueria

 

Zia Taqueria is a spot known for its out of this world tacos and tortas. It’s also got some of the best margaritas in Charleston. They have their classic Zia Rita made with fresh margarita mix, tequila Blanco and triple sec. The Zia Rita can be served frozen or on the rocks. If you want something a little fancier you can try the Primo Blanco, the Mas Margarita, the Primo Reposado, or the Grand Gold. All of these margaritas are served on the rocks.

Ruru’s

 

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We got your Saturday Night plans covered. Come thru.

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Ruru’s Tacos and Tequila is newer to the Charleston restaurant scene. It’s fun atmosphere makes it a great place to go and enjoy a margarita…or a few. They offer margaritas on the rocks and frozen, you can even add a strawberry, blueberry or peach puree to any margarita! Ruru’s also has one of the largest selections of fine tequila in Charleston!

Taco Boy

 

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National Margarita Day is Saturday, February 22! ?⁠ ⁠ To celebrate ?we’ll be offering a Passionfruit Margarita with a pineapple-infused tequila shot for $6 at all locations on 2/22. ⁠ ⁠ The margarita is made with house-made passionfruit syrup and rimmed with Li Hing Mui (dried plum powder) that gives it a unique sweet/salty/tangy flavor. ? The pineapple-infused tequila is a house favorite, made with vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks and fresh pineapple. ? ⁠ ⁠ Celebrate National Margarita Day ? with this special at all Taco Boy locations: Folly Beach, Downtown, and the newest location in Summerville at Nexton Square.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #summerville #follybeachsc #follybeach #chsdrinks #charlestonsc #charleston #southcarolina #nationalmargaritaday #margsonmargs

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Taco Boy has you covered when it comes to delicious tacos, but don’t forget about their margaritas next time you’re there. Their Casa margarita is the classic with Giro Silver tequila, triple sec & their house sour mix. The Casa is served frozen or shaken. The other options are the Skinny Casa, the Cadillac, Top Shelf, Pineapple-Infused, Skinny Pineapple-Infused, or the Fresh Fruit Frozen Margarita (mango, strawberry, or sangria).

The Taco Spot

 

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#tacotuesday fish, chicken, ground beef & vegetarian Gringo Tacos $2.50 when you dine in Happy Hour 3-6pm w/ $5 #margaritas

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the Taco Spot is another great place for Mexican and Southwestern food. And of course, they have topnotch margaritas. Their House Margarita is made with tequila reposado, house sweet & sour mix made with freshly squeezed lime juice. Then they have the Strawberry Margarita, Blueberry Margarita, and Picador Margarita.

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

This West Ashley spot is a wonderful place to celebrate National Margarita Day. Their Mex 1 Margarita is made with 100% Blue Agave Tequila and Mex 1 Mix. Then you have the Pineapple Habanero Margarita, the Cadillac Margarita, El Jefe “The Boss” Margarita, Jalapeño Margarita, Skinny Margarita, and Frozen Margarita.

Santi’s

A favorite among locals, Santi’s is a casual and affordable spot to enjoy some authentic Mexican food and margaritas! They make all of their margarita mix in house and serve their margaritas frozen and on the rocks! Santi’s also offers free chips and salsa with your meal too, which is a total plus!

Eat & Drink

Wine Down At One Of These Awesome Charleston Wine Bars

Sip, sip, hooray! Let’s enjoy a glass of rosé!

Uncork Charleston

This self-serve wine bar is located on King Street and is a great place to grab a drink and a bite to eat. They have a full-service restaurant and offer small plates, tapas and charcuterie that pair well with any wine! You have the option to serve yourself a 1-oz taste, a 3-oz half glass or a 6-oz full glass of wine. Come enjoy special deals during “power-hour” Tuesday-Sunday 7-8pm & 9-10pm!

Joséphine

Originally opened as a wine bar, this charming little spot on Spring Street is now considered to be a modern bistro. Their wine list focuses on small production wines from France and all over the world. Josephine prides itself on serving wines from small, family operated wineries that are farmed sustainably or biodynamically. Dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients and their wines are all chosen to add to the dining experience, pairing nicely with the flavors and seasonings of the food.

Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar

 

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Current Mood = ?. #loveyoubunches #postflirtation

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Graft doubles as both a wine shop and wine bar! Come in and buy a bottle of wine from their large selection or sit and enjoy some wine by the glass at the bar. You can even buy a bottle off their retail shelf and drink it there for a $15 corkage fee! Small snacks are also available on the menu to eat while you sip.

Bin 152

 

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Late lunch at Bin 152! Open daily at 2pm! All the food groups clearly represented…

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This casual, rustic wine bar has an extensive wine list and a great selection of cheeses. Bin 152 offers 40 different types of wine by the glass, over 200 wines by the bottle and 40 different types of cheeses! The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and will ensure that you find a wine that is just right for you!

Wine & Company

Another cool wine bar and shop that is a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine or come in to buy a bottle! Wine & Company is a laid-back bar and also a shop, offering a retail selection of wine and craft beer, too. You can even come in with a group of friends and enjoy a private wine tasting! This experience includes 5 hand-picked wines and a selection of cheese and charcuterie. Snacks are also available if you choose to come in for just a glass of wine or a beer.