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How to Donate to Charleston Workers in the Service Industry

Following a mandatory suspension of dine-in services by Governor McMasters, many local restaurants are struggling and can use the community’s help. Charleston City Paper has been hard at work compiling resources that the public can use to give back, help local restaurants and service workers, and get a good bite to eat in the meantime.

For those looking to directly support restaurant staff that have been affected by reduced hours and closures, the website Serviceindustry.tips allows you to tip a random local worker in Charleston via Venmo or Cash App. Local blog Holy City Sinner has also started a “Virtual Tip Jar” to help Charleston food service workers where people can tip random workers via a spreadsheet.

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Additionally, multiple restaurants have created fundraisers to help staff and raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts. Local restaurant group The Midnight Society has created digital phone wallpapers available to purchase that benefit eateries like Early Bird Diner and Park Pizza Co. Butcher & Bee has created a “Pay It Forward” campaign making provision gift bags with essentials like eggs, milk, and vegetables. These bags, available with a $10 donation, will be given to unemployed restaurant employees.

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Those who are out of work can stop by Lewis Barbecue for something to eat. They will be serving 100 free meals every Thursday to displaced workers in the food and beverage industry (use the promo code “CHSstrong.”) Local hot sauce company Red Clay is also donating 15% of online sales to displaced industry employees, and providing provision bags to Butcher & Bee.

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For those self-distancing on an empty stomach, multiple local restaurants can also be enjoyed via take-out apps like UberEats, Doordash and Grubhub, as well as via curbside pickup to limit potential exposure. Click here for a  continuously updated list of restaurants that are still open.

Eat & Drink

Five Signature Charleston Cocktails

When it comes to food and beverage, Charleston has plenty to talk about. With world-class restaurants serving some of the best food there is, it’s no surprise that Charleston yields some world-class cocktails as well. Take a look at these five signature Charleston cocktails:

The Charleston Fizz

Likely the most refreshing drink on this list, this gin cocktail combines fresh tarragon, Ruby Red grapefruit juice, St. Germain, simple syrup, club soda and, of course, gin. Originally inspired by Cannonborough Beverage Company, a Charleston-based soda company, their Grapefruit Elderflower soda can be used to add some extra flavor to this cocktail in place of club soda.

The Charleston Light Dragoon Punch 1792

Sean Brock, Husk’s executive chef, has created the perfect signature Charleston cocktail with this punch that uses tea, raw sugar, lemon juice, brandy, rum, peach brandy and soda water. The recipe was actually adapted from antebellum militia recipe that Brock received from the South Carolina Historical Society, making this drink a true Charleston classic.

Planter’s Punch

Rumored to have been created at Charleston’s own Planter’s Hotel in the nineteenth century, it’s unclear where exactly this recipe came from. While this cocktail isn’t necessarily a Charleston signature, Garden & Gun gives Peninsula Grill in downtown Charleston credits for making one of the best versions of this punch that you can get. With the ingredients of rum, freshly squeezed orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine, this summer cocktail can help anyone beat the heat.

The Charleston Breakfast Coffee

Athens-based bartender Jerry Slater came up with this cocktail recipe during the Charleston Wine + Food Festival using local whiskey from High Wire Distilling Co. This drink, made to match the mood of the cold and rainy weekend it was created on, is perfect for any day that you’re stuck indoors. All you’ll need is High Wire’s sorghum whiskey, simple syrup, dark roast coffee and heavy cream.

The Charleston

Last, but not least, is an elegant drink worthy of being created in the high-scale food scene of Charleston. This signature cocktail uses bourbon, madeira, Angostura bitters and an orange peel for garnish. The Charleston is similar to a manhattan with its bourbon base, but uses madeira as they did in the early 19th century to give it that classic Charleston feel.

Eat & Drink

Charleston Restaurant Week

Charleston Restaurant Week is here! The event has been extended through the 22nd of September so there’s still plenty of time to experience the deals throughout the Holy City.

Slightly North of Broad
Deal: 3 Courses for $45

Magnolias
Deal: 3 Courses for $40

Butcher and Bee
Deal: Seasonal Tasting Menu for $25

The Macintosh
Deal: 3 Courses for $35

Peninsula Grill
Deal: 3 Courses for $45

Let us know which restaurant you’re most excited to try!

Eat & Drink

Go Gluten-Free at These Local Restaurants

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

Sometimes it can be a struggle to find allergy-friendly restaurants! No one wants to be that friend who makes choosing a restaurant even harder. Next time your deciding where to eat out, keep these allergy- friendly options in mind:

Burtons Grill: 1875 N Hwy 17, Mt. Pleasant SC 29464

Burtons Grill is a great place to relax and unwind, while enjoying a delicious (and allergy-friendly) meal! With an entirely separate menu set aside for those with dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, gluten free, or paleo, Burtons Grill is the place to go! On the gluten free menu, try their California Chicken sandwich replace the bun with their Udi’s gluten free bun!

Five Loaves Cafe: Downtown, Summerville, & Mt Pleasant locations

Five Loaves Cafe offers many gluten free options on their menu. All sandwiches, excluding the Portobello Goat Cheese Burger, are gluten free, as well as all salad dressings are gluten free. Are you a salad lover? Try their gluten intolerant-friendly Chicken Cobb Salad or their Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Salad. Want to try something hardier?  They have a gluten free FLC Filet and as a side try their Roasted Rosemary Potatoes.

Slightly North of Broad: 192 East Bay Street, Charleston SC 29401

Looking for upscale dining that is also allergy-friendly? Look no farther than Slightly North of Broad. This establishment has a seperate gluten free menu. Choose from their many gluten intolerant friendly choices, such as their Beet & Pistachio Salad or their New Zealand Lamb Rack. They even have gluten-free cocktails! Check out their East Bay Daiquiri that is gluten free!

Gnome Cafe: 109 President Street, Charleston SC 29403

The Gnome Cafe may not have a seperate gluten free menu but they do have gluten free options to choose from. Check out their Bulgogi Korean Bowl, made of brown rice, with bulgogi tofu, sesame broccoli, red cabbage, fresh daikon, and cilantro!

Breizh Pan Crepes: 39 George Street, Charleston SC 29401

Finding delicious dessert that won’t upset your stomach can be harder than finding a restaurant! Breizh Pan Crepes can satisfy your sweet tooth with one of their many Sweet Crepe options. Just don’t forget to let them know about your allergy! Try their popular La Phare crepe, made with bananas, strawberries, homemade chocolate, and chantilly cream!

Finally, it is never too safe to inform your server of your restrictions to ensure the proper measures are taken to satisfy your needs!