Daniel Island Club Returns to the Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Earlier this month, the annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival presented its three-day extravaganza highlighting our city’s renown local cuisine and award-winning restaurants, along with celebrity chefs and vintners from around the country. The Festival took place March 2-4, and once again, the Daniel Island Club‘s culinary team was in on the action.

For the forth year in a row, Executive Chef Tyler Dudley and his team participated in the closing day Gospel Brunch, a Festival favorite. The lucky guests dining at Chef Tyler’s tables enjoyed local heirloom beet salad, house-smoked pork shoulder with poached local egg, and decadent bananas foster bread pudding, all while taking in live gospel music on the scenic grounds of downtown’s historic Lowndes Grove Plantation.

Also this year, the team participated in Bubbles and Bites at The Restoration on King, a loft-style boutique hotel on King Street. Chef Tyler was one of six featured chefs who prepared bites featuring South Carolina seafood to pair with sparkling wines. The Daniel Island Club offerings: Blackened local shrimp with “pate of the south,” and clam and yellowfin tuna ceviche with lime and chipotle gelee.

“It was an honor to participate in the Festival again,” said Chef Tyler. “It was our fourth year being part of this amazing event — we look forward to participating next year and in years to come.”

Check out these delicious-looking shots from the Gospel Brunch, taken by Lauren Whetsell of the Daniel Island Club:

The Family Circle Cup Turns 40!

Some of the greatest names in women’s tennis will come to Daniel Island April 7 for a special celebration commemorating the tournament’s 40 years and the birth of the top professional sport for women.

In September 1970, the birth of women’s professional tennis was launched when nine female tennis players signed $1 contracts with World Tennis publications publisher Gladys Heldman to compete in what would become the Virginia Slims Series. The Original 9, as they were called, included Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, Kerry Melville, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon, Judy Dalton, Valerie Ziegenfuss and Julie Heldman. Competing in events like the Family Circle Cup, these women helped pave the way for tennis to become the number one professional sport for women.

On April 7, a special tribute to these women will take place at “40Love: A Night of Empowerment Celebrating 40 Years of the Family Circle Cup.” The evening will include a reunion of the Original 9, including Billie Jean King and first-ever Family Circle Cup Champion Rosie Casals. Honorary coaches Billie Jean King and Virginia Wade will lead a star-studded World Team Tennis-style exhibition with former Family Circle Cup champions Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis and Rennae Stubbs. Tennis legend Jimmy Connors and American standout Aaron Krickstein will also participate.

“This commemoration is designed to celebrate our 40th year in professional tennis, and honor the incredible women who made it all possible with their courage and steadfast determination for equality,” said Bob Moran, Tournament Director of the Family Circle Cup. “The Original 9 served as a catalyst for change in not only women’s tennis, but helped shift our country’s attitude toward equality as a whole. I truly believe that this is an evening that should be experienced by every generation from daughter to grandmother.”

The event will take place at Family Circle Tennis Stadium beginning promptly at 7:00 pm on Saturday, April 7th. Tickets are available starting at $20 at ticketmaster.com.

Shop And Give Back At This Weekend’s Daniel Island Holiday Festival

The annual Daniel Island Holiday Festival takes place this Saturday, December 3, and this year planners are pulling out all the stops. In addition to the Festival’s popular showcase of more than 100 local vendors selling everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to unique gifts of all kinds, there will be an expanded offering of live music and entertainment for all ages. Santa will be making an appearance, there will be Cookie Decorating and Holiday Craft stations, face painting, jump castles and – brand new this year – an ice skating rink!

While you’re out enjoying the festivities, be sure to look out for the festive display of Christmas trees that are part of Daniel Island’s Christmas Tree Fundraiser for Windwood Farm Home for Children. A selection of island and area residents and businesses have gotten into the holiday spirit by decorating and donating 19 four ft. trees, each dedicated to one of the amazing boys that currently reside at Windwood Farm, an environment of help, hope and healing for at-risk youth and families who have been traumatized by the effects of severe abuse and neglect. For a $5 donation to this important Charleston non-profit organization, you can enter to win the tree of your choice!

From traditionally-decorated trees to creative themes like Candy Land, “Gone Fishing,” Dr. Seuss and Star Wars, you’re sure to find the perfect small tree to complement your holiday decor. Enter to win the tree(s) of your choice as many times as you like. The winners will be drawn and announced at 4 pm at the end of the Holiday Festival (you do not need to be present to win).

The Daniel Island Community Fund has agreed to match money raised by this initiative, so be sure to come out and support this important cause!

For further information about the Daniel Island Christmas Tree Fundraiser, click here.

Daniel Islanders Give Back In A Big Way This October: Week One

With a month-long lineup of home tours and festivals, concerts and road races, October is the month that Daniel Island and Charleston area residents join together in Charleston’s island town to show their support for many of the non-profit organizations that serve our community. Each weekend this month a diverse array of exciting events will offer great family entertainment for all ages and an opportunity to give back.

It all starts this weekend with the annual Harvest Tour of Homes, the eighth annual Buddy Walk and Charleston Oktoberfest at Blackbaud Stadium. Read further for more information on this weekend’s festivities, and stay tuned throughout the month for details about other ways you can give back – and have fun – on Daniel Island this October!

Harvest Tour of Homes
Benefiting the Daniel Island Public Library
Saturday, October 1 | 1-4 pm

Hosted by Friends of the Daniel Island Library, this annual event showcases four incredible Daniel Island homes, along with book signings and discussions with local authors. One hundred percent of proceeds from the tour benefit the Daniel Island Library.  Featuring distinctive architecture and unique interior design, each home will be adorned with unique floral arrangements from local florists. It’s a great opportunity to get inspired in your own home decorating endeavors, and to meet some of the Lowcountry’s literary talent. For ticket information, visit harvesthometour.com.

Buddy Walk
Benefiting the Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry
Sunday, October 2| 8 am

Daniel Island residents Chad and April Vail were instrumental in starting what has become an important fundraising event for the Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry, a source of support and information for families of individuals with Down Syndrome. This year marks the 8th anniversary of this Daniel Island event, which takes place in Etiwan Park. In addition to raising funds for programming, the event offers fun for the entire family, including a one-mile fun walk, dancing, games, food, music and more. It’s a wonderful day of inclusion and acceptance for those living with Down Syndrome. For further information, visit dsalowcountry.org.

Charleston Oktoberfest at Blackbaud Stadium
Benefiting Debi’s Kids and Meals on Wheels
Sunday, October 2 | 12-5 pm

Also celebrating eight years on Daniel Island, Charleston Oktoberfest is a popular event that raises funds for Live 5 News’ Debi’s Kids, an organization that provides toys, books and food to families in need throughout the Lowcountry during the holidays. This German-style celebration will feature live oompah music, dancing, a wide selection of German beers and a variety of delicious Oktoberfest-themed food. Also this year, a 64-team Corn Hole tournament at Oktoberfest will raise money for Meals on Wheels. For information on how you can join in the Oktoberfest festivities, click here.

Coming Up:
10/15          Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure
10/22          Park Day
10/24-30     Nationwide Tour Championship
10/29          Pumpkin Walk & Drum Circle

Get Ready for Charleston Race Week & Harbor Fest

Living on Daniel Island, it’s hard not to appreciate Lowcountry waterways and all they have to offer.  From sunrises at Mitchell Wharf and crabbing from the pier at Children’s Park, to kayaking in one of the island’s tidal creeks, Daniel Island and Charleston offer an endless array of coastal diversions. This spring, two exciting Charleston events will highlight our coastal lifestyle, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.

The 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week runs April 14th through April 17th and will attract approximately 300 boats to Charleston Harbor to compete in the largest sailing regatta on the east coast. With five separate racecourses, there will be plenty of excitement as more than a dozen inshore and offshore one-design, PHRF and IRC handicap races take place for boats from 20 to 70 feet.  Spectators are welcome to watch the race land side from Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, or from Waterfront Park or White Point Gardens in downtown Charleston. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars — there will be plenty of non-stop action to see.

After the race, swing by the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina where nightly parties will take place featuring live music, a Goslings Rum and beer bar, bocce ball and more.  Shore side activity passes can be purchased for $75 and include access to the parties for the entire regatta. Charleston Race Week is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation and Charleston Ocean Racing Association.  All profits from the event support educational programs aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, a traditional tall ship serving South Carolina’s youth.  For more information go to www.charlestonraceweek.com

In case you didn’t get your fill of sailing during Charleston Race Week, Charleston Harbor Fest, a true harbor-wide celebration of the sea, will be held May 12 – 15.  From the classic beauty of tall ships, to the sleek and fast VELUX 5 OCEANS fleet, Charleston Harbor Fest will offer an array of maritime-themed activities for all ages.  The Charleston Maritime Center will host the VELUX Race Village, maritime exhibits of all kinds, a popular Kid-Zone and much more.  Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 (18 years and older) and $5 (ages 6 – 17). Children under five years are free.  For more information go to www.charlestonharborfest.org

St. Patrick’s Day Block Party to Benefit Haitian Hospital

Dublin Down, Daniel Island’s popular new Irish Pub, and the Daniel Island Grille, one of the island’s favorite watering holes, are joining forces to celebrate the first annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party on Thursday, March 17th. Live Irish music begins at noon and food and drink specials will be offered all day. The event is a benefit for Hopital Lumiere, located in the small mountainous town of Bonne Fin, Haiti.

Daniel Island residents Lindsey and Harry Demos are helping organize the festivities for this charitable event, including bagpipes at Dublin Down, and a jump castle and face painting at Daniel Island Grille. In addition, both locations will be selling t-shirts to raise money for the effort, as well as tickets for a chance to win some great prizes.

Lindsey, a physical therapist, and her husband Harry, an orthopedic surgeon, have traveled to Haiti since last year’s earthquake to volunteer their services at Hopital Lumiere. They were quick to recognize that the conditions were far from ideal.  This benefit will help raise money for basic necessities such as light bulbs, clean drinking water and food for the patients.

UPDATE: The event was a smashing success! See below for photos of this festive day:

Daniel Island Club’s Executive Chef Highlights Fresh, Local Ingredients at the Charleston Wine & Food Festival

The BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival comes to town this weekend, showcasing the talents of the nation’s most celebrated chefs, culinary professionals and winemakers. Among them will be the Daniel Island Club‘s very own Chef Tyler Dudley, who will be featured in two festival favorites: “Wine Around the Garden” and the “Lowcountry Gospel Brunch.” Both events highlight local chefs using local ingredients. Chef Tyler is the only chef from a local private club participating in this prestigious, nationally-acclaimed festival.

“It’s a true honor to be asked to participate in the Charleston Wine and Food Festival,” said Chef Tyler.  “This is my third year as a guest chef and I really enjoy creating menus inspired by fresh, local ingredients.”

At “Wine Around the Garden” guests will visit the national landmark, Middleton Place Plantation, where they will be joined by four featured chefs who will each prepare a lunch menu paired with a specific winery.

Chef Tyler’s menu will feature smoked salmon rillettes with local green onion and a Charleston favorite – roulade of BBQ pulled pork complimented by spicy southern slaw and Carolina BBQ jus.

“The menu is definitely French, but inspired by southern ingredients, creating an interesting pairing for the wine provided by Chapel Down,” explains Chef Tyler.

Next up is the Lowcountry Gospel Brunch where guests will be served a three-course Lowcountry–style brunch while listening to the traditional sounds of a live gospel ensemble. Ten chefs will be participating and serving their Sunday best, including local favorites such as John Ondo from Lana Bar & Restaurant and Andrew Chadwick from the Woodlands Inn.

Chef Tyler will offer a lump crab and house smoked salmon cake with aged white cheddar grits as a first course, and a braised veal short rib hash with fingerling potatoes and tasso hollandaise for the second course.  The meal will finish with a buttermilk tart served with local berry compote and a mint anglaise.

“It’s all about using local ingredients that are popular in Lowcountry that will also appeal to guests that are not from this area,” said Chef Tyler. “I like to invent a menu that provides a creative sampling of the unique cuisine that Charleston has to offer.”

For more information about the BBT Charleston Wine and Food Festival, go to charlestonwineandfood.com

“Pork n’ Pearls” – Oysters and More for a Great Cause

During the winter months in Charleston, locals can typically be found enjoying their weekends at one of many oyster roasts being offered across the Lowcountry.  In particular, the annual Daniel Island Oyster Roast has become a popular event for residents and friends alike.  This year, Daniel Island will be offering an alternative twist to this tradition as it hosts the “Pork n’ Pearls” Pig & Oyster Roast. The menu will feature not only oysters, but roasted pork and chicken as well as an array of savory sides.  All proceeds of this scrumptious event will benefit Windwood Farm.

“Windwood Farm had previously been hosting the ‘Pork n’ Pearls’ as a fundraiser on their own at various locations,” says Barbara McLaughlin, Manager of Community Services for the Daniel Island Property Owners Association. “After discussing the opportunity with Kristin Power, Director of Development for Windwood Farm, I felt confident that this event would be a good match for our community. Based on the popularity of our previous annual oyster roasts, we should be able to help raise a lot of money for this outstanding non-profit organization.”

Hundreds of families and friends are expected at Pierce Park Pavilion on Saturday, February 26th from 3:00 – 6:00 pm for an afternoon filled with lively entertainment, great food and lots of camaraderie. This party — one part “swank” and the other part “down home” — will surely appeal to everyone’s appetite while helping out a great organization.  Get ready to shag to the sounds of the “Shem Creek Boogie Band,” which will be playing a variety of beach music, R & B and some good old rock and roll.  There will also be a kids’ zone featuring a climbing wall, jump castle and balloon artist.  Additionally, plenty of door prizes and drawings will take place throughout the afternoon.

“We hope that this event, while definitely being a wonderful social event, will serve to educate those who might not know about Windwood Farm and their services and needs,” said Barbara.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.windwoodfarm.org or by calling (843) 884-5342 ext. 225.  Or, stop by the Daniel Island Property Owner’s Association.  Cost is $30 for adults, $10 for children ages 4 – 17, and kids 3 and under are free.  Adult tickets include all food items and two drink tickets for beer and wine.

About Windwood Farm
Windwood Farm is a residential treatment center for boys ages 6-16 who require therapeutic intervention due to emotional or behavorial problems caused by abuse, neglect and/or family trauma.  This year, Windwood Farm celebrates 26 years of service to the community and is expanding its program to include out-patient services to reach more children and families than ever before.

Plans Underway for Springtime Events on Daniel Island and in Charleston

It’s still January, but spring is just around the corner and throughout the Lowcountry plans are being finalized for special events of all kinds. If you live here, there are lots of ways to get involved. If a visit to Charleston is in your future, be sure to check out our calendar of upcoming events when making your plans.

Here on Daniel Island, the folks at the Family Circle Tennis Center are now accepting applications for volunteers for the upcoming Family Circle Cup. More than 375 volunteer positions need to be filled for the April 2 – 10 event. Opportunities involve 18 areas, including guest services, the players lounge, transportation, the media center, information technology, the ticket office, ushers and more. Detailed volunteer information and official applications are available on-line at FamilyCircleCup.com.

Also on Daniel Island, the Property Owners Association is preparing for its popular annual oyster roast on February 26th at Pierce Park Pavilion. Roast pig and oysters will be on the menu at this year’s event, which is being called “Pork n’ Pearls.” The event will raise funds for Windwood Farm Homes for Children, a residential treatment center for abused and neglected boys. Advance tickets are being sold at a special price of $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-17 through February 1st. After that the advance price increases to $30/$10. Children three and under are free. Be sure to get your tickets soon by visiting windwoodfarm.org – the event is expected to be a sell-out!

Meanwhile, the Charleston Battery will kick their preparations for the 2011 USL Pro season into high gear when they host the Carolina Challenge Cup featuring Major League Soccer’s D.C. United, Chicago Fire and Toronto F.C. March 5-12 at Daniel Island’s Blackbaud Stadium. The Battery’s official season begins on April 9th with a match at home against the Charlotte Eagles. Click here for the complete schedule and ticket information.

That’s just a taste of what’s in the works here on Daniel Island. Click here for a complete calendar of springtime events throughout Charleston.

Charleston Restaurant Week Comes to Daniel Island

It’s time to put your New Year’s resolutions on hold: Charleston Restaurant Week is here! For nine days starting on January 14, more than 80 casual and fine dining establishments throughout the region – including three Daniel Island restaurants – are offering special three-course menus for just $20 or $30. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the outstanding world-class dining options located in Charleston without breaking the bank.

The three Daniel Island restaurants participating in Restaurant Week fall under the “Casual Dining” category, meaning you pay just $20 for their outstanding Restaurant Week menus. Here’s a look at what they’re planning:

Queen Anne’s Revenge
One of the island’s first restaurants, QAR has become a popular destination for visitors from around the southeast who come to sample the diverse and well-prepared items on the menu, as well as the restaurant’s extensive collection of authentic pirate artifacts and art.

“Restaurant week is a great way to get new and returning guests into the restaurant and to show off my talented chef’s skills at a time that is usually slower for our business,” says General Manager Lorraine Cedotal.

Highlights from the choices on QAR’s $20 Restaurant Week menu include jalapeno corn chowder, stone crab claws with pearl oyster hushpuppies, all-natural New York Strip, butternut squash risotto with prosciutto, chocolate mousse ice cream sandwich, apple strudel and more.

Vespa
Offering an atmosphere that is both cozy and lively, Vespa offers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza right here on Daniel Island, as well as a complete menu of appetizers, salads, pastas and entrees featuring fresh, local ingredients. The $20 menu offerings at Vespa will include mussels, a variety of salads, select pizzas and housemade Tiramisu.

Daniel Island Grill
Daniel Island’s favorite watering hole also offers a diverse menu of appetizers, snacks, entrees and more in its casual indoor and outdoor dining areas. For Restaurant Week, the DIG is highlighting some of the favorite items from its menu, including wings, nachos, spinach salad, Penne Ala Vodka, a Certified Angus Burger and a Three-Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake for dessert.

Hungry yet? Charleston Restaurant Week takes place Jan. 14-22. Click here for further information.

Next Page »