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Why Greenville’s Food Trucks are Disappearing

Featured image source: Mykal McEldowney, Greenville News

Despite best efforts to market the city as a haven for food trucks, strict regulations in Greenville, SC are making it more and more difficult for entrepreneurs to keep their businesses going. This week, the Greenville News reported that new fire safety rules intended to make food trucks safer have “left some parked for good,” and that 22 out of Greenville’s 32 active food trucks are no longer able to operate in the city.

The new rules require food trucks to have “exhaust hoods, automatic fire-suppression systems, and other tools and systems in place” in order to pass annual fire inspections. The main issue with the new rules for Greenville truck drivers, according to the News, is not the equipment requirements, but rather the time crunch. According to one food truck owner, he only learned of the new fire-code rules from the city in late November, just a few weeks before the rules were set to take effect on the first of the new year.

The Greenville ordinance also requires all food trucks to operate in a limited number of designated public parking spots, and to be at least 250 feet from all brick-and-mortar restaurants, unless given approval to be closer. The News reports that that last restriction is a “notorious food-truck killer,” and has partially contributed to the recent decline.

Folks who want to hunt down the city’s remaining meals on wheels can use the food truck database Roaming Hunger to see bios, upcoming events and locations, and years of operation for Greenville food trucks. For some of the best out there, try The Gravy Train’s Thanksgiving-inspired poutine, Curry Leaf’s spicy Masala Chai tea, or Pink Mama’s Original Lavender White Chocolate ice cream.

Eat & Drink

Best Breweries South Carolina

From The Upstate To The Lowcountry These Are The Best Breweries Around South Carolina

The South Carolina craft beer industry has blown up, going from just a few breweries to more than 80 state-wide. But with so many choices now available, it can be tough to decide which ones are worth visiting. To help out, we’ve put together a list of the top establishments around South Carolina, from the Lowcountry to the upstate:

New South Brewing 

Known for their New South White Ale which is distributed around the state, this Myrtle Beach brewery has exploded in popularity over the past few years.

Hilton Head Brewing Company

The first brewery to come to Hilton Head Island, visitors can now grab a beer and some delicious BBQ from The Retired Pig 7 days a week.

Columbia Craft Brewing Company

Opened in 2017, the Columbia Craft Brewing Company has quickly become a favorite among visitors and residents alike.

Ciclops Cyderi & Brewery

The first of its kind in South Carolina, this Spartanburg cidery/brewery/taproom has only been around since 2015, but it’s already got a sizeable following in the Spartanburg/Greenville area.

Brewery 85

Located in Greenville, this spot is known for its awesome outdoor beer garden and great live music due to the “no covers” rule for the bands they host.

Seminar Brewing

Seminar Brewing, Florence’s first commercial brewery, features more than a dozen different recipes, a shaded beer garden, and sit-down dining space for 75 guests, with food provided by Downtown Southern Funk

Frothy Beard Brewing Company

With 20+ beers on tap and delicious Zombie Bob’s Pizza on location, Frothy Beard Brewing Company in Charleston is a great spot to check out if you find yourself in the holy city.

Let us know which one you’re most excited to visit!

Eat & Drink

Fall Southern Recipes South Carolina

5 Must-Try Southern Recipes This Fall

Featured Image Source: Spicy Southern Kitchen

South Carolinians love their southern comfort food all year long, but there’s no better time for comfort food than the fall. As the weather starts to cool down, the best way to end the day is a home-cooked southern meal. Whether you’re from the South or not, these southern fall dishes are guaranteed to be some of the greatest recipes you’ll try this season!

Autumn Country Captain Casserole

This casserole recipe adds butternut squash and other fall flavors for a delicious autumn twist on a southern staple. With chicken, tomatoes, garlic, curry and basmati rice, this recipe’s flavors will not disappoint. In a little over an hour, you can cook a meal that family and friends will be talking about all fall long!

Sweet Potato Soup

This rich, tasty soup offers a warm alternative to everyone’s favorite side dish. Mixing Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, cinnamon, and sweet potatoes it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly Fall day. Save this recipe because we promise, you’ll be making it more than once.

Bourbon Pecan Chicken

Any dish with both pecans and chicken in the name is a must-try. The juicy fried chicken is topped with a sweet and spicy sauce composed of bold, flavorful bourbon and crunchy, buttery pecans. This southern fall dish will give you all the flavors of classic comfort food.

Country Chowder

Made up of breakfast sausage, turnip greens, potatoes and corn, this chowder is pretty much a taste of the south in a bowl. This hearty chowder will meet all your needs for a meal in the crisp autumn air. In just 45 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a tasty southern chowder that’s even better the next day!

Cheesy Biscuit Topped Chicken Pot Pie

Who doesn’t love a one-dish, oven-cooked meal? Just the benefits of fewer dishes had us sold to try but the taste is what keeps us making this recipe. It’s cheese, it’s bread, it’s chicken – what’s not to love? You’ll never be able to go back to the old ways of making this dish.

Catch y’all later! Heading to the grocery store now.

Eat & Drink

This Year’s South Carolina Fall Festivals

Featured Image: Godwin Motors
October is here, bringing cool weather, all things pumpkin and, most importantly, the start of fall! Thankfully, the Palmetto State has plenty of different festivals every year to get you in the autumn mood. Here are just a few of the many fall festivals you can enjoy throughout South Carolina throughout the next two months!

South Carolina State Fair
When: October 9-20
Where: Columbia
This year’s 150th annual South Carolina State Fair will carry out the tradition of big names in entertainment, competitions, food, rides and exhibits. Held since 1869, you know this fall fair is doing things right to still be going on 150 years later!

Fall for Greenville
When: October 11-13
Where: Greenville
The Southeast’s most popular outdoor festival is put on every fall right in the Upstate. With over 200 menu items from 40 restaurants and 7 stages of live entertainment taking up 8 blocks of downtown Greenville, this event is definitely a fall favorite!

Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest
When: October 11-12
Where: Myrtle Beach
The 10th Annual Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest will include German foods and other items from over 60 vendors, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch and of course a beer garden! Don’t miss out on the Steinholding contest, relay contests or the eating contests.

South Carolina Sweet Potato Festival
When: October 12
Where: Darlington
Since 1983, Darlington’s public square fills up with all types of sweet potato dishes on the second Saturday of every October. From sweet potato pies to funnel cakes, this Autumn root makes for one of the greatest Fall festivals around!

Habersham Harvest Festival
When: October 19-20
Where: Beaufort
This street festival emphasizes all things local for a weekend of family fun in the Lowcountry. With local food vendors, fall crops and artisan crafts, this coastal festival will warm your heart in the cold fall weather!

Art & Music Funk Fest
When: November 2
Where: Myrtle Beach
During every hour of this craft beer and local art festival, a new limited beer is released for attendees to try. Come celebrate local arts and great drinks on the Grand Strand!

Hilton Head Oyster Festival
When: November 8
Where: Hilton Head Island
What better way to celebrate fall than with an oyster roast! This fall festival allows you to try all types of oysters from fried to stewed and enjoy live entertainment. The best part is, it’s all you can eat!

South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival
When: November 28-30
Where: Myrtle Beach
This year’s 50th Annual SC Bluegrass Festival will offer tons of bluegrass artists to celebrate this sweet southern music. Head to Myrtle Beach this Thanksgiving weekend for three days of fall fun, while relaxing to the sound of the best bluegrass musicians around.

Eat & Drink

Our Favorite Farm-to-Table Restaurants in South Carolina

It’s hard to beat Southern food, but it’s even harder to beat the fresh offerings of these farm-to-table restaurants.

Stono Market & Tomato Shed Café

Right outside of Charleston is a “real farmer’s market” serving up meals made from their own organic produce. Located one island over on Wadmalaw, their farm grows all of their produce along with preservative-free shrimp that they catch with their own trawlers.

The Flipside Café

Comfort food is Flipside’s specialty, focusing on locally inspired dishes for everyone to enjoy. Located in downtown Fort Mill, the Flipside Cafe does farm-to-table right.

The New Moon Café

The spot for local food in Aiken is the New Moon Cafe. Not only does it offer some of the best coffee roasted in-house, but the food is also made with the best ingredients the Southeast has to offer.

The Farmer’s Table

Bringing the local food movement to Spartanburg is the Farmer’s Table. Family owned and locally sourced, the Farmer’s Table offers the best sustainable and seasonable options.

Grits and Groceries

In the small town of Belton is a farm-to-table restaurant with big flavors. Grits and Groceries tailors their menu to the local produce available to them, creating a diverse menu year-round. Acclaimed by Gourmet and Southern Living, we saved the best for last on this list.

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Y’all want to eat here-oh mercy, you truly do. Two New Orleans trained chefs own Grits and Groceries, they grow their own vegetables and use a local dairy to offer you “real food done real well.” Besides, I just don’t know where else y’all will find deep fried deviled eggs?. (swipe to see menu photo2) Joe was pastry chef for Emeril Legasse in New Orleans and Heidi at the helm at Elizabeth’s. But these two Carolinians wanted to come home to raise their son, so what’s a big city chef to do? Find an old timey meeting spot on the hind end of nowhere and set up a kitchen, that’s what. Your GPSwill whirl and spin, so look at the road signs in 3) just past the 15 foot chicken in the parking lot. It’s at Saylor’s Crossing, you know, just three miles east of Ebenezer Crossing— giving y’all these location tips because I wouldn’t want y’all to miss out on Joe’s Homemade Sweet Corn ? Ice Cream 5). #southernroadtrip #southcarolina #gritsandgroceries #southernfoodways #southernfood #yallcome

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Eat & Drink

The Best Micro-Distilleries in South Carolina

Featured Image: attadrink

Just like craft breweries, micro-distilleries are popping up all over the Palmetto State. In 2017, the state legislature passed a law allowing distilleries to serve mixed drinks in their tasting rooms, letting patrons try a variety of products and pick their favorite to try in a cocktail. Check out our favorite micro-distilleries around the state!

Dark Corner Distillery

This downtown Greenville micro-distillery is quite popular amongst locals and visitors alike. Specializing in moonshine, gin and whiskey, Dark Corner is a great place to take a tour or try one of their unique tasting experiences the next time you’re in the Greenville-Spartanburg Area.

Hilton Head Distillery

If you’re in the mood for a drink while staying on or near Hilton Head Island, check out Dark Corner’s sister distillery, Hilton Head Distillery. Offering tours of the production facility, as well as several different tasting options and even a cozy lounge for non-drinkers, this is a great place to try if you’re looking for a fun distillery experience.

Firefly Distillery

Located 30 minutes outside of Charleston on Wadmalaw Island, Firefly Distillery is well known for its spirits including their Original Sweet Tea Vodka, the world’s first of its kind. Even though it’s off the beaten path, fans of distilleries will certainly feel it is worth the trip.

Charleston Distilling Company

Previously located in downtown Charleston on King Street, Charleston Distilling Company is relocating to James Island and is set to reopen in October. With a $4.2 million investment in a new 10,000-square-foot facility, this popular Charleston distillery is here to stay. Specializing in vodka, gin and rye, this is a great spot for those interested in tours, tastings, or just a good old fashioned cocktail.

 

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Free tasting tonight at Six Mile Wine and Spirits in West Ashley!

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Eat & Drink

The Best Places to Grab a Brew in Greenville

Featured Image: Draft Mag

With all of the breweries across South Carolina, it’s no surprise that Greenville has emerged as one of the top cities in not only the state but the country, for beer enthusiasts. With 16 breweries per 100,000 residents, it was recently named the 8th Best City in America for Beer Lovers by Apartmentguide.

The last half-decade has seen the craft beer scene take flight in South Carolina with the introduction of two laws. The 2013 “Pint Law,” allowing breweries to sell customers three times more beer than they previously could and the 2014 “Stone Law,” permitting breweries to serve food and sell bottles and cans on-site, have both allowed the craft beer industry to bloom in the Palmetto State.

Take a look at our favorite Greenville breweries:

Birds Fly South Ale Project

Named a “Brewery to Watch” by Draft Magazine, Birds Fly South Ale Project, has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy a cold one at their Hampton Avenue facility. They specialize in farmhouse ales and Saisons and have been consistently lauded as one of the best breweries in Greenville.

Quest Brewing Company

Quest’s mission is to produce unique and innovate beers that will leave a lasting impression on their customers. Even though it’s located just outside of the city on Airview Drive, Quest Brewery is well worth the trip, featuring year-round selections and seasonal brews in a fun atmosphere.

Thomas Creek Brewery

For a tried and true brewery experience, look no further than Thomas Creek Brewery, a mainstay of the craft beer scene on Piedmont Highway since 1998. Thomas Creek is defined by its wide variety, specialized tours, large outdoor patio and of course, great beer. 

Brewery 85

Located right off of I-85, Brewery 85 boasts year-round and seasonal hits that make it a local favorite. Combining Southern culture with traditional German brewing techniques, the Brewery 85 crew creates a beer unique to the Upstate.

The Eighth State Brewing Company

Featuring many of their own brews as well as collaborations with other breweries, Eighth State does craft beer right. Located on Augusta St., the taproom features a full bar that includes liquor and wine as well as a kitchen.

 

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Time Immemorial/Vega Release begins at noon. Check the previous bottle post for more details.

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Eat & Drink

The Growing Importance of Mariculture in South Carolina

Featured Image: Coastal Conservation League

Mariculture, or the cultivation of fish and marine life for food, is on the rise in the Lowcountry. Spearheaded by several oyster farmers who have set up shop between McClellanville and Bluffton, South Carolina, the dedication to mariculture has become increasingly important as the world’s population continues to grow and the demand for seafood quickly follows.

Advocates of oyster farming, and oyster farmers themselves, often talk about the economic and environmental benefits of mariculture. For example, oysters can filter an average of 50 gallons of water per day, helping clean the water in our rivers and oceans. Not only that, but the oyster beds also serve as a natural habitat for shrimp, fish and crabs, all of which are staples of the Lowcountry diet. Additionally, the sale of oysters generates more than $1 million in revenue and more than $100,000 in taxes in the Charleston area alone.

To help deal with the demand for oysters in the Lowcountry, the South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement Program (SCORE), which is run by the SC Department of Natural Resources, seeks to re-establish oyster beds in vulnerable areas of the coast using recycled oyster shells. Not only do these oyster beds help prevent the loss of habitats for marine animals like shrimp, fish and crabs, but they also provide a base for future oysters to grow, replenishing the availability of naturally-grown oysters.

Check out these leaders in the Mariculture industry:

In conclusion, the practice of raising fish or shellfish provides an alternative for harvesting wild seafood. Not only would this provide a more sustainable method for providing South Carolina its beloved seafood, but it could also create jobs for South Carolinians. All while helping keep our creeks, marshes and other intercoastal waters clean.