You might like Ted's Butcherblock.

http://www.tedsbutcherblock.com/produ...

Have you tried going to Sun Ming and sweet-talking them? I can't imagine they don't know how to prepare it..but maybe they're not set up for it. Other than that I got nothin'. Sorry. Keep us posted.

..I know where I'm goin' .. Ted's Butcherblock for a small chili..

ted's chili
A hearty blend of housemade Italian sausage, beef, tomatoes, red kidney beans and a special mix of seasonings 8 oz-$4

(he does not hold back on the chili powder)

Likely the best 4 bucks you'll spend in Charleston.

Two of us walked into Peninsula Grill at 10:30 on a plain Tuesday evening a couple weeks ago...requested dessert..and were seated..ordered a piece of coconut cake and the banana panna cotta...the cake was heavenly..the panna cotta was transcendent..the portion of cake was quite generous..we finished it the next morning for breakfast..so my advice is have both..

Had lunch at Husk recently..ordered the fried chicken skins...truly decadent..with the added benefit of being fried on both sides ..without all that pesky protein..pretty much all you need for lunch..i'd order them again.

If I had one meal in Columbia it would be at Terra...make a reservation..request Donna as your server..let the valet park your car..enjoy..

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/658759

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/688692

Ever been to Cooper's? Worth a stop...they have Q but I prefer Scott's and McCabe's...

http://www.sciway.net/sc-photos/williamsburg-county/coopers-country-store.html

a nice blog post with pics:

http://wp.me/p2l4j8-lH

Got by there yesterday. I hope they're successful too. I tasted an off menu special pizza with pancetta and blueberries...mozz and a sprinkle of parma cheese...it was very good with a nice thin crispy crust that was slightly charred at the edges...

Chatted a bit with the co-owner...very personable fellow...said they were expanding into the adjoining space to add some seating for dining in and beer and wine offerings. So nice to see someone bring a superior product to the area. I'll be back...

Thanks for the tip SweetPea!

yes

Thanks SweetPea! Good to see you as well :) .I've got another tip for those going to Terra...ask for Donna to be your server. She's smart...informed...and soooo laid back...

i read ur original post...and skipped the responses....

i ate there many years ago...

it wasn't any better then..

i have no idea why this place is so highly regarded by some..

frankly....it's not very good...

Several things come to mind...first, the kickoff time has not been determined...it could be anywhere from around noon to somewhere around 7pm...keep watching for when game-time will be announced...

Hunter-Gatherer is located on campus. Parking and crowds will be two huge issues. Also, while I'm totally certain, I'm somewhat doubtful H-G takes reservations. Furthermore the clientele will be heavily scewed towards college aged folks very likely consuming copious amounts of beer...

If it were me I would do Terra. It's right across the river close to the Vista. They have valet parking, a very dedicated chef/owner committed to local fresh, seasonal and artisinal ingredients prepared with care, simply and in inventive ways.

It'll' be hard to find better. Especially for a birthday where you want things to go smoothly...

Anyway, that's my best advice.

And if you decide to try Terra call as soon as you can for a reservation. They'll fill up fast.

http://www.terrasc.com/

.

here's a link to a well established cooking school in columbia...

http://www.fleur-de-lys.us

Once you get to Surfside you might want to check out Lee's Farmers Market in Murrells Inlet. They have fresh local vegetables and lots of other interesting foods. It's not far from Surfside. Just a few minutes south on Hwy 17 Bypass...on the left as you travel south...on the northbound side of the highway. They close at 5pm.

http://www.leesfarmersmarket.com/

Scott's...good choice...all they have is BBQ and white bread..but hey, that's enough for them. Skip the chicken..get some pork rinds too if they have any. And get a little extra sauce on the side..and don't forget the white bread. Take out only.

Seewee is a very good option if you need something close to Charleston. And as the others have mentioned, Chive Blossom in Pawleys is an excellent choice. I'd make sure I had a reservation for Chive if going for dinner. Somehow I prefer it for lunch though...

For a decent breakfast in Myrtle Beach proper I'd suggest Croissants Bakery...3751 Grissom Parkway.

Thanks for the detailed report....guess i won't be breaking my neck to get over that way...ha..

See ya at Chive Blossom!

Yes, they certainly have...

Yes, what a great little restaurant that was. And I'm very happy to learn Tom is still with us. Thanks very much. You might mention to him he's still warmly regarded in the old neighborhood..and very much missed. :)

I haven't been but I guess I'll go the next time I'm over that way...

Anyone have any firsthand knowledge..?

Link to a story:

http://www.myrtlebeachrestaurantnews....

>15 or 20 from-scratch veggies like you can find at other area country buffets or restaurants.

mmm, any recs? (i know where to get the q...)

Toffino's Italian Bakery might be worth a try...

http://www.toffinos.com/gallery.html

They do indeed sell tres leches cakes in several sizes at the location you mention. Don't know the exact name either but to anyone interested in going it's very easy to find as all the shops are in a row and there aren't that many. It has a sign saying paneria, in large letters, above the store if memory serves.

I like this place.

http://www.aupieddecochonatlanta.com/

Emil is a great guy. I've been by his storage facility and chatted with him a few times. Very accomodating fellow.

Bacon and shoulder were my choices to start. Caw Caw Creek, what pork used to taste like.

Your limited exposure to SC Q is showing. There's some excellent vinegar based BBQ here. You just need to look for it. McCabe's in Manning. Scott's very near Hemingway. Moree's near Andrews. There's more around. But these are my favorites. As a matter of fact, Scott's was featured in the NY Times a year or so ago. Not that that means a helluva lot. But they were able to find some.

(not a reply to you, Sue)

i'd suggest a drive down to murrell's inlet. i buy seafood from these folks:

murrell's inlet seafood
4886 business hwy. 17
murrell's inlet, sc 29576
843.651.9309

located in the town of murrell's inlet, proper. others have their favorites. maybe they'll post as well.

if you drive down that way stop by lee's:

lee's farmer's market
4887 hiway 17 bypass N
murrell's inlet, sc 29576
843.651.7398

located on the bypass. prime beef, excellent imported cheeses, fresh local produce, some italian specialities, very nice people.

Antica Posta: Yes!

Terra. Just on the other side of the river. Close to the Vista. Valet parking. Not stuffy. Very good food. Nice wine list. Make reservations as soon as possible. Ask for Donna to serve you.

http://www.terrasc.com/

I wouldn't go anywhere near 5 Points after a game (or any weekend for that matter, all kids there).

The Gourmet Shoppe (http://thegourmetshop.net/) and Earth Fare are both quality recs. For another meat option you could try New York Butcher (tried to post their link but it wouldn't work, sry. I guess you can google it, New York Butcher, Columbia, SC). They are a franchise operation. A good idea is to get on their mailing list to see what the weekly specials are. They will be offering high quality fresh turkeys for the Thanksgiving and the holidays.

NY Butcher
4561 Hardscrabble Rd. 29229
803.233.6838