-          Thursday, May 16^th, Yappy Hour, James Island Count Park,: Bring your favorite furry friend and enjoy live music by Soul Fish Duo and libations, 4:00- 8:00pm. http://www.ccprc.com/index.aspx?NID=1181

-          Friday, May 17^th, Party at the Point, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Concert on the beach by The Blue Dogs with Adalya, music starts at 6:30 gates open at 5:30. *Cash Admission only http://charlestonpartyatthepoint.com/

-          Saturday, May 18^th, 2^nd Annual  Charleston Beer Garden, Brittlebank Park, 12-8pm. This German inspired beer garden will feature a line-up of craft brews, live music, free Beer School classes, and Beer Olympics games.  www.charlestonbeergarden.com

-          Thursday, May 23^rd, Run to Remember 5K, Mount Pleasant Pier, 6:30pm Start. Kick off the Memorial Day Weekend with an after work 5K road race. An award ceremony with light food and beverages will be held immediately afterward. *Online registration will end May 22. http://www.ccprc.com/index.aspx?NID=1666

-          All Summer long: FARMERS MARKETS! They are back. To find one closest to you and their hours visit here: http://agriculture.sc.gov/DisplayList.aspx?ContactListID=4

Try Pit Cru!

Pit Cru is the newest division of Cru Catering that focuses on all types of barbecue. Pit Cru specializes in Low Country favorites including whole pig roasts, pork, beef, turkey and chicken that is hickory-roasted for hours. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, company picnics, corporate events, weddings, graduations and any event in search of a laid back approach to affordable catering. Pit Cru also offers BBQ stations, oyster roasts, sandwiches, burgers, soups and more.

From full service catering to simple delivery we have your summer events covered!
View the entire Pit Cru Menu here: http://www.crucatering.com/about/family-of-cru/pit-cru/

Dairy-Free Diets: These diets contain either no dairy or use dairy substitutes such as soymilk, dairy-free cheese, almond milk, etc. Many people suffer from lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Even without an actual allergy some people feel better eating dairy free due to a natural lack of the enzyme lactase which digests lactose. *Eggs are not dairy.

Gluten-Free Diets: Growing widely in popularity these diets began for those with Celiac Disease- a chronic digestive disorder where individuals experience a toxic immune response when ingesting gluten. The disease is said to be strongly genetic and can cause a number of clinical symptoms, however even individuals with no symptoms can still be damaging their intestines.  Gluten is a protein found in grains (wheat, rye, barley). Even those without diagnosed Celiac Disease have vowed that eating gluten free has made them feel less bloated, have more energy and have a more balanced digestion.

Vegan Diets: Vegan requires dieters to avoid both animal and animal by-products (such as milk, cheese, honey) – think plant based eating. Most vegan diets contain a good amount of whole grains, dried beans, nuts, non-dairy milk, veggies and dried fruits. Although being vegan takes much control and planning many people feel a strong commitment to this lifestyle for personal beliefs and health reasons.

Vegetarian Diets: Vegetarian diets are centered more on fruits and vegetables and do not exclude animal by-products allowing for milk, cheese, etc. It is said that in general “vegetarians consume less saturated fats and cholesterol than people on an average American diet….as well as a reduced risk for chronic diseases.” – Whole Foods Market

Cru strives to serve fresh, local dishes each day, and we do our best to make each plate to order. We are happy to accommodate to each individuals dietary preferences and needs, and encourage a healthy lifestyle- whatever yours may be!

CHEERS!

With one of Cru Café’s main goals being to serve local and fresh cuisine you can only imagine how much we adore this event. Even the beverages will be local- served by Firefly Vodka and Grassroots Wine!

You can purchase tickets here: http://lowcountrylocalfirst.org/potluck
Learn more about Lowcountry Local First Here: http://lowcountrylocalfirst.org/

And don’t forget that April is EAT LOCAL MONTH! On your next outing try eating at one of the many local serving restaurants. You can even join in in the EAT LOCAL CHALLENGE! 

Led by Chef Robert Carter of Carter’s Kitchen, Chef’s Feast is a joint effort between the food bank and 30+ local celebrity chefs. These chefs create multiple signature dishes, sweet and savory, for the guests to enjoy. Beyond the delicious food was live music, a hosted bar as well as meet and greets with the chefs themselves.

All proceeds benefited two of the Lowcountry Food Bank’s childhood hunger programs- Kids Café and BackPack Buddies- both of which alleviate after-school and weekend hunger for local children. It is stated that one out of four Lowcountry children experiences hunger and this event is geared toward lowering those statistics year round. The event has raised over $1.5 million for our childhood hunger programs since its inception.

We are honored to continue to be a part of such an important event!

During these early months of spring you can count on yummy goods like arugula, asparagus, beets, bok choy, cabbage,  chard, carrots, collards, garlic, kale, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas & pea pods, radishes, spiniach, strawberries and turnips.

Once summer kicks into full gear you will start to see fresh basil, beans, blueberries, broccoli, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, edamame, eggplant, figs, grapes, melons, okra, peppers, plums & pluots, potatoes, tomatoes, watermelons and zucchini.

Due to our wonderful climate many fruits and veggies are available year round, the difference is which are being harvested fresh and which are being served from storage or imported. For freshly harvested, local, choices stick to this list and you will be eating fresh all season.

Want to eat fresh all year long? Check out this blog post from The Pioneer Woman about how to can foods and make jams. Great ways to preserve seasonal fruits and veggies for year long enjoyment!

Thai Seafood Risotto
Serves Four People

Making the Risotto

1ea Box Risotto (usually a one pound box)
1ea Whole White Onion Finely Diced
2 cups White Wine
1.25 qt Chicken Stock (this may very depending on the risotto)
1/4 cup Olive Oil

Over medium high, heat a large sauce pan. Add the oil to the hot pan and then the diced onions. Sauté the onions until translucent. Add the risotto and continue to sauté, STIRRING CONSTANTLY with a wooden spoon, until the risotto becomes slightly translucent. Add the White wine and continue stirring until the wine has been absorbed by the risotto. VERY IMPORTANT, Always stir your risotto to help bring out the natural starches and creamy consistency of the rice. Add the chicken stock one cup at a time continuing to stir. Always wait until the risotto has absorbed the stock before you add anymore. Continue this process until the rice is “el dente”(el dente = hard to tooth). Place the almost cooked risotto on a sheet tray and spread it out to cool down. Place in the refrigerator until cool.

Thai Risotto
Risotto – Enough for four servings

12ea Mussels
4ea U-10 Scallops
1lb Seafood (any very fresh seafood, Tuna, Grouper, Salmon etc.) Cut into ¼ inch cubes
8ea 21-26 Shrimp
1/4cup Olive Oil
1cup Chicken Stock (or fish stock, or shrimp stock, this can vary)
2T Chopped Shallots
1T Chopped Garlic
2T Coconut Milk
2T Soy Sauce
1ea Chopped Tomato (prefer Concasse)
1ea Julienne Red Pepper
1ea Julienne Poblano Pepper
1T Chiffonade Thai Basil
1/2t Fish Sauce
¼ cup Unsalted Butter
1/2t Chopped Thyme
1T Hot Sauce (or cayenne)

Heat over medium high heat a large sauté pan or a risotto sauté pan. Place all the seafood on a plate and season hourly with salt and pepper. Add the Olive Oil to the already hot sauté pan. Add the Shallots and Garlic and sauté until translucent. Add all your seafood and sear until half cooked. Remove the seafood from the pan and place on another plate. Add your Tomato, Julienne Peppers and Risotto to the pan. Stir in, with a wooden spoon ¼ cup of chicken stock. Always continue to stir the risotto. Then Slowly add the Coconut Milk, Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Hot Sauce and more Chicken Stock. Add the seafood continuing to stir. Last add the basil, Thyme and Butter continuing to stir. Add more stock if needed to create a creamy consistency. All this happens with a hot pan. The risotto should still be slightly “el dente”. Arrange the seafood around the risotto in four large bowls.

Here in Charleston we are lucky to have an abundance of seafood options right out our back door. Without going too far in the deep seas one can catch Red Drum, Trout, Flounder, Blue Fish, Spanish Mackerel, Blue Crabs, Stone Crabs, Oysters, Shrimp and more. If you’re daring enough to bare the deep oceans you can easily find Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Black Sea Bass, Snapper, Swordfish, Grouper and more.

The water temperature plays a very important role in the migration of the fish. Once the water is warmer, hence the warmer weather, you can start to see more seafood options on the menus of your favorite eateries including Cru Café.

Whenever possible we do our best to utilize local produce and protein. Eating and buying local is so important and seafood is a great avenue to do so!

Bring on the seafood Charleston!

*Fun Tip: While visiting Charleston set up a fishing charter for inshore or offshore excursions! The captain will provide you with everything you need to fish, including a license, and you can choose to catch and release or keep your fish to eat!

Pit Cru:  Pit Cru is the newest division of Cru Catering that focuses on all types of barbecue. Pit Cru specializes in Low Country favorites including whole pig roasts, pork, beef, turkey and chicken that is hickory-roasted for hours. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, company picnics, corporate events, weddings, graduations and any event in search of a laid back approach to affordable catering. Pit Cru also offers BBQ stations, oyster roasts, sandwiches, burgers, soups and more.

Cru On the Go: If you’re ready for a delicious step up from your ordinary box lunches, then Cru On the Go is for you. This corporate box lunch service provides a quality, healthy lunch served with an attractive presentation to impress clients, future employers, employees and more. With an order minimum of 10 people, Cru On the Go is perfect for medical professionals, schools, special events, real estate agents and more. 

Cru Catering: Voted Charleston’s #1 Caterer for 13 consecutive years by The Charleston City Paper readers, Cru Catering offers “Full Service Customized Catering” for events of all sizes. Also voted Charleston’s Best Caterer from The Knot Best Of Weddings, Cru utilizes a wide variety of culinary tastes fused with international cuisines to offer the freshest ingredients available. Cru Catering opened in 2000 and spearheaded the opening of one of Charleston’s best restaurants, Cru Café.

Cru Café: Already a staple in the Charleston food and beverage industry, Cru Café is Charleston’s home to some of the best gourmet comfort food in the Lowcountry. Cru Café is the culinary creation of renowned Le Cordon Bleu graduate, Chef John Zucker. Opened in 2002 in response to overwhelming demand, Cru Café is a culinary destination off the beaten path serving comfort daily in a classic 18th century Charleston single-style home.

For more details on the new Cru family of brands, visit www.crucatering.com and www.crucafe.com. 
Welcome to the family!

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Of course there is the food. Charleston cuisine is among some of the best in the south. Known for its southern style, Lowcountry cuisine Charleston has become a forefront for a city with a respectable restaurant scene recreating the historic menus of its past with a new fresh, local and energetic twist. While there are MANY amazing places to test your tasting skills we suggest hitting some of the hidden treasures on your next visit.

Of course we are a little biased, but we definitely recommend coming in to Cru Café  for lunch or dinner. Cru Café is a culinary destination off the beaten path in a classic 18th century Charleston single-style home. From our famous Four Cheese Macaroni to our tasty Thai Seafood Risotto, we feature something for everyone. Guests of the restaurant can enjoy daily specials, indoor and outdoor porch seating, a wine list tailored to the varied menu and rich, mouthwatering desserts. Cru Café is Charleston’s home to some of the best gourmet comfort food in the Lowcountry.

Want to check out some of the Deep South History? The plantations are amazing and can make for some great photo opps- Middleton Plantation and Boone Hall are known favorites. But if you want to veer off the beaten path head towards Wadamalaw Island and visit the Charleston Tea Plantation or the Irvin House Vineyards. Nothing says Charleston like the old Oaks shadowing the back roads of the Lowcountry, not to mention what are better souvenirs than some homegrown tea and Carolina Wine? And don’t forget to visit the historic Angel Oak while you’re out there. It’s said to be one of the oldest living things in the country pushing over 1500 years in age.

In addition to the major historic sites like Fort Sumter, Patriots Point and all the Cathedrals you can visit the original Charles Towne Landing in West Ashley and see the actual remains of the H.L. Hunley (submarine of the Confederate States of America) in North Charleston’s Park Circle area.

Charleston is filled with family fun including the Charleston Museum, Charleston Children’s Museum, and the Aquarium- looking for some new fun with the kids? Take a day trip to Cottageville, outside of Charleston, and visit Bee City Honeybee Farm and Petting Zoo. Fun for all ages and the gift shop sells amazing assortments of farm grown honey, including honey mustard which is among the favorites. Or you can take a day trip to Edisto Island and visit The Edisto Island Serpentarium for a day of creepy crawly fun.

Giving the time of year you can also spend the day at the beach or out on the water. Whether you’re jetskiing, parasailing, sailing, fishing or wakeboarding there are many great charter companies for all your water needs. Not a fan of deep sea fishing? Try your hand at some local inshore fishing. Season goes all year long and you can keep your fish for eating or catch and release! Fish include Red Drum, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Shark, Blue Fish and more.

Charleston night life is always a great scene whether you’re downtown on Market Street or watching a concert at the Windjammer. There is a multitude of theatres (Dock Street, Footlight, Playhouse) that always has great shows, not to mention the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center is continually booked with great acts. If you’re looking for a more intimate show check out the Music Farm or visit Theatre 99 for their live comedy performances.

Whenever you are visiting or looking for new things to do always check the local event calendars there is always something going on in this city! The City Paper is always a great place to look.