Chef Brandon Carter has built a career highlighting the culinary contributions of others, namely the growers, fishers, harvesters and other local food purveyors who supply the larder at FARM in Bluffton. With a menu built solidly on the farm-to-table philosophy, he now finds himself in the spotlight.
Named a 2019 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, Carter is more than qualified to represent the state as a culinarian and supporter of local farming communities. The program, an initiative begun by former Gov. Nikki Haley, promotes South Carolina’s culinary heritage and local food culture through the selection of chefs, who spend the year making guest appearances and presenting cooking demonstrations and educational programs.
Vine, an intimate bistro in Coligny Plaza, now is owned by a French family. Chef Olivier specializes in Mediterranean flavors with a hint of Asian fusion. The décor is heavy on hardwoods and reminiscent of a speakeasy as diners eat by candlelight. Vine has been called “the most romantic place on Hilton Head Island.” Enjoy wine from around the world and specialty martinis as you dine on produce sourced from local farms, fresh catch of the day and recipes from Italy, France and other countries. Reservations strongly recommended. For more information call 843-686-3900.
Jamaica Joe’z has a new, bigger outdoor dining deck with ocean views, refurbished interior and weekly entertainment. Gator’z pizza opens for the season late May but you can dine in or take out nightly in CocoNutz. Be sure to stop by and see what’s happening at the busiest spot mid island!
Nonna Lucia, located in Bluffton near 46 and Bluffton Parkway, is recently under new ownership. Nonna Lucia is a family operated restaurant. Chef Julio, his wife Michelle along with their children Michaila and Bruno welcome you. Together they have created an atmosphere where guests become family.
Olive & Fig, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, opened its doors in Moss Creek this June at the former location of NEO. The menu has been carefully curated by owner and chef Munjid Yousif and will be incorporating many gluten free and vegetarian options to properly accommodate customers of all kinds. Yousif has 24 years of experience in the food industry, working in restaurants around the world, such as in Kuwait and Canada. He received his culinary degree from The Royal Academy of Arts in London, adding to his international culinary experiences.
Brothers Alfred and Volker Kettering pursued different career paths — Alfred is the seasoned chef and owner of Alfred’s, a popular Hilton Head Island restaurant, while Volker worked for a German corporation — but both have restaurants in their DNA. Their grandparents had a sizeable brauhaus and their parents also ran a restaurant in their hometown of Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend at the British Open Pub. Join them for authentic corned beef and cabbage, Irish lamb stew and Guiness on tap!
Chef Brandon Carter and the team from FARM will host an afternoon of food, drinks, music and fundraising on March 3. To raise money for the Southern Food Alliance, an organization that documents, studies and explores the diverse food cultures of the changing American South. Guests will enjoy oysters from Bluffton Oyster Company, as well as a variety of original dishes by chef Carter and other local and regional chefs. The oyster roast will take place from 4-7 p.m and tickets are $100 per person plus tax. The event will be held at a private home on the May River. For more information and tickets: 
The Juice Hive won first place at the Good Food Awards for its Magic Memory Ball. Each year, the national Good Food Awards honors those throughout the country who make food that is delicious, respectful of the environment and connected to communities and cultural traditions. Juice Hive’s owner and chef, Leslie Rohland, describes the Memory Ball as a snack that is both tasty and that may enhance mental function and improve memory. It’s made with organic fruits and nuts, as well as a variety of herbal infusions.
