Biscuit Belly Opening in Downtown Summerville--Biscuits and A Lot More

The invitation on its cheery and colorful wall mural reads, "Sit a spell in Summerville." Summerville residents did exactly that on Saturday and Sunday at the soft opening of Biscuit Belly. It was all courtesy of the house as an introduction to their Southern menu filled with biscuits and a whole lot more.

Biscuit Belly is the inspiration of restauranteurs, Chad and Lauren Coulter, onetime pharmacists who met in college. Their first venture was growing a successful wine and tapas concept. However, one of their favorite pastimes was brunch. Thus, Biscuit Belly came into fruition. Everyone loves a good brunch menu, the perfect excuse to indulge in a Mimosa, which by the way, is on the menu. 

Of course, if you are going to open a restaurant, integral to its success is the chef. The Coulters enlisted the expertise of renowned Bluegrass executive chef, Tavis Rockwell. If you want to get to know more about Tavis, click on the following link, Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs. Tavis spent three months perfecting his famous biscuit recipe. He has one highly guarded secret, but he does reveal he uses cake flower in his mix, and the proof was in the biscuits served to Summerville residents on Saturday and Sunday.

For the Summerville soft opening, the Coulters were joined by the restaurant's manager, Cynthia Hesslewood, and Clint Umphrey, Vice President of Operations.  About the town, Clint said these nice words in an interview with Post and Courier, "We fell in love with Summerville's small-town Southern feel, which continues to draw more families every year." The Coulters believe "great food is a catalyst for community, giving people a chance to come together." It was good to see all the friends conversing and having fun.

If you are going to include Southern in your descriptions, hospitality is a must. The restaurant's motto is "expect a warm smile served with every order." Upon entering through Biscuit Belly's doors, I was greeted by the days maître d', Madelyn, who was very cordial and personable. She handed out menus and answered all questions with a smile. Upon arriving at the order counter, it was more smiles and a staff that was willing to answer any questions you had concerning the selections, which were abundant. Along with the menu, we were given a list of suggested insta-worthy dishes, from which I made my choices. You are given a number to put on your table, and a cup for your beverage, which you fill yourself at the beverage station. The staff is very conscientious about clearing what appears to be an abandoned table. If you get up from your table to converse with a friend, just be aware of that.

I chose Mamas Boy, which included spicy belly pickles, green fried tomatoes, buttermilk fried chicken breast, and roasted jalapeno pimento cheese sauce. I generally decline sauce, but this time I went with it. It was tasty and didn't overwhelm the other flavors it was paired with. The chicken was tender with a savory coating. For a side, I picked Home Fries. For a beverage, I went with the blood orange soda. What can you say about fries and drink? Well, a potato is potato, and a soda is a soda. However, fries, if not done right, can turn out to be somewhat soggy, but these fries were done perfectly. There was a lot of other tempting selections on the menu, which will require a return visit.

Biscuit Belly, when it comes to downtown Summerville, is at the ideal location--the corner of W Richardson and Short Central, next to the downtown parking garage. The restaurant's interior is cheerful, welcoming, and painted with bright colors. There is plenty of seating throughout. The back wall is covered with Biscuit Belly's very first blue shimmer wall with the town's name spread across from end to end and below, wall to wall comfort seating. The eatery is a great addition to Summerville's growing list of restaurants. Be sure to check it out when it opens February 4. I will be returning.

118 W Richardson Ave Suite 100

(843) 977-3008

Monday to Thursday, 7:30am-2pm

Friday and Saturday, 7:30am-3pm

A Bit of Bar Crawl History to Sip on During Summerville’s “Hold My Tea Bar Crawl”

Frothy Beard Off World

Why is it called a “bar crawl”? It sounds like people are moving from bar to bar on their hands and knees—an outrageous thought but not necessarily inconceivable. The same could be said about the term “bar hoping”. You are not literally hoping from bar to bar. The answer is quite simply, it is one of those nonsensical idioms we use to describe a night out patronizing local drinking holes whether planned or not.

Ironically, in this case, there is a sobering truth in this idiom. It is possible that crawling from bar to bar could happen if a person drank too much at one bar and found walking to the next to be a bit challenging, an embarrassing picture for the person, but since when are the intoxicated rational. Upon investigation, it turns out the term originated in the United Kingdom in 1645 or was it the 19th century? Leave it to the pub-loving Brits to come up with this thought provoking expression.

As one story tells, a group of hooligans led by Sir Geoffrey Toppenbottom decided to go out drinking one night and hit the local taverns. When it came to drinking ale, they were a hardy group of heavy-weights and drank the local tavern dry. Three villages and four taverns later, Sir Toppenbottom and his drinking mates forgot where they left their horses and managed to crawl their way home. From the experience, they coined the term “pub crawl”. After a few tall ones, you just might find this tall tale easier to swallow.

For a more believable story, we go to the Oxford English Dictionary. The 19th century was when British towns and cities exploded in size. As the towns grew, so did the number of public drinking houses, many in close proximity to one another. For a single night of fun and socializing with friends, patrons moved from pub to pub at a slow and steady pace as opposed to rushing. Thus, the term “crawl” became the descriptive for the event.

Five Flowers

Amaret-Tea

I am glad to report I did not see anyone crawling from drinking establishment to drinking establishment in Summerville for the Sweet Tea Festival’s “Hold My Tea Bar Crawl”, but I did observe local residents and visitors having a good time socializing and evaluating the bar’s cocktail entry so as to vote for their favorite. The winning bartender will receive the People’s Choice recognition after the conclusion of the event on Sunday.

There was one question I put to the competing bartenders as I went from bar to bar. By observation, and this is just my opinion, women tend to socialize and engage in local events in groups more than men, unless it has to do with a sporting event. I asked them, “Have there been more women participating in the bar crawl than men or visa versa?” The overwhelming consensus was, “It has been about even.” It was great to hear the bar crawl was being so well supported.

Sweet Tea Mojito

Bubbly Bee Tea

Flowertown Mojito

Summerville’s competing bars and restaurants are Hilton Garden Inn—Sweet Tea Mojito—Ashlee Circelli, Five Loaves Cafe—Flowertown Mojito—Kacie Bankers, The Azalea Bar and Garden—Five Flowers—Elizabeth Cureton, Frothy Beard Off World—InfiniTEA—Brennen Walters, Sweetwater One Twenty Three—Amaret-Tea—Chelsea Cronk, The IceHouse—Bubbly Bee Tea—Jeana Masula, and Godwin’s Beer Hall—Shepard’s Shandy—Austin Willard. All of the cocktails have been very good, and picture perfect. It will be a difficult decision in choosing my favorite, and my vote is just one. Summerville will decide.

Shepard’s Shandy

The “Hold My Tea Bar Crawl” has become a regular part of Sweet Tea Festival Week. It has been fun enjoying a quality cocktail made by local, talented bartenders and socializing with friends and making new acquaintances. Be sure to take it slow and easy and savor the moment, that is what it is all about. Added to that, you are supporting Summerville’s local businesses, and don’t forget the t-shirt you get after you succeed in filling out your bingo card.

Visit Summerville

Roll the Dice, Make a bet, It is One of Summerville's Distinctive Properties

It is a bit on the difficult side to believe quiet, peaceful, charming Summerville had a "red-light district" in its past. Back in the day, the eatery now known as the Montreux Bar and Grill was a boardinghouse and restaurant operated by a person by the name of Miss Lucia. It was said to have been part of "the red-light district." This would seem to be an apparent contradiction of order, especially when you consider during the time Confederate troops were stationed in the town, they were jailed for bad conduct towards resident females, and rightly so. Different times. Different decades.

On top of houses of ill repute, it also had a gambling casino that was associated with the illustrious Pine Forest Inn--something that would be considered illegal in South Carolina today. Unlike many other states, the state of South Carolina is by far the strictest state when it comes to gambling with no casinos in its major cities. The only legal gambling is on a casino cruise. There is one in Little River called The Big "M" Casino.

Summerville's once upon a time Pine Forest Inn casino was located at 100 Marion Avenue. It is difficult to find any substantial information about the casino itself, but there is great deal of detail available about the house it was located in, and its history is fascinating.

It is believed by residents to have been built somewhere between 1890 and 1900 by Thomas Hopkins and referred to as "Hopkins Villa." The Summerville Scene in April of 1975 called it "the cut-down house." The reason being the original house was built on columns five and a half feet off the ground. When Ralph Sullivan purchased it from Urban M. Kennedy in 1951, he lowered it to the height the present house is at, but he also did something else that would be considered a stunning feat. He moved the complete house from its original location, which was closer to the road, without disturbing the structure, interior, chimneys, and porches. On top of that, he turned it so the main entrance faced Marion Avenue, where it is today. That was some about face. However that was not the only about face it made.

Somewhere between its construction and the 1930's was its gambling days with the Pine Forest Inn. Hopkins left the property to a religious group called the Order of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in 1904, who lived there for a number of years but left the property and returned again in the 1930s. Whether it was a casino during that period of time or while Hopkins owned it before he left it to the religious group is a question to be answered with further research. Regardless, that was some about face from vices to virtue.

Today, 100 Marion Avenue is surrounded by white fences and tall bushes. You can get a tempting peek at its main, front entrance through a small gated-opening at the middle of the property. It is a distinctive estate with an arching driveway and expansive porches. It is a fascinating part of Summerville's grand history. Roll the dice, make a bet, it is a history that included what would be considered illegal today.

Visit Summerville

Summerville Dream

Low Country Public House--Another Welcome addition to Summerville's Restaurant Scene

The name is no surprise considering it is a renovated one-time house that has gone public, and you, the public, have been given an invitation to drop in. The relatively new eatery is fittingly called Low Country Public House. It has achieved the honorary privilege of becoming another name to be added to the growing list of restaurants now serving Summerville. It is classified as a pub-style diner with a full bar and private dining areas available to book for a special event. Its address is 1426 Central Ave.

Low Country Public House's promise is to introduce their customers to a fresh and exciting dining experience. Their passion is for excellent food, hospitality, and a promise for a strong commitment to quality and service. The best of local and seasonal ingredients will be offered with a menu that includes dishes that are both familiar and innovative including burgers, smoked wings, salads, brats, pork belly nachos to name just a few. Their chefs passions will be to create innovative and delicious dishes that showcase the flavors of the region. Their success at achieving all of that will depend on you, the public, who have the final word.

As we approached Low Country Public House's Central Avenue driveway, parked near its entrance was a huge food truck with the name Low Country Fish Camp painted on its sides. It was an obvious reminder the two eateries are affiliated, both owned and operator by the same proprietors, Ginny and Chris VanZile.

The newly renovated once-upon-a-time house had a fresh look to it with vertical rough-sawn planked siding covering its exterior and a stuccoed facade with its name and pine trees painted on it. Plenty of parking space was available towards its rear. We strolled passed a long, wood deck attached to its backside used for outdoor seating. A slated name plaque noting the year of its establishment, 2023, was displayed at its front entrance, a nice touch.

Once inside, the host asked our preference for seating. We opted to sit in the bar area, which included a well-stocked, small bar, one table setting, and a very inviting enclosed step-down space with comfort chairs, coffee table, and brick fireplace, already occupied, so we chose the table.

The bartender would be our server for the evening. She rattled off the evenings list of drink specials, which featured Pomegranate. My friend started with a glass of wine, and I chose one of the specials called Winston, which was a tall mix of Pomegranate, lemonade, and Knob Creek Whiskey--a tasty blend with a satisfying "kick". 

Prior to visiting, upon recommendations from a friend, I had already decided to try their French Onion Soup($10) and Fish and Chips($22), but after perusing the menu, I completely changed my coarse. I chose the Jalapeno Cheddar Brat with house made Chili, Cheese, Onions and Rosemary Fries for $14. My friend went with the Fish and Chips with Beer Battered Cod, Rosemary Fries, and Coleslaw.

I was thoroughly pleased with my choice. The chili was mild and the brat was cooked just right with a balance of onions. The Rosemary Fries had the right amount crispiness, at least, what I considered just right. I had read reviews where some patrons were not happy with the Rosemary Fries--overdone leaving no potato left--but that was definitely not my experience. I closed out our sitting with a Pomegranate Martini.

Our bartender/server proficiently juggled her dual task even though she was busy also serving patrons sitting at the bar. She was informative, attentive to our wants, removed used dishes, and took the time to share a few laughs. She was a good mixologist.

Low Country Public House has a relaxing atmosphere and pleasant surroundings. Being a former house, its dining space is split between several different rooms, each accented with varying wood stains and eclectic wall decorations. Each rooms color schemes compliment one another and the red leather booths in one of its main eating areas is a nice touch. The bar seating is a tad cramped, but if you are just waiting on a table, it will do. What was likely at one time the garage is now a step down room with a glass garage door. Enjoy the pictures, they tell the story nicely.

Monday and Sunday Closed

Tuesday - Thursday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Friday and Saturday 11:00 - 9:00 pm

Happy Hour Tuesday - Thursday 3 - 6 pm  Friday 3 - 5 pm

(843) 285-9999

More Summerville stories.

The Low Country Fish Camp in Summerville--An Orderly Chaos of Corrugated Steel and Weatherworn Wood with Great Seafood

My description reads exactly like its name. With a large, unpaved parking area, its outdoor spaces are
a mixture of corrugated steel and weatherworn wood slapped together into a kind of orderly chaos. Nostalgic tin signs and nautical buoys line outer fences that surround a choice between family size picnic tables and smaller ones for a more intimate sitting. Its main edifice is a simple, unassuming square building. While in other parts of the country, the name fish camp would designate a campsite for anglers, throughout much of the Carolinas, it refers to family-friendly seafood restaurants, and this portrayal is the Low Country Fish Camp in Summerville.

Low Country Fish Camp has morphed over the years to meet its ever increasing demands, but from the time it opened to now, it has been a popular favorite with locals. In its early days, it was just the simple square building with a simple sign in front and multicolored umbrellas on its outdoor patio. Today, the one-time graveled front is now a large roof-covered, outdoor patio with plenty of seating. Inside is a small bar and long tables with additional enclosed seating on its backside.

Low Country Fish Camp is advertised as a "laid back, rustic and eclectic restaurant and bar. The perfect place to relax, eat some great local fresh seafood, and enjoy an ice cold beer, glass of wine, or one of our specialty cocktails," and it is exactly that. No white table coverings and $14 cocktails are found here. The prices for everything are very reasonable with specials of the day listed on a chalk board located at the outside back entrance.

A couple of highly recommended appetizers are its shrimp and grits Camp Rolls with Tasso and pepper jack cheese ($15) and Gouda Mac and Cheese bites ($12). Among its platter offerings, Scallops ($25) and Flounder ($19) are local favorites, or lump them together with fried oysters and shrimp on its Fried Fisherman's Platter for $32. For dessert, there is its Pecan Pie with Bourbon Glaze and whip cream. As for cocktails, there is the Moscow Mule ($7) and Mexican Mule ($8) with Tequila instead of Vodka served in the recognizable copper cup.

It was a warm January evening. We were seated at one of the picnic tables under the roof-covered patio in the front. With plenty of space between you and other patrons, you really don't notice their chatter, but you do have to contend with the traffic noise of Central Avenue, especially if you are seated around rush hours with heavy pedaled drivers and boisterous exhaust pipes.

To open, we chose from the beer selections, Folly Juicy Pale Ale by Holy City. It was a good start. From the platters, we picked the Shrimp with the fried option. Each came with fries, hush puppies and mayo slaw. The platter had a generous portion of crispy shrimp done to perfection, the fries were golden crispy, and the hush puppies were firm and tasty. We passed on the desserts. Instead, we closed out the evening with a drink from their specials list. My friend chose the Chocolate Espresso Martini ($7), and since I am a big fan of Chai, I selected the Boozy Chai Latte with Spiced Rum, Chai, and Almond Milk served Hot or Cold ($8), which was smoooooooth.

Our server was a strapping, young gentleman, who was very accommodating, patient, and helpful. I did have to ask for a water, which was a slight oversight, and neglected to ask me if I wanted my Chai drink served hot or cold, but Low Country Fish Camp is a laid back kind of restaurant experience where the protocols of fine dining are understandably more relaxed--apologies automatically accepted. You are there more for the great food and eclectic atmosphere, not the niceties you would expect at High Cotton. It is more along the lines of Bowens Island Restaurant on Folly Creek, where it has a reputation similar to pluff mud, "Either you love it or you don't."

Low Country Fish Camp looks exactly like its name. The only thing missing is a body of salty water and fish guts. However, a really, really, delicious seafoody menu, it does. So, bring your family and friends to 903 Central Ave in Summerville to relax and enjoy some great fresh seafood along with a variety of liquid refreshers at reasonable prices, but leave your fishing rods and boat at home.

No reservations needed. 

Monday  CLOSED

Tuesday and Thursday, 11-8

Friday and Saturday, 11-9

Sunday, 11-3 

Happy Hour Tuesday – Friday, 3:00 – 6:00

More Summerville stories.

Charleston Restaurant Week Middleton Place Restaurant--3 for $50 Well Worth It

It was a January evening at Middleton Place. Upon passing the softly lit entrance gate off of pitch black 61, in the far distance, you could see the brightly lighted North Flanker. It was about all you could see at this point in the darkness of the sunless landscape until the peering lights of your vehicle discreetly fell upon the branches of the tall oaks lining the drive leading up to the parking. Upon exiting your vehicle, the trailing smoke of the flaming wick lamps showed the way to the welcoming lights of Middleton's restaurant. The occasion, Restaurant Week, and Middleton Place Restaurant was featuring a 3 for $50 menu.

We did not have a reservation, so our choices were to either wait an hour and a half for an 8 pm seating or take a seat in the intimate bar area. We obviously chose the later option, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The large open room was warmed by an inviting, crackling fire, and we took a seat well positioned to take advantage of this welcoming amenity. Patron's leaving would make a final stop to warm themselves by the fire. One patron mentioning how cold it was sitting by the big windows of Middleton's elegant dining room. Also, the only thing you could hear over your conversation was the popping of the blazing wood, unlike the loud chatter of the main seating area. Check the box of another unexpected plus.

Our friendly server, who was also the bartender, promptly placed the restaurant's large menus on the table with two glasses of water, a full set of silverware for whatever, and two small plates for bread. First consideration was obviously our choice of opening drinks. My friend perused the extensive wine menu and I had already predetermined my choice, a Manhattan. Our server asked me my choice of Bourbon, and I said Knob Creek. My Manhattan was made just the way I like it, with a substantial kick, assuring me I got my moneys worth.

Our server stated the specials for the night, but we were there to partake of the 3 for $50 menu, which offered you a choice between two first courses, three second courses, and two third courses. For the first course, my friend and I chose the She Crab Soup made with lump crab and Sherry. For the second course, I chose the Chicken Perloo with the locally, famous Carolina gold rice, Andouille, bacon, caramelized apple, and fried parsley. My friend picked the Braised Lamb Shank with Carolina gold rice, Middlins risotto, roasted carrots, and red wine lamb reduction--sauce. The third course we both chose Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream.

The bread was brought to the table and not long after the She Crab soup. We drank our drinks, buttered our bread, and conversed while we waited for the main course. The She Crab Soup was superb--a pleasant touch of Sherry and just the right flavor of crab, not overwhelming.

The main course arrived sizzling hot. Like the She Crab Soup, the different flavors in the rice dish was very balanced. The sausage and bacon did not dominate the hint of apple flavor and the texture of the rice had a soft crunch--enjoyable. The juicy chicken topped the rice and pulled apart easily. It was a satisfying portion for an entree. As to the Braised Lamb Shank, it was a first for my friend and she said she is now a fan of lamb. Finally, the Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream was just that. When I think back on it, I should have tried the Southern Pecan Pie with caramel and whipped cream.

I give high marks to our server and bartender, Lucy. She was attentive, conversational, and humorous. Finished plates were cleared, so the table was never cluttered, and water topped off. She made drink inquiries as needed. She also had the added task of keeping the fire cozy, which she handled diligently.

Middleton Place Restaurant is elegant and historical. A good choice for Charleston Restaurant Week. For a table in the main dining room, be sure to make a reservation. However, the bar area is a pleasant surprise on a cold, January evening.

Middleton Place Restaurant

4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC