Chew on This

Brunch boom

Brunch, it's not just for Sundays anymore.

There has been an explosion in restaurants now serving brunch in general and Saturday brunch in particular. Here are some new players in the brunch bunch:

--Lil' Mama's Weekend Brunch 9 a.m.-2 p.m.(ish) at 106 W. Hudson Street, Folly Beach. 588-2212.

--Sunfire Grill and Bistro, 1090 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., now serving brunch from 11 a.m-3 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. 766-0223.

--Seel's Fish Camp, 2213-B Middle St., Sullivan's Island, has weekend brunch Friday-Sunday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 883-5030, www.seelsfishcamp.com.

--FUEL, 211 Rutledge Ave., offers brunch beginning at 11 a.m. Sundays. 737-5959.

--Coco's Sunday Brunch Buffet with $10 bottomless Mimosas runs from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The restaurant is at 863 Houston Northcutt Blvd. 881-4949, www.cocoscafe.net.

--Blu Restaurant and Bar, One Center St. on Folly, begins its Sunday brunch on Aug. 23 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 588-6658. www.blufollybeach.com

--Carolina's Restaurant, 10 Exchange St., began Sunday brunch service Aug. 16 serving from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Reservations are requested at 724-3800. They are offering a full Bloody Mary menu and $12 Bottomless Mimosas.

Open Sesame

Post and Courier retail reporter Warren Wise tells us that Joe Fischbein and Casey Glowacki plan to open a branch of their popular Sesame Burgers & Beer at Citadel Mall's food court. An Oct. 1 opening is in the plans.

Full court press

Citadel Mall's Food Court is seeing a new influx of eating options. Little Athens Gyros also has opened.

Sidewalk measure

Public comment voted in favor of a North Charleston ordinance that would allow sidewalk, cafe-style dining with alcohol sales in the Olde Village business district (Park Circle). The measure faces a second reading at a future date.

Coastal Bravas

Gilligan's Seafood restaurant menus have received a Gold Partner certification based on the sustainability of their seafood products. The Sustainable Seafood Initiative is a conservation program of the South Carolina Aquarium. The menu can be found at www.gilligans.net.

Crab Shack shuttered

The East Bay Crab Shack closed last week. The business has been sold and a new restaurant with new ownership will open on the site. Richard Stoney (Crew Carolina LLC) and Keith Jones (Southend Brewery and Smokehouse) are the reported buyers of the assets. Their new restaurant will be called Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar in homage to the fact that a portion of Cumberland Street was once called Amen Street.

Last call for artists

The 2010 Charleston Wine + Food Festival has issued its "last call" for submissions to its annual poster contest. With this being the fifth anniversary, hopes are high for an extraordinary poster. Submit yours today at www.charlestonmag.com. The deadline is Aug. 28.

Mark your calendars

Scrumptious Summerville, a kitchen tour in Summerville to benefit Children In Crisis, will take place Oct. 11. Information, sponsorship details and event information is available at www.scrumptioussummerville.com. The tour includes a sponsors gala, live and silent auction and then the tour itself on Sunday.