Chew on This

Chef Robert Carter of the Peninsula Grill has taken the first-place position in the CBS Saturday "Early Show" competition Chef on a Shoestring. Chefs shop, prep and prepare a meal for under $35. This Saturday, Carter took the first-place position with his menu of South Carolina eggs Benedict, creamed collard greens, shrimp and grits, FireFly Vodka "iced tea" and a 6-inch-round version of his famous coconut cake. So far, he has bested Paul Liebrandt (Corton) and Georges Mendes (Aldea). The competition continues ...

Finalist a frugal cook

Charleston native Brent Bennett, a student at the CIA in Hyde Park, N.Y., is a finalist the Regal Springs Tilapia Contest. Chef-to-be Bennett devised a tilapia cake recipe based on his taste memories of Carolina crab cakes. The contest required that the chefs devise a recipe that was creative and cost-conscious and could feed a family for under $15.

Harbor Wine Cruise

There will be a South African harbor cruise aboard the yacht Innisfail on Sept. 30 with hosts Rick Rubel and Chef Michelle Weaver of Charleston Grill. Joining them on this two-hour sunset cruise will be two of South Africa's most respected winemakers, Abrie Beeslaar and Stefan Gerber. Greg Perkins of Cape Classics will also be there. Weaver will create special tastings to accompany the wines. The cruise will last two hours. The cruise begins at 6 p.m. and will leave from the City Megadock. $150 per person. Call 577-4522 for reservations.

Whiting to Tristan

Executive Chef Nate Whiting has a new pleat in is his toque as he assumes command of the kitchens of Tristan Restaurant on October 19th. The former executive chef of The Dining Room at Woodlands replaces Aaron Deal who has accepted a position in Chicago.

ACF local certification

Ben A. Randow of Charleston earned the certified executive chef designation from the American Culinary Federation Inc. Randow is executive sous chef at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and a member of ACF Greater Charleston South Carolina Chapter.

Crave celebrates

Crave Kitchen and Cocktails at 1968 Riviera in the Shoppes at Seaside has expanded its outdoor patio seating, decked the umbrellas with sparkling white lights, added rocking chairs and will host a grand reopening Sept. 25. To help celebrate, Crave is offering a complimentary appetizer to outdoor diners who purchase two entrees during the weekend of Sept. 25. All diners must do is ask for their free rustic bread appetizer.

Join them Oct. 5 for a seven-course Food and Wine Dinner for $70 per person including tax, tip and wines. Reservations are required. This special event takes place at 6:30 p.m. Call 884-1177 or contact chris@cravemtp.com.

Sake to me at Cru Cafe

Cru Cafe will host a five-course sake dinner on Sept. 28. The cost is $75 per person. Cru Cafe is at 18 Pinckney St., Charleston, Call 534-2434 for reservations and menu information.

Tropical Asian

An Asian-inspired restaurant opened its doors in Mount Pleasant. Tropical Japanese-Asian Cuisine and Sushi Bar has opened in the space once occupied by the Pasta Grill. Tropical offers a lunch buffet for $6.99 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays; dinner 5-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Happy Hour is offered from 5-7 p.m. They are at 320 W. Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant.

How sweet it is!

Pastry chef M. Kelly Wilson has joined the staff at the Kiawah Island Club assuming her sweet duties for Cassique and the Tides as pastry chef. Formerly the pastry chef at Cypress Lowcountry Grille, Wilson begins her duties Oct. 1.

Oak's Sunday Supper

Oak Steakhouse Restaurant at 17 Broad St. returns to its Sunday Supper format. Chef Brett McKee and staff are offering a four-course menu for $35. Each Sunday, they will take your taste buds on a tour of another country. First stop, Italy! They are open from 5-10 p.m. Sundays. Call 722-4220 for reservations.

Wining at Tristan

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Women & Wine at Tristan. Every Thursday, Tristan will host a happy hour that will feature all wines and cheeses made by women Try three different wines made by three women for one price. Each week, Tristan will also feature a free wine tasting with a local wine company along with door prizes. Tristan is at 55 Market St. Visit www.tristandining.com.

Feed the Need

It's nearly October and here are some of the restaurants continuing in this not so great economy to share their time, talents and staff to meet the needs of those who hunger in the Holy City and beyond:

--Oct. 7: Tricounty Family Ministries will be served by The Sanctuary.

--Oct. 14: Neighborhood House will chow down compliments of Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

--Oct. 21: Meals on Wheels will be served by Fleet Landing.

Berryhill's brunch!

Ben Berryhill ' s Red Drum, 803 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant, is now serving "Texas Wants You" brunch, starting at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Items include Huevos Rancheros, Wood Grilled Quail, $10 bottomless mimosas and Frozen Bellinis. Call 849-0313.