Chew on This

New for 'que

The Barbeque Joint has opened in Park Circle. The menu to date is chicken and pork, available by the platter or by the pound. The Joint is at 1083-A East Montague Ave., North Charleston. For more info, call 747-4567.

Name the baby

Carrabba's Italian Grill has asked for eaters/readers/drinkers to name the restaurant's newest addition: a baby super Tuscan wine.

The winner will receive a $1,500 epicurean package including a case of the wine, a holiday dinner for 12 at Carrabba's, and bragging rights.

For more information, visit www.carrabbas.com. And act quickly; "baby" needs a name by midnight tonight.

Chicks & roosters

Fat Hen chef Fred Neuville announces that Bruce Barley has joined the restaurant as general manager. Debbie Still has been promoted to director of operations and chef John Whisenant has been promoted to executive sous chef.

Block party hardy

Put this date on your calendar: Sept. 6. Then prepare to celebrate the neighborhoods of Elliotborough and Cannonborough on Bogard Street between St. Phillip and Coming streets. Visit www.229pies.com for more information. Sponsored by D'Alessandro's Pizza and Brindle Brothers, the block party aims for neighborhood fun and funds. 853-6337.

What a 'Deal'

Chef Aaron Deal's recipe for Manchester Quail With Bacon was selected at the Cleveland, Ohio's 2008 Food and Wine Celebration as "best dish." For his efforts, Chef Deal will travel to Spain and eat at the top restaurant in the world, the famed El Bulli, whose 35-course tasting menu is a marvel of both ingredients and high-tech techniques.

Moving on up

Mathew Brigham, sous chef at Laura Alberts Tasteful Options, has been promoted to executive chef. A Johnson & Wales graduate in the culinary arts, Brigham previously worked for the Club Corporation of America and the City Club of Rock Hill.

Bin reopened

Now you can rub elbows with chefs among the cabbages and cucumbers. The Vegetable Bin is back in business at East Bay and Society streets. For information, contact 723-6424.

Now available

If your culinary dreams include owning an Irish pub, McCaffrey's on Daniel Island is now available. Listed with Anchor Commercial Properties, this Guinness reproduction of an authentic Irish pub closed this winter. For info, check out www.anchorcommercial.com.

Fill up, enjoy life

Chef Caroline Jackson is on a mission: to help you eat in a healthy manner. Her company, FUEL, uses food designed to fuel your life using the ingredients, supermarkets and products you and your family enjoy. Whether weight loss is your goal, problems with food sensitivities or allergies or simply want to eat healthier, this flexible service might just be the culinary petrol that you need. Click www.eatfuelfood.com, for more info.

'Puzzled Palate'

Chefs Ken Vedrinski (Sienna and Trattoria Lucca), Shaun Doty (Shaun's, Atlanta), Wally Jo (KC'S, Atlanta) and James Beard Award-winner Celina Tio have joined forces to create "Puzzled Palate: Melding Flavors and Philanthropy." The event, which benefits children with autism, consists of a four-course dinner paired with wines. Mickey Bakst of Charleston Grill will be the master of ceremonies.

Doty's son has been diagnosed with autism and programs such as these provide the much-needed funding for autism research. This event will take place Aug. 17 with an opening reception at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. at Sienna Restaurant on Daniel Island.

Funds raised will go to Camp Good Times, a local charity that assists children with autism.

Tickets for the event are $125 per person (includes tax and gratuity) and are tax-deductible. Tickets can be purchased by calling Sienna at 881-8820.

Quite the pair

Chefs Sean Brock and Richard Blais (Bravo's Top Chef, Chicago contestant) bring their culinary skills together for a meal designed to excite. The menu is still a mystery. The cost is $100 per meal; $50 for wine pairings. The event will take place in the Long Room. For more info, visit www.mccradysrestaurant.com or call 577-0025.