Chew on This

Hall of Fame

Slightly North of Broad, 192 East Bay St., has been selected by Nations Restaurant News for the 2008 Fine Dining Hall of Fame.

It is one of only 11 restaurants in America to be inducted this year.

Nation's Restaurant News, the leading trade publication for the restaurant industry, recognizes exceptional fine dining in America through this annual Hall of Fame which was founded in 1980. Nominations are made by current Hall of Fame members and publication editors. Winners are selected by the publication's editors and publisher. Criteria for nomination include sustained excellence in food quality, service, ambiance, and leadership in training and motivating staff.

Owner Dick Elliott, Executive Chef Frank Lee and Vice President of Operations David Marconi will accept the award at an induction ceremony Sunday at the Chicago Ritz Carlton Hotel.

On the move

Chef Matt Bolus, the former sous chef at The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary on Kiawah returns to the Lowcountry to open Red Sky at Seabrook Island.

The restaurant is presently being renovated under the creative talents of Dan Sweeney (Oak Steakhouse, Mercato, and Ted's Butcherblock). An early summer opening is planned with a focus on local and seasonal food in an unpretentious atmosphere.

Boathouse honors

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet has received its second honor this year from the Sustainable Seafood Initiative.

In addition to being named "Partner of the Year" for 2007, the restaurant is now one of only three Platinum Partners.

This accolade rewards the restaurant's dedication to the promotion of the institute through educational dinners and special events. Additionally, the restaurant submitted its menu for review by the group. The menu review takes into account all seafood served at the restaurant, rating it on a scale of 0-5 (the higher number meaning more sustainable) to determine the restaurant's commitment to providing its customers with sustainable products.

The Boathouse scored a 4 out of 5, which qualified the restaurant for Platinum Partner status.

"The Boathouse at Breach Inlet has been one of our most dedicated and involved partners over the past few years. I am delighted to now be able to officially promote them as one of the best choices for an eco-conscious seafood consumer," said Megan Westmeyer, coordinator for the Sustainable Seafood Initiative.

Fuel

Justin Broome is planning to open his Caribbean-themed cantina, Fuel, later this month.

The menu will feature local, organic products and fresh-caught seafood. It will be located on the corner of Rutledge Avenue and Cannon Street in an abandoned gas station. It will feature the largest outdoor patio in downtown Charleston complete with an indoor/outdoor bar and a Bocce ball court.

Australian wines

Woodlands Resort & Inn will host its monthly "Wines of the World" wine tasting and pairing dinner on Tuesday.

Guests will taste a series of wines from some of the top Australian wineries. Australian wine enthusiasts will have an opportunity to enjoy a menu designed to compliment these premium wines. Executive Chef Tarver King will present a special dinner menu to pair with the wines.

The tasting begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the four-course pairing dinner at 7:30. The cost to attend is $88 per person, exclusive of tax.

Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 843-308-2115.

The event is held every third Tuesday of the month. The next "Wines of the World" tasting and dinner is June 17 and will feature "The Tour of Italy."

Visit www.woodlandsinn.com for more details on these events.