Mark your calendars
--On May 11, T.G.I. Friday's celebrates its new look with a benefit for Crisis Ministries from 5-8 p.m. at the restaurant's Mount Pleasant location.
--May 13 is Mother's Day, so make dinner reservations now.
--May 17-19 is the Annual Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, www.memphisinmay.org, and local pitmaster Jimmy Hagood and his Blackjack Cooking Team will compete.
--The Share Our Strength - Taste of the Nation event will take place at 4 p.m. May 20 at Lowndes Grove Plantation.
Grand opening
The Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant celebrates the opening of its newest location in Summerville on May 12.
At 11 a.m., the restaurant will have a balloon release followed by menu tastings and music provided by Island Trio. Sample Crab Dip, Grilled Shrimp Kabobs, Shrimp and Grits, Hush Puppies, Fried Creek Shrimp and Fish Stew with Corn Bread. Admission is free, and the party lasts until 4 p.m. The Noisy Oyster is at 9800 Dorchester Road in Summerville. For more information, call 821-1213 or see www.noisyoysterseafood.com.
Spring menu
Chef Drew Hedlund launches a new spring menu at Fleet Landing, 186 Concord St. Tempt your taste buds with Pan Seared Barramundi, Tuna Tartare, Grilled Mahi Soft Tacos, Fleet Landing Stuffed Hush Puppies, Fried Green Tomato Stack and Pimento Cheese Encrusted Rib Eye Steak. The bar menu has not been forgotten. Try the Bloody Mary Martini, Dark and Stormy rum, a ginger beer libation and more.
Chef on the move
Chris Brandt, chef de cuisine of the Ocean Room at The Sanctuary, will be leaving his post to become the executive chef of a yet-to-be-named restaurant.
The concept is Japanese-inspired and under the direction of chef David Bouley of New York City.
Brandt will travel to Japan, Spain and Manhattan to study and research for the new property. Brandt joined The Sanctuary in 2004 and has cooked at the prestigious James Beard House.
A search is under way for his successor. His last day of work was April 21.
Under construction
McCaffrey's Irish Pub and Restaurant plans to open in early May on Daniel Island.
Ed MacMillan and Kathleen McCaffrey MacMillan are creating an authentic Irish Pub as part of the Guinness Irish Pub Family. The location, 245 Seven Farms Drive, will be the first in South Carolina.
The building materials, decor and furnishings are imported from Ireland for a true authentic pub look.
Pub grub will feature Guinness Beef Crostini, Lamb's Stew and Shepherds Pie.
Jilda's
Jilda's Cafe at 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd has closed.
The property has been purchased by Michael Scognamiglio, who has served as a chef in the popular West Ashley Italian restaurant Al di La.
The new restaurant will be called Bacco and will feature regional Italian cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Chophouse closes
The Village Chophouse has closed and its location has been purchased by Creekside Restaurant Group LLC. The partners are Grant and Michael Naylor, Susan Cosgrove and Vincent Frazzitta.
The new restaurant is called Creekside Bar and Grill, and the chef is Gavin Mills, who has cooked at Carolina's and Peninsula Grill.
A late May opening is planned for this casual dining spot. Look for three dining rooms, two bars, a roof-top deck and 16 television screens for a little ESPN with the she-crab soup.
Cereal bar
Cereality Cereal Bar and Cafe, 401-B King St., will feature 30 branded cereals, 40 toppings, a milk bar, Slurreality-smoothies, Cereality Breakfast Bars and parfaits. Charleston resident Tom Guidera promises a house special granola in honor of his favorite cereal. There will be tables for dining and living room seating complete with flat-screen TVs broadcasting favorite cartoons. A late June opening is planned.
On the menu
The National Restaurant Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have partnered to provide the public with menu information in order to find healthy choices while dining out. The restaurants have paid a fee to be listed. Check it out at www.healthydiningfinder.com.
