New West Ashley BBQ Place The Talk of the Town: Swig and Swine

Ok, so we live in the lowcountry and good barbecue is expected, right??!!  Although I am, admittedly, not the most qualified person to critique BBQ, coming from New England and eating mostly fish and vegetables, I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with Charleston's latest addition to BBQ, Swig & Swine.

Move over Home Team BBQ because there is a new place in town.... Located in the heart of West Ashley, on Savannah Highway, right next to The Glass Onion (another great restaurant!), the once car wash-renovated restaurant has a casual yet trendy feel to it, with the ability to turn it into an open air restaurant, of sorts, when the weather permits and also offers patio dining.

Chef/owner Anthony DiBernardo, formerly of Rita's Seaside Grille, has a smokin' spread of pulled pork, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, homemade sausage, smoked turkey and smoked pork belly.  And, how you want it served is up to you as many options are offered, from toppings for their large salads, to sandwiches to platters or in quart/pint to-go containers!  

For starters, we tried the smoked chicken wings which were plump and very juicy - these were definitely not your typical fried wings and definitely finger-lickin' good!

For our main entrees, I chose the mixed green salad with smoked turkey and my husband picked the 2-meat BBQ plate with smoked turkey, sausage, macaroni and cheese and coleslaw.  They also have table-side sauces that you can add yourself - mustard, Carolina Sweet, Alabama White and Vinegar - all equally different, yet delicious!  The portion sizes made our choices an excellent value and had plenty to take home and make 2 more meals.

They would have had to roll us into shopping carts and push us out to our car if we ordered dessert.  But, I have heard from friends that the pies are delicious!  

Swig & Swine is definitely a gem to add to Charleston's collection of culinary greats and we will definitely be back.  The only suggestion this flex-itarian can offer is perhaps putting a really cool fish or smoked vegetarian option for those who don't eat meat but love the atmosphere of cool restaurants.  

For details on this Charleston restaurant, go to http://swigandswinebbq.com/

Beautiful, Almost New, 4BR Home in Summeville's Cane Bay Plantation

Click here for details on this wonderful home:  

10 Reasons why you should buy this house located in the popular Cane Bay Plantation of Summerville!!! 1) Move in ready! Just bring your belongings. You would not be able to build this home at this price with this many upgrades and additions. Sellers took pride in ownership in this home and it shows. 2) Enter to find a tiled 2 story foyer and the tile does not stop there. You will also find tile flooring in the kitchen, laundry room, sunroom, and 3 bathrooms. 3) 42" cabinets in the kitchen makes room for all of your dinner ware, cooking supplies and more. 4) Stainless steel appliances (including refrigerator) so there is no need to worry about buying one. There is stone work added to the walls under the kitchen counter bar. 5) In the family room there is stone work from floor to ceiling on the fire place wall and above the gas fireplace the tv/cable wiring is already within the wall so just mount your big flat screen there and enjoy. 6) Just up the stairway is an open loft with railing overlooking the great room and sunroom that you could use as an office or library (whatever you like). 7) Window blinds for all windows through out the entire house. 8) There is overhead light fixture with ceiling fans in 4 bedrooms, sunroom, and great room (light & fan in great room has a remote control for easy access). 9) This home has tons of storage including flooring added in the attic space in the loft (just open the left door in the loft). 10) 4 ft. Garage extension with a side garage door leading to outside and a paved walkway leading from the side garage door to driveway along side of garage. That was 10 reasons but let me give you a few more. There is extra land owned by Centex Homes that runs between this property line and the neighbors (on the right side). It allows more space between the 2 properties. This buffer zone also has crepe myrtle trees planted which also gives some privacy on that side. This home still has 6 years left on its 10 year warranty and comes with additional American Home Shield Flex Plan Combo warranty. Talk about value!!! You will not find or be able to build a home like this one in Summerville on a lot like this one in Cane Bay Plantation. What are you waiting for!!! Come see it before its gone. 

Call me for more information!

www.yourcharlestonhousesearch.com

Do You Like to Run, Take Walks and are a Fan of Charleston's Pet Helpers?

I know I love to take walks on the beach with my dogs or race my husband on the Ravenel Bridge so when I heard about this fabulous and easy fundraising opportunity for Charleston's Pet Helpers, I had to pass on the word!  This is a GREAT opportunity to raise money for Charleston's local animal shelter in the easiest possible way! 

If you have a iPhone or Android, download the Wooftrax App today!   For every mile you walk/run, Wooftrax will donate one dollar to Pet Helpers. The best part? This applies to anyone, whether you have a canine companion or not! What a great way to help this local non-profit! So, please download the Wooftrax app today (and maybe even share this post if you feel so inclined?) and choose Pet Helpers as your shelter of choice. Anything you can do to get the word out there will benefit Charleston's furry friends over at Pet Helpers!   And, if you do not live in the area, no worries, you can help your participating local animal shelter as well. Just go to http://www.wooftrax.com/ for more information.

Thank you and have a fabulous Wednesday!

Gallery 72 Inaugural Art Show to be held in Downtown Charleston

Painting, "Nectar", by Artist Patrick Nevins

So, are you doing anything the evening of Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014?  If not, come on to downtown Charleston, at the Southend Brewery & Smokehouse for Gallery 72's inaugural art show, featuring 4 talented Charleston area artists, including close family friend, Patrick Nevins.  

To be held on the 3rd floor for the Brewery, from 5 pm - 9 pm, enjoy a beverage and some appetizers, live music by Charleston Throwback, and take advantage of this opportunity to get to know these up and coming artists, Tommy Fox, Jacquelyn Hiott, Patrick Nevins and Austin Grace Smith.  

I have known Patrick since moving to Charleston 4 years ago and he has become a member of our extended family.  As a fellow former New Englander, Patrick found himself in South Carolina after four years in the Marine Corps.  He fell in love with the area and enrolled at the College of Charleston where he graduated with a bachelors degree in Fine Arts.  Over the years Patrick has been refining his art and playing with different subject matter but always striving for realism.  Initially focused on the beauty of the female form, he has recently found a real interest in still life.  Patrick lives on Folly Beach and hopes to find a gallery to represent him.

For information on the other artists, visit Gallery 72's Facebook event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/354432411371007/357366527744262/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity

Hope to see you Wednesday at the Southend Brewery in downtown Charleston! 

Your One Stop Real Estate Source!

No need to jump around to multiple real estate websites and wonder how updated they are.  

Click here for your ONE Charleston Real Estate source:

Looking to buy or sell your home in the Charleston area?  Look no further!  Register for FREE and receive daily alerts on new homes and price changes - search at your leisure for photos, maps, information and more, and updated daily so no old information like other sites!

Areas include but limited to:

• Folly Beach   
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• Downtown Charleston
• Sullivans Island
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Mt Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Kiawah and Seabrook Islands
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek
• Hollywood
• Ravenel/Meggett
• Edisto Beach

www.yourcharlestonhousesearch.com

Desiree Maurer, Full Time Realtor

843-327-9010

Beautiful 11 Acre Country Estate Just Listed in Meggett

Click here for details on this beautiful home:

BEAUTIFUL Country Estate Nestled on 11 Acres in the Back of a Very Private Gated Community in Meggett ** Surrounded by Tidal Creeks, Marsh and Wildlife This Home is a Place to Relax with Unparalleled Peace and Tranquility ** The Estate has it's Own Fresh Water Pond with Fountain, Over 100 Oak Trees on the Acreage and a Causeway Crossing to a Very Secluded Wildlife Area Making it a True Nature and Bird Lover's Paradise! ** The Tidal Creek has Abundant Shrimp, Crabs, and Fish ** The Home Features Wrap-around Covered Porches as Well as a Rear Deck, Screened Porch and a Heated/Cooled Sunroom ** Plenty of Covered Parking for Cars, Boats, and Recreational Vehicles as well as a Potting Bench, Outside Shower and Large Workshop, which could also House a Vehicle ** On the First Floor, you'll Find Oak Hardwood Floors, an Eat-In Kitchen Open to the Family Room, Large Pantry, Laundry Room, Formal Dining Room, and Magnificent Great Room with Cathedral Ceilings, Built In Bookcases and a Two Sided Gas Fireplace ** The Master Suite is also Located on the First Floor and Features a Gas Fireplace, Door to the Deck, Master Bath with Large Shower, Jetted Tub and Dual Vanities ** On the Second Floor, You'll Find Two Additional Large Bedrooms, Plenty of Attic Storage and Full Bathroom ** There is an 1,100 Gallon Reverse Osmosis (well) Water System that Supplies all Water and a Large Septic Tank and Extra Large Underground Propane Gas Tank ** The Acreage Includes a Parcel Completely Surrounded by Marsh and Creeks that may Possibly be Sub-Divided ** Meggett Place is a Gated Community Offering Privacy and Quiet Country Living and Only 20 Minutes from Charleston ** There are Two Separate Tax Map Numbers Included in the Sale ** Local School is St. Pauls Academy ** 

Call me to schedule a showing today!

Desiree, Full Time Realtor

Keller Williams

843-327-9010

www.yourcharlestonhousesearch.com 

Spectacular Dunes West Home on Over Half Acre Just Listed for Sale

Click here for details on this beautiful home:  

Driving up to this stately Dunes West brick home, you are immediately greeted with a high-end and spacious feeling. The mature landscaping frames the home making for a natural established feel of old Charleston. 

As you walk through the inviting front door of this well-cared for family home, you are immediately greeted with it's grand entrance. The natural light in the 2-story foyer emphasizes the gorgeous catwalk in the upstairs hallway which overlooks the grand 2-story family room. Many upgrades were made to this home so it will be sure to impress - especially at this price. Hardwood floors adorn the first floor common areas including the hallway leading to the downstairs master suite. The foyer opens to the spacious dining room and office/playroom on each side. The dining room is complimented by a chair rail and a customized trey ceiling. The honey-maple kitchen has been upgraded with a gorgeous granite countertop on the island and stainless steel appliances. The vaulted cathedral breakfast room fits a large table and there are tons of kitchen cabinets for ample storage. The kitchen opens to the dramatic 2-story family room with custom built-in bookcases on either side of the woodburning fireplace. A dramatic cathedral vaulted sunroom is accessed from the main family room through two sets of beautiful french doors. This is the best spot in the home to enjoy that sunny Charleston day with all the light pouring in its many windows. Downstairs the master suite comes complete with vaulted trey ceilings, ceiling fan and a master bath with dual sinks, Jacuzzi jetted soaker tub, separate shower and two large walk-in closets. The 3 upstairs bedrooms are of good size. One of the bedrooms has access to it's own full bath and large walk-in closet. The other two bedrooms share a jack-n-jill bath. A truly custom feature of this home is the unique LOFT at the top of the stairs with built-in bookcases and desk. 

As you walk out into your backyard you are greeted by the large deck that overlooks a beautiful wooded large backyard - a true find in Mt. Pleasant, especially at this price point. The garage is just as neat and well-kept as the home with its epoxy flooring and multiple storage solutions. The expansive driveway is perfect for a game of basketball or riding scooters. Being situated across from the large custom homes on the water creates a luxurious backdrop and the wonderful salt air smells that make Charleston such a wonderful place to call home.  Dunes West is a premier gated golf community, located in a beautiful area of Mt Pleasant, with access to pools, tennis, a clubhouse, workout facilities, boat storage, a clubhouse restaurant, and walking trails. This home is more than just a house - it's a lifestyle! Come take a look for yourself!

Give me a call to view your new home!

Desiree Maurer, full time Realtor

843-327-9010

www.yourcharlestonhousesearch.com

New James Island Pub Offering Unique Variety of Food Options and Plenty of Craft Beers

Yes, Charleston is definitely becoming known for craft beer and has always been know for great food!  For you craft beer enthusiasts who are looking for something other than the normal pub food, check out the newly opened Big Belly Kitchen and Tap House, on Fort Johnson Road, James Island.

Big Belly serves up hand crafted sandwiches, tacos and a wide selection of craft beers, presently serving 24 different draft beers and plenty of bottled beer options as well.  The owners, who both owned food trucks, joined forces and have given the food menu a unique twist to pub food, offering Asian and lowcountry "fusions", from their appetizers to their sandwiches.

On our last visit to Big Belly this past weekend, my husband and I started off with the Beef Chilorio Quesadilla which was a nice variation from your typical Mexican ground beef quesadilla.  For our main meals, my husband had the Baja Shrimp Tacos and I had the Roasted Mushroom and Goat Cheese Sandwich.  Both were very good and mine was filling so ended up taking half of it home to enjoy the next day.

Guests next to us had the Pork Belly Gyro and KFC Banh Mi which is a Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich and raved about it.  Friends of ours who stopped in the day after us also raved about the Banh Mi so I think we will have to try it next time!

If you live on James Island, this is located in a great neighborhood community, by the James Island High School, so you could easily ride your bike that and the owners encourage that by offering bike racks.  Definitely worth stopping by after a day at Folly Beach or enjoy some craft beers and watch the featured game on tv.  For details, visit their Facebook page,  https://www.facebook.com/bigbellykitchen

WOOF WOOF, CHARLESTON IS THE TOP DOG!!

If you are a dog lover than Charleston is the place to live, according to Dog Fancy's readers and fans, as Charleston was just voted the Southeast's best city for dogs for 2014!  As a dog lover myself, I have always felt at home, no matter if with pup in tow or not, as you see dogs and their masters everywhere around Charleston.  Whether it is Lost Dog Cafe on Folly Beach, walking your dog at the beach, going to Yappy Hour at any of the Charleston County Dog Parks or the welcoming sign of dogs in outdoor seating throughout Charleston's popular eateries, Charleston definitely has a welcoming feel for dog lovers.

And, of course, we can't forget and are ever grateful for the endless efforts of the Charleston Animal Society, a no-kill facility that makes great strides in placing dogs and felines in fur-ever homes.
To learn more about this doggone awesome recognition, go to:  http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140710/PC16/140719900/1177/doggone-it-were-famous-charleston...