Benefit for Raul's Seafood

"Buy Local," "Sustainability" and "Eat Fresh" are not just marketing buzzwords for the chefs of the Charleston culinary community. The forced closing of Raul's Seafood after 18 years of providing fresh, local seafood from Shem Creek was a shock. The community wants to support local purveyors, and the passion for this has led to the organization of an event as a way to not only say "Thank You" to Kimberly and Captain Bobby Carroll, but also to raise money to sustain them so they can continue to provide seafood.

On Aug. 22, from 5-8 p.m., upstairs at McCrady's in The Gallery Room, local chefs will be preparing delicacies for tasting. Some of Charleston's finest musicians will be playing and drinks will be flowing. There will be a raffle and silent auction with items donated by local businesses!

The price is cash only: $30 per person or $50 per couple, and tickets will be available the day of the event at the door. McCrady's is at 2 Unity Alley.

Contact MayaMorrill@yahoo.com

Updated Tristan

The folks at Tristan Restaurant, along with Chef Nate Whiting, opened their doors to a new look, updated menu and a more contemporary atmosphere. Think historic downtown marries modern, contemporary cooking. Whiting has kept tradition and brought it into the 21st century.

Tristan is at 10 Linguard St. www.tristandining.com. Also new to the restaurant is an enhanced loyalty rewards program, a redesigned website and plans for a series of special events for locals beginning later this year. Call 534-2155.

Farm to table

The Old Village Post House is hosting a Farm to Table Dinner on Aug. 25 to celebrate local farmers and products. Executive chef Frank Lee and chef de cuisine Jim Walker have created a four-course menu complete with wine pairings by Wine and Beverage Director Patrick Emerson that celebrates the area's bounty.

The hors d'oeuvres and wine reception begins at 6:30 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7 p.m. The price is $58 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 388-8935.The full menu is available online.

The Old Village Post House is at 101 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant. www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com.

Festival charity

Lowcountry Local First, a 501(c)3 organization that advocates the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community support for independent locally owned businesses and farmers, has been selected by the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival as the signature charity for 2011. As the signature charity, LLF will receive funding from the festival through fundraising initiatives, including donations, ticket sales and silent auctions at signature events during and before the festival weekend.

The festival's donation will be used to support LLF's Farm Fresh Food program, the long-range goal of LLF's Sustainable Agriculture Program Initiative. The Farm Fresh Food program serves as a catalyst for increasing the availability of local, sustainably produced products for chefs, grocers and consumers through an increase in the number of locally based farms and farmers; providing greater access to land suitable for agricultural production; integrating locally grown foods into area schools and institutions; and enhancing public awareness about the significance of supporting local farms.

Visit lowcountrylocalfirst.org.

Wine + Food web

Tired of pointing, clicking and finding "your" event is sold out? Frustrated because you do not know the visiting chef of a Dine Around? This year, the staff at the Wine + Food Festival has made it easier for you. The website will relaunch Aug. 30 at www.charlestonwineandfood.com, with the entire 2011 event schedule and guest lineup. The tickets go on sale online at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 2. Time for you to do your foodwork!

Brunch at BLU

After a summer siesta from the brunch bunch, BLU Restaurant and Bar has Blu with a View back on the menu. Brunch will be served 11 a.m.-2 p.m. beginning Aug. 22. The cost is $21.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 4-12. BLU is at One Center St., Folly Beach. 588-6464. www.FollyBeachHotel.net.

Hubee D's flies in

Dana Sinkler Jr. and partner John Ferguson have launched the debut of their first Hubee D's Tenders and Wings fast-casual restaurant at 975 Savannah Highway in the St. Andrews Shopping Center. On the menu? Fresh, never frozen wings, tenders, along with cornbread and house-cut fries. Homemade sauces and cold beer. They are open Monday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 546-0330. www.hubeeds.com. And Hubee is Ferguson's 1964 Studebaker truck and the unofficial mascot of Hubee D's.

Kirby's Cafe open

Kirby's Cafe at 106 W. Hudson St., Folly Beach, is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Free delivery for folks on Folly. 588-0015. www.kirbyscafe.com.

New hot spot

Caliente has opened on Savannah Highway approaching Red Top in the space once occupied by Charlestowne General Store. On the menu are favorite Tex-Mex staples done with the local touch. They are at 3669 Savannah Highway. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 766-4416. www.calientecharleston.com.

Black Bean Co.

The Black Bean Co., owned by Ellis Grossman, plans an early September opening at 116 Spring St. The Black Bean Co. will serve breakfast along with being vegan and vegetarian friendly. www.blackbeanco.com. 277-0990.

Euphoria 2010

Food, wine and music. It does not get much better. Check out the local talent who will be contributing at this annual Greenville event taking place Sept. 23-26. www.euphoriagreenville.com. On the menu? Mike Lata and Anthony Gray.

Twenty Six Divine

Enan and Jennifer Meintel Parezo, chef-owners of Twenty Six Divine, prepare an assortment of sweet and savory dishes to go. They also prepare a brunch for two for $30; serve a classic tea the second Saturday of every month from noon-3 p.m., along with a menu that is as they say "great sweets and eats." They are at 682 King St. 754-8899. www.twentysixdivine.com.