Monday, March 1, 2010

McKay To-Do List March 1, 2010 - March 7, 2010

With tons of events planned and warmer weather almost within reach, McKay welcomes March with open arms! Get the month started off right and indulge yourself in Charleston's ultimate culinary weekend. Tents are up in Marion Square for this weekend's 5th annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and other restaurants and chefs are following suit in preparation and celebration of their love for good food and wine. Check out which events we think are going to be be most worthwhile, and do yourself a favor and DON'T miss it! 


Monday 3.1
What?   SEA-renity Yoga
Where? Lower Ocean Gallery, South Carolina Aquarium
               100 Aquarium Wharf
When?  6:30pm-8:00pm
How?   Enjoy all the benefits of yoga while looking at the soothing scence of beautiful aquatic life. Classes are $10 and reservations are required. Call 843.577.FISH to reserve your spot.
What Else? Today in 1872, Ulysses S. Grant signed an Act of Dedication creating America's first National Park. Happy Birthday Yellowstone! Go Parks!


Tuesday 3.2
What?   Spring in the Lowcountry with Chris Hastings
Where? Charleston Cooks! 
                194 E. Bay St.
When?  6:30pm 
How?    Birmingham, AL native (and James Beard nominee) Chris Hastings, chef and co-owner of Hot & Hot Fish Club, visits Charleston to share recipes from his latest cookbook. His Birmingham restaurant is legendary and you won't want to miss this opportunity! $60


Wednesday 3.3
What?    A Taste of the South
Where? McCrady's
When?  6:00pm
How?   Top Chef stars Richard Blais and Eli Kirshtein join McCrady's Chef Sean Brock for an unpredictable gastronomic experience. Known for his food science and creative take, Chef Brock is also a 2010 James Beard - Southeast nominee. Be thinking frozen goat cheese and expect more of the unexpected. $125


Thursday 3.4
What?   Salute to Charleston Chefs: Charleston Wine + Food Festival Opening Night Party
Where? Main Tent, Marion Square
When?  7:00pm - 10:00pm
How?    Consider yourself lucky if you scored tickets in advance to this sold out event. More than 19 culinary stations and wine tastings from around the world, this is a Festival favorite of many!


Friday 3.5
What?   Beer School 
Where? Rue de Jean (upstairs)
                 7 John St. 
When?  12-1:30pm
How?    Miss the classroom, but not the library hours? Beer School is probably for you. Join Head Brewmaster of Anheuser-Busch and get educated about beer, the different varieties and proper cheese pairings. $45


Saturday 3.6
What?   Locals First Block Party
Where? Ted's Butcherblock
                 E. Bay St. 
When?  Noon-6:00pm
How?    Locals are invited to stop by and enjoy the best food and wine from local and regional purveyors and food specialists. There will be barbequed brisket from the Upstate Farmer’s Alliance, live local music by The Bushels, craft beer on tap, wine pourings, and artisan tastings throughout the day. $12/plate


Sunday 3.7
What?   Charleston Wine + Food Festival Culinary Village
Where? Marion Square
When?  1:00-4:00pm (also Friday & Saturday)
How?    The main event of the Festival, the Village offers visitors and locals a taste of Charleston fare, mixed with the most talented wine and food professionals in the country. From the celebrity demos, chef cook-offs, tastings and more, the Village is sure to give you what you're looking for. $55/pp

Monday, February 22, 2010

McKay To-Do List 2.22 - 2.28

Leave February with a BANG! Check out what's happening in Charleston this week:

Monday 1.22

What? Big Cab Wine Tasting
Where? Avondale Wine + Cheese
               813-B Savannah Highway
When? 5:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
How? Sample 6 California Cabernets for $10...What a deal!

Tuesday 1.23
What? Slow Food Reception and Dinner with Carlo Petrini, Founder of Slow Food
Where? Reception: McCrady's 
               2 Unity Alley
               Dinner: Cypress: A Lowcountry Grill
                167 East Bay Street
When? Reception: 4:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.
              Dinner: 6:00p.m.
How?  Reception: $10 Slow-food members; $15 non-members. Request a reservation here.

Wednesday 1.24
What? Women Making a Difference
Where? Rue de Jean
               39 John Street
               Charleston, SC
When? 5:30p - 7:30p
How? $10 for a wine and dessert tasting and opportunity to mingle with some of Charleston most influential women.

Thursday 1.25
When? 6:00p.m.
How? Tickets are sold out to the FIRST MMA fight in the Lowcountry! 

Friday 1.26

What? Charleston Wine + Food Festival Amuse Bouche benefitting Lowcountry Food Bank and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
Where? The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
                161 Calhoun Street
                Charleston, SC
When? 5:30p.m. - 8:00p.m.
How? RSVP by Wednesday. $20 at the door.

Saturday 1.27
What? Charleston Bewvival: Hosted by COAST Brewing Co. and Charleston Beer Exchange
Where? The Navy Yard at Noisette
                2nd Street North
                North Charleston, SC 29405
When? 12:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.
How? Buy your tickets in advance for $50; Or wait to get them at the door for $60. 




Monday, February 15, 2010

McKay To-Do List 2.15 - 2.21

We at McKay Freelance ALWAYS love suggestions about events and happenings in our community, so please feel free to email us! We look forward to hearing from you!


Monday 2.15
What: Presidents Day - Although the holiday is commonly referred to as "Presidents Day," it is technically named Washington's Birthday. 
Where: U.S.A
When: Although the holiday falls in accordance with Washington's birthday, it is not always celebrated on the actual date, February 22, but instead is celebrated on the third Monday in February.
Why: As the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen, Presidents Day was implemented by Congress in 1880.


Tuesday 2.16
What: Fat Tuesday on the Market
Where: Henry's
When: 4:00pm-until
Why: Get your beads and indulge in a night on the Market, starting at Henry's House.


Wednesday 2.17
What: Social Turns Three
Where: 188 E. Bay St.
When: 6:00-9:00p.m.
Why: The birthday party includes $3 drinks all night long and the ‘Best Of’ wine tasting, featuring Social’s most popular wines over the last three years. Entertainment provided by Spaced Invaders. $10/wine tasting.


Thursday 2.18
What: Renato Vacca Wine Dinner
Where: Wild Olive
              2867 Maybank Hwy.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Why: Chef Jacques Larson welcomes his friend, winemaker Renato Vacca to town for a special wine dinner featuring wines paired with five dishes that define and capture what Northern Italian cuisine is all about.$50 pp.


Friday 2.19
What: Red Hot Rebelettes Burlesque Show with DJ High Horse
Where: Redux Contemporary Art
              136 St. Phillip St. 
When: 9:00 p.m.-12:00a.m.
Why: "Witness eight bootylicious bombshells unleash 12 racy routines. The performance is a little bit theater, art, trash, sex, comedy, and glamour." -Charleston City Paper $10The McKay Team encourages you to think, "Why Not?!"  Add some spice to your Friday night.


Saturday 2.20
What: Charleston Oyster Roast hosted by the Palmetto Society and the Charitable Society of Charleston
Where: Visitor's Center Bus Shed
               31 Ann Street
               Charleston, SC
When: 7:00p.m. - 11:00p.m.
How: Listen to live music from Soul Function and enjoy beer, wine and local oysters while supporting non-profit organization, Carolina Autism. Purchase tickets in advance online.


Sunday 2.21
What: Mad Hatter Tea Party
Where: Omar Shrine Temple
              Mt. Pleasant, SC
When: 2:00-5:00pm
Why: Channel your favorite character for this Alice in Wonderland event, benefitting Lowcountry Orphan Relief. Plenty of entertainment for the whole family. $10 + one new book donation.

Monday, February 8, 2010

McKay To-Do List 2.8 - 2.14

Monday 2.8
What: John Mayer w. Michael Franti & Spearhead
Where: North Charleston Coliseum
When: 7:30 p.m.
How: Tickets ($66) still available and can be purchased here! John Mayer is kicking off his 10-week tour here in the lowcountry!


Wednesday 2.10
What: Swing at 103 Spring!  
Where: Eye Level Art
              103 Spring Street (Obvious, I know!)
When: 7:30 p.m. - Please arrive 15 minutes early
How: Bring a partner and learn the art of swing dancing for just $30 per couple. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve a spot in advance!


Thursday 2.11
What: Slow Food Wine & Chocolate Event 
Where: Ted's Butcherblock
              334 East Bay Street
When:  6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
How: Members $5, non-members $10 to enjoy wine pairings by Ted and delicious truffles by local artisan chocolatier-patissier. We're most excited about the bacon truffle...YUM!



Friday 2.12
What: Freshfields Art Walk and Wine Tasting
              130 Gardner's Circle
              John's Island, SC 29455
When: 5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
How: Enjoy art while strolling through the village admiring art in select boutiques and listening to music provided by The Cobblestone Duo. Participating stores include Carolina Girls, GDC Home, The Spot and PLENTY more!


Saturday 2.13
What: A Celebration of Nature - Southeastern Wildlife Expo
Where: Events and exhibits all over downtown, including Marion Square, Brittlebank Park, Gaillard Auditorium, Charleston Place Hotel, SC Aquarium, Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston County Library, Charleston Visitor's Center, Art Institute and more!
When: Friday, February 12 - Sunday, February 14
How: Check out the SEWE website to find events. Many of the exhibits are free of charge! If you find yourself at Marion Square, take a walk down King Street to check out the decorated store front and let us know your favorite!


Sunday 2. 14
What: Happy Valentine's Day!

Monday, February 1, 2010

McKay To- Do List 2.1.2010 - 2.7.2010

Hello February! Don't let the cold weather keep you inside, check out what's going on around town for this week!

Monday 2.1
What: Charleston Wine and Food Festival and Whole Foods - Winemaker of the Week
           John Bookwalter: Bookwalter Winery
Where: Oak Steakhouse
             17 Broad Street
              Charleston, SC
When:  5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
How: Enjoy a FREE wine tasting from Bookwalter Winetasting. Click here to read more about the winery.


Tuesday 2.2
What: Groundhog Day Benefit Concert - The Opposite of a Train & Guests
           Performing to raise money for programming at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
Where: Memminger Auditorium
            56 Beaufain Street
            Charleston, SC
When: 8:00p.m.
How:  For $10 (HI Members), $20 (non-members) you can rock out while supporting a good cause!


Wednesday 2.3
What: Wine to Water - Soiree Benefit
Where: Social Wine Bar
             188 East Bay Street
             Charleston, SC
When: 6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.
How: For $20, (that goes to a wonderful cause of course, providing sustainable, clean water to needy people around the world) enjoy an evening of wine and appetizers while looking at contributions from local artists, photographers, musicians and boutiques!


Thursday 2.4
What: Charlestonian Networking Event - Hosted by Charleston Delivers
Where: Aster Hall
            481-A King Street
           Charleston, SC
When: 5:30p.m. - 7:30p.m.
How: Free for members and only $10 for non-members. Open bar. Come out to Astor Hall to mix and mingle with other Charleston professionals. Details on an after-party to come!

Friday 2.5
What: Kick-off to the 20th Annual Blues Bash
Where: Gallery Row on Broad Street will host the official kick-off to the 12-day festival during their First Friday on Broad
When: 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
How: Click here for additional festival details!

Saturday 2.6
What: Save the Light Half-Marathon and 5K
Where: Folly Beach - Start and Finish Line at the pier
When: 8:30 a.m.
How: $40 half-marathon/$25 5K
           Run to support the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse

Sunday 2.7
What: Superbowl XLIV 
Where: Sun Life Stadium, South Florida
When: 6:30 p.m. Kick-off
How: Turn to CBS to watch the New Orleans Saints v. Indianapolis Colts

Monday, January 25, 2010

McKay's To-Do List 1.25.10 - 1.31.10

Happy Monday!
Hopefully some of these events will make this dreary day a little brighter! As always, please email any event ideas to us at mckayfreelance@gmail.com.

Monday 1.25
What? Nosh Mob Dinner
Where? Triangle Char Bar
              828 Savanah Hwy
              Charleston, SC 29407
When? 7p.m.
How? Join fellow foodies for a three-course meal for only $15!


Tuesday 1.26
What? Government Mule
Where? Music Farm
             32 Ann Street
              Charleston, SC 29403
When?  Doors Open at 8:00p.m.
How?  Show is Sold Out!


Wednesday 1.27
What? Fork + Brush: Fine Dining Inspired by Kevin E. Taylor
           In collaboration with Iverson Catering
Where? Eye Level Art
             103 Spring Street
             Charleston, SC 29403
When? 7:30p.m.
How? Tickets are $129 and can be purchased here. With only two days left, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. The dinner is limited to 30 reservations.

Thursday 1.28
What? Charleston Music Hall presents RENT
Where? Charleston Music Hall
             37 John Street
             Charleston, SC 29403
When?  Every Thursday - Sunday until February 14, 2010 8:00p.m.
How?   The Charlestonian is hosting a pre-party Rue de Jean 5:30 - 6:45. Tickets for the show are only $25 and can be purchased here.


Friday 1.29
What? Spoleto Festival's 30th annual auction: La Dolce Vita
Where? Memminger Auditorium
             56 Beaufain Street
             Charleston, SC 29401
When? 7:00p.m. silent auction begins. 8:30 p.m. live auction begins.
How? Enjoy a light, Russian-inspired meal, a silent and live auction and an evening of dancing. Tickets are $100. All proceeds go to Ginn Resorts Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra.


Saturday 1.30
What? Mardi Gras 2010
Where? Memminger Auditorium
             56 Beaufain Street
             Charleston, SC 29401
When? 5:30p.m. - 7:00p.m. Cocktail Hour with Heavy Hors d'Oeuvres
            7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. Presentation of the Court
            9:00p.m. - 12:00a.m. Dancing
How? Limited reservations available and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online here.


Sunday 1.31
What? Lowcounty Oyster Festival
Where? Boone Hall Plantation
When? 10:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.
How? Tickets purchased in advance are $10. Tickets $12 at the door.

Monday, January 18, 2010

McKay's To-Do List 1.18.2010 - 1.24.2010

January is more than half-way over! Check out what's going on in Charleston this week...

Monday 1.18
What? Charleston Wine + Food Festival and Whole Foods Market Winemaker of the Week - Guillermo Banfi
Where? Tristan
              55 South Market Street
              Charleston, SC 29401
When? 5p.m. - 7p.m.
How? Enjoy a selection of Argentinian wines...for free!

Tuesday
What? Back to work after a three-day weekend...we think that's good enough!

Wednesday 1.20
What? Kick-Off to the three-day-long 7th Annual Charleston Comedy Festival
Where? Theater 99, The American Theater, Charleston Ballet Theater, Music Farm, Trio Club, Eye Level Art, Charleston Pour House, Centre Pointe Bar & Grille
When? January 20, 2010 - Saturday, January 23, 2009
How? Ticket prices range from $5-$20. Visit http://charlestoncomedyfestival.com to purchase tickets and find out more information.

Thursday 1.21
Where? TBD
When? 7:30 p.m.
How? Buy your $5 ticket in advance. Location will be announced three days prior to the event.

Friday 1.22
What? Benefit for Haiti
Where? Both Yo Burrto Locations - Downtown and Mount Pleasant
When? 5p.m.
How? Come out to one of the Yo Burrito locations after work for a great cause. Enjoy live music, drinks and food while helping the devastation of Haiti.

Saturday 1.23
What? Charleston Oyster Roast hosted by the Palmetto Society and the Charitable Society of Charleston
Where? Visitor Center Bus Shed

              31 Ann Street
              Charleston, SC 29403
When? 7p.m. - 11.p.m.
How? Purchase tickets in advance here for $20, or at the door for $25

Sunday 1.24
What? "Dear John" Premier
Where?  Hippodrome
              360 Concord Street
              Charleston, SC 29401
When? 6p.m.
How? Tickets are $250 for the screening and after-party. Proceeds benefit autism treatments.