Today is the start of Charleston Restaurant Week and runs through January 19th. Each year, the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, Inc (GCRA) brings the opportunity to enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of the Lowcountry as participating restaurants offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus consisting of three items for one price. Here are the restaurants and their specials…
Rick Reinert's View From 179 King, a 2nd Sunday Painting
2nd Sunday on King Street, one of Charleston’s notable shopping, dining and cultural events, continues April 10th and the Second Sunday of every month on one of the South’s most unique main street. From 1:00 – 5:00 PM King Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic from Queen north to Calhoun as businesses invite everyone to enjoy the best shopping, dining and services the region has to offer, on the sidewalks and in the street. This month, watch for a special demonstration by Eye Level Art, this month’s 2nd Sunday nonprofit, creator of art, music and film events in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough area. Tina Christophillis and other artists will create a large collaborative painting that will be for sale after the event. Peter Kiral and Charleston Virtuosi will provide music, followed by a special group of young musicians from Cario and Laing Middle School in Mt. Pleasant.
More details will be available at www.secondsundayonkingstreet.com, along with downloadable parking vouchers good for two hours of free parking in any City of Charleston parking 
garage.
Don’t forget Upper King. The street isn’t closed, but many restaurants and businesses are open and there are several parking garages where parking vouchers may be redeemed. Halls Chophouse, O-Ku, Closed for Business, Cupcake, Monza, Juanita Greenberg’s and The Swamp Fox will all be serving food and drinks to 2nd Sunday customers.
Showcasing emerging designers and regional retailers and models, Charleston Fashion Week® will be held on March 22-26th under the tents in Marion Square in Charleston, SC. This five night celebration will feature more than 30 runway shows, the Emerging Designer Competition: East, the Spring Bridal Show, and the Rock the Runway Model Competition. Named a Top 20 Event for March by the Southeast Tourism Society and accredited with launching the careers of numerous up-and-coming fashion designers, this true multimedia event presents high-end runway shows, interactive entertainment, chic after-parties, and press events. Charitable partners for 2011 include Center For Women and Lowcountry AIDS Services.
Photo provided by Charleston Fashion Week
Tuesday, March 22 – Friday, March 25 Style Lounge and Pre-Party 6PM, Runway Doors Open at 7PM, Runway Shows Begin at 7:30PM
Emerging Designers:
Tuesday: Marie Cordella, Van Hoang, Veritee Hill, Sarah Parrott
Wednesday: Stephanie Mejia, Mary Labberton, Anjelika Krishna, Cody Sai Adler- McAllister
Thursday: Eleanor Morgan Hoffman, Julie Wheat, Sasha Gil, Michael Wiernicki
Friday: La’Daska Powell, Thea Canlas, Isabel Crosby, Charlotte Hess
Featured Designer:
Tuesday: Barbara Beach, Jamie Lin Snider
Wednesday: Troubadour
Thursday: Hunter Dixon
Friday: April Johnston
Saturday, March 26 – Spring Bridal Show Presented by Gathering – floral + event design Doors Open at 10:30AM, Runway Shows Begin at 11:30AM, Complimentary Champagne Reception 10:30 – 11:30AM SIP Champagne Cocktails, SHOP the Bridal Accessory Lounge & SAMPLE sweet and savory treats
Featured Designer: Heidi Elnora
Photo provided by Charleston Fashion Week
Saturday, March 26 – Fashion Finale Style Lounge and Pre-Party 7PM, Runway Doors Open at 8PM 2011 Emerging Designers Finalist Collections, Rock The Runway Model Competition, Rock The Runway Model Comp Winner Announced and People’s Choice and Grand Prize winner announced Fashion Finale
Featured Designers: David Yoo & Larika Page 10:35pm All EDs On Stage and Winner Announced
Ticket pricing is below and can be purchased by clicking here.
-Runway Shows (Tuesday – Thursday): $45 daily GA; $75 daily VIP (Cash Bar)
-Runway Show (Friday): $55 GA; $85 VIP (Cash Bar)
-Spring Bridal Show (Saturday): $45 GA; $60
-VIP includes a complimentary champagne reception and Big Day bites (Cash Bar) Fashion Finale featuring the Emerging Designer Finalists plus Rock the Runway Model Competition: $55 GA; $95 VIP (Cash Bar)
-Weekly Pass Non-Reserved: $210, includes Tuesday – Friday shows & Fashion Finale VIP Weekly Pass: $325, includes Tuesday – Friday shows & Fashion Finale with a guaranteed reserved seat plus one free drink nightly
Charleston Fashion Week Official After Parties:
-Tues, March 22nd @ Torch Velvet Lounge & Social Restaurant & Wine Bar
-Wed, March 23rd @ NV Dance Lounge, Catch Two2 Secret Party with Mychael Knight
-Thurs, March 24th @ Music Farm & O-Ku
-Fri, March 25th @ Tivoli & Halls Chophouse
-Sat, March 26th @ “LUXE” The Official Charleston Fashion Week Finale Party
Photo provided by Heirloom Creative Photography for Charleston Fashion Week
Presenting sponsor of Charleston Fashion Week® 2011 is the Art Institute of Charleston. Other sponsors include Aloft Hotel, American Airlines, Baker Motor Company, Embassy Suites Historic, The Shops at Charleston Place Hotel, Francis Marion Hotel, gathering – floral + event design, Gentleman Jack, Grey Goose, Jaguar West Ashley of Baker Motor Company, Korbel, Little Black Dress, PDA Video, REEDS Jewelers, Snyder Event Rentals and Technical Event Company. Charleston Weddings Spring Bridal Show is presented by gathering – floral + event design. Other notable sponsors include The Knot, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, Grey Goose, Korbel, Snyder Bar and Technical Event Company.
For additional information about the event, schedules or to purchase schedules, visit www.charlestonmag.com/fashionweek.
Charleston Restaurant Week takes place on January 14th- 22nd at participating area restaurants. Guests can take advantage of special discounted menus from your favorite Charleston area restaurants. See all of the participating restaurants and menus below.
The event is presented by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association. For more information visit www.charlestonrestaurantweek.com.
A food and wine event like no other, the Charleston Food + Wine Festival provides the opportunity for guest to indulge in the unique flavors of the Lowcountry while tasting the epicurean delights of the country’s best chefs, authors and wine professionals. Learn about and get a taste of Southern cuisine and the Lowcountry’s unique food styles, heritage and recipes at various events and venues throughout the weekend.
Lowcountry Boil 