What a formula! The East coast’s largest outdoor wine festival, a beautiful Island, sandy beaches and sunshine - this is one of those “It doesn’t get any better than this” kind of days. Continuing our road trip from Orlando to Charleston, SC we spent the weekend at Hilton Head, SC for the Hilton Head Wine Festival, Tasting and Auction held at Shelter Cove Park. When we got there we saw a never ending sea of white circus tents housing zillions of bottles of wine with their vintners and distributors all trying to impress us with their selection. And impress us they did. A great blues band was playing, wine was flowing, the sun was shining (although it was quite windy) and we got to try some really great wines.
Plungerhead? Now there is one we have to try to get things rolling. It was a Zinfandel from Lodi, CA and was great. With hundreds of wines and dozens of tents we felt the pressure to try and taste them all. We roamed from tent to tent like a couple of wine seeking vagabonds tasting as we go. During mid afternoon, we found ourselves taking a break and camping out at a large table with ten other wine lovers sipping from the vine and watching the people and crowds.
We also made a new friend that day. Pouring wine at one of the tents we met Jen Foulke who along with her sister own Stripes Restaurant - an American Grill. Angus and I did not have any dinner plans and thought - why not? So we wandered into her place later that evening. Stripes has been an island tradition for 18 years and it is well known to the locals. We walked inside and everyone one was quite cheery and friendly - I think it was either that Southern Hospitality you hear about or perhaps it was just an island thing - it was probably both! The first thing I noticed were the loaded wine racks right as you walk in. That’s a good sign. Then I saw the wine list which was quite impressive. (Of course I would notice this!) The menu made us both very indecisive. Everything sounded great - where do we begin. I know! With a glass of wine! I finally decided on the Petite Filet with a gorgonzola creamed custard on the side. Angus had the salmon that he said was one of the best he has had in quite a while. Being big veggie eaters (Mom would be proud) we also ordered a side of Asparagus. It was presented with a layer of shredded parmesan on top. Wow, I almost cried when I took the first bite it was sooooo good.
The locals know where Stripes is located and now you do to. Head down the main highway Rt. 278 and go to the traffic circle near the end of the island at the intersection of Rt. 278 and Pope Ave. It is located at 32 Office Park Road on the Southeast side of the big traffic circle.
Thanks Jen, it was quite a memorable dining experience.
Cheers!
Trixie
