Helen Mitternight

Charleston

If I look at you blankly, I'm probably mentally writing you into a scene. I believe in HEA but revel in the complications along the way.

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Articles

Transformation Table builds bridges to unify

2 weeks ago | charlestoncitypaper.com | Helen Mitternight

The “tamada” (left) — a term from the Republic of Georgia meaning “toast-master” — helps facilitate the Transformation Table conversation | Provided No matter your age, your color or your creed, you still have to eat. And when you face someone across a dinner table rather than across lines drawn by your differences, you might make a friend. That’s the premise behind Transformation Table, a series of dinners started by Tina L.
Pizza with a side of second chances

3 weeks ago | charlestoncitypaper.com | Helen Mitternight

Down North Pizza serves “Philly-style pizza” which Abdul-Hadi defines as square with a more hydrated dough | Photo sby Amurri Kinsey How do you like your pizza? Pepperoni? Extra cheese? In Philadelphia, Muhammad Abdul-Hadi serves pizza with a side of second chances. Abdul-Hadi, the founder of Down North Pizza, hires only those who have been incarcerated.
Fresh Catch

3 weeks ago | styleweekly.com | Helen Mitternight

Centrally located Richmond doesn’t really have a buy-off-the-boat community, but fortunately the city offers many ways to dip into seafood waters. From masked oyster shuckers to seasoned seafood industry vets, here’s who to visit when you need your fruits de mer fix.
Charleston chefs talk reality TV competitions

1 month ago | charlestoncitypaper.com | Helen Mitternight

Many foodies in Charleston are cheering every Thursday night for hometown chef Shuai Wang, owner of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ, who is currently competing on Bravo’s Top Chef. The competition is held in Toronto this year and, for those who have never seen it, a group of chefs competes in timed challenges, facing elimination each week for mistakes or dishes that don’t meet with the approval of a panel of celebrity judges.
Neighborhood Dining Group in Charleston has a new president

1 month ago | postandcourier.com | Helen Mitternight

A managerial change is coming to one of Charleston's preeminent restaurant groups. Kenny Lyons has taken over as president of Neighborhood Dining Group. But don’t mention the word “retirement” to founder David Howard. Howard launched the restaurant group in 2000. It has grown to include Husk, Delaney Oyster House, The James, Minero, and the newest, Marbled & Fin, in Charleston, as well as restaurants in Nashville, Savannah and Atlanta.
Charleston's restaurant workers combat growing struggles to find child care

1 month ago | postandcourier.com | Helen Mitternight

It’s a parent’s nightmare. You get the call to come pick up your sick child, but you have to work. The nightmare’s worse for those who don’t have a 9 to 5 job and can’t find emergency care during late-night shifts. “Typically, the business tends to be built for young people,” said Mike Lata, owner of FIG and The Ordinary and father to three sons, ages 3-13.
Wine tariffs have restaurants worried about profitability, future - Charleston City Paper

2 months ago | charlestoncitypaper.com | Helen Mitternight

Diners already complaining about “tip-flation” and inflation may be in for a shock if their favorite glass of cheap vino starts selling for the price of a rarified vintage. Meanwhile, restaurant owners and importers worry people may just stay home, which could ruin an already unstable wine industry.
Wine Tariff Woes - Style Weekly

2 months ago | styleweekly.com | Helen Mitternight

Restaurants, wine shops brace for potential tariffs on European wine.
Stanhope takes his cooking magic to Sullivan’s Island

Mar 27, 2025 | charlestoncitypaper.com | Helen Mitternight

Jason Stanhope file photo by Matthew Williams Credit: Matthew Williams There are several reasons why James Beard Award-winning chef Jason Stanhope is about to become a part-owner of Sullivan’s Seafood & Bar on Sullivan’s Island, but the one that’s not making headlines is the one that shows the magic of hospitality, he says.
Pastry chef Cardona plays with your food

Mar 25, 2025 | charlestoncitypaper.com | Helen Mitternight

Your mother may have told you not to play with your food, but Ashley Cardona never got that instruction. Her desserts are, in fact, playful winks to the ingredients she uses. Imagine a dinner themed to fast food. The dessert that Cardona created was a cute take on a miniature milkshake and fries. The fries were really apple fries. The milkshake was a vanilla bean semifreddo and even the straw and cup, which looked just like fast food Styrofoam, were edible white chocolate. The cherry on top?