In keeping with Eater tradition, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. To kick it off in Charleston, Eater asked the group eight questions, ranging from the restaurants they frequent most to the biggest surprises of the year. Responses are in no particular order, and readers are encouraged to leave answers in the comments.
Q. What was the biggest dining surprise of 2018?
Hanna Raskin, Food writer and critic for the Post & Courier:
With fingers crossed: “Hurricane Umberto bypasses Charleston, closing out first storm season in years without mandatory evacuation order.”
Stephanie Burt, writer and founder of The Southern Fork:
That EO Brewing’s wings gave Home Team’s a run for their money. That’s not a huge reveal, but still worth noting.
Marion Sullivan, Food editor Charleston Magazine:
Will the presence of Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Boeing in North Charleston finally dial up the area’s dining game?
Robert Donovan, photographer and contributor to Eater Charleston:
Diners and drinkers realize CBD in everything might not have been the best idea.
Peg Moore, contributor and food critic for The Mercury:
I am optimistic that dining is moving in the direction of more elegance—away from industrial brutalism and toward civilized graciousness as in the ambience at Tradd’s.
Erin Perkins, editor Eater Charleston:
Pizza Pivots to ‘Clean Eating’ in 2019