Experience Jesus and the power of his presence
Nondenominational Church in Charleston, SC
When making significant changes in your life, it's inevitable that both joys and challenges will arise. While it can be thrilling to embark on new adventures, such as starting a new job or moving to a new city, there may also be moments of isolation and regret. These moments can leave you feeling lonely and even depressed, especially when you have a lack of interpersonal communication or physical contact.
If you're like us, it's hard to imagine life without heartfelt hugs from family or deep conversations with your best friends. Unfortunately, moving to a new city or state may mean giving up those luxuries for a while. So, what should your next steps be? For many people, one of the first tasks to accomplish is finding a new place to meet people. But that's easier said than done, especially when you're trying to impress at a new job or feel like you don't belong in a new city like Mount Pleasant. You may be asking yourself questions like:
- Will locals accept me?
- Will I stick out like a sore thumb since I'm from a different state with a different accent?
- Is it even worth trying to go out when I don't know anybody?
- Is it normal to feel alone or even have feelings of depression now that I'm in a new city?
- Where can I go to meet new people where I won't be judged or cast aside?
If you're struggling to hit the ground running now that you're living in the Lowcountry, know that you're not alone. At Pavilion North Church, we know the challenges and fears you're facing. We see them every day. But there's Good News to celebrate: By putting your faith in God, you can rediscover the power of trust, patience, strength, and faith. And that's incredibly important, especially if you feel like life is pointless right now. Whether you're looking to worship at a new nondenominational church in Charleston, SC, or you simply need a warm, welcoming place to meet new people without judgment, Pavilion North is here to help.
Service Areas
The First Steps Toward a Fulfilling Life Starts at Pavilion North
Here at Pavilion North, we strive to be a place where the saving grace of Jesus Christ transforms lives. We do this by helping people grow in their relationship with God, achieve freedom, and fulfill their purpose in serving others. If you're new to the metro Charleston area, feel lonely in our city, or are looking for a friendly, fulfilling place to worship, our doors are open to you, no matter your background or beliefs.
When you boil it down to the basics, we believe that God established our nondenominational church in Charleston, SC, to be a place of refuge and salvation. In scripture, the word Pavilion is defined as a place where the presence of God dwells. In His presence, we can be transformed and find everything we need to live the abundant life Jesus came to give us. If you're thinking to yourself, "Sure, that sounds great, but I've never been religious and have never been to church," know that you and every person are welcome at Pavilion North. Our prayer is that every person that enters through our doors can experience the grace, power, and love of Jesus Christ in a new way.
We help spread that message by leaning on our values, which include:
Love
The greatest commandment is to Love God & Love People (Mark 12:30,31)
Prayer
My house shall be called a house of Prayer. (Luke 19:46)
Grace
We are saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8)
Faith
Faith is confidence in what we hope for. (Hebrews 11:1)
One feature that sets us apart from other churches in Charleston is the fact that we are nondenominational. If you're used to denominations like Baptists and Methodists or are unfamiliar with denominations in general, this phrase might be new to you. Let's dive a little deeper into what our nondenominational status means.
What is a Nondenominational Church in Charleston, SC?
Nondenominational churches are Christian churches that choose not to hold a connection to recognized denominations such as Lutheran, Presbyterian, Catholic, etc. Nondenominational churches do not follow the directives of larger denominational organizations and make their own decisions on various parts of church life. They emerged during the latter half of the 20th century, primarily in the United States, out of a desire for independence and a return to the biblical basics of Christianity. The reasons for their establishment vary, but many founders sought to separate themselves from the doctrinal and sometimes political affiliations of long-established denominational churches.
What are the Beliefs of Nondenominational Christians?
First things first: Every nondenominational church and church body will have a slightly different answer to this question. Generally speaking, however, nondenominational Christians believe that the Bible should be the ultimate authority when it comes to teaching, worship, and other aspects of church life.
Unlike denominational churches, nondenominational churches do not follow the exact beliefs set out by a larger organization. Instead, they rely on scripture to guide their beliefs and practices. Nondenominational churches are often led by members of the church congregation, reflecting a belief that a church is a community of believers rather than a hierarchy. They believe that doctrines formulated through interpretation and annotation of the scriptures are not necessary and can sometimes distract from God's word.
If you're interested in attending our nondenominational church in Charleston, SC, and are curious about what makes us different from other, more traditional churches, it would be our pleasure to sit with you and discuss our statement of beliefs. Simply visit our website or contact our office today to learn more.
Dealing with Loneliness in a New City
When it comes to loneliness, there are both good and bad ways of coping. Some folks choose to become workaholics, spending every waking hour dedicated to work, work, work. This self-defeating choice often results in waking up before the sun, working all day, and going to bed completely exhausted. While good for financial reasons, this method results in emotional and physical burnout.
Others focus on material items - they buy everything they can get their hands on because they mistakenly believe that more "things" will make them happy. Unfortunately, "things" do nothing to satisfy your desire for human connection and less loneliness. Would your "things" make you feel happy on an island where there's no human contact?
Others cheat on their partners, experiment with drugs and alcohol, or pitch pity parties for themselves, all to no avail. So what is the solution if you've been feeling lonely since moving to Mount Pleasant, SC? All we have to do is look to the Bible - and specifically Paul - for answers. In the Bible, Paul must confront loneliness head-on, and he does so in ways that are very applicable to modern situations like yours.
Use Your Time Positively
If you're feeling lonely, it's important to stay productive and make the most of your time. Don't allow loneliness to immobilize you. Instead, find a way to make the best of the situation. Remember the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Do whatever it takes to combat loneliness. Take a cue from Paul, who didn't allow himself to wallow in self-pity.
Despite being in prison, he asked for his coat and books so he could stay warm and use the time for writing and studing. This was a significant shift for Paul, who was an active church planter. Although he would have preferred to be preaching in the Colosseum, he recognized that God could use his loneliness for good. It's essential to take care of yourself when you're lonely, so don't neglect your personal needs. With the right mindset and approach, you can turn a negative situation into a positive one.
Minimize Feelings of Hurt
If you're feeling lonely, it's important to stay productive and make the most of your time. Don't allow loneliness to immobilize you. Instead, find a way to make the best of the situation. Remember the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Do whatever it takes to combat loneliness. Take a cue from Paul, who didn't allow himself to wallow in self-pity.
Despite being in prison, he asked for his coat and books so he could stay warm and use the time for writing and studing. This was a significant shift for Paul, who was an active church planter. Although he would have preferred to be preaching in the Colosseum, he recognized that God could use his loneliness for good. It's essential to take care of yourself when you're lonely, so don't neglect your personal needs. With the right mindset and approach, you can turn a negative situation into a positive one.
Know That God is Present
When dealing with loneliness, recognizing God's presence is a helpful approach. According to Paul, God provided him with strength and was with him always. Jesus also reassured his followers that they would never be alone. God himself promised to never leave nor forsake us.
David, who experienced loneliness himself, found comfort in his fellowship with God. He recognized that loneliness was an opportunity to grow closer to God. Instead of giving in to the temptation to do nothing, as Paul did, we should focus on making our time count by spending it in fellowship with God.
Remember, you can supplement your relationship with God and help combat loneliness by worshiping with others. If you're new to Mount Pleasant, our nondenominational church in Charleston, SC, will welcome you with open arms and with a heart full of joy. Simply being in the presence of positive, faithful people can have a huge impact on your mental health, regardless of how active or aloof you wish to be in church functions.
Be Empathetic
One effective way to cope with loneliness is by showing empathy toward the needs of others. Instead of being self-centered, shift your focus towards those around you who may also be feeling lonely. Consider reaching out and helping them in any way you can.
A great example of this is Paul, who dedicated his life to serving others and spreading the word of God. Despite facing loneliness towards the end of his life, he remained committed to his goal of helping people in need. As he once said, "The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it." (2 Timothy 4:17)
How to Find Happiness When You Feel Hopeless
At Pavilion North, we worship with many people who question the purpose of their existence and whether their actions hold any significance. With all the trials and tribulations in modern times, it's easy to forget that God designed a plan for us to experience growth and joy - to live by faith and, ultimately, to return to His presence. Despite the plan God has for them, many Americans feel less happy than ever - only 14% of people felt "very happy" in 2020, according to the University of Chicago.
Whether you're religious or not, if you're struggling to find meaning in your life, keep these tips in mind to help you find happiness.
Think of Life as Your Personal Journey
Life is often compared to a journey, and while it may sound cliché, this perspective can actually give us a sense of purpose in our everyday lives. A prime example is Mike Signorelli, who was once an atheist but later discovered religion and became the founding pastor of V1 Church, a thriving congregation in the New York City region. However, you don't have to undergo a religious conversion to experience a similar awakening. Simply shifting your mindset and approach to the world can lead to a meaningful journey of self-discovery.
Give Yourself a Small Weekly Goal
Set a small goal for yourself every week. It could be something as easy as 15 minutes of self-reflection or promising that you will visit a nondenominational church in Charleston, SC. No matter what goal you choose, continue to set them and acknowledge each accomplishment as a victory.
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Try Extracurricular Activities Where You Live
Whether it's a professional group, a Sunday school meetup outside church, a Bible study book club, or a neighborhood association, getting involved and meeting new people can add value to your life and create lasting connections. It doesn't matter what form it takes - the important thing is to build relationships and be an active member.
Emulate Those Who Inspire You
Find inspiration from mentors, famous individuals who you admire, or even an exceptional parent that you've noticed in a new neighborhood you live in. Observe the world from their perspective, absorb their experiences, and expand your self-awareness. At Pavilion North, we strive to emulate Jesus Christ and, through Him, positively affect others who may feel down, out, or like their life has no meaning.
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Discover the Pavilion North Difference
Looking for a church that brings people from diverse backgrounds together? Are you feeling lonely and need the compassion and support from fellow Christians? Do you feel lost on your journey in life and need help finding a new direction? A nondenominational church in Charleston, SC, may be for you. Without any denominational affiliation, you can worship and connect with others based solely on your love for Jesus. Nondenominational churches often have a strong sense of community involvement, making for a unique worship experience, and that's no different at Pavilion North in Mount Pleasant, SC.
Our church is proud to be multicultural, multi-generational, and open to worshiping with people from any and all denominational backgrounds, cultures, and nations. God does indeed work in mysterious ways - and if you're reading this sentence, this could be a sign that His plan for you is working. Contact us today to take the next step in your life toward happiness and fulfillment through fellowship and Christ.
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823-2081
Latest News in Charleston, SC
The 2024 Charleston Wine + Food Festival Returns With Elevated Bubbles and Bites
Asia Ewarthttps://vinepair.com/articles/the-2024-charleston-wine-food-festival/
Nearly two decades have passed since the first Charleston Wine + Food festival kicked off in South Carolina in 2005. Nineteen years and hundreds of popped bottles later, the 2024 iteration of the annual celebration, like the wine and spirits served to attendees every year, has only improved with age.The 2024 gathering will take place next spring from March 6 to 10, building on what made the 2023 fête the place to enjoy high-quality Lowcountry fare and introducing new and additional ways for guests to have their wine and...
Nearly two decades have passed since the first Charleston Wine + Food festival kicked off in South Carolina in 2005. Nineteen years and hundreds of popped bottles later, the 2024 iteration of the annual celebration, like the wine and spirits served to attendees every year, has only improved with age.
The 2024 gathering will take place next spring from March 6 to 10, building on what made the 2023 fête the place to enjoy high-quality Lowcountry fare and introducing new and additional ways for guests to have their wine and sip it, too.
Charleston Wine + Food was founded to shine a spotlight on the fact that the American South — specifically the Lowcountry of South Carolina — has a lot to offer in the realm of luxury dining and drinking experiences. The organization’s mission statement proudly boasts that the festival was created to “celebrate, educate, enrich, and promote the Lowcountry’s diverse culinary + hospitality community through world-class experiences.”
Though not every chef, sommelier, brewer, and winemaker who breaks bread at Charleston Wine + Food is a South Carolina native, the Lowcountry is dutifully represented, and the others appreciate the recognition the state has carved out for itself in the food and drink realm. That appreciation culminates in the festival’s Culinary Village, a creative playground of diverse flavors and community.
Located at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park, sitting pretty by the water’s edge, the Culinary Village invites guests to sip, savor, and play during the last three days of the festival (single-day and weekend tickets are available). Guests looking to wine and dine at the Culinary Village get to do so in style for four hours. They can indulge in cuisine from local chefs, have their pick of beers, wines, cocktails, and non-ABV beverages, dance along to a silent disco, shop the wares of local artists and authors, consider larger dishes for purchase, watch cooking competitions, and enjoy comedy sets on a demo stage.
And to keep the day hassle-free, getting to and from the Culinary Village is made easier thanks to a dedicated shuttle service, available for $35, between downtown and Riverfront Park. Outside the Culinary Village, festival attendees have their pick of Brunches + Lunches, Beverage Workshops, live music, and some new offerings that already promise 2024 will be the best festival yet.
For the first time since the festival’s inception, sobriety will play a key role in offerings to attendees. A dedicated zone for non-alcoholic drinks at the Culinary Village, dubbed the Zero Proof Garden, will be available for those who choose to pass on imbibing. The rise of mocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails at bars and restaurants has been substantial over the last few years, showing that alcohol isn’t the only way to have a great time at the festival.
For guests who do feel like imbibing, the return of the Rosé Garden will be a welcoming surprise. Not to forget the countless bars, tents, and dedicated beverage stations highlighting the top wine, spirits, and beverage talent from around the world.
For guests who want to live just a bit more lavishly, they can do so with the Culinary Village’s CV Pass, available not just as a single-day and weekend option but also as a Weekend PLUS+ option. Being a CV VIP gets you everything included in general admission, plus add-ons like one-hour early access to the Culinary Village, an exclusive lounge with food samples, a complimentary bar experience with mixologists, a complimentary round-trip shuttle from downtown Charleston, and more.
Between the Culinary Village, Bar Takeovers, Signature Dinners, and Brunches + Lunches, the number of wine offerings available has increased since last year’s festival.
Guests get to step into the shoes of a beverage expert during the 2024 Beverage Workshops, which will feature in-depth presentations like VinePair’s Gin from Around the World, The New Face of American Wine, and The Next Wave of Craft Whiskey.
Signature Events, next to the Culinary Village, remains one of Charleston Wine + Food’s most enticing offerings, allowing guests this year to indulge in Spanish tapas, wine, and sangria or to sip whiskey and kick back with BBQ done the Lowcountry way or slurp on freshly shucked oysters while also enjoying your favorite beer, wine, or spirit.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Charleston Wine + Food Festival. For more information, visit the festival website.
THE CITADEL 88, PFEIFFER 60
SFGATEhttps://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/the-citadel-88-pfeiffer-60-18535969.php
FGFTRebPFEIFFERMinM-AM-AO-TAPFPTSFulp170-00-00-0340Gaten152-60-01-3045D.Smith212-50-00-3134Beckwith...
| FG | FT | Reb | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFEIFFER | Min | M-A | M-A | O-T | A | PF | PTS |
| Fulp | 17 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Gaten | 15 | 2-6 | 0-0 | 1-3 | 0 | 4 | 5 |
| D.Smith | 21 | 2-5 | 0-0 | 0-3 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Beckwith | 26 | 5-12 | 2-3 | 0-3 | 0 | 2 | 13 |
| Robinson | 26 | 3-9 | 2-2 | 2-6 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Cunningham | 18 | 4-8 | 3-3 | 0-0 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| Hamilton | 13 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Black | 10 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Butler | 10 | 1-6 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Peacock | 10 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Matthews | 8 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Alfonse | 5 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Musick | 5 | 1-1 | 2-4 | 0-2 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Forrester-Jhagroo | 4 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 1-1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Keziah | 4 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Marion | 4 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| McNew | 4 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Totals | 200 | 22-59 | 10-16 | 4-23 | 13 | 23 | 60 |
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Percentages: FG .373, FT .625.
3-Point Goals: 6-21, .286 (Robinson 2-4, Cunningham 1-2, Keziah 1-2, Beckwith 1-3, Gaten 1-3, Black 0-1, D.Smith 0-1, Forrester-Jhagroo 0-1, Peacock 0-1, Butler 0-3).
Team Rebounds: 6. Team Turnovers: None.
Blocked Shots: 2 (Alfonse, Hamilton).
Turnovers: 17 (Cunningham 3, Fulp 3, Gaten 3, Robinson 3, Beckwith, D.Smith, Hamilton, McNew, Peacock).
Steals: 5 (Butler, Fulp, Gaten, Hamilton, Matthews).
Technical Fouls: None.
| FG | FT | Reb | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE CITADEL | Min | M-A | M-A | O-T | A | PF | PTS |
| Hill | 17 | 4-6 | 0-0 | 1-5 | 1 | 3 | 8 |
| Millora-Brown | 26 | 7-7 | 3-4 | 6-14 | 2 | 0 | 17 |
| Durr | 26 | 4-5 | 2-2 | 1-4 | 2 | 2 | 10 |
| Morgan | 24 | 2-5 | 2-2 | 0-5 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| A.Smith | 21 | 4-10 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| K.Davis | 18 | 4-9 | 1-2 | 3-4 | 3 | 2 | 11 |
| Moore | 15 | 1-5 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Pigram | 13 | 3-5 | 3-5 | 0-2 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Roberts | 11 | 0-4 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| McAllister | 9 | 0-0 | 3-4 | 1-1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Birkholz | 7 | 1-2 | 2-3 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Nielsen | 5 | 2-2 | 0-0 | 1-2 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Carpio | 4 | 0-0 | 4-4 | 1-1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Alexander | 2 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 200 | 32-60 | 21-27 | 14-41 | 10 | 16 | 88 |
Percentages: FG .533, FT .778.
3-Point Goals: 3-13, .231 (K.Davis 2-5, Morgan 1-2, A.Smith 0-1, Roberts 0-1, Moore 0-4).
Team Rebounds: 2. Team Turnovers: None.
Blocked Shots: 3 (Millora-Brown 2, Moore).
Turnovers: 14 (Hill 4, Durr 2, Millora-Brown 2, A.Smith, Alexander, Birkholz, Carpio, K.Davis, Pigram).
Steals: 9 (Hill 3, K.Davis 2, Pigram 2, A.Smith, Durr).
Technical Fouls: None.
| Pfeiffer | 21 | 39 | — | 60 |
| The Citadel | 43 | 45 | — | 88 |
A_1,377 (6,000).
Lowcountry-native and tennis champ Shelby Rogers ties the knot in her hometown
Bailey Wrighthttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/charleston-native-and-tennis-champ-shelby-rogers-ties-the-knot-with-lowcountry-wedding-south-carolina-sc-wciv-abc-news-4-john-slavik-charleston-open
Lowcountry-native and tennis champ Shelby Rogers returns home to tie the knot with John Slavik in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, in December of 2023. (Courtesy Chris & Cami Photography)CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — One of Lowcountry's own, Shelby Rogers, tied the knot with new husband John Slavik in her hometown this weekend!"Thank you to everyone that helped make our day so special. We are overcome with gratitude, love, joy, and excitement. The Lord is so good!" Rogers wrote in an ...
Lowcountry-native and tennis champ Shelby Rogers returns home to tie the knot with John Slavik in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, in December of 2023. (Courtesy Chris & Cami Photography)
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — One of Lowcountry's own, Shelby Rogers, tied the knot with new husband John Slavik in her hometown this weekend!
"Thank you to everyone that helped make our day so special. We are overcome with gratitude, love, joy, and excitement. The Lord is so good!" Rogers wrote in an Instagram post Sunday.
According to the Tennis Channel, the couple was married at Harborside East in Mount Pleasant.
Some of the biggest moments of the couple's love story have taken place in the Lowcountry.
Slavik proposed to Rogers at the Battery in April, while they were in town for the Credit One Charleston Open.
Photographer Chris Smith- who has photographed Rogers on the court for many years- was there to capture both significant moments.
He said as the official photographer of the Credit One Charleston Open, it's been an "absolute pleasure following Shelby's amazing career over the years."
Smith was honored when Slavik asked him to photograph his surprise proposal, and very impressed by the man's desire to ensure her proposal was as special as possible.
"I was blown away when they asked me to photograph their wedding! Having been there when Shelby said 'I Will' at John's proposal, it was even more special to be there when she said 'I Do' on their wedding day!!!" Smith said.
Credit One Charleston Open officials congratulated the couple on social media, saying they are "overjoyed" and sending love and best wishes.
"If you know Shelby, you know she’s cherished by many, and witnessing her journey on our green clay over the years - from ball kid to professional tennis player - has been incredibly special to our team," leaders said in a Facebook post Monday.
Sports icon Billie Jean King also congratulated the couple on Instagram.
Restaurant review: Beautiful South delivers an energetic presentation of Chinese fare
Robert F. Moss Special to The Post and Courierhttps://www.postandcourier.com/food/restaurant-review-beautiful-south-charleston-sc-chinese-food/article_a419cfac-905e-11ee-a461-b7e63847b256.html
You can spy the colorful orange and green neon signs in the Beautiful South window from way down the block. As you get closer, your nose is struck by the sharp, tempting aroma of wok oil, garlic and ginger, which puffs out over the street from discrete exhaust vents. For diners like me, that’s the most effective form of ...
You can spy the colorful orange and green neon signs in the Beautiful South window from way down the block. As you get closer, your nose is struck by the sharp, tempting aroma of wok oil, garlic and ginger, which puffs out over the street from discrete exhaust vents. For diners like me, that’s the most effective form of advertising, conjuring up olfactory memories of New York City and Hong Kong sidewalks.
But, as the name suggests, the restaurant is right here in the South — in downtown Charleston, in fact, on the newly remade block of Columbus Street between Meeting and King. The cuisine is inspired by a different South, though, that of Hong Kong and the southern regions of China.
Long, tender egg noodles ($23) are stir fried with local Tarvin shrimp (tails still on), sliced snow peas and just enough rich, slightly sweet XO sauce to give them a glossy sheen. Much sweeter is the thin pool of fish palm syrup that awaits beneath the Teochew-style oyster omelet ($15), an odd but pleasant contrast to the fluffy egg and the briny bursts of plump oysters tucked away inside.
Some of the simplest dishes are the most impressive. A tangle of splendid scallion oil noodles ($11) are unexpectedly cool but absolutely delicious, slick with a dark soy sauce and topped by a small pile of scallions cooked down to crisp, brown slivers.
Beautiful South is the second Charleston venture from David Schuttenberg and Tina Heath-Schuttenberg, the owners of Kwei Fei. Both restaurants draw inspiration from the cuisine of China, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
Kwei Fei is out on Maybank Highway in the small restaurant space adjoining the Pour House, Charleston’s long running music club. Beautiful South is downtown in a ground floor retail space in Courier Square, the gleaming new brick and glass headquarters of property developer Greystar.
Kwei Fei is decidedly funky, with sturdy wooden tables, yellow metal chairs and paper lanterns hanging from the black drop ceiling tiles. Beautiful South is sleeker and more upscale, with high ceilings, exposed concrete walls accented with shiny blue tile and a long, slightly curved bar with orange capped stools. In the two low-lit dining areas, the slim cylinder of a pendant lamp bathes each table in a circle of bright yellow light.
The food is very different, too. Kwei Fei’s offering is unapologetically “loud and hot.” There’s a little pepper icon next to each spicy menu item, and 19 of the 20 dishes have an icon (including the lone dessert). The plates at Beautiful South dial the Scoville units way down, but the flavors are still big and bold.
In addition to Hong Kong and southern Chinese specialties, there are upscale takes on now-traditional Chinese American restaurant fare. Among these is crab “Rangoon” ($15), with the Rangoon part in quotation marks. Perhaps that’s because the dish, which by all accounts originated in the Trader Vic’s tiki bar chain, never came within 5,000 miles of Rangoon (now Yangon, Myanmar).
Or it could be because Beautiful South’s version is thoroughly deconstructed, with the gooey white crab in its own bowl and the wontons fried separately and served like tortilla chips for dipping. Such a luxurious blend is much better served cool and pristine on the side instead of stuffed inside a wonton and curdled by deep fryer heat.
Frank Lee did not want Slightly North of Broad to be pigeonholed when he opened the East Bay Street restaurant with Dick Elliott and David Marconi in December 1993.
In one of Charleston’s first prominent open kitchens, Lee and a team of chefs — most 20 years his junior — would butcher meat, roast bones to make stocks and craft everything from grilled pizza to tamales. Lunch and dinner plates, arranged small, medium and large, were filled with food inspired by countries from different parts of the world. That wide scope did not mean the restaurant lacked a clear direction.
“One of our goals at SNOB was to make everything as real as possible,” Lee said in late November, just before an anniversary celebration. “We wanted to do real cooking but also fashion it in our region.”
Though the restaurant has kept up with the times, its white tablecloths, free cornbread and precise service signal SNOB is from an era that focused heavily on guest experience. That hospitable style of treating customers with care lives on today at SNOB.
‘SNOB is Charleston’
Two pieces of luggage rested near SNOB’s entrance during lunch the Monday after Thanksgiving. Those bag-bearing diners, perhaps the Dutch couple seated behind me, were getting in one last Charleston meal before heading back to the airport. For many tourists, SNOB is the place they choose.
The open kitchen, bordered by a brick archway, hosts another couple clinking wine glasses in celebration of their anniversary. This mix of guests from Charleston and beyond, seen spooning up butternut squash bisque and cutting into chicken Milanese hidden by a tangle of greens, is a daily occurrence on this corner of East Bay Street.
Hall Management Group CEO Tommy Hall, whose family business took over the restaurant in 2015, was a SNOB regular well before the acquisition. When a special occasion came along, Hall took his family out to lunch. Most of the time, they went to SNOB.
“To me, SNOB is Charleston. Just the feels in there, the lunchtime energy … you get a great mix of people coming in,” Hall said.
It’s a trend that isn’t lost on SNOB executive chef Russ Moore, who has led the kitchen since Lee’s retirement. (If you’re doing the math, that’s two chefs in SNOB’s 30-year history.) In addition to dedicated locals and out-of-town diners visiting for the first time, there is a third category of SNOB diners, Moore said. The chef always looks forward to welcoming back those who always book a reservation during their yearly vacation in Charleston.
“They’re still regulars. They just don’t live in Charleston,” Moore said.
Part of what brings people in and keeps them coming back is the staff’s devotion to small details like the complimentary cornbread, accompanied by three orbs of butter, softened just enough to spread. And then there are the steamed local clams, which are brought to the table shortly after the arrival of a bowl for the shells, and a large spoon for slurping up the brine-charged, parsley-flecked garlic cream broth.
During a normal lunch service, fried chicken livers, shrimp and grits, steak-frites, grilled salmon salads and cheeseburgers also dot SNOB’s tables. In the evening, diners watch as hunks of grilled swordfish and racks of lamb are ushered to tables throughout the sharply dressed dining room. As they prepare these and other dishes, chefs in SNOB’s open kitchen can look out as guests take their first bites.
Though Lee, who lives with his wife on Isle of Palms, cannot quite recall where the idea for the open kitchen came from, he grew to appreciate the design’s ability to connect the chefs to their guests.
“It just gave you more of a relationship with your customers so it’s not so transactional,” Lee said. Plus, “cooks love to see people eat their food.”
These days, a handful of the rising culinarians in SNOB’s kitchen are just discovering cooking through a partnership with the Apprenticeship Carolina program, which works to develop aspiring food service workers. A division of the state’s technical college system, the program brings teenagers out of school early to test out the restaurant industry at SNOB.
When asked what keeps him going after more than two decades at the restaurant, Moore pointed to this program. The chef feels satisfaction when he tastes a daily special from an apprentice before watching others start developing distinct cooking styles of their own.
This collaborative environment has existed since Lee hired all those younger chefs in the 1990s. Watching the women and men working a lunch or dinner service today demonstrates how important it has been to SNOB’s longevity.
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Photos: The cuisine of Beautiful South in downtown Charleston
Henry Taylorhttps://www.postandcourier.com/photo_galleries/photos-the-cuisine-of-beautiful-south-in-downtown-charleston/collection_a4a3626c-907c-11ee-b549-d39d18486455.html
Food and drink from Beautiful South, a restaurant from David Schuttenberg and Tina Heath-Schuttenberg, the creators of Kwei Fei. Beautiful South brings food inspired by the cuisine of Southern China to Columbus Street on the Peninsula.Buy NowBuy NowBuy NowServers walk from the kitchen past the takeout window in the fron...
Food and drink from Beautiful South, a restaurant from David Schuttenberg and Tina Heath-Schuttenberg, the creators of Kwei Fei. Beautiful South brings food inspired by the cuisine of Southern China to Columbus Street on the Peninsula.
Servers walk from the kitchen past the takeout window in the front lobby at Beautiful South on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Charleston. Henry Taylor/Staff
An array of dinner options at Beautiful South placed at the family table on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Charleston. Henry Taylor/Staff
A plate of General Tso’s Chicken sits at the center of a group table on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Charleston. Henry Taylor/Staff
A plate of Si Yao Gai is placed next to a Crab “Rangoon” plate at Beautiful South on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Charleston. Henry Taylor/Staff
A fork raises a bite of broccoli and General Tso’s Chicken at Beautiful South on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Charleston. Henry Taylor/Staff
Water, red wine, and a beer served at Beautiful South placed on a table on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Charleston. Henry Taylor/Staff
A bowl of Scallion Oil Noodles from Beautiful South sits on the table on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Charleston. Henry Taylor/Staff
Beautiful South Executive Chef and owner David Schuttenberg plates a Crab “Rangoon” on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Charleston. Henry Taylor/Staff
An Oyster Omelet and the Love Your Enemies cocktail are placed on the table at Beautiful South on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Charleston. Henry Taylor/Staff
Cooks work in the kitchen separated by the takeout window where two Peking Ducks hang at Beautiful South on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Charleston. Henry Taylor/Staff
As featured on
Beaufort’s annual Light Up the Night Boat Parade drew a crowd to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park despite light rain and fog Dec. 2, 2023. Nineteen boats took part in the parade, making two passes as close to the seawall as possible on a falling tide. The event was part of Beaufort Holiday Weekend, which also included a tree lighting on Dec. 1 and the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 3.
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