Best Tree Service in West Ashley

An Atlanta-based restaurant that announced 18 months ago it was coming to West Ashley will welcome its first customers in mid-December.

Poke Burri will open at 11 a.m. Dec. 14 in a 1,400-square-foot space in the former Helping Kids with Cancer Thrift Store at 835 Savannah Highway in Charleston.

The building, redeveloped as The Victory by Charleston-based real estate investment firm Twin Rivers Capital, is divided into four units that extend to the back of the building. Poke Burri is taking up one of the two middle spaces. All four units have entrances from the street.

Poke Burri sells bowls, burritos and specialties such as sushi doughnuts. It operates nine locations.

The diner operates four locations in the Atlanta area and one each in Houston, Raleigh, Tampa, Jacksonville and Philadelphia. Another is planned for Denver, according to the restaurant’s website.

The new Charleston location will be open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. It will be closed on Monday.

Joining The Victory by the spring will be New Orleans-based breakfast restaurant Ruby Sunshine, which opened a downtown location Dec. 8 at 171 East Bay St., where Blossom restaurant operated for 27 years before closing last December.

Also leasing space in the redeveloped site is Sweathouz, an infrared sauna site. An opening date has not been announced. The Atlanta-based business offers another Charleston-area location in Mount Pleasant.

All but one unit has been leased in The Victory.

New threads

A New York City-based women’s apparel shop is ready to launch its 12th retail location in Charleston.

LoveShackFancy will open at 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at 218 King St. in the space formerly occupied by clothing store Fresh Produce.

“I adore the southern charm of Charleston and am honored to be bringing LoveShackFancy to King Street,” Rebecca Hessel Cohen, founder and creative director, said.

“We were inspired by the vibrant pastels of the city and incorporated them into our own vintage-inspired world,” she said. “I cannot wait to see our ruffle minis and whimsical florals, flaunt around the cobblestone streets on Charleston girls.”

The shop will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day except Sunday, when it will close at 5 p.m.

Relocating

A hair-cutting operation is moving to a new location on the Charleton peninsula.

Lowcountry Barbershop will move to 511 Rutledge Ave. once renovations are completed on the building, according to William Olasov, an agent with Roadstead Real Estate Advisors.

He represented the property owner 511 Rutledge LLC, which is registered to shop owner Cindy Buhle, who bought the building Nov. 3.

The property’s price was not available because the deed has not been recorded at the Charleston County Register of Deeds Office as of Dec. 7. The new two-story site is the former location of Dell’z Uptown restaurant and includes two apartments.

The ground-floor barber shop will occupy just under 1,200 square feet next to Nunan Street.

Buhle now operates the shop at 114 Cannon St., but the property changed hands in September and the new owner is trying to put a restaurant in the building.

Lowcountry Barbershop has operated near the Medical University of South Carolina for the past 12 years.

A tentative opening timeframe for the new location has not been announced.

All aboard

A Summerville toy shop will host its first Model Train Show this weekend.

Train Town Toy and Hobby will sponsor the event 1-6 p.m. Dec. 10 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 11 in Rollins Edwards Community Center at 301 N. Hickory St.

Admission is $5, with no charge for children under 5.

The nearly 20-year-old business has been operating in Summerville for eight years. Owned by Jim Donlon, the shop can be found at 128 W. Richardson Ave.

After the months of work that it took to make happen, it was fitting that the MUSC College of Dental Medicine dental clinic at the Ryan White Wellness Center of Charleston held its ribbon cutting on World AIDS Day – Dec. 1.

The Ryan White Wellness Center is a federally funded clinic for people living with HIV. Located in West Ashley and operated by Roper St. Francis Healthcare, the clinic is a one-stop shop offering medical, vision and mental health care as well as social services like housing assistance, a food closet, legal aid and life skills classes.

MUSC dental students, through Ryan White grants to MUSC and Roper, have long provided dental care to people living with HIV at the college dental clinic on the peninsula. Roper patients with more complex cases will still be treated at the main peninsula site, but the students, as well as a dental assistant, dental hygienist and a faculty member, will now work out of the West Ashley site to offer routine cleanings and basic dentistry, including comprehensive exams, X-rays, fillings, extractions and temporary crowns to the Roper patients.

Amy Martin, DrPH, chair of the Department of Stomatology and director of the Division of Population Oral Health in the College of Dental Medicine, said the new clinic is significant for two key reasons – and both of those reasons have to do with the interdisciplinary nature of the clinic.

First, patients will be able to access dental care in the same place that they’re already receiving other services. The on-site dental clinic means patients are less likely to fall through the cracks, as there are case managers who work with clients to ensure they’re getting all the necessary care and aid.

Second, students will have the opportunity to work alongside professionals from other disciplines. Students will attend a weekly “rounding” session at which the upcoming week’s client files will be reviewed by the entire staff so everyone – doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers – will have a complete understanding of each client’s situation.

“Oral health is part of systemic health,” said Sarandeep Huja, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of the college, and he’s happy to see that the center values oral health.

Kimberly Butler Willis, Ph.D., director of community health at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, explained the significance of oral health.

“People living with HIV/AIDS are a high-risk population, with growing oral health needs, particularly because common oral health conditions are more severe for these patients,” she said. “A weakened immune system can require more intensive and costly treatments. However, with a growing number of HIV/AIDS patients without dental insurance or access to routine preventive care, regular oral health education and free preventive dental services care are essential to a comprehensive and holistic center like the Ryan White Wellness Center.”

Huja is also excited about the tremendous learning opportunity for students that this clinic represents.

“I think this is the way forward, and we have to prepare our students for different practice models,” he said. “Thirty years ago, most graduates went into private practice. Now, they have various options such as the military, a Federally Qualified Health Center, the U.S. Public Health Service or corporate practice.”

Many students also want to concentrate on underserved populations, he said.

“Being able to practice in a clinic like this not only develops your clinical skills but your heart,” he said.

Leslie McGarity, D.M.D., is serving as the on-site faculty supervisor while the college searches for a permanent director. As a double graduate of MUSC, having trained here as a student and then as a resident, she’s happy to be in a position to give back to the school.

“It's been wonderful to be able to serve this patient population,” she said.

McGarity and the two staff members have been seeing patients for about a month. Students began their rotations this week.

Each week, two third-year and two fourth-year students will spend three days at the clinic. They’ll do two rotations each semester.

As they enter the clinic each day, they’re likely to encounter the joyful presence of Frank Salazar. A patient for 18 years, Salazar recently joined the team as a peer navigator.

Salazar said he’s always wanted to work at the center because of all of the help that he has received over the years. He loves his job, he said.

“It's a really wonderful place to come and work,” he said. “You can feel the concern, the care. People love coming in here to work. You can feel that.”

Martin, who is heading up the search for a permanent dental director, said it took a lot of people in multiple departments at both MUSC and Roper to get the clinic off the ground.

Huja particularly cited Sorin Teich, D.M.D., associate dean of clinical affairs, and Frankie Wilhoit, manager of business and clinical operations, as being instrumental in operationalizing the clinic.

“It's evidence of two large regional health care systems collaborating for the advancement of a highly prized portion of our community who deserve the highest quality of care,” Martin said. “It’s a great reflection on two systems putting patients first.”

In keeping with Eater tradition, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. To kick it off in the Carolinas, Eater asked the group seven questions, ranging from the restaurants they frequented for takeout to the saddest surprises of the year. Responses are in no particular order, and readers are encouraged to leave answers in the comments.

Q. What were your regular go-to destinations for takeout and delivery in 2021? [or outdoor dining]

Dave Infante, editor of Fingers, an independent newsletter about drinking in AmericaWe basically rotated between Renzo, Edmund’s Oast (restaurant) and Lewis for takeout for the first four months of the year. Once we got vaccinated, we started eating outdoors at those three places, plus Estadio and Berkeley’s.

Jacob Pucci,food and dining reporter for The Fayetteville ObserverThe first meal I ate when I moved to North Carolina was at Fonda Lupita in Sanford. It’s been a frequent stop for me ever since. Those chicharron prensado gorditas will forever hold a place in my heart.

Maggie Ward, events and marketing manager of The Local Palate Nico for baked oysters and bacon clams, 167 Raw for lobster rolls, and Hannibal’s Kitchen for crab rice — 2021 was the year of seafood to-go for me.

Hanna Raskin, editor and publisher of The Food SectionEdmund’s Oast, Edmund’s Oast and Edmund’s Oast. Love that I can count on the same place for swanky cocktails out with friends and boxed-up burgers at home when work’s gone on too long.

Eric Ginsburg,independent journalist and Eater Carolinas contributor, covering NC• Thaiphoon Bistro, Sassool, and Pokano Poke Island Grill in Raleigh• Vine Sushi & Thai, Na’Mean @ KoKyu, and Old North Meats in Durham• Guasaca and Spanglish in Raleigh and Durham

KJ Kearney, founder of Black Food FridaysEasy! Ma Gloria’s Trinidadian, Swank Desserts, Gillie’s, and Rodney Scott BBQ all got a lot of my money this year. I have favorite items from each spot. I don’t need no stinkin’ menu for these spots!

Erin Perkins, editor Eater CarolinasI had quite a few bean-and-cheese burritos from Micho (RIP) on James Island. The burritos were perfectly griddled every time and came with a great green sauce and sour cream. Pink Bellies takeout was in regular rotation before Thai Phi opened the dining room. Once we discovered the giant breakfast sandwiches at Bodega at Uptown Social, it was difficult to not order one every Sunday.

Barbara Skidmore, Eater Carolinas contributor, covering SC and SavannahLewis Barbecue (Charleston) with an expansive outdoor eating area as well as the addition of the JL’s Southwest Burger Joint.

Melissa Howsam, editor-in-chief Raleigh MagazineCantina 18, Dos Taquitos, Mulino, Relish, Angus Barn

Matt Lardie, freelance writer and Eater Carolinas contributor, covering NCWe got lots of takeout from Lime & Lemon (Indian) in Durham, 2 Rim Khong (Thai/Lao) in Fayetteville, and Indochine (Thai/Vietnamese) in Wilmington. For pizza (and we ate LOTS of pizza) Sofia’s Pizza in East Durham has been our go-to.

Marion B. Sullivan, food editor of Charleston MagazineFIG, The Ordinary, The Grocery, and Rodney Scott BBQ

Cele and Lynn Seldon, Seldon Ink Beaufort’s Hearth for some of the Lowcountry’s best pizza. And Beaufort’s Maryland Fried Chicken, for some of the best fried chicken we’ve ever had! Also, Bluffton’s Farm.

Jai Jones, food writer and photographerDaps Breakfast & Imbibe, specifically for the excellent breakfast club. Also the Garlic Crab Chicken Dinner at Edmund’s Oast.

Kenneth Andrews, Eater Carolinas contributorEdmund’s Oast was a great go to this year with a menu including both favorites and new fun things to try and for some reason always able to be delivered rather quickly from downtown to the far end of West Ashley.

These are contributor-submitted pieces. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.

Back in November, we asked readers who had left the city why they returned to Charleston. We love these stories of locals at heart who knew they wanted to make their way back to the Holy City. We’re lucky to live here, and happy to welcome them home. “I was born in Charleston and lived here until I was 22. In order for my husband to complete his studies at Emory graduate school, we moved to Atlanta, Georgia. After fifty years, I moved back to Charleston because it will be my home always. The smell of marsh gas, the mosquitos, the humidity and anything else that tried to keep me away failed to do so.” —Reader Teresa R. “I left due to a divorce and had 2 small children and returned to my home state so family could help with child care. I really did not want to leave and knew that I would return. Reason, quality of life! You can have culture and the beach in a very unique setting! I fell in love with Charleston, it is my happy place! So happy to be back!” —Reader Linda N.

“I moved here after college to live with CofC grads. I was here for 2 years and left to get a tech job closer to family. After two years, and the ability to work remotely — I couldn’t pass up the weather and the ease of travel to get back home. The weather in the north is brutal. Also, the cost of living compared to Boston was a big pull!” —Reader Shane W.“Retired in Charleston 1985. Went to Atlanta for new challenges. Retired again, and one more time! Moved back to Charleston in 2019. My 15 family members live here! Love them!” —Reader Ken B. “Growing up a military brat, my dad retired in Myrtle Beach where I graduated Socastee HS, graduated Horry G-Town Tech College and… joined the Coast Guard! Ironically I was assigned to Charleston, SC, in January 1990 in the aftermath of Charleston’s infamous visitor, Hurricane Hugo. I was here in CHS from 1900 to 1993 and I enjoyed it very much. (I lived in West Ashley, N. Charleston & Mt Pleasant.)

Nearly 33 years later, having been to 53 countries, lived in NC, CA, HI, USVI, TX, VA… temporarily staying in many more cities/states, Charleston is where I decided to return to and retire in 2012. Now, I’m not going to lie… it was #3 on my list: first was Maui (became very difficult logistically), next was San Diego (became way too unfriendly on a retirement income […] so here I am.

I loved almost everything about Charleston (particularly James Island). Minus the bugs and humidity it’s a first class city to live in. Now I am quite literally sick over the number of apartments and condos being built in the Charleston Metro area and could not even imagine what has become of Summerville and John’s Island. But here my wife and I will stay, come what may. All in all I still love living here, despite the growth which this city’s infrastructure will not be able to sustain.

We enjoy the delicious food, history, culture, weather, cost of living, arts, festivals, city sports teams ie; Rays, Riverdogs, Battery and proximity to the coast. City/state taxes are not excessive and costs for government services are fair. It’s a relatively clean and safe city compared to others similar in size and population. So thanks for asking… interesting to see how the city will grow in the future.” —Readers Scott + Kim M.

Remember when we gave you the scoop on The Victory building in Avondale? ICYMI: the building used to be the Helping Kids with Cancer Thrift Store. It’s been some time, but the first tenant in the 10,000 sqft space off of Savannah Highway has opened for business.

Poke Burri officially opened on Tuesday at 835 Savannah Hwy., bringing poke bowls, sushi burritos, and build your own options to the Lowcountry. The eatery even offers non–traditional sushi dishes on its secret menu, with a selection of sushi pizza, donuts, and a corn dog.

Poke Burri’s co–owners — Charleston natives Jeff Locke and Tim Duke — have returned to the Lowcountry to open the brand.

However, Charleston isn’t the first location. Poke Burri began inside the Atlanta Food Hall – We Suki Suki in 2016 and has since expanded to Jacksonville, Houston, Raleigh + Philadelphia. It’s about time we got in on the action, right?

The award–winning restaurant has been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and Food Network. Check it out Monday through Thursday + Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. or Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.