Nikko Cagalanan from Kultura was nominated for Emerging Chef. | Photo by @itspiperjones
Roll out the red carpet, food and drink lovers (and watch the crumbs). The James Beard Foundation — an organization that recognizes and celebrates exceptional talent in the culinary arts, hospitality, and food systems — has announced the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Semifinalist with two local spots earning recognition.
It’s considered an honor just to be nominated — getting on the James Beard radar can be a game changer for any chef, restaurant, or beverage professional regardless of how long they’ve been around.
Local nominees
Chubby Fish by Chef James London | Outstanding restaurant | This dock-to-table concept offers fresh Lowcountry seafood and innovatively served dishes, like the curry or the chili garlic shrimp.
Femi Oyediran and Miles White of Graft Wine Shop | Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service | This cozy and vibrant neighborhood spot has a wine bar and retail shop offering a curated selection of unique wines and hosts select evenings for live music.
The list of semifinalists will be narrowed down and the official nominees will be shared on Wednesday, April 2, followed by the announcement of winners on Monday, June 16.
Events
Events
Thursday, Jan. 23 Karaoke Night | 7-10 p.m. | Sunsets Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant | Free | Get ready to sing your heart out on the creek.
Charleston Comedy Week | Through Sunday, Jan. 26 | Times vary | Charleston Music Hall | $27.50+ | Don’t miss this lineup of four Charleston venues coming together to bring the community laughs like never before.
Friday, Jan. 24 Workshop — Paper Marbling in the Bindery | 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Charleston Library Society | $150+ | Join for an introduction to the ancient art of decorative paper marbling.
Saturday, Jan. 25 CCR’s Winter Market | 9 a.m. | Coastal Coffee Roasters, Summerville | Price of purchase | Shop small and support local artisans and farmers.
Wonderer Workout x Cold Plunge | 10-11 a.m. | The Wonderer Charleston | $25 | Get active with this group workout, followed by a cold plunge and group sauna sessions.
14th Annual Bo’s Roast & Chili Cook-Off | 12-5 p.m. | James Island County Park | $30+ | Head to this family-friendly event featuring live music, a chili cook-off, fresh oysters, a kids’ village, adult games, and a silent auction.
South Carolina Stingrays vs. Atlanta Gladiators | 6:05 p.m. | North Charleston Coliseum | $20+ | Cheer on the Stingrays as they take on the Atlanta Gladiators in an action-packed hockey showdown.
Sunday, Jan. 26 Sunday Funday — Valentine’s Macrame Class | 2-4 p.m. | House of Brews West Ashley | $40 | Get crafty at this Valentine’s-themed macramé class and create something special.
The City of Charleston announced that offices will remain closed through today, Jan. 23 due to the winter weather.
Ranked
Hip hip hooray. The Charleston Museum was recently included in Condé Nast Traveler’s “51 Best Museums in the United States.” The publication praised the museum for its approach to sharing the Lowcountry’s rich history. Spend some time there.
Active
On your mark, get set, go... register for the Save the Light Half-Marathon and 5K race on Saturday, Feb. 8, on Folly Beach. Participants will get active and the race supports the mission of preserving the Morris Island Lighthouse. Secure your spot.
Outdoors
Charleston Race Week event organizers announced a new launch and storage solution. At the north end of Union Pier Terminal, free gated storage will be available for pre-and post-event use. Charleston Race Week runs from April 10 through April 13; get your tickets now during early registration.
Pets
With the wintery wonderland in the 843, the Charleston Animal Society shared tips on protecting your pets like checking your pups’ paw pads from the cold. Take a look. (WCIV)
Eat
Yes, healthy grocery shopping can be easy and affordable. Meet Thrive Market, where healthy living is simple. Get groceries for the whole family delivered to your door, free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients. Join to save 30% on your first order and claim a free gift worth $60.*
Wellness
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Health
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Category
Try This
🎤 An unforgettable Valentine’s Day treat
The station broadcasts live from inside the Refinery on Meeting Street. | Photo provided by @therefinerychs
Local radio station 96.3 FM Ohm Radio is offering a unique way to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day: singing telegrams. On Friday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can arrange for a local musician to deliver a live performance of a love song in person anywhere in Charleston and surrounding areas.
For $65, the package includes a handwritten Valentine and your choice of one of the provided songs. For $80, you can select any song, accompanied by a handwritten Valentine.
Ohm Radio is also offering song requests for $25. Choose any song, and it will be played on air during their Valentine’s Day hour, with a shout-out to your special someone.
If your loved one is far away, for $40, Ohm Radio will send a personalized digital video anywhere in the world.
Proceeds from these services will benefit Ohm Radio, Charleston’s first commercial-free, listener-supported, and community-focused station.
The Buy
The Buy
Single use face towels. Real talk: those washcloths you’ve used for years are likely harboring bacteria and roughing up your delicate moisture barrier. Go for a hygienic, gentler alternative with Sky Organics hypoallergenic face towels, made from 100% renewable plant fiber.
Have you been enjoying this winter wonderland as much as the team at CHStoday has?
I’ve been loving my crockpot recipes these past few days — stew while it’s snowing just feels right. Have you been cooking hearty meals, making cozy drinks, or baking something delicious during this chilly weather? Let us know below what you’ve been whipping up — you might just see it featured in an upcoming newsletter.
Asked
Asked
What recipes have you been whipping up during this wintry weather?
Is it cookies, your special spin on hot chocolate, or a homemade soup?
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