Weekly Specials CHS: September 13-19, 2024
An interview with the Co-Founders of Sipland (and a peek at their new espresso martini residency at the Charleston Place), plus a 13-course omakase menu at 167 Sushi Bar and new Blackbird deals.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Sipland
Have you ever re-evaluated your relationship with alcohol, or aimed to be more thoughtful and intentional about what and when you drink? Now, there’s an inclusive and Charleston-born resource designed for folks across the full spectrum of sobriety and sober-curiosity.
Enter Sipland: a resource and curated marketplace for both folks seeking a break from alcohol and those who prefer low-ABV or non-alcoholic drinks. In addition to their marketplace of non-alcoholic, low-ABV, and THC-infused drinks, Sipland is also creating city guides of the best low- and no-alc drinks in local bars and restaurants. Sipland has already launched Charleston’s City Guide, featuring spots like Bar Rollins, Melfi’s, Herd Provisions, Last Saint, Little Palm, and Basic Kitchen. New York, Austin, Nashville, and San Fran are next up for their own city guides.
One part editorial voice, and two parts marketing agency, we seek to help the 41% of Americans interested in drinking less alcohol navigate this increasingly crowded space.
-Sipland Co-Founders Emily, Lauren, and Molly
Ahead of Sipland’s national launch, locals can experience the good vibes for themselves first at their new residency at the Charleston Place: The After School Special.
Through September 29th, Sipland is hosting an espresso martini bar at the Carriage House in Market Street Circle, featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic espresso martinis. The bar will be open from 1-6 pm Thursdays through Sundays, and I had a chance to sip on a fab N/A espresso martini last week at their kickoff event!
WEEKLY SPECIALS CHS EXCLUSIVE: An interview with Sipland Co-Founders
I know that for some, one’s relationship with alcohol can be a deeply personal topic. That’s why I wanted y’all to hear from the Sipland Co-Founders themselves. I asked Sipland Co-Founders Emily Saladino, Lauren Hakmiller, and Molly Fienning (also a Co-Founder of Red Clay Hot Sauce!) a few questions about Sipland’s unique approach and resources:
Sipland provides resources across the full spectrum of folks' drinking habits, including N/A alternatives, low-ABV options, and drinks containing THC and CBD. Why is this spectrum important to the ethos of Sipland?
For us, the future of drinking is inclusive spaces where low-alcohol, no-alcohol, alternative, and traditional alcoholic beverages sit side by side and receive equal attention and care. All three of us as Sipland Co-Founders have a unique and personal way we choose to drink and celebrate with delicious, elevated sips. There's no one size fits all, and it's no longer a binary decision (drinker/non-drinker) for most people.
You've curated a list of featured products that represent Sipland's picks for the six best products in the low- and no-alcohol market right now. How did you arrive at these six products? (I think the St. Agrestis Phony Negroni is iconic...I'm so glad it made the list!)
In most cases, all three Co-Founders need to try and like each product, but the litmus test is our Editorial Director Emily Saladino's thumbs up. She comes from decades of experience in beverage journalism, writing and editing for esteemed media outlets such Food and Wine Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator and the Food Network.
What can readers expect from Sipland's Substack newsletter, Sipstack?
We created Sipland (and our Substack "Sipstack") to be the go-to resource for the whole world of beverages, which includes no-, low- and alternative-alcohol sips. One part editorial voice, and two parts marketing agency, we seek to help the 41% of Americans interested in drinking less alcohol navigate this increasingly crowded space.
Through our Sipstack, we share product reviews, city guides from best no/low/alt drinks, and bartender-approved recipes that are easy to make at home. Separate from Sipstack, we also offer real-world menu consulting, industry education and training, unforgettable events and activations, social strategy for brands and businesses, and more.
Sipland is all about having longer nights and easier mornings. What's your favorite thing to do when you have an easier morning in Charleston?
An oat milk matcha latte at Second State and a long walk along the downtown waterfront is a must, followed by a big brunch that must include eggs. Right now, we're loving Little Line, Sorelle, Brasserie La Banque or Chez Nous for our brunches. Then, it's time for a boat ride or an early afternoon surfing session.
Weekly Specials
Looking for last-minute plans tonight?
Sorelle’s Andiamo Guest Chef Series continues tonight and tomorrow night, featuring Memphis-based chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman (who both went to culinary school in Charleston, actually!) Sorelle updated tonight’s dinner to offer both a prix fixe and an a la carte menu, featuring dishes like cacio e pepe arancini, and burrata with fire roasted peaches, Horsecreek honey, and almond chili crunch. Book here for tonight.
Tonight starts a four-day takeover of Kultura by Caribo Flip, a Puerto Rican food experience. You can buy tickets on Resy for this limited-time event, from the 12th through 15th.
Blackbird special deal: Check in with the app and find more details linked in the Instagram post below.
***NEW*** Every Thursday in September if you check in and dine at Ma’am Saab between 4-6pm, Blackbird will treat you to a free happy hour menu food item, appetizer, or happy hour cocktail/beer/wine.
Friday, September 13th
Tonight’s Andiamo Guest Chef Series dinner at Sorelle is a smaller dinner with a seven-course menu in Sorelle’s private dining room. The agnolotti with shrimp, scallop mousseline, and corn sounds particularly fab. Buy a ticket here to secure a spot.
🦪 De Mare Raw Bar is popping up at Philosophers & Fools starting at 5pm, with a menu featuring locally cultivated oysters and varietal small plates.
Blackbird special deal: Check in with the app and find more details linked in the Instagram post below.
Estadio is buying you a drink! Through September, on Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-2:30pm, with the purchase of lunch (max drink cost is $20).
Saturday, September 14th
🍂 It’s officially fall again when Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop brings out the apple cider donuts! They’ll be serving them up from 8am until they sell out!
Bangin’ Vegan Eats and Lil Sprout are hosting a “lunch and sweets” event at House of Brews in West Ashley, from noon to 4pm!
Blackbird special deal: Check in with the app and find more details linked in the Instagram post below.
Same as yesterday…Estadio is buying you a drink! Through September, on Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-2:30pm, with the purchase of lunch (max drink cost is $20).
Monday, September 16th
82 Queen is kicking off their Guest Appreciation Week through the 22nd with a three-course dinner menu for only $50. Check out their special menu below:
Blackbird special deal: Check in with the app and find more details linked in the Instagram post below.
***NEW*** Beautiful South is treating you to their ‘super chill martini’ and an order of dumplings from 4-6pm, every Monday and Tuesday in September!
Tuesday, September 17th
🍣 Omakase at 167 Sushi Bar…say no more. They’ll be doing 13 courses of nigiri, izakaya, and dessert, with an optional sake pairing, too. Book on Resy…looks like there’s only a few reservations for the 5:30 seating left!
Blackbird special deals: Check in with the app and find more details linked in the Instagram posts below.
***NEW*** Beautiful South is treating you to their ‘super chill martini’ and an order of dumplings from 4-6pm, every Monday and Tuesday in September!
It’s free margarita Tuesday at Rancho Lewis, all September long!
Wednesday, September 18th
Blackbird special deals: Check in with the app and find more details linked in the Instagram posts below.
***NEW*** Get a beer and bao on Kwei Fei from 5-7pm every Wednesday and Thursday this month!
Through September, Basic Projects is partnering with Blackbird for Wednesday Locals Nights: you’ll get a free drink at Basic Kitchen, Sullivan’s Fish Camp, or the Post House Inn with a food purchase. Wednesday nights are also lobster night at Sullivans, FYI 🦞
Every Wednesday in September, Little Jack’s Tavern is giving folks who check in a free Tavern Burger and side: for lunch or dinner, all day.
Renzo is giving free pizzas to dine-in customers who order a pizza and check in on the Blackbird app. Reservations are recommended, but not necessary!
From 4-9pm on Wednesdays in September, the Tippling House is giving a free glass of wine (and cheese) to folks who check in using Blackbird. Follow them on Instagram for their weekly wine and cheese picks this month.
Bodega is giving a free coffee to everyone who checks in with Blackbird on Wednesdays this month!
Thursday, September 19th
Pinot and Provisions is hosting a Taste of Italy dinner, complete with Italian wines, from 5:30-8:30pm. For more info and tickets, check out their event page here.
Blackbird special deal: Check in with the app and find more details linked in the Instagram post below.
***NEW*** Get a beer and bao on Kwei Fei from 5-7pm every Wednesday and Thursday this month!
That’s a wrap!
Know of a restaurant- or food-related event coming up that you think should be included in an upcoming Weekly Special? DM me!
Planning on going to one of the events, bars or restaurants mentioned above in the next week? Leave a comment and let me know your plans! I’m nosy!
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!