Berkeley County in South Carolina is home to niche cities like Goose Creek and Hanahan and Southern towns like Bonneau, Jamestown , Moncks Corner & St. Stephens. This county just beside Charleston County and Dorchester County is filled with much history, farm life, and most importantly restaurants. Although Berkeley Country is known for their rural yet historic layout, Berkeley County has become home to Black-Owned Restaurants, food products, and caterers and today I am here to share a few with each of you!
History of Food
When one thinks about food, we often don’t think of the history that lies behind the food in which we are eating. Yes, we think it tastes great , however, the traditional preparation or reason behind what foods are used in specific locations are not often taken into consideration. In Berkeley County, where Geechee and Gullah people live, the way of cooking is reflected in the foods that were available to our ancestors. Berkeley County, just a few minutes away from fresh fish and seafood, is where individuals enjoy shrimping and crabbing and this creates a tradition of dishes that calls for seafood. Along with shrimping and crabbing, the Lowcountry, also is known for veggies such as tomatoes, okra, corn, squash and even sweet potatoes. Most of these vegetables are used because of South Carolina farm life and resourcefulness of using what was available to us.
Farm Life
In Berkeley County, farm life gives community members and even restaurant owners the opportunity to purchase fresh ingredients and to explore the farm-to-the-table aspect of life (which African Americans have done for so along). There are two farms in the county that are known for having the fresh fruits and fresh vegetables and inviting attractions.
Hometown Roots Farm, located in Summerville , SC, is a pure organic farm offering organic foods such as Artisan breads, fruits, flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Wabi Sabi located in Codesville, SC is another farm loved by Berkeley County locals. Filled with fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, local crafts, most importantly strawberries, Wabi Sabi is a reflection of Southern farm life.
Black-Owned Restaurants, Food Products, & Caterers
Of course Berkeley County farm life is ideal and a staple in the community, but the places we all love are the Black-Owned restaurants. Below are 3 Black-Owned Restaurants that deserve praise and maybe even your attendance if ever in the Berkeley community!
Blue Lizard Bar and Grill
Smitty’s Snack Bar
Said to be an “unordinary restaurant with an extraordinary Southern taste” Smitty’s is a soul food joint that has been around for over 45 years. Founded by Herbet Smith, Smitty’s Snack Bar, is known for the best crispy fried chicken in Cross, SC and their sweet and unique desserts.
Juice Bar MC
Located in Moncks Corner, SC, the Juice Bar MC, offers much more than their signature smoothies and juices. A healthy Southern Belle or Beau can enjoy their lean sandwiches or hearty salads.
Food Products
In Berkeley County and surrounding areas, farmer markets are places where all individuals can share their tasty creations with the entire community. Just thirty minutes away from Moncks Corner, Summerville Farmers Markets is where more food products created by African Americans can be found. Below are two food products that many purchase while at their local farmers market.
Big Daddy’s Pork Skins
One of the freshest pork skins around since 2012, Big Daddy’s Pork Skins is the perfect Southern Snack. Able to purchase in many different flavors, Big Daddy Pork Skins even offers online services for Southern Belles or Beaus who need this snack without traveling to Berkeley County.
James Brown’s Famous Boiled Peanuts
From fresh original plain boiled peanuts to Cajun boiled peanuts, James Brown’s Famous Boiled Peanuts has another favorite Southern titbit we all enjoy. This group travels through the Lowcountry area serving their boiled peanuts and this link allows for foodies to keep up with their location to purchase your peanuts today.
Caterers
Catering is what most food preparers enjoy and what better way to serve the community than by serving as a caterer for various events. In Berkeley County there are three caterers that have seen their fair share of events.
Rosetta’s Soul Food
This black-owned restaurant and catering service offers Soul food at its best. From oxtails and yams to fish and lima beans, Rosetta can provide your favorite Southern dish at your next event. Whether it’s an office luncheon, wedding, or party, Rosetta Soul Food has a food truck or full catering services just for you.
Miss Katie’s Sweets
Banana pudding, funnel cake fries, deep fried oreos, and more sweet goodies can be found at Miss Katie’s Sweets food truck. Choosing Miss Katie’s Sweets to be your caterer is ideal for kids birthdays, wedding receptions and even Valentines Day events. Known to float throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, this food truck is what we all should be looking for.
Rommy’s Cuisine
Rommys specializes in 4 cuisines favorites in South Carolina; seafood, soulfood, barbeque, and caribbean. Rommy’s Cuisine offers quality food with Lowcountry flavor. Dishes like hash and rice, shrimp and grits, or oxtail and jerk chicken can be catered to your liking at your next occasion.
All of these Black-Owned restaurants, food products, and caterers are just doing what they love to do and we have the opportunity to enjoy. So if your close to Berkeley County or will be visiting soon, make sure you check out these locations and share your experience with us by hash tagging #blacksouthernbelle on your foodie photo!
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