My family recently ventured over to Fort Mill BBQ Company, which is located in the Stockbridge shopping center at the intersection of Gold Hill Road and Rte 160. We had delayed going, despite loving BBQ, because upon reviewing the menu we saw prices that seemed a little high – even for BBQ.

The restaurant’s appearance has changed little from the previous inhabitants. Rather than record album covers gracing the walls, you are faced with signs lauding the achievements of the FMBBQCo’s BBQ in various competitions.

And there’s a reason they’ve won some achievements: They have excellent BBQ. We sampled two plates – the Carolina pulled pork platter with smoked corn and french fries; and the 1/2 rack of ribs with hush puppies and potato salad. We also got a chicken fingers/mac ‘n’ cheese plate for our kids to split. Our cost, when drinks were added in, came to about $30 for all four of us to eat.

After a few minutes our food came out, and wow did our $30 go a long way. Our plates were heaped high with food – well worth the prices we initially thought were too high. But when we tasted the food we realized just what a bargain we had.

The pulled pork had great flavor all on it’s own and we opted not to add sauce to it in order to enjoy the natural flavor. The rack of ribs were moist and fell of the bone just like it should. The sauce on the ribs was delicious.

The sides were good as well. My children downed their mac ‘n’ cheese as though they hadn’t eaten in days, and my daughter, in particular, loved the hush puppies. My husband praised the smoked corn, while I heartily enjoyed the potato salad.

As for the staff, they were all exceedingly friendly and more than once someone stopped by the table to make sure we were satisfied with our food. They were also patient with my husband and I as we tried to decide what to order in the first place, despite the fact there were a couple people waiting in line behind us (we went on a night when it was very crowded).

You can count us as big fans of Fort Mill BBQ Company, and it’s highly likely that we’ll become regulars there. Despite slightly higher prices than you would get with typical fast food, the portions are outstanding, the flavors are fantastic, and the fact that it is a locally owned business can’t be beat. What’s more – they now offer DELIVERY!!

If you’ve driven by the old Backyard Burgers next to the Harris Teeter on Rte 160 in Fort Mill, you’ve no doubt seen a flurry of activity in the previously vacant building. Rumors abounded among some that a Cook Out! was going in its place, since other Backyard Burgers in North and South Carolina had been replaced that way.

However, this time around two local residents are opening up their own food joint, which will focus on burgers, hot dogs, and wings. Not quite fast food, but not exactly haute cuisine, Bull Feathers is due to open sometime in late February 2010. I know my husband will be a new fan – he loves wings and will most definitely be checking out the place. Frequently.

It’s January 2010, and that means Restaurant Week is back in Charlotte. Once again, Fort Mill is being represented by Passion8 Bistro over in the Regent Park area.

Don’t know about Restaurant Week? According to the Charlotte Feast website, “From Friday, January 22, through Sunday, January 31, each participating upscale restaurant will offer a spectacular 3-course, prix fixe dinner menu for only $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity).” A few years ago I had a fun night at Melting Pot in Charlotte, and I’m very tempted to go check out Passion8 Bistro, which is participating for the second year in a row. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Passion8 Bistro, so this seems like the perfect time to make your own reservation for a quiet, romantic dinner with your significant other! Or, go with a gaggle of friends – the more the merrier!

Every month the Grapevine wine shop in Baxter hosts a Networking Party, but the December party will be slightly different! This time around, the Networking Party being held this Wednesday, December 2, will also be an iPhone Party to celebrate the Support Local Vendors iPhone App for Local Coupons in your area. The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. We’ve talked about Support Local Vendors on this website a lot, and encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful service!

Grapevine will be giving away one free glass of wine to any guest that can do any one of three things. The first option is to show your iPhone or iTouch SLV coupon (to do this, simply download your SLV iPhone app which will then allow you to show the coupon on your iPhone or iTouch). If you don’t have an iPhone, you can print the Grapevine offer online at Support Local Vendors. If you can’t do that there’s a third way to get a free glass of wine – just use your cellphone and text the keyword “SupportLocal” to 69302. It will work with any cell phone and your standard text messaging rates apply.

Admission to the networking party is free, but you are encouraged to let them know you are coming so they can prepare a nametag for you! Simple send a note to Melanie Sills at melanie [at] grapevinewinebar [dot] com or call (803) 802-9989.

In case you hadn’t heard, Sweet Peppers Deli in Baxter Village is currently running a promotion to honor our local area churches on Sundays. If you take that morning’s church bulletin to Sweet Peppers Deli on any Sunday, you can receive free Chips & Rotel with a purchase of an entrée. This promotion will run all day on Sundays.

Sweet Peppers is located at 936 Market Street, Suite 106 Fort Mill S.C. For further information, you are welcome to call (803) 396-8888. This offer ends November 30, 2009.

Tomorrow, Monday September 7, if you wear a sports team logo of any kind to Chick-fil-A from 10:30 a.m. until close of business, you’ll get a free chicken sandwich.

You can find out more about it here.

photo credit: j.reed

Feel like getting some free ice cream? Well, the Bruster’s in Tega Cay has it! On Tuesday, August 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., they will be offering free single scoops of ice cream (in a cup, sugar, or cake cone). They are holding this in partnership with 91.9 New Life FM, which has been showing up at Bruster’s throughout the summer to offer free ice cream to local residents.

So have an early dinner and head to Bruster’s in Tega Cay (2603 West Hwy 160) for that free ice cream!