Food & drink notes: Drink specials, new Lexington restaurant
We’ll drink to that
Historic Happy Hour at Mann-Simons, 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, hosted by Historic Columbia. Take a sneak peek at new exhibits and participate in hands-on activities while enjoying adult beverages and light refreshments. $15, Historic Columbia members; $20, nonmembers; ages 21 and older. www.historiccolumbia.org, (803) 252-1770 ext. 23, reservations@historiccolumbia.org
Celebrate National Margarita Day early at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. From Thursday, Feb. 18, through Thursday, Feb. 25 (or while supplies last), enjoy 22-ounce Big House Margaritas (1800 tequila, Agavero and sour mix) for $10 and Grandma’s House Margaritas (1800 tequila, Agavero, sour mix and a hefty floater of Grand Marnier) for $12, served in commemorative maroon cups. And while you’re there, check out the new mahi mahi taco (grilled mahi mahi, smoky chipolte aioli, Cojita cheese and avocado salsa). 700 Gervais St. (803) 768-4562, tinlizzyscantina.com
Taste of Spain wine dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25. Treat yourself to a splurge, a five-course meal inspired by the flavors of Spain, with each course paired with a selection from Torres wines. The menu includes Kumato tomato and herbed goat cheese salad, lobster paella, sherry barbecue-glazed pork tenderloin, filet mignon topped with piquillo pepper butter and tres leches cake. Reservations are $99 per person (plus tax & gratuity). 924-A Senate St. (803) 212-6666
Classes that cook
An Evening with Patricia Moore-Pastides: 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, at Columbia’s Cooking kitchen. Enjoy a menu of Mediterranean cuisine including shrimp saganaki, spanakopita, zucchini frittata, cabbage walnut cranberry salad, sauteed greens with garlic and cannelloni beans, roasted carrots, green beans with ginger, Mediterranean pasta and fruit tart with marscapone and almond paste filling. $45 per person; register by 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at www.columbiascooking.org. 915 Greene St.
Chef Francois Fisera: Join cooking classes at Fleur de Lys Home Culinary Institute. Schedule includes Friday, Feb. 19, Malbec wine tasting with food from Argentina; Monday, Feb. 22 and Tuesday, Feb. 23, pumpkin bisque with foie gras. Classes are $39 per person, wine extra. 3001 Millwood Ave. (803) 765-9999, fleurdelyscolumbiasc.com.
New restaurant
Lexington will get a new locally owned steak and seafood restaurant this spring in the former Gilligan’s Seafood location at 938 N. Lake Drive. The restaurant, owned by Steve Deese (owner of Bentley Pontoons in Lexington), will be managed by Mayor Steve MacDougall. Mr. D’s Steaks and Seafood will be open for dinner only. It will be a “white tablecloth” restaurant, MacDougall said, but one that is reasonably priced. Mr. D’s is scheduled to open by early March.
Susan Ardis, sardis@thestate.com, @foodsusan
Staff writer Janet Jones Kendall contributed.