Yes, Woodlands Inn in Summerville is the only five-star restaurant in South Carolina, but don’t be intimidated.
That’s the message the restaurant staff, led by new General Manager Casey Lavin, wants to get out.
While the restaurant intends to retain its high standards of service, “we want people to feel more relaxed,” said Matt Owen, corporate director of public relations. “We want them to have an enjoyable experience. After all, according to independent third parties, we’re the finest restaurant in the Carolinas.”
Woodlands is the only restaurant in South Carolina to receive the coveted AAA Five-Diamond award. The inn also is a Forbes Five-Star establishment, one of two in South Carolina.
“While we are five star and five diamond and very proud of it, we are not a place people should be afraid of dining in or staying in,” Owen said. “It has always been a friendly place, and in the last month, it has become even more approachable.”
The restaurant welcomes children, and has started several new programs to show that dining there isn’t just for special occasions.
The Farm-to-Table dinner series began April 14, and the outdoor dinners also are planned for May 12 and June 9. The chefs will create a three-course dinner using vegetables, fruits and meats from area farmers. Wines will be paired with each course. The cost, excluding tax and tip, is $55.
The first dinner featured food from the Keegan-Filion Farm in Walterboro. The event began in the herb garden with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a band. During dinner, the featured farmer introduced each course and explained the significance of the dish. After dessert, the band played for dancing.
The May 12 Farm-to-Table dinner will feature Legare Farms of Johns Island. A farm partner has not been set for the June event.
Woodlands Inn also will continue its monthly wine dinners, which Owen said are extremely popular. Held the third Wednesday of the month, the $74 dinners include a tasting reception and a four-course dinner with wines.
For those attending the wine or Farm-to-Table dinners, the inn offers rooms for $125 per night.
The inn also has added Friday night jazz in a more casual dining and bar area, the Pines.
Lavin came to Woodlands Inn about a month ago from West Virginia, where he was the vice president of food and beverage for The Greenbrier. He formerly was the director of food and beverage at The Sanctuary in Kiawah Island.
A new chef also should be named for the restaurant soon, Owen said. Chef Nate Whiting left in October to become head chef at Tristan in Charleston. The culinary team is now being led by Sous Chef Jordan Moore, Owen said.