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Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Charleston or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
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What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Charleston
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Charleston is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Charleston, SC
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Charleston. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Latest News in Charleston, SC
Gerry Turner Believes ‘Fate Played a Hand’ in His Decision to Move to Charleston with Theresa Nist (Exclusive)
Dana Rose Falconehttps://people.com/why-gerry-turner-and-theresa-nist-plan-to-move-to-charleston-exclusive-8409520
From The Bachelor Mansion to a sprawling Southern dream home!After getting engaged on Thursday’s ...
From The Bachelor Mansion to a sprawling Southern dream home!
After getting engaged on Thursday’s Golden Bachelor finale, Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist tell PEOPLE they plan to start their lives together in Charleston, South Carolina.
“One of the things that I think fate played a hand in is the possibility of where we might wind up living,” Gerry says. “For the last couple of years, when my family gets together, I've talked about moving to South Carolina, and it's an idea I've toyed with. And then in conversation with Theresa, a private moment, she's saying, ‘Well, yeah, my son lives near Charleston in South Carolina.’”
Gerry currently lives in Indiana and Theresa hails from New Jersey, but that conversation made it easy for the couple to decide where they should reside.
“And all of a sudden it's like, there's a big problem that is gone,” Gerry says. “The issue of compromising on where to live and how to reconcile families and all of that is, it's no longer an issue.”
The reality stars hope their families will visit often. “We want to have a house that's so inviting that everyone would want to come,” Theresa, 70, says. “Maybe a pool so they all want to come and have fun.”
Lucky for Gerry and Theresa, their kids have already bonded.
“Our daughters, they're like sisters now,” the father of two says.
Theresa agrees. “My daughter says, ‘Thank you for giving me two more sisters,’” the financial services professional says. “She has a sister-in-law already but now, two more sisters.”
After his hometown date with Theresa’s family, Gerry saw her family as his own.
“I looked at Jen and it was like, ‘This could be my own daughter,’” Gerry says of his fiancée’s daughter. “ I literally was having those thoughts because she was so kind and she was so sensitive to the situation, to her mom and to me. The whole dynamic just worked.”
Theresa and Gerry plan to bring their families together to celebrate Hanukkah this month. “We'll have a holiday dinner together with everyone,” Gerry says.
As they’ve continued getting to know each other over phone calls and text messages these last few months, Gerry and Theresa learned they share similar views on one very important — albeit unromantic — facet of combining their lives.
“Financially, we're the same,” Gerry says. “The way we handle money is the same.”
Theresa clarifies that that means the pair consider themselves “somewhat frugal.”
While Gerry and Theresa look forward to moving in together, they don’t have an exact plan for when that will happen.
“We've had conversations and we've narrowed it down to a time window, but that's always in flux,” the retired restaurateur says. “We have two homes to sell. We have other events that we're going to have to deal with and so forth.”
One major event: their live, televised wedding that will air on ABC in January.
“??When you're in your 20s and you put something off for a year, it's a very small percentage of your life,” Gerry says. “In your 70s, the clock ticks faster. And I'm 100% certain I found the right girl for me. So it's like, why not?”
Gerry can’t wait for his future to unfold, but Theresa keeps him grounded.
“Fortunately, Theresa is the more patient, I think, of the two of us,” he says. “Me, I'm like, ‘Come on, let's go, it's time to go have fun. Life's a wasting. Let's go.’”
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The Golden Wedding will air Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Charleston County School District to finally fill its vacancy for a chief academic officer
Post and Courierhttps://www.postandcourier.com/
Filling the position ...
Filling the position
Charleston County School District to finally fill its vacancy for a chief academic officer
Charleston County School District’s board decided acting Superintendent Anita Huggins could offer the district’s chief academic officer contract to Michelle Simmons, after months of controversy surrounding the position. Read moreCharleston County School District to finally fill its vacancy for a chief academic officer
What’s a tree worth? Some want the Widowmaker removed, others worry what could be lost.
The state Commission on Higher Education, which doles out lottery funds as scholarships to needy students, has accumulated $152 million in lottery funds that it never used for scholarships. Instead the money sat in the bank.
The SC Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison announced a new get-out-the-vote effort ahead of South Carolina’s inaugural “First in the Nation” primary. The effort, designed as a test run for 2028, comes as enthusiasm for President Joe Biden’s reelection bid has begun to falter around the country.
Last month, 1,245 homes changed hands across the Charleston market as the median price dipped 0.2 percent from a year ago.
What’s a tree worth? Some want the Widowmaker removed, others worry what could be lost.
Sapakoff: How Heisman voting works in South Carolina, and my ballot
The Good Cheer Fund was established in 1927 by Thomas P. Lesesne, former managing editor of The News and Courier as a Lowcountry community outreach program to help people in need during the holiday season.
One hundred percent of the donations made to the Good Cheer Fund are distributed to seven agencies to aid the less fortunate in the Lowcountry during the holidays.
Tracking human trafficking crimes is tricky, but a new grant could help
The Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force that seeks to implement a community response against labor and sex trafficking recently received a $7 million grant. Read moreTracking human trafficking crimes is tricky, but a new grant could help
Latest local and national business announcements, powered by EZ Newswire
Veteran Reporter Claire Atkinson’s The Media Mix Signs Exclusive Deal with EZ Newswire
Gamecocks’ transfer-portal wish list: Receivers and running backs
Greenville
‘Tremendous lasting impact’: Spartanburg Kiwanis Club names Susu Johnson Citizen of Year
SC Dems seek to stoke enthusiasm for Biden with new first-in-nation canvassing effort
Charleston County School District to finally fill its vacancy for a chief academic officer
What’s a tree worth? Some want the Widowmaker removed, others worry what could be lost.
Editorial: A Charleston judge is out, but no records will tell us why. How is that OK?
Colleton County let tech director Jeffrey Hill return to job after wiretapping allegations
Lawmakers ask governor to order investigation of Hampton County’s missing money
Pick on the Total for Rhode Island-Charleston on December 10
Greg_Petersonhttps://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/12/10/23995400/pick-on-the-total-for-rhode-island-charleston-on-december-10
The state of Rhode Island will be featured heavily on Sunday’s college basketball board and the Rhode Island Rams will look to do the state proud when they play host to the College of Charleston Cougars.Rhode Island Rams vs College of Charleston Cougars (-10, 148.5)Since Pat Kelsey took over as Charleston’s head coach prior to the 2021-22 season, the Cougars have been an uptempo team, but the team has decided this season to slow things down, entering Saturday 150th in the country in possessions per ...
The state of Rhode Island will be featured heavily on Sunday’s college basketball board and the Rhode Island Rams will look to do the state proud when they play host to the College of Charleston Cougars.
Rhode Island Rams vs College of Charleston Cougars (-10, 148.5)
Since Pat Kelsey took over as Charleston’s head coach prior to the 2021-22 season, the Cougars have been an uptempo team, but the team has decided this season to slow things down, entering Saturday 150th in the country in possessions per game.
Injuries have been a big reason for Charleston’s tempo shift as Kelsey likes to have a rotation of nine or 10 players that he can rely on and three of the 10 players that are averaging at least 10 minutes for Charleston have missed at least one game this season.
One of the Charleston players that has not missed a game to this point is Reyne Smith, who leads the team in made 3-point shots and is tied for second on the team with 11.1 points per game, but left the team’s most recent game against Florida Atlantic after suffering a lower body injury.
The Charleston offense scored 55 points in the first 25:11 of game time with Smith on the floor in their game against Florida Atlantic before being outscored 38-19 the final 14:49 of the game to lose 38-19 after holding a lead at halftime.
Even if Smith can play, as the extent of his injury is unknown to the public, he likely will not be at 100 percent for a Charleston team that has struggled with their outside shooting as their 28.9% 3-point shooting percentage entered Saturday 302nd in the nation’s top.
As for the Rhode Island offense, they have their own shooting problems, making only 56.5% of their free throws, which ranks 360th among the 362 Division I teams.
On defense, Rhode Island has failed to generate turnovers, ranking 356th in turnovers forced per play on defense, but have forced teams to work for points, ranking 306th in the country in total possessions per game.
With Charleston dealing with the possibility of Smith missing this game for a team that was 190th in points scored on a per possession basis to begin with coupled with Rhode Island’s slow tempo and it leads to Sunday’s game being one that will feature plenty of defense.
The Play: Rhode Island vs. Charleston Under 148.5
Investment firm acquires Charleston logistics, warehousing company
Jason Thomashttps://charlestonbusiness.com/investment-firm-acquires-charleston-logistics-warehousing-company/
An infrastructure investment firm has acquired a Lowcountry warehousing and logistics company.NOVA Infrastructure has added A&R Bulk-Pak a South Carolina-based provider of contract packaging, transloading, warehousing and other critical supply chain services for the petrochemical industry, to its lineup.The strategic investment positions A&R to usher in its next stage of growth and continue to serve leading global chemical providers, a NOVA news release stated.Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed....
An infrastructure investment firm has acquired a Lowcountry warehousing and logistics company.
NOVA Infrastructure has added A&R Bulk-Pak a South Carolina-based provider of contract packaging, transloading, warehousing and other critical supply chain services for the petrochemical industry, to its lineup.
The strategic investment positions A&R to usher in its next stage of growth and continue to serve leading global chemical providers, a NOVA news release stated.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Over the past decade, the Port of Charleston has been one of the fastest-growing export hubs for the North American chemicals industry, and A&R has grown into a leading provider of critical supply chain solutions during that time,” Allison Kingsley, founder and partner of NOVA Infrastructure, said in the release. “We believe this industry will continue to be a leading exporter into large and high-growth global end markets, and we are excited to support A&R as it expands its service offerings, grows its market footprint and further entrenches its long-term customer relationships.”
Located 26 miles from the Port of Charleston in Moncks Corner, A&R operates a 240,000 square foot warehouse which features two high-speed automated packaging lines, rail access to the CSX main-line, and onsite storage for over 120 railcars, the release stated. The facility primarily focuses on transloading and packaging polyethylene pellets for a blue-chip customer base comprised of chemicals producers and trading houses.
“Ever since Avinoam Ron founded A&R in 1985, we have worked hard to establish a reputation for quality, reliability and safety, which has afforded us the privilege to serve some of the leading global chemicals producers and traders,” said Jason Blinkoff, executive vice president of A&R, said in the release. “Our partnership with NOVA will allow A&R to pursue growth opportunities in support of our customers’ long-term strategic goals.”
In tandem with this acquisition, A&R has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Harbor Logistics, the release stated. Harbor, a portfolio company of NOVA, is a provider of transportation, logistics and warehousing services in Charleston. The agreement aligns Harbor, A&R and NOVA as long-term partners to deliver a broader suite of comprehensive supply chain solutions in North America. The partnership will utilize each company’s resources, operational capabilities, and experience to develop, construct, finance and operate specialized logistics infrastructure across North America.
“I have had the pleasure of working with A&R and Jason for many years when I was at the Port and welcome the opportunity to bring Harbor’s commercial and operational capabilities to this partnership,” Micah Mallace, president of Harbor Logistics and the former chief commercial officer of the South Carolina Ports Authority, said in the release. “The pairing of Harbor’s core competencies with A&R’s chemicals packaging expertise offers our mutual customers an even higher level of service. In addition, Harbor’s dominance as the largest drayage provider in Charleston will afford A&R customers unparalleled cost and service to further strengthen A&R’s offering.”
NOVA and Harbor Logistics were advised on the transaction by Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O. and Jones Day. A&R was advised on the transaction by IMG Business Advisors and legal counsel was provided by Brown Moskowitz & Kallen, P.C. and The Law Office of Joshua F. Laff.
Charleston restaurant sets standard high in popular downtown dining corridor
Parker Milner pmilner@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/food/malagon-spanish-cuisine-juan-cassalett-charleston/article_d55e3e40-87e4-11ee-b333-cb78e1d38394.html
A seat at one of Malagón’s wooden barstools is a wonderful place to be on a cool Charleston night.With your jacket hanging on a rack near the kitchen and feet resting on a brass bar rail, the time has come to order a glass of wine. While you’re perusing the nearly 10-page food menu, a server wearing a red-and-white striped shirt brings over a sample from the all-Spanish list featuring full-bodied reds, refreshing cavas and nutty sherries.Wine chosen — with guidance from a server who strikes a deft balan...
A seat at one of Malagón’s wooden barstools is a wonderful place to be on a cool Charleston night.
With your jacket hanging on a rack near the kitchen and feet resting on a brass bar rail, the time has come to order a glass of wine. While you’re perusing the nearly 10-page food menu, a server wearing a red-and-white striped shirt brings over a sample from the all-Spanish list featuring full-bodied reds, refreshing cavas and nutty sherries.
Wine chosen — with guidance from a server who strikes a deft balance between attentiveness and nonchalance — you’re ready to listen to the daily specials.
Tonight, Malagón executive chef and co-owner Juan Cassalett has thinly shaved house-cured duck, placing the darkened sheet over endive dressed in a vinaigrette — bright and bursting with acidity. Swordfish skewers have been cooked over charcoal, and house-made sourdough is receiving the ‘pa amb tomàquet’ treatment of local tomatoes and jamón ibérico, capped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chives.
With a prime view of Malagón’s tight open kitchen, where Cassalett cooks on most nights with two sous chefs and three line cooks, you can choose from those options and be perfectly content. You could then return the following night with a small group of friends, allowing for full exploration of the menu.
That’s exactly the type of restaurant Cassalett, his wife and Chez Nous chef Jill Mathias, and restaurateurs Patrick and Fanny Panella set out to create when they opened Malagón in 2018. Even with a specific regional focus, the plates stay fresh.
“We want there to be something for everybody without sacrificing the purity of the concept,” Patrick Panella said.
On any given night, parties of one or two can be seen grabbing a quick bite after work next to a group of tourists, table filled with marinated lamb skewers; crab rice with squid ink and paprika; jamón-wrapped grouper; white asparagus with anchovies; and La Bomba de la Barceloneta, a pork-packed mashed potato “bomb” with tomato and aioli.
For years, the West Ashley restaurant space at 25 Magnolia Road was a place where food and beverage professionals escaped the chaos of downtown Charleston over an array of Italian classics, including gnocchi and pasta tossed in vodka sauce or Bolognese.
Though many adored Al Di La, a crowded bar area and dining room at the address in late November suggests Avondale diners have taken a liking to Bearcat, which opened to the public after a monthslong delay Oct. 27.
Helmed by former Chicago fine dining chef George Kovach, the new restaurant is split in two.
Located on the right, Bearcat’s bar has all the elements of a neighborhood watering hole — frozen drinks, energized chatter and diners donning casual clothing. Alongside that laid-back vibe are some more formal bites, including smoked chicken yakitori, wagyu beer tartare, and crab and foie gras bao buns, made by blending liver, cured overnight, with crab meat.
Walking through a tight wood-framed doorway takes diners into Bearcat’s dining room, where Kovach and head chef John Coleman are dusting smoked maitake mushrooms with porcini mushroom dust and placing three scallops on a fluffy parsnip puree mattress, dotted with droplets of paprika oil. A golden beet salad with whipped yogurt, duck liver mousse with house-made brioche bread and Carolina Gold crab rice with uni hollandaise are some of the other fanciful small- and medium-sized plates guests can expect to find at the new West Ashley hot spot.
The current 10-item a la carte menu will expand as the team settles into this half of the space, which opened to the public after the bar side in mid-November. In the future, Bearcat’s dining room will add a chef-curated tasting menu, drawing inspiration from Kovach’s fine dining experience. The chefs plan to adjust the tasting menu to accommodate plant-based diners.
Pop-Up Picks is a recurring series in The Post and Courier’s Food Section that previews an upcoming pop-up breakfast, lunch or dinner and the chefs behind it.
Now ubiquitous in Charleston, the term “oyster roast” first started appearing in the Lowcountry in the late 1890s, though oyster houses in the 1820s were a significant precursor to the later defined roasts. Several Charleston “oyster cellars,” modeled after ones in New York, would serve oysters raw, in stew or cooked over charcoal fire.
Though oyster roasts were not exclusive or original to Charleston, they stuck around here when they fizzled out in the Northeast. And historic shell mounds in areas such as Edisto Beach suggest that Native American people were gathering to eat oysters long before oyster houses or oyster roasts were a fixture in Charleston.
Today’s Lowcountry oyster roasts usually feature a long wooden table piled high with buckets of fresh roasted oysters. Standing elbow-to-elbow, people can be found pulling apart the clusters and shucking away with an oyster knife. Oyster roast season typically includes the months ending in “R,” and two Charleston-area establishments are leaning into the tradition all season long.
In North Charleston, Firefly Distillery (4201 Spruill Ave.) has brought back its Sunday Oyster Roast Series, featuring roasted Lowcountry Oyster Co. clusters, a Bloody Mary bar and bites from local food trucks. Led by chef Graham Calabria, the roasts — taking place Dec. 17, Jan. 21, Feb. 25 and March 24 — are all-you-can-eat, with tickets starting at $35.
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