I wrote a column about lost seasons, dashed expectations and the ways a rivalry game can absolve at least a few sins. Also, this is the only Carolina-Clemson piece you will read this week that references German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in the lead.

Save the date and save me some waffle fries.

Sandhill/NE Cola alert.

Extra cheese please, Lexington.

Fore!

That loaded omelet biscuit, though.

Steakhouse plans are afoot in Red Bank.

The spot for sweet treats announced in October that it would close its doors. Now it is set to see new life.

The Midlands restaurant attached to a gas station has been a fixture of the local food scene for more than 16 years.

Columbiana chugs along.

A mini-burst of Cuban restaurants is afoot in the Midlands.

"Strange things are afoot at the Circle K."

It's Day Two of @thestate.com's 2025 Fried Chicken Poll. Drake's Duck-In and Bernie's have shot to the top and are doing battle. Still plenty of time for any of the other 11 places to get in the mix here. Vote 'em up!

The guide released its inaugural list of selections in the American South, and two Midlands places were mentioned.

Two restaurants in Columbia's Vista recommended in prestigious Michelin Guide.

A new spot in one of the busiest traffic/commercial area in Lexington. I had the Tropic Lime Twist there over the weekend and it was quite tasty.

Cafe Strudel has new owners. West Columbia location remains open. Lexington location will be redeveloped as a different restaurant.

Well, that didn't take long.

Hey Red Bank, ready to drink some beer while you shop for groceries? The date is set.

An exit from the Columbia retail scene.

Burlington is really beefing up that Midlands profile.

An exit from the Forest Drive culinary roster.

The one that got away

It's official: Methodical Coffee is (soft) open at BullStreet.

What candidates for mayor and town council say they would do in Batesburg-Leesville. www.thestate.com/news/politic...

I had the latest entry in the Communities in Transition series for @thestate.com. We took a look at Rosewood, the classic Columbia neighborhood that is working to retain its charm amid broader growth and change across the city and region. Tracy Glantz shot the pics.

You've got a new spot for a sweet treat, Irmo.

A taste of Cuba coming to the Main Street District in Columbia.

"Top off your gas tanks and ask the Lord for patience, Gamecocks fans. The 'fair game' is upon us."

Life in the fast (drive-thru) lane.

Boy, it's been a hell of a few weeks on the Midlands beer scene.

Get your quarter ready.

Coffee and beer and Fiske Fries, oh my.

If you want to talk to me, @hannahwade2000.bsky.social, @christrainorsc.bsky.social or @jorlaw.bsky.social about this story or anything else, come hang out with us at our Lexington coffee hangout lunchtime Friday. www.thestate.com/news/local/a...

Columbia says paying the verdict would impact “its ability to provide essential public services.”

You had my attention with Godzilla Roll.

The home of a SC judge who blocked release of voter data sought by DOJ has been destroyed by fire. Officials haven't linked the blaze to Judge Diane Goodstein's order, but authorities are providing extra security as they investigate. By @jeffreycollinsap.bsky.social apnews.com/article/judg...

A taproom exit from Columbia's brewery scene, @hannahwade2000.bsky.social reports.

Hey Rosewood, there's a new wing place to try.

Extra cheese, please. www.thestate.com/news/local/a...

It's their pleasure. www.thestate.com/news/local/a...

HARBISON ALERT

Columbia's incoming food hall at BullStreet has its initial food and drink lineup set. A nice slate, I'd say.

Are you a Ford-loving Chapin resident? Well, I have good news for you. (In two years.)

We had a great time talking to readers at our Chapin coffee clatch earlier this month. Now we're doing another one in Lexington on Oct. 10, and this time we're bringing @christrainorsc.bsky.social along! RSVP to hang out with us here. www.thestate.com/news/local/a...

Voodoo Brewing is getting ready to cast a spell in Lexington.

Is this supposed to be a threat? They did this exact thing while the government was open

Sorry to be bringing you so much closing news this morning, but here's another.

Some closures and a "re-grand opening" in this week's Restaurant Roundup®

Well, here's one. Iron Hill Brewery at Columbia's BullStreet has closed as the beer company has shuttered all of its restaurants.