<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

The Lowcountry Store on St. Helena Island might be more well-known for its stunning variety of locally produced specialty products, but the Blue Dog Cafe tucked at the back of the store is a hidden gem for anyone hungry for a quick, tasty homemade meal. It’s a perfect place to stop on your way to or from Hunting Island.

[caption id="attachment_16906" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_0155.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-16906" alt="Gumbo" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_0155-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> Gumbo[/caption]

The Lunch Bunch gathered at one of the inside picnic tables as owners Ed Jerue and his wife prepared our orders in the little open kitchen.

Kim ordered their famous tomato pie, a perfect Southern dish for a summer afternoon, and she ate every bite.

Irene ordered the prize-winning gumbo made with tomato, okra, shrimp and andouille sausage, and it was flavorful and filling. She also enjoyed the chicken salad.

Elizabeth was pleased with her blackened chicken Caesar salad wrap, and I really liked my pimento cheese sandwich.

Guest Lunch Buncher, Kim’s teenage son William, ordered the BBQ Sandwich Special. The

[caption id="attachment_16907" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_0154.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-16907" alt="BBQ sandwich with pulled pork and coleslaw" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_0154-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> BBQ sandwich with pulled pork and coleslaw[/caption]

soft bun was piled high with pulled pork and barbecue sauce on one side, and a giant helping of fresh coleslaw on the other, making for a hearty and delicious sandwich with every bite.

They also have a big array of tempting desserts. We were curious about the Charleston Crunch Toffee, so we all split a giant piece, and it was chocolatey and crunchy and heavenly. We also tried the apple pie and the sweet potato pecan pie, and both were outstanding.

The owner’s dog, Blue, the namesake of the cafe, is sweet and jolly and makes it feel like you’re at your own kitchen. Except with really amazing food.

The Lowcountry Store is located at 736 Sea Island Parkway, Frogmore, SC, 29920. For more information, call 843-838-4646 or visit www.lowcountrystore.com.

[caption id="attachment_16908" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_0182.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-16908" alt="Sweet potato pecan pie" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_0182-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Sweet potato pecan pie[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_16909" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_0187.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-16909" alt="The cafe's namesake, Blue." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_0187-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> The cafe's namesake, Blue.[/caption]

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