<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

What was once Carolina Wings in Port Royal has now been transformed into The Carolina Tavern. Local owners Larry and Stephanie Fries have been hard at work updating the restaurant, not only the decor but with new menu options, and the Lunch Bunch was excited to see all the changes.

[caption id="attachment_14725" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-21.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-14725" alt="Appetizer sampler: pretzel dippers and fried mushrooms." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-21-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Appetizer sampler: pretzel dippers and fried mushrooms.[/caption]

We started with the appetizer sampler, which allows you to choose three appetizers, so we tried the Twisted Pretzel Dippers, Buffalo Chicken Dip and the fried mushrooms. The giant pretzel, served warm, was really good especially dipped in either the honey mustard or cheese sauce. Kim and I discovered that The Buffalo Chicken Dip — made with shredded chicken tossed in hot sauce, Bleu cheese and cream cheese — is completely addicting.

For an entree, Kim ordered the Corned Beef Brisket, which is slow cooked in house. I’ve had corned beef and I’ve had beef brisket, but never had them together and I found the flavor of the thin-sliced beef savory and unique.

I tried one of the new flatbreads, the Club, and it was yummy. It’s hard to go wrong with a soft,

[caption id="attachment_14740" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Flat-bread.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-14740" alt="Club flatbread with sweet potato tots." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Flat-bread-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a> Club flatbread with sweet potato tots.[/caption]

yet crunchy, flatbread covered with fried turkey, baked ham, bacon, melted cheese, with lettuce, tomato. It comes with ranch dressing and a side of sweet potato tots, which were awesome. (Where were these when I was growing up?)

Irene was intrigued by the Beer Can Chicken entree — a half chicken marinated in Guinness and slow-baked golden brown.

Elizabeth chose healthy options with a bowl of French Onion soup and a trip to the salad bar where she could build her own salad with the large variety of fresh veggies and fruit.

Guest Lunch Buncher Kathleen ordered the classic hot wings and they were tasty. Larry said

[caption id="attachment_14741" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Wings2.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-14741" alt="Hot wings." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Wings2-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Hot wings.[/caption]

they have added many new sauces for the popular wings.

Carolina Tavern is a great place to bring the family or to watch sports. Now, the variety of new food — from sandwiches to burgers to ribs — makes it better than ever. The restaurant is located at 1714 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Call 843-379-5959 for take out.

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[caption id="attachment_14742" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Salad.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-14742" alt="Salad from the salad bar at Carolina Tavern." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Salad-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a> Salad from the salad bar at Carolina Tavern.[/caption]

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