The Optimist Pairing; Ballpark Weiner Winners

EVENTWIRE—Thursday is your chance to dine with a Bon Appetit best new restaurant nominee and a trusted hometown favorite. Atlanta chef Ford Fry from BA highlight The Optimist will be in town to pair with highly established Circa 1886 chef Marc Collins for a fundraiser benefiting Louie's Kids. The event begins with a five-course dinner featuring healthy, seasonal ingredients and concludes with a live auction benefiting the charity. Louie's Kids battles to eliminate childhood obesity. Tickets are $80 a person and can be reserved by calling 843.853.7828. [EaterWire]

WEENIEWIRE—Garden & Gun contributor Robert Moss selects Lowcountry baseball team Charleston RiverDogs' concession stand as a pick for his "Local Ballpark Delicious" list. Moss recommends you try the Southern flavored RiverDog weiner. This hot dog is topped with coleslaw, whole spears of pickled okra and a mustard-based barbecue sauce. With only ten home games left, curious eaters should get to the stadium soon. [G&G]

EVENTWIRE—Charleston Grill chef Michelle Weaver will showcase the bounty of summer's harvest with two Vegstock dinners this week. The August 14 and 15 seatings include an entirely vegetarian three-course dinner and reception. In a meat-centric town like Charleston, it can be difficult to find a menu that goes without. Guests can expect zucchini Pad Thai, tomato tartare, herbed gnocchi and other vegetable heavy dishes. Tickets are $90 and can be reserved by calling 843.577.4522. [EaterWire]