Charleston Unites for the 2023 Food & Wine Classic
Charleston recently turned into a food lover’s paradise during the much-anticipated Food & Wine Classic held over the past weekend. With an array of seminars, tasting demos, specialty dinners, and after parties, this year’s festival brought together culinary enthusiasts from all around. Thankfully, the weather played nice overall, as the event only had a minor hiccup just a week into peak hurricane season.
A Taste of Southern Charm
The festivities kicked off with the Grand Tasting Pavilion, which had a slight delay of an hour on its first day but quickly made up for lost time with a range of delicious offerings. Attendees could roam around, savoring delicious bites mostly inspired by seafood and Southern cuisine, proving that Charleston is indeed a city made for food lovers.
Celebrity Chefs Take the Stage
This year’s seminars featured some well-known figures in the culinary world. One of the highlights was High Steaks: Recipes of an American Steakhouse presented by South Carolina native chef Tyler Florence. He delighted audiences with a cooking demonstration of the classic Caesar salad and tomahawk steak from his renowned steakhouse, Miller & Lux. Florence spoke fondly of his time cooked in Charleston, recalling how his experiences there still inspire his restaurant menus today.
His passion for the Lowcountry was apparent, and he hinted at a potential restaurant in Charleston, describing it as a “love letter to the South.” Food lovers everywhere hope that comes to fruition!
Burgers, Gullah, and More!
Another engaging seminar was Brock on Burgers: Why the Crustburger Reigns Supreme, featuring former Charleston chef Sean Brock. While he celebrated burgers, he also announced plans for his Nashville restaurant, Joybird, set to open later this year.
Beyond Burgers: The City That Rice Built
An important seminar called The City That Rice Built brought forth some significant conversations about the West African influences on Lowcountry cuisine. Panelists including Amethyst Ganaway and Alexander Smalls discussed the rich history of rice within Gullah Geechee culture. Attendees enjoyed traditional dishes, such as bacon and okra purloo, a dish that highlights Charleston’s deep culinary roots.
An Array of Unique Pairings
Throughout the festival, there were also several unforgettable tasting sessions, like a delightful Pinot Noir and Snacks Pairing Party, where guests paired different pinot wines with local southern treats like boiled peanuts. Another seminar, Beer by the Sea: How Coastal Breweries Are Making Some of America’s Greatest Brews, showcased the best of local craft beers.
A Seafood Wonderland
As attendees walked through the GTP, they were met with an array of seafood delights. From fresh-shucked oysters to poached shrimp and scallops, the emphasis on the sea was everywhere. A highlight was Magnolia’s fried chicken sandwich topped with pimento cheese, a dish sure to satisfy anyone’s Southern cravings.
Looking Ahead
For those who unfortunately missed this year’s festival, don’t worry! The good news is that the second annual Food & Wine Classic is already scheduled for next year, taking place from September 26 through September 28, 2025. So mark your calendars and get ready for another weekend filled with fun, learning, and of course, lots of delicious food.
With a perfect mix of culinary education and tasting opportunities, this year’s Food & Wine Classic truly showcased the food culture that Charleston is known for. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the event highlighted just how special Charleston’s culinary scene really is!
