Food & Wine Classic Lights Up Charleston with Culinary Delights
This past weekend, Charleston became the epicenter of culinary creativity as it hosted the inaugural Food & Wine Classic. The festival, which was packed with a variety of seminars, tasting demonstrations, **specialty dinners**, and vibrant after-parties, brought food lovers together in a spectacular way. For anyone who has a penchant for good eats and a good time, this was the place to be as it featured the Grand Tasting Pavilion, a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
Despite the looming threat of Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc on other parts of the Southeast, Charleston’s festival skeptically trailed a lucky line with just a minor hiccup: an hour’s delay for the Grand Tasting Pavilion on the first day and only one seminar canceled. Talk about good fortune during hurricane season!
Seminars That Dazzled
The seminars were a highlight, showcasing the culinary skills of both local and celebrity chefs, along with sommeliers and even beer experts. One of the standout demos was led by none other than Tyler Florence. A South Carolina native, Florence treated attendees to his take on a classic Caesar salad and the impressive tomahawk steak served at his renowned steakhouse, Miller & Lux. It’s always heartwarming to see a local boy make it big and return home with fond memories. Florence shared how his early culinary education at Johnson & Wales in Charleston shaped his career, and the dishes he presented reflected his Southern roots, with fried chicken and deviled eggs topping his popular menu items.
In a fun twist, Florence hinted at the possibility of opening a restaurant in Charleston, dubbing it his “love letter to the South.” Food lovers rejoiced at the thought!
Another chef making waves was Sean Brock, a renown figure in the Charleston food scene. He shared news of his upcoming Nashville restaurant, Joybird, while offering a glimpse into the art of perfect hamburgers at the festival.
Deep Cultural Insights
The festival wouldn’t be complete without diving into the rich history of the Lowcountry’s culinary scene. The seminar titled, “The City That Rice Built,” spotlighted the profound connection between West African history and rice cultivation, a staple in the Carolina Lowcountry. Panelists delved deep into discussions surrounding Gullah Geechee culture and showcased the cooking of legendary chef Charlotte Jenkins, who served up delicious bacon and okra purloo.
Amethyst Ganaway, a contributor to the local food scene, emphasized how much of Charleston’s culinary recognition overlooks Gullah Geechee restaurants. She recommended must-visit spots like Gillie’s Seafood on James Island and Bintu Atelier downtown to better appreciate the heritage behind the flavors.
Sips and Snacks Galore
The weekend was not just confined to savory delights but also included some eye-opening seminars dedicated to pairing wines and beer. One standout was “Choose Your Own Adventure: A Pinot Noir and Snacks Pairing Party,” where guests explored the art of pairing pinots with Southern delights like boiled peanuts. Another fascinating session, “Beer by the Sea: How Coastal Breweries Are Making Some of America’s Greatest Brews,” featured tastings from a variety of local and coastal breweries.
In between seminars, thousands enjoyed strolling through the Grand Tasting Pavilion, where they got to sample an array of seafood and Southern bites. Fresh-shucked oysters from 167 Raw, poached shrimp from Charleston Grill, and fried chicken sandwiches from Magnolia’s topped the must-try lists. Each session offered something new, allowing guests to indulge countless times without déjà vu.
Looking Ahead
If you happened to miss this year’s amazing festival, don’t fret! The Food & Wine Classic is set to return for its second edition from **September 26 through September 28, 2025**. Mark your calendars and get ready for another epic weekend filled with culinary explorations!
Charleston truly proved to be the perfect host for this delicious gathering. With warm smiles, incredible food, and an absolute feast for the senses, who wouldn’t want to come back for more?
