Monday, February 11, 2008

2008 Charleston Food and Wine Festival Announces Line-up

A dynamic list of national talent were announced for the third annual BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival, scheduled for February 29-March 2, 2008. The Festival will showcase some of the country's top culinary professionals including James Beard Foundation award winners, expert sommeliers and authors and chefs featured in local and national publications, including Gourmet magazine, Bon Appétit, Food + Wine Magazine, Travel + Leisure, just to name a few.

Renowned culinary talent of both local and guest chefs, authors, and wine professionals will make this an experience unlike any other. Some of the highlighted guests include celebrated names such as Ruth Reichl, editor of Gourmet, Marvin Woods, chef, author and host of Turner South's "Home Plate", David Chang, chef and co-owner of the Momofuku restaurants in New York City, Suzanne Goin, chef and owner of Lucque restaurant in West Hollywood California, and Gale Gand, executive pastry chef of Tru in Chicago and host of Food Network's Sweet Dreams.

The BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival is set to combine the city's best culinary experiences into one spectacular weekend, February 28-March 2, 2008. A food and wine event like no other, the Festival provides guests the opportunity to meet and get a taste of some of the country's best chefs, authors and wine professionals. Guests can educate their palates with Southern cuisine and the Lowcountry's unique food styles, heritage and recipes at one of the 50+ events throughout the weekend. Highlights include the Celebration of Charleston Chefs Opening Night Party, the Restaurant Dine-Around, Bubbles & Sweets, the King Street Sip & Stroll, the Lowcountry Gospel Brunch and the BBQ, Blues, & Brew. An expanded Culinary Village takes over Marion Square Park in downtown Charleston with two Grand Tasting Tents, a Culinary Competitions, Cooking Demonstrations, Chef Tastings and more.

To view the complete list of guest chefs, wine professionals, and authors, visit www.charlestonfoodandwine.com or call 843.722.5547. Tickets on Sale Now!

Chili Cook-Off in Columbia

If you’ve got the best chili in Columbia, prove it on Saturday, February 23 during the Palladium Society's 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off.

The Chili Cook-Off will be held at the Moore Building on the State Fairgrounds from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment by Flatt City Bluegrass Band, a variety of chili recipes to sample, local celebrity judges, and prizes for the winners. Tickets in advance are $15, $10 for Historic Columbia Foundation members. Tickets at the door are $20, $15 for members. To RSVP, call 803.252.7742, ext. 29 or email reservations@HistoricColumbia.org.

Join the competition to make history and gain bragging rights. The deadline to enter your chili is Monday, February 18. The entry fee is $15. Visit our website at www.historiccolumbia.org to download the registration form or call 803.252.7742, ext. 27 for more information.

Congratulations to SC Restaurants!

Umi Pacific Grille in North Myrtle Beach was rated AAA Four-Diamonds recently (the first in the area), and chefs from the Devine Dining Group won a silver and 2 bronze medals in a recent American Culinary Federation competition.

Circa 1886, a AAA Four-Diamond award-winning restaurant in Charleston, SC., recently added the Mobil Four-Star Award to its list of accolades. One of only four restaurants in South Carolina to make the list, this is the first year the restaurant has received the honor.

Circa 1886, is making its online video debut in a new Podcast featuring Executive Chef Marc Collins. The Podcast, which is the first in a regular series offered by the restaurant, showcases the restaurant’s winter menu and provides tips on cooking with seasonal ingredients.

The Dining Room at Woodlands is a Five-Star Mobil recipient, while the Charleston Grill, Peninsula Grill, and the Ocean Room at Kiawah Island are Four-Star Mobil Travel Guide award winners in South Carolina.