Woodlands' Wines of the World

Not only has Chef Tarver King been recognized in the November issue of Esquire as a "Chef to Watch," the resort located in Summerville, SC has made it easy to do so. The Woodlands is hosting the highly-acclaimed Wines of the World food and wine series the third Tuesday of every month. December 11 and 18 will feature "Champagne and sparkling wines," while the 2008 series kicks off on January 15th with a visit to the private cellars of the top "Burgundy Winemakers."

In addition, on December 1, 8, 15, and 22 they are offering a Christmas lunch and tour starting at $39 per person.

But wait there's more! On December 4th, Chef King will host a truffles cooking demonstration - stay for dinner and the demo is free!

Here is the full Woodlands calendar of events.

Cure for the Turkey Coma

Take a break from leftovers and crowds at the mall and treat yourself and your family to a drive in the country. Split Creek Farm is holding a holiday open house Saturday, November 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Known for their artisan goat cheese and goat milk fudge, they also carry Carolina rice, Timm's Mill grits and cornmeal, Bee Well honey, and gourmet dog biscuits.

Handmade jewelry, baskets, painted gourds and fiber art will be available from arts and crafts folks. And you can get the best goat cheese pizza from their country porch kitchen.

You also might want to check out Harmon's, a tree farm and Christmas House. Enjoy a free train or hay ride, hot chocolate or cider while you pick out your perfect tree.

South Carolina Sody-Pop!

If you've never heard of Blenheim Ginger Ale then you must not be from around here. Locally brewed and bottled in Hamer, SC since 1903, Blemheim's makes four different flavors - Old #3, Old #5 (not so hot), #9 diet, and #11 Ginger Beer. If it is your first time, be warned...this sweet and spicy brew will set your head to sweating, tickle your throat and make your tongue throb, but it is oh-so-delicious. If you are near South of the Border (I-95 at the North and South Carolina stateline) stop in for a tour. The plant is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call first at 1-800-270-9344. Hard to find retail outlets outside of South Carolina, but worth the hunt.

If a smoother brew is preferred you might want to check out Dr. Root Beer's Hall of Foam, located at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, SC. In addition to the private label root beer, the shop also makes a mean Sweet Sassafrass BBQ sandwich. Be sure to ask which antique signs were used in movies The Bridges of Madison County and Fried Green Tomatoes.

Finally, if you are in Greenville, SC it is worth the hunt to find Smoken' Stokes famous for their Cheerwine BBQ sauce. Just follow your nose.

Holiday Culinary Tours of Charleston

Strolling through beautiful, historic Charleston while savoring chocolate? My dream come true courtesy of Carolina Food Pros. Local food expert Amanda Dew Manning takes you behind the scenes with pastry chefs, bakers, and Chocolatiers while sampling deliciously decadent chocolate desserts at some of Charleston's finest restaurants, bakeries and specialty shops. Every Friday in December from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

"No Reservations" in Charleston

Did anyone catch the Anthony Bourdain "No Reservations" segment on Charleston? Although it was filmed last spring it only aired recently. If you didn't see it the first time around - watch for it in reruns. Bourdain visited Crosby's Fish and Chips, Sweatmans BBQ, TW Grahams, Jestine's Kitchen, and Gullah Grub. Here are some behind the scene pixs. South Carolina BBQ expert Lake High (yes, that is his real name) escorted the film crew to Sweatman's while discussing the four types of sauces in South Carolina etc. - great segment, but even more fun when I came across his daughter's blog. And thank you Ted and Matt Lee for pouring the champagne into appropriate glassware during the oyster roast! Next airing on the Travel Channel is November 19, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. - set your TIVO/DVR!