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Carlo Petrini In Charleston
On February 23, we welcomed Carlo Petrini, Slow Food International founder and president, with two events here in Charleston!
Historic McCrady's was the perfect venue for the welcome reception with charcuterie by Chef Sean Brock. Everyone had a chance to meet Carlo as he signed his new book, Terra Madre.
Next were cocktails and dinner at Cypress, where Carlo showed us an eight-minute video on the meaning of the global network that is Terra Madre and then gave a talk explaining its importance and his vision of food communities for the future.
Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers had everyone clapping and swaying as they entertained us with praise songs of the Gullah experience. And we again celebrated the heritage Guinea Hog, with Gra Moore sharing the history and distinctive qualities of this breed and Chef Craig Deihl creating an outstanding menu based on this delicacy.
Our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors: Garden & Gun, Ben Arnold Beverage Company, and Stems Florist. Food sponsors included Joseph Fields Organics, Kennerty Farms, Abundant Seafood, "Clammer" Dave's Sustainable Gourmet, Kurios Farms, Anson Mills, Split Creek Farms, and Keegan-Filion Farms.
And our deepest gratitude to Byrdhouse PR and Leapfrog PR for our incredible media coverage and event coordination.
Chocolate & Wine Event
Our February 11 Chocolate, Wine, and Bacon Tasting event at Ted's Butcherblock was great fun and delicious.
Thanks to Ted and his team for hosting us and pairing the wines with Christophe's special chocolate-bathed bacon strips with savory seasonings of cayenne pepper and Szechuan pepper, his chocolate/bleu cheese truffles, and more.
The Guinea Hog bacon, from a Lowcountry heritage breed, was supplied by farmer Gra Moore of Carolina Heritage Farms, Pamplico, SC, as part of a project to highlight this rare breed and introduce it to Charleston chefs and consumers.
The Unwind Duo (Helen Greenfield on cello and Steve Green on guitar) further enlivened the evening with popular standards.
A big thank you to all!
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photo credit: Rick McKee |
Carlo Petrini, farmer Gra Moore, Chef Craig Deihl
photo credit: Rick McKee |
Chef Craig Deihl
photo credit: Rick McKee |
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Dinner at Cypress
by Patricia Agnew (edited)
Guests enjoyed multiple courses, taking advantage of every part of the pig beginning with hors d'oeuvres, including pork liver mousse on brioche with pickled red onion, wood-grilled flatbread with house-cured salami, Capers Inlet oysters with cucumber mignonette and crispy pancetta as well as assorted charcuterie.
Among other delectable courses, Chef Deihl's creativity shone in the main course trio of braised pork shoulder with Savoy cabbage and apples; rye-roasted belly with white grits, celery root, and smoked bacon jus; and grilled loin with carrots, orange, and cumin.
Following the dinner, Petrini celebrated the bringing together of the bounty of the black guinea hog and the talent of the chef, passionately admonishing guests to reestablish the connection with the earth and the natural synergy of the seasons by 'eating less, but eating better, local, seasonally, with family and friends around the table.
Though this message was delivered in Italian (with translation), there was no mistaking his dedication to a life's work and commitment to changing the way the world eats, one meal at a time.
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W.O.K. Dinner/Educational Film
- Date: Tuesday, May 11
- Time: 7 -9PM
- Place: W.O.K. (349 King St.)
- Featuring: Join us for a sit-down dinner featuring local, organic fusion fare from W.O.K. & viewing of the film "Nourish" with Michael Pollan, Alice Waters, & Jamie Oliver
- Cost: Members: $20/Non-members: $25
- NOTE: limited seating. Please RSVP to 225-4307
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