Charleston Foodie Archives - Intrigue Events

Christmas Came to Charleston

What a blizzard this event was! The Intrigue Elves worked by night to transform Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails into Christmas Craziness for Miracle Popup ! A few grinches tried to steal Christmas, but the Intrigue Elves came to the rescue to restore the Winter Wonderland, just in time for Santa! We loved joining forces with the Handcraft family, and showcasing our creativity and passion to the community!

Intrigue Design and Events transformed the restaurant, inside and out, covering the walls in wrapping paper, stringing lights, hanging upside-down Christmas trees, garland, ornaments, and bows. The patio is a winter wonderland, with snowflakes galore and frosted sliding doors.

Rum-based cocktails were served in a Santa pants mug, and tequila with iced hot chocolate was served in a Christmas carol barrel. Both glasses, and a winking Santa mug, are available for purchase, of course.

Photography | John Hillin Photography @johnhillin
Restaurant |Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails @handcraftmtp
Brand |Miracle Popup @miraclepopup

Food for Thought: Tips for Charleston’s Wine + Food Fest

Charleston’s Wine + Food fest is quickly approaching. Time to sip and sample Charleston’s culinary excellence and renowned culture. The heart of the festival, known as The Culinary Village, is where to engage with local chefs, experts, craftsmen, wine lovers and foodies alike. With over 100 additional events to attend throughout the Charleston area, 2018’s festival proves itself to be better than ever. Whether you stay centered in The Culinary Village, or explore the food mecca of Charleston, here is some food for thought to munch on as you embark on your culinary journey.

Do Your Research: What, Homework? Yes! Check out the schedule for all events and prioritize your top picks. Make it a point to seek out activities you missed last year. Enter your schedule into a spreadsheet to highlight your must-dos and maybe-laters.
Don’t Overbook Yourself: Remember, this should be a leisurely walk not a marathon…don’t spread yourself too thin by overcommitting. Savor each event, relsh in the moment, schedule breaks, and give yourself time to recharge.
Don’t Hesitate to Stray: If a ticked event isn’t doing it for you or feels like it is dragging, don’t be afraid to deviate from the schedule. It’s OK to find refuge elsewhere. Find a local bar or restaurant that is more your speed until it is time for the next adventure.
Recharge: Everything tastes better when it is guilt free. Before morning festivities begin, give yourself time to recharge. Start your day with a brisk walk along the waterfront Battery, or for a stroll through the historic streets of Downtown Charleston
Find Alternative Transportation: There is no special or secret parking lot. If you must drive, don’t count on parking being close to The Culinary Village. Walk when you can, take an uber, or even rent a golf cart. Golf carts are legal in Downtown Charleston..Plus the breeze may be exactly what you need to refresh.
Not a Fashion Statement: This isn’t Charleston Fashion Week (at least not yet) Make sure to wear your most comfortable shoes. Patrons will excuse your fashion risk..we promise! Hint: Tasting gets messy, it would be best to avoid wearing white..or even better, bring a stain stick!
Everlasting Life: You are likely to outlast your phone. Never fear, Marion Square provides charging stations.
Use an App: Speaking of phones, use an app to save pertinent information you swear you will be able to remember. Hint: You won’t. For all the new wines you’ve sampled, take photos of the labels to your favorites, and save them to an app for future reference.
After Hour Gossip: Don’t miss out on the party after the party. Get the heads up for opportunities to exclusively meet great chefs, restaurateurs, food personalities, and writers off the beaten path of official scheduled events.
Say Thank You: Thank the volunteers, home chefs, out of town chefs, vendors, and craftsman as often as possible. The show could not go on if it wasn’t for them!

A Romantic Night Out for Two

Whether its a first date or an on-going ritual, all perfect date nights in Charleston must be romantic. In a city so saccharine, there’s no excuse for a night that leaves a bland taste in your mouth. So, let’s meet at a quintessential Italian eatery WAY North of Broad.

Trattoria Lucca on Bogard Street features a vibrant array of authentic Italian cheeses, meats, wines and the freshest low country harvest. Let the owner and executive chef, Ken Vedrinski, do the cooking and tempt your taste buds with homemade pasta and riso like Tagliolini which features blue crab, anchovy, lemon & breadcrumbs.

If you’re not rolling out of Trattoria Lucca, hop on a pedicab to the bustling nightlife on Upper King and sneak into The Belmont for a night cap at a vintage themed bar. Their craft cocktails, such as their signature espresso martini, won’t disappoint and calls for a great end to the evening.

Local Tip!

Trattoria Lucca is old school, so remember to call in order to make a reservation. Their menu changes daily, so every experience is unlike another. Buon appetito!

A few of our other favorites for an intimate date night:

Wedding Favor Ideas: Personalized Cold Brew Coffee

What do we all need the day after an event? Coffee! Get to know Chatterbox, an all-organic Charleston coldbrew brand that offers delicious blends in fully customizable packaging for your big day. We sat down with Owen, owner and founder, to discuss how he got started, how he makes cold brew coffee, and what special benefits make Chatterbox perfect for wedding & event favors.

A Look at Charleston’s Best Rehearsal Venues

You’ve said yes to your fiancé and to Charleston, now its time to start looking at dates and venues. When you’ve planned your dream wedding day, you want a rehearsal dinner location that matches its charm. Charleston is consistently ranked at the top of the country’s food rankings, and with the plethora of prime bars and restaurants, deciding on the best venue for the day before the big day is no easy task. Take a look at our picks for the city’s top rehearsal dinner venues to help you narrow down your selection.

Leon’s Oyster Shed

We invite you to enjoy a different event experience: a less formal, more relaxed gathering. Kick back, laugh loudly, and enjoy your celebration. Within a historic Charleston home, our space takes cues from much of the reclaimed, comfortable charm that makes Leon’s so inviting.

Charleston Foodie

Christmas Came to Charleston

Food for Thought: Tips for Charleston’s Wine + Food Fest

A Romantic Night Out for Two

Local Tip!

Wedding Favor Ideas: Personalized Cold Brew Coffee

A Look at Charleston’s Best Rehearsal Venues

Leon’s Oyster Shed

Cannon Green

Charleston Distilling

Ink N Ivy

492

Edmund’s Oast

Élevé

High Cotton

Historic Rice Mill

Magnolia’s

Marions

Palmetto Cafe

Poogan’s Porch

39 Rue De Jean

Stars

The Alley

The American Theater

Virginia’s on King

The Westendorff