wine and food

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.

 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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!
  7. Everlasting Life: You are likely to outlast your phone. Never fear, Marion Square provides charging stations. 
  8. Use an App: Speaking of phones, use an app to save pertinent information you swear you will be able to remember. HintYou 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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!