Our last and final days in Charleston were packed with
adventure, education and some delicious southern delights.
We went “Back to School” at the Culinary Center for the
Top Sommelier wine and food pairing session.
The lecture hall was packed full of people, wine glasses, bottles of
water to cleanse your palate, and the anticipation of what was to come. Four of the top Sommeliers in Charleston
gathered to share their knowledge of food, wine and hurl insults at each other
over some of the finest wines around.
They brought us in gently with several white wines; some
creamy and smooth while others were crisp, fruity and dry. The chef, who had a very difficult task ahead
of him, paired these whites against an open faced bahn mi sandwich with spicy
meat and pickled vegetables. 
After the introduction was over our wine guides ramped
things up with some bold and aggressive reds from distant corners and local hills. While each explained his reasoning behind his
wine choice his peers would hurl playful insults and colorful jabs. These people not only loved their wines, they
wanted to teach all of us in that room just a little bit more. The chef paired these reds with a beautiful
pork mole on a crispy and slightly sweet arepa. 
But enough wine, time for a taste of what Charleston is
famous for; Oysters!!! At the Pluff mud
oyster feast we donned our protective gloves, selected our weapon of choice (a
small wood handled oyster knife), and dove right into never ending piles of hot
and steamy oysters. Not content to be labeled
a one trick event, chefs from all around Charleston were present showcasing
their take on classic oyster pairings and fare.
A beautiful spring day, some great local beer, and some sweet southern
blue grass echoing off the concrete floor of the barn and into our souls, what
more could anyone ask?
\Charleston has a natural beauty all its own. The history, the cuisine, and the people all
exude pride in what they (and their ancestors have built). Each old cobblestone tells a story, and no
matter where you are, you could find someone to tell you that story over some
great drinks and fantastic food. Till
next time Charleston!
