May 2021
Apples, strawberries, pineapple, and beer. Is that weird?
Hi all —
Here’s my (try as hard as I can) monthly round-up for those of you who want to learn / keep up a little more with me and the work that I do. Hope you enjoy.
Let’s make things in the kitchen. Then let’s make reservations for a table outside.
Charleston was already a prime locale for outdoor dining pre-2020, but this last year really took that to another level. If you’re here (or planning to visit) and looking for an al fresco experience, check out my recent guide for Resy for the best outdoor dining. I am doing more and more writing for this company’s editorial arm, including a monthly Charleston Hit List, so follow along there for the latest real-time recs in the city I call home.
Also in the Lowcountry, it’s been strawberry season, so that was the subject of my latest Post and Courier cooking column. I don’t know about you, but strawberry season each year signals so much more than good fruit to me. It’s the herald of spring on the plate, the scent of bright Saturday mornings washing all I just purchased at the farmers market, and the signal that my favorite eating season in the South — summer — is around the corner.
Beyond Charleston, I delved into the exciting world of chaat with Maneet Chauhan for Saveur, and in the process discovered a summer side dish that is an easy go-to for bbq invites and outdoor potlucks, especially if your garden mint is going crazy.
I worked on plenty more this month, but I can’t share just yet. Until then, here’s a pic of me and Vivian Howard at the opening of Lenoir, her new Charleston restaurant.
Lenoir is really good. You’ll be reading more from me soon!
Episode Updates
For American Craft Beer Week, Christian Spears of Tennessee Brew Works hosted me at his Nashville brewery. It’s one of my favorites — the Wildwood Flower beer is really memorable, and the brewery also has delicious food — so this interview wraps up my Nashville content for now.
Planning on grilling out this season and pondering spice rubs and sauces? Then this conversation with Lillie’s of Charleston father/daughter team will let you in on some family stories from a company that’s been featured in Forbes and Southern Living.
Diane Flynt is the heirloom apple queen, and she took us into her acres of orchards with her wonderful storytelling about the history of — and her future in — apples. I really wanted to plant an heirloom apple tree (or three) after our chat, and you might too!
And with a new cookbook just released and the Today Show beginning to film back in the studio, Elizabeth Heiskell and I met across the miles to chat Mississippi Delta cuisine and the power of dimmer lights when you’re throwing a party.
Other podcast episodes I like right now: My colleague Dave Infante is way more edgy than me (and probably would make fun of me for using the word '“edgy”) but I love how his brain works and I love this conversation on dive bars on his new podcast from Fingers. And Vivian Howard talks with Sid Evans (here’s my interview with Sid) on the Biscuits & Jam podcast from Southern Living, so just good conversation all around!
On my mind: always a million things, especially at 3 a.m. But as someone who lost healthcare in 2020, I’ve been really happy that open enrollment period was re-open to sign back up. Everyone I know who is a freelancer has been happy about this, since gig work doesn’t come with retirement accounts or dental coverage. Every little bit helps.
Best thing I cooked this month: Smashed Chicken Burgers with Fili-West Farms ground chicken (maybe don’t remember that chicken photo from last month). This was a NYT Cooking recipe, and I put it on King’s Hawaiian loaf bread, so it was an all-around treat.
Until next time,
Steph