May 2024
Charleston recs, chocolate talk and Talat coming to town
It’s summer travel season, and I can’t believe that this time last year I was packing up to go on the #southernforksummer road tour! I’ve had a year to metabolize all I saw and learned on that trip, and I have one overarching takeaway:
We can travel better domestically. And I’m on a mission to help.
Please let me explain. If the funds allow, many of us wouldn’t think twice about booking an agritourism afternoon in Argentina, spending a day learning how to pair champagne and cheese in Paris, or visiting a rum distillery in the Caribbean. However, the story about traveling in our own country seems different.
Some spend thousands of dollars at indoor waterpark resorts that can and often are, plunked down on the edge of the highway. For others of us, choosing a place to eat anywhere on vacation seems overwhelming —especially if you reference crowdsourced sites such as Yelp and TripAdvisor. And in the South, a glorified gas station and convenience store has a cult following and lot of tax incentives (please don’t ever ask me if I’ve been or am going — it’s always no).
But there’s a lot more to see. I’ve been traveling differently in the US for two decades, and I know there are some great playgrounds on Hilton Head Island (and a few beaches too ;) ). I can tell you where the best cup of coffee is in Baltimore. And when it comes to restaurant recommendations, well … just try to stop me. :)
So let’s begin with Charleston. Skip the carriage tour and try something from the following instead:
WHERE TO EAT: here’s my latest Charleston restaurant list for Saveur that published this month.
A PLACE TO WALK AROUND THAT’S FREE: The Unitarian Cemetery is open until dusk most days, and it’s been one of my favorite walks since I was in my 20s. Old tombstones, tropical foliage and plenty of mood.
A PLACE TO BROWSE: Like wine? Books? Well we could be friends, then, and you might also want to check out Philosophers & Fools, the new spot from my friend Jenny Ferrara.
A LITTLE KEEPSAKE IDEA: Last year, Hart gifted me a compass charm, and I wore it all #southernforksummer. And I’m still wearing it.
After 15 years, Charleston is the travel destination I know best. That’s why I built The Southern Fork Experience: Charleston edition so you can experience it like a food writer (and with one as your guide).
And if you’re going to be in town June 20, then this dinner, the first ever Southern Fork pop up, is going to be something special.
I won’t be carrying a watermelon, but I most likely will be carrying a watermelon appetizer on a tray created by James Beard finalist chefs. — [obscure reference]
Episodes and other Updates
I packed it in in Asheville for a quick trip to enjoy the Appalachian spring in the cooking of William Dissen. We talked all things Thoughtful Cooking, his new cookbook, and learned that he once cooked at a biker bar. Then I spent an afternoon at the French Broad Chocolates factory with Jael Skeffington, and came away inspired and laden with chocolate confections.
Dave Smoke McClusky of Corn Mafia and I spent part of Florence Wine & Food Festival in deep conversation about Native American foodways and the power of creative curiosity.
And creative curiosity also fueled Philippe Feret of Hilton Head Social Bakery right out of the fining dining kitchen and back to the Parisian roots of his father’s bakery. The lines every time the doors are open are proof that HHI visitors and residents are voting a resounding YES for that direction.
If you are a YouTube fan, did you know you can listen to the podcast there? As well as check out shorts and clips?
And in a full circle moment, I got the opportunity to celebrate — and learn even more from — both Amethyst Ganaway and Natalie Daise as part of Harvesting Heritage at the SC State Museum, celebrating the debut of Natalie’s Matriarchs of the Lowcountry series as part of its permanent collection.
Will you leave a review on the podcast if you listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts? EACH and every review fluffs up the algorithm and helps new people discover the show. Thank you!
Other published media I like right now: I received a preview copy of The Editor by Sara Franklin, and I loved it, cover to cover. It’s a detailed biography of editor Judith Jones, and it simultaneously made me want to be Judith (Paris, having Julia Child as a houseguest, lake swimming, cooking with romantic partners) and also inspired me to lean into my own unique path.
On my mind: The Southern Fork is in a major expansion and evolution phase right now, but after consideration and feedback from you, I’m not adding a paid newsletter to the mix. I’m working to make this one better.
But as an alternative to that funding stream, The Southern Fork is welcoming micro investors, from $50 up with a 10% return. As the platform moves from just me and my personal work into experiences that include multiple culinary storytellers, contracted support staff, and some internal business infrastructure, you can be part of the next chapter. (I promise it’s going to be delicious.)
Please email me at stephanie@thesouthernfork.com if you’d like to begin a conversation.
Cooking soundtrack album: Remembrance, Chick Corea & Bela Fleck
Best thing I cooked this month: Kala Chana Chaat (substituting Sea Island Red Peas) from Chaat. I turn to this cookbook often during the summer in part because it helps me bring outstanding side dishes to cookouts. This is akin to a bean salad, and is wonderful as accompaniment to most grilled things.
Until next time,
Steph
I just love the Southern Fork Podcast. There is so much information and it's very informative. Stephanie does a fantastic job of packing in all the great restaurants, what's on her mind, the best dish she has prepared and beautiful sites to visit.
Stephanie you are awesome. Love you.
Lavern Meggett