October 2024
Tears in the car and cheers to new chapters
Here’s my (try as hard as I can) monthly round-up for those of you who want to learn about or keep up a little more with me and the work that I do. Hope you enjoy.
Podcast postscripts
Thanks are in order. I heard from so many of you after the announcement to pause The Southern Fork, and I read each and every one of your messages. Thank you to the person that said they were mourning the end but supporting my decision; thanks to the one who commented that she couldn’t wait to see what I did next; and thanks to the one who said she listened to the show every week on her way to the farmers market since it reminded her why she got into food in the first place (you made me cry in my car when I saw the message come through).
I’m by nature and profession an independent contractor, and most things I do involve research and fun, then hours in solitude to process it and create something to share. These notes reminded me that the solitude is not the end. You are, whether you’re listening or reading, and that time sequestered doesn’t separate us, but give me the opportunity to have you as a part of my community. I am indebted to you all.
Updates
My tenure in Columbia, SC is complete, and I’ve relocated back to Charleston, happy as a clam in the pluff mud. However, Cola, don’t sleep on Community Supported Grocery! One of my jobs up there was to help build a great new hub for you, so click here if you want local foodstuffs delivered to your door weekly.
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the first annual Food & Wine Classic Charleston, and the programming, production, and one-on-one time with some of the best food talent out there was exceptional. Make sure and get it on your calendar for next year.
And finally, in BIG new chapter news, I signed a book contract! Look for South Carolina Cocktails coming to your favorite bookseller in 2025. (Will you follow along on Instagram as I research and write this book for the next couple of months, as well as let me know of any of your favorites I should consider?) Cheers, y’all.
Other published media I like right now: Food & Wine’s “The City that Rice Built” is one of those stories that has my highest mark of approval: I wish I had written it. :) Covering complicated history, pain, joy, and resilience all through the lens of a pot of rice, this piece includes many whose voices you’ve heard on the podcast.
On my mind: always a million things, especially at 3 a.m … this month — the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which personally affected so many friends and interview subjects across the region. I wrote an early report on Asheville restaurants for Eater Carolinas, but I’m sure we’ll be writing about this storm and its aftermath, both environmentally and as a fissure of culture and life trajectories, for decades to come.
Cooking soundtrack album: Head Hunters, Herbie Hancock
Best thing I cooked this month: A lot of cooking is actually choosing the right ingredients and letting them shine, and that’s exactly what Caprese is all about. My version of this classic salad was late season local tomatoes, Genovese basil, Sierra Nevada Gina Marie cheese, salt and a drizzle of good balsamic.
https://www.instagram.com/southernfork/p/C_HQ0oSRG8h/
Until next time,
Steph
You're amazing. I am always excited to see what you do next!