Taste of Charleston was a little different from years past. First off, this year it was 2 day event. Secondly, Southern Living sponsored this years festivities, which brought out more vendors than years past and added a culinary village - which included onsite cooking demonstrations, shag lessons and a photo booth. And I had the opportunity to be right in the middle of it all! (Thank you Culinary Institute of Charleston) When we were told we were going to be helping with the Taste this year, no one had any idea what we were going to be doing. I was just excited for any chance to get my foot in the door and get some experience under my belt. And not to mention I could not wait to where my cute new Sperry's I got. :)
Sunday morning I woke up hungover excited for the day, well that was until I stepped outside and realized it was gloomy and nasty which made me want to crawl back in bed - and all the champagne from Saturday night was not helping this either. I got to Boone Hall in no time, didn't hit any traffic and parking was so organized. Another thing that was new this year, they hired a "parking company" from Florida to organize the traffic/parking for this event. Great idea! Hopefully this is something they will consider for the future (fingers crossed!) Once inside the Culinary Village, each CIC Hospitality Ambassador was assigned to a Southern Living mentor and they gave us our plans for the day. My mentor was Angel, and we were in charge of the "Fitness Buddies" tent. I was thriiiillled about this. Well it really isn't as bad as it sounds, we were in charge of signing people up for shag lesson, once I heard this I was so relieved! And really how much fun was that going to be... Shagging all day! It really did turn into a wonderful day, I learned so much from Angel and I got to be "hands-on" with everything.
Clearly, I did not spend ALL DAY working, I did actually get to enjoy the Taste of Charleston. So as soon I got my "lunch" break my first stop was the Beer Garden (duh!). Well technically it was the second, I had to get my wristband and tickets! Once I had beer in hand, I was ready for some yummy food...
- 82 Queen - Crabcake slider with mixed greens and apple bacon remoulade
- Tommy Condon's: Pimento cheeseburger
- Hyman's: SheCrab Soup
- Rita's: Fried corn on the cob with cilantro ranch
- Kaminsky's: Red Velvet Cupcakes
Culinary Institute of Charleton Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastries had a booth this year, and every time I walked by there was always a line. This is HUGE for them. This gave Charleston the opportunity to see what the up and coming chefs are made of. The students at CIC right now will be the ones working in all the restaurants in Charleston in the near future. I just think that is really really great!
The whole day turned out wonderfully! The weather held up for the most part - except when the bottom dropped out while I was on the way to get my cupcakes (ugh!). I learned a lot from Angel who let me take the "reigns", got to experience how an event of the magnitude was put on, ate really great food, got a few shag lessons and wear super cute shoes! :)
There is no doubt in my mind if I am given the chance to be a part of Taste of Charleston 2012... I would do it in a heartbeat! But I will make sure I go enjoy Taste the day I don't have to work, there was so much to do in so little time!
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