Oh, What A Party! Final Night Style
The night starts under the main tent at Marion Square with Bubbles and Sweets. The event’s signature Ice Queen greets guests walking into a buzzing tent with hundreds of bottles of champagne in the center, surrounded by top pastry chef stations lining the perimeter. The stand-out desserts are Circa 1886 with its praline crunch mouse ice cream cone; The Sanctuary’s dark chocolate box encasing soft cake, cream and berries; The Woodlands’ chocolate mouse with a little chili pepper heat at the finish; and maybe the best of the evening is what we’re calling McCrady’s “cheese relief.”
Francois Payard, one of the most recognized pastry chef’s in the world, serves up warm pina colada shots, while Gary the bartender proves to be the expert pourer, meticulously measuring out the perfect ratio of chambord to champagne like a world-class chemist.
At 10:30pm sharp the dance floor springs into action. It’s packed. It starts with “Apple Bottom Jeans” and the hip-hop line dance “Cupid Shuffle” that has everyone bopping up and down in unison. At 11:30pm the slow jams start (the crowd goes crazy for Huey Lewis’ “Cruisin’” and Etta James’ “At Last”) and we witness the sexy dancing in which chocolate and champagne result.
Then it’s to the private party/oyster roast on St. Phillips Street hosted by the famed Lee Brothers (you know, the boiled peanut guys). We talk to Noodle, our new favorite Yukelalian, and meet Ted and Matt Lee who are refreshingly interesting and nice enough to thank us for crashing their party. Soon, Chef Bob Waggoner is grilling up some Kobe beef steaks from Japan (did he bring those in his back pocket?). Tip: if Chef Bob Waggoner tells you this is the “best meat in the world,” eat it. He’s not lying. I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E. If you don’t believe us, just refer to the $350/lb. price tag.
The night ends with the private chefs’ party at FIG. Here’s a little something about owner Mike Lata: he’s amazing. Every chef in town loves him. Every chef in town will site his restaurant as one of their absolute favorites. He’s clearly a visionary against the highest standards. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s good looking as he can be. A quick kiss on the cheek across the bar and we’re set for the night. The party is a who’s who of culinary talent in Charleston: Sean Brock. Bob Carter. Ken Vedrinski. Aaron Deal. Jeremiah Bacon. We just need Brett McKee in those tight jeans and it would be complete.
We’ll miss you, Food + Wine Festival. Until next year.
For more photos of the evening, click here.
