The Savor the Flavors of Charleston tour gives visitors insight into such things as how the sesame-based benne wafers made their journey from East Africa to the Lowcountry.
With the advent of guided culinary tours that take guests behind the scenes at some of the city’s most revered dining establishments, complete with samples, it’s easier than ever to experience Charleston’s culinary history firsthand.
Tour groups are a common sight; dozens of people riding in horse-drawn carriages, air-conditioned tour buses or meandering on foot down city streets with knowledgeable guides leading the way. But for the true aesthete, nothin’ could be finer than to be in Carolina for breakfast, lunch or dinner. What better way to nourish both mind and body than with an educational journey into the heart of Lowcountry cooking?
Bulldog Tours founder John LaVerne knows tours. For more than 20 years, LaVerne has taken adventurous explorers down the cobblestone streets of Charleston’s history, first as a guide, then as the owner of a successful walking tour business. The latest addition to his company’s tour repertoire is his acquisition of Culinary Tours of Charleston.
“Charleston has a unique culinary history that needs to be shared,” says LaVerne. “Folks who aren’t from Charleston or the South gain a newfound appreciation for why our food is the best anywhere. I think it rivals any cuisine out there in the world. It’s a big part of why Charleston has become a hot destination for people; we’ve got awesome food, recipes and world-renowned chefs.”
Culinary Tours of Charleston offers two distinct tours from which to choose. The first is the Savor the Flavors of Charleston tour, which blends facts with victuals, giving visitors an opportunity to learn interesting insights into such things as how the thin, sesame-based cookies known as benne wafers made their journey from East Africa to the Lowcountry, or why grits are stone-ground. Southern staples like collards, barbecue and sweet tea are all on the menu, too, with the bonus of a guide to enlighten tasters about the histories behind them.
For the curious home cook, there’s the Charleston Chef’s Kitchen tour—offering guests a chance to peek behind the wizards’ curtains into the workspaces of some of the city’s finest and most innovative chefs. Many of the restaurants on the tour have been around for decades and feature colorful chefs eager to tell their tales about the ongoing renaissances of Charleston’s culinary scene.
The two distinct tours offered by Culinary Tours of Charleston each last two-and-a-half hours, with stops at restaurants such as Cypress, Tristan, Blossom, McCrady’s, Magnolias, High Cotton, Carolina’s, Noisy Oyster and Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q. Round out the adventure with a sample of Charleston’s famous pralines or other sweet treats from River Street Sweets or Lucas Belgian Chocolate. And don’t forget to pick up a cookbook by a local chef from Charleston Cooks to take home.
Housed in a spectacular setting on Broad Street which features arched doors, eighteen foot ceilings, mahogany paneling and 150 year old heart of pine floors. The menu, composed of traditional items such as Steak Tartare, Shrimp Cocktail, Porterhouse and New York Strip, appears to offer classic steakhouse fare. At second glance, it weaves Italian flavors and dishes throughout. Serving dinner Monday through Saturday, 5pm until 11pm. Sunday Brunch 11 am until 3pm.
Inventive cuisine. Fresh from the farm. Named one of the Top Ten Restaurants in North America by Opinionated About Dining. McCrady's Restaurant, located in an historic 1778 Georgian public house, offers an award-winning dining experience with the best of new Southern cuisine. Chef Sean Brock's (2008 James Beard Rising Star Chef Nominee) sensationally presented dishes one of Charleston's most extensive wine lists. Private dining available in the spectacular Long Room, Gallery, Chef's Room, and Cypress Room.
Welcome to pure Charleston. An atmosphere rich in Lowcountry high-life since antebellum times. A hearty, southern menu, featuring regional favorites, steaks, game and fresh seafood – all prepared with the famous Maverick artistry. Also known for our award-winning wine selection and irresistible desserts. Don’t miss the High Cotton bar, one of the area’s most popular watering holes. Downtown Charleston. Tel: 843-724-3815. Dinner nightly. Lunch Saturday. Brunch Sunday.
The Savor the Flavors of Charleston tour gives visitors insight into such things as how the sesame-based benne wafers made their journey from East Africa to the Lowcountry.
“Charleston has a unique culinary history that needs to be shared,” says LaVerne. “Folks who aren’t from Charleston or the South gain a newfound appreciation for why our food is the best anywhere. I think it rivals any cuisine out there in the world. It’s a big part of why Charleston has become a hot destination for people; we’ve got awesome food, recipes and world-renowned chefs.”
For the curious home cook, there’s the Charleston Chef’s Kitchen tour—offering guests a chance to peek behind the wizards’ curtains into the workspaces of some of the city’s finest and most innovative chefs. Many of the restaurants on the tour have been around for decades and feature colorful chefs eager to tell their tales about the ongoing renaissances of Charleston’s culinary scene.
Housed in a spectacular setting on Broad Street which features arched doors, eighteen foot ceilings, mahogany paneling and 150 year old heart of pine floors. The menu, composed of traditional items such as Steak Tartare, Shrimp Cocktail, Porterhouse and New York Strip, appears to offer classic steakhouse fare. At second glance, it weaves Italian flavors and dishes throughout. Serving dinner Monday through Saturday, 5pm until 11pm. Sunday Brunch 11 am until 3pm.
Inventive cuisine. Fresh from the farm. Named one of the Top Ten Restaurants in North America by Opinionated About Dining. McCrady's Restaurant, located in an historic 1778 Georgian public house, offers an award-winning dining experience with the best of new Southern cuisine. Chef Sean Brock's (2008 James Beard Rising Star Chef Nominee) sensationally presented dishes one of Charleston's most extensive wine lists. Private dining available in the spectacular Long Room, Gallery, Chef's Room, and Cypress Room.
Welcome to pure Charleston. An atmosphere rich in Lowcountry high-life since antebellum times. A hearty, southern menu, featuring regional favorites, steaks, game and fresh seafood – all prepared with the famous Maverick artistry. Also known for our award-winning wine selection and irresistible desserts. Don’t miss the High Cotton bar, one of the area’s most popular watering holes. Downtown Charleston. Tel: 843-724-3815. Dinner nightly. Lunch Saturday. Brunch Sunday.
