A Taste Of Charleston & Walking Tour

Settled by the English in 1670, Charleston is rich in both history and food. The rice which was grown here in the 1700’s and 1800’s made this city the wealthiest in Colonial America. This wealth allowed the planters who grew the rice together with the merchants and factors who marketed and transported it to entertain lavishly with sumptuous banquets. The influences on Charleston cuisine include early immigrant groups such as the Scots, French Huguenots, Sephardic Jews, the Irish and the Germans; however, it was the enslaved Africans, brought here to work the rice fields, that become the most profound influence on Charleston’s cuisine. They were the cooks, and seeds from their home countries in Africa were transported to Carolina with them, including the benne seed, okra, and collard greens among other southern favorites. Today Charleston has over seven hundred restaurants and fantastic chefs, many of whom have been awarded the coveted James Beard award for excellence. Today these chefs use not only beef and pork, the most popular meats in the 1700’s, but many local restaurants are also known for excellent seafood, the Lowcountry’s largest natural food resource. Many chefs also embrace the farm to table philosophy, outsourcing to local and regional farms. On this special walking tour, you will learn about the rich history of the city and how Charleston cuisine relates to that history. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some local culinary gems, including Carolina barbeque at our sit-down stop. And certainly, no Southern host or hostess would send their guests off without dessert!

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Stroll through historical Charleston, admiring its architecture.
• Gain an understanding of the origins of the local ingredients.
• Sample dishes and products that define Low Country cuisine.

HELPFUL HINTS:
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.