And another year of euphoria has come to an end. This four-day food and wine festival highlights the talent of local, regional and nationally acclaimed chefs. As I reflect back on all the many bites from the weekend, there are a few that deserve a little extra recognition. So, here they are…my favorite bites from each event.
Taste of the South: My first and last bite of this event consisted of a Nashville Hot Chicken Eggroll with a Dill Pickle Aioli from Terra restaurant in Columbia, SC. When I think eggroll, my mind immediately thinks Chinese. As delicious as your standard eggroll may be, Chef Mike Davis stepped up to the plate and delivered an exceptional version with a spicy kick, super crispy exterior and cool, tangy dipping sauce to finish it off.
Power Picnic: After a killer workout by Burn Bootcamp Greenville, we were served a beautiful picnic style meal of healthy eats from around the Upstate. Much to my surprise, the Gazpacho from White Duck Taco Shop was my favorite bite of the meal. My usual assumption of Gazpacho is a cold soup lacking texture and tasting of nothing but tomato. That wasn’t the case here. This Gazpacho has a flavorful broth mixed with bites of sweet apple, crunchy cucumber and more.
Feast by the Field: This bite was a clear winner for me. After finishing this sinfully delicious taste, I immediately wanted more. I’m talking about the Smoked Gouda and Brisket Grilled Cheese from Orchid Paulmeier with SERG Group in Hilton Head, SC. Obviously you can’t go wrong with smoked gouda and brisket grilled between two buttery pieces of bread, but top that with a pickled grape and prepare to be mind-blown. The sweet, tangy grape with savory, salty, cheesy goodness was almost too good to be true.
Sunday Brunch: BBQ, cocktails, and all your brunch favorites…this event featured SO many amazing chefs that the decision of “best-bite” was a tough one. It was a close call between the outstanding Pulled Pork and Green Beans from Buxton Hall BBQ (seriously…. go to Asheville just to try those Green Beans), or the Pulled Pork Stuffed French Toast from Bone-In Barbeque in Columbia, SC. At the end of the day, I just couldn’t stop thinking about the perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside French toast stuffed with tender pulled pork and topped with a drizzle of maple syrup. This is one of those bites you just don’t forget!
Thank YOU, euphoria, for the title of “euphoria Insider” and for another amazing weekend of food, wine and fun! Can I just say…is it September 2019 yet?!