November 2007

JMC Charleston and All Occasions
Sponsor Charleston’s 2007
Food & Wine Festival
Poster Party at The Waterfront Gallery

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Barbara P Heddinger
843.795.1420
Barbara@heddinger.ws

JMC Charleston, All Occasions Rentals in conjunction with Charleston Magazine were sponsors of The 2007 BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival Poster Party held on December 7 from 7-9 p.m. at the City’s Waterfront Gallery.

Judges had a difficult time deciding which design best represented a blend of food and wine, and the aesthetic appeal of the Low country from the 30 artists who submitted entries for the inaugural competition. Justin Harris a graphic designer from Rawle Murdy Associates designed the winning poster. “I wanted to create something classic with a modern twist, much like the current Charleston food scene”, said Harris.” Along with a check for $1000.00, Harris work is featured on retail items for the Festival, and he received recognition in Charleston Magazine. His influences came from vintage Swiss graphics and modern-day indie-band posters. The poster captures the complexity of Charleston and the influence of food and wine on the city.

The retro invitation set the tone for the evening’s party. “Denise Barto and I chose the City's Waterfront Gallery, because it was ‘a blank canvas on which to design the event”, said Crosby. “And because many people involved with the festival are not only Charlestonians, we thought it would be fun to turn back the clock and honor some of our favorite restaurants and recipes that had been Charleston traditions in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.

They featured Shrimp Creole from Henry's Restaurant and Crab Remmick from Perdita's. Both were prepared and served by Chef Barry Waldrop of True Charleston Cuisine. Events by Stephen Duval made a variety of "Goodie House" pies from the famous Calhoun Street Eatery. They also served Savorie Cheese, invented at Harold's Cabin, a local gourmet food shop which later ended up in the Meeting Street Piggly Wiggly. Piggly Wiggly sent this along, with compliments, as they still sell this delectable spread in their stores. Hamby Catering sent their famous tea sandwiches and homemade cheese straws. Chris Thomas interpreted dishes from the famous LaBrasca's Italian Eatery on Upper King Street. The party had a ‘theme drink’ from The Scarlett O'Hara--an old riverboat restaurant anchored where the South Carolina Aquarium now stands.

Everyone enjoyed reveling in the evening of culinary history. At each food station there was signage featuring history, and restaurant reviews from the time, as well as original menus. Guests had fun sampling the food, reading the signs, and seeing the caterers of today pay tribute to Charleston Restaurants and their menus from the past—they may be gone, but they still exist in the dishes prepared for this special evening.

It was a memorable evening, as Charlestonians reminisced, not only about the food from these famous restaurants, but also the memories of life in the city at the time. People shared their memories of graduations, tea dances, weddings, engagements parties and the fun they had at these famous restaurants now gone, but certainly not forgotten.