05.28.2024

Today’s Forecast

90º | 24% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:24 a.m. | Sunset 8:07 p.m.
High tide 12:22 p.m. | Low tides 6:29 a.m. + 6:26 p.m.

🥘 Meet Kultura Chef Nikko Cagalanan

Q+A with Kultura Chef Nikko Cagalanan who was named a James Beard Foundation Awards finalist

This photo shows Chef Nikko holding ingredients.

The “Emerging Chef” category highlights chefs who display talent, character, and leadership.
| Photo by Ryan Belk

On Monday, June 10, the James Beard Award winners will be announced. Charleston Chef Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura was named an “Emerging Chef” finalist. This highlights chefs who display talent, character, and leadership.

We chatted with Chef Nikko, known for his inventive take on Filipino cuisine; keep reading to learn about what inspires him, a dish everyone should try, and his go-to meals at local spots.

Kultura for Eater — Chef Nikko says his main source of inspiration comes from his childhood memories.
|
Photo by Ryan Belk

What does it mean to you that you were named a James Beard Award finalist?
For years, I’ve followed the James Beard Awards and looked up to the chefs who are listed as finalists, so it’s surreal to now be one of them. I’m especially excited about the category that I’m in — Emerging Chef. I’m in the running with other up-and-coming cooks who are making their own path in the industry and drawing inspiration from their cultures.

To me, the nomination is just as thrilling as if I were to win the actual award. I’m just really proud to introduce the food I love to people who enjoy eating it, and I think this nomination speaks to how hard my team works, too.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
My main source of inspiration comes from my childhood memories growing up in the Philippines and cooking and eating with my family, but I draw fresh inspiration from everyday life, too. I’m constantly inspired by the local culinary community, by the chefs who travel from all over to cook with me and my team at our pop-up dinners, and by the producers who help me source so many delicious products.

This photo shows Chef Nikko and others working in the kitchen at Kultura. — This James Beard Award finalist from Charleston is known for putting an inventive twist on traditional Filipino cuisine
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Photo by Ryan Belk

When you’re not on the job, what’s your go-to meal?
I love the Korean Fried Chicken from Renzo and the Ceviche at Estadio.

What’s one dish or item you think everyone should try at least once?
Sinigang is a sour soup made with green tamarind, fatty pork belly (sometimes shrimp or fish), tomatoes, water spinach, and daikon.

Learn more about Chef Nikko’s growing list of accolades + make a reservation to visit the team at Kultura.

Chef Nikko's favorite creations

Events

Tuesday, May 28

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition | Tuesday, May 28 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Marion Square, 309 Meeting St., Charleston | Free | Take the whole family out to enjoy and explore the work of more than 60 fine art artists.

Wednesday, May 29

Charleston Farmer’s Market | Wednesday, May 29-Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 3-7 p.m. | Ackerman Park, 55 Sycamore Ave., Charleston | Price of purchase | Stock up on fresh produce + shop local vendors.

Thursday, May 30

Trivia Night at The Perch | Thursday, May 30 | 6 p.m. | Get Carried Away, 644 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant | Price of purchase | Gather your friends and put your knowledge to the test and win prizes provided by Get Carried Away.

Friday, May 31

Sweat on the Ship | Friday, May 31 | 6-9 p.m. | USS Yorktown CV-10, 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant | $15-$140 | Break a sweat on the flight deck, then mingle with some of Charleston’s best health and wellness vendors.

Keep exploring

Click here to have your event featured.

Eat

🍔 Relish National Hamburger Day at SC’s “Most Beloved Burger Joint”

Relish National Hamburger Day at SC’s “Most Beloved Burger Joint”

Presented by a CHStoday partner

An image of Sesame Burgers & Beer's Hangover Burger: Made with hickory-smoked bacon, ham, a fried egg, double American cheese and Sesame’s house-made mayo.

Need a pick-me-up? Sink your teeth into the Hangover Burger: Made with hickory-smoked bacon, ham, a fried egg, double American cheese and Sesame’s house-made mayo. | Photo provided by GlowFisch Hospitality

Life’s too short for boring burgers. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for the juiciest, most mouthwatering version of this quintessential American dish.

Whether you like yours rare, medium, or well-done, there’s one thing we can all agree on: It has to be done just right. With almost 20 years in the biz, it’s safe to say that Sesame Burgers & Beer, voted SC’s “Most Beloved Burger Joint” according to FinanceBuzz, has mastered the art of the hamburger.

Their freshly made burger patty, served in between two sesame-studded buns, comes with house-made condiments + dressings — combining to create the perfect flavor bomb in your mouth. Enjoy a variety of protein options (think: signature blend hand-pattied beef, chicken, turkey, and black bean) paired with a tasty craft beer or milkshake.

Hungry yet? Celebrate National Hamburger Day today at Sesame’s $5 Tuesday Burger Night, 4-9 p.m. at their Mount Pleasant and Park Circle locations.

Check out the menu

News Notes

Civic

Mayor Cogswell is reorganizing the City of Charleston’s departments and adding new sections like community services, which he says will help the city run more efficiently. The mayor hopes Charlestonians will notice quicker response times for things like fixing road issues, or getting a permit. Check out the new organizational chart. (The Post and Courier)

Traffic

Take a look at the animated rendering shared by Lowcountry Rapid Transit. Plans show a dedicated lane for buses that will stretch more than half of the route. The project recently received a $1.2 million federal grant.

Outdoors

The Charleston Parks Conservancy announced a $125,000 campaign to help preserve and spruce up Colonial Lake. The group says severe weather and changing conditions could threaten the popular downtown park. (WCBD)

History

120+ years ago, a Pacific Islander band traveled to the Lowcountry to represent the nation’s newly acquired territory at a multi-county fair. The group shared Hawaiian music and bits about the culture. Learn more about the band’s trip in this episode of Charleston County Public Library’s podcast, Charleston Time Machine.

Fun Fact

A bird that calls central and southern China home was spotted in West Ashley… say what? The male Golden Pheasant was seen near the Wappoo Creek and Stono River. Take a look. (WCBD)

Health

Hey, CHS women: Wondering if you have a hormonal imbalance? See why optimizing your hormonal health is key to improving mood, increasing energy, and even getting pregnant or understanding menopause symptoms — and how Labcorp OnDemand makes it easy to check your levels.*

Finance

If you spent your whole Sunday reorganizing your closet, here’s another spring cleaning suggestion: Move your credit card debt. This card offers 0% interest on a balance transfer until nearly 2026. That’s almost two years to pay off your balance, sans interest. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases.*

The Buy

The Buy 5.28.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A Going membership, so you’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% off — like a $166 flight to Cancun or a $260 flight to Paris (yes, those prices are legit). We like the two-week free trial of the Premium plan, which includes international flight deals and custom destination alerts.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Callie

From the editor

🌺 I’ll be back soon. You won’t see my face at the bottom of the newsletter for the next few days because I’m heading out of the office for my Hawaiian honeymoon. But have no fear — Erika and our national content team will hold down the fort. You’ll see Brianna on Thursday morning. Get to know her.

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