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🍾 A recipe for fun
Sous Chef Navarro dishes on Maitake mushrooms, which were paired with the Australian Wagyu. | Photo by CHStoday
Six strangers. Three courses. One kitchen. Instant friends — all thanks to a Zero George cooking class.
I recently had an unforgettable culinary experience, which included a front row seat to watching and learning from Sous Chef Roberto Padilla Navarro, a member of the team behind Michelin-Recommended The Restaurant at Zero George.
I’m still thinking about this course; it was perfect in every way.
Photo by CHStoday
The class gathered in a horseshoe fashion around the rectangular table with Chef Navarro at the helm, leading us through handpicked ingredients, cooking techniques, and, of course, tasting. Did I mention? Each dish was accompanied by a delicious, perfectly paired wine.
Callie and Chef Navarro show off the honeycomb, made with a simple yet unforgiving candy-making process in which temperature and speed are key.
Photo by CHStoday
I walked out of this class feeling so inspired, and with a deeper appreciation for top-tier ingredients, cooking, and food in general. If you don’t believe me that this class is top-of-the-line, it was recognized by FOOD + WINE as one of Charleston’s premier culinary experiences.
172. That’s how many parcels of land Charleston County will assume to move forward with widening Highway 41. Officials may use eminent domain — the power to take private property for public use with compensation — if voluntary agreements aren’t reached. Council will discuss at 5 p.m. tonight. (The Post and Courier)
Development
On Tuesday, Mount Pleasant Town officials broke ground on the Gary Santos Park, named after a former town council member who advocated for youth recreation. The $40 million recreation complex will have pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, a gym, and fields. Construction is estimated to be completed by 2027. (WCSC)
Community
Mount Pleasant’s Green Commission is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the town’s green spaces and environmental health. It’s now calling on officials and residents to join its efforts. The group’s first orders of business include finetuning the town’s proposed wetland ordinance and expanding the town’s canopy restoration project. (WCSC)
Outdoors
Speaking of the environment, SCDNR is asking those who spend time on the water to help protect wildlife and report abandoned crab traps. The ocean trash dubbed ghost gear is dangerous because it continues to unintentionally trap and eventually kill ocean animals. (The Post and Courier)
Festival
Sullivan’s Island is preparing for the nation’s 250th birthday, June 27-July 5. Events at Battery Gadsden, Battery Thompson, and the town hall will honor the Fourth of July and Carolina Day, highlighting the island’s Revolutionary War legacy of the palmetto-log fort that defended Charleston during the 1776 battle. (WCBD)
Plan Ahead
Spirited Brunch, a free, self-guided snack tour of downtown’s historic prayerful spaces, returns on Sunday, May 3 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event will feature two dozen spaces and is jointly hosted by the College of Charleston, Preservation Society of Charleston, Charleston Interreligious Council, and The Food Section.
Try This
Ready for Shakespeare under the stars? Ashley Hall presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the historic Bear Cave stage, March 27-29. Bring a blanket and watch student performers bring one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies to life on a magical spring evening. Grab tickets.*
Eat
When dinner turns into a staring contest with your fridge, Forkful meals save the night. They’re fully prepared and ready in minutes — with zero seed oils and high-quality proteins. Use code CMD50 to take 50% off your first order.*
Tech
If your computer overheats with a few tabs open or sounds ready for liftoff, the problem might not be your device — it’s likely your antivirus. Many big-name brands are bulky + full of pop-ups. Webroot’s antivirus protection uses 33 times less space and scans up to six times faster. Get protected.*
Event Spotlight
Sit, stay, and play to support the Charleston Animal Society at Paws in the Park.
Photos provided by Charleston Animal Society
Calling all pet lovers. Charleston Animal Society’s Paws in the Park returns this weekend.
This Saturday, March 21, make your way to Brittlebank Park from 12 to 4 p.m. for live music, a chili cook-off, and all-you-can-eat oysters benefiting the Charleston Animal Society.
There will be a dedicated adoption area for those looking for a new best friend. Don’t miss a chance to learn about animal society’s programs, including foster care and spay + neuter services.
The best Easter eggs and decorations on sale ahead of the holiday. We recently shopped online party supply store Oriental Trading, and it’s got Easter covered — especially if you’re hosting an event on a budget. Check out our faves + use code BCFREESHIP for free shipping on any order:
Pro tip for the Zero George cooking class — be sure to save room for dessert, because you won’t be able to take just one bite of the chocolate cremeux.