Local is where it’s at! Especially when it comes to food.
Eating local isn’t terribly tough in Charleston. We have dozens upon dozens of local restaurants, access to local seafood and farmers markets that have long seasons thanks to our mild climate. So Lowcountry Local First is issuing a challenge for April: Eat Local!
The first Eat Local Month is a celebration of all the local food available in the Lowcountry. Look for educational opportunities and events that will highlight local eating and connect consumers with farmers, restaurants, businesses and organizations.
Mark your calendar for these tasty events:
All You Should Eat Breakfast: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 7 at Butcher & Bee, 654 King St. Start your weekend off right with Thornhill Farms produce, local eggs, sausage and seafood provided by Our Local Foods and blueberries from Blue Pearl Farms.
Farm Tours: Dirt Road Trip: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 14. This one-day farm tour event features a variety of farms located on Johns and Wadmalaw islands. Meeting the farmers and tour the farms while learning about the farming process and indulging in farm fare and local eateries along the routes.
5th Annual Chef’s Potluck: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, April 22 at Middleton Place. Some of Charleston’s most high-profile chefs partner with growers and producers to prepare all-local ingredient dishes. This year’s event includes farmer CSA (community supported agriculture) cooking demos, local beer, Firefly Farms cocktails and wine.
While you’re dining out, be sure to check the list of local restaurants offering specials all month!
Not only does eating local support local businesses, growers and families, but proceeds from this event will be used toward even more local food initiatives. Lowcountry Local First is launching a farm incubator and training center this year, which will give farmers an opportunity to share land, equipment and resources at minimal cost while building their market. This will be the first incubator of its kind in South Carolina.
