BB&T Charleston Food and Wine Festival debuts March 1
Contributed by Lou Hammond and Associates

Charleston, SC, lauded by the

New York Times as a "new capital for regional cuisine," is well on its way to making the gastronomic big time. Witness the BB&T Charleston Food & Wine Festival, March 1- 4, which will pair quintessential Lowcountry fare with Southern succulence to provide visitors a taste of Charleston's unique Epicurean personalities. Showcasing the indigenous flavors of the Lowcountry, this four- day celebration of Charleston's finest will feature some of the country's best chefs, culinary writers, and sommeliers.

The Festival's menu of events utilizes this food and wine expertise in creative ways that will enable participants to savor all that Charleston has to offer as one of the country's oldest and most historic cities, as well as an exciting contemporary culinary destination. The city's celebrated 17th and 18th century architecture will be the backdrop during the Historic Homes Winemaker Receptions and the esteemed Celebrity Chef & Winemaker Dinner. Other events, such as the Charleston Cooks! Culinary Village, will bring to life the impressive bounty of the region, while creating a fun, yet atmospheric environment.

"In our second year, the Festival's focus and emphasis continues to be on everything that makes Charleston so distinctive- Lowcountry cuisine styles, world renowned chefs and restaurants, remarkable architecture and historic landmarks and the significance the city has had on the development of the food culture of the south," states Nathalie Dupree, chair of the Festival's Board of Directors.

The BB&T Charleston Food & Wine Festival will debut Thursday, March 1 with the Salute to Charleston's Chefs: 2007's Opening Party, presented by the Ben Arnold Beverage Company with 24 area top toques preparing dishes that will provide a sensory preview of the events to come.