The Fifth Annual Gourmet & Grapes Weekend at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island Benefitting MUSC Hollings Cancer Center
The Gourmet Culinary Luncheon Saturday at The Ocean Room featuring guest chef, Scott Crawford of Herons at The Umstead Hotel in Cary, North Carolina, was the first of the day’s events. An extraordinary chef who has received much acclaim over the years, including a recent third nomination from the James Beard Foundation for Best Chef Southeast 2013 and the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Rating and AAA Five Diamond Award, Crawford’s innovative three-course menu included a cooking demonstration explaining the method of preparation for each course. Emmanuel Padilla from Jordan Winery from California provided the wine pairings for this luncheon.
Chef Scott Crawford at the Gourmet Culinary Luncheon
Wines were perfectly chosen and paired throughout the weekend
The highlight of Chef Crawford’s dishes was surprising in that it was a game meat, yet mild in taste. Sourced from Broken Arrow Ranch in Texas, the Spiced Venison with Parsnip, Apple, Bacon, Maitake, Chestnut, and Hickory was outstanding with a unique combination of flavors and textures.
Chatting with Chef Scott Crawford
Dishes from the weekend
The culmination of the Saturday’s festivities ended with the Wine Odyssey Gala that evening. Taking place outdoors at The Sanctuary, this event featured many local and celebrity chefs as well as the chefs from the restaurants at Kiawah Island. There were beautiful small bites, desserts, and wine tastings from well-known vintners followed by a live auction to benefit the Hollings Cancer Center. Some of the auction items included: private dinners prepared by local chefs; a five-star experience and stay at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort; and four press pass credentials to the PGA 2013 Championship. As the auction wrapped up, guests went indoors to dance the night away.
Tasting and Auction Tents at the Wine Odyssey Gala
The Silent Auction benefits the patients’ Wish List at the Hollings Cancer Center
Chefs Craig Deihl (Cypress-Charleston) & Denny Trantham – Asheville
Chef Craig Deihl’s gorgeous charcuterie
Dancing to a live band followed the auction
Beautiful piece! Thank you for the kind words, outstanding layout and most importantly supporting this event…the attention and help we give those who fight Cancer the better! Roger, Gwen, you both are gems. Roger your strength to look forward as you face the challenge of the cancer and Gwen the support I ascertained as Roger spoke to me of your struggles, so beautiful. Such a fine testament to our human spirit. AND that you translated this new chapter into bunkycooks, double beautiful! May your adventures be many, stories be rich, days be long and laughter, often. I thank Creator that our paths have met and look forward to next time, CHEERS!
Hi Andrew,
Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, it’s been a most interesting journey filled with many good times and the opportunity to meet so many incredible people. Meeting you has truly been our pleasure and we look forward to seeing you during our travels to Charleston and hopefully beyond!
Gwen
What a wonderful post and what an amazing event for a great cause. Isn’t it wonderful when so many talented, passionate and caring people come together in support of something like combatting cancer. Hugs to you both xoxo It is true, your strength is inspiring!
Hi Jamie,
Thank you so much. Yes, this is a wonderful event with so many talented chefs and it’s held at one of our favorite places, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island. You couldn’t pick a prettier place to host such an inspiring weekend.
Gwen
I think the charcuterie board almost makes me dizzy with longing. 😀
You do get around, my friend!
Hi Susan,
Yes, Chef Deihl’s charcuterie will make your head spin. He is very talented and knows how to create some very unique cured meats.
You need to come and visit so that we can both get around together. 😉
Gwen
As always, another event beautifully composed in both word and image! Hope money raised exceeded expectations. I can’t wait to visit Charleston. An awesome food experience awaits me!
Hi Ronnie,
Thank you for your comments. I also hope that they raised more than they expected to during the event. Cancer research is certainly one of the most important needs we have in medicine.
I can’t wait for you to visit Charleston either! You will most certainly have an amazing food tour through that beautiful city and I am happy to help guide you! 🙂
Gwen