The Fifth Annual Gourmet & Grapes Weekend at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island Benefitting MUSC Hollings Cancer Center
The following morning’s brunch was served outdoors at Jasmine Porch and was a perfect ending to the weekend. Views of the ocean and the bright sun warming the late morning’s cool air reminded me once again why Kiawah Island is so special. Buffets of fresh shucked oysters and other seafood, Lowcountry and Southern specialties, along with an array of desserts, were enticing. Sipping on a mimosa while relaxing in the sun, there could not have been a better weekend culinary experience.
Mimosas at brunch
Music to dine by
The brunch menu
Food and wine events at special destinations are very popular and seem to take place every weekend in our current food culture. It is a difficult decision to know which ones to attend when there are so many. Gourmet & Grapes was a top notch affair at one of the most spectacular locations on the East coast and it is all to benefit a great cause. Many of the participants have their own personal reasons for giving their time and participating.
Fresh oysters and other seafood dishes were a brunch favorite
Photographer Andrew Cebulka with Chef Jason Cote of Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House – Kiawah
Dessert displays
The Hollings Cancer Center supports over 80,000 patient visits each year. The money raised at Gourmet & Grapes is an important source of funds for cancer research and the Silent Auction helps fund their patients’ Wish List. If you are going to attend a food and wine event, make it one that has an impact beyond the tent, table, and wine glasses.
One in four deaths in the United States is caused by cancer and while the five year survival rate has increased to 40% of the patients, cancer remains an ongoing battle. Let’s put an end to cancer.
The dates for next year’s 2014 Gourmet & Grapes will be announced soon, so plan to reserve that weekend on your calendar.
Reserve your space for next year’s Gourmet & Grapes weekend
Note – Most of the photographs in this article recapping the Fifth Annual Gourmet & Grapes were taken by photographer Andrew Cebulka. We had the pleasure of meeting and working with Andrew during this event at Kiawah Island February 8 – 10, 2013 as well as during the Charleston Wine & Food Festival a few weeks later. Very talented and professional, Andrew gave of his own time to photograph this weekend benefitting the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Any photographs that are not Andrew’s will have an Image Press Photo watermark and were taken by Mr. B. We thank Andrew for allowing us to use his photographs as he so beautifully captured the spirit of the weekend.
* Disclosure – We were guests of the Gourmet & Grapes Weekend at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. I gladly wrote an article about the event in support of cancer research. The opinions expressed regarding our experience are my own.
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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