American Palate

Carolina Gold, the celebrated variety of rice established in the South Carolina Lowcountry, perhaps saved the fledgling colony at the beginning of the eighteenth century and remained integral to the local economy for nearly two hundred years. However, the labor required to produce it encouraged the establishment of slavery, ultimately contributing to the region's economic collapse following the Civil War.

Richard Schulze, who reintroduced this crop in South Carolina after nearly a century's absence, provides this fascinating inside story of an industry that helped build some of the largest fortunes in America. Drawing on both historical research and personal experience, Schulze reveals the legacy of this once-forgotten Lowcountry icon..

Once a sleepy city of taverns and coffeehouses, Charleston's reputation as a culinary powerhouse is rooted in its rich history.

The origins of she-crab soup trace back through Everett's Restaurant. The fine dining of Henry's evolved from a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Desserts were flambéed from the pulpit of a deconsecrated church at Chapel Market Place, and Robert's hosted Charleston's famous singing chef. Diners became regulars at Kitty's Fine Foods or Brooks Restaurant on their first visit, while the rise of French cuisine from the Wine Cellar, Marianne and Philippe Million helped elevate the dining scene. From blind tigers to James Beard Awards, author and local tour guide Jessica Surface explores the stories and history of Charleston's love of food.

Today, visitors and locals in Greenville enjoy a vibrant, diverse and acclaimed culinary scene. Some will remember recent favorites like the American Grocery Restaurant that helped pioneer the farm-to-table movement. Others will remember longtime favorites like Carpenter Bros. Drug Store, Charlie's Steak House and Gene's Restaurant that were around for three or four generations. Few in the second half of the twentieth century would not have dined at one of Vince Perone's restaurants for some occasion. Author and tour guide John Nolan recalls the fond memories of the owners and their cuisines, with recipes included.

Taste the history of South Carolina's Barbeque in this delectable history from the 1500s to the present day.

South Carolina has been home to good, old-fashioned barbeque for quite a long time. Hundreds of restaurants, stands and food trucks sell tons of the southern staple every day. But the history of Palmetto State barbeque goes deeper than many might believe--it predates the rest of America. Native Americans barbequed pork on makeshift grills as far back as the 1500s after the Spanish introduced the pig into the Americas. Since the early 1920s, South Carolinians have been perfecting the craft and producing some of the best-tastin' 'que in the country. Join author and president of the South Carolina Barbeque Association Lake E. High Jr. as he traces the delectable history from its pre-colonial roots to a thriving modern-day tradition that fuels an endless debate over where to find the best plate.

In a town that prides itself on buying local and all things Lowcountry, it's no surprise that artisanal "craft" beer has taken the Holy City by storm. With four established breweries, dedicated retail stores and bars, a home brewing club and the annual Brewvival festival, craft beer culture is booming. But behind the modern ales, lagers and stouts that connoisseurs know and love is a barrelful of Charleston beer history that has been brewing for centuries. From the first brewery that opened its doors in 1732 through Prohibition and the recent "Pop the Cap" legislation that allowed high gravity beer to once again flood the streets, Charlestonians have embraced beer wholeheartedly. Join local writer and beer bard Timmons Pettigrew as he recounts the incredible and mouthwatering history of Charleston beer, pint by frosty pint.

The culinary history of Myrtle Beach reflects a unique merging of Native American, European, African and Caribbean cuisines.

Learn the techniques used by enslaved Africans created vast wealth for rice plantation owners; what George Washington likely ate when visiting South Carolina in 1791; how the turpentine industry gave rise to a sticky sweet potato cooking method; and why locals eagerly anticipate one special time of year when boiled peanuts are at their best. Author Becky Billingsley, a longtime Myrtle Beach-area restaurant journalist, digs deep into historic records and serves up both tantalizing personal interviews and dishes on the best local restaurants, where many delicious farm-to-table heritage foods can still be enjoyed.

Eating is a pleasure in the South Carolina capital these days, thanks to chefs, farmers and artisanal purveyors who feed an insatiable hunger for anything fresh, local and delicious. Columbia offers a bounty for enthusiasts--places like the urban farm City Roots, the all-local farmers' market Soda City and the array of community supported agriculture options. For exquisite dining, the city's options are as variable as its influences. The locally focused menu at Terra, the intense and alluring ambiance at Rosso, the vegetarian-inspired fare at Rosewood's Market Deli and the flair of self-taught chef Ricky Mollohan give the city a unique palate. Grab a reservation with author Laura Aboyan as she details the delectable history of Columbia cuisine.