Tucked off a scenic backroad among live oaks between Savannah, Georgia and Bluffton, South Carolina, lies an oasis of rustic sophistication called Palmetto Bluff.
Built around the ruins of a mansion that once housed lavish parties for the New York City social elite of the early 20th century, it now caters to the same upscale clientele, but with a decidedly more bucolic approach.
It's not uncommon to find the upper crust staying at Montage Palmetto Bluff or wintering among the many grand Southern-style homes that dot the forests and waterways of the bluff. The rumor mill up the road in small-town Bluffton regularly churns up excited tidbits of the latest celebrity spotting-from Justin Bieber to Tiger Woods.
Rather than a place to see and be seen, however, it's a place for quiet reflection amid some of the finest natural beauty the South Carolina Lowcountry has to offer. Tranquility runs through here just as surely as the miles of sparkling waterways.
But once a year, this serene outpost of glamorous quietude throws one hell of a party.
Music To Your Mouth recently wrapped its 11th year, with 17 events, 31 chefs and 29 vintners and brewers descending on the quiet shores of the May River, filling the air with music and the aromas of fine cuisine from James Beard Award-winning chefs and the many rock stars of the explosive southeast culinary scene.
Among the events that filled the three-day festival were a bourbon cruise aboard Palmetto Bluff's restored 1913 yacht Grace, a cocktail class featuring James Beard Award-Winning Sara Camp Milam and Jerry Slater, and the closing "Kiss the Pig" event featuring music from O.A.R.
One of the first events on the docket, Big Carol's Big Dinner, served as a coming-out party for Palmetto Bluff's food truck, Big Carol.
Working the kitchen inside Big Carol was Chef David Carrier, famed for launching the Southern comfort food movement at Chicago's Kith & Kin and for his latest restaurant, Certified Burgers & Beverage in St. Simon's Island, Georgia. At 6'8", Carrier was working in tight quarters inside Big Carol, but the sliders (available as both cheeseburger or a sublime chorizo) were the talk of the night.
In addition to celebrating the southeast's rising stars of the culinary world, the event raised $27,000 for area charity Second Helpings.
Best yet? Sure, but can't wait for the next one.
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