Lowndes Grove Plantation

Lowndes Grove Plantation, Charleston, S.C.

Amazing to think that Lowndes Grove Plantation is right on the peninsula. I was walking around Hampton Park this past weekend and poked my camera through the front gate to get this shot. I've attended some lovely events on this property at sunset looking over the Ashley River and I know it is a popular wedding spot managed by Patrick Properties.

(The Grove; Grove Farm) Built ca. 1786, Lowndes Grove is a one and one-half story frame structure set upon a raised stucco-over-brick basement. Probably originally built in the Georgian mode, the structure has been altered through the years. Despite these alterations, the structure is valuable architecturally, chronicling various changes in architectural design. At one time the home of U.S. Congressmen William Lowndes, it later played an important role in the South Carolina Interstate and West Indies Exposition of 1901-02.

4th Annual Autumn Affair

The Spice & Tea Exchange, Charleston

The Les Dames d'Escoffier held their 4th annual Autumn Affair at Lowndes Grove at sunset on the banks of the Ashley River and they couldn't have chosen a more beautiful evening. Charleston weather is perfect right now and we are almost giddy with the sunshine and low humidity after a month of rain. Add delicious food, wine and music.

I can't pronounce the group's name so here is the official description: 

Les Dames d’Escoffier is the only organization of its kind: a world wide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality. The invitation-only membership, composed of 29 individual chapters across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, is highly diversified and reflects the multifaceted fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality.

The look I got right before I crashed my wine glass on the ground. Ooops!

Holly Herrick of the Permanent Tourist and busiest cookbook write in the county.

Wes & Devany Vickey (Sassy Spoon) Davidson

Two of our gracious hostesses

Meet me at the Bacon Candy table!

Keegan Filion Farm Barn Raiser

Chef Nico Romo with Annie from Keegan Filion Farms at Lowndes Grove Fundraiser

The folks at Keegan-Filion Farms in Walterboro had a recent fire that burned one of their old barns. Besides losing the barn, built in the 1930’s by Annie’s grandfather, also lost in the fire were over 100 birds, turkey and hog feed, and numerous farm tools.

Patrick Properties Hospitality Group coordinated a fundraising event that was held this afternoon on the grounds of Lowndes Grove Plantation with the goal of raising $20,000. Chefs from the lowcountry's best restaurants donated their food and services. It was great to see everyone working together to raise the funds needed to rebuild the barn.Thanks to all the coordinators and volunteers who pulled off this great event. It's nice to live in a town where people take care of each other.

Lowndes Grove Plantation

Jimi Hatt with Ruby and Harper. Or maybe, Harper and Ruby

 

Ovis Hill Farms Barn Raising

Lowndes Grove, Charleston, S.C.

Friends, happy children with hoola hoops, oysters, chefs, music and delicious food on the beautiful property of Lowndes Grove Plantation on the banks of the Ashley River - can you think of anything more perfect? Chef Nico Romo and Patrick Properties hosted this fundraiser for the owner of Ovis Farm's to help rebuild the farmer's barn after a fire.

Ovis Hill Farms Barn Raising: Ovis Hill Farms supplies lots of beef, lamb, eggs, and dairy products to our area chefs. Or at least they did until farmer Charlie Caldwell’s barn burned in December, and he lost 500 of his animals.

It’s already a struggle to make a living farming the land and raising cows, sheep, and chickens, so when a disaster of this magnitude strikes, it can be hard for a farmer to recover. To make sure he can rebuild, the Charleston food community is rallying together for a barn-raising. The goal is to raise $20,000 to rebuild his barn and repopulate his livestock.

It was a treat to see so many familiar faces enjoying the afternoon. Thanks to Randall Goldman and all of the chefs and volunteers they surpassed their goal. Well done! Makes me proud to be part of this community. There were more professional photographers than I at the event (hi Jason!) but I added a few more photos to this album.