June 13, 2016
Jordan Wright
The grounds of Wentworth Mansion
Last Friday the magnificent Wentworth Mansion served as backdrop for Southern Living magazine’s 50th anniversary celebration in Charleston, South Carolina. The iconic shelter magazine, rated as the largest regional lifestyle publication in the nation, paid tribute to its past by acknowledging its history of recipes and tradition with “A Taste of the Decades”. Southern Living Editor-in-Chief Sid Evans presided over the festivities greeting guests who strolled the grounds during the cocktail reception before sitting down to a lavish five-course dinner. Wine pairings were provided by Moet Hennessy.
Executive Chef Marc Collins, of the adjacent fine dining restaurant, Circa 1886, designed the five-course Lowcountry menu to reflect each decade of the magazine’s classic recipes. Collins a major player in the founding of Charleston Wine + Food, clearly was inspired by the culinary challenge.
Southern Living’s 50th Anniversary Dinner “A Taste of the Decades”
“Spam” disguised as Quiche Lorraine
Hors d’Oeuvres
Charleston Press Club Meat Balls ‘93
Shrimp-In-A-Pickle ‘86
Fried Green Tomatillos, Jalapeno Jelly ‘97
Paired with Domaine Chandon Étoile Brut
Napa Valley, California (Founded in 1973)
Heirloom Tomato Aspic with Blue Crab
The 60’s
Heirloom Tomato Aspic
Blue Crab, Lemon Mayonnaise, Roasted Garlic Purée, Baby Basil,
Smoked Cheddar Croutons
Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon 2015
Cape Mentelle, Margaret River, Australia (Founded in 1970)
Chicken with Cashews Salad
The 70’s
Chicken with Cashews Salad
Bibb Lettuce, Pepper Relish, Chicken Confit, Carolina Gold Rice Polpette, Cashew Butter, Sherry n’ Soy Vinaigrette
Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay 2013
Spring Mountain, California (Founded in 1977)
Seared Foie Gras with a side of Green Bean Casserole and Beech Mushroom and Parsley Salad
The 80’s
Green Bean “Casserole”
Seared Foie Gras, Crispy Onion Rings, Lemon Gelée,
Beech Mushroom & Parsley Salad
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
Marlborough, New Zealand (Founded in 1985)
A surprise dish served in a TV dinner tray of Edna Lewis’ Collard Greens, Blackened Catfish and Corn Pudding
The 90’s
Elegant Beef Blue
Rosewood Farms Wagyu Shoulder Tender, Blue Cheese Crust, Asparagus, Chardonnay Pan Sauce
Bodega Numanthia, Numanthia 2009 served from a magnum
Toro, Spain (Founded in 1998)
A Trio of Cakes ready to go out
The Y2k’s
A Trio of Southern Cakes – Hummingbird, Red Velvet and Coconut
What a night! What a heavenly fête! Don’t you just wish you were there.
Photo credit: Marc Collins