“The subject of food is a serious one the length and breadth of this state. Our barbeque sauce is mustard-based and our peanuts are boiled and served in wet paper bags. An oyster roast in sight of a lowcountry river is an act of priest-like enjoyment and cause for a pagan-like joy.”
Pat Conroy
“Pat Conroy left this world Friday March 4, 2016 at 7:42 pm surrounded by his family and friends in his Beaufort home overlooking the marshes he so loved.”
We learned Pat was sick just a month ago, but his illness moved quickly, ultimately claiming him on Friday, during the 2016 Charleston Wine and Food Festival. He would have been crossing over as we were finishing plating first course at our Signature Dinner with my good friend Kristen Essig, from back in the Louis’s days. As odd as it may sound I can think of no more appropriate time to mark his passing than during the festival- he was such a great lover of South Carolina, her people and foods.
To the festival participants and guests- thank you again for a wonderful experience, and for supporting all this craziness.
To the Festival Organizers- I’m throwing this out there now- 2017 should include a Tribute Dinner To Pat Conroy, and I call Shotgun!