Chefs Shine on the Evo Grill at Charleston Food and Wine

This winter has seen colder, bleaker days than usual for most of our country. Even here in Charleston, SC, where we are normally spared the trials of frost and freeze, we have seen ice bringing down trees and snow days from school. And as with most things, it is in their absence that we are truly appreciative of them. We long to be back outside on patios and parks, to enjoy the warmth and simple delight of a sunny day. Somehow every burden seems a little easier to bear when the sun is shining. Every joy feels a little more intense and vibrant. A simple ham and cheese sandwich transforms itself into a “picnic” when walked outside. A Tuesday evening chicken dinner becomes an impromptu alfresco feast when grilled on the patio and shared with the neighbors.

Evo Cooktop Grill

Mark Steuer of The Carriage House, Chicago at the Evo grill.

And so I knew there was no better place to begin our dialogue than with this featured dish of Creole oysters. It is from one of demos last weekend at the BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival sponsored by Evo Grills, outdoorLUX, and Chateau D’Esclans. The festival had begun last Friday in a bitter, cold rain with gray skies over our heads and thick mud under our booted feet. Chefs that first day struggled to draw a resilient crowd into the open air tent with even the finest of ingredients and highest level of talent. But then we awoke on Saturday to crystal blue skies and clean Carolina sunshine.

Evo Grill with Creole oysters, a perfect taste of sun and salt.

Creole oysters, a perfect taste of sun and salt.

These Creole oysters from Chef Mark Steuer of the Carriage House in Chicago were the perfect opener. The briny sweetness of an oyster barely warmed on the EVO Grill then draped in thoughtful enhancements. Tomato jam, which was itself like sunshine captured in a silver pot, made them glisten in the sunlight like edible jewels. Buttermilk aioli provided a silky velvet tang and crispy leeks and smoky cheek bacon bits gave a salty crunch for contrast. Seriously delicious food.

Evo Cooktop Grill The final dish

The final dish – Creole Oysters with Tomato Jam, Buttermilk Aioli, and Crispy Leeks

And like a perfect spring afternoon spent outdoors with friends, they disappeared way too fast and we were left wondering where they all went and when would we be able to do this again.

 

3 Replies to “Chefs Shine on the Evo Grill at Charleston Food and Wine”

  1. Crystal Strickland says:

    Soooo proud of you both and happy for you both!! Great times ahead!!!

  2. Wow, oysters! When you said versatile, I imagined different dishes but never oysters, I’m impressed! Congratulations on a wonderful event, I am sure you will be welcomed with open arms to patios, kitchens, and outdoor living spaces with your beautiful grills! Love the website and blog, the fruits of your labor look divine!

  3. What a great IDEA. Olivia loves OYSTERS ! I love all food. what a great GRILL! Wish I had been there for the cooking school.

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