Last weekend I got the opportunity to escape winter in NYC and spend a few days down south at Hilton Head Island. I had always heard great things about Hilton Head but had never visited, so I was excited to see what it was all about.
First things first: I’ve got to say, that whole “southern charm” thing is real. I’ve visited different parts of the south a handful of times, but I’ve never met people quite as friendly and accommodating as they were in Hilton Head. There was very much a small town feel – everyone seemed to know each other and go out of their way to help one another, even in the smallest of ways. That in and of itself makes me want to visit Hilton Head Island on the regular.
Speaking of which, next time I visit I’ll have to hit more of the local spots, but for now here’s a recap of the parts of the Seafood Festival that I attended.
About the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is a family friendly, week-long culinary and cultural tourism event with local seafood, special events, celebrity guest chefs and master culinary classes, live music and more.
The annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest hosted by the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation and helps raise money for the Island Recreation Scholarship Fund, Gullah Institute, Port Royal Sound Foundation, Coastal Discovery Museum and the Medical University of South Carolina. The David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation was established by the Carmines family, owners of Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, in memory of their son, and the seafood festival is the organization’s main fundraiser.
James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner
On Thursday evening after getting settled in at the Omni Resort (more on that below) I headed to the James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner. It was part of a series bringing a taste of what happens in the James Beard House in NYC all over the country. The dinner was conveniently on my hotel property Shorehouse Pavillion on a perfectly mild night for the outdoor event, and just steps from the ocean.
The event started with drinks, mingling and interactive hors d’oeuvres stations from chefs Brandon Carter, Jon Buck & Clayton Rollison. Then we sat down for a multi-course line-to-table dinner with wine pairings featuring a diverse group of James Beard Foundation Award winners & nominees. I honestly can’t say there wasn’t a dish I didn’t absolutely love! But if I had to choose my standout favorites they’d be the Chilled Fire Roasted Shrimp from Chef Anthony Lamas and the Slow Roasted Duck from Chef Victor Albisu.
Celebrity Chef Demonstrations
On Friday I made my way to the South Carolina Yacht Club for chef demonstrations and tastings overlooking the beautiful harbor. We learned about special ingredients, seasonal selections and new techniques that we can use at home. And of course we got to taste the incredible dishes, like this take on a traditional Kentucky Hot Brown made with lobster (from Chef Scott Bodkin and Chef Nick Fazio of the South Carolina Yacht Club) and lowcountry fish stew from Chef Jon Buck of Husk Greenville.
Pig Pickin’ and Oyster Roast
Oh boy, I LOVED this event. It was the quintessential, low county family-style culinary celebration featuring the Island’s best chefs, incredible BBQ, oysters, signature cocktails, bonfires and live music. I made my rounds and tried as much as I possibly could – ribs, po’ boys, and got “fed” some of the famous whole hog by Chef Clayton himself.
Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
All of that fun led up to the main event on Saturday – the Seafood Festival that took place at historic Honey Horn Plantation. It was such a great day!
There was what seemed like endless tastings from favorite local chefs & restaurants, chef demonstrations, live music and other activations. Everything I tried was incredible, but my favorite was definitely the shrimp & grits from Hudson’s.
Staying at Omni Resort Hilton Head
During my time at Hilton Head Island I stayed at the Omni Resort, and it was a great experience. My room was large and clean, everyone was very helpful and accommodating. Of course it also didn’t hurt that it was right on the beach.
Thank you to the Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce for so graciously providing my travel & accommodations, and welcoming into your island! I can’t wait to visit again soon.
