The Southern Fork

In this episode, we embark on a delightful exploration of the different types of bars that populate the Southern landscape. Will Green, co-owner of The Hoot and Wico in West Columbia, joins us to define what constitutes a bar and share insights about their cultural significance.

My newest book is South Carolina Cocktails: 100 Recipes Inspired by the Palmetto State, and earlier this year, Will Green interviewed me for a book talk at the South Carolina State Museum for a sold out crowd. We enjoyed chatting about bar and social culture so much that I thought it might be fun for all of us. So welcome to a little departure from my regular episodes, a new Southern Bar occasional series with my friend and co-owner of The Hoot and WECO Bottle and Biergarten in Columbia and West Columbia, SC.

Will has been a part of South Carolina hospitality for 20 years, both as a bar manager and partner at the now-shuttered Whig, as a bar consultant throughout the state, and now as a brand ambassador for local Florence brewery Seminar Brewing, so I think you'll find the details engaging. My hope is that it will get you thinking, what is your favorite kind of bar to visit?

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up The Southern Fork on Substack. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

And here's the link to the 2022 interview that introduces Will Green to The Southern Fork: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/23760017

Hot sauce is Southern. Hot sauce is personal, and for many of us, hot sauce love began with Crystal Hot Sauce on a cold, briny oyster. In this episode, Crystal's CEO Pepper Baumer, a third-generation member of the renowned Brennan and Baumer culinary families, shares insights into the rich food culture of New Orleans, the legacy of Crystal Hot Sauce, and innovative strategies for growing a historic brand in modern markets.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up The Southern Fork on Substack. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

And here's the link to the 2022 interview with Ralph Brennan of Brennan's in New Orleans: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/25282098

Herman Ng's journey through the restaurant industry is as rich and layered as the flavors he brings to his restaurant, XO Brasserie, which opened in 2024 in Charleston, SC. Growing up in a family that ran a Chinese restaurant in Columbia, SC, he has a unique perspective on food, culture, and the restaurant business. In this conversation, Herman shares his personal journey from growing up in a restaurant family to running one of his own. Discover how his background, creative approach to Chinese American cuisine, and dedication to service excellence shape his culinary vision.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up The Southern Fork on Substack. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

Pitmaster Hector Garate has become a rocketship in the barbecue world since opening Palmira Barbecue in Charleston, SC.

Palmira has been named "Best New Barbecue Joint in the South" by Southern Living, earned the top spot on Texas Monthly's "Best Texas-Style BBQ Joints in the USA" list, and saw its signature beef cheeks recognized as one of the New York Times' "Best Dishes of 2025." The restaurant has also been featured in Esquire, StarChefs, and Condé Nast Traveler, and this year, Hector was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation's Emerging Chef award. Hector most recently competed on Food Network's "Pitmasters" and is a YETI ambassador. This conversation with the pitmaster emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship, team building, and storytelling in creating a successful culinary business.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, subscribe to The Southern Fork on Substack. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

The Southern Fork is now available on Substack. What does that mean? Well, it means right in your inbox, you can get a current, up to date resource that documents and celebrates the culinary life of the American South each week. It's kind of like the podcast coming to life on the page. There's inspiration, news-y type info, dishes and drinks to try, and plenty of updates on the more than 380 guests I've had the opportunity to interview right here.

Once you sign up, you don't have to do another thing, just look for my emails in your inbox. This is a very vital and important way to support the work of The Southern Fork and not only help me continue to give a space for great Southern culinary people to tell their stories, but having something else fun to share with your friends. And you just might know what wine to order next time you all go to dinner together!

Check out all the fun at http://stephanieburt.substack.com or through the newsletter sign up on http://thesouthernfork.com. Let's keep the conversation going, shall we?

In this, the final episode of Season 10, James Bolt of The Gin Joint in Charleston, SC shares his journey from chemistry to craft cocktails, emphasizing the importance of culinary-driven mixology, the art of ice making, and innovative trends like mini cocktails. Discover how Charleston's vibrant food scene influences his creative process and the secrets behind crafting exceptional cocktails.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

In the last 15 years, the craft brewery scene has really come into its own in Charleston, and these days you can find area breweries all over the Lowcountry, tucked into warehouses, alongside beautiful river views, and even in business parks. Munkle Brewing Co., located in the Neck area of Charleston, routinely takes home medals annually at the Great American Beer Fest competition, and it is one of the standouts in a crowded field. In this conversation, Palmer Quimby, founder of Munkle Brewing Co., shares his journey in craft brewing, emphasizing the importance of tradition, local ingredients, and community. Discover how he balances creativity with craftsmanship, the role of hospitality, and his vision for Charleston's vibrant beer scene.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

Bintou N'Daw is a magnetic person who makes food that just draws you in with its layers of flavor and storytelling. She owns and operates Bintü Atelier, an African-inspired restaurant, with her husband in Charleston, SC, and she has just been named a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast. In this conversation, she shares her fearless approach to taking risks, the importance of cultural identity in her cooking, and her aspirations for the future of her culinary career. The discussion also touches on the creative process of transitioning from takeout to a full restaurant experience, the significance of community and food in bridging cultural divides, and the personal dreams that drive her passion for cooking.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

In this conversation, dietician Olivia Myers shares her passion for Grocery RX, part of Lowcountry Street Grocery in Charleston, SC, which operates as food pharmacy and nutrition education arm. She shares her background in nutrition and food, the challenges of addressing food insecurity, and the transformative impact of GroceryRx on individuals' health and lives. The conversation also touches on the importance of community engagement and the future of the business amidst challenges in funding and administration, but with a sincere hope for building in the future. The work Olivia is doing in the South Carolina Lowcountry is grassroots but with a big impact.

The 2018 interview with Lindsey Barrow of Lowcountry Street Grocery: https://www.thesouthernfork.com/episodes/2019/8/9/ep-148-lindsey-barrow-lowcountry-street-grocery-charleston-sc

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

Andrew Zimmern has spent decades proving that food can be a powerful force for cultural understanding and social change. An Emmy-winning and James Beard Award-winning television host, chef and food advocate, he brings boundless curiosity and deep empathy to his exploration of global cuisine on his acclaimed shows, including the Bizarre Foods franchise, The Zimmern List, What's Eating America, Family Dinner, and Wild Game Kitchen. His work extends far beyond television into restaurants, publishing, and philanthropy, all driven by his conviction that shared culinary experiences can bridge divides and create lasting change.

His latest book is The Blue Food Cookbook: Delicious Seafood Recipes for a Sustainable Future co-authored with Barton Seaver. At the 2025 Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, Andrew and I sat down to dive a little deeper into ideas of sustainability and how the world's waters are a great framework to begin to delve into deeper discussions of sustainability.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

In this episode, host Stephanie Burt reflects on her experiences from 2025, sharing highlights from her culinary adventures, restaurant visits, and travel experiences. She emphasizes the importance of personal connections to food and hospitality, recounting memorable dishes and places. The episode serves as a recap of the year while looking forward to future culinary explorations.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

In this conversation, Trey McMillan of Lowcountry Oyster Company shares insights into the world of oyster farming, discussing the significance of location, the transition from fishing to oyster cultivation, and the crafting of the Lowcountry Cup oyster. He emphasizes the challenges and learning experiences in the industry, the importance of sustainability, and the unique flavor profiles of oysters. If you dream about a day on the waters of the South Carolina Lowcountry, then this episode will transport you there.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

What makes a restaurant make one of Stephanie's best of lists? Well, it is always an equation of passion and details that come together behind the scenes and feel effortless during service. Merci, located in Charleston, SC, ended up being one of her most exciting restaurant visits of 2025, so in this conversation, co-owners Courtney and Michael Zentner delve into the importance of community relationships and their event production company, The Drifter. The chef shares his insights into their menu development and culinary philosophy, and they both embrace the challenges of running a small restaurant.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

Just over the South Carolina state border from Myrtle Beach is Calabash, North Carolina, a small commercial fishing town that's been known for generations, especially for its shrimp. For many beach goers, including many in my family, a trip to the beach wasn't complete without a visit to a fish camp in Calabash. In this conversation, lifelong Calabash resident Chef and Captain Bob Taylor shares insights about his life at Waterfront Seafood Shack. He discusses the unique aspects of living in a tourist town, the importance of loving hard work, and the joy of serving fresh seafood. Bob also highlights his family's culinary traditions, including one special pound cake.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

For this "treat filled" Halloween conversation, Kaitlin Bryant and Mark Ekstrom, co-owners of Auspicious Baking Co. in Savannah, Ga., share their journey from humble beginnings to running a successful bakery with two locations, a wholesale business, and a full-service restaurant, Bread & Butter. They discuss their passion for baking, the evolution of their craft, and power of a just out of the oven chocolate chip cookie. The conversation also delves into the challenges of transitioning to a restaurant model and the balance between ownership and craftsmanship in the culinary world, but their enthusiasm for the journey will have you considering that dream that you've deferred a little too long.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

Tucked into a modest brick building beside the train tracks at the intersection of Bull and Victory in Savannah, Georgia is Late Air. In this conversation, Colin Breland and Madeline Ott, co-owners of Late Air, discuss their journey in establishing a unique dining experience in a city whose culinary community is popping with creativity. They share insights on the importance of intentional dining, the evolution of their restaurant concept, and the significance of a sense of place. Both use hospitality as their creative outlet, and with it, have created a buzzy restaurant that's one of the must visits in the city.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

St. Helena is a storied South Carolina sea island and the epicenter of the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee community. Morning Glory Homestead is a family-run micro farm on the island, and through the work of farmers Tony and Belinda Jones, the stories of the island become rooted in the very land from which they spring. This discussion highlights the importance of sustainable farming, community education, and the preservation of cultural traditions. The couple share their journey of transforming their family land into a hub for learning and cultural enrichment, emphasizing the significance of their agricultural practices and community engagement in maintaining the Gullah Geechee legacy.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

Within Sushi-Wa's small restaurant in Charleston, SC, there is a joyful sense of peace, anchored in an unlikely friendship where Kazu Murakami and Chris Schoedler have forged a schedule that allows them to joyfully show up to work and enjoy life outside of it too. This conversation explores the intricate world of sushi making, delving into the cultural influences, the joy of culinary exploration, and the significance of seasonal ingredients. The chefs share personal anecdotes about their journeys in the culinary field, the art of sushi presentation, and the relationships built through food.

This is the season debut of the 10th season of The Southern Fork, and this season Stephanie focuses on the stories of the Carolina and Georgia coasts, a region supremely close to her heart. With its varied cultural influences, it has been an incubator for American cuisine since the 17th century, and today, is one of the top travel destinations in the world. The music featured on this season is courtesy of musician and producer Jimbo Mathus.

To keep up with Stephanie's work beyond the show, sign up for On the Menu with The Southern Fork, her free monthly newsletter that includes recent bylines, recommendations, and other fun tidbits. And for consistent visual peeks into the world of The Southern Fork, follow along on Instagram.

I have a passion for sustainable seafood, and it's been both an important subject here on the show and the subject of many of my written pieces throughout the years. When I first interviewed Sammy Monsour in 2020, I discovered that we shared this passion, and I've watched as he has really blossomed into a chef leader on this front. Therefore, when I first heard that he and Kassady Wiggins, his wife and beverage director partner, wanted to write a cookbook about Southern seafood, I encouraged them to go for it. What has resulted is Salt & Shore: Recipes from the Coastal South, filled with stories, sips, and plenty of recipes and photographs that will make you long for sea breezes if you're missing them. It's a vibe, something that Kassady and Sammy excel at in their restaurants, which include the now-closed Preux & Proper in LA -- that gained a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019 -- and Joyce Soul & Sea, also in LA where they teamed up with founders and operators, Prince and Athena Riley. Joyce was named a "Southern oasis in LA" by LA Times food critic Bill Addison, and the Carolina natives bring Southern flavors to both the food and beverage programs. They are living bi-coastal these days between LA and Charleston and dreaming of their next project. Me? After this conversation, I'm dreaming of hushpuppies, so I'm glad there are two recipes to choose from in their book.

Other episodes you might enjoy:

Sammy Monsour: Preux & Proper (Los Angeles, CA)

Eric Montagne: Locals Seafood (Durham, NC)

When I first spoke with Chef Michael Toscano in 2017, he and his family were just getting settled in Charleston with the opening of Le Farfalle. Now, seven years later, the chef seems as if he's truly settled into a new rhythm between NYC and the Lowcountry. He and his wife Caitlin currently have four restaurants: the aforementioned Le Farfalle, da Toscano in New York's Greenwich Village, da Toscano Porchetta Shop in Charleston, and Fugazzi, a small spot inside Charleston's Revelry Brewing that serves what Michael calls unauthentic Italian-inspired American food. The last two are decidedly casual, a new turn for a chef that's been anything but when it comes to his career. He was a sous chef at Mario Batali's Babbo by the age of 21, was nominated three times for Rising Star Chef by the James Beard Foundation, and opened his first chef-owned restaurant, Perla, in 2012, which made Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America list. He's always pursued his passion for cooking, but now that passion is a team sport, where he looks to grow and support the rising stars in his own restaurants as well as the farmers he loves to work with. And one way he does that? By topping soft, crusty focaccia, fresh out of the oven, with all sorts of delicious things.

Other episodes you might enjoy:

Michael Toscano: Le Farfalle (Charleston, SC)

Craig Richards: Lyla Lila (Atlanta, GA)