In Our Edible All Stars Issue, Spring 2020

Jacquelyn McHugh, Founder and Editor-in-Chief.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world.  For, indeed, that's all who ever have." -Margaret Mead

Just a few short months ago, in the depths of winter, I was nearly 2,000 miles away from South Carolina, dreaming of this very moment. I was in Santa Fe, New Mexico, gathered with the publishers of Edible magazines from across the country. We came together for our annual meeting, to revitalize and strategize about our mission—supporting and celebrating local food, and the people who bring it to our plates.

As I sat in meetings and planning sessions surrounded by an amazing family of like-minded locavores, half of my mind was plugged in to the debates and discussions occurring around me; the other half was thinking about this issue you’re holding in your hands right now—and how much hustling our team needed to do to get it to you in time for the 15th annual Charleston Wine + Food festival.

We’ve come a long way in the past few years. We started out as a modest print publication produced by a family with good intentions, with a seasoned food photographer leading us with gentility and grace, to where we are now—publishing Issue #14, serving as a media partner of the festivaland the supporting sponsor of Opening Night, a celebration of our local chefs.

The past three years have taught us a lot. We’ve learned about Charleston and Columbia, how the communities identify individually and what our state needs as a whole. We’ve met so many hardworking famers, committed chefs, innovators and wellness warriors, many of whom will be hanging out with us in the Culinary Village in Marion Square.

We’re proud to support these folks—people who fill our pages with good news of growth and change. People like our 2020 Edible All-Stars who have influenced their communities and strengthened South Carolina’s culinary scene in their own unique ways. It was so difficult to pick only seven, as our state is filled with folks hitting it out of the park! The talent in the state is immense; I am unbelievably grateful to get to experience it on a daily basis.

And speaking of local leaders, we are honored to be sponsoring Opening Night with the newly appointed South Carolina Chef Ambassadors. This night celebrates the local chefs sourcing local food in their local communities—a culmination of everything we love and support.

On the eve of the Charleston Wine + Food festival, I invite you to stop by our booth in the Culinary Village and say hello, grab a magazine or two, and tell us what you love about our delicious state and how we can bring it to life in these pages.

Good Eats and Happy Spring!

~Jacquelyn