Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

www.LowcountryCuisineMag.com | www.MountPleasantRestaurant.com | www.CharlestonRecipes.com lowcountry cuisine LC O n the premiere episode of The Cooking Channel’s “Southern and Hungry,” Rutledge Wood excitedly stated that where they are headed is his Graceland. Comparing a barbecue joint to the king of rock ’n’ roll’s residence makes perfect sense when you consider the love Wood has for the slow- roasted, sauce-smothered fare. This NASCAR commentator grew up with parents who owned a barbecue restaurant. His sidekick, Kentucky spitfire Damaris Phillips, is no stranger to cuisine stardom. As winner of “Food Network Star” season 9 and with her own daytime series, “Southern at Heart,” she has proven to be a master of taste. On the show, we follow these foodies through the live oak-canopied roads of the South as they make pit stops at some of the region’s most notable eateries. The two met when they were both on the judging panel for “Guy’s Grocery Games.” From rating the food to traveling back roads in search of outstanding eats, they do it all with a side of belly laughs. “Guy saw how much fun we were having together, and, knowing we’re both from the South, asked what kind of show we would want to make together,” said Wood. “So we grabbed a camera and shot a three-minute reel on what became “Southern and Hungry.” We want to find authentic food cooked with love by authentic people. To us, that’s the true South.” While many restaurants south of the Mason-Dixon line are featured on the show, the Charleston area gets quite a bit of airtime and adoration from the hosts. “My wife and I bring our daughters to the Lowcountry every summer and we love it,” said Wood. “I think there’s inspiration on every corner. From Little Jack’s Tavern , to Obstinate Daughter , to Leon’s Oyster Shop , you absolutely can’t lose!” One man raising the bar when it comes to culinary greatness is pitmaster Rodney Scott , who crafts some of the most-desired barbecue in town. People clock miles to visit his legendary palace of pig. When Wood and Phillips swing by his restaurant on King Street on the first episode, he greets them with a smile and a heaping amount of seasoned pork rinds. “Rodney Scott is amazing,” said Wood. “I dreamed of the day I’d get to visit him and try all the amazing food, and he did not disappoint. I loved all the spots we hit in the Lowcountry, but meeting Rodney and trying some of the amazing whole hog right off the smoker was Damaris Phillips, left, and Rutledge Wood host “Southern and Hungry” on The Cooking Channel. Photos cour tesy of The Cooking Channel. BY KALENE MCCORT