If there’s one thing worth planning a trip around, it’s incredible food.. and Charleston Wine + Food is the perfect event to do so.

Every spring, Charleston completely transforms into a foodie’s dream: think world-class chefs, unforgettable dining experiences, flowing wine, and some of the best energy in the city all week long. It’s one of those events that feels both elevated and approachable, whether you’re going all out on exclusive dinners or just popping into tastings with friends.

Continue reading A Pinck Guide to: Charleston Wine + Food Festival at Shades of Pinck.

One dish that’s always going to be at our table, no matter the holiday, is collard greens. Growing up they were a staple at Sunday dinner, so I had watched my grandma make them countless times. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized  she never used recipe cards for this dish (or really any); everything was by memory. And I honestly didn’t realize just how hard that would be for me until I followed her around the kitchen one day, writing it all down!!

Continue reading How to Cook Collard Greens: A Family Recipe Passed Down Through Generations at Shades of Pinck.

When you think of Soul food, you probably picture fried chicken, collard greens, Mac & cheese, and even sweet potato casserole. Whether you’re up north in NYC, out west in LA or even down south in Charleston, SC, if you order one of these dishes, there are flavors you just expect to experience. And that’s because many of these dishes have been passed down Black families for generations. Actually– for hundreds of years!!! What a lot of people don’t always realize is that these so-called “American classics” are rooted in West African traditions.

Continue reading How African Traditions Shaped American Food: 4 Foods with African Roots at Shades of Pinck.

Can’t lie; we just don’t really love grocery shopping around here. But if there’s one grocery store that we don’t mind spending time in.. it’s Trader Joe’s.

Between their ever-changing seasonal items, the sample stations scattered across the store, or the prettiest blooms that no one can resist– it’s no wonder it’s one of the fastest growing grocery chains in the nation.

Whether we’re stocking up for the week or planning another next get-together, a trip to Trader Joe’s is practically a ritual at this point.

Continue reading Trader Joe’s Shopping Guide: A Beginner’s List of 20 Favorites for New or Overwhelmed Shoppers at Shades of Pinck.

Just this past week, the SoP team and I headed down to Charleston to cover the 2023 Charleston Wine and Food Festival and let me tell you– it did not disappoint. I was a part of the small group of social media experts + content creators that made up the 2023 Street Team again this year, which always makes the entire experience soo much more fun! If you’ve never attending CHSWF, or didn’t make it this year, take this as your sign to purchase tix early next year so that you don’t miss any of the fun.

Continue reading Charleston Wine and Food Festival 2023 at Shades of Pinck.

My favorite way to take advantage of the spring + summer months is to dine outdoors. No matter if it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner… if the weather allows I will always choose the outdoor seating option (even if it means waiting a little longer). Charleston, SC has several outdoor seating (or al fresco if you’re old school Italian) option around town! From soul food to French food and everything in between, there is something for everyone.

Continue reading 7 Outdoor Dining Spots in Charleston, SC at Shades of Pinck.

I love Thanksgiving! But what’s not to love? Everyone in your family gathering around a beautifully set table while enjoying dishes + recipes that have been passed down for generations.

Still sad that this year is going to look completely different, but we’ve decided to try something new to add a little excitement to the day. After we have dinner, outdoors at our favorite local restaurant, we’re going to all come back home + have a dessert party.

Continue reading Sweet Potato Pie with Maple Bourbon Pecan Topping // Thanksgiving Recipe at Shades of Pinck.

Even as COVID cases continue to rise, more and more people are beginning to feel COVID fatigue and are growing tired of the restrictions that have been put on us. While it’s important we find ways to make life feel normal, it’s still incredibly important to social distance + wear a mask!

One of the best way to decrease your chances of contracting the disease is to avoid eating indoors. Many restaurants around Columbia offer outdoor seating options, but if you’re looking to turn an ordinary experience into something a little more exciting, I suggest turning one of your meals into a picnic!!

Continue reading Picnicking Around Cola // Hotel Trundle Experience at Shades of Pinck.

Last week I had the pleasure of dinning under the stars in the heart of Charleston at Hotel Bennett’s restaurant Gabrielle. The weather was perfect, the conversation with some of my favorite Charlestonians was motivating, and the food was simply amazing. It was truly a memorable evening!

Gabrielle, under the direction of Chef Michael Sichel, recently released their fall menu and I fell more in love with each dish that was brought out.

Continue reading Dinner in the heart of Charleston // Gabrielle’s Fall Menu at Shades of Pinck.

Late last year a new restaurant opened on Huger Street. And thanks to its crisp white exterior and massive street-front windows, I couldn’t help but notice it every single day I’d drive pass. But what was less obvious to me was what exactly they were offering.

Almost immediately after exterior renovations were complete, the name of the restaurant was reveled in large pastel letters (in a rather modern font) that read “Freshe Poke”.

Continue reading Freshe Poke // Huger Street at Shades of Pinck.