A New Magazine Celebrates The Food Culture Of The South

Charleston, S.C., has just recently started getting some much-deserved time in the limelight for its vibrant and eclectic food scene. So it's about time a magazine cataloging the rich culinary happenings around town stepped into the spotlight, too — and The Local Palate has arrived to do just that.

The magazine, launched by CEO of Peninsula Publishing Joe Spector, will focus on the Southern food culture and its intrinsic connection with Southern tradition and history. It will focus heavily on local food, paying "homage to our rock-star chefs, our farmers, our purveyors and everything that's local," Spector told Live 5 news.

The magazine will also focus on connecting the culture of the "rock-star chefs around town" with the "little mom-and-pop shops around town," says editor and graphic designer Marcus Amaker.

The magazine celebrated its arrival with a launch party last night at the Fearrington House Inn in North Carolina. It started out as a free publication when it initially debuted in October 2011, and will continue with eight paid issues through 2012. Beginning in 2013, it will be a monthly publication in the area.

The next time you're in the lowcountry, check out Maker's Market at Mixson for a taste of some local cooking, or meet up with friends at one of these trendy local bars. Make sure you pick up a copy of the Local Palate along the way to stay in-the-know on all things food in Charleston. You can follow the magazine on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.