Travel Chef

by Will Lacey

One of the more frequent questions I get asked is “Do you have a restaurant?” or “Do you want to have a brick and mortar?" The answer…is no. No I don’t and no I don’t really want one. It is certainly nothing against those that have them or want them. Maybe it is my ADD?

”Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers begins to play softly in the background

I adore the opportunity to bring what I love about South Carolina food to other areas. It is remarkable to share this passion and utmost appreciation of the food while sprinkling in some education on the background of dishes. In many ways, I am just anointing myself an ambassador, but I promise I make a valiant attempt to be humble about it. Pinky promise.

The notion of food being an icebreaker rings incredibly true in these circumstances. We can interact with individuals and communities that I may not have the opportunity to otherwise. I can bring the food to them. The food that has turned countless strangers to friends and friends to family throughout my life. That is incredibly special to me.

Recently, my grandmother passed away after 99 years (two months shy of 100). She was certainly the first true introduction to the use of food as an outward expression of inward love (This is a phrase I am borrowing from my sister, in her tribute to our grandmother).

This is exactly what I want people to see in my food. I want them to feel a sense of love. And no, the main ingredient of what I do is not love. It is emotion…and some butter probably. But I do want them to feel that I am serving food that I love. It is a part of me, it is a part of who I am and where I come from.

Coincidentally, or not, this is what I want my readers to feel. I hope you will sense the passion, love, and appreciation of what I write. I will share stories, reviews of food that is special to me, and yes there will be recipes. What is the point of being gifted with the opportunity to cook food if you don’t share with others? After all, food is about coming together.

So come together and yell at me for what you want me to cover. Inside voices, though. Please.

will@colacrescent.com

Travel Chef Will Lacey