Expanded Taste of Charleston event serves up the best in Lowcountry cuisine

The Charleston Restaurant Association has partnered with "Southern Living" magazine to present the Southern Living Taste of Charleston on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, from 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The main event expands to two days this year, and will take place at the historic and beautiful Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. The main event is a celebration of Lowcountry cuisine featuring more than 40 of Charleston’s top casual and fine dining restaurants serving sample size portions of their signature dishes, beer and wine. There will also be a beer garden with over 40 craft brews, a children's area and the legendary waiters’ race.

New this year is the Southern Living Village which will feature editor appearances, editorial-inspired vignettes, demonstrations and more.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate and are good for admission only. Bring cash, a blanket or chairs with you to enjoy the noms and the scenery.

The weekend kicks-off Friday, October 7th, with Taste: Iron Chef. This event showcases local chefs in a heated head-to-head battle at the Culinary Institute of Charleston’s state-of-the-art amphitheater kitchen. Taste of the Arts on Gallery Row, Saturday, October 8th from 6 to 8 p.m., is a combination of Lowcountry art and the culinary arts. Art galleries on Broad Street’s Gallery Row as well as the Art Institute of Charleston will offer a sampling of appetizers from Charleston area restaurants while showcasing the talents of local artists.