Hooked on a Feelin’

For all the downtown destination events that have a found permanent place on most Greenvillians’ calendars—the Christmas parade, Independence Day fireworks, Fall for Greenville—there’s one that has actually made its way onto annual planners outside the 864 area code: Euphoria. Just over two months away, tickets to the culinary event are newly on sale, and time's a wastin’.

Culinary celebs will pore in for the September 23-26 event, which takes place in and around downtown Greenville. It’s a great way for local foodies to sample fare from rave chefs who hail from New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and other food-centric spots.

Among the visiting chefs who have just announced plans to appear at this year’s event are:

• Justin Bogle, executive chef, GILT, New York, New York
• James Beard Award contenders: Chris Hastings, Hot and Hot Fish Club, Birmingham, Alabama; Bryan Voltaggio, chef and owner of Volt, Frederick, Maryland; and David Guas, pastry chef and owner, Damgoodsweet Consulting Group
• James Beard Award winner: Mike Lata, chef and partner, FIG, Charleston
• Iron Chef America winner Kevin Rathbun, chef and owner, Rathbun’s, Kevin Rathbun Steak, Krog Bar, Atlanta, Georgia
• Michael Krammer, executive chef, Voice Restaurant, Houston, Texas

If you’ve got a favorite fine-dining spot downtown, chances are they will be participating in Euphoria, too, giving attendees a chance to get to know their local chefs a bit more intimately. Among those planning to participate are:

• Joe Clarke, chef and owner, American Grocery
• Shaun Garcia, chef de cuisine, Soby's New South Cuisine and Rodney Freidank, corporate chef, Table 301
• Anthony Gray, executive chef, High Cotton
• Jason McCarthy, executive chef, Rick Erwin's West End Grille
• Victoria Moore, chef de cuisine, The Lazy Goat
• Spencer Thomson, chef de cuisine and partner, Devereaux’s
• Curtis Wolf, executive chef, Westin Poinsett Hotel
• Teryi Youngblood, pastry chef, Soby's New South Cuisine

Whether you’re attending a wine dinner at one of the participating restaurants, joining the masses to take part in the Saturday afternoon Tasting Showcase (where more than 100 wines are available for sampling), or settling in for the Sunday afternoon Jazz Brunch, Euphoria is the culinary event of the year for discerning Greenville diners. Along with wine seminars, behind-the-music conversations with platinum-selling singer-songwriter Edwin McCain (who performs throughout the weekend), and rollicking cooking demos, the event literally has something for every taste.

And if you’re already dreading the calories that accompany Euphoria, consider the cause and forget the fat intake: Since its inception in 2006, proceeds from the event have contributed more than $100,000 to charity. So prepare to fill up and feel good about it.

Get 'em while they’re hot
Tickets for Euphoria are on sale now. Prices range from $45 for individual event tickets to $795 ($695 advance sale prior to July 15) for a full-weekend VIP all-access pass. Visit www.euphoriagreenville.com for more information or to buy tickets.