Bob Carter Throws Down with Bobby Flay at Lowndes Grove

My head's about to pop off.

Not only did Lowndes Grove open Saturday for its first wedding of the season to rave reviews by a most thrilled bride and groom. Not only did The Food Network set up early this morning to film Peninsula Grill's Chef Bob Carter cooking up his award-winning coconut cake...But shortly into the shoot, a non-descript SUV quietly pulled up to the front of Lowndes Grove...and out rolled none other than...wait for it, WAIT for it: Bobby Flay, celebrity chef and host of Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Shut. Up.

It's safe to say that the audience on hand went a little nuts for Mr. Flay (decked out in a green shirt for St. Patrick's Day, by the by). The next thing we knew, Bob Carter and Bobby Flay were engaged in the heat of battle: bring on the coconut cake! Let's just say: there were dueling Kitchen Aid mixers, , some serious smack talking, great cooking tips and the gorgeous backdrop of the Ashley River at our very own Lowndes Grove. (Seriously, not bad for day 3 at our little waterfront gem.)

Once the cakes were prepared, two local judges were called on to do a taste test. I cannot tell you who won the contest. You MUST tune into The Food Network in the coming weeks (I'll share the air date as soon as I hear), and find out for yourself! In the meantime, enjoy the photos.

In other news, thanks to Robert Behre of The Post & Courier whose wonderful piece on Lowndes Grove came out today.

And, congratulations are in order for the winners of the 2008 Addy Awards given out by The Charleston Advertising Federation. This year's festivities were held at The Riviera Theater, and a big time was had by all. Mad props go to our friends at Gil Shuler Graphic Design, Blue Ion, Brainstorm Web Design, Garden & Gun and Amy Reed at Helium (to name a few!)

What a day. Many, many thanks to Chef Bob Carter who recommended Lowndes Grove to The Food Network and the Charleston CVB who are always wonderful support for us.