An Off The Grid Greenville euphoria

How does the OTGG crew do a food festival? We’ll let you in on our little secret…

In the same way we hunt for stories and hidden culinary gems, we look for the outlier festival events, the places where spontaneous connection occurs over some really tasty bites.

For euphoria food, wine and music festival in Greenville each September, that means keeping an eye out for the fringe events that are happening around the city because of the festival and not necessarily as a part of it.

Do we still go all in on the ticketed events? Absolutely. But do we think there’s some extra magic in the serendipitous, off-menu gatherings? Heck yeah!

Read on to whet your appetite for next year’s euphoria experiences, and feel free to apply our tactic to other such regional festivals.
It is the OTGG way.

On The Fringe

We could make a lot of jokes about living on the edge or being edgy etc. And honestly, they’d all apply to our motley crew and approach to festival fun. So it should be no surprise that when a major food festival is coming up, we start looking for the moments that might not be quite as publicized. For euphoria (and other large food festivals) that means finding the Fringe Events.

What’s a Fringe Event? It’s a smaller, non-ticketed event or pop-up happening during the festival—often with euphoria participating chefs and other talent. It’s an opportunity for visiting chefs to throw an event or collaborate with a local restaurant, or for a visiting bartender to plan a cocktail throwdown with other industry friends. The public, regardless of euphoria affiliation, is invited to attend and get another little tasty peek into the lives of these talented folks.

The organizers of euphoria recognize the opportunity to promote these additional events and do a great job of including the Fringe Events in their additional info. But you have to know to look for them, so this is your cue to check our IG stories next year.

Long story slightly shorter, these events are often particularly accessible for folks who weren’t able to get event tickets or for whom a full festival seems daunting.

Fringe Events serve as an amuse bouche (palate teaser) for those not attending other euphoria events and as a palate cleanser for those of us who are heavily involved and need to let our hair down for just a bit. ;)

You Never Know Who You’ll Run Into

This right here is what it’s all about. We’re constantly championing the notion that food is the great connector, and literally, it’s because of the promise of delicious food at Fringe Events that we find ourselves in the same space with many industry friends. The rendezvous is almost never planned, which makes it even more delightful.

At this year’s Fringe pop-up by Hamfish BBQ’s visiting chef Blair Machado at LaRue Fine Chocolate, team OTGG converged (without actually conferring with each other) at the same time because hotdogs and caviar were on the menu. While there, a slew of S.C. Chef Ambassadors, other visiting chefs, and friends-in-food wandered in.

It made for an unexpectedly silly 90 minutes while enjoying espresso martinis and Machado’s signature H Dog (pictured here with Hot Dog Club® member Christy Kendig).

We couldn’t have planned it any better had we tried.

The Full Spread

One particular Fringe Event that’s become an annual and beloved tradition is Fork and Plough’s Midnight Brunch on the Friday night of euphoria. It’s exactly what it sounds like, and then some.

Knowing that a fine dining dinner with euphoria’s visiting Michelin-starred chefs was hosted in the same space the night before makes the experience even more chaotic fun.

From 10 p.m. to midnight, the restaurant opens with a ridiculously indulgent brunch menu with one of the co-owners playing DJ. When we tell you it’s a party . . .

Dancing to old-school rap hits, noshing on deviled eggs, tots, and an irreverent corn dog, and marinating in specialty brunch beverages is a wildly effective solution for whatever may have been ailing you that week.

We’ve begged the Fork and Plough team to host this raucous event more than once a year, but we also realize that scarcity makes it even more exciting.

Made Connections

They don’t miss, and neither will you when you pop in. These Fringe Events are as much for the service industry as for the guests. They foster connections that lead to future collaborations, more story ideas, F&B professionals finding camaraderie, and food memories for all.

Spots like The Cook’s Station often host Fringe wine tastings, knife sharpening, or other low-to-zero-entry-level events for anyone. Held the first day or two of euphoria, these tend to be less chaotic and more conducive to real conversations and education if that’s more your speed. See above if you’re the party type. ;)

It’s because of euphoria that these special events even happen, so once again, we find ourselves grateful to have such a vibrant food and wine festival in Greenville. We’re even more grateful for options like those on the Fringe that make the festivities even more accessible to a broader audience.

Is It September ‘24 Yet?

Yes, we actually can’t wait until next year’s euphoria after such an incredible 2023 festival. And no, it’s not too early to put it on your radar. Set those alerts and follow @euphoriagvl for schedule announcements and tickets. Dig just a little further for the list of Fringe Events, and we’ll see you there. ;)

Pictured: Hamfish BBQ Caviar Slider