Back in September at the Southern Chef’s Potluck—a benefit for Wholesome Wave—Serenbe resident Grace Aldridge bid on a fish fry and oyster roast for 30 people with chef Ford Fry in my backyard. 

Steve and I were in Morocco at the time, but from what I hear, three other chefs from Fry’s restaurant group had a few cocktails, started feeling especially participatory and offered to join in.

Grace won the auction item, which she bought to celebrate her 10-year anniversary with her husband, Doug. They got married at Serenbe, so it was fitting that she invited family and friends to another celebration here a decade later. Many of them hadn’t been back since the wedding and got to see how much we’ve grown.

It rained for days leading up to the event a few weeks ago, but as soon as I started putting together a back-up plan, the forecast said we’d get a break. The sun came out just as my garage turned into cooking central full of deep fat fryers, where Ford and three other chefs made Nashville hot chicken, roasted oysters and a beautiful low country boil for good people and a great cause.

The 6^th annual Southern Chefs Potluck will be held September 13 from 3-6 p.m. at the Inn at Serenbe. Tickets will be on sale in the near future at Wholesome Wave.