The Sylvan Gallery and Eli’s Table: Partners for the 2012 Palette and Palate Stroll

Located on King Street in Charleston’s art and antique district, The Sylvan Gallery has established a reputation of bringing some of the finest international work to the Charleston forefront. Representing more than 25 artists globally, the gallery focuses on 20th and 21st century representational art. Owned and operated by Joe and Janie Sylvan, the gallery is helping to bring diversity to Charleston’s art scene. The Sylvans bring a combined total of more than thirty years of gallery experience to this warm and inviting gallery.  It is a “must see” gallery in a city that is rapidly becoming one of the premier “destination art markets” in the country.

For this year’s stroll, The Sylvan Gallery is pleased to welcome the recently opened Eli’s Table for a memorable evening of fine art and delicious food served by one of Charleston’s most well-known chefs-Brett McKee.

Born and raised in Brooklyn and Long Island, New York, Chef McKee’s upbringing inspired the eclectic creativity that

Chef Brett McKee

has formed his legendary culinary career. Growing up, Chef McKee was influenced by his own Irish-Norwegian background, as well as the abundantly diverse cultures found in the melting pot of New York. In 1983, he officially began his career in Manhattan and the Hamptons after graduating first in his class from the New York Restaurant School. In 1989, he ventured south to Charleston, South Carolina, where he introduced his culinary creations to the guests of The Vendue Inn. In 1991, Chef McKee opened Hugo’s on the Isle of Palms prior to showcasing his flair for upscale Italian cuisine at Union Hall. He then opened two namesake restaurants, Brett’s and Brett’s at the Wickliffe House.

Chef McKee thrived on his culinary success while Charleston raved about his personality as much as his restaurants. He left his first, and most significant, footprint on the Charleston restaurant community with the opening of Oak Steakhouse in 2005 where he was executive chef. In 2007, Chef McKee was one of five finalists for Chef Magazine’s “Chef of the Year” and in 2008, the Culinary Legend Award at the Charleston Food & Wine Festival. To add to his growing list of restaurants, McKee launched O-Ku, a high-end Japanese and sushi restaurant on King street in Charleston.

Chef McKee’s culinary skills and commitment to philanthropy positively impacted the Charleston community and the world beyond. He was awarded Charleston Magazine’s “Giving Back: Reader’s Choice Award” in the fall of 2007 and the “Paul Hulsey Philanthropy Award” from the YES Carolina Foundation in 2008. Most recently, Chef McKee partnered with Charleston Hospitality Group as their Corporate Chef and consultant and worked to open Eli’s Table on busy Meeting street.

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Ann Long Fine Art and Oak Steakhouse- A Pairing Not to Be Missed during the Palette and Palate Stroll, July 17

Since its establishment in 1997, Ann Long Fine Art has earned a reputation as a leading gallery specializing in classical realist paintings, drawings and sculptures by contemporary artists. Led by the expertise of Ben Long, Daniel Graves and Charles Cecil, American and European artists represented by Ann Long Fine Art ascribe to a “slow art” methodology in which they train as apprentices in Florence, Italy. They work strictly from life, use authentic recipes and materials, and are guided by a more painterly aesthetic.

During a recent trip to Florence, Italy, owner Ann Long scoured the studios of her young and talented painters for their finest work. Exhibited this July will be beautiful still life, landscapes from the villages of Italy to the Tuscan countryside, and of course figure work for which the gallery is best known. Most importantly, the work will be priced with the young collector in mind. The Young Collectors’ Sale will feature great work at a great price!

During this year’s Palette and Palate Stroll, complimenting the evening’s ambience at Ann Long Fine Art will be the tastings created by Chef Brett McKee and his restaurant, Oak Steakhouse. Located at 17 Broad Street in a 150-year-old building that underwent an 18-month restoration, Oak Steakhouse features brilliantly restored original arched doorways, heart pine plank flooring, mahogany paneling and 18 foot ceilings, creating the perfect backsplash for the five unique and equally beautiful dining rooms. Touted as “one of the best and most distinctive steakhouses in America” by food critic, John Mariani, Oak’s main dishes center around innovative American steakhouse classics with Italian embellishments, sourced from the finest purveyors worldwide.

A native of Brooklyn, NY, McKee spent his youth immersed in the diverse ethnic cultures and culinary traditions of his family and neighbors. Chef Brett McKee’s professional culinary career began in 1983 when he graduated first in his class from the New York Restaurant School. Chef McKee has spearheaded numerous fine-dining establishments throughout the Charleston area and participated in over 550 charitable events; his generous spirit towards the community and his unforgettable Italian-inspired dishes have earned him a loyal following from the community. Upon opening in January 2005, Oak Steakhouse was named “Best New Restaurant” by the Charleston City Paper and received recognition in the New York Times; Bon Appetit; Wine Enthusiast; National Geographic Adventure; Charleston Magazine; and more. Today, Oak Steakhouse, a New York-style Italian Steakhouse, is considered Chef McKee’s most significant accomplishment.

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