HIDDEN F&B: Vonda Freeman, Wine Director, The Indigo Road

By Helen Mitternight

Vonda Freeman says she’s not the coolest sommelier in town, but you might beg to differ.

Vonda’s take:

Favorite Kitchen Tool or Gadget: Tongs. They’re like an extension of my hands.

In My Refrigerator (3 Things): Fig jam, pickled pepper, sharp cheddar cheese.

In My Pantry (3 Things): Pita chips, creamy peanut butter, a stack of assorted dark chocolate that I can have with red wine at night.

Favorite After-work Hangout: I love being home, sitting on my deck with a glass of wine and having friends over.   

Favorite Charleston Restaurant Other Than Yours: Purlieu. It feels like home. It’s relaxing, the food’s fresh and they have a great wine list.

Comfort Food: A chicken biscuit. That’s better than just about anything.

Favorite Smell: Lemon.

Favorite Drink: A dry, aromatic white wine.     

Number of Hours You Work a Week: You don’t ever count those!  

Customer Pet Peeve: For people making wine in California, don’t tell me your wine is “like” a wine in France! Why do you have to compare it to something else? Wine should represent where it’s from, and that’s okay!

Most Under-rated Ingredient: Sun-dried tomatoes.

Favorite Meal to Cook at Home: Because I travel a lot, I need things that don’t spoil. So, a pasta with fresh herbs, lemon, tomato, and lots of Asiago.

Best Advice a Mentor Gave You: It was Steve Palmer (head of Indigo Road) and he said never make any decisions out of fear.

Check out the Indigo Road restaurants at http://theindigoroad.com/

Want more, including what Vonda thinks of the Charleston restaurant scene? Check out Episode 8 of Hidden F& B's podcast!