Kalamata’s Tasting Tour hits Charleston

By Robin Gibson

Profits from product and book sales will be donated to a philanthropic partner chosen by the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry. 

Timed to coincide with the2020 Charleston Wine + Food Festival,Kalamata’s Kitchen is partnering with local chefs to expand children’s palates by offering food from around the world.Kalamata’s Tasting Tourwill take over theChildren’s Museum of the Lowcountryon Saturday, March 7th. 

The goal? To help kids learn about cultures through adventures in food. ThinkAnthony Bourdainfor kids. Chefs fromStella’s,Xiao Bao Biscuit,Leon’s Oyster ShopandLewis Barbecuewill serve delicious bites to pint-sized future foodies. 

“Food is such an important connector for people, young and old,” said Derek Wallace, Co-founder ofKalamata’s Kitchen,a food adventure brand that creates food experiences for kids. “We’re hosting our Kalamata’s Kitchen food tour with some of the most celebrated chefs in Charleston to create an accessible experience for families, where they can come to create new food memories together.”

“Kalamata reminds us that we are more alike than we are different,” said Sarah Thomas, world-class sommelier, author and Co-founder of Kalamata’s Kitchen. “Our food tasting tour in Charleston is a place where kids can experience Kalamata’s love of food and adventure, tasting dishes dreamed up by some of Charleston’s most beloved chefs.”

These events are a cornerstone of the team’s belief that kids who are curious and courageous with food will develop empathy and nurture a passion for giving back.

Two seatings are offered at11 a.m-12 p.m.and12-1 p.m.Tickets are $10 for each adult and child attending. Profits from product and book sales will be donated to a philanthropic partner chosen by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. 

Thomas will meet with children and sign books. Children can pose next to a Kalamata and Al Dente display (Al Dente is Kalamata’s pet alligator) and have their passports stamped as they try new foods throughout the tour. The VIP badge will be their proof that they took the Taste Bud Pledge: “I promise to keep my mind open and my fork ready, to try each new food at least twice, and share what’s on my plate when someone doesn’t have enough.”

Launched in 2018, Kalamata’s Kitchen is on a mission to help kids learn about new cultures through adventures with food. They host kidstasting toursthroughout the U.S., giving children a chance to be curious and courageous as they try new foods and learn about unique perspectives from celebrated chefs. These events are a cornerstone of the team’s belief that kids who are curious and courageous with food will develop empathy and nurture a passion for giving back. Kalamata’s Kitchen also offers an in-home food adventure passport for children to extend the tour as they try new things at home.

Want to know more?

Besides engaging live events, Kalamata’s Kitchen offers a collection of books featuring renown chefs, theTaste Bud Travel Guide,games and kids kitchen tools. The brand nurtures a curiosity for food and cultures with celebrated chefs featuring the character, Kalamata, and her pal, Al Dente. In partnership withImagine Entertainment Kids+Family,Kalamata will come to life in an animated series. Her books will reach children and families everywhere in partnership withPenguin Random House.Launched in 2018, the team and partners set out to create a new generation of curious and compassionate eaters around the world.