
Mark Your Calendars Now for One Remarkable Occasion
On Thursday, September 24, as part of the Southbound Food Festival HOSTED series, Chef Frank Stitt and his wife and partner in the Stitt Restaurant Group, Pardis Stitt, welcome two very special guests—his daughter, Marie Stitt, and her husband, Edward Crouse, co-founders of babas in Charleston—for a one-night-only festive aperitivo celebration in the iconic Highlands Bar space.
Marie and Edward met while studying food culture in Northern Italy, where they fell in love with the aperitivo tradition—one that imbues their trio of beloved Charleston all-day cafés. The duo will join Frank, Pardis, and Weston Stitt for this very special evening of conviviality, community, and a celebration of a family whose shared language is hospitality.
An Evening of Italian-Inspired Aperitivo
Inspired by Italy’s beloved pre-dinner ritual, this HOSTED event will celebrate the simple pleasures of aperitivo: beautifully crafted cocktails, thoughtfully prepared small bites, lively conversation, and the luxury of slowing down. And on this singular evening, it will also be about legacy, in the place where it all began.

THE DETAILS: Thursday, September 24 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Highlands Bar
HOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT: Tickets available HERE for $95
About the Southbound Food Festival
Every HOSTED event reflects what Southbound Food Festival has come to represent: a celebration not only of remarkable chefs, but of the relationships, traditions, and stories that continue to shape Southern cuisine.
Throughout the 10-day festival run, visiting chefs from across the region will collaborate on events, menu items, cocktails, and pop-ups.
Explore the full festival schedule at SouthboundFoodFest.com




