After barely losing out as Best Chef in this year’s Best of Charleston readers’ poll, Oak Steakhouse’s Brett McKee was able to lick his wounds and lap up a pretty big accolade: the 2008 Culinary Legend Award at last week’s Charleston Food + Wine Festival. 
Brett was lauded for his “culinary innovation, firecracker personality, and inspiring work in the Charleston community.” The busy chef spends a good amount of time volunteering for charitable dinners — three to four a week, according to his PR firm.
He most definitely has avid fans in this town. (We should know. We referred to the Brooklyn native as a ‘carpetbagger’ in a writeup a few years back and had angry phone calls, visits, and letters from his supporters. Say what you will about him, but the man incites the passion and loyalty of his friends and patrons.)
In other award news, his steakhouse was recognized as Best Steak in our readers’ poll again this year. Congrats to Brett.
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Who exactly voted to give Brett the “2008 Culinary Ledgend Award” at the Food and Wine Festival?
Brett did
From the press release:
“Decided by the Board of the Charleston Food + Wine Festival, the Culinary Legend Award “honors those who have made an impact in the culinary community of Charleston and have contributed significantly to Lowcountry cuisine.” During Festival opening ceremonies on Friday, February 29, 2008, Chef McKee was recognized by Festival Chair Laura Hewitt and Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley. Following the award presentation, champagne bottles were sabered to salute the Festival.”