Craig Melvin, a news anchor at Today and a cohost of the 3rd Hour of Today, has actually never ever been shy about his roots, and the South Carolina native has spoken with Southern Living before about his Columbia upbringing. Offered the mother and son’s shared love of great Southern food– and our 2024 Idea House’s South Carolina area– we asked them for their preferred South Carolina brands to present– and take pleasure in for themselves.

Ginger + Black Garlic Premium Olive Oil
Columbia’s The Crescent Olive slings a wide variety of specialty vinegars and premium instilled oils, like a 375-mL Ginger + Black Garlic Olive Oil that’ll level-up everything from salad dressing to stir fry. Ask husband-wife team Mike and Charlotte Easler for their preferred pairings.

Shake up your supper or movie-night popcorn with a generous sprinkle of the Chicken Wing Spice Combo, that includes “Ho-Lotta” dry rub and Lemon Pepper flavoring mix, from Lillie’s of Charleston. The family-owned brand name celebrates Gullah culture through the names of some of their items, like their “Hab Mussy” barbecue sauce.

Carolina Gold Rice Grits

Made from the “middlin” (the pieces of rice broken during processing), Hardeeville farmer Marion “Rollen” Chalmers’ Carolina Gold Rice Grits is the crucial to a memorable dinner. Treat it like risotto, or incorporate it into your favorite shrimp-and-grits dish.