Chef Brett Mckee Wins 2008 Culinary Legend Award

Chef Brett McKee, owner and executive chef of Charleston, SC's widely acclaimed Oak Steakhouse (17 Broad St.) has been awarded the prestigious Culinary Legend Award at the 2008 Charleston Food + Wine Festival. 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.

The Culinary Legend Award acknowledges Chef McKee's culinary innovation, firecracker personality and inspiring work in the Charleston community. A true Charlestonian in spite of his Brooklyn upbringing, Chef McKee has dedicated himself to the Charleston community over the past 20 years. He volunteers for charitable dinners 3 to 4 times weekly and has traveled cross-country for high profile charity events at the Statue of Liberty, at director Dennis Hopper's Home and in the caves at Miner Vineyards.

Chef McKee has also been honored with the Reader's Choice "Give Back Award" from Charleston Magazine (September 2007) and "Chef of the Year Finalist" Chef Magazine (December 2007). Upon opening, Oak Steakhouse was named "Best New Restaurant" by the Charleston City Paper and received recognition in the New York Times; Bon Appetit; National Geographic Adventure; Charleston Magazine; John Mariani's "Virtual Gourmet" newsletter and more.

Oak Steakhouse, a fine dining anchor in the heart of Charleston, is housed in a beautifully renovated 150-year-old building in the city's French Quarter district. Chef Brett McKee built the restaurant to ensure a seamless aesthetic of both food - uniting classic steakhouse fare with Chef McKee's favorite Italian dishes - and ambiance, which features thoughtfully selected appointments and vibrant artwork created by artists in the Charleston area.

Oak Steakhouse is open Monday through Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. Private dining is available for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (843) 722-4220. Valet service is available during all hours of operation. For more information, please visit www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com.