Free Meet & Greet @ Sweet Lew's BBQ
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Hey there GEAM'ers...It's Chef Richard, your founder and absent host. I am actually in town for a little stretch, while on a break from living in Croatia.
So, I felt it was due time to actually host an event, and one of my favorite parts of what I get to do isn't just taking people on incredible trips...with The Gourmet Vacation, it's getting to share those trips with people before we ever board the plane.
So if you've ever wondered what The Gourmet Vacation is really like, I'd love for you to come hang out with us.
Join me and Chef Lewis Donald of Sweet Lew's BBQ for a relaxed couple of hours of great BBQ, cold drinks, good conversation, and a little dreaming about Ireland.
Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to experience some amazing places around the world, but Ireland has a way of getting under your skin. It's the people, the music, the pubs, the rugged coastline, the incredible food... and somehow every day ends with a story you'll be telling for years.
This August, Chef Lewis and I are taking a small group on an adventure we're calling:
Southern Smoke Meets Irish Soul
August 15th to August 22nd, 2026
Imagine spending a week...
Sipping whiskey where it's been crafted for generations.
Going behind the scenes at Guinness before enjoying the perfect pint overlooking Dublin.
Experiencing Ireland's famous *Big Grill BBQ Festival* with Chef Lewis.
Slurping oysters straight from the Wild Atlantic Way.
Meeting artisan cheesemakers and exploring colorful local markets.
Wandering through Connemara, the Aran Islands, and some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.
Sitting down for an unforgettable Four Hands dinner with Chef Lewis and Ireland's legendary chef *JP McMahon*.
Finishing the evenings exactly the way they should be... in cozy pubs filled with live music, laughter, and maybe one more pint than you planned.
Join us for an opportunity to meet us, ask questions, hear some stories, meet other travelers, and get a real feel for what this adventure is all about.
If you've traveled with me before, I'd love to see you again.
If you've been thinking about joining one of our trips but weren't sure what to expect, this is the perfect chance to come by.
And if you just want an excuse to eat some of the best BBQ in Charlotte... well, that's a pretty good reason too.
Sweet Lew's BBQ
923 Belmont Ave.
Charlotte, NC
Thursday, July 16
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Bring a friend. Bring your questions. Bring your appetite.
I have a feeling by the end, you'll be picturing yourself standing on the Cliffs of Moher with a whiskey in hand, wondering why you didn't book the trip sooner.
Hope to see you there!
For more information about the Ireland adventure, visit: