Charleston's Love Language
Charleston is known for many things: its hospitality, its rich history, and a culinary scene that draws visitors from around the world. But perhaps what makes our city truly special is what happens when that passion for food becomes a way to care for our neighbors.
That's exactly what's happening every Monday through September at da Toscano Porchetta Shop, located at 109 President Street in downtown Charleston, through its annual Greatest Show on Focaccia.
This one-of-a-kind culinary series brings together some of Charleston's most celebrated chefs, each creating a limited-time sandwich that showcases their creativity, personality, and love for great food. Through a partnership with the MUSC College of Nursing Student Government, a portion of every featured sandwich sold benefits Star Gospel Mission's Morning Light Program for Women and Children.
"Each semester, our Student Government selects a beneficiary that reflects our commitment to serving our community. Morning Light has made a lasting impact on us, and we're grateful to partner with da Toscano Porchetta Shop and these incredible chefs to turn great food into meaningful support for local families.” - Emma Kate Koral, President, MUSC College of Nursing Student Government
We had the chance to stop by this past Monday to enjoy the featured collaboration between Chef Michael Toscano, owner of da Toscano Porchetta Shop, and Chef James London, founder and executive chef of Chubby Fish CHS. London has earned national recognition, with Chubby Fish receiving Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurant recognition, being ranked #7 Restaurant in America by Food & Wine, and earning London recognition as a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Southeast in 2024. It was an incredible part to a series that celebrates both Charleston's remarkable culinary talent and its generous spirit.
Matiz Sardine Sandwich dubbed The Perfect Beach Sandwich by Chefs Toscano and London
Chef Michael Toscano has built a reputation for creating memorable dining experiences of his own. After opening Le Farfalle in Charleston, he expanded with da Toscano in New York City before bringing his passion for handcrafted sandwiches back home to The Porchetta Shop. His vision for The Greatest Show on Focaccia is about more than a weekly sandwich special. It's an opportunity to showcase the chefs who make Charleston one of the country's premier food destinations while giving back to the community they call home.
For Star Gospel Mission, this partnership represents much more than a fundraiser. It is a reminder that meaningful change happens when people use their talents to serve others. Whether it's a chef donating their creativity, students championing a cause, or neighbors choosing where to have lunch on a Monday, every act of generosity creates new opportunities for women and children rebuilding their lives.
We are incredibly grateful to Chef Michael Toscano, The Porchetta Shop, the MUSC College of Nursing Student Government, the talented chefs donating their time throughout the series, and every guest who orders a featured sandwich.
In Charleston, food has always brought people together. Through The Greatest Show on Focaccia, it's also helping create hope, stability, and brighter futures for women and children in our community.
Follow us on Instagram each week to see the next incredible chef collaboration and celebrate the partners making a difference, one sandwich at a time.
