Chef Donald Barickman

Celebrated Chef and Founder of Magnolia’s in Charleston

New Book – “Magnolia’s: Authentic Southern Cuisine"

Donald Barickman graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1985, and took his career to the “Lowcountry” of South Carolina, opening Magnolias in 1990.  He has become widely recognized as a pioneer in Lowcountry cuisine, bringing “uptown” flare to familiar southern staples.  Over the past decade, Barickman and his partner at Hospitality Management Group, Inc., Thomas Parsell, have also opened Blossom restaurant and Magnolias Upper Level, a group dining facility. The company’s newest venture, Cypress Lowcountry Grille, debuted in the spring of 2001, continuing Barickman’s reputation for excellence.

One of the South’s most notable culinary figures, Barickman has been a guest chef and instructor at numerous culinary programs across the United States including the prestigious Cakebread Cellars American Harvest Workshop, La Varenne at the Greenbrier, Star Canyon in Dallas and the Inn at Blackberry Farm.  He was a featured chef in the Great Chefs of the South cookbook and television series.  Barickman’s talents have also been recognized by Esquire, Gourmet, Smithsonian Magazine, Southern Living, the James Beard Foundation and the Food Network, among others.

Magnolias was awarded status as one of the Distinguished Restaurants of North America. Barickman is also the author of Magnolias Southern Cuisine published in 1995 and Magnolias Authentic Southern Cuisine in 2006. Donald lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina with his wife, Jennifer, and twin sons William and Stuart.