Charleston Living Nov-Dec 2011

www.charlestonlivingmag.com

November/ December 2011

‘ Tis The Season!

Gift Ideas Chef ’s Recipes Party Tricks & Holiday Crafts

Plus:

Sullivan’s Island Home Makeover & Healthy Kid Snacks

68

AZALEA MAGAZINE / FALL 2011

November/ December 2011 | 1

A Unique Shopping Experience for Him and Her

Distinctive Apparel and Accessories for Women of All Ages.

2 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Retro Sports Clothing for the True Fan. Friend Both Stores on Facebook

307 King Street, Charleston

November/ December 2011 | 3

our Contents » F E A T U R E S November | December 2011

44 »

A Family Affair

PHOTOGRAPH BY JASON KAUMEYER & PAUL CHENEY

We all have our customary holiday gatherings, but as Bill Hall demonstrates, some traditions are still best spent with the customer.

» 50 Deck The Halls

Fun and festive homemade crafts to help set the scene and spread holiday cheer all through the house.

51 53 53 54 55

Snowmen Finger Puppets Scrap Greeting Cards Snowman Snowflake Mitten & Stocking Ornaments

Shopping » 55 Holiday Lowcountry-Style

Local owners give us the scoop on the hot trends and gadgets for this season.

On The Cover »

Model Laurie Berlin posing for a gift-giving holiday shot.

www.charlestonlivingmag.com

November/ December 2011

Tis The Season!

Holiday Gift Ideas, Chef ’s Recipes, Party Tricks & Holiday Crafts

4 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Plus:

Sullivan’s Island Home Makeover & Healthy Kid Snacks

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(866) 412-5597

November/ December 2011 | 5

our Contents » D E P A R T M E N T S Buzz 13 14 16 18

60

Automotive Mercedes-Benz takes top honors among women drivers Events Local fundraisers, cultural events, family outings, and more Art Seen Ben Ham delves deep into timeless terrain to create art through black-and-white photography Staff Picks New book titles for some good reading

Well Styled 21 22 24

Beauty Simple anti-aging steps to achieve a young and healthy look Fashion This holiday season, the best way to shine is with brightly colored dresses Entertaining We’ve got the scoop on how to make your soiree this holiday simple and stylish

Southern Drawl

Special Section

26

60

A love for all things old has amassed Dawn Corley a rare antique silver collection that has served royalty and U.S. Presidents

Home & Garden 30

Food & Drink

An Atlanta couple breathe new life into an antebellum cottage, and nestle their restored sanctuary within old bones

53

Health 37 39

53

Wellness Stress management strategies and tips to help bring you happier holidays Diet Helpful tips for packing a healthy lunch that your kids will get excited about

70

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30

69

Dining Out Charleston Grill continues to set the bar in fine dining with its unique blend of old south and exotic cuisine Now Open New restaurants worthy of a bite Local Flavor Cork Neighborhood Bistro has all the ingredients to become a North Charleston favorite Restaurant Guide The best spots for eating and drinking in Charleston

Travel PHOTOGRAPH BY JAY BROWNE

PHOTOGRAPH BY JASON KAUMEYER

68

Holiday Gift Guide Tis better to give and receive this holiday season with our list of gift ideas for all ages

39

74

Come along as we explore Rome and all its enduring attractions that keep visitors returning for mores

History 77

Synonymous with the holidays, we discover the Poinsettia plant’s name was born of local origins

Social Scene PHOTOGRAPH BY JASON KAUMEYER

79

6 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Were You Seen? Check out our latest party pics to find out

Fundamentals 10 12 79 80

Reader Services Publisher’s Letter Advertisers Index The Last Reflection

www.thefinickyfilly.com 843.534.0203 303 King Street, Charleston Traditional With A Twist

ETRO LELA ROSE SCHUMACHER SMYTHE NANETTE LEPORE KATE SPADE TORY BURCH ALL DRESSED UP VINCE ROBERTA FREYMANN 3 DOT BETH BOWLEY LAUREN MOFFATT J BRAND

November/ December 2011 | 7

Publisher Robert Sweeney Ŷ Ŷ Ŷ

Associate Editors “Cardinal with Camellia”

Julie Yow Susan O’Keefe Ŷ Ŷ Ŷ

Art Director ‘ Giclees from Watercolors by

Sara Knutson

Graphic Designers Samantha Burt Erin Harbison

“Egrets”

119-A Church Street Charleston, SC 843.723.1276 www.anneworshamrichardson.com

Contributing Writers Colleen Troy, Courtney Webb, Denise James, Dia Andrews, Edna Cox, Harlan Greene, Jackie Perrone, Jason Zwiker, Jeff Allen, Katie McElveen, Linda Lamb, Marion Waltz, Rob Young, Stephanie Hunt

Photographers Jason Kaumeyer, Jay Browne, Lea Dales, Paul Cheney

Monogramming & Gifts

Ŷ Ŷ Ŷ

Production Coordinator Dana Maskin

Distribution Coordinator Les Gibbons

Web Developer Nikki Muhammad Ŷ Ŷ Ŷ Customer Service (843) 856-­2532 This holiday season shop our collection of great gift ideas, and “make it personal” with a lasting monogram.

Home Decor, Children’s Clothes, Towels, Back Packs, Pillows, and more.

FREE 24 hour monogramming available

223 Meeting Street Charleston 843-­722-­3411 www.makeitpersonal-­online.com 8 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

“ Candid Artistic Portraiture for Children and Familes.” www.facebook.com/RachelWeberPhotography rachelweberphoto@gmail.com

Charleston LIVING (Vol. 1, No. 1), is published 6 times per year by Global Media Group, LLC, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. The entire contents of this publication are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or part, without written permission. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited materials. Copyright © 2011.

All rights reserved. SUBSCRIPTION price is $18.95 per year. POSTMASTER send address changes to Charleston LIVING, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466.

November/ December 2011 | 9

READER SERVICES Subscriptions Subscribing to Charleston LIVING is easy, and you save 20 percent off the newsstand price. Your subscription includes 6 issues, delivered right to your door. Subscriptions and billing are handled in-house, providing you with the best in customer service.

Please call or email us if you experience any problems with your subscription, and we will assist to resolve them right away. You can subscribe by calling Customer Service at (843) 856-2532 or reach us via email at service@charlstonlivingmag.com or on the web at www.charlestonlivingmag.com.

Charleston Place Hotel 128 1/2 Market St. Charleston, SC 29401 843.727.8285

Free Gift with Purchase December 5th–25th Receive a free PANDORA holiday ornament (a $30 US retail value) with your purchase of $125 or more of PANDORA jewelry.*

Mount Pleasant Towne Centre 1624 Palmetto Grande Dr. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843.884.3444

*Good while supplies last, limit one per customer.

Gift Subscriptions Charleston LIVING magazine makes an excellent gift! Use the subscription card found in each issue or order by phone, email, or our website. We will send out a complimentary gift card to each recipient indicating who the gift is from.

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Send letters to Charleston LIVING, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 or contact us via the web at www.charlestonlivingmag.com.

Please include your phone number in case we need to contact you.

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Writing Opportunities We are always interested in receiving article ideas from our readers as well as considering freelance writers. Please mail or email your ideas or writing queries to editor@charlestonlivingmag.com.

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235 KING STREET

10 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

CHARLESTON, SC 29401

843.727.0088

How to Advertise If you would like advertising information for promoting your products or services, call Annie (843) 856-2532 or send an email to advertising@charlestonlivingmag.com or on the web at www.charlestonlivingmag.com.

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From the Publisher

r e e h C y a d i l Ho I

was not surprised to see Christmas items on the store shelves while out shopping for Halloween candy the other day. In years past I was bothered by these early displays reminding me of the expense and work that was required to make the holidays perfect. Things are different this year, and I’m looking forward to the traditions of the holiday season. I’m now more aware than ever that we have much to be thankful for, given the difficult months of 2011. This magnificent time of year offers many occasions for us to express our feelings and gratitude. It is a time to reflect and reach within as we share our gifts and abilities with others.

As a true “native” of Charleston, growing up on James Island and now living in Mt. Pleasant, I have a unique perspective on exciting and untold stories about our Holy City. It is little wonder then, that I am thrilled about sharing and introducing the premiere issue of our magazine. Charleston LIVING is the magazine for people who love reading about the culture and rich heritage of our port city. Our editorial focus will inform, engage and entertain our readers with an insider’s view on culture, fashion trends, history, interior design, food, travel, and unique local residents. Charleston LIVING dispatches the best of local Southern writers as we invoke a sense of passion through well-written stories and images of Charleston and the Lowcountry.

In this first issute we focus on the holidays – the season for giving and special occasions. It’s the time of year to say “thank-you” and to show devotions for family and friends. We’ve filled these pages full of great gift ideas (see Holiday Gift Guide, page 60) and do-it-yourself holiday craft ideas (see Deck The Halls, page 50). Since the most meaningful gifts come from the heart, a night out on the town is a splendid way to express your feelings and to share time together. A fine dinner at one of Charleston’s best restaurants will make lasting memories (see Dining Out, page 63).

There are many more great stories throughout the pages of this issue, including shopping tips from local merchants on what’s hot this season (see Holiday Shopping Lowcountry-Style, page 55), and we go inside Hall’s Chophouse for a sit-down dinner with family, to learn that their traditional holiday celebrations still evolves around the customer (see A Family Affair, page 44).

www.charlestonlivingmag.com

November/ December 2011

Tis The Season!

Holiday Gift Ideas, Chef ’s Recipes, Party Tricks & Holiday Crafts

Plus:

Sullivan’s Island Home Makeover & Healthy Kid Snacks

Give the gift that lasts all year long... a subscription to magazine!

As you celebrate the holidays this season, remember it isn’t what you spend or what you get that makes a difference. It is the affection and laughter you give to others that will fill your heart with joy.

From my family to yours, happy holidays!

robert@charlestonlivingmag.com

12 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

-XVW ¿OO RXW WKH SRVWFDUG LQ this issue, call 843.856.2532 or go to www.CharlestonLivingMag.com

Buzz » Automotive

Mercedes-Benz Snags Top Rating Among Women Drivers German luxury brand soundly beats all competitors when it comes to providing the best overall experience for female buyers

By MARION WALTZ

T

here are many car companies out there that claim to appeal to all manner of drivers, going to great lengths to assure anyone who will listen that their lineups are broad enough to offer something for everyone.

Then there are the car companies - like Mercedes-Benz - that actually do succeed in achieving that most difficult of tasks. In fact, the ability to satisfy the needs of any driver who happens to walk into a Mercedes-Benz dealership is simply part of the company’s daily business. If it weren’t for the efforts of others, it might never come to light that MercedesBenz is actually the brand rated number one by women in the United States.

The website Women-Drivers.com publishes a semi-yearly report that is designed to track the experiences of female car shoppers and owners when interacting with each and every car company in the country. The site helps lift the shroud of mystery that still clouds the automotive industry for many female drivers by providing educational resources, tips and data designed to guide women toward the automakers whose dealerships and policies can provide them with the best overall ownership experience.

In a survey of thousands of women across the country, Women-Drivers.com gathered ratings for each of the car companies currently doing business in the United States using three distinct categories - Purchasing, Browsing and Service - to arrive at an “Overall” rating for each brand.

In the first category, Purchasing, Mercedes-Benz led the pack with a score of 4.83 out of a possible 5 points. This was thanks to the large number of female survey respondents who indicated that they were very satisfied with how they were treated by personnel at every level of the MercedesBenz dealership where they bought their

cars. In particular, women singled out the financing process as being exceptionally well designed with its clarity and simplicity greatly appreciated by those surveyed.

Next on the list, Mercedes-Benz managed to score impressively when it came to the Browsing experience. Posting a 4.52

service indicated that it was easy to schedule an appointment and get an honest estimate of the amount of work that would be required to take care of a problem.

When taken together, the brand’s performance in these three categories was enough to give Mercedes-Benz a convincing

The Open Road: All new 2011 E350 class at Dick Dyer & Associates Mercedes-Benz.

performance, the German brand handily beat the 3.72 average for the category. The overall atmosphere created by those working at Mercedes-Benz dealerships was a big part of the company’s excellent ranking with the comportment of salespeople being singled out for specific praise by female browsers.

In the Service category, Mercedes-Benz managed to snag a very competitive score of 4.57. Women who brought their cars in for

lead among all car brands in the U.S. Its overall score of 4.68 is undisputed - Mercedes-Benz has gone out of its way to make a visit to one of its dealerships as welcoming an experience for women as it traditionally has been for men.

November/ December 2011 | 13

Buzz » Events artists for the 2nd annual weekend of jazz at Kiawah Island. Features three incredible nights of music from Chaka Khan, Brian Culbertson, Mindi Abair, Eric Darius, Spencer Day, and a lowcountry favorite, The East Coast Party Band. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, 768-2121. www.kiawahresort.com

The Best of the Season Charleston is alive with spirited soirees, from festive to philanthropic.

November 2, 4 & 5 13th Charleston Fine Art Annual Charleston’s premier fine art weekend featuring over one hundred nationally renowned artists, including paintings, sculptures, glass, photography, and jewelry.

Meet your favorite artist and watch them create their works at the Painting in the Park.

Wrap things up with an elegant silent auction and reception held at Ella Richardson Fine Art. Proceeds benefit the Charleston County High Schools’ fine art programs. Locations, times, and prices vary. 722-2706. www.cfada.com November 5 10th Annual Harvest Fest Spend a day at the farm with this fun for the entire family event. Live bluegrass music, hay rides, live animals, pony rides, lasso demonstrations, crafts, and more. Feast on good Carolina barbeque, kettle korn and ice cream. 11am-5pm. Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, 795-4386. www.ccprc.com November 5 Whale of a Sale 2011 Charleston’s largest garage sale with great gifts for the holidays.

Hosted by the Junior League of Charleston, proceeds from this fun event will benefit the League’s community projects throughout the 14 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

tri-county. 8am-1pm. Gaillard Auditorium, 763-5284. www.jlcharleston.org November 6 Charitable Society Fall Oyster Roast Savor all you can eat oysters, hot dogs, chili and more, and wash it down with ice cold beer, wine and firefly cocktails while listening to the sounds of Calvin Taylor. Fun for the entire family.

Proceeds benefit the Lowcountry Environmental Education Programs.

3-6pm. Bowens Island Restaurant. www.cscoysters.eventbrite.com November 11-13 Charleston’s Holiday Market A fun and exciting event for the family.

Come see all the gifts, glitter, music, magic, and food come together for the season.

Something for everyone with aisle after aisle of specialty shops, boutiques, art, crafts, toys, gourmet foods, jewelry, and more. Santa is on site, so bring your camera. Times vary. North Charleston Convention Center, 336-2825550. www.charlestonholidaymarket.com November 10-12 Earl Klugh’s Weekend of Jazz Earl Klugh brings together world renowned

November 11-January 1 Holiday Festival of Lights Celebrate a Lowcountry tradition at this nighttime event. Enjoy a three mile driving tour and view over two million sparkling lights and more than 700 light displays.

Great fun for the entire family, with marshmallow roasts, festival train rides, carousel rides, photos with Santa, and a romantic Enchanted Forest Walking Trail. Spoil your sweet tooth at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe and stroll through Santa’s Village to see meticulously handcrafted holiday sculptures.

On the way out, stop in at Santa’s Attic for great gift ideas from local artisans. Times vary. James Island County Park, 794-4386. www.holidayfestivaloflights.com November 13 Charleston Cup Steeplechase The 18th running of the Cup has become one of the premier sporting events in the Lowcountry, offering spectators the experience of live horse racing at its finest. Event kicks off on Friday the 11th, with an elegant black-tie Race Ball, with live music, fabulous food, and a special rare preview. 9am. Stono Ferry, 766-6208. www.charlestoncup.net November 17 11th Annual Darkness to Light Gala World class black-tie charity event featuring an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment, an auction, and lively after party. One of the largest galas in the nation with a focus on protecting children from sexual abuse. Multi-course dinner is provided by fourteen of Charleston’s finest chefs, with the auction featuring extravagant trips and luxury merchandise. An evening you don’t want to miss. 6:30pm. Gaillard Auditorium, 513-1619. www.d2l.org November 17 Loretta Lynn One of the greatest country music voices in history hits town for an unforgettable night

Local fundraisers, cultural events, family outings and moreâ&#x20AC;Ś of entertainment. Come hear the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner sing her popular hits like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a Honky Tonk Girlâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Wanna Be Free.â&#x20AC;? 8pm. Prices vary.

North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 529-5000. www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com December 1-31 Boone Hall Plantation Christmas The Plantation comes alive with festivities, decorations, and good ole southern hospitality. Beautiful Christmas trees in every room of the main floor, adorned with ornaments and decorations, wreaths made from magnolia tree leaves, and the great fresh smells generated by these live arrangements.

Times vary. Boone Hall Plantation, 884-4371. www.boonehallplantation.com December 1-31 The Holiday Walking Tour Enjoy a festive stroll with Charleston Strolls and enjoy Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday spirit and decorations. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll visit St. Michaels Church, historic highlights and see private neighborhoods. A fascinating tour for the family, with stories and traditions that reveal Charlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich heritage. 10am. Mills House Hotel, 766-2080.

December 2-18 A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas Join the celebrations as Ebenezer Scrooge has a bad dream in this holiday classic with all the dazzling trappings of the season.

See strolling musicians, traditional carols, colorful sets and costumes, and those delightful Spirits of Past, Present, and Future. Join Scrooge in his nightmare journey and awaken with him on Christmas morning in 1843. Times and prices vary. Dock Street Theatre, 577-7183. www.charlestonstage.com December  3 Charleston  Boat  Parade A  spectacular  show  of  lights  with  a  parade  of  boats  down  the  Cooper  River.  Parade  begins  near  the  Mt.  Pleasant  side  and  ends  in  the  Ashley  River.  Mid-­point  of  the  parade  IHDWXUHV D WUHPHQGRXV ¿UHZRUNV GLVSOD\ VKRW from  the  harbor.  5pm.

December  3 Marion  Square  Tree  Lighting Join  Mayor  Joe  Riley  and  Santa  Claus  in  lighting  the  PDJQL¿FHQW IRRW 7UHH RI

/LJKWV &KDUOHVWRQÂśV RIÂżFLDO &KULVWPDV WUHH SP 0DULRQ 6TXDUH December  3 Reindeer  Run A  family  oriented,  pet  friendly  5k  run/walk  through  the  lower  peninsula  of  downtown  Charleston.  Join  the  thousands  of  runners  who  attend  this  scenic  event.  Proceeds  generated  help  MUSC  develop  and  maintain  a  variety  of  programs  in  the  Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  Hospital  and  the  Darby  Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  Research  Institute.  9am.  Race  starts  in  front  of  Southend  Brewery.  www.reindeerrun.org December  4 Charleston  Parade Come  enjoy  this  family  friendly  parade  ZLWK EDQGV Ă&#x20AC;RDWV PDUFKHUV DQG SHUIRUPHUV through  downtown  Charleston.  Parade  begins  at  the  intersection  of  Calhoun  and  Meeting  Streets,  proceeding  down  King  Street  to  Broad  Street  to  Lockwood  Blvd.  2-­5pm. Â

December  4 Wine  Under  the  Oaks 6DPSOH ÂżQH ZLQHV DW D casual  and  elegant  affair.  Wines  from  a  variety  of  vendors  and  delectable  gourmet  foods  from  Lowcountry  chefs.  Features  live  music,  specialty  gifts,  edible  GHOLFDFLHV SP %RRQH +DOO 3ODQWDWLRQ ZZZ ERRQHKDOOSODQWDWLRQ FRP December  5 North  Charleston  Christmas  Festival A  fun  festival  for  all  ages,  includes  a  holiday  market  with  children  activities,  craft  and  food  vendors,  and  live  musical  performances  on  three  stages.  Parade  begins  at  the  corner  of  Montague  and  Mixson  Avenues,  proceeds  around  Park  Circle  and  ends  at  Armory  Park.  Christmas  tree  lighting  immediately  afterwords  by  Mayor  Keith  Summey.  4-­9pm. Â

December  10-­11  &  16-­17 The  Nutcracker Charleston  Ballet  Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  annual  holiday  classic,  set  in  WKH /RZFRXQWU\ RI WKH ÂśV featuring  Charleston  names,  landmarks,  lavish  costumes  and  stunning  professional Â

ballet  dancers  from  across  the  globe.  A  IDPLO\ KROLGD\ WUDGLWLRQ WKDW LV XQLTXH WR &KDUOHVWRQ 7LPHV DQG SULFHV YDU\ 'HF DW *DLOODUG $XGLWRULXP DQG 'HF DW North  Charleston  Performing  Art  Center.  ZZZ FKDUOHVWRQEDOOHW RUJ December  10,  17  &  18 The  Best  Christmas  Pageant  Ever A  fun  contemporary  tale  of  how  the  naughtiest  kids  in  town  got  the  lead  roles  in  the  annual  Christmas  pageant.  Quickly  becoming  a  new  holiday  classic,  it  was  a  total  sellout  last  year.  Fun  for  the  entire  family.  Times  vary.  'RFN 6WUHHW 7KHDWUH www.charlestonstage.com December  11 Mount  Pleasant  Parade Come  East  of  the  Cooper  to  enjoy  this  FHOHEUDWLRQ ZLWK PRUH WKDQ Ă&#x20AC;RDWV marching  down  Coleman  Blvd.  Thousands  of  residents  and  visitors  come  out  each  year  to  view  the  festivities,  including  a  tree  OLJKWLQJ DQG ÂżUHZRUNV GLVSOD\ DW 0RXOWULH Middle  School  immediately  following  the  parade.  The  parade  starts  at  the  intersection  of  Coleman  Blvd.  and  Pelzer  Drive,  then  continues  past  Shem  Creek  and  ends  at  the  6HD ,VODQG 6KRSSLQJ &HQWHU SP www.townofmountpleasant.com December  15-­16 Grand  Illumination:  Christmas  1782 6WHS EDFN WR &KULVWPDV RI DQG VWUROO through  gardens  illuminated  by  torchlight,  candlelight,  and  starlight  to  hear  costumed  interpreters  along  the  way  tell  stories  of  the  joyous  holiday  season  when  the  British  evacuated  Charleston  at  the  end  of  the  Revolutionary  War.  See  the  main  House  decorated  for  the  season  with  glowing  FDQGOHOLJKW DQG HQMR\ D ZDUP ÂżUH ZLWK OLYH music  and  refreshments.   6-­8pm.  Middleton  3ODFH ZZZ PLGGOHWRQSODFH RUJ January  1 Polar  Bear  Plunge Hosted  by  Dunleavyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  Pub,  this  plunge  is  a  big  fundraiser  for  Special  Olympics  of  SC.  Come  with  your  swim  trunks  and  take  the  plunge  to  kick  off  your  new  year.   Sullivanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s  Island.

November/  December   2011  |   15

Buzz » Art Seen

Old Sheldon Church

Ben Ham delves deep into timeless terrain to create art through black-and-white photography

By JASON A. ZWIKER

S

ometimes you have to wade chestdeep in the river before you see the light.

Picture day breaking through the limbs of live oaks, but don’t go halfway with your imagination. Is the sky clear or are clouds stacked up behind the scene?

Are the marsh grasses swaying? Can you feel the warm water lap against you? Try to see, really see, right down to the way the shadows play across the bark of the trees and through the curls of Spanish moss.

Draw the picture closer. Do the details become crisper and clearer, warmer and richer? Do you feel like you could step inside the scene, feel the sunlight soothe your skin?

This is the world Ben Ham has known since earliest childhood: Southern creeks and marshes filled with scenes of staggering beauty. Inspired by the works of landscape greats like Ansel Adams, he learned how to transcend the simple act of photography and create fine art. Today, he

16 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

counts himself blessed to have found a way to make his living by sharing the beauty he finds in nature with others.

Watch Ben at work with his camera in the field and the word ‘painter’ may well come to mind. He’ll explore a landscape slowly, meticulously, even meditatively, before he ever sets the tool of his trade, a K.B. Canham 8x10 light weight field camera, on a tripod. He works with film in the traditional way, meaning that the bulk of his time is spent in setting up each shot precisely. He’ll expose one or two sheets of film and that’s that. If his total take is 8 or 10 photos, it’s a big day for him.

“That’s the magic of it,” he says.

No rapid-fire bursts of shutter releases, no sneaking a peek at the back of a digital camera to make sure. The joy of discovery is reserved for the darkroom, when the image emerges, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

He handles every aspect of production, from printing to the building

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BEN HAM

Light Interpretation

of the frame, in-house at his studio/gallery in Hilton Head, using a combination of traditional and modern techniques to maintain precise control over the look and feel of the art. The completed works are large pieces, most of them black and white toned to sepia. The quality that goes into the presentation of each piece is staggering, from the paper, 100-percent acid-free cotton rag with just the finest touch of sheen, to the museum glass glazing and distressed frame.

Even his 2009 book, Vanishing

Storm Over The Sound

Eight Foot Tide

Passage Through Time Revisited

Light: The Large Format Photography of Ben Ham, continues that exceptional quality of presentation – heavy lumi silk paper, French style dust cover, and embossed hard cover. It’s the kind of made-to-be-shown book that completes a well-designed room.

Responses he’s received on his work range from the sense of being frozen in time to feeling like one could walk straight into the finished work and enter another world. “I’m trying to evoke an emotion.

There are different interpretations and none are right or wrong.”

While much of his work involves his home, the South Carolina Lowcountry,

understanding of tonality to achieve a look that is simply astonishing.

Ben’s work, exclusively available as limited edition fine art pieces, has been collected all around the world. His art adds a deep sense of serenity and elegance to facilities as varied as the Center for the Families of the Fallen at Dover Air Force Base and the Silver Oak Vineyards of Napa Valley and is shown locally in the Martin Gallery at 18 Broad Street.

Ask Ben for the secret of his success and he’ll say that a good bit of it involves his lifelong love of the great outdoors.

He wouldn’t be able to do what he does

“I’m trying to evoke an emotion. There are different interpretations and none are right or wrong.” – Ben Ham

he is also a dedicated explorer who has ventured twelve thousand feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains, trudging through deep snow pack, to situate himself on a ridge for the perfect shot.

He has wandered through the hauntingly beautiful canyons of the Southwest desert and stood on the shore of the Pacific in the quiet hours when the sun is low in the sky scouting for scenes that quietly speak to him. In all of these places, he has maintained his same serene, contemplative method, using the slow capture of large format film photography and a masterful

Ben Ham at work on his next piece of artwork.

without feeling right at home on rivers, marshes, and mountaintops. Accordingly, he is an avid bicyclist and boater. Any given day will find him either riding the roads on his Kestrel or disappearing into winding creeks.

“I’m really fortunate to be able to do what I do,” he says. “I’m able to make my living as a full-time fine art photographer. There aren’t a lot of us out there.”

If there’s anything he wishes for, it would be more time to actually be outdoors, doing what he loves best in the places that make him feel most alive.

It’s the circle that connects him to those long-ago days when he was a boy exploring the waterways in a small aluminum boat – fishing, shrimping, and marveling at the world around him.

Those childhood days taught him a basic lesson from which he’s crafted his path through life.

And the bare bones of the lesson are actually quite simple: “Stop and look at things,” he explains. “Look at light, how it plays on everything. Look out the window during the day. Start seeing the things that have been there all along but you’ve never really seen before.”

Passage Through Time Revisited

Rich with detail and emotion, BEN HAM’s images allow one to sense and experience the beauty contained in each image. Take a journey through the captivating collection of large-format landscape photography during a Martin Gallery Lecture. Join us for mimosas & muffins, while Ben shares the process and inspiration behind his body of work.

Saturday, December 10, 2011 – 11:00am

Internationally renowned sculptor and painter LEO E. OSBORNE will be present during the French Quarter Art Walk, December 2, 2011. Leo is considered one of the most noted and honored sculptors in America today.

Sidney Soriano will also be joining us with his latest collection of exquisite, fresh water pearls from the South Sea. So don’t miss this special evening and opportunity to be inspired.

Pick-up your copy of the new Charleston Living Magazine at these events!

18 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29402 www.martin gallerycharleston.com 843-723-7378

November/ December 2011 | 17

Buzz » Staff Picks

Historical Fiction for the Holidays Cuddle up this holiday season with one of these great books ERH IRNS] ER I\GITXMSREP I\TPSVEXMSR MRXS XLI ½GXMSREP TEWX WRITTEN BY COURTNEY WEBB

Before Ever After

by Samantha Sotto

S

ome love stories are immortal. The tale of the love shared by Shelly and Max is just that except for the premise that one of them is possibly truly able to live forever. This moving story of a young widow who finds that her lost husband may possibly be alive is both magical and mysterious in every way possible. Combine modern tragedy with two parts historical fiction and an abundant dose of realistic fantasy and you get author Samantha Sotto’s ambitious debut novel Before Ever After. It’s truly a work of both otherworldly and realistic proportions that once began, is perfectly paced and deliciously told. Lovers of a multitude of genres will find their journey into this book both worthwhile and enchanting.

The Twelfth Enchantment

Becoming Marie Antoinette

History, romance, adventure and magic all combine with Regency England in David Liss’ newest novel The Twelfth Enchantment. Readers will find themselves adrift in a world of society and manners where the fantastical idea of witches and magic collide with the fashionable Ton. The protagonist young Lucy Derrick has lived secluded for years as a ward of a miserly uncle until a dashing figure arrives on her doorstep and unleashes her journey into discovering her own mystical powers.

Nothing is as it seems, as the drama unfolds and even the devilish Lord Byron makes an appearance in this stylish tome.

Suspension of belief is essential but in the end the novel is a well-blended mix of historical fiction and fantasy for those who enjoy more than your average foray into the past.

Sometimes it’s best to begin at the beginning. This first novel in an upcoming much anticipated trilogy details the early life of the well-known Marie Antoinette.

As a first person narrative the story is told by the young naïve Toinette and begins by detailing her life as a child growing up as a Princess of Austria. This addictive telling then continues to follow the supposedly frivolous Marie Antoinette on as she makes her famed entrance to the dazzling Palace of Versailles as the notorious Dauphine of France. Wellresearched and lovingly written with sparkling detail, this first volume is not to be missed by lovers of historical fiction or Marie Antoinette dedicated works.

by David Liss

18 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

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Well Styled Anti-Aging Makeup Tricks

Beaut y » Fashion

Follow these simple steps to achieve a young and healthy look

T

ime does not stop. Our bodies and our skin are constantly aging. Just think, you were younger yesterday than you are today, and there is nothing you can do to change that. The only option is to embrace the facts, grow old gracefully, and try to look as youthful as you can. Of course, there is even a fine line there that should not be crossed - You don’t want to be mistaken as trying to look too young.

Consumers are becoming more educated and cosmetic companies are taking notice. The focus is now on anti-aging products. An increase in demand has caused these cosmetic products to change by not only serving their original purpose, but also having skincare benefits. No longer will the consumer buy just a foundation. They will find foundations containing sunscreens and antioxidants that protect the skin from the damaging rays of sunlight and free radicals in the air. Technology is taking the cosmetic industry to a whole new level.

Keeping that in mind, there are three ways that we can combat the signs of aging: Prevention, Correction, and the Optical Illusion. By using each of these methods on a daily basis, you can obtain a more youthful appearance.

Prevention is the best place to begin and this can start at any age. The younger you start, the better the results. Since our skin is turning over new cells on a continual basis, you are never too old to start. By exfoliating your skin, you slough off the old surface cells and cause cell rejuvenation to occur sooner. These new cells are what you want to take care of and protect. Age Defying Serums with ingredients such as Vitamins A, C and E can create a powerful layer of Antioxidant protection. Peptides will aid in maintaining the elasticity of the skin. Lastly, you want to use a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection.

For the skin that has already aged, you need to use Corrective measures. Serums and moisturizers that contain peptides should be chosen. They enhance collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Optical diffusers even out skin tone to create a more youthful appearance. Another good ingredient is argireline, which can smooth out and minimize expression lines on the face. There are many cosmetic tricks you can use to correct (cover) the signs of maturing skin.

This leads us to the Optical Illusion method.

Makeup artistry can fool the eye and create an illusion of younger looking skin. Here are some examples:

Foundations should be lightweight and not heavy.

Dryer skin requires a cream formula to provide hydration. Semi-matte finishes with optical illusers are best.

You should always match your skin tone. Do not choose a color that is different just to give you more color.

1

Apply concealer after foundation. You may need less than you think. This will keep you from making a cakey mistake!

2

Eyebrow Powders look more natural on the brows than a pencil.

3

Use matte eye shadows instead of ones with shimmer or frost, as these accentuate fine lines in the eye area.

4

Do line your lips before lip color. Always choose a shade that is the same color as the lipstick.

Liner can give fading, smaller lips more definition. The look of a heavy lip liner is gone! If you choose to use a liner that is a different color than the lipstick, lightly fill in the entire lip before applying color. Then, as it wears off, you will not be left with just a dark lip outline.

5

Eyeliner should be used to open up the eyes. Instead of a hard line, you want a soft smudged look.

Soft pencils are your best choice.

6

Powder should be applied lastly, using only a dusting to set the makeup. Again, choose a powder with optical diffusers that will minimize the look of fine lines and large pores. The powder color should be in your skin tone.

7

We are all going through the aging process. It is a journey that we must travel.

You can ignore it, hide from it, or embrace it. I choose to embrace it and make it the best adventure ever. I will grow old gracefully, but I choose to look as young as I can doing it! – Dia Andrews November/ December 2011 | 21

Well Styled » Fashion

Fashion Forward This holiday season, the best way to shine is with brightly colored dresses

By PEG REYNOLDS

S

tyle. You know it when you see it. Simple and confident. There’s a natural progression in fashion trends. The attraction of the new gives way to monotony, which leads to a lavish closet full of nothing to wear.

This season’s refreshing emphasis is on reinvented classic styles.

The last few fashion seasons, collections had gone to bland, legacy silhouettes in classic camel, gray or ivory. Thankfully, the fall runways provided numerous options to jazz up your fashion wardrobe. Stylish curvy dresses are back reminiscent of the fifties and sixties.

Color is positively gleaming this season, with brights bordering on neon and once-outdated florals are making a comeback and look great. Just as a new recipe can restore interest in an old favorite, these designs bloom to a different tune on heavier, richer fabrics. Look for bright bursts of color on darker backgrounds.

And one color that surpasses all others, bursting with vivacity and passion, it has to be red.

This season, menswear-inspired jackets hug the body. Match them with wider-legged pants or with the revived below-the-knees skirts. Crisp white shirting is a must. Roomy outerwear, including a cape revival, is easy in hassle-free shapes.

22 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

$OO VKRS 1R GURS Actually take time and enjoy gift buying this year at Freshfields Village.

No harried hassles. No crushing crowds. No kidding.

Just 60 stores and restaurants decked out for the holidays and ready for your relaxed visit. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love shopping here almost as much as folks love receiving gifts from here. So, grab your list. Check it twice.

And make one trip to Freshfields Village.

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the scoop on how to make your soiree this holiday simple and stylish

By FAN OAKLEY

W

hen decorating for the holiday season many people remember to decorate the Christmas tree and the mantle, but what about the dining room table? You want your guests to be transformed into the holiday spirit upon entering the dining room. But how do you decorate it? Here are four decorating tips you cannot go wrong with this season.

Decorations Start with Place Cards

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Make specialized place cards for each guest to set the holiday tone throughout the room. You can do this by simply using free holiday graphics online. For example, download a snowman or snowflake onto your computer, type names in a cursive style font, and print out the place cards using card stock paper to give it a rich feel. For a kids table, use kid friendly fonts and graphics and perhaps leave an area where the kids could color holiday scenes.

The place cards set the ambience for the remaining dinner table decorations.

Create a Centerpiece

You do not have to be Martha Stewart to achieve this goal. Do not be intimidated by the idea of a centerpiece. There are several ways to create a gorgeous centerpiece

without spending a lot of time and money. Gather together a group of round ornaments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; choose colors complimentary to the napkin rings, china, and place cards.

Place the ornaments in a large bowl in the center of the dining room table and in moments you have a beautiful holiday setting. Another option is to use pine cones and branches for a rustic look.

Break Out the Good China

Dinnerware adds another element to the holiday dinner decor. If you are hosting an upscale holiday dinner party with mainly adults, then you may wish to set the table with formal ware. If you have formal china, then use it. Remember, the dinnerware enhances the setting. Thus, consider the mood you wish to set at the party and choose dinnerware accordingly.

Use Napkin Rings

Napkin rings sound like an insignificant item, but it does make a difference when it comes to your table setting. Napkin rings make the table look refined. The type of napkin ring depends on the type of dinner party you are throwing. A set of napkin rings with sparkle will add another dimension to a formal style. Â&#x201E;

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www.angelsandrascals.com November/ December 2011 | 25

Southern Drawl

A Moment in Time

A love for all things old has amassed Dawn Corley a rare antique silver collection that has served royalty and U.S. Presidents Written By JACKIE PERRONE » Written By JAY BROWNE

D

awn Evers Corley may have been born 200 years late. She seems a product of the 18th century rather than the present, and that’s just fine with her.

“The Industrial Revolution may just be a dirty word,” is her opinion.

“A work of art must be hand-made, and original. If it’s created from local materials, so much the better. And what could be more artistic than silver? It positively speaks to me.”

Known as the Charleston Silver Lady, she has spent her life researching, acquiring, and discussing antique silver and its place in the Colonial era. She credits her great-aunt for stimulating her early interest in historical handwork. By the time she was 10 years old, she says, she had begun acquiring fine antique pieces. Today, she presides over a home, a plantation property, and two shops filled with the handiwork of

Ready to Serve: (right) The dining room setup at Corley Hall. (top) An amorial family crest. (above) Intricate sea shell decorations on a covered dish.

26 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

early American craftsmen as well as items from England and other European locales.

She precisely pinpoints the beginning of the machine age at the year of 1835. “Up until that time, silver items were made from melted silver coins. Coin silver is prized for its originality and craftsmanship. When machines came along, sterling became the element of choice.”

This Charleston native now lives in Lexington with her husband, Charles “Chuck” Corley, himself a descendant of the family which donated the land for the establishment of the town of Lexington.

“Our mutual interest in old things brought us together,” she phrases it. Together, they are involved with just about everything pertaining to the history of this area.

Corley gives many lectures every year, traveling across the country and to Europe. She has been featured on local and national television, and was chosen to appraise the jewelry objects found in the Civil-War-era Hunley submarine at the time it was raised in Charleston harbor.

The historic Corley home was the subject of a documentary on HGTV in its series “If Walls Could Talk.”

Last year, Corley lent some of her prize pieces to the South Carolina State Museum for a special exhibit, during which she offered classes in the appraisal and understanding of antique silver. The display was extended twice because of its popularity.

On the occasion of President Bill Clinton’s last Renaissance weekend, she provided the silver and table setting for Presidents Clinton and both Presidents Bush at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island.

She has some of the silver pieces originally owned by John C. Calhoun.

To say that she is a seller of antiques has to be something of a stretch, because Corley does not really want to part with her unique possessions. “Owning a piece of antique silver is like owning a moment in time,” she says. “There’s not a tremendous amount of money in Charleston, but there’s a tremendous amount of old things. People cherish their

Dawn Corley »Birthplace: Charleston, SC »Family: Husband, Charles »Current Interest: Life long interest of collecting silver with stories related to the coast and midlands of South Carolina »Passionate About: Preserving the history of South Carolina

November/ December 2011 | 27

old family pieces, whether it’s a wooden bread paddle or a solid silver fish fork.”

She knows the story behind every one of the thousands of items in her collection. A “hot-water urn” dating to 1810 features Bright cutting (an angled incision) and an “amorial,” not a monogram but a family crest element. An inner cylinder allows for hot coals to be immersed in the urn, keeping the liquid hot, and a special vent in the top handle provides an escape for steam.

A covered entrée dish, also circa 1810, was fashioned by the celebrated London silversmith Paul Storr, who created authentic chicken-feet as well as sea shells for decoration.

A pair of wine stands date to about 1780, made of handrolled Sheffield silver with a laurel design, and with a cobalt inner cup. To own one of these rare items is significant; the matching pair, almost unheard-of.

She displays these pieces along

creation. Anything you see with three legs will pre-date the Industrial Revolution.

They signify the Holy Trinity.”

The word “organic” features heavily in Corley’s discussions. “This agrarian society appreciated and treasured its home products,” she says. “They displayed their garden produce on these hand-made pieces. They made furniture from the trees growing on their property.

Shells, ivory, mother-of-pearl; these things from nature were used to embellish their handiwork.”

She has a charger tray made in the early 1700’s, of Chinese export silver for the royal family. The design motifs “embrace the earth,” as she expresses it. The fruits and flowers which grew around them are shown, grapes and their leaves and other local produce. She found this piece in an antique mall in Virginia, where she browsed while serving as a visiting lecturer.

If you haven’t realized by now that this is a person passionate about her work, you need to see her hug and caress

“A work of art must be hand-made, and original. And what could be more artistic than silver? It positively speaks to me.” – Dawn Corley

A Rare Collection: (top to bottom) A wine stand with cobalt inner cup; Covered entrée dish with chicken feet decorations; A hot water urn with Bright cutting; Soup tureen with hand punched decorations known as repousse.

28 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

with some Charleston-made coin-silver forks, and goblets featuring the distinctive Bright cutting.

Two huge serving pieces allow for the serving of a large entrée such as a goose, or perhaps a venison leg. They are domed, with a shell motif and a gadroon border. One of these pieces, to be brought in by servants, has the amorial etched onto the one side which will be displayed. The other piece has the amorial crest on both sides of the dome, signifying that it was to be set on the table and thus viewed from more than one side.

Corley treasures a handsome epergne whose topping references a swallowtail butterfly. “You can see the butterfly motif in the lines,” she exults. “People who don’t look closely think it is off-center and may try to straighten it. This piece rotates although there is no screw anywhere; it is simply designed expertly with sophisticated movable parts. It dates to the 1750’s and rests on three legs, a sign of rare and expert

one of the gorgeous old pieces she holds.

“They speak to me!” she says. Each is lovingly hand-polished with - get this! toothpaste. It doesn’t scratch, and helps preserve the shine.

The Corleys own and have lovingly restored Lemmonhill Plantation in Fairfield County, filled with antiques authentic to the period. Private tours can be arranged at www.lemmonhillplantation. com. Also, follow the link there to see photos of Corley Hall, their Lexington home.

A long-range plan for a permanent antique silver museum in Lexington is in the works, so that these signal creations will be on display for everyone to cherish. Another simmering project: Corley will show up on national television next year, part of a specialty table-top series.

Corley is available to speak to local groups, and for appraisals. “Anything hand-made, or pertinent to South Carolina,” she specifies.

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Home & Garden

A Storied Past

An Atlanta couple breathe new life into an antebellum cottage, and nestle their restored sanctuary within old bones

By ROB YOUNG

»

T

Photographs by JASON KAUMEYER & PAUL CHENEY

he raised, stark white home on Sullivan’s Island is a survivor, at once a testament to history and the present-day.

Construction began in 1850, resumed after the Civil War, and finished in 1870. Today, Atlanta couple David Russell and Jamie Brownlee own the property, which enjoys a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom home maintains classic appeal; the wraparound porch flanked by twin cupolas creates a striking facade. But only though restoration could the 1102 Middle Street home eclipse its past.

Much of it was conducted out of necessity.

The property sits in a low-lying area, meaning that the house was actually sinking. Water had migrated into the home’s ground level, which if left unchecked, would have created a volatile foundation. But then, too, livability remained a concern.

To bring the home into the contemporary, the couple turned to Steve Herlong’s architecture

firm, Herlong & Associates. The home’s return, in part, to its original aim has made it just that—an original. “There are so many big, gorgeous homes here that aren’t in character with the island,” Brownlee says. “We wanted to keep the beach cottage as it was intended to be.”

Russell has ties to the Lowcountry. He graduated from St. Andrews Parish High School in West Ashley prior to attending Davidson College.

His parents stuck around for another three years and then moved to east Tennessee. Russell has been returning his whole life. “This place is really our sanctuary,” he says. “It’s where we escape Atlanta to find some peace that we can’t attain as easily down there.”

Russell bought the Sullivan’s Island property in 1985 when it was little more than a shell. The home was a series of small, dark rooms without central air or a kitchen. Worse, it was colored in dark green jungle wallpaper. “It was in really bad shape,” Russell says.

He married Brownlee a few years later and now the couple have two children: David, 19, and Kelley, 17.

Russell works as a lawyer specializing in securities litigation, while Brownlee, a former lawyer herself, works as a community volunteer and parttime arbitrator. The family visits Sullivan’s year round, spending five or six weeks there in the summer. They’ll come in the fall during Thanksgiving, perhaps returning between Christmas and New Year’s. “We’ll build a fire, roast some The renovated Middle Street home (above) included a new kitchen island made oysters, hang out at from heart pine wood, and countertops made with crushed oyster shells (right).

Poe’s,” Russell says.

30 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

November/ December 2011 | 31

32 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

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The transformed basement area (at left) provides added living space and more comfort. (above) An antiqued bench in the open dining room offers character and easy seating arrangements.

The house underwent piecemeal work for a number of years. A wall was knocked out to add a kitchen. Central air was introduced. But it was Brownlee who insisted on a more substantial transformation. “So it would be livable and comfortable year round,” she says.

The couple approached Herlong, whose firm has offices on Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. Much of his company’s work, in fact, involves island dwellings, including properties on Daniel Island and Kiawah Island. Tailored for the waterfront, the homes emphasize views of the ocean, marsh and coastal areas.

A Saluda native, Herlong set out for Charleston after graduating from Clemson University in 1979. He joined a commercial architecture firm before heading up a design-build firm focusing on custom homes. He founded Herlong & Associates roughly 20 years ago, on the heels of a three-year sailing expedition with wife Susan aboard their 37-foot, cutter-rigged sailboat. The experience left him with a better appreciation for nature, and the way it affects design.

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In Herlongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts, he tries to stay true to the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character and structureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;precisely what Russell and Brownlee sought. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really were very careful to recreate the historic texture of the structure, the architecture, and the finish,â&#x20AC;? Herlong says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We researched everything very carefully to make sure we did everything in the proper historic context.â&#x20AC;?

It was important. Brownlee and Russell needed consent on the renovations from the Town of Sullivanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island Design Review Board. The home was also named to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Register of Historic Places prior to start of the work. Whichâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;naturallyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;meant more paperwork and cajoling to obtain the necessary variance approvals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t difficult,â&#x20AC;? Russell remembers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was just time-consuming.â&#x20AC;?

The townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s review board â&#x20AC;&#x153;lovedâ&#x20AC;? the changes, says Brownlee, though the process took about five months.

Reconstruction, stabilization and redesign required 10 more months, finishing up in 2009. Though now, the delays seemed small. The past has been re-imagined, the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future set.

The couple insisted upon reclaimed materials, choosing to salvage what they could. They enclosed a portion of the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wraparound porch, reusing the porch columns inside the home.

The homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart pine beams became the fireplace mantel, and the old bricks helped form the fireplace.

The kitchen island is also made from heart pine wood, and the countertops show off a tabby finish made with crushed oyster shells. Herlong even re-milled floor joist to resemble the

structureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original floor joist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Steve was very creative, very thoughtful,â&#x20AC;? Russell says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He could have easily said you need to turn this into the next greatest thing in the Lowcountry, but when we told him what we wanted, he not only respected it but he agreed with it.â&#x20AC;?

Post renovations, the front porch likely remains the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exciting feature, ringed by several columns and the round corners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original to the home,â&#x20AC;?

Herlong says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted in every way to preserve the front façade.â&#x20AC;? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brownleeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite part of the house. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better place on Earth than the front porch, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lying in the hammock, reading a book or taking a nap.â&#x20AC;?

Unless you count the kitchen, an airy expanse driven by light. Herlong opened up the house, expanding on the rear side to create more room. Now the kitchen contains a wall of windows, remarkable seeing that many kitchens require extra wall space. At the same time, the extension let Russell and Brownlee add more parking in the garage area. The basementâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;previously neglectedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; also was transformed into an additional living space. Plus, the big, wood-burning

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36 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

fireplace makes the house much more comfortable and inviting come wintertime.

Theresa Bishopp coordinated much of the interior work, crafting a handsome, clean aesthetic that lays bare the beauty of the home. Herlong & Associates maintains an inclusive approach to renovation, offering interior architecture design and consultations. “That was one of the most wonderful things about the firm—having the same group of people involved from the very beginning to end,” Brownlee says.

Once more, the approach speaks

to the home’s integrity, maintained amid modernization. “We only gave the house a floor plan,” Herlong says, “that better fits the way we live today.”

Health » Diet

We l l n e s s

Managing Holiday Stress Strategies and tips to help bring you happier holidays Written By LINDA H. LAMB

PHOTOGRAPH (1) COURTESY OF DR. MCLEOD-BRYANT

A

llegedly, Santa Claus stays organized and jolly during the holidays by making a list and checking it twice. You can do the same – just be sure to put “stress relief ” near the top of your list.

That can be a challenge, of course. It’s stressful just thinking about how you’ll create a holiday celebration that compares to Mom’s, let alone to Martha Stewart’s. And tallying up your seasonal spending – on everything from your kid’s wish list to the price of cloves – might make you want to add more brandy to the eggnog.

The irony of holiday stress is that it’s often the people and plans we cherish most that complicate things.

Ashley Petty of Columbia knows all about that. She loves holiday gatherings with extended family members, but the logistics aren’t easy since her husband’s family is in North Carolina.

“The presents, the decorating, none of that stresses me out,” says Petty, 34, an interior designer.

“It’s just trying to be everywhere, trying to see everyone,” she says.

“We would go to North Carolina a couple days before Christmas, then come back here. It became ‘Christmas in the car.’ I felt like we should have a Christmas tree on the dashboard.”

With 2-year-old son Greene in the picture, the Pettys now insist on spending Christmas morning at home.

As for their travel plans, “we’re still working it out,” she says.

Anything that disrupts your normal schedule can generate stress. That’s true even for holiday happenings you look forward to and enjoy, says Dr. Stephen McLeod-Bryant, a psychiatrist with the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

So one smart coping strategy, he says, is to stick to your normal schedule as much as possible.

“Keep up your exercise habits, for example. Whatever your routines are that work for you the rest of the year, maintain those routines,” says McLeod-Bryant, an associate professor at MUSC and medical director of the Mental Health Service Line, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

There’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself some moody moments amid the merry ones. Who doesn’t feel a twinge of melancholy when Karen Carpenter comes on the radio singing

“Merry Christmas, Darling”? But some situations may put you more at risk for stress at this time of year, McLeod-Bryant says.

For instance, he says, the loss of a loved one may hit you especially hard – even if the person has been gone for years. Or family conflicts that are usually kept under wraps might erupt when everyone gets together, especially if alcohol’s involved.

Economic pressures are another source of stress. “Many people feel guilty that they’re not able to provide the way they feel they should,” McLeod-Bryant says.

And even though we’re in the South, he says, some people are particularly sensitive to the shorter days and loss of light as winter sets in. The result: sad moods and sleeping difficulties that just happen to coincide with the holidays.

Every busy mom knows about another potential source of stress: all those “shoulds” in your head. Maybe you’ve always had 30 people for Thanksgiving, decorated lavishly, baked for friends, directed the church program – and every year, you feel you should replicate your stellar performance.

A sensible friend might advise you to take it easy on yourself. Just do what you can, and concentrate on enjoying the season. Interestingly, a crisis can have the same effect.

Marcia Purday celebrated the holidays to the hilt, especially after she and her husband adopted three children. Their traditions included a carefully planned gift calendar featuring photos of the kids – all of whom had personal Christmas trees in their rooms.

But in 2009, Purday had some family issues that made it difficult at best to continue with these traditions.

“That was the Christmas I said, ‘I can’t do it all anymore,’” says Purday, a public relations specialist. “I had to learn to let go, to be healthy – not just for myself, but for my family.”

Turned out, Purday’s kids were okay with not having trees in their rooms. Their downsized celebration “became more about the spirit of Christmas,” Purday says.

McLeod-Bryant suggests more time to reflect and relax -and less time in front of the TV, which so efficiently stokes anxiety about what we should be doing, feeling and buying.

Jeremy Bryant, 27, a self-professed “Christmas fanatic to the nth degree,” stays on top of things with a top-notch organizational system. It’s a must for making a winter wonderland out of the Columbia home he shares with spouse Chuck Archie.

Would you believe 15 Christmas trees? “Mom was big on November/ December 2011 | 37

Dr. Stephen McLeod-Bryant, psychiatrist and associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Christmas, so I guess that’s where it comes from,” he says.

Bryant, an executive assistant, loves his decorating projects. (This year, he’s doing a South Carolina tree with Spanish moss, pineapples and wrens.) But he and Archie also seek ways to make a difference this time of year, such as “adopting” a needy child for Christmas.

“At Christmas it’s so easy to find ways to help people out,” Ashley Petty agrees. “When you remember those who are less fortunate, it’s a reality check. You’ve got to remember what’s really important.”

Stress Relief Tips

Here are some suggestions for finding holiday comfort and joy:

» Face your feelings honestly. If this is a tough time, it is OK to acknowledge grief or sadness.

» Religious or social events – especially volunteering to help others – can help counter feelings of isolation. » Make a list of things you really want to do and let other stuff slide. And stick to your budget. » Overindulging in food and drink will only add to your stress. Get enough sleep and exercise.

» Take time to meditate on the meaning of the season. Counter stress with relaxation techniques such as yoga and slow, abdominal breathing. » Can’t shake the holiday blues? Talk to a therapist or counselor.

Source: mayoclinic.com.

38 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas Made Simple B

Health » Diet

ack to school for the kids often means back to the lunch-packing grind for mom and dad. You struggle with healthy lunch options, what your child will actually eat and time constraints during the morning rush to get everyone out the door. Explore these new alternatives that will fill them up, and might even make them smarter!

WRITTEN BY EDNA COX, RD, CSG, LD

Taco Soup Page 38

November/ December 2011 | 39

Lunch Leverage

Give kids the energy they need to make it through the day with a healthy lunch. Studies have shown children who have a nutritious diet and healthy food at school are better prepared to study and learn. When kids fill up on sugary foods or skip lunch they are often tired and disinterested in school by early afternoon.

Equipping your child with healthy foods will enhance their learning and focus, and they are less likely to miss school.

Studies also show children who eat a nutritious lunch have less chance of becoming obese. Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Children who eat a healthy lunch tend to have better nutrition throughout the day. Promoting a healthful diet also helps in preventing other medical conditions associated with obesity such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Lunch Gear

With the right lunch gear your child can enjoy more variety and healthful options.

Brown bags may be convenient and inexpensive, but they tear easily and won’t keep cold foods cold or hot food hot. They’ll do for a quick PB&J sandwich and an apple.

Go retro with metal lunchboxes, where a thermos or beverage can be packed. They are sturdier than the brown bag, but food choices are still limited.

Insulated bags are the best choices. There are bags with two or more compartments, so food and beverages can be stored separately. Some bags are equipped with freezer packs; you can also buy freezer packs separately. You may opt to skip the freezer pack and freeze a small water bottle or a box of 100% juice. This will keep the food safe and your child will have a slushy drink to enjoy at lunch and won’t have to worry about bringing the ice pack home.

The insulated bag / ice pack combo will keep food safe and fresh.

You can use insulated jars for hot foods.

Add a few plastic containers and you will be able to pack a variety of hot and cold healthy lunchbox options.

Here are a few tips to add variety to this tried and true standby.

» Try using “natural style” peanut

butter (ingredients are peanuts and salt) or reduced sugar or reduced fat choices. Other nut butter spreads, such as almond or walnut butter, are becoming popular and can add variety. » Add raisins, thinly sliced apples or bananas, strawberries, applesauce, grated carrots, or zucchini to the spread. » Pair the nut butter spread with 100% fruit spread. » Spread it on a variety of breads – cinnamon with raisins is sweet, but not overpowering. » Use a whole grain pita, tortilla wrap or whole grain crackers. » Stuff celery sticks with this favorite.

PB&J – A New Way Lunch should provide a third of your child’s total calories, vitamins and minerals for the day. Choosing from several food groups for a balanced meal of carbohydrates, protein, and fat will provide the most benefit educationally, nutritionally and physically for your child.

Include more whole foods than processed foods. Choose lunch items that have higher amounts of fiber, and nutrients that kids need like calcium, protein and Vitamin C. Pack the child-friendly version of the nutritious food. Too often we focus on nutrition rather than what the kids will really eat. There may be some children who will eat hummus, but many won’t. Be creative and give your kids something to look forward to at lunch every day that they won’t want to trade away.

40 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Kids adore peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In fact, a Harris Interactive poll of 2,066 adults reported 80% of parents rely on peanut butter sandwiches for their kids’ lunches. Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, and it provides Vitamin E, folate, and mostly health protective mono and polyunsaturated fats.

But, don’t get stuck in the peanut butter jam. Try to make a traditional favorite a little healthier.

Peanut Butter – Strawberry Wrap Prep 5 minutes 1 whole wheat tortilla 2 Tbsp natural crunchy peanut butter ½ c sliced strawberries Make It 1. Lay the tortilla on a work surface. Spread the peanut butter.

2. Cover with the strawberries.

Roll into a tube. Slice on the diagonal into the desired number of pieces.

Nutrition Info: 332 calories, 10 g protein, 7 g fiber, 230 g sodium.

Serve with 1 cup 1% milk for a complete meal of only 434 calories.

All breads are not created equal, for example, using

100% whole wheat bread instead of white bread adds about 20 grams of fiber per week, plus many more nutrients. In addition to being an excellent source of fiber, whole wheat breads are rich in folate, a B vitamin that manufactures memory cells in the brain. Most bread flour is enriched with the B

Omega 3 Fatty

vitamins that help to improve alertness. If your child has not developed a taste for whole wheat bread, there are a number of “transitional” breads available. These varieties look like white bread but are made with 30% whole grains.

Read the ingredient labels when buying bread and check for hidden sugars, high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. Choose bread that is low in sugar but high in iron for teens. Mix it up and make it interesting by using a variety of breads and crackers for sandwiches. Use Wraps, Pita Pockets, Bagels, English Muffins, Tortillas, Flat Breads, or Multi Grain Crackers as the foundation for a more interesting sandwich, more flavor and more nutrients.

Pizza is the number one most popular food in school

cafeterias, according to the American Dietetic Association.

Most cafeteria offerings are loaded with fat and lack nutritious toppings. You can make a healthy pizza at home and pack it for your child’s lunch. This allows your child to have an all time favorite dish while getting plenty of nutrition. There are several prepared pizza crusts that are good choices – reduced fat or whole wheat crusts are the best.

English muffins and tortillas serve as nutritious homemade pizza crusts. Top with low-salt tomato sauce, low-fat mozzarella cheese Acids and a variety of veggies.

Whole Grain

Sandwiches Made Healthy

Sliced turkey, lean roast, or chicken from the deli – use light mayo or mustard and cheese made with reduced fat milk.

Avoid using processed luncheon meats and the Lunchables, because of the nitrites in them.

» Tuna wrap with light mayo, lettuce and tomato. » Egg salad made with light mayo and grated veggies on a whole wheat bagel. » Pita pocket filled with turkey, chicken, beans, grated vegetables, cucumber slices, shredded cheese, and rice. » Chicken salad made with light mayo, sliced grapes, apples, mandarin oranges (drained) or almonds stuffed in a pita or wrap. » Serve sliced meat rolled up into tubes and offer the bread on the side.

November/ December 2011 | 41

Sides are important to rounding

out any meal and a great opportunity to incorporate fruits and veggies into your child’s diet.

» Veggie sticks – baby carrots, celery,

Think Outside the Lunchbox

Bring the thermos back. Thermoses are a huge time and money saver. You can send hot foods like leftovers from dinner you made last night. Reheat foods to at least 165° before you pack them into the thermos or insulated jars. When the weather turns cool, nothing taste as soothing as chicken noodle soup whether it’s homemade or almost homemade.

Here are a few hot ideas.

» Beef and vegetable stew with a hard roll.

» Chicken noodle soup and whole grain crackers.

» Chili with tortilla chips. » Chicken casserole. » Lasagna with garlic bread.

Iron

cucumbers, zucchini, squash, green or red peppers with low-fat ranch dressing for dipping. » Any fresh fruits – grapes, sliced apples or pears (after slicing dip in orange or lemon juice to prevent browning), bananas. » Dates rolled in coconut or stuffed with walnuts makes for a healthy sweet treat. » Yogurt parfait made with cut up fresh fruit – sprinkle with granola or trail mix (pack in an insulated jar). » Low fat prepackaged yogurts are good sides or great for dipping fruit slices. » Send a veggie or pasta salad in a plastic container. Keep the dressing on the side in a smaller container. » Pretzels without trans-fats are better choices than potato chips. » Graham crackers, fat-free fig bars, oatmeal raisin cookies instead of chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes or brownies.

Taco Soup is a healthy soup that is quick and easy to prepare, inexpensive, tastes great and is popular with the kids to take along to school. Parents can make ahead, and reheat before loading into the thermos.

Prep 20 minutes Servings – 12, 1 cup 1 lb Ground beef, extra-lean 1 Onion, chopped 3 cans (15.5oz each) Chili Beans, undrained (black beans or kidney beans may be substituted) 1 can (14.5 oz) Whole tomatoes, undrained 1 can (14.5 oz) Corn, undrained 1 can (8oz) Tomato sauce 1 pkg Taco Seasoning Mix 1 ½ cups Water 1 ½ cups Shredded cheddar cheese, (2% milk) Make It 1. Brown meat with onions in large saucepan; drain. Return mixture to pan.

2. Add all remaining ingredients except cheese; stir, breaking up tomatoes with spoon. Bring to a boil; simmer on medium-low heat 5 min., stirring occasionally.

3. Top with cheese.

Nutrition Info: 6 oz serving 196 calories, 14 g protein, 6 g fiber, 5 g fat, 2 g saturated fat.

42 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Sweet Treat

These are both nutritious and delicious. Homemade snack bars are less expensive than store-bought.

Prep 15 minutes Cook 20 minutes Servings – 16 bars Cooking spray 2 tbsp Light margarine 1 tbsp Canola oil ¼ cup Light brown sugar 2 tbsp Honey Zest of 1 orange 2 tbsp Orange juice 1/3 cup Dried pitted dates, chopped ¼ cup Walnuts, chopped 2 cups Old-fashioned oats 2 tbsp Sunflower seeds Make It 1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Coat a 9 x 9 in. square baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.

2. Place margarine, oil, sugar, honey, orange zest and orange juice in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until the butter has melted.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the dates and walnuts. Add the oats, making sure they are evenly coated with the butter mixture.

3. Spread the mixture in the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly. Sprinkle the sunflower seeds over the top and press down lightly to embed the seed in the surface.

4. Bake until golden brown around the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. When cool, turn the contents out onto a cutting board and slice into 16 bars. The bars can be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Info: One Bar 103 calories, 2 g protein, 4 g fat (0 g sat.), 2 g fiber.

Keep it fun and positive! Keep healthy snacks on hand for after school hunger. Don’t nag about eating healthy foods, just be consistent with healthy food offerings. And remember to think outside the lunchbox.

November/ December 2011 | 43

44 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

A Family Affair

We all have our customary holiday gatherings, but as Bill Hall demonstrates, some traditions are still best spent with the customer

By JEFF ALLEN

»

Photographs by Jason Kaumeyer & Paul Cheney

C

all Bill Hall Sr. and ask for an interview and he’ll meet you at “The Restaurant”. Ask him where his family goes during the Thanksgiving holiday, and he’ll tell you: “The Restaurant”. Same thing for Christmas Eve. He and the rest of the family – two sons, a wife, chef and assorted staff – are all right there, noshing on roast turkey, prime rib, oyster stuffing, and the tiniest little roasted turnips and glazed baby carrots. “...from Thanksgiving until the next year rings anew,” he adds. Hall’s Chophouse is a family affair.

It’s interesting that a man as accomplished as Hall, a man who spent a lifetime career in hospitality development, building hotels and resorts across the United States, would do such a thing. Why, with all of the success and the ability to retire, to move to Charleston and live comfortably in the city he and his wife Jeanne fell in love with so many years ago, would you be working on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas November/ December 2011 | 45

(prior page) The Hall family entertaining friends for a holiday feast. Friends in attendence are Jeane Hall, Eleanor Niessner, Robbie Cecil, Debra Landolfi, Tommy Hall, Anthony Owens (Hall’s Blind Nightly Piano Player), Steve Watkins, Spring & Doris Walker, Chef Matthew Niessner, and Bill Hall. (above) Prime rib seasoned with the house rub, slow roasted, and seared to perfection. (right) Bill Hall enjoying the night’s celebration.

Eve. He says again, “This is about family.”

Of course, I got the first inkling of such a message the first time I ever strolled through the heavy wooden doors. All of the pieces are in place, the dark wood, the brass frame – a classic space for traditional steakhouse fare. Men in dark blazers sip ancient cocktails at the bar. But Hall’s is not stuffy; even if it sometimes has a Mafioso feel of sorts, when they say family they mean to include you as well.

Just inside the foyer of Hall’s, past Anthony the piano man and the hostess stationed beside the large winding stair that descends into the tiled space, patrons are inducted into the family. For me it began swiftly with a pat on the back and 46 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

I met Billy Hall for the first time. Soon I shook his fathers hand, received a warm smile from Mom minutes later, and before leaving on that first visit met Thomas, the up-and-coming hospitality protégé of the family. “Now, this is different,” I thought. Charleston isn’t known for “family-run” fine-dining eateries where you actually meet the whole clan while stopping by for a drink. I visit often, and by now I’ve seen enough of them to become a little bit of family myself, but to understand a Chophouse holiday, you need to know a bit about how Hall’s came to fruition.

Bill Hall has always been a hospitality man, and after a few cocktails,

observing the way he works the first floor bar area of Hall’s, it’s hard to imagine him as anything but. He’s developed resort properties and hotels from coast to coast, and relocated 27 times during his frenetic career. In the end, the economic downturn offered him a respite and a home in Vail, but Charleston offered a welcome home.

“We really liked the people,” he explains. “We were living on the West Coast, and my son Tommy had graduated from Clemson and was working for a large steakhouse chain when he called and said that he wanted to do something on his own. Our daughter attended the College of Charleston, and we knew this was the place.”

Tommy and Bill went looking, at one time coming close to purchasing the old Charleston Chops space on East Bay Street, but the emerging Upper King corridor offered a far superior space, more suited to their vision, if a bit more of a financial risk. “We were some of the first people up here,” Bill explained one morning over coffee. “There was Rue de Jean down the way and not much else around. It was a real gamble.”

So they made it a family thing, which extends all the way to the Christmas turkey. Thus, when Thanksgiving rolls around, they keep the doors open, and serve the patrons that make the place home, even if only for that holiday once a year. “We have families that come into town and bring everyone out here for dinner,” Tommy explained. “And every year we have a few folks that need a place to eat due to some kind of kitchen disaster.” They tell of times where “mom ‘blew up’ the turkey”, but revel in an obviously well-worn yarn about the lady who had the whole family over, mixed up the martinis, and “forgot” to turn on the oven. Bill chortled as he remembered the night, “Their turkey was cold, but they left Hall’s warm and happy.”

On those cold wintry holidays, chef Matthew Niessner is charged with interpreting Jeane’s family dinner into a serviceable menu, which is predictably classic and traditional. There is a rich butternut squash soup swimming with baking spice and sweetness, and the famous Hall’s chopped salad, always available on the regular menu. The main

course brings more classics: roast freerange turkey that has been rubbed only with butter, salt, and pepper. A prime rib seasoned with the house rub, seared, and slow roasted to medium, sits next to a juicy rack of Berkshire pork, so flavorful a hog, Niessner claims, that even a simple brine

would mask too much of the flavor. But at Hall’s, you’ll get just about anything you want. “We have a lot of our regular guests in during the holidays and we have a lot of special requests,” he explained. “At Hall’s we honor all special requests.”

The “family”, which extends to chef November/ December 2011 | 47

(above) Food fit for a king - roast free range turkey with just the right amount of seasoning and a juicy rack of Berkshire pork. (left) Once served, friends have only one thing on their minds, less talking and more eating.

and working staff, sits down to eat after the guests have mostly departed. “On the holidays,” Bill says, “Chef Niessner will setup a little table at the end of the night and we dig into the same specials that we 48 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

serve our guests.”

And that really is the point at Hall’s, where all are made to feel welcome. To have a place like that, someone must care, and those folks don’t get their own

holidays. The Hall’s spend them catering to others. Bill told me, “We’ve welcomed our guests as family, and many of them have traditions that involve a visit to the restaurant every year during the holidays.

We hope to be serving those traditions 20 years from now, and making new ones.”

With one exception. Hall’s is closed on Christmas Day. I sense an opportunity. There is one day of the year when none of the family is at the restaurant, Billy, Thomas, Jeanne, nor Bill. I imagine them holed up in a big house watching football, but Bill quickly corrects that notion. “Oh yes! Christmas Day we’re closed.” he says. “We have a bunch of patrons, regulars, that we know

really well and they invite us over. It’s sort of like a progressive dinner all day as we visit their homes, and one of our best friends and patrons throws a big party and we always attend.”

“They’re like family.”

RECIPES Hall’s Chop Salad

3 oz. Romaine Hearts, thinly chopped ½ bunch watercress stems, removed 1 T. cucumbers, ¼” dice 1 T. celery, ¼” dice 2 T. red & yellow peppers, small dice 1.5 T. crumbled Feta cheese 1.5 T. black eyed peas, cooked and drained 1 T. applewood smoked bacon, cooked & crumbled 6 each grape tomatoes, cut in halves 2 tbs. green peppercorn dressing Combine and mix all ingredients together.

Green Peppercorn Dressing

½ C. shallots, finely diced ¼ C. garlic, minced ½ C. champagne vinegar 3 oz. worchestershire sauce 2 C. mayonnaise 1 C. buttermilk ¼ C. grained mustard (creole) 1 C. green onions, finely sliced ½ C. chives, chopped ½ C. parsley, chopped 1 tbs. sea salt 1 C. canola oil ½ C. ground green peppercorns, dried Combine and mix all ingredients together.

Use with Hall’s Chop Salad.

tablespoons olive oil.

3. Roast turnips in oven at 450 for 12 minutes.

Toss with ¼ cup chopped sage and serve.

Holiday Candied Poached Carrots

24 baby carrots 2 C. orange juice 1 C. brown sugar 2 cinnamon sticks 3 start anise 2 T. kosher salt 1 T. coarse black pepper 1 C. water Add all ingredients into stock pot. Simmer 25 minutes, let cool in pot, then serve.

Thanksgiving Chicken Roasted Turnips

12 baby turnips 3 C. chicken stock 2 C. water 3 bay leaves 1 bunch Thyme 1. Simmer turnips for 30 minutes until tender. Let cool in poaching liquid.

2. Cut turnips in half and dress with 2

Vintage Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Napa Valley. No relationship, but pretty cool none the less, that you can serve wine that has your last name on the bottle.

November/ December 2011 | 49

Deck The Halls

Fun and festive homemade crafts to help set the scene and spread holiday cheer all through the house.

Crafts and Text By MEGAN SABOLLA

SNOWMEN How To » Use a pencil to sketch a face and clothing details

onto the snowman. Paint over your pencil sketches with fluid acrylic paint, and add any design details you would like. Add vintage buttons to the jacket and a dab of gel medium. Add a twine bow around his neck or glue a flower to his hat, then let snowman dry overnight. Once it’s dry, spray on a coat of matte finish spray as a protective coat, and let it dry overnight again.

For the base: Take a vintage wooden block and screw a screw into the top, leaving ½ - ¾ of the screw sticking out of the top. Place the snowman so that the screw goes into the hole on bottom of pin. If your pins do not have existing holes, you can glue the pin bottom to the block.

Materials Needed:

» » » » » » » » » » 50 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Wooden bowling pins Vintage buttons Fluid acrylic paint Wooden blocks Paintbrushes Golden matte gel, medium Pencil Fine & medium grit sandpaper Screw Matte finish spray sealer

November/ December 2011 | 51

CHRISTMAS FINGER PUPPETS How To » Cut a rectangle of

felt large enough to cover the rounded coin wrapper and glue in place. Glue the wooden bead on top of the felt-covered coin wrapper, let dry completely before handling. Draw eyes using a fine-tipped marker.

For Santa, cut a shorter rectangle of red felt and wrap around the cylinder, gluing only the top edge of the felt down to resemble a jacket. Glue a small black button at the top and a strip of black felt underneath. Cut a half circle out of red felt and form into a coneshaped hat, glue at the seam. Add a mini pom-pom to the top. Glue a thin strip of white felt to the bottom, and then glue the hat on top of the wooden bead. Make a mustache and beard out of white felt and glue in place.

For Elf, make jacket according to directions above and finish by rounding the edges. Create a hat, belt, and collar from matching felt and secure to puppet with glue.

For Rudolph, cut an oval from beige felt and glue to front of cylinder. Cut a small oval, glue to the face, and add a mini pompom for a nose. Cut out two ear shapes from beige felt and glue in place on bead. Bend a brown chenille stem into antlers and glue between ears.

For Snowman arms, wrap a chenille stem around the back of the snowman and glue it to the body for extra support. To make top hat, cut a felt circle that’s appropriate for the size of the puppet’s head. Cut a narrow strip from felt and form into a circle, glue the

overlapping ends together. Apply a little glue to the bottom of the circle of felt and glue it onto the larger circle. Cut a small circle of felt and glue on the top of the hat. Apply glue to the middle of the felt brim and adhere it to the top of the snowman’s head.

Materials Needed:

» » » » » » »

Assorted colors of felt (red, black, white, brown, and beige) Scissors Dime-size coin wrappers Quick-setting gel glue (such as Beacon’s 3-in-1) 1¼” round natural wooden beads Fine-tipped marker

Additional embellishments such as pipe cleaners, small buttons, and mini pom-poms

SCRAP GREETING CARDS

Don’t buy your cards this season when you can easily make them from cards you received in the past.

How To » Simply cut out decorative, colorful pieces and arrange on colored cardstock or blank cards, and arrange with 3-in-1 gel glue. It’s helpful to have a few tools, like a circle cutter or hole punch, if you plan to make a lot of circles. But you can do plenty with simple strips as well. It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to send something handmade.

52 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

SNOWMAN SNOWFLAKE How To » Apply glue to large snowflake, and sprinkle antique

silver glitter all over. Set aside to dry. Sew a basting stitch onto the edge of a ½ yard of crepe paper. Pull a single thread at the end of the crepe paper to form a flower shape. Trim to size, and apply white glitter to the edges. Once the glitter is dry, glue a small white snowflake to the center. Glue the crepe rosette to the top of white snowflake. Fold vintage sheet music like a fan.

Once folded, cut into 2-inch strips. Form a fan from each one and glue the ends together to forma a circle. Place it on top of the crepe paper flower, and glue in place. Secure the glitter snow flake on top with hot glue. Glue crystal to the center. Loop the ivory velvet ribbon, and glue to the back top of snowflake. Form a bow with ribbon, and glue on top. For one of the snowflakes, create a small banner with the phrase A Christmas Wish. Cut to size. Distress edges with a soft gold inkpad. Glue ultra-fine glitter around edges. Gently fold the banner into an S-shape, and then secure it on top of snowflake with hot glue.

Materials Needed:

» » » » » » »

Snowflake Glitter Crepe paper Vintage sheet music Hot glue Ribbon Gold inkpad

November/ December 2011 | 53

MITTEN & STOCKING ORNAMENTS How To » Cut two pieces of patterned

paper using the desired chipboard as a template. Adhere one piece of the paper to the front. Adorn each piece with desired embellishments, including a glittered chipboard scroll, glitter, trinket, bells, ribbon, and fringe. Punch holes into desired corners, and string with wire.

Tips: Use a glue gun for attaching chipboard pieces to the front of the ornaments. Use an old gift card as a guide for gluing the backs onto the ornaments.

Cover the back of the ornament with the remaining paper. Be sure to leave a space to insert a gift card at the top.

Materials Needed:

» » » » » » » » » » » » »

54 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Scroll chipboard Mitten and stocking coasters Vintage photo distress ink Embellishments Glitter Green & ivory acrylic paint Small red bell Clear button and star Faux holly leaves ¼” ivory lace Patterned paper Red wire 1 ½” wide red & ivory striped ribbon

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY CHARLESTON CVB

Holiday Shopping Lowcountry-Style

Local owners give us the scoop on the hot trends and gadgets for this season

By DENISE K. JAMES

November/ December 2011 | 55

W

eekends in Charleston are a true style parade, each person wearing fashionable attitude literally on his or her sleeve. Walk around the busy areas like King Street or the Avondale district and you’ll no doubt be inspired. Charleston boasts a community of creative dressers—not to mention lots of cool establishments in which to shop. As the gifting season draws near, it’s time to open our eyes to local luxury. Sure, it’s easy to end up at Target or Best Buy, but do you really want to repeat the same gift that twenty other people bought in a moment of desperation?

Shop owner Kristen Armstrong, of the new Ensemble Boutique on James Island, is making sure to carry what’s “in” this season according to the style circuit.

Ensemble is fairly new to the area, open only since May, but the place has gained a cult following by word of mouth. It’s a colorful mélange of chic clothing and kitschy accessories like retro hair combs. If

you’re shopping for a stylish sister, mother or best friend it’s probably the perfect stop.

“Layering is huge right now, so I’m keeping a few lightweight items like tanks and short sleeves in the store all year,” says Armstrong. “Gift buyers will also love perusing our huge selection of fun handbags and costume jewelry—it’s all very affordable.”

Ensemble doesn’t just carry consignment items. There are local designers featured as well, like Lee Butler, and Krista Beth Huff. “A local marketplace” is what Armstrong envisioned for her boutique, and so far so good.

“If you find something to purchase as a gift, we’ll wrap it for you too,” she says.

“We have tissue, boxes and paper right here in the shop.”

Shoppers scouting upscale gifts for men and women will enjoy an array of store choices along King Street, including Berlins, Anne’s, Finicky Filly, Grady Ervin, Ben Silver, and M. Dumas, a Charleston

institution featuring items like suits and leather goods—but also a healthy dose of the polished, casual look that the city is known for. In fact, it’s downright hard for a local shop not to admit that casual is king around these parts.

“This season we’re featuring a lot of the brand called Barbour, which is a really outdoorsy look,” says Jordan Lash, manager of M. Dumas. “For a preppy style, we have brands like Southern Tide and Vineyard Vines. Charleston is an extraordinarily casual place. Think of areas like Kiawah, the Isle of Palms—people come here to relax.”

“We’re slowly getting rid of our dressier items and bringing in a lot more street style,” says Josh Rattliff of Smolder Boutique in Mt. Pleasant. “We’ve noticed that Lowcountry women want things that are stylish and edgy, but great for every day.”

Find national designers like Betsy Johnson and Jeffrey Campbell at Smolder,

(prior page and right) One of Charleston’s top shopping areas is the downtown King Street district, where you can find an array of chic boutiques and fine clothing stores for men and women. (above) Shoppers peruse a unique gift shop at the Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island.

56 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

as well as local designers like Troubadour.

Though Rattliff stresses that the shop is turning towards a more casual trend, there are plenty of dressier items to be had for the holiday season, like fur, sequins and tuxedo-inspired looks, so party-going ladies ought to check it out.

But we all know how tough it is to just walk into a store and buy someone an item of clothing or a personal accessory.

Sometimes you have to go another route and get a gift that’s funny, charming and eclectic. If that describes you, then Cosmotique in West Ashley is probably the right place to find a clever gift.

Personally, I wish someone would get me the pink serving spoons. They’re awesome.

“We just got back from New York City, where we hunted for new items,” says owner Cindy Sutton. “We branched out and found a lot of homemade items by vendors based in the United States.

We’re very thrilled with that, since we are committed to carrying more domestic products.”

Speaking of domestic, at Cosmotique you can find beauty and bath items made on John’s Island by the Deep Steep Company. You’ll also discover that they offer hair and skin care in their salon—so go ahead and buy a gift card for the toughie on your list.

For the food-oriented type (and

who in Charleston isn’t food oriented?), you may have to make a trip to Coastal Cupboard of Mount Pleasant. The place has been open for six years, but continues to engage shoppers with their assortment of “hot” kitchen gifts, gadgets and culinary treats.

“We keep some good stocking stuffer items around,” says owner Brad Pitner. “A lot of simple things get grabbed up during the season, like the Palmetto Oyster Knife, and Poach Pots.”

One pretty cool gift idea is a set of handmade coasters, featuring pictures of Charleston restaurants.

You can get any restaurant, from the more upscale McCrady’s and Hominy Grill to neighborhood favorites like Santi’s and Rita’s.

For the chocolate fanatic in your life, an assortment of gourmet truffles makes a good gift. “We’ll have a gigantic truffle case during the holiday season,” says Pitner. “But we tend to always have an interesting selection of sweets.”

Another cool gadget, the Vinturi Wine Aerator, is just about guaranteed to make your wine tastings a lot better. “It decanters your wine for you as you pour it into the glass,” explains

Pitner. “And of course, we have lots of wine to go with it!”

Another popular offering from Coastal Cupboard are the cooking classes, with different local chefs each time. “We’ve had some amazing chefs in the past, and we’ll have plenty more,” says Pitner.

“Coming up soon, we have Shannon Campbell from Mozzo, Sean Park from O-Ku, and Kimberly

November/ December 2011 | 57

Brock-Brown, a local pastry chef.”

If your family likes to read and play board games, head up to Here Be Books and Games in Summerville. The shop has an assortment of used books, (and a few new) ranging from children’s stories to romance and mystery, all at rock-bottom prices. They’ll even special order a book for you. But the real draw to the shop is finding designer board games, and owner Tina McDuffie knows which ones are hot this holiday season. If you aren’t certain what a “designer” board game is, it’s a quality-made game with extraordinary artwork and playing pieces, built to last for generations. It also features the name of the game’s designer, much the way a book displays the author.

“We will have a game called Dixit Odyssey this Christmas, which is a fantastic party game,” McDuffie says.

“It’s actually the third in a series and the designer revamped the scoring so now it plays at least 12 people, but probably more.”

Another game to check out this season is Telestration, a fun family game that combines the concepts of the childhood classic, “Telephone,” with frantic sketching.

“These games emphasize strategy and player interaction more than simple luck,” explains McDuffie. “Some of the games involve absolutely no luck. They’re great for parties, because they get people to work together towards the goal.”

If there is one characteristic that these local shops all share, it is sincere faith in the merchandise. It’s hard not to want to shop somewhere, when the owner explains with pride how the items are hand-selected for Lowcountry shoppers. Take advantage of it.

(top to bottom) Mount Pleasant Towne Centre has grown to offer an eclectic mix of boutique shops, national chains, and big box stores. Summerville’s Historic Village District has that local flair, with great gift, art, and clothing stores and cozy sidewalk cafes.

58 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

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www.follybeachsouthcarolina.org

November/ December 2011 | 59

Holiday

Gift Guide

1. Security Blanket

3. Gal Pal Lots of room in this Sarah pocket tote, made of leather and linen by Spartina. $139. Harbor Specialties, 722-3722.

Soft and cuddly plush toy for babies and toddlers by Little Giraffe. $45.

Charleston Children’s Boutique, 225-7100.

2. Classy Pad Keep your e-tablet safe and stylish in this leather Tory Burch iPad case. $195. Finicky Filly, 534-0203..

4. Paper Flower “Sunlit Bougainvillea” oil on canvas artwork by Catherine B. Spencer. $785.

Spencer Art Gallery, 723-4482.

5. Charming Sterling silver and 14k gold Pandora bracelet with Murano glass. Charms $25 and up.

Pandora Store, 884-3444.

60 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Tis Better to Give-And Receive -This Holiday Season 7. Sea Creatures Nautical decorative pillows in a variety of shapes, sizes, and fabrics. $79.

NauticalDecorHut.com.

6. Mini Pearl Sterling silver necklace with 14k gold amithist and drop grey pearl. $599.

The Trunk Show, 722-0442.

9. Life of the Party A six pack Koozie with freezable, detachable bottom. Holds up to 6 cans or bottles. $28.95. Make It Personal, 722-3411.

8. Tie-ing the Knot

10. Travel Companion

Stylish and classic blue stripe bow tie

by High Cotton Ties. $45. M. Dumas & Sons, 723-8603.

Luxurious “Field Tote” bag made of bridle leather and imported FVSR^I ½XXMRKW F] 3YKLXSR Limited. $310. Blush, 388-9091.

November/ December 2011 | 61

Holiday

Gift Guide

11. Scotland Yarn

13. A Girl’s Best Friend

Pure and elegant luxury awaits [MXL XLMW GEWLQIVI ¾IIGI F] Johnstons of Elgin. $745. Rapport, 727-0088.

An elegant bridal diamond collection by Romance. Embler’s Jewelers, 216-7349.

12. Girl’s Night Out Deux Lux sequin Clutch for a night out on the town. $48. Haute Hanger, 720-5227.

14. The Hunt “Blue Heron in Grass” Giclee on canvas artwork by Jack Thames. $110.

Jack Thames Art Gallery, 209-7493.

62 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

15. Buckle Up Make a statement with this handcast bronze “Trout” belt buckle. $125 with leather belt strap. Grady Ervin & Co., 722-1776.

Food & Drink

PHOTOGRAPH BY JASON KAUMEYER

Local Flavor » Dining Out » Restaurant Guide » Now Open

Executive chef Michelle Weaver continues to enhance and expand the fine dining experience at Charleston Grill.

November/ December 2011 | 63

Food & Drink » (MRMRK 3YX

Artistic Improv 'LEVPIWXSR +VMPP GSRXMRYIW XS WIX XLI FEV MR ½RI HMRMRK [MXL MXW YRMUYI FPIRH of old south and exotic cuisine

By STEPHANIE HUNT

»

Photographs by JASON KAUMEYER

D

“

rumsticks” at most restaurants would mean a nice, fingerfriendly piece of fried chicken.

At Charleston Grill, it means the sublime, unobtrusive, flavor-packed punch of Quentin Baxter on percussion. Dreamy piano and a subdued, groovy bass play off his innovative, steady rhythm as improvisation soars, dips and tunefully swirls around the handsome dining room.

Live jazz is a nightly “special” on the menu of what is arguably Charleston’s culinary crown jewel, and the inimitable Quentin Baxter Ensemble cooks up an elegantly groovin’ ambience that sets the mood, tone and indeed, flavor, for everything that follows.

Or maybe it’s that the lively jazz echoes the impeccable melding of Chef Michelle Weaver’s own artistic improv?

That it’s the perfect acoustic complement to the way she adventures into new culinary ground, or takes a traditional dish and infuses it with her signature gustatory riff ? Indeed, it’s hard to distinguish which leads and which follows—the harmonic blending of all aspects of the Charleston Grill dining experience are what make it a showstopper. From the masterful food to the lithe music to the sophisticated but comfy décor, to the intuitive, attentive service—this is syncopation par excellence.

This is jazz remixed—spilling over on to plates, palates and palettes, interior design and people. Jazz, after all, is America’s only truly native art form, with deep South roots and an African American heritage; it is pure, lush, Southern and very cosmopolitan, which are the perfect adjectives for Charleston Grill, and hey, just happen to be Weaver’s apt and pithy menu categories. “Dividing the menu into four quadrants was my idea,” says Weaver, who sharpened her knives and honed her skills as Executive Sous Chef under Bob Waggoner for 11 years before becoming Executive Chef three years ago, and is constantly challenging herself to “reach as far as I can, and not get stuck in a rut. I don’t simply want to repeat what Bob did,” she says. “One never wants to get 64 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Charleston Grill’s elegantly decorated interior screams fine dining.

Michelle Weaver’s Favorite Dishes Foie Gras with caramelized apples and apple cider donuts.

Collection of Vegetables with baby beets, cauliflower, baby carrots, and pirogue.

Beef Carpaccio with grilled wild mushrooms, baby arugula, lemon truffle, and parmesan stick.

“We haven’t repeated one menu item in my three years as chef. I challenge myself on a constant basis.” – Michelle Weaver compared to their mentor!”

Weaver’s offerings under the “Pure” heading show off her finesse with unadulterated flavor and primo ingredients.

Beef carpaccio is simplicity at its most elegant. The “Lush” category is a siren call for sheer indulgence. Foie gras, caviar, buttery Maine lobster, the works—never fear, if you drool, the waitperson quietly and magically appears with a fresh linen napkin. Under “Southern” you’ll find quintessential local ingredients (actually, local ingredients are featured throughout

the menu, but here, Carolina Gold rice, heirloom tomatoes, fresh crab cakes standout) and classic old-fashioned, refashioned favorites, e.g. rich and refined Pork & Beans like Van Camps never, ever dreamed of.

But the “Cosmopolitan” section is where Weaver’s creative flourish really flies. This Alabama-native who describes herself as “an old Southern soul with a large global palate,” isn’t afraid to play a little. When exploring another culture’s cuisine (currently she’s focused on

Philippine cuisine) she studies it intensely, reading about the ingredients, agriculture, traditions. “I want to know why it’s important in their culture, what makes it ‘soul’ food for them,” she notes. On the menu, this translates into a dazzling South Indian Curry, or an exotic crispy shrimp sizzled up to light and delicious perfection. World flavors, fresh textures and imaginative delivery all mingle for fine dining that still has plenty of flair, and fun. “We haven’t repeated one menu item in my three years as chef,” Weaver says. “I challenge myself on a constant basis.”

Chef Weaver and Quentin Baxter, however, are far from the only Charleston Grill luminaries. Wine at Charleston Grill has a presence, personality and a devoted following all its own, probably even its own Facebook page or Twitter flock. Under the discerning eye, and palate, of sommelier Rick Ruben, some 1300 bottles make the award-winning list, and the staff seems to know them all. You can play the field and ask Ruben and crew to customize tastings to your menu selections, or simply rely on their expertise to find one perfect pairing for your table. Don’t come with a maxed out credit card, however, because such vino-refinement doesn’t come cheap.

The Grill’s other major player is a short, balding, bodacious personality named Mickey Bakst. As maitre d’ and general manager, his imprint of warmth and unequivocal hospitality is everywhere, but most notably outside the polished wood tones and jazzy snazz of Charleston Grill. Bakst is known for bringing his robust sense of welcome, of celebrating life, to the broader Charleston community, through concocting charitable food & bev benefits that raise money, awareness and a sense of community connectedness.

For sure, Charleston Grill is a highfalutin fine-dining experience, but it’s also becoming pseudonymous with outreach and generosity, especially where the foodie and nonprofit worlds intersect. If “you are where you eat,” as the Grill’s tagline suggests, then Charleston is a better place for the fine food and fine folks at Charleston Grill.

Charleston Grill 224 King St., Charleston 843-577-4522 Open Daily, 5:30-10pm www.charlestongrill.com November/ December 2011 | 65

BASIL

Thai cuisine...fresh ingredients...exceptional dining

Celebrate the opening of our New location in Mount Pleasant.

Voted Best Thai Restaurant in Charleston from 2003-2011 consecutively

Basil Thai Restaurant NEW! 1465 Long Grove Dr.

Mount Pleasant 606-­9641 66 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

460 King St. Charleston 724-­3490

www.eatatbasil.com

WELCOME TO THE CROSSROADS OF

South by Southeast Asia C H A I ’ S I S B A C K I N F U L L S W I N G !

Asian Inspired Cuisine Outside Courtyard Locally Sourced Cozy Interior

Chai’s Lounge 462 King Street Charleston, SC 29403 843.722.7313 www.eatatchais.com

November/ December 2011 | 67

Food & Drink » 2S[ 3TIR

Meals To Go Our Local Foods café serves up healthy prepared meals direct from the farm

By DENISE K. JAMES

I

»

Photographs by JASON KAUMEYER

bragged all week long about the zucchini-chocolate chip cookie that I had at the Our Local Foods Café. Before you wrinkle your nose in disbelief, I have to tell you that this cookie was brilliant—fluffy and delicious, made with all local ingredients, and “a great way to get your vegetables,” according to café owner Maria Baldwin.

we realized that we would need more work space. We’ve grown quite a bit.”

Baldwin’s farm-to-table passion started when she worked on Thornhill Farms, helping disabled high school students through a unique, nonprofit program that encourages the challenged teens to engage in horticulture therapy.

Baldwin’s first project, known as Kitchen Table Cuisine, has done well in bringing tasty, fresh products from Thornhill Farms (located in McClellanville) to the Lowcountry. It made sense to expand the business and open the café on Clements Ferry Road. The café is a cozy space, filled with organic meats, dairy (try the yogurt—it’s divine) as well as produce.

“You can still go online to Kitchen Table Cuisine and order groceries or prepared foods from the web site, but now we have the service here in the café as well,” explains Baldwin.

“We still have our store out at the farm, but

“I began as a volunteer for the students, then I began Our Local Foods as a way to sustain the farm while the students kept learning,” she says.

“Nowadays Thornhill Farms provides local food to the area, in addition to hosting about 100 students every week through the program, which is known as Adaptive Gardens of the Lowcountry.”

If you stop into Our Local Foods, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the assortment of organic grocery items and prepared foods to take home for an easy family dinner.

“We focus on what’s in season with our prepared dishes,” says Baldwin. “We also try to offer a lot of simple, onedish meals that are easy to heat up for a quick meal. This week, for example, we have tomatillos and fresh jalapenos on the farm, so we’re offering chili verde enchiladas for the take-home menu.”

“For November we’ll have a lot of terrific Autumn vegetables like peas, beets, leafy greens, radishes, turnips and rutabagas,” says Baldwin. “But since it’s the south, we’ll still have

“We focus on what’s in season with our prepared dishes.

We also try to offer a lot of simple, one-dish meals that are easy to heat up for a quick meal.” —Maria Baldwin

68 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Maria Baldwin at the helm of her new café, offering healthy “prepared, take-home meals” like Zucchini Gratin (left).

late summer choices like green beans, squash and egg plants.

We’re fortunate to have so many terrific farms in the southeast region.”

If you’re the type who likes to take short cuts around the holidays, Our Local Foods won’t tell your secret—they’ll make it easier. “For the holiday season we’ll have a lot of special side dishes already prepared,” says Baldwin. “We haven’t yet sorted out the whole menu but we know some of the basics, like sweet potato dishes, will be on hand.”

If you’re stumped for gift ideas, try one of Our Local Foods’custom gift baskets. The Farm-Fresh Breakfast basket, for example, will contain fresh eggs, jams and honeys in addition to local sausage and bacon, perfect for a holiday breakfast celebration or a hostess gift.

Besides the take-home meals, groceries and gifts, you can also sit in the café and enjoy

coffee or a meal.

“Our sandwiches are all made with integrity,” says Baldwin. “We offer bread from Normandy Farms, roast beef, chicken breast and others.

People are really curious about where their meat comes from, so we do our best to educate customers. We raise our own chickens and pigs on Thornhill Farms, and our beef is locally sourced from Kingstree. If you visit the website you can learn about the origins of what foods you purchase. But if you come to the café we can just tell you in person!”

“People need to realize there’s a vast difference between real, whole foods and the processed stuff,” says Baldwin.

“I would have to say that my primary passion in life is to teach people about food.”

Our Local Foods, 1190 Clements Ferry Rd., Wando, 843-849-0080, kitchentablecuisine.com.

Restaurant

Guide Locations: (D) Downtown; (DI)

Daniel Island; (FB) Folly Beach; (IOP) Isle of Palms; ( J) John’s Island; ( JI)

James Island; (KS) Kiawah/Seabrook; (MP) Mount Pleasant; (NC) North Charleston; (S) Summerville; (SI)

Sullivan’s Island; (WA) West Ashley Liberty Tap Room & Grill (MP) 1028 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 971-7777. Handcrafted brew-pub with rich ethnic cooking styles serving seafood, steak, chicken, burgers, soups and salads.

Queen Anne’s Revenge (DI) 160-B Fairchild St., 216-6868. Enjoy classic American cuisine with authentic pirate treasure artifacts on display.

Seafood, steaks, pasta, salads, and a large wine menu. Lunch & Dinner daily, Sunday brunch.

Southend Brewery (D) 161 East Bay St., 8534677. Custom-crafted beers and superb local cuisine in a rustic, yet upscale setting. Great views of Charleston harbor. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Asian

Basil (D) 460 King St., 724-3490. (MP) 1465 Long Grove Rd., 606-9642. Traditional Thai entrees in a chic and relaxed setting. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly.

Ready to Eat?

Use our restaurant listings to find the best eating and drinking in Charleston.

American

17 North Roadside Kitchen (MP) 3563 Highway 17 N., 606-2144. ( JI) 951 Folly Rd., 277-2410.

Traditional favorites served up in a casual and relaxed setting. Upscale service with entrees such as braised short ribs and smoked pork chops.

Dinner nightly.

Closed For Business (D) 453 King St., 853-8466.

Chic beer pub with tasty bar snacks like the pork

O-Ku (D) 463 King St., 737-0112. Bold and stylish décor set the tone for this upscale sushi and Japanese eatery. Menu selections include Chilean sea bass and yellowtail carpaccio. Dinner nightly.

Bakery

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier (D) 363 ½ King St., 297-8674. (MP) 357 N. Shelmore Blvd., 3887495. Unique combination of French pastries, chocolate sculptures, and hand-painted chocolate pieces.

slap sandwich, burgers, buffalo oysters, and salads.

Lunch & Dinner daily.

Cupcake (D) 433 King St., 853-8181. (MP) 664 Long Point Rd., 856-7080. A cupcake lovers dream, offering an array of 50+ delicious flavors such as red velvet and carrot cake. Open daily.

Cork Neighborhood Bistro (NC) 1067 East Montague Ave., 225-2675. Charming bistro serving fresh, eclectic sandwiches, pasta, steaks, seafood, and salads. Full bar and wine. Lunch & Dinner, Mon-Sat.

JB’s Smokeshack ( J) 3406 Maybank Hwy., 5570426. Classic buffet style eatery serving smoked pork and chicken with an array of tasty side dishes.

Lunch & Dinner, Wed-Sat.

BBQ

Area restaurants provide this information to Charleston LIVING magazine. It is published according to space availability. No advertising or other considerations are accepted in exchange for a listing. To participate in our restaurant guide, call 843-856-2532.

November/ December 2011 | 69

Food & Drink » Local Flavor

A Circle of Friends Cork Neighborhood Bistro has all the ingredients to

Cognac Flambeed New York Strip with baby-bella mushrooms, arugula, and palm frites.

become a North Charleston favorite

By COLLEEN TROY

»

Photographs by JASON KAUMEYER

A

revolution has been fomenting in Park Circle for a few years now, and Cork Neighborhood Bistro could be considered one of its heroes.

Opened in late 2009, Cork brings a sophisticated approach to cuisine, wine and beer to a stretch of East Montague that also houses haute Pizza, Irish fare, nouvelle

family ran successful catering businesses – Gibbs set out to carve a new, neighborhood restaurant out of an early 20th Century building. Long the home to a bar and pool hall, the space had good bones. But it needed a serious nip, tuck and lift.

Cork may be one of the most sustainably-built and designed spaces in the region.

“Our customers know they can count on us for very fresh, very local food and really friendly service.”

– Tradd Gibbs Mexican and more. But don’t think for a moment locating a “finer” dining spot here was accidental; owner Tradd Ashley Gibbs wouldn’t have placed his bets anywhere else.

“Park Circle is a hidden gem, and Olde Town North Charleston is just amazing,” he enthuses as he races to the restaurant in time for dinner service. “And we wanted to be a part of this renaissance, to compliment what was already here and attract the families, visitors and business people who gravitate to the neighborhood.”

A born foodie – whose

Executive Chef Eric Brownlee relaxes before the evening rush begins.

70 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

The interior was hand-hewn

by Gibbs and assorted pals and family members. Recycled and repurposed items can be found everywhere; from the specials blackboard that was once Gibbs’ grandmother’s washboard, to the floors and doors from the old Cigar Factory downtown on East Bay Street.

Anchored by a nearly century-old bar, the interior space is done in warm, winey tones. Seating invites one to stay awhile – and is a great place to park for Tuesday wine tasting events. Sidewalk dining allows guests to marinate in the hip, neighborhood vibe. Business is so solid that Gibbs is retrofitting a space down the block to serve as Cork’s banquet facilities.

The retrofit was successful; Cork was recently named ‘best atmosphere’ in the North Area from the CharlestonFoodBloggers, an influential foodie site.

Indeed, it’s all fairly fine, and might lead one to wonder why Gibbs didn’t just open this place down on King Street.

And to a large degree,

that’s just the point. Gibbs is a born North Charlestonian, and comes from a long line of area boosters. He lives in Park Circle, sends his kids to school in the neighborhood, and has opened more than one viable business there.

And that sense of loyalty just may be the thing that truly sets Cork apart: Gibbs doesn’t forget to dance with the ones who brought him there. In honor of Park Circle’s working-man heritage, the Cork bar keeps time-honored “Grandfather” beers like original Schlitz and Miller High Life on ice. Meanwhile, intriguing new craft beers flow from the tap to quench the thirst of newer arrivals.

The menu is similarly sensitive to the area’s heritage, offering white-tablecloth recipes at a fraction of downtown prices.

One can lunch here for under $10 a person, and enjoy a full, multi-course dinner for less than $30.

In keeping with its desire to be a welcoming place for neighborhood regulars, Cork maintains an extensive, well

priced, wine list. Here, one can enjoy a bottle of good wine for the price of two glasses. “We don’t do that two and threetime mark up here,” says Gibbs.

“We want people to come in, experiment, and have fun with the food, the wine, everything.”

Sustainability did not end with the retrofit. Daily specials and frequent menu changes gravitate to fresh, local and seasonal. Steaks are hand cut and guests can look right into the kitchen to see their food being prepped. Drop in for weekend brunch and enjoy adventurous recipes inspired by chef Eric Brownlee’s morning trip to the Farmers Market.

“Our customers know they can count on us for very fresh, very local food and really friendly service. Honestly, nothing makes me happier than walking around here, seeing families, visitors and old friends enjoying themselves,” says Gibbs. “It’s what we’re all about.”

Cork Neighborhood Bistro, 1067 East Montague Ave., North Charleston, 843-225-2675, corkbistro.com.

Restaurant Guide Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q (D) 288 King St., 5770406. (NC) 4964 Centre Point Dr., 747-3800.

Known for their sliced beef brisket and cheese biscuits with their own brew-house ale. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Sticky Fingers (D) 235 Meeting St., 853-7427.

(MP) 341 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 856-7427. (S) 1200 N. Main St., 871-7427. Hickory smoked Southern style ribs and barbeque. Voted Best Ribs.

Lunch & Dinner daily.

Bars & Taverns

Boone’s Bar & Grill (D) 345 King St., 577-6665.

Great selection of tasty burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers, with an array of beers and bourbon choices. Lunch & Dinner daily.

AT ISLE OF PALMS MARINA

Fresh Seafood and Lowcountry Fare ~ Spectacular Sunsets and Water Views Casual Outdoor Dining ~ Happy Hour ~ Complimentary Boat Docking Sunday Brunch with our Fabulous Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar Group Dining, Wedding and Corporate Events Lunch Daily 11am Dinner 5pm Sunday Brunch 10:30-2:30 Closed Mondays until Spring 80 41st Avenue The Isle of Palms SC 843.886.8980

Poe’s Tavern (SI) 2210 Middle St., 883-0083.

Festive local pub serving fish tacos, sandwiches, salads, and the best burgers on the island. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Deli/Café

Alluette’s Café (D) 80 Reid St., 577-6926.

Holistic vegetarian soul food such as hummus sandwiches, lima bean soup, and local seafood selections. Lunch, Mon-Sat. Dinner, Thur-Sat. Caviar & Bananas (D) 51 George St., 577-7757.

Specialty food café with gourmet sandwiches, salads, fresh sushi, prepared foods, wine, beer, and coffee. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily.

Laura Alberts Tasteful Options (DI) 891 Island Park Dr., 881-4711. An array of house-made salads, gourmet sandwiches, and seafood dishes.

Large selection of wines and craft beers. Lunch daily, Dinner-Wed., Saturday brunch.

Local Food r u O KT C

s

Five Loaves Café (D) 43 Cannon St., 937-4303.

(MP) 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 849-1043.

Gourmet soups, salads, and sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere. Lunch & Dinner, Mon-Sat.

www.morgancreekgrill.com

Our Local Foods Café (MP) 1190 Clements Ferry Rd., 849-0080. Fresh from the farm healthy options to include sandwiches, baked chicken, and Italian sausage with grits. Breakfast & Lunch daily.

Take-home dinners.

Rosebank Farms Café (KS) 1886 Andell Bluff Blvd., 768-1807. Delectable Southern fare with gorgeous sunsets at the Bohicket Marina. Diverse menu to include veal meatloaf, shrimp and grits, and seasonal produce. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Eclectic/Fusion

Atlanticville Restaurant (SI) 2063 Middle St., 883-9452. Upscale dining in a charming beach atmosphere, serving fresh seafood and steaks.

Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch.

From our farm to your kitchen. Soups, entrees and sides.... organic ingredients, prepared, delivered!

Order today for healthy meals and groceries of integrity! Food to feel good about!

KITCHENTABLECUISINE.COM

certified organic, farm fresh veggies, pasture raised meats, locally caught sustainable seafood, eggs, dairy and more. You’re local, lowcountry grocery DELIVERED! Custom order online for home delivery, or visit our cafe and market at 1190 Clements Ferry Road. 843-849-0080.

w w w. k i t c h e n t a b l e c u i s i n e . c o m November/ December 2011 | 71

Restaurant Guide Cru Café (D) 18 Pinckney St., 534-2434. A local favorite serving up gourmet foods with an Asian flair like seared salmon and Thai seafood risotto.

Indoor or front porch dining. Lunch & Dinner, Tue-Sat. Eurasia Café & Wine Bar (MP) 915 Houston Northcutt Blvd., 606-2616. Contemporary cuisine with European and Asian inspired dishes such as seared tuna and beef carpaccio. Large wine selection. Lunch & Dinner, Mon-Sat. Graze (MP) 863 Houston Northcutt Blvd., 6062493. Diverse eclectic cuisine with small “grazing” plates. Dishes include spicy tuna tataki and braised short ribs. Lunch & Dinner, Mon-Sat. Red Drum (MP) 803 Coleman Blvd., 8490313. Traditional Lowcountry cuisine with a Southwestern flair. Fresh, sustainable seafood dishes, steaks, and pork chops, served in a casual atmosphere. Dinner, Tue-Sat.

Fine Dining

Anson (D) 12 Anson St., 577-0551. A local favorite among fine dining eateries, offering a romantic setting and fresh local seafood like crusted grouper and shrimp and grits. Extensive wine list. Dinner nightly.

39 Rue de Jean (D) 39 John St., 722-8881. French brasserie cuisine in an intimate dining atmosphere.

Serving steaks, sushi, burgers, and salads. Lunch & Dinner daily. Sunday brunch.

Carolina’s (D) 10 Exchange St., 724-3800. Large wood columns define this contemporary eatery, serving up delectable fresh fish, veal, braised short ribs, local clams, and seasonal vegetables. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly.

Charleston Grill (D) 224 King St., 577-4522.

World-class dining at one of Charleston’s top eateries. An ever changing menu is uniquely divided into four main groups – Cosmopolitan, Lush, Pure, and Southern. Live jazz. Dinner nightly.

Circa 1886 (D) 149 Wentworth St., 853-7828.

Delectable cuisine is served up at the Wentworth Mansion, with dishes like crabcake soufflé and braised pork shank. Dinner, Mon-Sat. Crave Kitchen & Cocktails (MP) 1968 Riviera Dr., 884-1177. Fine dining within a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Tasty seafood and steaks with an Asian flair like seared sea bass and a cowboy rib-eye. Innovative martinis. Dinner nightly.

Cypress Lowcountry Grill (D) 167 East Bay St., 727-0111. Contemporary chic meets nostalgic in 72 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

this award winning eatery, serving local favorites like chateaubriand and smoked lamb. Dinner nightly.

setting. Featuring Tuscan specialties including pasta dishes, fresh seafood, soups, and salads.

Excellent wine list. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Fig (D) 232 Meeting St., 805-5900. Nationally acclaimed bistro serving fresh, locally sourced food. Menu changes daily, from herb roasted tilefish to buttered noodles with white truffles.

Dinner, Mon-Sat.

Mercato (D) 102 N. Market St., 722-6393.

Enjoy live jazz while dining in a chic and stylish atmosphere. Dishes include veal parm, burrata cheese, and antipasto platters. Dinner nightly.

High Cotton (D) 199 East Bay St., 724-3815.

Southern cuisine offered high fashion style, with fresh local vegetables, seafood, and charbroiled steaks accompanied by tasty sauces like béarnaise and cabernet. Dinner nightly.

Magnolia’s (D) 185 East Bay St., 577-7771.

Contemporary meets old world charm with a Southern cuisine menu that’s divided between uptown and down south. Lunch, Mon-Sat. Dinner nightly.

McCrady’s Restaurant (D) 2 Unity Alley, 5770025. Southern fine dining with an award winning chef offers up innovative food choices using the finest local ingredients. Dinner nightly.

Peninsula Grill (D) 112 N. Market St., 723-0700.

Southern classics served in an elegant, yet relaxed setting. Award winning chef and impeccable service make this a local favorite. First class wine list. Dinner nightly.

Tristan (D) 55 S. Market St., 534-2155. Modern and inventive cuisine in a swanky atmosphere makes for a great dining experience. Serving up such favorites as hay-smoked flounder and lamb ribs. Dinner nightly.

French

Fat Hen ( J) 3140 Maybank Hwy., 559-9090.

A popular hangout offering Country-French cuisine such as barbeque-roasted duck, steaks, bouillabaisse, pork chops, and locally raised fat hens. Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch.

La Fourchette (D) 432 King St., 722-6261. Rustic French classics in a cozy atmosphere. Serving favorites such as cassoulet, tender duck confit, hanger steak, and French shepherd’s pie. Regional wine list. Dinner, Mon-Sat.

Italian

Fulton Five (D) 5 Fulton St., 853-5555. A romantic dining experience featuring traditional Italian dishes such as handmade pasta, lamb chops, and seared duck. Dinner, Mon-Sat. Il Cortile Del Re (D) 193 King St., 853-1888.

Top spot for a romantic wine bar in a courtyard

Pane e Vino (D) 17 Warren St., 853-5955. A favorite local hangout serving traditional Italian fare trattoria style. Hearty pasta dishes, local seafood, and a great wine list. Dinner nightly.

Sette (MP) 201 Coleman Blvd., 388-8808.

Classic Italian-American entrees such as capellini pomodoro, marsala, pork shank, and veal. Halfprice wine specials on weeknights. Lunch, MonFri. Dinner, Mon-Sat. Trattoria Lucca (D) 41 Bogard St., 973-3323.

Rustic Italian fare with unique pasta selections, and excellent seafood dishes such as scamp grouper and grilled trumpet mushrooms. Dinner, Tue-Sat. Wild Olive ( J) 2867 Maybank Hwy., 737-4177.

Rustic Italian fare in a casual dining atmosphere.

Serving up favorites like veal marsala, shrimp picatta, risotto bianco, and the traditional lasagna.

Dinner nightly.

Mediterranean

Lana Restaurant (D) 210 Rutledge Ave., 7208899. Elegant and cozy dining with a Moroccan flair. Rich flavors and well portioned dishes include risotto, seafood, poultry, and beef. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner, Mon-Sat. Muse (D) 82 Society St., 577-1102. Eclectic cuisine in a secluded and quiet atmosphere. Entrees include grilled swordfish, sea bass, short ribs, duck, risotto, and a large wine selection. Dinner nightly.

Sermet’s Corner (D) 276 King St., 853-7775.

(DI) 115 River Landing Dr., 471-1777. Upscale service within an intimate setting. Serving up fresh seafood, pasta, beef, and local produce. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Mexican

Santi’s (D) 1302 Meeting St., 722-2633.

(S) 114 Holiday Dr., 851-2885. An array of authentic Mexican dishes in a comfortable dining atmosphere. Voted Best Margaritas. Lunch & Dinner, Mon-Sat. Taco Boy (D) 217 Huger St., 789-3333. (FB) 15 Center St., 588-9761. Fresh Mexican entrees such as fish tacos, and an array of beer and margarita selections. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Restaurant Guide Yo Burrito (D) 77 Wentworth St., 853-3287.

(MP) 675 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 856-0061.

Serving up big burritos with tasty stuffings such as chicken or grilled mahi-mahi. Margaritas and cold beers make for a great happy hour. Lunch & Dinner daily.

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet (IOP) 101 Palm Blvd., 886-8000. Overlooking the Intracoastal waterway with a rotating menu of fresh seafood, steaks, and pasta. A local favorite for over a decade.

Lunch, Tue-Sat. Dinner nightly.

Seafood

Hominy Grill (D) 207 Rutledge Ave., 937-0930.

Classic Southern fare in a neighborhood setting.

Award winning chef offers generous portions, fresh breads, and the best shrimp and grits.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, Mon-Sat.

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar (D) 205 East Bay St., 853-8600. Traditional raw bar with fresh seafood choices including oysters, clams, flounder, and shrimp. Extensive beer and wine selections.

Lunch & Dinner daily.

Blu Restaurant & Bar (FB) 1 Center St., 5886658. Fresh local seafood within an oceanfront setting. Spend a day at the beach and then enjoy tapas-style entrees. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner daily.

Coast (D) 39-D John St., 722-8838. Relaxed atmosphere with an array of fresh local seafood dishes and an outstanding drink list. Dinner nightly.

Finz Bar & Grill (MP) 440 Coleman Blvd., 654-7296. Relaxed atmosphere with fresh local seafood, tasty burgers, and delectable appetizers.

Live music, full bar, and wine list make this a neighborhood favorite. Lunch, Fri-Sat. Dinner nightly.

Fish (D) 442 King St., 722-3474. Southern favorites with an Asian flair such as Mandarin chicken, and fresh off the dock seafood selections.

Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner, Mon-Sat. Fleet Landing (D) 186 Concord St., 722-8100.

Waterfront dining in a casual setting, featuring classic Southern dishes such as crabcakes, fried oysters, fish sandwiches, and gumbo. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Hank’s Seafood Restaurant (D) 10 Hayne St., 723-3474. Upscale seafood house serving an array of innovative and classic dishes like roasted grouper. Voted Best Seafood Restaurant. Dinner nightly.

Morgan Creek Grill (IOP) 80 41st Ave., 886-8980. Panoramic views of the Intracoastal waterway make this a top destination for local seafood, steaks, and nightly chef specials. Boat docking available. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Pearlz Oyster Bar (D) 153 East Bay St., 577-5755.

(WA) 9 Magnolia Rd., 573-2277. Fun, eclectic restaurant serving the freshest seafood in a casual dining atmosphere. Dinner nightly.

Southern

Hucks Lowcountry Table (IOP) 1130 Ocean Blvd., 886-6772. Ocean views in an elegant but casual atmosphere. Serving Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits and fusion dishes such as scallop risotto. Lunch & Dinner, Tue-Sun. Husk Restaurant (D) 76 Queen St., 577-2500.

Using only locally sourced ingredients, Husk offers an ever changing menu of fresh fish, steaks, chicken, and vegetables done Southern style.

Lunch, Mon-Sat. Dinner nightly.

Slightly North of Broad (D) 192 East Bay St., 723-3424. Upscale food in a casual setting, with such favorites as prime rib, poached mussels, and crab stuffed flounder. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly.

Virginia’s on King (D) 412 King St., 735-5800.

Upscale yet relaxed atmosphere serving up traditional fare like fried chicken, deviled crab, po’ boys, and an array of side dishes. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner daily.

Steaks

Grill 225 (D) 225 East Bay St., 266-4222. Upscale and fancy with private booths and white-jacketed service, serving up prime USDA steaks and select seafood entrees. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Hours

Wine Tastings

Lunch Mon -­ Sat, 11-­2:30pm 5-­7pm Tue & Thur Dinner Mon-­Sat, 5-­10pm Happy Hour Bar Open Until ?

3-­7pm Mon-­Sat Olde Village of Park Circle 1067 E. Montague Ave. N. Charleston (843) 255-­CORK corkbistro.com

BRUNCH

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10A -­ 4P

DINNER

MONDAY & SUNDAY 5P -­ 10P

HAPPY HOUR

EVERYDAY FROM 4P -­ 7P

2 for $52 SPECIAL

TWO THREE-­COURSE MEALS & BOTTLE OF WINE (M,T,W)

Halls Chophouse (D) 434 King St., 727-0090.

Family-owned high-end dining with a rich interior setting, offering up steaks cooked to perfection and choice seafood dishes. Dinner nightly.

Oak Steakhouse (D) 17 Broad St., 722-4220.

Upscale steakhouse fare in an impeccable setting, serving certified Angus beef and freshly caught seafood. Award winning wine list. Dinner nightly.

The Ocean Room at the Sanctuary (KS) 1 Sanctuary Dr., 768-6253. Rich mahogany sets the tone for this upscale eatery, serving up choice dry aged beef and fresh local seafood from an ever changing menu. Dinner, Tue-Sat.

1968 Riviera Dr Unit O z Mt Pleasant, SC (Just off the IOP Connector)

843.884.1177 z www.cravemtp.com

November/ December 2011 | 73

Travel

Roman Holiday The Italian capital’s enduring attractions keep visitors returning for more Text and Photography By M.C. SPENCER

T

he distinguished British travel writer H.V. Morton concluded, “One never says goodbye to

Rome.”

Even a brief stay confirms the truth in Morton’s words. Perhaps more than any other European destination, Rome with her stunning public buildings, churches, monuments, piazzas and museums— clustered in a compact, pedestrian-friendly Centro Historico (historic center)—brings centuries of Western history and art to life. Indeed, a southern friend and veteran traveler to Rome advises: “Just breathe in the history!” It doesn’t take long to conclude that a lifetime of visiting isn’t enough to take it all in.

But Rome’s charms don’t end with her architecture and art treasures. She’s a romantic city with a vibrant, 21st-century street life. It’s safe for visitors to explore the historic center, both day and night, and to mix with the locals, who are eager to share tips on fabulous restaurants, wine bars, cultural events and places to shop.

A friend who knows the city well went so far as to exclaim, “In Rome, you can’t find a bad restaurant… or bottle of wine! Her enthusiasm brought to mind Mark Twain, who reflected on his visit to the city: “I felt like a boy in a candy shop…

The Spanish Steps, a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.

there was everything to choose from!”

Once in Rome, the residents’ livefor-the-moment attitude will inspire you to relax and enjoy yourself. Whether it’s because of the rich culture, the cuisine and wines, or simply the afternoon pastime of enjoying one’s favorite flavor of gelato (Italian ice cream), locals exude a perpetual joie de vivre that’s contagious.

The Landmarks

The Trevi Fountain where tossing a coin is supposed to ensure your return to Rome.

74 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Where does one begin? It’s essential, of course, to visit the iconic sites that have attracted visitors for generations: the archaeological remains of the city’s ancient Forum; the Colosseum, where gladiators once entertained Rome’s rulers (recognized today as one of the Seven Wonders of the World); the Vatican and its museums full

of jaw-dropping art; Emperor Hadrian’s Pantheon, constructed in the second century A.D.; monumental Trevi Fountain where, according to legend, tossing a coin into the water ensures one’s return to Rome; the Spanish Steps, a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike; and the lovely Villa Borghese Gardens, Rome’s equivalent to New York City’s Central Park and site of a museum full of extraordinary art, including some of renowned sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s most evocative works.

Just as important, be sure to take in the panoramic views of this incomparably beautiful city from four locations: the Capitoline Hill, epicenter of ancient Rome; the Janiculum Hill on the other side of the Tiber; or from the promenade at the top of the Spanish Steps. If you’re ready to indulge, dine near the Spanish Steps at Imago, the rooftop restaurant in the elegant Hotel Hassler. You’ll overlook Rome by night and experience the city’s best Italian cuisine, served by waiters in

(top) The Ponte Sant’ Angelo with the Vatican in the background; (above) Famous sculpture, The Dying Gaul, in the Capitoline Museum.

tailcoats and white gloves, who’ll greet you upon arrival with a selection of champagnes on ice!

Apart from the Hassler’s rooftop, my favorite viewpoint is the Capitoline Hill, site of the world’s two oldest public museums. After a stroll through Piazza del Campidoglio, dominated by Michelangelo’s statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius mounted on his horse, I enjoy relaxing at the Caffè Capitolino, where people meet to watch the sunset color Rome’s facades in shades of crimson and gold.

By all means, don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Tiber River, then lingering in Piazza Navona, where Bernini’s marble masterpiece, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, overlooks sidewalk cafes and an ongoing circus of street performers, artists and vendors. One of the most popular watering holes in this grand piazza is Caffè Bernini, where you can sit outside with a “ringside” view of the piazza while enjoying classic Italian dishes.

Up-And-Coming Neighborhoods Allowing time for exploring Rome’s trendy, up-and-coming neighborhoods is a “must.” Cross the Tiber River and head into picturesque Trastevere, an area that once was a separate town and whose locals maintain a unique dialect and cuisine.

This neighborhood’s narrow, labyrinthine streets and alleyways lead to charming cafes and boutiques and to Piazza Santa Maria, the neighborhood’s central

(top) The nave inside the Vatican; (above) The legendary she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.

November/ December 2011 | 75

Web Sites

www.buzzinrome.com English language site with current events in Rome and more. www.turismoroma.it Rome’s official tourist site. www.carolinatravellife.com Global online travel site.

Getting There

Check U.S. Airways (800-622-1015) for flights from Columbia to Rome via Charlotte or Philadelphia. You can leave Columbia in the afternoon and be in Rome the next morning for brunch. meeting place and site of the old church of the same name with its beautiful, 13th-century mosaics by Pietro Cavallini. In the evenings, Trastevere is hopping with locals and visitors who flock here to drink, dine and shop.

You can also find in Trastevere some of the best hotel bargains in the city.

Another Roman neighborhood that’s a delight to explore is Monti, an area with a seductive, Bohemian atmosphere. Just a few blocks from the Forum or Colosseum, its tiny, cobbled streets are chockablock with lively bars and cafes, artsy boutiques full of hip clothing, and galleries with artisanal products from all over Italy.

Popular for lunch is Trattoria Monti, a 30-year-old, family-run establishment that serves reasonably priced pasta specialties. Another of my favorites, established in the 1960s, is La Taverna, whose Italian specialties are served with a large selection of wines, all at excellent prices, to a tightly packed, talkative crowd of neighborhood regulars.

Accommodations

Hotel Hassler (www.hotelhasslerroma.com) Top-of-the line accommodation considered one of Europe’s best hotels.

Hotel Stendhal (www.hotelstendhalrome.com) Excellent mid-range hotel near most of Rome’s top attractions.

Casa di Santa Francesca Romana, (www.sfromana.it/english) Former home of a noble family, this charming hotel in Trastavere offers both good value and an excellent location.

Cultural Preservation The good news is that Rome is enjoying a new era of cultural pride and preservation. This has resulted in improved access to her attractions. The city’s museums are among the most elegantly designed in the world, and archaeological sites have become more attractive and user-friendly. For example, the Colosseum—the marquee of the city’s Imperial Age—has had part of its surviving outer wall cleaned, and a number of subterranean passageways, formerly used by gladiators and wild beasts, have been opened to the public. Additional efforts are underway to fully restore the facades as well as those of the Forum. Also, many of the historical sites around the city have extended their hours.

In the early second century A.D., Martial, the Latin poet from Hispania, exclaimed, “Goddess of continents and peoples, Oh Rome, whom nothing can equal or even approach!” Centuries later, in 1909, British poet Percy Bysshe Shelley penned in a letter: “All the miracles of ancient and modern art are contained in this majestic city… the impressions of Rome exceed anything I have ever experienced in my travels.”

Today, such enthusiasm shows little sign of waning.

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(clockwise from top left) The Forum; Michelangelo’s Pieta in the Vatican; Statuary in the Villa Borghese Gardens; The Swiss guards at the Vatican; The Colosseum; Statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the Piazza del Campidoglio.

History

Native Roots Synonymous with the holidays, we discover the Poinsettia plant’s name was born of local origins

By HARLAN GREENE

T

his season of the year, just as colors fade and more somber hues predominate, there will come a bright spot yet. It’s time for the ever present poinsettia to bloom and bring its drama and flair to our tables, gardens and steps. When it appears, it brings with it a bit of local color, too. For this non-

naturalist John Ellis named the sweet white flower after Garden as a tribute of respect, while Poinsett’s role in his namesake plant was much more active and direct.

Cosmopolitan by birth, education and upbringing, Poinsett spent the early part of his life in England where his

Joel Poinsett statue located in front of the Greenville County courthouse.

native flower which has become the most popular potted plant in the USA, is part of the lore of the Lowcountry, intricately linked to a native of Charleston, SC. That, of course, was Joel Roberts Poinsett, born March 2, 1778 to the Huguenot doctor Elisha Poinsett and his English wife Anne Roberts. Like Alexander Garden, the other Charlestonian destined to have a flower named for him, Poinsett was a man of rank and achievement. The great botanist and

education began, and in New England where it continued. He went abroad again as a young man, excelling in languages and spending a year in Medical School in Edinburgh, Scotland. Law came next, but it too failed to hold Poinsett’s attention. He spent the early years of the 19th century travelling and crossing paths and matching wits with such luminaries as Napoleon I andCzar Nicholas I of Russia.

Looming war with England sent Poinsett back to his November/ December 2011 | 77

Chile in 1814.

He was elected to the SC General Assembly in 1816, and in 1819, he became president of the State Board of Public Works, working diligently to develop an infrastructure of roads and canals to link all parts of the state. The grateful people of the Palmetto state sent him to Congress two years later, and in 1825, President James Monroe appointed Poinsett this country’s first ambassador to Mexico. Here he no doubt encountered the scarlet and green plant that was native there – 1825 is when he brought the first plants back home.

When Poinsett A portraiture of Joel Poinsett, oil on canvas – artist and date returned permanently of painting unknown. to the U.S. (at Mexico’s request – the government native land, where, failing to secure a objecting to, among other things, his military appointment, he was made trade trying to annex Texas for the US), envoy to South America. An intrepid the country was embroiled in the political and physical adventurer, Poinsett nullification controversy. Many crossed the Andes into Chile, after failing statesmen like John C. Calhoun to get Buenos Aires to break with Spain. were claiming states’ rights to It was there that he might have first seen disobey or “nullify” some federal the flowering plant with blazing red bracts laws – Poinsett was a staunch or modified leaves that the Aztecs called unionist.

Zuetlaxochiti and people of Chile called In 1837, Poinsett became the “Crown of the Andes.” Poinsett left Secretary of War, in which capacity he invigorated the army, raising standards and receiving credit and recognition as one of the century’s most important military reformers. His tenure, however, also saw a massive relocation of Indians from their native lands east of the Mississippi. In that same westward movement, he foresaw America’s destiny, encouraging the exploration of adventurers such as the great Pathfinder, John C. Fremont, a fellow southerner, who had also lived in Poinsett’s native Charleston.

Like General

Biography Marker of Poinsett, located in downtown Greenville.

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Washington retiring to agriculture after his service to country, so Poinsett spent the last decade of his life on his farm outside of Greenville, and at his wife’s plantation near Georgetown. They also maintained a town house on Rutledge Avenue, just north of Ashley Hall, in a lush sylvan setting called Poinsett Grove, taking up nearly the whole block of Rutledge, Morris, Smith and Radcliffe Streets.

Here the man of war and political intrigue settled down to peace, tending his garden, making inroads into natural, as well as political and cultural history.

He tried to wean the South from slavery, even as he was elected President of the institution that was the fore runner of the Smithsonian.

He died December 12, 1851 and was buried in Stateburg SC, too early to see the success of the plant he introduced to this country. Fittingly the flower that bears his name blooms in December, as if calling attention to his memory. And even more fittingly, December 12th is national poinsettia day, a red letter day in our countries and this season’s history.

Poinsettias in full bloom.

Tip: To make sure your poinsettia lasts, look for those little or no yellow pollen showing on the flower clusters amid the red bracts. These colorful leaves will fall off after the plant sheds its pollen.

Social Scene » Were You Seen?

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

ADVERTISERS INDEX

A great turnout for this year’s March of Dimes premier fundraiser, with top local chefs offering delectable samplings of their menu items. Silent and live auctions of some excellent prizes and trip packages, and full cocktail bar. All proceeds are used to help prevent birth defects and premature birth.

Photographs by Banner Photography.

Affordables.............................................34

Andrea Bell, Coldwell Banker................29

Angels & Rascals...................................25 Ann Worsham Richardson Art Gallery......8

Basil Thai Restaurant.............................66 Belladea..................................................25

Blush.....................................................19 CarolinaTravelLife.com........................20 Carriage Properties.................................24 Chai’s Lounge.........................................67 Charleston Children’s Boutique..............23

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Christopher Rose Architects..................11

Columbia City Ballet.............................38 Columbia Marathon...............................38 Columbia Women’s Show.......................34

Cork Neighborhood Bistro.....................73 Crave Kitchen & Cocktails....................73 Donnie Gamache Attorney at Law....IFC, 1

Embler’s Jewelers....................................25

Finicky Filly..............................................7 Folly Beach.............................................59 Freshfields Village...................................23 Grady Ervin & Co.................................19

Hall’s Chophouse...................................43

Harbor Specialties..................................35 Haute Hanger...........................................2

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4

Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union...IBC

Jack Thames Art Gallery........................36 Jan Snook, Carolina One Real Estate.......11

Justin Thomas, Carriage Properties..........35

Kitchen Table Cuisine............................71 M. Dumas & Sons....................................3

Make It Personal......................................8 Martin Gallery........................................17

Morgan Creek Grill...............................71 NauticalDécorHut.com............................5 Pandora..................................................10

Rachel Weber Photography......................8 Rapport..................................................10

Signature Kitchens & Baths.................BC

Spencer Art Gallery...............................33 Spivey Architects....................................29

The Trunk Show.....................................29 The Vault...................................................2

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1. Presenting sponsor Baker Motor Company. 2. Jay and Lee Bruner 3. Peggy Swails 4. Auctioneer Tom Crawfod 5. Bill Hall, Tommy Baker, and Larry Dodds November/ December 2011 | 79

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CCPRC

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Holiday Festival of Lights Drive through a 3-mile stretch of over one million illuminated twinkling lights and more than 600 light displays. Visit with Santa, roast marshmallows, take a tour on the festival train, stroll down the Enchanted Walking Trails. Discover the magic this season!

Exhibition on display at the James Island County Park from November 11 – January 1.

Visit www.ccprc.com for more information.

80 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

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