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Cup of Justice

Local attorney Eric Bland, the man who put Alec Murdaugh in jail for good

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CANTINA 76

22 Live Joyfully. Dream Fearlessly. Rita Patel and Marcus Munse, a husband-and-wife duo turned hotelier powerhouse, share a passion for preservation.

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Iinterviewed our cover star Eric Bland at his home on a rainy Saturday morning in May. We sat in the living room overlooking the choppy gray waters of Lake Murray with his wife of 35 years, Renee, and their two English bulldogs.

Like many of you, I became familiar with Eric’s work and persona through Mandy Matney’s Murdaugh Murders Podcast, but at the time of our interview it had been a while since I’d listened in. (I haven’t done much of anything except work since I took over as publisher if I’m being honest.) But I needed to brush up on the topic of Eric, so on the ride to his house that morning I listened to the most recent episode of his podcast, Cup of Justice. I was surprised to hear him talking about imposter syndrome and was ironically going through a bit of the same concerning our pending interview. It was a relief to hear him speak so vulnerably. That same thread of vulnerability continued throughout our interview, and I hope it translates in the resulting article, beginning on page 26.

I almost always write this letter at the end of the editorial process while I consider the finished product – as yet undelivered to the printer and still my pet, personal project for a few more hours. In reflection, I realize it’s the people we’ve covered that resonate deepest with me in this particular issue. Artist Kyle Brown Jr.’s brave humanitarianism (page 13), Rita Patel and Marcus Munse’s passion for preservation (page 22), Eric Bland’s appetite for justice, and the makers of the Virginia Blue Ridge. I traveled there, also in May, and had the privilege of spending time with some of the locals while learning about their passion projects. Read about my trip in our travel feature, starting on page 60.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this issue of Columbia Living happen and thank you for reading.

Katie Gantt, Publisher

P hoto by JENNIFER HAYWARD

A candid moment at Thornfield Farm, in the mountains of Virginia. Read about my trip in this issue.

staff picks

All Good Books

Independent booksellers from All Good Books in Five Points share their recommended reads to get you through these dog days of summer.

As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows

by Zoulfa Katouh

As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows follows Salama, a young pharmacy student whose life was turned around when the cries for freedom broke out in Syria in 2011. After losing her family to violence and imprisonment, she decides to volunteer at a hospital in Homs. She is desperately torn between finding a way out of her beloved country before her sister-in-law gives birth and remaining to heal the wounded. This inspiring story explores the brutality of war, the hope of revolution, and the pride in seeing one’s country grow and change.

—Review by Julie Hansard, bookseller, and barista

Humanely Possible

by Sarah Bakewell

A brilliant follow-up to At the Existentialist Café, former bookseller Sarah Bakewell’s Humanely Possible insightfully surveys seven-hundred years of intellectual history in an attempt to better define and defend the school of philosophy known as “humanism.” The book begins with Petrarch and Boccaccio circa 1330, then proceeds to give close critical readings of major literary works over the centuries all the way up to Franz Fanon and Arthur C. Clarke. If Bakewell’s lofty ambition at times might be biting off more than one book can chew, there is something deeply humane about watching her heroically wrestle to reckon with and reconcile ideas this disparate and this big.

—Review by Ben Adams, co-owner

Stargazing in War Zones

Artist Kyle Brown Jr. returns from a humanitarian aid mission to Ukraine.

By KRISTINE HARTVIGSEN

Small Things Like These

by Claire Keegan

In simple sentences, without ornament or flurry, Claire Keegan writes images of life in Ireland in her novel Small Things Like These

A man born out of wedlock, and raised by his dead mother’s employer, attains the life he dreamed of as a child without a family: a house, a wife, children, and a job, all snug and content in a small town. The church, of course, is a presence in the life of the town but hides secrets that no one wants to admit. He accidentally sees some of the hidden truth about the church and his own life, compelling him to unexpected and consequential action. It is a drama without drama that unfolds quietly and forcefully, bringing the reader face-to-face with dilemmas of morality and choice.

—Review by Raven McCrory, co-owner

Yellowface

by R.F. Kuang

Yellowface offers a pointed critique of how the book publishing industry celebrates and abuses the concept of diversity, wrapped in an excruciating story about very public plagiarizing accusations. The entry point is tension in the friendship and rivalry between two female writers, one white and one Asian American. A tragedy unfolds in the first chapter and then hangs over the entire narrative. Foundations of the story are familiar from various publishing and academic scandals over the past several years, most directly, the strange story of the remarkable short story, Cat Person, published in the New Yorker and later revealed to be a rendering about personal details of a relationship revealed to the author in confidence and without permission. It’s a thought-provoking if unsettling, tale.

—Review by Clint Wallace, co-owner

The stars of Orion appear the same whether viewed from Kyiv or Columbia. Artist Kyle Brown Jr. has gazed at his favorite constellation from both cities. But as he stepped outside to smoke a cigarette early one morning in Kyiv, he was reminded how war can obstruct the wonder and beauty of a night sky. “I looked up in the darkness and saw a flaming kamikaze drone fly overhead,” he recalls. It was a jarring moment and powerful reminder of the threats constantly around him.

Brown recently returned from seven months in Ukraine, the latest of numerous trips he has undertaken for the nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse. Such humanitarian aid missions have taken him to many places experiencing extreme hardship and conflict, from South Sudan to Rwanda.

“I have lots of stories,” he says. “I’m proud of the work that we are doing in Kyiv, distributing hundreds of tons of food, supplying wood-burning stoves to families, drilling wells for fresh water. In war zones, the needs of thousands of desperate refugees are the main focus.”

Over time, trauma takes its toll, and Brown recently decided to take a step back from humanitarian work, at least for now. As an artist with a poet’s sensitivity and a philosopher’s constitution, Brown internalized what he was witnessing.

“It was just so severe. I got to where I couldn’t keep going. I was weary. Every six months there was a new country, new adventure, new language, new food. It was fascinating. And it changed me forever.”

There has been a constant state of flux and tragedy in Ukraine for more than a year, yet the Ukrainian people remain steadfast and prepared to die for their freedom. Brown was inspired by their strength while simultaneously considering his own mortality. “There were kidnappings in Kyiv,” he said. “The Russians were taking people back to Russia. I have a son. There are so many hazards. I lost my nerve.”

The Chime of Cicadas

Brown is a Georgia native. Most of his family still lives there, and his grandparents were from Louisiana. He has always felt a connection with the South. After living in Washington, DC for a few years, he eventually landed in Columbia, a city he is growing to love. “I moved to South Carolina for the chance to come home to the Deep South. I missed the chime of the cicadas, the thunderstorms, the forests, and, of course, the good food.”

Art has always come naturally to Brown, who is self-taught. He began painting with watercolors and drawing with pencil when he was about eight years old. His son, Levi, is now 10 and shares that early interest in art as a student at Ashley River Creative Arts School in Charleston. “I would ask Levi about his day: ‘I worked in pastels today,’ he would say. ‘Me too,’ I would say. I think he has some ability. He is drawing animals in a way that is very creative. This summer, we will be doing art every day.”

Among his influences, Brown includes Josef Albers, Mark Rothko, Donald Sultan, and Andy Warhol. He works in several mediums, notably watercolors, pastels, oils, and silkscreen.

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caregivers

War Prayers

Kyle’s home studio in Columbia has ample natural light.

He also delves occasionally into threedimensional art, notably his vivid cobalt-andrust, acrylic-on-bone skull and antlers piece titled “Locust Deer.” He allows his creativity to come organically, with themes coming directly from his life yet pared down to their most basic elements.

“Minimalism is the goal. It’s always a challenge to encapsulate one’s experiences in art. So, I recall certain stories from my life and work to create something visually interesting in terms of contrast and color, along with finding a new way to create representational art,” Brown says. “Rothko, Albers, Sultan all found a way to represent common subjects in an abstract way. I would like to do the same for art in the South with subjects such as oysters or fish, sometimes paired with planets and constellations.”

Brown considers Warhol a true pioneer because of the photographic silkscreen printing techniques he introduced in the early 1960s. His boldly colored, repetitive images of celebrities and common household goods became recognizable around the world. “Warhol was the first to do some of these techniques,” he says. “I have not seen anyone do it better since then. He had a means of colorizing with this painterly effect that can really elevate the art of photography.”

Similarly, color is a powerful component of Brown’s art that requires him to make exclusive, intentional decisions. He admits to being particularly fond of blue. “You can’t do nine colors in a silkscreen print. You have to make decisions that reduce the colors. You typically have just two or three.” For a couple of years, fish were Brown’s primary subject with screen printing. While he still does screen printing, he is more recently enjoying watercolors and pastels. He is also working on some abstract pieces. “Abstract is extremely difficult,” he says. “It’s pure creative work. You don’t even know when you are done. That is a judgment call for the artist. It’s fun.”

In everything, one of Brown’s objectives is storytelling. Trauma, pain, heartbreak, and grief, he says, all have matured him. Now he is exploring exactly what he wants to say. It should be

meaningful and informative. “You start to realize as an artist that most of your art will outlive you. What do you want your actual legacy to be?”

The thread connecting Brown’s art across the continuum is an allegiance to nature and the ocean as well as to species, planets, and the celestial universe. “In everything I do, I end up going back to nature. I love outer space. I feel incredibly privileged to lay eyes on galaxies and planets and moons. I love astronomy,” he explains. Accordingly, Brown has created a series of favorite works with celestially inspired titles, such as “Catfish Over Neptune,” “Double Jupiter,” “Oyster Moon,” and “Figs Under Cassiopeia.”

Roses in Kyiv

Even in wartime Kyiv, Brown was stunned to find a community intent on achieving as much normalcy as possible. While there, he found an art supply store that was open, so he purchased some watercolors. “I was noticing that Ukraine is so big on flowers,” he says. “They are quite inexpensive by our standards. There are hundreds of flower vendors on the streets. The refugees are back in the city. They are living there despite the dangers. So, I made some paintings.”

Locust Deer

Oyster Moon

Sunfish no.1

To learn more about Kyle Brown Jr. and his art, visit www.kylebrownjr.com

Private School Guide

Area private schools offer exemplary educational opportunities for children of all age ranges

Hammond School

803-776-0295

Hammondschool.org

At Hammond, staff help students prepare for what’s next by encouraging their curiosity, developing empathy and a global outlook, and building the confidence they need to lead the next generation. They have a 9:1 student teacher ratio, 30+ extracurricular clubs and organizations, 100% college acceptance rate, 1,000 students in PK-12th grade, and have awarded over $1.5 million to families qualifying for financial aid. The average SAT score of the Class of 2022 was 1262 and there are over 14 countries represented in their student body.

Ben Lippen School

803-807-4000

Benlippen.com

With three campuses in Columbia, Ben Lippen is an accredited, college prep, private Christian school serving students from pre-K3 through 12th grade. They equip students to pursue excellence in academics, arts, athletics, and their spiritual life. They believe that educating the whole child prepares graduates for college and beyond. Core subjects include Bible, language arts, writing, math, science, and social studies. With class sizes ranging from 12-20 students, each child is recognized for his or her unique strengths, talents, and interests.

A More Confident You Starts Here

Cardinal Newman

803-782-2814

Cnhs.org

Cardinal Newman School is a Catholic middle and high school whose mission is to provide an academically rigorous Christian education to young men and women from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. They challenge their students to embrace truth, pursue academic excellence, act with integrity, lead courageously, work for justice, and engage in generous service. Life outside the classroom is full of activities, events, and programs designed to allow each student to explore and develop their individual talents.

Heathwood Hall

803-765-2309

Heathwood.org

Heathwood Hall is an independent Episcopal school that inspires and empowers students to unlock their potential, develop their character, and gain the confidence to transform a dynamic world. They offer early morning and afternoon activities that match the rhythms of the workday, from 7am to 7pm. Their summer camps offer thematic play and learning for all ages, all summer long. Competitive team sports allow students to learn teamwork and communication skills that serve them well throughout their lives.

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- Real Patient Testimonial Dr. Mariangela Rivera, M.D., F.A.C.S. Board-Certified General Surgeon

Grace Christian School

803-794-8996

Gracelions.com

Grace Christian School is committed to providing the highest quality academic program that is solidly built on the foundation of Biblical truth. From their early learning center to their high school seniors, they strive for academic excellence through teaching that is time-tested, engaging, and intentional. Grace Christian School exceeds the national average on yearly achievement testing in grades K5-12. Their high school students exceed state and national averages on the ACT and Sat and their students who pursue a college education are accepted to a wide variety of colleges and universities.

Northside Christian Academy

803-520-5656

Northsidechristianacademy.org

At Northside Christian Academy, the administration and staff aim to provide Christ-like love, promote a Biblical worldview, pursue excellence in education, and partner with their families. In addition to core subjects, Northside Christian offers a broad range of electives and athletics to enhance individual interests. They have a preschool, lower school, middle school, and high school as well as two campuses –one in Lexington and one in West Columbia.

Little Sponges

Preschool is the first introduction to a lifetime of learning, a journey that should start off on the right foot. At Chesterbrook Academy, preschool combines learning experiences and structured play in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment – offering far more than just childcare. Their focus is making sure each child is happy, thriving, and ready for what comes next. Their teachers are enthusiastic about developing lifelong learners and have the sensitivity and knowledge to understand a child’s individual developmental needs. They take the time to help each child discover, in their own way, a fascinating world of play and learning. Whether building a tower in the construction center, playing make-

believe with friends, or conducting a science experience, the children have so much fun they don’t even realize they’re developing important skills.

Their preschool is designed to support diversity, inclusion, and belonging, which results in a community of learners where children feel emotionally and physically safe. Classrooms are supplied with a range of materials to provoke children’s questions, ideas, and attitudes about their own identities and about differences and similarities among others.

At Chesterbrook, the staff considers parents to be their partners and they place a premium on two-way communication. They make sure you know what skills your child is working

on, how they’re progressing, and what they are loving most – even whether they ate all their lunch.

Chesterbrook also provides fun and enriching before and afterschool programs. Activities include sports and fitness, technology, art, music, drama, dance, and much more.

Their summer camp programs offer children a great balance of exploring, discovering, making friends, and learning new skills. Summer camp programs include sports and games, swimming, field trips, arts and crafts, science and nature, and more.

To schedule a tour or learn more today call 803-721-23395 or visit them on the web at chesterbrookacademy.com

Chesterbrook Academy has been serving families in the heart of Columbia since 1995.

At Chesterbrook Academy, the fun lasts all year long.

Live Joyfully. Dream Fearlessly.

Hotel Trundle, an awardwinning boutique hotel, has brought color and charm to Columbia’s Main Street District since 2018. The 41-room hotel is housed inside three historic buildings that are combined to create one incredible retreat within convenient walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops, and other downtown attractions. The buildings were lovingly restored by owners Rita Patel and Marcus Munse, a husband-and-wife duo turned hotelier powerhouse. With backgrounds in architecture and a shared passion for preservation, the couple is the perfect team to manage this incredible downtown space.

While studying architecture at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, Rita and Marcus dreamed of moving to New York City to put their talents to use designing massive buildings that would tower above the city’s skyline. This dream came to a crashing halt with the recession of 2008 that resulted in

By MEREDITH HAWCROFT

job loss and much stress for the recent grads. They were resilient and flexible, however, and developed an alternate plan. Rita’s parents, who had been in the hotel business for over 40 years, were developing a property in West Columbia and needed to find reliable staff. The couple relocated, and Marcus began working for the hotel’s maintenance team while Rita worked at the front desk. Over the next few years, they made countless sacrifices and worked several jobs at a time just to make ends meet.

Although happy, they knew there was something else out there that would suit them better. They pondered a range of options; Marcus even seriously contemplated going to medical school. After having their first son in 2014, however, Rita felt inspired to remain in the family business for the flexibility it offered. By that time, Marcus had moved from maintenance and was now the hotel’s manager. That was a branded hotel, though, and the partners decided

they wanted to do something more unique that would allow them to fully curate a guest experience where every visitor felt special and valued.

In 2016, an opportunity presented itself that allowed Rita and Marcus to branch into hotel ownership. By then, they had both fallen in love with the city of Columbia and wanted to remain in the area. Property became available for lease at 1224 Taylor Street, and they jumped at the prime location. This property would soon become Hotel Trundle. They fondly call it their “unicorn opportunity.” Rita recalls, “This really was our unicorn opportunity. Timing, location, finances, and everything else lined up perfectly. We took a big leap of faith to develop this hotel, but it was meant to be.” The unicorn is so symbolic that the couple incorporated it into the logo and visual branding for Hotel Trundle along with the slogan Live Joyfully. Dream Fearlessly.

Now, several years later, this story feels like a distant history as one looks

» Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario Canada (Rita); Pittsburgh, PA (Marcus)

» Community Service: Serves on several boards within the community including Benedict College Women’s Business Center, PRISMA Health Children’s Hospital, and The Main Street District (Rita)

» Hobbies: Practicing henna art, water coloring, traveling and reading epic fantasy romance novels (Rita); Model train building, carpentry and woodworking, golf, grilling, NFL Football (Marcus)

» Favorite Books: Harry Potter Goblet of Fire, Atlas of the Heart, A Court of Thorn and Roses (Rita); Anything electric car related (Marcus)

» Awards and Honors: Columbia Business Report Woman of Influence, 2019, former Mayor Steve Benjamin dubbed October 5th as “Hotel Trundle Day,” voted Best Boutique Hotel and Best Historic Hotel by the USA Today 10 Best List in 2021 and 2022

Rita Patel and Marcus Munse, a husband-and-wife duo turned hotelier powerhouse, share a passion for preservation.

RITA PATEL & MARCUS MUNSE

around the meticulously restored space that is Hotel Trundle. Marcus and Rita’s architectural background and focus on preservation allowed them to capture the beauty of a bygone era. Their attention to detail with the physical space as well as with the overall guest experience made the hotel an instant success and a crucial part of the downtown Columbia landscape. Despite this success, Marcus and Rita have growth mindsets and entrepreneurial spirits that are constantly leading them to ask, “What next?” This inspired the addition of two offsite offerings called Flutter Wing and The Dens – both maintain the joyful, magical spirit that sets Hotel Trundle apart.

Flutter Wing is adjacent to the flagship hotel on the second floor of a historic, two-story building and features a stylish 540-square-foot private outdoor patio and five hotel-style guest rooms, one of which will be a spacious suite,

ideal for brides and VIP guests. The suite features a separate vanity area with lighting designed specifically for makeup application and hairstyling.

The Dens are short-term rental spaces located less than one mile away from the flagship. Rita and Marcus are currently renovating two duplexes in historic Cottontown, which will feature four apartment-style lodging spaces. The four Dens are named after terms of endearment for their two sons, ages 6 and 8 — The Cutie Pie, The Honey Bee, The Sweet Boy, and The Sugar Baby.

These projects are quickly nearing completion, and reservations will soon be available. Check Hotel Trundle’s website for the most up-to-date information. In the meantime, consider booking a stay at the flagship location where Rita and Marcus would be happy to welcome you for a magical staycation.

Marcus and Rita exchange vows

Hotel Trundle Lobby

Hotel Trundle Lobby

The family on a recent trip to Joshua Tree

Cup JUSTICE of

Local attorney Eric Bland, the man who put Alec Murdaugh in jail for good

BY KATIE GANTT

PHOTOS BY SEAN RAYFORD AND ABBY MURPHY

Despite his bulldog courtroom demeanor, bodybuilder stature, and meteoric rise to the national spotlight, attorney Eric Bland can be surprisingly humble, even vulnerable. The man who brought Alec Murdaugh to justice for numerous financial crimes, says he, like so many of us, suffers from a touch of imposter’s syndrome. “My insecurity is that when I look in the mirror, I don’t see a big guy, I still see the skinny ninth grader that got bullied,” he said. “I’ve always felt like somebody was going to come up to me and say, ‘The gig is up. The joke is on you.’”

Today Eric is one of the most famous attorneys in the world with hundreds of national television interviews to his name. He made an appearance on Nancy Grace the day of our interview from a setup in his home office, where he also records for Mandy Matney’s Murdaugh Murders Podcast (MPP) and Cup of Justice, his podcast that began as bonus episodes to MPP and launched as its own show in January of this year.

In addition to television appearances, Eric has been mentioned in more than 7,500 newspaper articles since his involvement in various cases against defamed and

disbarred Hampton County attorney, Alec Murdaugh. But his star was on the rise well before the Murdaugh trials made him a household name.

Early Life

Eric grew up in Philadelphia as the youngest of three brothers. His father, a salesman, commuted two and a half hours by car to New York City each day. “My father woke up at 3:30 every morning and went to work for a boss who was extremely abusive,” Eric said. “I saw his face. He looked so beat down. It taught me that as a father you have to be willing to sacrifice for your family and that when I got older, I was going to work for myself. I was going to control my destiny.”

The family relocated to South Carolina when Eric was sixteen. By then he had discovered a new hobby: weightlifting. As a 98-pound ninth grader, Eric was an easy target for school bullies. One boy was particularly malicious. “He pushed me into the bathroom wall and threw pennies under my chair because I was Jewish.” (Eric’s grandparents changed their last name from Bladstein to Bland in the 1950s to avoid discrimination.) A friend

saw what was happening and suggested Eric start working out so he could defend himself. It marked a major turning point in his life. “The discipline of weightlifting transformed me and that’s when I started getting serious about my life,” he said. The bullies faded away and his focus improved, leading to better academic performance. By the time he graduated second in his class from The University of Tampa, he weighed in at 225 pounds, much of it muscle. He remains a dedicated bodybuilder, though, at the time of our interview, he was down 25 pounds due to a recent knee replacement. The recovery process has been particularly difficult, and Renee has been his rock.

At the University of South Carolina (USC) School of Law, Eric felt he stood out like a sore thumb. “Everyone was in bow ties and khakis, and I would walk in sweaty from the gym wearing a muscle tank.” After a lackluster performance in class during his first semester, a professor announced, “Mr. Bland, it looks like you’re spending more time in the gym than you are in law school.” Eric feared he was getting outed as a fraud, but instead of giving up he buckled down and finished his first year in the top 10% of his class. “I thought I would never sustain it,” he said. But he did and graduated three years later still in the top 10%. The biggest law firm in Philly hired him right out of school at a salary that he equates to approximately $250,000 today. Eric was elated.

“I got the news on a Friday and a friend of mine and I decided to go to synagogue that night. When we got out, we went to Pug’s in Five Points and saw these two gorgeous brunettes at the bar.” One of the girls was Renee, in her senior year at the USC School of Business. “She wasn’t too interested but I was tenacious,” he said. “I told her that by the end of the night, I was going to have her phone number and I did.” The following Tuesday they went on their first date and sparks flew. “We were smitten,” Eric said. They married the next November, one year after meeting. This year they celebrate 35 years of marriage and have two grown children, Davis and Sydney.

Early Career

Corporate law in Philly didn’t turn out to be the dream come true Eric had imagined, and after a couple of years, he and Renee moved

back to South Carolina. Her parents loaned him the money to open a practice and he landed a couple of big initial clients. It gave him “the card of legitimacy” he needed at the time.

In 1994 he got a call from a lawyer in Charleston who asked if he would be willing to sue another lawyer.

“I said yes. I was hurting for work at the time. He said, ‘Are you sure? In South Carolina lawyers don’t sue other lawyers.’ I said, ‘Well they do all the time in Philadelphia. I mean, what gives a lawyer any special license to not be sued? Lawyers sue doctors, accountants, what gives them the right to think they can’t be sued?’” The lawyer being sued had taken about $100,000 from a client and Eric recovered every bit of it. “I started to take a liking to legal malpractice.” It was around this time that he developed a relationship with current law partner Ronnie Richter. He describes their dynamic as, “salt and pepper.”

“Too much of Ronnie is a bad thing and too much of Eric is a bad thing, but together we really have something,” he said. “Ronnie is a Southern gentleman. He’s soft-spoken and he cuts you a thousand times with a razor blade and you don’t feel it. But when you get up to walk away you don’t have a drop of blood left in your body. I take a sledgehammer to your face.” They formed their firm, Bland and Richter, and went about making a name for themselves over the next 15-20 years.

A Rising Star

In 2011 Eric began representing professional wrestler Rick Flair and negotiated his last contract directly with Vince McMahon. He represented archaeologist and author Lee Spence in a lawsuit over who had the right to claim discovery of the Hunley. Spence won. Zachary Hammond, an unarmed 19-yearold was shot and killed by a police officer in a Hardees parking lot circa 2015. Eric represented the family in a civil suit against the city of Seneca, South Carolina which settled for $2.15 million. His national star began to rise with the Hammond case. “We started getting a lot of major cases then, especially those with any level of publicity to them.” Which leads us to Alec Murdaugh.

Eric and his law partner Ronnie Richter

The new Bland and Richter office located on Main Street in Lexington

Eric and Renee celebrate 35 years of marriage this November

Hampton County

“Their law firm, Peters Murdaugh Parker Elzroth and Detrick (PMPED) was like a phantom. You knew you couldn’t go into Hampton County because they owned it. They got these monster jury verdicts. $25 million. $50 million. If you were sued in Hampton County, you settled because they had the case.” Eric still sounds astonished when describing the air of mystery surrounding PMPED before the Murdaugh scandal.

“We never saw them around the state! You never saw them at roster meetings in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville. They stayed in Hampton County where they were making a king’s ransom.”

The Murdaughs

On February 23, 2019, an intoxicated Paul Murdaugh crashed his family’s boat, killing passenger Mallory Beach. On June 7, 2021, Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were shot and killed.

On September 8, 2021, Mark Tinsley, the attorney representing Mallory Beach’s family in a civil suit against Alec, called Eric with a tip. Family members of late Murdaugh housekeeper Gloria Satterfield suspected $500,000 of insurance money had been stolen from them by Alec.

Most of you know the story by now. Gloria was allegedly tripped by the Murdaugh’s dog, fell down the stairs, went into a coma, and died three weeks later. Alec approached her sons at their mother’s funeral and told them to go to attorney Cory Fleming to bring a claim against him (Alec) to recover enough money to pay for Gloria’s extensive medical bills. The family would receive whatever money was left over. When the Satterfield family saw an article in the newspaper stating a $500,000 settlement had been reached, they had not received any notice of the settlement, nor any money.

Eric took the case and quickly realized there was much more than $500,000 at stake. “Everyone is talking about the murders but I’m trying to bring attention to the Satterfield case,” he said. “So, I get on television and beg SLED to listen.” It worked. He was able to show SLED officers that in addition to the original $505,000, there was an umbrella policy that settled for $3.8 million. “The very next day, Chief Robert Keel announced SLED was opening a criminal investigation not only into the death of Gloria Satterfield but into the theft of the settlement money,” Eric said. Not long after, Alec was indicted.

Alec Goes to Prison

At the time of his arrest on the Satterfield charges, Alec was out on bond for the botched assisted suicide

scheme involving Curtis “Eddie” Smith. Eric remembers the Satterfield bond hearing as one of the most important moments of his career. There were 200 cameras in the courtroom that day. Attorney General Clayton Waters requested a $200,000 bond. Murdaugh’s defense wanted $50,000 - $100,000. Eric had other plans.

“I get up on behalf of the victims to make my statement and I’ll never forget how I felt. I have a lot of confidence, but underneath there is always this questioning. Do I belong? When am I going to [explective] all over myself? Here I am in front of 200 cameras beaming all over the world. What if I get up and I can’t talk?” Instead, he did something that shocked the world. He sent Alec Murdaugh back to prison, and this time for good.

“I said to Judge Newman, ‘The world is watching to see what we are going to do in this courtroom. Are you going to give a bond that is commensurate with a lawyer who has polluted our profession, put a blight on our state, and made us a laughingstock? Or are you going to send a message? Are you going to make Alec Murdaugh drink from the same cup of justice as every other thief and liar who has come before you?”’ Eric asked for no bond. Ronnie asked for $4.3 million, the same amount that Alec stole from the Satterfield family. “Damn if the judge didn’t say ‘No bond.’ He denied Alec bond and he hasn’t been out of jail since that day.”

By Christmas Eric had settled close to $7 million for the Satterfield family, much more than they would have been entitled to from the original insurance settlement. In the spring of 2022, he got Alec disbarred.

“My clients wanted four things. They wanted to find out what happened. And we did. He stole $4.3 million. They wanted to make sure that Alec was held accountable. He was. He was disbarred and criminally charged. They wanted to recover the money that they were entitled to. We recovered twice as much, and I’m not done yet. And number four, they wanted an apology from Alec. My clients are extremely good, Christian people. They don’t believe in retribution or holding grudges. They’ve forgiven Alec, but they wanted him to apologize, and he did through Dick Harpootlian at one of the bond hearings.”

A Silver Lining

Gloria Satterfield loved Christmas but never had the money to buy the kind of gifts she wanted for her children and loved ones. The Satterfield family and Bland and Richter started a self-sustaining foundation, Gloria’s Gift, in her honor. Through the foundation, underprivileged children in Hampton County receive Christmas gifts every year. “That’s one of the good things that has come from all this,” Eric said.

Eric’s Theory

“We are always looking for a rational reason why somebody did something, but motive is not an element of murder. People do irrational things for irrational reasons, but everybody wants to know why,” Eric said.

His theory about Alec’s motive for killing his wife and son aligns closely with that of the state presented by Creighton Waters. “On the morning of the murders, Alec was confronted by the CFO of his firm about stealing money from them. A month before the murders he had gotten a loan from the bank and pledged the Edisto Beach house. The only problem there was that the house belonged to Maggie. The bank came to Alec and Alec came to Maggie and said, ‘You have to sign to pledge the house.’ Guess what Maggie says? She says ‘No.’ But the bank had already advanced $750,000 without a document signed, so now he’s under that pressure.

“Don’t forget Paul is now charged with DUI felony homicide. He had to pay $500,000 to Dick and Jim for that defense. So, he’s under that pressure, plus he’s worried about his kid. By the way, if Paul was never shot and killed, he would have done 15-20 years. Alec knew that Paul wasn’t going to make it in the big house. Plus, Mark Tinsley is suing him in the Mallory Beach civil suit.

“The state argued that these pressures caused him

to kill Maggie and Paul that night. Maybe he thought this bought him time, or maybe he thought he was doing Paul a favor. I think Paul smarted off at Alec that night, a verbal altercation ensued, and Alec snapped.”

The Next Chapter

At 61 years old, Eric is in what he calls the fourth quarter of his career. “I thought things would be slowing down by now,” he said. But he’s not complaining. Bland and Richter closed their Columbia office and relocated to Main Street, Lexington in a swanky new space located next to Alodia’s, in front of the Icehouse Amphitheater. Their Charleston office is run by Ronnie. The first episode of his podcast, Cup of Justice, hit number one in the world for true crime and has consistently been in the top 70 since its debut. In what he calls “the highlight of his career,” his hometown paper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, published a front-page story about him. Hulu is doing a movie on the Murdaugh trials and if Eric had his way, he would be played by Andy Garcia.

“Here I am an outsider my whole life. Not feeling I belong. Waiting for somebody to say, ‘The gig is up.’ And here is how it all turned out. Here I am.” He hopes his story will inspire others to face their fears, even use them as fuel, to pursue their full potential.

Eric and Renee at their Lake Murray

Traditionally Surprising

Old Woodlands is an historic gem of a neighborhood near the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson, Hammond School and the VA. It’s also where Liz Brewer grew up and maintains friendships even now.

By KATHERINE PETTIT » Photos JAY BROWNE

It was the basement that sealed the deal for Ryan Brewer. As an Ohio boy, full basements were plentiful, and he loved them. Not so easy to find in Columbia.

His wife, Liz, knew the neighborhood well, including the creek behind the traditional house for sale. She had played in that ribbon of water as a child. After they bought the property, she realized that, in winter, she could see her friend’s house just across the creek. It

was where she wanted to be.

Liz and Ryan Brewer met at the University of South Carolina. He was a football star whose arrival in Columbia from his home state was met with unbridled enthusiasm. She was a Southern girl and volleyball player who always dreamed of playing at the university. Other than geography, they had a lot in common. How did she know he was the one?

“I prayed about it. I knew God had

found the perfect match for me in Ryan,” she said. “We were first and foremost best friends, and we truly enjoy one another’s company even now. We love to make each other laugh, and we’re completely content just being together. He is still the one.” After graduation, Ryan played for a time in the NFL European League, first for the Dusseldorf Rhein Fire and then for the Berlin Thunder. Eventually he returned to the states, popped the question, and they married in 2005.

After living in several homes around Columbia and raising two girls, now 16 and 14, plus growing a business, Ryan Brewer Fence, they began to look for a forever home.

The house they found was just two streets from where they were living. It had the important qualities (location, location, location) but needed a fair amount of work. That didn’t frighten them because the elements that mattered were good. Everything didn’t have to be renovated at once, but they needed help.

First, Liz found interior designer Frances Kinloch Still of Kinloch Interiors in Greenville. She helped with many of the original design renovations. Then, Liz found a designer local to Columbia, Aston Moody, of Aston Moody Interiors, who shared her style -- traditional with a twist. Knowing this would be a large renovation, Aston led the couple to Phase One, which specializes in architectural design and planning, and their sister company Azalea Building Group.

“I saw Aston’s work on a friend’s back porch and her style – funky, wild and fresh – meshed perfectly with mine,” Liz said. “Then, we found Phase One and cofounders Pam and CJ were amazing with their constant updates and check-ins. Jon

Crane, the senior project superintendent of Azalea Group, was a dream to work with.” The vision began to take shape.

Approaching the house, the look is traditional brick, with fig ivy climbing everywhere, most intriguingly on the risers of the front steps. The porch looks original, but it was added. “When the girls were younger, it was a great place to sit and watch them play as neighbors walked by and stopped to chat,” Liz shared.

Entering the front door, the traditional feel is maintained, for a minute. To the right are two smaller rooms that connect seamlessly. The front room is a sitting area, with some of the family’s treasures displayed in cabinets. Ryan’s key to the city of Troy is near her grandfather’s clock and his grandfather’s chair. Every piece has a story: a blend of heirlooms, gifts, mementos, and pops of color.

Through the opening is the den, with additional comfortable seating, a large tv and two green chairs with paintings from Harrison Blackford and Jim Lalumondier. The area is open to what is undeniably the focal point of the room, a vibrant green wet bar which looks like a massive piece of furniture. It was created

The vibrant wet bar is the undeniable focus of the main floor. While it looks like a fabulous piece of furniture, it was created with cabinetry, tile, shelving, and a whole lot of flare.

It’s a cozy gathering space with pops of green throughout, anchored by Harrison Blackford’s painting

for that space with cabinetry, an amazing black and gold tile backsplash, stainless steel under mount prep sink in matte gold, and shelving. It’s always ready for a party.

Aston worried that the bar would be out of Liz and Ryan’s comfort zone, but they were game for a bold statement. The original dining room has been transformed into a large kitchen with an island surface of Calcutta Trevi quartz and two rich golden pendant lights which bathe the island in a soft glow.

Green bar stools make you smile.

“It was Ryan’s idea to transform the dining room into an expanded kitchen, and the result is perfect,” said Liz. “I love my Kucht gas range – two ovens, eight eyes, and a griddle. I cook almost every night and even clean-up is more fun with my wonderful Signature Hardware sink.” It’s no wonder. The 36-inch matte gold farmhouse sink has a curved apron and is positively sculptural.

It took forever to find the hood over the range that matched Liz and Aston’s vision. The Hoodsley black and gold hood ties colors and finishes together and is a statement piece.

Along the side wall is the walk-in pantry, concealed by pocket doors when desired and easily accessible when needed. The walls are wallpapered in a rich green with black panthers, and Sherwin Williams Black Tricorn painted

shelving makes the contents pop. Funky, wild and fresh.

Just down the hall is the laundry room, painted in vibrant Sherwin Williams Dignity Blue. An energetic vibe sure to make the mundane laundry chore a bit more fun! “This was the entry from the garage into the kitchen,” said Liz. Across the hall is the halfbath, another favorite room, with striking wallpaper and Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik painted trim. It’s as cozy as can be, with two special paintings on the wall.

Stairs lead up to the FROG, the girls’ domain with a desk for Mom. Another favorite of the family, the walls on either side of the stairs are covered in artwork, mostly created by the girls. In the middle of one wall is a piece reminiscent of Andy Warhol.

It’s a self-portrait by Liz, recently discovered in a pile of artwork at Hammond and created during her years at the school. Built-in desks are used for homework; one of Taylor Swift’s guitars adorns the cabinet under the tv. “Ryan bought it at auction,” Liz said, laughing. When they entertain, and depending on the weather, tables are positioned indoors or out, and nobody misses the dining room at all. Not for a minute.

Next to the wet bar are French doors which open onto a covered porch with comfortable

The original dining room morphed into a large kitchen with designer elements and a painting by Charleston-based artist Jenny Blount.

Not your ordinary kitchen sink, this 36-inch farmhouse sink in matte gold makes even washing dishes a bit more glamorous.

Who knew? A welldesigned pantry can make canisters and cans become works of art.

Diesel is the elder statesman in the Brewer family, while youngster Troy adds youthful exuberance.

One of Liz’s favorite rooms, the half bath off the kitchen is perfect for guests, with striking wallpaper and artwork.

seating and a large tv for sports viewing. It’s also home to Ryan’s favorite grill, a Blackstone, which he uses as often as possible.

Back inside, the stairwell leading to the family bedrooms is open to the kitchen, another renovation which expands the space. Upstairs, the main bedroom and bath are on one side, and the two bedrooms and bath for the girls are opposite the stairwell. Bathroom updates are planned,when the time is right.

Stairs leading down from the main floor access Ryan’s coveted man cave, with perhaps the largest television of all.

The walls are covered with gamecock memorabilia – jerseys (her volleyball, his football), trophies, and gamecocks galore. On football Saturdays, it’s filled with family and friends.

The guest bedroom and bathroom offer privacy – at least when it’s not game day. The door leads to the ground level porch, more grills, outdoor fireplace, beautifully landscaped grounds around the pool and patio, and a small basketball court. Eventually Ryan plans to add a

pickleball court (they love to play with friends) and possibly, a small putting green. Diesel, their four-year old Great Dane, loves the back yard. The new baby Dane, Troy (named after Ryan’s hometown), prefers his bed upstairs in the den when he’s not following the family around.

“When we bought this house in 2009, Ryan and I knew it needed love and still does in some areas, but we have slowly made this house ours, one area at a time,” Liz said. “I had a vision of what it could be, but that vision needed cash flow and time, plus the inspiration and expertise of two designers who helped so much, first Frances and then Aston. They invited us to dream big and then worked with every element that would make it so. And finally, everyone at Phase One who took their amazing way of doing business and helped us create a home which is perfect for our family and the friends who love it as much as we do.”

The primary bedroom is yet to be renovated, but the bedroom is a comfortable retreat when the day is done.

Ryan’s man cave where his gamecock memorabilia adorns the walls.

The custom pool from Clearwater Pool Company is a focal point for the run.

BEST OF 20 23

Your Annual Best of Columbia Living Awards

Each year, readers of Columbia Living Magazine vote for the best local businesses and services in a variety of categories from dining, to medical, to retail, and more. Flip the page to see this year’s winners in over 130 categories. Did your favorites get the vote?

Folami Geter, owner of Peace of Soul, winner in the category of Best Vegetarian/Vegan Options.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Best Appetizers: Boku Kitchen and Saloon

Best Authentic American: Tombo Grille

Best Authentic Caribbean: Legacy Caribbean Bar & Grill

Best Authentic Asian: Duke’s Pad Thai

Best Authentic Italian: Di Vino Rosso

Best Authentic Mexican: Real Mexico

Best Bakery: Tiffany’s Eats & Sweets

Best Bar: The Aristocrat

Best Barbeque: Little Pigs

Best Breakfast Spot: The Original Pancake House

Best Brunch: Breakfast at Ruiz

Best Burgers: Higher Ground

Best Candy/Chocolate

Shop:

Mast General

Best Caterer: Spotted Salamander

Best Chef: Kristian Niemi

Best Club or Nightspot: The Woody on Main

Best Cocktail Selection: Savage Craft

Best Coffeehouse: Drip

Best Craft Brewer: Columbia Craft

Best Desserts: Kaminsky’s

Best Family Restaurant: D’s Wings

Best Fine Dining: Ruth’s Chris

Best Happy Hour: Bourbon

Best Healthy Fare: Good Life Café

Best Ice Cream: Sweet Cream Co.

Best Late-Night Menu: The Grand

Best Liquor Store: Green’s Beverages

Best Lunch Spot: The Gourmet Shop

Best New Restaurant: Poogan’s Southern Kitchen

Best Organic Food: Rosewood Market

Best Outdoor Dining: Market on Main

Best Pizza: Za’s on Devine

Best Pub/Tavern: Thirsty Fellow

Best Raw Bar: Pearlz

Best Romantic Atmosphere: Al’s Upstairs

Best Salads: California Dreaming

Best Seafood: Blue Marlin

Best Seafood Market: Clifton Seafood

Best Service: Lula Drake Wine Parlor

Best Specialty Drink: Smoked

Best Steakhouse: Hall’s Chophouse

Best Sushi: Takosushi

Best Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Peace of Soul

Best Waterfront Dining: Liberty on the Lake

Best Wine List: Lula Drake Wine Parlor

Best Wine Store: Total Wine & More

Ruth’s Chris wins Best Fine Dining

The signature cocktail at Smoked.

Congratulations to Pearlz for winning Best Raw Bar.

The extensive bar at Lula Drake Wine Parlor, winner of Best Service and Best Wine List.

Congratulations to Poogan’s Southern Kitchen, winner of Best New Restaurant.

RETAIL / SERVICE

Best Allergist: Palmetto ENT & Allergy

Best Apartment Complex: Advenir at One Eleven

Best Appliance Store: Jeffers McGill Appliance & Furniture

Best Architect: Phase One Design

Best Art Gallery: City Art

Best Assisted Living: Lutheran Homes

Best Attorney: Strom Law Firm

Best Audiologist: Carolina Hearing Associates

Best Bank: First Citizens

Best Barre Studio: Barre3

Best Bicycle Shop: Outspokin’ Bicycles

Best Blinds/Window Treatments: Palmetto Blinds & Shutters

Best Boat Dealer: Doss Marine

Best Bowling Alley: The Grand

Best Bridal Boutique: New York Bride & Groom

Best Car Dealership: BMW of Columbia

Best Chiropractor: Flex Chiropractic of Columbia

Best Consignment Clothing: Roundabouts Consignments

Best Consignment Furniture: The Warehouse

Best Credit Union: Palmetto Citizens FCU

Best Day Care Facility: Chesterbrook Academy

Best Day Spa: OCCO Luxury Spa

Best Dentist-Adult: Devine Dentistry

Best Dentist/Orthodontist –Pediatrics: Palmetto Smiles

Best Dermatology: Carolinas Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Best Dive Shop: Scuba Johns Dive Shop

Best Early Development Specialist: Beyond EI

Best Exercise Facility: Chosen Uno Training

Best Eye Care/Vision Center: Columbia Eye Clinic

Best Financial Advisor: Abacus Planning Group

Best Fish/Tackle Shop: Barron’s Outfitters

Best Flooring Company: Floor Boys

Best Florist: Blossom Shop

Best Frame Shop: The Frame Shop

Best Funeral Home: Thompson Funeral Home

Best Furniture Store: Ethan Allen

Best Garden Center: Wingard’s Market

Best Gift Store: Uptown Gifts on Main

Best Clothing, Kids: Duck Duck Goose

Best Clothing, Men: Craig Reagin Clothiers

Best Clothing, Women:

Monkee’s of Columbia

Advenir at One Eleven wins Best Apartment Complex.

Congratulations to Chesterbrook Academy for winning Best Daycare Facility.

Winegard’s Market wins Best Garden Center.

Best Assisted Living goes to Lutheran Homes.

Best Golf Course: Cobblestone Park Golf Club

Best Heating and Air Company: On Call Plumbing, Heating & Air

Best Home Accessories Store: Whit-Ash Furnishings

Best Home Audio/Video: Sound & Images Inc

Best Homebuilder-Custom: Mungo Homes

Best Home Cleaning Service: Eliteness Cleaning Maid Service of Columbia

Best Home Security Provider: Sonitrol Security Systems

Best Hospital: Lexington Medical Center

Best Hotel: Hotel Trundle

Best Insurance Provider: Turbeville Insurance Agency

Best Interior Designer: LGB Interiors

Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store: Sylvan’s Jewelers

Best Kitchen and Bath Remodel: Capital Kitchen & Bath

Best Landscape Designer: Midlands Landscape and Lawn

Best Lighting Store: The Lite House

Best Local TV Station: WIS

Best Mall/Shopping Center: Trenholm Plaza

Best Mortgage Company: Midland Mortgage

Best Motorcycle Dealer: Thunder Tower HarleyDavidson

Best Museum: South Carolina State Museum

Best Nail Salon: Gervais Nails & Spa

Best Neighborhood: Elmwood Park

Best Orthopedics: Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery

Best Outdoor Furniture: Casual Living

Best Outdoor Outfitters: Half Moon Outfitters

Best Pediatrician: Sandhills Pediatrics

Best Personal Trainer: Tony Dempsey

Best Pest Control: Clark’s Termite & Pest Control

Best Pet Groomer: Little Barks Boutique

Best Pet Store: Pet Supplies Plus

Best Pilates Studio: RISE Fitness + Wellness

Best Plastic Surgeon: Lefkowitz Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics

Best Plumbing Company: Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Best Pool Company: Jack Oliver’s Pool Spa & Patio

Best Private School: Hammond School

Best Radio Station: WUSC

Best Real Estate Company: The Downing Group at Keller Williams Realty

Best Salon for Women: Capelli Salon

Best Salon/Barber for Men: Metropolis Salon

Best Shoe Store: ColaKicks

Best Swimwear: Half-Moon Outfitters

Best Tax Preparer: Robert A. Keisler, CPA

Best Wedding Planner: Joan Day Weddings

Best Wedding Reception Venue: Twelve Oaks Estate

Best Yoga Studio: Studio Fire

Congratulations to Gervais Nails & Spa for winning Best Nail Salon.

RISE Fitness + Wellness wins Best Pilates Studio

Joan Day Weddings wins Best Wedding Planner.

Food + Drink

dining out in the kitchen restaurant guide

Sit and Relax a

While

Local taqueria serves up ambiance and Mexican-inspired food and drink.

Photo REESE MORE PHOTOGRAPHY

Taste of Summer

trying either the fried chicken taco or the Nashville hot chicken taco whenever it’s available as a chef’s special. Chef’s specials, usually featuring a taco and vegetable selection, will run for two weeks at a time throughout the summer, providing numerous opportunities for guests to try something new.

The bar is stocked with a selection of premium tequila and the classic margaritas are hard to beat. But the taste of summer is fully embodied in the strawberry basil margarita. Tequila, lime juice, and triple sec are served chilled with muddled strawberries and basil. Those looking for healthier options should consider the cantina margarita, a “skinny” margarita sweetened with lowglycemic agave nectar.

The bar also serves a refreshing selection of cocktails including brunchtime favorites like mimosas and bloody marys. Variations such as the peach mimosa and honeysuckle mimosa make for perfect summertime options. Seasonal wines are also available. Happy Hour is hosted Monday through Friday from 4-7 pm, and if you happen to visit the Main Street location on the first Thursday of every month, you can enjoy live music during happy hour to set the tone for your evening out on the town.

Each Cantina 76 location has specials set by the managers and bartenders at that specific location. Visit cantina76.com for a full list of specials at the location nearest you. Wherever these warmer months take you, be sure to stop and enjoy the taste of summer somewhere along the way.

The lively, casual atmosphere at Cantina 76 invites guests to sit and relax for a while, whether inside the dining room or in the comfortable outside seating area. This ambiance coupled with great Mexican-inspired food and drink makes it a local favorite among families, couples, and college students.

Cantina 76 is a locally and independently owned chain. The original location on Devine Street opened in November 2009 after four college friends came together with a collective culinary dream. The friends, Rob Ward, Craig Wyatt, Jeb Babcock, and Chad Elsey were especially attracted to the idea of taquerias (casual Mexican restaurants specializing in tacos). Several of the founders had previously lived in Atlanta and fell in love with the local taquerias there. Inspired to create a similar dining experience in Columbia, the four friends turned business partners found a location they liked and a talented executive chef who could translate their vision for the menu.

Now, 13 years later, Cantina 76 has firmly established itself as a key player on the Columbia food scene and has begun expanding across the state. Chad Elsey, one of the owners, said, “We feel very fortunate about the success of Cantina 76. We

were excited when the original location did well enough that were able to open another location on Columbia’s Main Street four years later.” In addition to the two flourishing Columbia locations, Cantina 76 is now also operating in Greenville, Mount Pleasant, and Kiawah Island.

Each location utilizes South Carolina-sourced produce and other fresh ingredients to craft an assortment of creative menu items including tacos, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and chimichangas. All salsas, sauces, and dressings are made inhouse daily. Main course favorites include classics such as the traditional taco, made with seasoned ground beef and topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes in a soft flour tortilla. The chicken quesadilla is another mainstay. Made with roasted chicken, Pico de Gallo, and cheese in a grilled flour tortilla, it is topped with a sweet mustard ancho BBQ sauce for a delightful, unexpected twist.

According to Elsey, the top-selling main dish is the Peruvian shrimp taco, prepared with lightly fried wild-caught shrimp, sweet sesame chili sauce, and topped with coleslaw. The fried chicken taco is one of his personal favorites. The dish’s jalapeño lime aioli is the perfect, bold touch. Elsey recommends

B y MEREDITH HAWCROFT PHOTOS B y REESE MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY

MOMENT

Heat of the

RECIPES AND PHOTOS

BY KIM SUNÉE

Sunny afternoons and porch sitting are best accompanied by a menu that’s bright and bold and mostly no-sweat. Start with chilled shrimp ceviche and a savory salad of watermelon and creamy feta before enjoying tangy ribs that cook low-andslow. Stone fruit are in full force—think roasted cherries and soft burrata cheese. Or nectarines wrapped in prosciutto and grilled to salty-sweet perfection. To end on a sweet note, juicy peaches layered with mascarpone and vanilla get a little tipsy with hits of Lillet or Crème de Cassis. ‘Tis also the season for moveable feasts.

These mix-and-match dishes will be just as at home on your dinner table as they will at a lakeside picnic, sunset viewing with small bites, or a backyard bonanza. Just add good company, some summer tunes, a cold drink and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

SHRIMP CEVICHE WATERMELON FETA SALAD WITH MINT AND ORANGE

Although the shrimp “cook” in lime juice—citric acid denatures the protein, which is similar to the process when cooking with heat—ultra-fresh seafood is still important. For a stress-free version, taking a few minutes to quickly blanch the crustaceans in salted boiling water before placing them in a cool ice bath works beautifully.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

2 pounds fresh raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 1/4 cups fresh-squeezed lime juice (about 7 medium limes)

2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)

1 small cucumber, chopped (about 1 cup)

1 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

1 serrano chile, seeded and stemmed, finely chopped

1 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro

1/3 cup good-quality extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly-ground black pepper

1 avocado, peel and pit removed and diced

Hot sauce and lime wedges, for serving

1. Set a medium pot (large enough to fit 2 pounds of shrimp) of water over high heat. Add about 1 tablespoon salt and bring to a rolling boil. Prepare an ice bath while water is heating up. Add shrimp to boiling water and set timer for 90 seconds. Remove shrimp, using a slotted spoon, and shock in ice water to help stop the cooking process, then drain thoroughly.

2. Squeeze limes into a bowl. Once drained, cut shrimp in half if using large shrimp, and add to bowl with the fresh squeezed lime juice; cover and place in fridge for one hour and up to two hours. Combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, serrano, cilantro, and olive oil together in a large bowl. An hour before serving, add shrimp and some of the lime juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Top with avocado and flake salt and serve with lime wedges and crackers or tortilla chips.

Makes 4 to 6

servings

1 (about 3 cups) cubed watermelon

1 medium cucumber

1 (6-to-7-ounce) block creamy feta cheese

1 to 2 tablespoons pepitas, lightly toasted or roasted and salted sunflower seeds

2 tablespoons fresh chopped mint or basil

Zest of 1 orange, plus juice

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt flakes, such as Maldon or fleur de sel Optional: edible flowers, thinly sliced jalapeño, pinch smoked paprika; black olives

There are many ways to serve this salad: Toss everything together, or, cube ingredients into similar shapes and sizes for a pretty presentation; place in a pattern on a serving platter. Add seeds and fresh herbs. Whisk together orange zest orange juice, and olive oil and drizzle over salad. Let sit a few minutes before serving. Top with flake salt and any optional garnishes.

T ENDER RIBS WITH TANGY BBQ SAUCE

A low-and-slow mostly hands-off cooking method for deliciously tender ribs. Consider tossing them on the grill at the end to crisp up the edges, but note that they’re just as good straight out of the oven. The key to knowing if ribs are cooked properly is that the bone pulls out easily without the meat sliding completely off. This sauce has heat as well as a nice vinegar-based tang that’s not too sweet. Look for New Mexico red chile powder in the spice section or the Hispanic section of your local market and feel free to add a bit more sugar if too tangy for your liking. Double the sauce, if desired, for serving on the side or for slathering over chicken and brisket.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

2 slabs pork spareribs or baby back ribs (about 6 pounds) Salt and freshly-ground black pepper

For the Dry Rub:

2 tablespoons New Mexico red chile powder, plus more for sauce

2 tablespoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

3/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce

1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice

1/2 cup ketchup

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 to 2 tablespoons New Mexico red chile powder

A few dashes Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

Preheat oven to 300°. Remove silver skin, if desired, from ribs: Use a knife point to cut into skin and a paper towel to grab and remove. Prepare two sheet pans lined with aluminum foil. Season ribs on both sides with salt and pepper Combine ingredients for the dry rub and season ribs on both sides evenly with dry rub mixture. Place on aluminum foil. Bake, uncovered, for two hours. Brush ribs generously with sauce; wrap tightly in aluminum foil and bake another hour or until meat is tender and bone pulls easily from the meat. Unwrap and either grill to crisp up edges, if desired, or serve at once with more sauce on the side.

PEACHES AND CREAM

An easy breezy summer treat of ladyfingers layered with peaches and mascarpone cream loosely inspired by the beloved Northern Italian dessert, tiramisù. Lillet rosé (a French apéritif made of Bordeaux wine and aromatized with herbs and spices before being fortified with citrus liqueur) and a smattering of crushed freezedried strawberries replace coffee and powdered cocoa. Lillet is worth seeking out (and easily enjoyed with ice and a slice of summer fruit all summer long) but you can also substitute with sweet red Italian Vermouth or Crème de Cassis. The result is a luxurious bright-tart dessert. Easy to whip together, but make sure to plan to make it at least six hours and up to 24 hours ahead to allow the ladyfingers (or pound cake) plenty of time to soak up the peach and mascarpone mixture. Let sit

out of the fridge about 30 minutes before enjoying. For a lighter version, poach peaches and serve warm or chilled with ice cream or yogurt.

8 small-to-medium peaches (about 2 pounds), pitted and cut in halves or quarters (peel on, is fine)

About 1/3 cup sugar, depending on ripeness of peaches

Juice of 1 small lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

Pinch salt

1 to 2 tablespoons Lillet rosé or Lillet blanc, crème de Cassis, or Campari

1 cup (about 8 ounces) vanilla yogurt

1 (8-ounce container) mascarpone, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 to 2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 (7-ounce package) ladyfingers (about 11) or pound cake

1 ounce freeze-dried strawberries, crushed, for dusting

1. Place halved and pitted peaches, sugar, 3/4 cup water, lemon zest and juice, and pinch of salt in a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat. Let cook, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes or until peaches are tender and begin to break down. Stir in Lillet, if using; turn off heat and set aside to cool.

2. Place yogurt, softened mascarpone, and vanilla in a bowl and whisk mixture to combine; for a lighter version whisk using a handheld electric mixer just until light and airy, adding one to two tablespoons sugar, but keep in mind the sweetness of the sugar-peach mixture.

3. To assemble: place a single layer of ladyfingers (or poundcake slices) in the bottom of a 9-inch glass or ceramic dish, breaking up ladyfingers as needed to fit. Spoon peaches and any syrup over in a single layer. Top with mascarpone yogurt mixture and smooth top. Cover and refrigerate at least six hours and up to 24 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, remove dish from fridge. Just before serving, crush freezedried strawberries (with hands) and sprinkle over mascarpone-yogurt. Serve with glasses of chilled Lillet Rosé or an Italian sparkling Moscato.

Follow Kim Sunée on Instagram @kimsunee or visit her website, kimsunee.com

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

Locations: (BL) Batesburg-Leesville; (C) Chapin; (D) Downtown; (DS) Devine Street; (F) Five Points; (FA) Forest Acres; (I) Irmo; (L) Lexington; (N) Northeast; (R) Rosewood; (V) Vista Area; (W) West Columbia.

American Café Strudel (L) 309 S Lake Dr., 4900895 (W) 300 State St., 794-6634. Great atmosphere and food.

Cola’s Restaurant (V) 1215 Assembly St., 451-0051. The dinner menu is eclectic and evolving and includes lamburger, beef short ribs, shrimp succotash.

Liberty Tap Room & Grill (D) 828 Gervais St., 461-4677 and (I) 1602 Marina Rd., 667-9715 American and ethnic steak, chicken and seafood. Downtown offers a handcrafted brew pub. Lake Murray accessible by boat or car. Lunch and dinner.

Sound Bites Eatery (D) 1425 Sumter St. 708-3085. A variety of fresh options and delightfully curated creations. Lunch.

Tombo Grille (FA) 4509 Forest Dr., 7829665. Forest Acres dinner hotspot serving incredible food, wines, and high-gravity beer.

Upper Crust (N) 843 Polo Road, #4, 8886282. Pizza is the specialty, plus fresh salads, sandwiches and funky quesadillas.

Asian

Basil Thai (D) 702 Cross Hill Rd. Suite 300A, 782-0716. Award-winning cuisine with a welcoming feel. Lunch and dinner.

Boku Kitchen + Saloon (D) 916 Gervais Street, 708-8577. Colorful and inviting, the décor enhances its Pan-Asian cuisine and artfully crafted cocktails. Small plates and full-sized entrees also offer lighter options.

Duke's Pad Thai & Noodle Bar (W) 904 Knox Abbott Dr., Cayce, 661-6455. Cozy family-friendly restaurant with a bright neighborhood vibe brings fresh Thai flavors and a customizable noodle bar for dine-in or takeout.

Mai Thai Cuisine (WC) 2249 Sunset Blvd., 939-4795. Traditional Thai dishes and a bubble tea bar.

Miyo’s (D) 922 S Main St., 779-6496; (FA) 3250 Forest Dr., Suite B, 743-9996; (I) 1220 Bower Pkwy., Suite E-2, 7817788; (N) 715 Fashion Dr., 788-8878; (V)

701 Lady St., 255-8878; (L) 5594 Sunset Blvd., Suite D & E, 957-9888. Unique Asian flared foods, sushi, fine teas, and specialty entrees. Hours vary by location.

SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar (V) 807 Gervais St., Suite 103, 931-0700. Serving up award-winning sushi with fresh ahi tuna. Grill menu includes steak, chicken, and beef. Dinner.

Camon Japanese Restaurant (D) 1332 Assembly St., 254-5400. Hibachi-style seafood, steak and chicken. Dinner.

BBQ

Hudson’s Smokehouse (L) 4952 Sunset Blvd., 356-1070. Voted some of the best BBQ in all of Columbia, offering full menu and Southern buffet. Lunch and dinner.

Little Pigs (N) 4927 Alpine Rd., 7888238. Large buffet with everything BBQ and all the sides. W-Sun.

Shealy’s (B-L) 340 East Columbia Ave., Batesburg-Leesville, 532-8135. Full menu, plus buffet for Q tasting. Buy the sauce, too. Closed Wed and Sun.

Deli/Café

DiPrato’s (F) 342 Pickens St., 779-0606. New York-style delicatessen serving Mediterranean and Italian cuisine with signature sandwiches, soups, and salads. Lunch.

The Gourmet Shop (F) 724 Saluda Ave., 799-3705. A local favorite, serving homemade sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts. Menu includes turkey pesto, chicken salad, and smoked salmon. Lunch.

Momma Rabbit’s (L) 5082 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington. 356-1330. Great food with a Southern flair has made this family enterprise into a dining destination.

Rosewood Market and Deli (R) 2803 Rosewood Dr., 256-6410. Wide variety of menu selections such as coconut shrimp, gumbo, pasta, soups, and salads. Low carb healthy dishes available.

smallSUGAR (V) 709 Gervais St., 7227506. Serving breakfast and lunch every day. Fresh bakery products, breakfast bowls, lunch bowls, sandwiches and more.

Caribbean

Legacy Caribbean Bar & Grill 215 O’Neil Ct., 708-8481. No-frills Jamaican food serving wings, oxtail, meat curries, and other Caribbean staples in a casual environment.

Pon Di River Caribbean Bar and Bistro 2344 Broad River Rd., 638-4220. Caribbean comfort foods w/ delicious island flavors.

Fine Dining

Al’s Upstairs (W) 300 Meeting St., 7947404. Romantic, elegant Italian restaurant overlooking the Columbia skyline. Entrees include fresh fish, steaks, chops, pasta, and lamb. Dinner.

Hampton Street Vineyard (D) 1201 Hampton St., 252-0850. Offering an array of cuisines with seafood, pastas, beef, and chicken. Menu changes quarterly. Lunch and dinner.

Motor Supply Bistro (V) 920 Gervais St., 256.6687. Serving up innovative food with a menu that changes twice daily. Lunch, dinner and Sun brunch.

Ristorante Divino (V) 803 Gervais St., 799-4550. Authentic Northern Italian cuisine, serving homemade pastas, seafood, duck, and beef. Dinner.

Saluda’s (F) 751 Saluda Ave., Columbia, 799-9500. Upscale second-story bar and restaurant provides fine dining, fine wine pairings, and a cozy-classy experience overlooking the iconic Five Points fountain. Dinner.

Terra (W) 100 State St., 791-3443. Great neighborhood restaurant serving wood-oven pizzas, quail, red drum, steaks, and salads. Dinner.

French Black Rooster (WC) 201 Meeting St., West Columbia, 724-2853. Casual “Frenchish” restaurant with an amazing rooftop bar overlooking the river. Steak Frites, Mussels, and much more.

Italian

Alodia’s (I) 2736 North Lake Dr., 7819814. (L) 101 W Main St., 957-1986. Authentic Italian dishes with a romantic flair, including time-honored favorites and updated versions of the classics. Lunch and dinner.

Il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar (DS) 2406 Devine St., 521-5063. Experience Italy firsthand at this authentic pizzeria & wine bar. House-made Panini, pizzas, pasta, mozzarella & desserts. Lunch and dinner.

Travinia Italian Kitchen (L) 5074 Sun-

set Blvd., 957-2422; (N) 101 Sparkleberry Crossing Rd., 419-9313. Contemporary Italian cuisine serving fresh pasta, soups, chicken, pizza, veal, and seafood. Lunch and dinner.

Villa Tronco (D) 1213 Blanding St., 2567677. Enjoy casual fine dining in Columbia’s oldest Italian restaurant. Old world charm with authentic recipes. Lunch and dinner.

Mediterranean

Gervais & Vine (V) 620 Gervais St., 799-8463. Spanish-styled Mediterranean wine and tapas bar offering a wide selection of beers, outside seating and a menu with culinary influences from across the region. Dinner.

Mexican

La Fogata (C) 105 Amicks Ferry Rd., 932-2475; (I) 11210 Broad River Rd., 542-7273 (W) 2805 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, 791-8540. Fresh Mexican food served up by genuinely smiling faces. San Jose Mexicano Restaurantes (BL, C, FA, I, L, NE, R) Locations can be found throughout the Midlands. Fresh, authentic Mexican food with all the flourishes, including lunch specials, combination plates and desserts. Hours vary.

Seafood

Blue Marlin (V) 1200 Lincoln St., 7993838. Serving dishes with a Cajun and Creole influence. Menu includes seafood, steaks, and chicken. Lunch and dinner.

Pearlz Oyster Bar (V) 936 Gervais St., 661-7741. Fun, eclectic restaurant serving the freshest seafood in a casual dining atmosphere. Dinner.

The Oyster Bar (V) 1123 Park St., 7994484. Columbia’s original oyster bar, serving the freshest Gulf oysters, steamed or raw, soups, and shrimp and grits. Dinner.

Southern

Mr. Friendly’s (F) 2001 Greene St., Suite A, 254-7828. Serving new Southern cuisine including seafood, chicken, beef, and wild game. Sophisticated yet casual, extensive wine list and a wide variety of micro-brew beer. Lunch and dinner.

Poogan’s Southern Kitchen, 4605 Forest Dr. #1. 803-745-8220. An expanding southern legend that remains true to its lowcountry roots. Lunch and dinner.

Steaks and Seafood

Chophouse of Chapin (C) 301 Columbia Avenue, Chapin. 723-2351. Steaks, plus seafood and pork, served with seasonal items and sauces. Dinner.

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse (D) 1508

Main St., 728-0887. A unique, all-youcan-eat Churrascaria located in the historic Kress Building. Featuring a full salad bar, Brazilian hot dishes and 16 different types of meats sliced at your table. Full bar and wine cellar. Dinner.

Griffin Chophouse (L) 924 E Main St Lexington, 957-0863. Start with brisket candy, then choose from great cuts of beef, homemade appetizers, innovative salads and more. Lunch and dinner.

Halls Chophouse (D) 1221 Main St., Columbia, 563-5066. Family-owned high-end dining with a rich interior setting, offering up steaks cooked to perfection and choice seafood dishes. Dinner.

Rusty Anchor (C) 1925 Johnson Marina, 749-1555. Located on Lake Murray. A picturesque and unique lakeside dining experience, specializing in fresh seafood and steak. Outside dining available, full bar. Dinner.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (D) 924-A Senate St. (in the Hilton Hotel), 212-6666. USDA prime beef, chops, chicken, and fresh seafood. Reservations recommended.

Heart of the

Blue Ridge

By KATIE GANTT P hotos B y MADE IN VBR

Discover the wonders of Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia, is well known for its ample outdoor recreational attractions. It’s ranked as one of the International Mountain Biking Association’s top mountain biking destinations in the world and offers quick access to the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The City of Roanoke maintains approximately 70 parks that span 14,000+ acres and offer 100 miles of natural surface and paved trail systems for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and more. By all means, it’s a haven for the adventurous and the outdoorsmen, and the stunning natural landscape will undoubtedly bring you back to center. But for me, after spending nearly a week there, Roanoke came to be as much about the people and their stories, a rich and complex history, and a delightful budding food scene. Let’s start with some history.

Franklin County Shine

Legend has it that more sugar, the main ingredient in moonshine, was delivered to Boones Mill, Virginia during Prohibition than to New York City. Boones Mill is a small Franklin County community with a present-day population of 240. The nonsensical quantities, coming in mostly by railcar, threw big red flags up in the direction of Uncle Sam and eventually led to the Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935.

At the 10-week trial, Virginia’s second longest in history (the longest was founding father Aaron Burr’s trial for treason in 1807), the federal government claimed they had been defrauded of $5.5 million in excise whisky taxes by local shiners – that’s approximately $95 million today. The list of prominent

individuals indicted at the trial included a former Franklin County Sheriff, a Virginia prohibition officer, and Franklin County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney.

In 2015, Franklin County Distilleries became the first legally licensed distillery in Franklin County since Prohibition, but Twin Creeks Distillery (TCD), also launched in 2015, made the first legal sale. Chris Prillaman, owner, founder, and head distiller at TCD, is the grandson of James Walter “Peg” Hatcher, one of the kingpins of moonshine convicted in the 1935 trial. He opened TCD with a vow to shed light on the “true whisky ways” of his people and preserve traditional living in the deepest parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Chris and his family operate a fully stocked distillery store and tasting room in Rocky Mount; it’s about a 30-minute drive from Roanoke and well worth the trip. Occasionally, the distillery itself is open to the public for tours. Share a whisky flight at the tasting room and bring a couple of bottles of Peg Hatcher’s Straight Whisky home to stock the liquor cabinet. If you’re lucky enough to catch Chris on site, ask him about his family’s history and see if he will play the banjo or the fiddle for you. If you’re really lucky, his eldest daughter Anna will accompany his playing with some traditional Appalachian clogging.

Afterward, you’re going to want to soak that whisky up with something good to eat. My recommendation is The Vault at Liberty Trust in downtown Roanoke.

Where to Eat

Built in 1910 and featured on the National Register of Historic Places, The Liberty Trust is considered the most well-preserved Edwardian-era bank building in Virginia, and The Vault restaurant is situated in its former lobby. A highend wine tasting room in the actual former bank vault and 32 total wines by the glass poured from their unique wine dispensing and preservation systems are a unique find. The vibe is glamorous Art Deco, marble abounds, and seating is unconventional. There are no standard table and chair setups; instead, armchairs and couches upholstered in soft colors and rich fabrics are situated around low tables, giving the feeling of being at a home gathering or a lounge. This encourages mobility, the sharing of dishes, and relaxed conversation.

The menu offers an eclectic selection of shareable plates featuring authentic recipes from around the globe. Try the luscious Khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish of cheesefilled bread. The bread is molded into a boat shape and filled in the center with a mixture of egg yolk, Sulguni cheese, and seasoning. Mix the egg yolk in with your fork, tear off some bread crust, and dip it into the mixture. It was the nearunanimous favorite dish among our group of seasoned foodies, no pun intended.

The Vault Restaurant situated in the Liberty Trust Lobby.

Khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish

Chris Prillaman, head distiller at Twin Creeks Distillery.

Where to Stay

With a belly full of moonshine, cheese, and bread, I assure you you’ll be ready for a lie down back at Fire Station One, a six-room boutique hotel housed in a –you guessed it – historic 115-year-old firehouse, another national landmark. Each room is decorated with a unique theme. Room No. 6 is the “Parisian Studio,” a “lightfilled nod to contemporary Parisian living,” boasting chocolate-colored floors, tall white walls, and grand windows with views of the patio garden. I stayed in Room No. 4, “1907,” a tribute to the era in which Fire Station One was originally commissioned. Rich, warm woods, vibrant leathers, pops of brass, and an antique chandelier pay homage to the fire station’s grand history. Hotel rooms are upstairs, and downstairs serves a multiuse function. To the front is a showroom and retail space belonging to Txtur, a local, custom, made-to-order furniture company. To the rear is Stock Café, a slick yet intimate restaurant offering Nordic and Scandinavianinspired cuisine with a full cocktail bar and local wine selection. The restaurant and hotel rooms are fully furnished with Txtur furniture.

Culture

If you prefer a more traditional hotel experience, consider Hotel Roanoke. The vintage 1882 hotel, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and as part of the distinctive Curio Collection by Hilton, has been lovingly restored to its 19th-century elegance. It features 329 guest rooms, including 18 suites, and a 63,000-square-foot, hightech conference center. The 1882 Bar, more Art Deco, is mesmerizing and the basement speakeasy was a frequent haunt of Norfolk and Western Railway executives and their powerful friends during Prohibition. It’s dark, moody, haunting, and available for private events.

Once sober, fed, and rested, history buffs should consider a visit to the Virginia Museum of Transportation. It’s located in downtown Roanoke’s century-old freight station and exhibits include diesel, electric, and steam locomotives along with model trains and road vehicles. The Norfolk and Western Railway, a Class I railroad until 1982, was headquartered in Roanoke for most of its existence and the museum offers both historical and cultural context that educates visitors in depth about the various events and innovations that have been pivotal in shaping transportation overtime within the Commonwealth and beyond.

Those with a more artistic bent may prefer a trip to the Taubman Museum of Art, the largest art museum in southwestern Virginia. Founded in 1951, the museum now resides in a landmark facility designed by renowned architect Randall Stout and was named one of America’s bestdesigned museums by Architectural Digest. The museum’s collection focuses on American art and includes more than 2,200 works from artists such as Thomas Eakins, Norman Rockwell, and John Singer Sargent.

Planning My Return

I wish I had more pages to go on about this trip, the people I met, and the places we went. Consider your own trip to the Virginia Blue Ridge this summer for a respite from the South Carolina heat, or to see the leaves changing along the parkway this fall. I’m already planning my return, this time to a remote farmhouse tucked away in the hills of Botetourt County, where a couple of little farm girls showed me how to eat strawberries fresh off the vine and leave the world’s worries far behind.

Bedroom at Fire Station

Txtur showroom

Boutique hotel, Fire Station

View from Roanoke Star Overlook

1882 Bar at Hotel Roanoke

Hotel Roanoke

Keeping Your Cool

By ANNE WOLFE POSTIC

Newly arrived in Arcangues, France, a charming town near Biarritz, Donna, Marc, and I were off to the shops to stock our vacation kitchen. We were hungry and stopped at a bakery for a sandwich to share. The demi-baguette was about a foot long, so we asked that it be cut into thirds. The response was simple: “Non.” Reposing the question, I assumed my limited French had failed. Had I asked that the sandwich be cut into 30 pieces, or if it could be hand fed to us by the proprietor? “Non.” The sandwich would be cut in two or left whole. An explanation was not required.

We devoured the sandwich, a perfect welcome to the area. We returned to the bakery daily during our stay, and I’m sure I’ve never had a better baguette, and that the  gâteau Basque from  Delices des Docks is the best in the region. Had we left in a fit of pique rather than accepting that bisected sandwich with an enthusiastic  merci , our vacation memories would be a little less golden.

Firstborn children can be rigid. As a member of that elite (according only to us) group, I encourage you to take that not as an insult, but as a show of solidarity. We may come across as picky or prickly, but we get things done, darn it. It can take some of us (ahem, I’m a work in progress) a while to learn how to use this power for good. At our best, we help things run smoothly. At our worst? We can offend pretty much anyone, oblivious at times to the hurt feelings in our wake.

France, a land of vast knowledge and resolute opinions, is the perfect place to embrace ceding control. All travel requires flexibility, but I’ve spent more than my fair share of time here, thanks to a French husband with an enormous, warm family. Letting go is easy; plenty of people know more than me. In France, I don’t choose the pace of my meal, the ingredients of a particular dish, or which queue to join. There are rules, and I’m there to follow them. I may not be allowed to choose the color of my elegantly wispy cashmere scarf, but I can have something glorious.  Mille mercis to the very polite but insistent shop owner who took the light blue one from my hands, put it on a high shelf out of my reach, and arranged an ochre scarf around my neck. It goes with everything

and flatters my complexion. I was wrong, she was right, her method efficient and elegant. When a French saleswoman tells you something looks terrible, it’s not an insult, but a gracious gesture to help you spend wisely and look your best.

Accepting expert counsel leads to interesting experiences, less purchases that hang in the closet unworn, and a wider variety of, well, everything. The more you let someone else decide, the more you learn — giving you future opportunities to advise other people. (And isn’t giving welcome, informed advice fun?)

Start small. Next time you’re offered a three-course meal priced lower than its parts, don’t ask for appetizer number two with the entree from number three and dessert from the regular menu. Accept the chef’s expertise in choosing dishes that complement each other and enjoy your meal! You don’t have to eat everything on your plate, and it’s just one meal. You’ll know not to order the dish again, or you’ll discover something new and delightful. Letting someone else take the wheel usually isn’t disastrous.

At times, the customer does know best. Like when you have your heart set on pale terra cotta walls because your grandparents’ dining room was the same hue and you have warm memories of holidays there. But your interior designer insists celadon will better complement the fabric covering the chairs. The designer is probably right from an academic perspective, but treasured memories have value. Before you say no to celadon, take time to consider. Maybe that warm terra cotta will be lovely in the breakfast nook. (As an aside, pale terra cotta is perfect for a dining room. It flatters every skin tone, ensuring guests stay around the table, laughing and talking. And I am the oldest, so I know I’m right.)

Letting others lead is the spice of life. Bossing everyone all the time is exhausting. Keeping an open mind leads to new discoveries, interesting experiences, and more friends because even the most passive people get tired of being ordered around. If you, like I, struggle with ceding control, try France. With your mouth full of cheese and buttery croissants, it’s easy to keep your opinion to yourself and wait for instructions.