22 minute read

A Taste of Home

Clif Gottwals

Clif Gottwals’ recipe recaptures sunny memories from decades ago and promises to light up your menu.

For May, PalmerHouse Properties Elevated broker and coowner Clif Gottwals brings us the ultimate summer recipe – a Tomato Salad plucked from his childhood growing up on a farm outside Annapolis, Maryland.

Gottwals recalls, “One of my fondest childhood memories of summer was picking a tomato in the garden and eating it while still warm from the sun. Fresh-picked, sun-ripened tomatoes have an incomparable taste. My Mom’s Summer Bread and Tomato Salad made frequent appearances on the porch dinner table. For me, this recipe reminds me of summer and family time on the porch.”

A former executive at JP Morgan, Gottwals spent nearly a quarter of a century working around the globe.

During that time, he called 15 different places “Home.” After many years of marathon hours, relentless travel and the roller coaster ride of the job, Gottwals decided to opt for a completely new life. Making a complete break from the financial sector, he moved to Florida to teach school.

While suffering summers off in the Florida heat, a friend told him about Highlands, where the mountain air was cool and culture was rich.

Highlands instantly enchanted him and within six weeks of his first visit, he purchased a summer home here. Like so many others before him, he soon decided to make the Plateau his year round residence. From that decision came both a new career and the start of a new chapter in his history.

Having bought and sold many homes during his career, he realized that he had experience that was readily transferable to being an effective real estate broker. In July 2020, he and business partner Doug Helms opened the Highlands PalmerHouse Properties Elevated office in July 2020.

Two years ago, a contractor commented that his family had been in Highlands for a long time.

That prompted his curiosity and, after some research, he discovered that his Great Great Uncle, John Z. Gottwals, was the architect of Highlands United Methodist Church and architect and owner of the John Ziegler Gottwals House – the charming 1892 Victorian home listed on the National Historic Register, located at 802 Fourth Street. I don’t know if Gottwals expected to find this kind of deep connection when he first discovered Highlands, but it is clear that Highlands was meant to be his home.

Clif Gottwals’ Summer Tomato and Bread Salad

(Really, His Mom’s)

Ingredients

One Large Loaf of Crusty Bread - cut into bite sized chunks (should be 8-10 cups worth) 3 to 4 Large Heirloom Tomatoes (fresh, never refrigerated) cut into bite sized pieces 1 Large Sweet Yellow Pepper Cut into small pieces 1 Large Sweet Vidalia Onion cut into small pieces 1/2 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/4 cup of Red Wine Vinegar 1 teaspoon of Lemon Juice 1 teaspoon of Honey 1/2 cup of Finely Chopped Fresh Basil 1 tablespoon of Freshly Crushed Garlic Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

1. Dry the chopped bread overnight or in 300-degree oven for 15 minutes 2. Make the vinaigrette by combining Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Honey and Garlic and add Salt and Pepper to taste. 3. Combine the chopped vegetables and chopped, dried bread in a large mixing bowl 4. Pour vinaigrette over top and use a wooden spoon to combine the vegetables, bread and vinaigrette without over mixing. 5. Let sit unrefrigerated for 30 minutes to three hours, stirring occasionally to distribute the juices throughout the salad 6. Immediately before serving stir in the chopped basil and enjoy!

A Gourmet’s Extravaganza

The bounty of Fisher Vineyards’ sun-drenched slopes will complement the meal composed by Master Chefs Chris Hall and Matthew Basford at The Farm at Old Edwards, May 21. For more information and reservations (a must), visit OldEdwardsHospitality. com/FisherVineyards.

For those of us consumed by visions of food and wine, the upcoming Top Chef Dinner on Friday, May 21, at The Farm at Old Edwards is a portal to fantasy. A gourmet’s extravaganza – the night presents a chance to sip the astonishing wines of California’s Fisher Vineyards while chatting with vintner/co-owner Rob Fisher.

The meal, a veritable feast from two of Atlanta’s acclaimed chefs – Chris Hall of Local Three and Matthew Basford of Canoe. A selftaught cook, Hall grew up around the corner from Local Three, and was schooled in kitchens from Philadelphia’s Le Bec Fin to Atlanta’s Canoe. Matthew Basford draws on his years of experience cooking in his native Australia and then in New Orleans at Dominique’s in the Maison Dupuy Hotel.

The menu begins with a symphony of luscious bites: Steelhead Tartar, Beaux Bridges Crawfish, Grilled Georgia Shrimp, and Pate de Foie Gras Gougères – paired with the winery’s bright and zippy Unity Rosé.

Each course on the served menu is a taste of the delicious. The Fisher Mountain Estate Chardonnay that debuts the first served course, Basford’s succulent Butter Poached American Snapper strewn with chunks of smoked avocado, showcases the wine’s lovely translucence and almond flavors.

Hall’s dish of Spiced Tennessee Rabbit served with a surprising vernal salad composed of Fava Beans and Spring Peas follows, a graceful balance to the expressive Fisher Unity Pinot Noir.

My mouth waters at the description of the third course – Basford’s Roasted Australian Lamb Rack, with an earthy multicomponent side of Eggplant, Maitake, and Baby Beets – an iconic coupling with the highly rated 2005 Fisher Vineyards, Wedding Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon poured from magnums. The wine’s described by the critic Robert Parker as, “being able to provide immense enjoyment with its beautiful fruit, and abundant texture.”

Steak lovers are certain to revel in the fourth course of Hall’s Marinated Hanger Steak with Caramelized Onion & Spinach Risotto. It’s a dish crafted to enhance the “dark, dense and explosive” dimensions of the 2016 Coach Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon.

For dessert, Basford’s Double Chocolate Tart with Blue Smoked Ice-Cream and Hazelnut, offers an explosion of flavors – a luscious ending to a glorious meal.

For more details and to book dinner visit OldEdwardsHospitality. com/FisherVineyards.

The same weekend, Fisher Vineyards will be at Half-Mile Farm for a hosted weekend, May 21-22 (complimentary for Half-Mile Farm guests and includes): Friday social hour with live music, hors d’oeuvres and a Fisher Wine tasting station, Saturday sit down tasting, and Saturday social hour. Check availability at HalfMileFarm.com.

by Marlene Osteen

New Chef at Canyon Kitchen

Executive Chef Ed Selle

Executive Chef Ed Selle takes the reins of Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley’s culinary program.

Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley has named a new executive chef to oversee its nationally-recognized culinary operations.

Chef Ed Selle, a North Carolina native, has been tapped to direct and oversee meals and events for the restaurant and community, including special events and weddings. Chef Selle will continue the restaurant’s lineage of talented Southern chefs following in the footsteps of Chefs John Fleer, Adam Hayes and Ken Naron, and will continue the restaurant’s focus on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced products as its new executive chef.

A graduate in Culinary Arts & Sciences and Restaurant Management from AB-Tech in Asheville, Selle’s primary focus and passion is Appalachian cuisine.

Though he’s spent winter seasons working in Big Sky, Montana, and Tallahassee, Florida, along with classically trained French chefs – making him a well-versed culinarian – Western North Carolina is home. Selle has spent the bulk of his career in the kitchens of Cashiers’ most prestigious private clubs and restaurants.

Growing up in Brevard and working on his family’s farm, Chef Selle embodies the ideals of Canyon Kitchen’s philosophy and believes wholeheartedly in the “Farm to Table” or “Field to Fork” concept that the award-winning restaurant is known for. Locally grown produce, dairy, sourwood honey, and various fauna play a major role in his menu development, for which he constantly seeks out the freshest and best ingredients.

Canyon Kitchen is one of the most beautiful restaurant settings in the country, framed by verdant forests and meadows, encircled by thousand-foot granite cliffs. Located in the Lonesome Valley community but open to the public since 2009, Canyon Kitchen is a

seasonal restaurant featuring an exquisite dining experience in a relaxed setting. The restaurant is housed in the rustically elegant Jennings Barn where its post and beam structure and accordionstyle walls open to view the kitchen gardens at the foot of Cow Rock Mountain. This incredible setting has given Canyon Kitchen the rare distinction of being recognized as an Open Table Diners’ Choice Award for Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants in America.

Canyon Kitchen is open seasonally to the public Wednesday through Sunday from Easter to Thanksgiving.

For more information on Canyon Kitchen, please visit lonesomevalley.com/canyonkitchen/ or call (828) 743-7967.

by Luke Osteen / photos by Susan Renfro

New Culinary Crossings

Front Row: Holly Jondro, Asst. Manager; LynLeigh McLain, Host Manager/Special Events Scott Tavernier, General Manager Back Row: Jarren Heng, Sous Chef; Brett Harris, Executive Chef Missing: Mick Cauthen, Bar Manager

Bridge at Mill Creek makes a play for the top of the Plateau Restaurant Food Chain with an ambitious new chef and a top-of-itsgame management team. Its menu and deeply indulgent service will turn a visit into an event – call (828) 526-5500 for reservations.

When David and Debi Bock of David Bock Builders teamed up with Donna and Kevin Bradley, of Black Rock Granite & Cabinetry, to open a dynamic new restaurant in downtown Highlands, the quartet thought the hard part would be overseeing the extensive renovations that would mark the opening of Bridge at Mill Creek.

“We knew it could be a fabulous addition to the town of Highlands, complete with outdoor seating right on the scenic Mill Creek,” says Donna. “With the inspiration of Black Rock’s lead Designer, Gregg McLain, and our combined labor forces we designed and installed the interior finishes in the restaurant and couldn’t be more proud of the end result!” It quickly became apparent that assembling the correct leadership team would also be paramount to the success of what quickly became a landmark dining destination.

And as the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau revs up for a back-tonormal busy season, it’s clear that the two couples have found the right players for these key positions.

“We are so excited about our new General Manager, Scott Tavernier; our new Chef, Brett Harris; and Jarren Heng, Sous Chef, Holly Jondro, Asst. Manager, Mick Cauthen, Bar Manager and LynLeigh McLain, Host Manager/Special Events Coordinator,” says Debi. “We all are looking forward to an amazing year and we all feel very lucky to be able to work and live in the Highlands community.”

“After nearly 45 years in the food industry, I’m excited about the opportunity to work at Bridge at Mill Creek,” says Chef Brett. “The restaurant’s focus will be on food from the region as well as great quality upscale comfort food. I am also excited that we are introducing catering at Bridge at Mill Creek, and we’re introducing Sunday Brunches, which is something that all Highlanders treasure.”

“We have carefully chosen a well-experienced team of culinary perfectionists and an experienced management team dedicated to providing the very best culinary delights along with service that our little piece of Highlands “heaven” deserves,” says GM Tavernier.

All of these decisions means that Bridge at Mill Creek is unveiling new menus for lunch and dinner, served with aplomb and a warm, inviting attitude.

“In the heart of Highlands, we have created a sophisticated, farmto-table atmosphere that’s like no other on the mountain,” says David. “Stop in for lunch or dinner and experience casual luxury, nouveau comfort food at its finest. Chef Brett has created absolute perfection utilizing the freshest ingredients and our excellent service will keep you coming back for more.”

Visit Bridge at Mill Creek at 445 N. 4th Street in Highlands. For reservations, call (828) 526-5500 or visit thebridgeatmillcreek. com. For information on rehearsal dinners, special events, or private dinners, contact scott@bridgeatmillcreek.com.

thelaurelmagazine.com/cuisine

To see the most up-to-date information about dining on the plateau visit thelaurelmagazine.com/restaurants

Plateau Dining Guide

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Meals Wine Full Bar Children’s Menu Vegetarian Selections Reservations Recommended Dress Code Live Entertainment Outdoor Dining Take Out Ad On Page

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4118 Kitchen + Bar 64 Highlands Plaza (828) 526-5002 L, D, SB n n n C n 110 Bella’s Junction Cafe 20 Old Mud Creek Road, Scaly (828) 526-0803 B, L, D n C n n 103 The Bistro at Wolfgang’s 460 Main Street (828) 526-3807 D n n n n NC n n 5 Bridge at Mill Creek 445 North 4th Street (828) 526-5500 L, D n n n C n n 109 Calder’s Cafe 384 Main Street (828) 200-9308 B, L n C n n 110 Fire + Water Restaurant Reservations Required (828) 526-4446 B, L n n C n 15 Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 465 Main Street (828) 787-2990 L ,D n n n C n n 105 Fressers Courtyard Cafe Village Square, 470 Oak Street (828) 526-4188 L ,D n n n C n n 103 Highlands Smokehouse 595 Franklin Road (828) 526-3554 L ,D n n n C n n 104 Hummingbird Lounge 455 Main Street Highlands, NC (828) 787-2525 L n n n NC n 9 *The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering 350 S. Fifth Street (828) 526-2110 L, D n n 166 Lakeside Restaurant Smallwood Avenue (828) 526-9419 D n n n n n NC n n n 107 Meritage Bistro 490 Carolina Way (828) 526-1019 L, D, SB n n n C n n n 4 Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge 470 Skyline Lodge Rd OPENING SOON 98 On the Verandah Highway 64 (Franklin Road) (828) 526-2338 D, SB n n n n C n n 111 Paoletti’s 440 Main Street (828) 526-4906 D n n n n NC n 111 The Ugly Dog Pub 298 South 4th Street (828) 526-8364 L, D, SB n n n C n n n 110 Wolfgang’s Restaurant 460 Main Street (828) 526-3807 D n n n n NC n n 5 CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS The Greystone Inn 220 Greystone Lane (828) 966-4700 B, L, D, SB n n n NC n n 4 The Orchard Highway 107 South (828) 743-7614 D, n n n n n C n n 113 Town & Country General Store Deli 14 Raggedy Lane (828) 547-1300 L SEASON OPENING MAY 17 n n 118 The Ugly Dog Pub 25 Frank Allen Road (828) 743-3000 L, D, SB n n n C n n n 110 Zookeeper 45 Slabtown Road (828) 743-7711 B, L, SB n C n n 107

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner SB Sunday Brunch * Takeout Only Dress Code: C Casual NC Nice Casual J Jacket

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4th Street Market - (828) 526-4191 Asia House - (828) 787-1680 The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922 Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775 The Cake Bar - (828) 421-2042 Don Leon’s at The High Dive (828-200-0388 Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762 El Azteca - (828) 526-2244 El Manzanillo - (828) 526-0608 Highlands Burritos - (828) 526-9313 Highlands Deli/SweeTreats - (828) 526-9632 Madison’s Restaurant - (828) 787-2525 Midpoint (828) 526-2277 Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400 Pizza Place - (828) 526-5660 Rosewood Market - (828) 526-0383 Ruffed Grouse (828) 526-2590 Subway - (828) 526-1706 Tug’s Proper - (828) 526-3555 Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035

CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997 Canyon Kitchen - (828) 743-7967 Cashiers Farmers Market - (828) 743-4334 Cashiers Valley Smokehouse (828) 547-3096 Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160 Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750 Cork & Barrel Lounge - (828) 743-7477 El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522 JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - (828) 743-7778 Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740 Mountain Cafe - (828) 577-0469 Panthertown Cafe LLC (828) 862-366 Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220 Subway - (828) 743-1300 The Falls Cafe and Grill - 828-877-3322 The Library Kitchen and Bar - (828) 743-5512 Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655 Table 64 - (828) 743-4135 Villa Amato (828) 885-7700 Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777 Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000 Winslow’s Hideaway - (828) 743-2226

thelaurelmagazine.com/lodging CALL TO CONFIRM BEFORE YOUR VISIT.

Plateau Lodging

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

HOTELS / MOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS

On Site Restaurant On Site Bar/Lounge Pool Whirlpool Rooms Exercise Facility In Room Microwave/Fridge Cable/Satellite TV Banquet Facilities Wireless Internet Pet Policy Ad On Page

Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire 19386 Rosman Hwy | Sapphire blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com | (828) 553-6535 n n n n 140

Earthshine Lodge 1600 Golden Road | Lake Toxaway, NC earthshinenc.com | (828) 862-4207 n n n n n 137

Fire Mountain 700 Happy Hill Rd | Scaly Mountain firemt.com | (800) 775-4446 n n n n n n 15

Greystone Inn 220 Greystone Ln | Lake Toxaway thegreystoneinn.com | (828) 966-4700 n n n n n n 4

Old Edwards Inn and Spa 445 Main St | Highlands oldedwardsinn.com | (866) 526-8008 n n n n n n n n n 9

The Park on Main 205 Main Street | Highlands theparkonmain.com | (888) 974-9738 n n n n 115

Skyline Lodge 470 Skyline Lodge Rd | Highlands skyline-lodge.com OPENING THIS SUMMER 98

VACATION RENTALS

The Vineyard at 37 High Holly 37 High Holly Road | Scaly Mountain thevineyardat37highholly.com | (828) 505-6190

VACATION RENTAL AGENCIES n n n n n 123

Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals 488 Main Street | Highlands meadowsmountainrealty.com | (828) 526-1717

Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals 401 N 5th St | Highlands highlandsiscalling.com | (828) 526-3717

Landmark Vacation Rentals 17 US Hwy 64 E | Cashiers landmarkvacations.com | (877) 926-1780

Rent in Highlands - CCP 507 Main Street | Highlands rentinhighlands.com | (800) 684-2171 x 302

Silver Creek Vacation Rentals 341 Hwy 64 W, Ste 102 | Cashiers ncliving.com | (828) 743-1999 129

29

24

115

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CASHIERS, NC: High Hampton Resort - (800) 334-255 Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706 The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247 Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780 Laurelwood Inn - (828) 743-9939 Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258 The Orchard Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614 Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623 Reid Resort Rentals - (828) 743-5955 Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999

GLENVILLE, NC: Innisfree Bed & Breakfast - (828) 743-2946 Mountain Lake Rentals - (828) 743-6875 Prime Property Rentals - (828) 743-3482

HIGHLANDS, NC 200 Main - (855) 271-2809 Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-1717 Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717 The Chandler Inn - (678) 982-8406 The Chateau - (561) 613-1496 Fairview House - (866) 526-8008 Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246 Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590 Highlands House Bed and Breakfast - (828) 787-1186 Highlands Inn - (828) 526-9380 Highlands Inn Lodge - (828) 526-5899 Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839 The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999 The Lodge at Old Edwards - (828) 787-2560 Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799 Main Street Inn - (828) 526-2590 Mitchell’s Lodge & Cottages - (828) 526-2267 Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008 Park on Main - (800) 221-5078 Ray’s Roost - (678) 534-6870 Rent in Highlands - CCP - (800) 684-2171 x 302 Rockwood Lodge - (828) 526-8919 Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222 SAPPHIRE, NC Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire - (828) 553-6535 Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441 Foxhunt At Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667 Hampton Inn & Suites - Cashiers-Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-4545 Mt Toxaway Lodge & Motel - (828) 966-4582 Sapphire Run at Whisper Lake - (863) 412-5734 Whispering Falls - (352) 470-4085 Woods at Buc - (770) 714-9211

SCALY MOUNTAIN, NC: Fire Mountain - (800) 775-4446 The Vineyard at 3 High Holly - (828) 505-6190

LAKE TOXAWAY, NC Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333 Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700 Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141

DILLARD, GA: Julep Farms - (706) 960-9600

Pages 120-128

Photo by Susan Renfro

CASUAL EXPLORATION

Step out of your head, and into the serenity of National Forests land and trails. These ultra comfortable and proudly local casualwear are the perfect companion to exploring Mother Naure on the plateau.

Vintage-Inspired Cap | $20 100% Cotton Tshirt | $20

Bartram Market | Scaly Mountain

Picks Plateau a few of our favorite finds

FUN AND FESTIVE

What’s not to love about this cotton, flowing dress? Covered in ditsy florals and detailed with a smocked bodice, puff sleeves and tiered silhouette, this ethereal midi dress is perfect for just about anything.

LoveShackFancy Masie Dress | $485

Wit’s End | Highlands

A WELL-DRESSED MAN

MAC jeans are revered for their comfort, flattering look, & fun contemporary style. Pair them with this handcrafted belt for a perfect well-dressed and stylish combo. Paolo Vitale Stretch Belt | $119 Mac Jeans | $249 TJ Bailey’s | Highlands and Cashiers

ESSENTIALLY YOGA ELEVATE YOUR MORNINGS

Elevate your morning coffee - or afternoon tea - to special-occasion status with the Old-World style of this cream and sugar set. The ceramic plate and scrolled metal tray can even hold small plate of cheese, cookies, or other treats to accompany your coffee or tea hour.

Ceramic Coffee / Tea Set | $117.99 Town and Country General Store | Cashiers

Bolster your movements with the quality of Manduka essential yoga accessories - crafted using simple, natural, and whenever possible, renewable material. Yoga Strap | $12 Recycled Foam Yoga Block | $18 Pro Lite Zest Yoga Mat | $120

Fusion Yoga and Wellness | Cashiers

FUN AND FLATTERING

This tunic is everything! Flattering and playful, this piece will take you from a day at work to an evening at your favorite restaurant. Joseph Ribkoff Tunic | $185 Spoiled Rotten | Highlands

The Bird Barn returns

Bird Barn & Garden, opening in The Shops at Cashiers Common, is an insider’s destination for all who cherish our feathered neighbors and the artistry of a carefullycomposed landscape.

Glenn and Kim Ubertino

It’s pretty obvious that the Plateau has always had a love affair with its birds.

Consider the tireless work of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Every issue of Laurel has a detailed exploration of the lives and loves of our feathered neighbors, courtesy of the deep knowledge and insatiable curiosity of William McReynolds.

That’s why it should be a surprise to no one that Glenn and Kim Ubertino, the dynamic couple who’ve powered Zoller Hardware into a must-visit destination in Cashiers, are opening Bird Barn & Garden, right next to Zoller in The Shops at Cashiers Commons.

It features everything that birds (and the people who love them) could ask for – feeders that are accessible and designed to confound squirrels; birdhouses (both practical and whimsical); and varieties of bird seed.

This last bit of information is of importance to the Plateau’s serious bird lovers. Bird Barn & Garden will be offering the coveted Bird Barn Blend. This exclusive mix of seeds is specially formulated for birds here in Cashiers and Highlands.

In fact, the centerpiece of Bird Barn & Garden is the daily presence of LeRoy Parr who, with his wife Sandy, made The Bird Barn a Cashiers institution. LeRoy will be welcoming shoppers with his trademark warmth and encyclopedic expertise. It’s an insider’s knowledge served up free for the asking.

And then there’s the Gardening part of the equation. Like its love affair with its birds, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is passionate about its gardening – witness the outsized presence of the Plateau’s Garden Clubs, and the storybook homes set in the midst of magnificent landscaping, or the jewel-box gardens scattered across The Village Green.

So naturally, The Bird Barn and Garden offers an assortment of goods to make local gardens dazzle. That means you’ll find high-end tools designed for comfort and ease-of-use, decorative and clever pots, organic seeds, and ornaments and signs.

And just like Leroy and his Avian Wisdom, Bird Barn and Garden offers the services of a pair of women who’ve spent years landscaping on the Plateau, Moselle McCall and Desiré Newman. If you’re reading this magazine, you know that gardening and landscaping here is a highly stylized enterprise. Plants need to be conditioned to the peculiarities of growing in a temperate rainforest, and the distinct geometry of slope and curve requires an insider’s knowledge of planting in the mountains.

That’s where their insight and wisdom really comes into play.

And, of course, there’s the simple pleasure of browsing and discovering, and this being Cashiers, just chatting. It’s been part of the landscape as long as there’ve been people here on the Plateau. In fact, it’s the sort of energy and easy-going spirit that the Ubertinos have brought to Zoller Hardware.

by Luke Osteen / photo by Sarah Fielding