2022SEPTEMBERCH2CELEBRATEHILTONHEAD! 9 BARTENDERSWELOVE JESSE BLANCO DIVES INTO THE LOWCOUNTRYBESTLOWCOUNTRY’SDIVEBARSFISHANDGRITSMUSICFESTIVAL 2022SEPTEMBER LOVEAffair with FOODIssue PLUS NEIGHBORHOOD STROLL: LONG COVE CLUB Touring Hilton Head Island’s premier neighborhoods HOW TO PREPARE FOR A RECESSION MONEY MANAGEMENT CH2 SPECIAL SECTION:
TAKING A DIVE ALONG THE BLANCOWITHCOASTJESSENEIGHBORHOODSTROLL:LONGCOVECLUB This is the second of many articles in a seriescontinuinginCH2& CB2 magazines thegatedneighborhoodshighlightingandcommunitiesinLowcountry. 70 9 WEBARTENDERSLOVE Conor Bickmann at Hush at PalmettoMontageBluff MUSICFISHLOWCOUNTRYANDGRITSFESTIVAL Music, food, and a good time for the binyas (natives) and comyas (non-natives) 224730WHAT’S INSIDE 37 A SOUTHERN GIRL EATS HER WAY THROUGH NORTHERN ITALY 43 THE FAT BOY’S GUIDE TO FOOD: STEP INSIDE THE LARD-LADEN ARTERIES OF A MAN WHO HAS SPENT HIS LIFE DEVOURING SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST QUESTIONABLE CUISINE. 51 CHEF LYNN LOWCOUNTRYMICHELLE’SSHRIMPRECIPES 55 HOMEGROWN GROCERY STORE 62 FOLLOW A LOCAL TO MIXX ON MAIN: EXPANDED FACILITY AND NEW SUNDAY HOURS ADD MORE FUN TO THE MIX 66 OPERATION EXCELLENCE: ROBERT MOUL STEPS OUTSIDE THE BOX TO ELEVATE YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE 98 LONG COVE LOWCOUNTRY WITH AN EDGE: MERGED STYLES BLEND BEAUTIFULLY IN WARM, WELCOMING, WIDE-OPEN NEW HOME 88 INDEPENDENT BENEFIT ADVISORS: HOW ASHLEY GASIOROWSKI CARRIED A DYNASTY TO SOUTH CAROLINA ON OUR COVERS ON THE CH2 COVER Bartender, Gioia Di Bartolomeo at Public Kitchen + Wine Bar Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand ON THE CB2 COVER Chef Lynn LowcountryMichelle'sShrimpExtravaganza Photography by 2Lights, 1Stand
DIVE BARS + SHRIMP
Read all about it and see how many you’ve hit on page 30. And speaking of bartenders, we chatted with a few of our favorites in this issue, and got their take on best pick-up lines, qualities necessary to succeed as a barkeep, and what drinks they prefer to throw back.
Be sure to follow us on Social Media SEPTEMBER 2022 MAGGIE WASHO Publisher / Editor-in-Chief play Instagram - @ch2hhimag Facebook - facebook.com/ch2magazine TikTok - @ch2mag YouTube - youtube.com/celebratehiltonhead Be sure to follow us on Social Media GENIUSES AT WORK The Referee Maggie Marie Washo Miss Livin' My Best Life Carolyn Hunter Kostylo Master of Coin Marion Elizabeth RainmakerBowser Kim Conrad Crouch Master Handshaker “Just Kandace” Cunningham Lead Door Knocker Morgan Ambler Talent Delivery Specialist Kaila Jeffcoat Mascot in Training Buoy Conrad Crouch Pritchard Famous Local Musician Jevon Daly The TomTheVincentGretaGatekeepersVonBowserVonBowserCut&PasteCrewCatherineDaviesAspiringNovelistsCherylAlexanderAmyBartlettJesseBlancoBeccaEdwardsFredGaskinLindaS.HopkinsBarryKaufmanChefLynnMichelleJohnMcCannLisaSulkaKentThuneLightingExpertsKrisztianLonyaiJenkinsPhotography Two Lights One Stand Photography Alex Quijano Find Us Here PO Box 22949 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 maggie@ch2cb2magazine.com843.816.6247
Iam not a dive bar kind of gal. After over 40 years on this planet, this is one thing I know about myself. If I’m going to go out for a drink, I want to look at a gorgeous view while sipping on a pretty cocktail. It is what it is. That said, I did have an excellent time hitting local dive bars with Jesse Blanco for this, our Thirteenth Annual Love Affair with Food Issue. According to Blanco, a true dive bar must have no food (although this is not legally possible in S.C.) and good strong drinks. As we discovered on our jaunt through six dive bars between Savannah and Hilton Head Island, they may also have no HVAC and only accept cash, and they are not likely to serve Herradura Reposado tequila. They do, however, serve up some great pizza, interesting conversation and unique characters at the bar.
NOTEEDITOR'S SEPTEMBER 2022
Highlights of the tour for me were the pizza at Cheap Seats, Pinkie Masters bathroom graffiti about the hot fuzzy-faced bartender, and sketching our sixteenth President of the United States of America at Abe’s on Lincoln.
These pages also have some incredible shrimp recipes from Chef Lynn Michelle, starting on page 51. Michelle and Mike came over to our sales rep Kim’s house on a Friday morning and whipped up the best shrimp sliders I’ve ever had in my life. I will be making these myself with fresh local shrimp when baiting season starts September 9. Unless you’ve been hiding from social media, you’ve probably seen multiple posts about the Hilton Head Shrimp Festival in Harbour Town on September 24. Blanco and I will both be there, so come say hello and join in the dive bar debate while you enjoy a host of shrimp dishes prepared by local chefs. Until Next Month!
B artending isn’t just about pouring drinks. If it were the extent of their craft, anyone could do it. Right now, there are robots out there mixing mudslides and piña coladas. But that’s not bartending; that’s just mixing drinks. And that’s the easy part. What makes a good bartender isn’t how they masterfully blend ingredients into a toast-worthy cocktail; it’s how they blend personalities. It’s how they can be your closest confidante on a day when you just need to vent over a stiff one. It’s how they can tame a whole bar full of unruly tourists with just a few words. It’s how they will toast your best days with your favorite drink, prepared before you’ve even asked for it. A robot can mix you a drink. But a bartender will be your therapist, your cheerleader, and if necessary, your babysitter. And that’s why we’re thankful they’ll always be there.
TEND BAR ERS we love INTRO BY BARRY KAUFMAN . PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2 LIGHTS, 1 STAND
What is the best pick-up line you’ve ever heard be successful? Do you like Star Wars? Cause Yoda only one for me! What is your favorite thing about where you work, and what should we order when we come to sit with you? I love the people I work with, also having the freedom to create any cocktail I wish and being able to share it with the clientele. If you have a drink at my bar, please ask me to make you a special creation that involves your favorite spirit. I love surprising others with my drinks.
Also, try the sin eater monkey bread when you come in; it’s to die for! As advice to a future barkeep, what are three skills every bartender must have to be successful? 1. Always serve a drink with a smile; it makes customers feel welcome. 2. Have a desire to learn more; all great bartenders have learned from other bartenders. 3. When making a special cocktail, put every bit of your heart and soul into that cocktail. Make the customer feel like they already have a connection with you. What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever been asked for over the bar that wasn’t a drink? I had this gentleman come up to the bar and offer me a job to be a bar manager for him at a private bar in Iceland; the only thing is that it was so private it was just for him at his home bar! Where is your favorite bar in all the land, and what drink do you order every time you find yourself there? My favorite bar so far is Peacock Lounge in downtown Savannah. I always get a Plantation Pineapple Rum Old Fashioned. I ask everyone to try one if you haven’t already.
BARTENDINGJACKSONHAULSEESINCE:2018
TEND
Where are you currently tending the bar? I’m currently the bar manager at Burnt Church Distillery. Person you would most like to pour a drink for and have a chat with. I want to make a drink and chat with Idris Elba. I think he is a phenomenal actor, and he actually created a couple of incredible cocktail bars in London. Would love to talk to him about cocktails and other stories he has to share.
JESSICA BARTENDINGSMITHSINCE:
As advice to a future barkeep, what are three skills every bartender must have to be successful? 1. Good communication, 2. Able to multitask, 3. Be easy going and laid back! What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever been asked for over the bar that wasn’t a drink? Tourists asking where they can get drugs while on vacation. Where is your favorite bar in all the land, and what drink do you order every time you find yourself there? A nice cold sour from Lincoln and South.
What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever been asked for over the bar that wasn’t a drink? “I’ll buy you a puppy if you marry me! Anything you want!”
Where are you currently tending the bar? Corks
Corks is one of the hottest night spots and I enjoy working there. That’s why I have stuck around for so long. I have met and developed some amazing relationships with people, especially the bands that have come through. My most popular drinks are the espresso-tini and my skinny margarita.
As advice to a future barkeep, what are three skills every bartender must have to be successful? 1. Must know how to mix cocktails/drinks. 2. Must know your liquor. 3. Must be able to multi-task (talk and mix drinks at the same time).
I WAS 21 YEARS OF AGE (18 YEARS) Where are you currently tending the bar? The Smokehouse Person you would most like to pour a drink for and have a chat with. Billy Strings, but unfortunately, he’s sober so we’ll do with a Shirley Temple. What is the best pick-up line you’ve ever heard be successful? Hello, my name is *blank*; how many drinks can I buy you until you take my number? What is your favorite thing about where you work, and what should we order when we come to sit with you? My favorite thing about working here is how family-oriented the staff is! If you were to come in, I’d recommend the smokehouse old fashioned and some burnt end sliders to go with it!
LEXY BARTENDINGSHAW SINCE: 2021
Where is your favorite bar in all the land, and what drink do you order every time you find yourself there? I actually don’t have a favorite yet. I’m still traveling the world. But so far, you can sit anywhere on the Amalfi Coast of Italy and order house wine, and it will be the best you ever tasted.
What is the best pick-up line you’ve ever heard be successful? There are no good pick-up lines. They are entertaining, though, and always give a bartender and patrons a good laugh, e.g. “Can I get a shot at loving you?” Unfortunately, no one has had any success. What is your favorite thing about where you work, and what should we order when we come to sit with you?
Hands down, that’s Alley Cat Lounge in Savannah Ga. My first drink is always a Hemingway Daquiri; it’s funky and smoky, subtly sweet and tart—one of my favorite traditional cocktails to date.
BARTENDINGBICKMANNCONORSINCE:2012
Where are you currently tending the bar? Hush at Montage Palmetto Bluff Person you would most like to pour a drink for and have a chat with. Gable Erenzo. I’m originally from Hudson Valley, NY. I started in the industry 10 years ago as a bar back, working for the son of a distiller at a small farmto-table restaurant called Gardiner Liquid Mercantile. The owner, Gable, who helped me learn so much about the craft cocktail world, passed away unexpectedly in 2021, which utterly devastated the local community. I’d love nothing more than to show him Hush and all the things I’ve learned over the past decade. I know he’d be proud. What is the best pick-up line you’ve ever heard be successful? I used to tend bar in Beaufort. I once saw a guy take a piece of ice out of his drink and crush it on the bar. He turned to a woman beside him and said, “Now that I’ve broken the ice, can I buy you a drink?” That’s probably the cleverest one I’ve heard in a while. What is your favorite thing about where you work, and what should we order when we come to sit with you? It’s really the sense of unity among the employees. Everyone here is proud to work together for a common goal—to create something larger than ourselves. The attention to detail, small acts of kindness, and unwavering communal support have differentiated this place from literally anywhere else I’ve worked in the industry. Before you come to visit me in Hush, make sure you have dinner in the River House to get the full experience. Hush is a toy box of cocktails. We do a lot of well-executed contemporary cocktails, sure, but it’s the handcurated stuff that will really blow your mind. As advice to a future barkeep, what are three skills every bartender must have to be successful? 1. Always be aware of the energy and actions in your surroundings. 2. Be prepared for the unexpected. 3. Don’t forget to have a good time. What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever been asked for over the bar that wasn’t a drink? Someone asked for a ping pong ball once; we all know what they were going to do with it, but why on earth would I have one? Where is your favorite bar in all the land, and what drink do you order every time you find yourself there?
2. Remember what people drink even if you can’t remember their name… I know a lot of “Jack & Cokes.” 3. Learn to listen. You’ll hear everything from behind a bar. From anticipating your guests’ needs, to knowing how to work seamlessly with your other bartenders. What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever been asked for over the bar that wasn’t a drink? I’ve worked in quite a few different style venues over the years, from dive bars, to large clubs & live-music venues. I’ve been asked for all sorts of goods and services, none of which are legal. Nothing really surprises me at this point!
TONY BARTENDINGCHISM-CHEETAHSINCE:I CAN REMEMBER. MY GRANDMOTHER OWNED A BAR; I WAS BEHIND THE STICK AT AN EARLY AGE.
As advice to a future barkeep, what are three skills every bartender must have to be successful? 1. Know how to mix and balance a great drink. 2. Know where everything is behind your bar so you can be fast and efficient. 3. The best bartending advice I was ever given was this: Anyone can go to the bar and get a beer and it will taste the same. Figure out what you have to offer that will make people say, “Let’s go see Aimee and have a beer.” Connect with your customer! Where is your favorite bar in all the land, and what drink do you order every time you find yourself there? The Beach Bar in Atlantis, with a Goombay Smash in my hand!
AIMEE BARTENDINGMAHERSINCE: WAY TOO LONG!
Where is your favorite bar in all the land, and what drink do you order every time you find yourself there? The Green Parrot, Key West Fla. I’ll take a bottle of Presidente.
Where are you currently tending the bar? Sea Pines Beach Club
Person you would most like to pour a drink for and have a chat with. I always said that if I had one chance to serve a cocktail to a celebrity it would be Barbara Walters. She’s an incredible woman who met and interviewed so many different people. Through that one conversation, you could learn about world leaders, celebrities, and everyday heroes. What is the best pick-up line you’ve ever heard be successful? I’ve never seen a successful pick-up line. And these days, everyone sits at the bar and texts other people. They certainly aren’t talking to one another! What is your favorite thing about where you work, and what should we order when we come to sit with you? My favorite thing about working at the Sea Pines Beach Club is my view. What other office has an ocean view?! If you come sit at my bar, I’ll recommend you try the Pirate’s Mai Tai (a special recipe from a bartender in Maui) or the Mojito (because it’s the BEST on the island!). For food, try the Tuna Poke Wontons or the Blackened Shrimp Nachos. I think they are delicious!
Where are you currently tending the bar? Been at WiseGuys since 2008. Person you would most like to pour a drink for and have a chat with. I’d most like to pour a drink for my dad; lost him way too early in life. What is the best pick-up line you’ve ever heard be successful? After being turned down because she had a boyfriend, he asked her what she had for dinner last night. “Chicken,” she replied. He followed with, “How about the night before?” Pasta was her answer. He replied, “Why didn’t you have “Whychicken?”would I have chicken two nights in a row?” was her response. He said, “Exactly” and left her his card and said, “Give me a call when you’re tired of chicken.” I saw them out together about a week later. What is your favorite thing about where you work, and what should we order when we come to sit with you? The talented and dedicated team members I’ve been able to work side-by-side with over the years. Our newly remodeled restaurant and expanded spacious bar is fantastic too! I’d order the Martinez if you want to come sit with me.
As advice to a future barkeep, what are three skills every bartender must have to be successful?
1. Surround yourself with a good team
As advice to a future barkeep, what are three skills every bartender must have to be successful? A successful bartender should be very personable, hard-working and knowledgeable. Where is your favorite bar in all the land, and what drink do you order every time you find yourself there? I love Hudson’s. You can catch me there ordering a Neptune platter and drinking a white Russian.
1. Never ignore a customer.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks.
What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever been asked for over the bar that wasn’t a drink? Back in Remy’s days, people would ask for party favors. Where is your favorite bar in all the land, and what drink do you order every time you find yourself there?
tending the bar?
Charlie’s Coastal Bistro Person you would most like to pour a drink for and have a chat with. Dan Marino. I’m a big Dolphins fan. What is your favorite thing about where you work, and what should we order when we come to sit with you? The staff and my regular customers—some of the best I’ve worked with. To drink, I recommend the chocolate martini; for dinner, the Sea Scallops, Seared With Prosciutto Rosemary Cream; from the bar menu, the burger or the barfish salad.
JEFF ANTHONYBARTENDINGMIXSINCE:1984NOTTEBARTENDINGSINCE:2013Whereareyoucurrently
3. BE NICE!
As advice to a future barkeep, what are three skills every bartender must have to be successful?
Where are you currently tending the bar?
2. Be knowledgeable of menus and drinks.
Charlie’s Coastal Bistro Person you would most like to pour a drink for and have a chat with. Teddy Roosevelt. What is the best pick-up line you’ve ever heard be successful?
“Want to see my dog?” What is your favorite thing about where you work, and what should we order when we come to sit with you? I’d have to the best part about my job is the coworkers and our customers. They make it fun to come to work—feels like family. The “porkduckin’” with bearnaise we do on occasion is second to none. And, of course, finish it off with a chocolate martini.
Where is your favorite bar in all the land, and what drink do you order every time you find yourself there? I’ve been to bars all over the world, however, one of my favorite bars is the Gin Joint in Charleston, S.C. They don’t serve vodka. While they have an extensive cocktail menu, they also have a flavor profile section from which you can choose, and the bartender makes you experience.workarecustomized.somethingAlltheircocktailsextremelycomplexandaofart.Ialwayslovethe
GIOIA SINCE:BARTOLOMEODIBARTENDING2013—ONANDOFF.
Where are you currently tending the bar? I am currently working Friday and Saturday at the Public Kitchen and Wine Bar. Person you would most like to pour a drink for and have a chat with. Joe Rogan. I would make him sip Don Julio 1942. What is the best pick-up line you’ve ever heard be successful? “Your right brain is beautiful.” And now we are dating. What is your favorite thing about where you work, and what should we order when we come to sit with you? I love the speakeasy dark date night aesthetic at Public; the art rotates each month, so you will always see new pieces. I love the cocktail menu! That’s what drew me to the locale in the first place. Most of my favorite cocktails have prohibition era origins, and Public kitchen features everything from a Sazerac to a Pimm’s cup. We also have a gorgeous charcuterie board and fabulous tiramisu. As advice to a future barkeep, what are three skills every bartender must have to be successful? 1. Develop relationships, 2. Fulfill and surpass the guest’s expectations, 3. Create an experience. What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever been asked for over the bar that wasn’t a drink? “I don’t think I can make that drink, but what’s your number?”
“the heart attack” at callahan’s sport bar on hilton headjesse’sisland.go-to order at a dive bar is a PBR with a shot of jameson whiskey.
Jesse blanco grabs a quick selfie with tasha at cheap seats tavern. matt garappolo, the owner of pinkie masters in savannah, poses for a quick photo with the ch2 crew.
jesse blanco, kandace cunningham, and maggie washo share a shot at the legion in savannah.
hen you think about all the games we played to pass the time as kids, it doesn’t take long at all to rattle off a list. Of course, this was long before the smartphone changed everything. Heck, I am even talking pre-cable TV and remote controls. Can you imagine our kids living through such a time? The most popular was probably red light/green light. Truth or Dare comes to mind. I never played spin the bottle. I had also never played ‘Never have I ever’ until last month. It has been interesting, to say the very least.
W
TakinginaDivealongtheCoast
Article By Jesse Blanco . Photography by 2 Lights, 1 Stand
R
32 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
Back in July, I got an out-of-the-blue text from Maggie Washo, publisher of this fine collection of art you receive in your mailbox every month. “How would you like to write about your favorite dive bars for our September food issue?” She didn’t have to ask me twice. I was all in. I was so excited about it, I tossed the assignment up on social media. How lucky am I? I get to write 1200 or so words about my favorite dives in the area. They just happen to be some of my favorite dark corners of the planet. The darker the better, of course. Never, and I mean never, in my 12 or so years writing about food and drink in this area have I gotten more input from the peanut gallery than I did for this story. Everyone had a favorite of their own across social media. Then came the unsolicited text messages demanding to know my criteria. From seemingly everywhere. Yes, seriously. What you should definitely know is that I’ve been searching for the perfect dive bar almost as frequently as I’ve been searching for the perfect burger over the last 10 years. It’s why I spent Easter Sunday morning 2022 at the most popular dive in Jacksonville, Florida. Pete’s Bar is legendary. When we were done at Pete’s, we popped in on Ginger’s Place. Ginger’s is the kind of joint that would require a coat of paint to condemn it. Canned beer came out of a circa 1956 refrigerator. The stench of stale smoke was baked into the walls. I could go on, trust me. But I will just smile when I tell you the place was filthy. And it was glorious. At times, the debate raged into something as simple as the definition of a dive. The biggest debate being over there being an option for food or not. That is when I learned that in South Carolina, you cannot open a bar unless it serves food in some capacity. This was news to me, but it has since been verified as true. Title 61. Except, I don’t go to dives to eat. Trust me, you don’t want to eat in my favorite dives. I draw the line at a sealed bags of chips or nuts. Maybe a dirty water hot dog. That’s it. jesse and maggie with thier go-to brews at callahan’s. for jesse, a stella artois and for maggie, a sweetwater 420, both on tap.
Cool Cats Lounge This is a dive in every almost every sense and my favorite on the island. According to that title 61 thing, there is food in there somewhere. I have yet to see it. The sign above the bar forbids talk about politics (a plus). The old couch in the corner invites you to get as comfortable as you’d like. Drinks are strong and inexpensive. Matt is the guy who runs the place. If you play Steve Miller’s “The Joker,” he will turn it off and give you your dollar back. if it’s a dive bar you’re wanting, be sure to swing by the cool cats lounge and say hello to ronnie myers , matt stock and michael takacs.
When it comes to dives, I’m a purist. And I’m going to the mattresses with all of it. Can’t you tell already? Give me a dark room with cheap, strong drinks, somewhere to shove money on a wall for some music, and some dirty decorations. I’m good. So, without further ado, my favorite dives across both sides of the Savannah River—Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and even Savannah. We will start on the island. Callahan’s Sports Bar I’ve taken in a few games over the years at Callahan’s, and I love the vibe. But early on, it’s a straight-up sports bar. The wings are great, and the burger isn’t bad. There are lots of TVs everywhere and it’s an enjoyable sports viewing experience. After 10 p.m.? All that changes a little bit. A slice of the F&B community likes to roll through Callahan’s after a shift, so it is most certainly a little ‘raw’ in there late—far more in line with what a dive bar should be. I enjoy it and would recommend it.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 33
34 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
Also worthy of mentions here: Beach Break (Hilton Head Island), Hemmingway’s (Beaufort).
Cheap Seats Tavern 2 – Bluffton Admittedly, I’ve only been to Cheap Seats during the day. But I see the signs everywhere. Not literally, because the walls are pretty bare. The pool table looks like it’s been “rode hard and put away wet,” which is a plus. The place is huge, but the bar is tiny. Another plus. The New York style pizza is made from scratch and good. On a Saturday night after 11 p.m., it’s probably the best pizza you’ve ever had. I’m told the outdoor area gets going pretty good. I look forward to it this fall.
Also worthy of mentions: Beach Break (Hilton Head Island), Hemmingway’s (Beaufort).
R
Rules are rules. The next thing you know, a señorita in a sundress has popped “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” on the Juke Box, and you are immediately transported to 1983, except with a mortgage payment. And aching joints, and three-day hangovers.
Pinkie Masters – Savannah Quite possibly Savannah’s most popular dive bar, Pinkie’s is, without question, an institution. David Lee Roth shirtless in handcuffs your thing? Right there near the music. There’s a star on the bar to mark the place where President Jimmy Carter once stood to thank the bar and anthony whips up a pepperoni pizza at cheap seats tavern in bluffton.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 35 its original owner for their support of his political career. On any given Saturday night, you could sit next to a guy who looks like he hasn’t showered in a week and then, in a corner, see two couples in evening gowns and tuxedos enjoying a nightcap after a gala. Everyone loves Pinkie’s and so will you.
Abe’s on Lincoln – Savannah Abe’s is probably the youngest of any dive on this list, which proves that a real dive doesn’t necessarily have to be old to be great. And Abe’s is. Located on the ground floor of a historic looking building (no clue how old it is), the dark wood and low ceiling make it feel like 1776. The calling card at Abe’s is the artwork on the walls—cocktail napkins with hand-drawn images of Abraham Lincoln, some of them spectacular, others incredibly comical. No matter, you could spend a couple of hours looking at them all while nursing that PBR. Shot of Jager optional.
The Legion – Savannah Located inside the American Legion Post 135 downtown Savannah, this one got me the most pushback when I told friends it was on my list. Why? After a fire a few years ago, it was rebuilt nice and clean-like. It lost a lot of its ‘divey’ vibe. I still swear by it because it’s still dark, the drinks are still crazy cheap, and the music is arguably the best in town. No jukebox, but Mary Ann knows her crowd and runs a beautiful operation. Also worthy of mention: The Rail Pub, Bay Street Blues, Doc’s Bar and Huc-a-Poo’s on Tybee Island. Also worthy of mentions: The Rail pub,bay streeet blues, Doc’s bar and huc-a-poo’s on tybee island jesse and maggie share their Abraham Lincoln artwork at abe’s on lincoln in savannah. R
NORTHERNSOUTHERNGIRLINITALY BY BECCA EDWARDS
ometimes it feels deliciously fantastic to say “F-it” and just eat and drink whatever you want regardless of calories or consequential headaches, and for 11 days, this Southern girl did just that in Northern Italy. Normally a gluten-free gal, I was on “plan ‘pane’” as my husband Lee and I devoured bread Venice, Italy T
S
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS
ITALYNORTHERNGIRLSOUTHERNIN
• And, be ready to eat a diversity of food. From the New York Times recommended hotspots to the mom-andpop places, it is impossible to get a bad meal in Northern Italy. Stresa We began our Italian holiday in Stresa, which is situated on Lago Maggiore. Stresa has hosted dignitaries, royalty, celebrities and regrettably über-wealthy fascists during World War II—especially at our hotel, the Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromee. After feasting our eyes on an array of artwork, frescos, marble flooring and luxurious linens, we were almost too stuffed to eat but managed sharing a caprese insalata by the pool for lunch and then champagne on our room balcony overlooking Lago Maggiore around five.
38 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM at breakfast, lunch and dinner (and every meal in between). Newly a dairy-free pescatarian, I found that the formaggio and salumi were faithful companions to the bread, often arriving at our table unbeknownst to us and disappearing, presumably in our bellies, even more unexpectedly. And the wine. Don’t get me started on the wine. My whole sworn-to-no-more-than-four a week in the States became more like no fewer than two glasses of this elixir from the gods, starting at Surprisingly,lunch. we are no worse for wear (although we did follow up the trip with a little cleanse). And, moreover, we may even be a little more “buano” than before because of all our new encounters and experiences intermingled with ancient old landscapes and structures and timeless people. The overarching takeaways from Northern Italy are:
Note: If you ever go to Stresa do not “messa” around with any other dinner spot than Il Clandestino. It was quite possibly the best meal we have ever enjoyed.
Breakfast in Champoluc, Italy at Hotel Relais Des Glaciers. S
• You will love the people, and they will truly try to help with the language barrier, especially if you have a Southern American accent and are trying to speak Italian.• You will want to know how to drive stick shift, and on the autostrada, make sure to look for exit lanes with the coins sign.
Per the recommendation of Domenico De Sole, we then went to Il Clandestino and said “que sera, sera” as we let Chef Franco Marasco select our food preparations and Sipping champagne in Stresa, Italy at Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees overlooking Lago Maggiore.
• You will drive through several super cool tunnels and see castles and monasteries peek-a-boo between hills and •villages.You will say “grazie” and “ciao” more than you ever thought possible.
• In the rifugios (essentially hostels in the mountains) in the Italian Alps, be prepared to “parlez francais” and get comfortable with communal, unisex bathrooms.•Ifyou are a boat person, you will want to buy a Venetian water taxi, so start saving up.
Lee and I finish our first leg hiking in the Italian Alps and get a “birre” at our rifugio Grand Tournalin. A shout out to Outside Hilton Head for helping us gear up for hiking the Italian Alps.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 39 Marco, the culinary guy Friday of Il Clandestino, pick our wines. (Note: If you ever go to Stresa do not “messa” around with any other dinner spot than Il Clandestino. It was quite possibly the best meal we have ever enjoyed.)
While on Isola Bella, as well as Isola Madre, we also delighted in ancient palaces and garden grounds with flirty white peacocks and might-as-well-be megalithic trees, plants, and shrubbery. The opulence of it all made us awestruck and a little uncertain if we were ready for the next leg of our trip: “rifugio” hopping through the Italian Alps. Italian Alps We began our trek through the Italian Alps in Champoluc at the Hotel Relais Des Glaciers. Again, it was a little difficult to say “arrivederci” to seemingly infinite pastry displays and charcuterie smorgasbords, as well as bed linens (we slept in sleeping bag liners while in the rifugios) and in-room toilets. But we parked our rental (a shrunken version of a Jeep) at Saint Jacques and began our steep incline hike to Rifugio Grand Tournalin. This initial hike was our foray into ibex, a goat/ deer-like animal, drinking questionable water from our camelbacks, being on the lookout for each other as we tried to inconspicuously pee along the trail, and dry sandwiches, which can be surprisingly delicious after six to eight hours of hiking.
Because the restaurant is small, we also met other patrons savoring Chef Franco’s food. So, it was a serendipitous surprise when we were seated the next day at Lemontree on Isola Bella and recognized the owner of the restaurant whom we had met at Il Clandestino the night before (he and Chef Franco are good friends).
From Col di Nana to Becca Trecare, we learned that I hate heights and that “becca” means mountaintop in Italian. Once we made it to Rifugio Ermitage, we discovered risotto with fontina cheese might be the best thing since sliced bread. We also made some friends, namely Filipo and Alessandro from Venice and Andrea and Elena from Milan, and got some valuable intel about Venetian restaurants. Not to miss in this part of Northern Italy are Chamois and Antagnod, two charming as all get Lee leading the way to rifugio Ermitage.
S W Q
40 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM out villages. However, to get to Antagnod, we had to summit Col Pillonet, which even if you are athletic, adventurous, and blissfully married may challenge your quads, sanity and spousal decision. The aftermath of our hellacious hike, however, was a fromagerie with birre, vino, cappuccino, and “felice” Italians, followed by the Hotel Petit Prince, which offered a welcomed retreat from rifugios and had the most luxurious bed imaginable. We also literally stumbled upon Le Vieux Lyskamm, a Transylvanian-Northern Italian fusion restaurant where we ate gnocchi with blackberries and cheese sauce and venison.
Varenna
In Varenna, we visited Castello di Vezio, which was more like an ancient fort with creepy mannequins than a castle and thus began a soon-to-be-satiated need to stay in an actual castle. It was here that I also tasted Amaro, a bitter alcohol “digestivo” that Lee detested and I adored. Our last meal in Italy at Castello Dal Pozzo. S
After hiking to Antagnod and taking a death-defying bus ride back to our parked rental, which we named Jeepa (because every English word spoken by an Italian ends in the letter “a”), we headed to Lago Como (aka where George and Amal Clooney have an Italian chateau). This touristy town was supposed to be our warmup to Venice, and we loved staying at Hotel Olivedo, which is centrally located by the ferries to Menaggio and Belagio. Food-wise, Lee declared he needed pizza (which is served in a dauntingly large portion), and I discovered my new favorite salad: canned tuna, mozzarella, olives and rocket (arugula).
Venice When we left Varenna and headed to Venice we were like two Euro-car road warriors. We finally understood the “autostrada,” Jeepa, and the Italian ways of the road, and by happenstance parked our rental in an ideal spot and caught a water taxi with Stefano to Hotel San Cassiano Residenza d’Epoca Ca’Favaretto. In Venice, we ditched the formaggio and salumi and opted for insalata di polpo e patate (octopus salad with potatoes) and cicchetti, or small bites like crostini (small open-faced sandwiches) and polpette (fried balls with meat, fish or cheese). It was here we took a lot of photos that didn’t do Venice justice, visited Murano (the glass-blowing district) and Burano (think rainbow row in Charleston plus infinite amounts of mussels and clams in broth) and realized how completely worn out our legs were from Col Pillonet and opted for afternoon gelato and Nutella on biscotti.
-Thank you: Grazie -You’re welcome: Prego -Good evening: Buona sera -Goodbye: Ciao (informal); Arrivederci (formal) -White wine: Vino bianco MUST-KNOW ITALIAN WORDS -Red wine: Vino rosso -Beer: Birra -Bread: Pane -Cheese: Formaggio -Small plate: Cicchetti -Bathroom: Bagno (or toilette) Gnocchi with blackberries and cream sauce at Le Vieux Lyskamm in Antagnod, Italy. R Formaggio and salumi at Le Vieux Lyskamm in Antagnod, Italy .R
Sirmione/Arona Leaving Venice to make our way to Milan (where we would depart the following day), we did not have a hotel reservation or even a game plan. We decided to detour to Lago Garda and hit Sirmione. Eating lunch on the waterfront at Hotel Sirmione e Promessi Sposi and nibbling on herring caviar with lightly fried mussels, fish and clams and a simple tomato-based pasta dish was delightful but the real razzledazzle, castle-like experienced happened near Arona at Castello Dal Pozzo. It was here where we decided to become what we had been eating all along and loaf around. We lavished in the countryside with a five-course, chef-selected dinner, complete with locally made wine and gold adorned tiramisu.Onour ride to Malprensa airport, Lee and I reflected on our favorite meals. Il Caldestino was the most gourmet, the dry sandwich atop Col Pillonet the most well deserved, pizza and mixed salad on Lake Como the closest to home, fresh seafood in Venice the most “why don’t we always eat this way,” and Castello Dal Pozzo the “coup de grâce” in an epicurean/ vicarious sense because we were treated quite like royalty. Unapologetically, this Southern girl and her hubbalicous truly relished eating our way through Italy and highly recommend you do, too.
Becca Edwards is a wellness professional, freelance writer, and owner of Female IQ (femaleIQ.com).
STEP INSIDE THE LARD-LADEN ARTERIES OF A MAN WHO HAS SPENT HIS LIFE DEVOURING SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST QUESTIONABLE CUISINE. ARTICLE BARRY KAUFMAN C an you give us something funny about food for the next issue?” my editor asked me. She asked me this because she knows that food is something I keep near and dear to my heart. As in literally; my arteries are absolutely packed with the stuff. And as you’ve probably gathered, I said yes. Because I need the money. To buy more food.
FAT GUIDEBOY’STOFOOD!THE
44 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
I started looking into it, and food addiction is a shockingly underexplored side of psychology. We have armies of scientists testing the various shades of red to I invented the quesadilla sandwich, not because I wanted to pair the earthy notes of authentic Oaxaca cheese with the delicate tang of Dijon mustard. I did it because I wanted to eat a quesadilla, but since I knew I’d still be hungry after, I also wanted to eat a sandwich. Combining them was a matter of efficiency. These things, it would appear to anyone watching me inhale this concoction with the gleeful abandon of a Labrador, make me happy.
All the same, it was interesting timing that I was asked now, of any period in my life, to write about food. Across the entire span of 42 years defined by ceaseless gluttony, taking any entrée to the maw no matter how potentially lethal my doctor may have deemed it, I’m asked to write this piece now. The timing of this whole thing is interesting, because right now I can barely think about food. At least not in any way that I’m used to. You see, my relationship with food has always presented itself to the outside world (and to anyone within crumbsplattering distance) as one of pure bombastic enjoyment.
I invented the quesadilla sandwich, not because I wanted to pair the earthy notes of authentic Oaxaca cheese with the delicate tang of Dijon mustard. I did it because I wanted to eat a quesadilla, but since I knew I’d still be hungry after, I also wanted to eat a sandwich. Combining them was a matter of efficiency. These things, it would appear to anyone watching me inhale this concoction with the gleeful abandon of a Labrador, make me happy. It wasn’t until I actively started trying to lose weight that I realized something. I enjoy food, yes. I enjoy it much in the same way as an alcoholic enjoys whiskey—so much that they hide it in the toilet where no one else can drink it. It makes me happy in the same way that, I’m assuming, meth makes people happy (it has to, right? I don’t think anyone gets into it because they want to lose a few teeth). It does this by triggering some idiot response in my lizard brain that overrides the side of me that has any selfcontrol (a side that, let’s be honest, is probably a pushover to begin with).
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 45 see which one will make us want fried chicken more, but we can’t spare so much as an undergrad to look into why some of us will devour the whole bucket no matter what color it Nowwas.Iwant to be clear, food is a wonderful thing and an underappreciated art form. When I go to a restaurant and I see the skill that went into a dish, the careful balancing of flavors and textures, the practiced care in which it was prepared, I appreciate it on the same level as any symphony or painting. But no one ever sat down and listened to a whole-family size serving of symphonies in one sitting. There are some of us who can appreciate the art but are powerless to stop ourselves from enjoying it too much. So yeah, I’m addicted to food. And while the first step is admitting you’re powerless, the second step is figuring out how to live with it. For the time being, that means getting on a medication that effectively blocks any and all hunger signals. Imagine if you’ve been hearing the same song in the background your entire life, never really understanding why, and then someone pulls out the earbuds you didn’t realize you were wearing. It’s an eerie sort of silence, coupled with the realization that the song wasn’t in your head the whole time. It’s not a long-term fix, but for the time being, it’s giving me a chance to get some perspective. And that perspective is finally letting me view food the way the rest of you do. Sure, I don’t view it as often (I made the mistake of eating an entire slice of pizza a few nights ago and let me tell you the nightmares were *French chef kissing his fingertips gesture*). But when I do sit down to enjoy a meal, I find myself actually savoring it. I’m keenly aware of the flavors, the textures, the presentation, because I’m no longer looking at this edible artwork as more fodder for the jaw-mill. I’m looking at it as the end result of millions of years of practiced study and advancing art. The whole of human history, from the first time we flame-broiled a wooly mammoth to the launch of the Baconator has been about making food tastier. And I’ve never really enjoyed it, not in the same way the rest of you do. But I’m learning. If you’re one of the lucky ones who can simply take a few bites of something, appreciate it for what it is, and move on, I envy you. I’m excited to find out how things taste when I actually take the time to enjoy them. And for those of you still struggling, hang in there. There are more of us out there than you think.
FAT GUIDEBOY’STOFOOD!
“Attendees can expect a taste of Gullah, a diverse presentation of live music, food trucks, local artists and craft vendors,” Bush said. “There will be great food, great music and a great “Festivalstime!”that celebrate the heritage of our community are an essential part of the Lowcountry experience,” said Billy Watterson, CEO of Watterson Brands. “Food, language, dance and song have been the generational currency of the Gullah people for hundreds of years—and we are proud to support businesses that elevate those artistic pillars.”
Music, food, and a good time for the binyas (natives) and comyas (non-natives)
Bush said she sometimes took for granted the safety and protection of her tight-knit village community—the
Bush said she was inspired to create this festival out of a sense of urgency; she felt she had to do it. “It seems to me like we are losing our elders, the keepers of our Gullah Geechee history, more so now than at any time in my life,” she explained. “The elders have sustained our culture and afforded folks like me the opportunity to explore and experience things they could only dream of.”
Bush is the owner of BurnBush Entertainment, and her company, in association with the Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice and the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor, and presented by Watterson Brands, is bringing The Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival to Celebration Park, 94 Pope Ave., on Hilton Head Island, from 1-6 p.m., October 1. The festival will offer attendees the tastes and sounds of the Gullah Geechee culture along with its connection to the vast African diaspora.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 47 Article By Cheryl Alexander . Photography by 2 lights, 1 stand
I f you’re a Lowcountry Southerner, the mere mention of “fish and grits” will make your mouth water. As well, when someone mentions a music festival, your legs begin to move, and a smile comes across your face. Then if these two joy-inducing events come together, ooooohhh shakalaka! You may as well get ready because it’s here: The Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival, organized by international recording artist and Bluffton native Latrese Bush, has arrived!
From left to right; Billy Watterson, Louise Cohen, Galen Miller, and Latrese Bush at the Gullah Museum.
“The Fish and Grits Music Festival will bring a different vibe to the Lowcountry in the fall,” said Thomasena Fields, who along with her husband, chef Melvin, owns the popular Melly Mel’s food truck. “In our culture, music and food go hand in hand— especially when you talk about our traditional favorites like gumbo, red rice, oxtail stew, and conch stew. We can’t wait to be a part of this wonderful creation. Melly Mel’s plans to offer some of the traditional items we are known for and more!” When it comes to food, Bush has a well-traveled palate. “I have eaten paella in Spain, pasta in Italy, even currywurst in Germany,” she shared, “but hands down, my favorite dish is ‘fish and grits.’ There is just something about a hot piece of lightly seasoned, golden fried fish (preferably whiting), over a bed of grits, topped off with a dollop of creamy butter, light salt, and Itpepper.”isthe simple and sophisticated Gullah Geechee way that made the very ordinary so extraordinary for Bush, then, now, and forever more, and it’s exactly why she is determined to share a taste of what she’s been blessed to experience growing up Gullah.“Isimply want to tell everybody about my culture and how much it
48 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM pockets of extended family living, worshiping, and fellowshipping together. Her people lived off the land and the water. Back in the day, she relates how folks would grab some peas and collard greens from her father, the late Leon ‘Lee’ Bush Sr., then go up the road for some fresh catch from the local fisherman. Her mom, Laura Bush (retired Beaufort County school board member after 26 years of service) and a few of the other ladies would travel to Burton, a community outside of Beaufort, to can vegetables at her late Aunt Thelma Morrall’s house just so they would have some okra and tomatoes over a fluffy bed of steamed white rice in the winter. Sound familiar? Probably so. Every Southerner has these indelible soulful memories through our family and food experiences. No matter where we go or what we eat, somehow that soul food ignites our fondest sentiments. Bush is no exception. And that’s why she chose “Fish and Grits” as the name of her festival.
Brigette Frazier’s food truck Chef B’s Eatz wil be one of the featured vendors at theBlufftonfestival.native and festival organizer Latrese Bush photographed at the Gullah Museum on Hilton Head Island.
For tickets and more information, visit fishandgritsmusicfest.com.
The Fish and Grits Music Festival will feature an array of musical artists. Bush herself, who has performed all around the world and worked with artists such as Gloria Gaynor, Jennifer Holliday, even Justin Bieber, will be performing. Sharing the stage will be Latin percussionist Frankie Quinones, Lowcountry natives Gwen Yvette (currently opening for the O’Jays), Angela Bonaparte, Votte Hall, and more. From gospel, to jazz, to R&B, this music festival has something for everyone. Not only will the festival feature great food, and great music, but it will also serve as a way to give back to the local community. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice, helping support their programming and events that have a positive impact on the community and promote Dr. King’s legacy of love, equality, peace, and civil rights.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 49 means to me,” Bush said. “I consider the festival a part of my personal journey, as I am still learning about our great culture. I also want to point folks to organizations like the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor, the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association (NIBCAA), Gullah Geechee Nation, and Louise Cohen’s Gullah Museum—all organizations that have done amazing work keeping our culture top of mind in our community and Cohenbeyond.”will be a featured Gullah storyteller at The Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival, and on October 29; she will be hosting a Gullah Food Festival at The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, where she has featured traditional cuisine such as Joy Mitchell’s Mama Joy’s Kitchen, who will also be at The Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival.
Galen Miller, committee president said, “For the last two years, I have been wanting to have Latrese perform for an MLK event. Her brother Leon ‘LJ’ Bush Jr. of Side Hustle Brewery called me and said Latrese wanted to talk to me about the festival she’s planning. As soon as he said ‘Fish and Grits,’ I was in. The Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice is beyond excited to be a part of such a great community event.”
The festival will offer several incredible food options. Popular chef, Gullah Geechee preservationist, and owner of Chef B’s Eatz food truck, Brigette Frazier, will be one of the featured food vendors at the festival. “Gullah is more than its food,” Frazier said. “It’s a way of life; it’s a perspective; it’s a philosophy.” If you are vegan, the festival has something special for you too. Gullah Geechee Vegan Chef Adriane Johnson’s Veggie VIlla will be serving up an array of selections from Vegan Burgers and Sliders to Mexican Street Corn. Porfirio Cardelas’ Taco Brown truck will be there to quench your craving for delicious tacos ,burritos and quesadillas as well.
Mama Joy plans to feature fish and grits the traditional way—bone-in whiting—with a nice big bowl of buttery grits with some cheese on top. Joy said, “When I think of Gullah food and Gullah cooking, all I think is yumm! It’s just all the flavors coming together making a pot of goodness and comfort food. Gullah food means that the culture is still alive. We have seen the area get developed and transformed, but the people and the traditions are still here.”
Miller also reminisced that family reunions and neighborhood gatherings are a big part of growing up in the Hilton Head Gullah community where foods like BBQ, fried fish, fried shrimp, Lowcountry boil, and crab boils were staples, along with sides, like red rice, mac ’n’ cheese, potato salad, seafood salad, collard greens, and green beans. “All of the seafood we would go out and catch ourselves,” Galen said. “We would play spades, listen to music, and dance in the yard.” Festival goers can expect to get a taste of this traditional Gullah experience and much more. The Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival is a cultural, family-friendly event for all, promoting great music, great food, and a great time—powered by the amazing Gullah Geechee people!
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
INGREDIENTS:
SEPTEMBER BAITING SEASON
TWO WAYS OF COOKING THE SHRIMP BURGERS: Oven method: Place shrimp burgers onto a greased baking sheet and bake in a hot oven at 350F for about 20 minutes. Sauté method: In a large saucepan, melt butter on medium heat. Place shrimp burgers in the saucepan and cook on each side for roughly 6 minutes on each side until slightly golden brown, making sure the shrimp is cooked to pink/white in color. Serve shrimp burger on a nice bun with toppings such as spinach, sliced fresh tomatoes, sweet onions, roasted red peppers, pimento cheese.
1/4 cup butter
SHRIMP
SOUTHERN SHRIMP SLIDERS
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; add celery, onion, and mixture of peppers and slowly sauté until translucent, not brown. Set aside and let cool. In a small bowl, whip together eggs and milk with a fork. In a large mixing bowl, place crushed RITZ Crackers, dill weed, Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Blend together. Add shrimp, cooled pepper/onion mixture, and egg mixture and blend all ingredients.
1- 1/2 pounds, peeled and deveined raw shrimp, cut into large pieces
NOTE: Best is gloves on your hands and blend with your hands. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Make small round shrimp burger patties, around 24 patties.
1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/2 cup onion, finely, minced 1 cup mixture of yellow, red, orange peppers, finely minced 4 large sleeves, RITZ Crackers, 1/42crushedeggs-1/2 cup milk, start with 1/4 cup 1 tablespoon dill weed
1 stalk celery, finely minced
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 51 Chef Lynn Michelle FAVORITE RECIPES PHOTOGRAPHYBY:BY 2 LIGHTS, 1 STAND T here is nothing finer than the simultaneous September full moon rise and sunset, the changing colors of the marsh grass for a Lowcountry fall, and shrimp baiting season in South Carolina. And these succulent shrimp recipes are a fabulous addition to add to your list of Lowcountry shrimp“Catchdishes.them bugs” is usually chanted as shrimpers await their draw, as their cast nets bring in the bounty of local shrimp. According to the SCDNR, shrimp baiting season 2022 starts at noon September 9 and ends at noon November 8. All individuals over the age of 16 must have a fishing license and shrimp baiting tags for shrimp poles. Visit dnr.sc.gov for more information on state rules and regulations.
1/2pepperscupcold water
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
“A
In a mixer, cream together mayonnaise, cream cheese, water, onion flake, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; add chopped pimentos. Continue to blend slowly; this will create the creaminess mixture.
CHEF LYNN MICHELLE’S SOUTHERN PIMENTO CHEESE
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
INGREDIENTS:
1 - 1/2 cups Hellman’s mayonnaise
1/2 cup pimento juice from jar of roasted
Slowly add shredded sharp cheddar cheese while mixing on low to medium alternately with pimento juice. More water may be needed for desired texture of pimento cheese.
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Mix all ingredients together, season to taste, and place into the refrigerator until serving.
52 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
CREAMY DILL REMOULADE
3 cups softened cream cheese
2 tablespoons dill weed 1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon onion flake 1/4 cup water
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup chopped pimentos (roasted peppers)
NOTES:
The onion flake is key as well. Because it is dehydrated, it’s the need for potentially some extra water. You may also use block sharp cheddar cheese and shred it yourself for creamier pimento cheese. Why, you ask? Because the pre-shredded sharp cheese has a dry coating on the shreds to prevent them from sticking together, hence the need for some extra moisture from the pimento cheese juice and water.
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
SERVES 6 Lowcountry Classic!”
Use sharp cheddar cheese as anything else will prevent the nice pungent flavor which you are looking for in your pimento cheese.
1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled, raw, deveined and cut into large pieces; save shrimp shells
SERVES 4-6 Book your next meal with Chef Lynn Michelle – for intimate gatherings of up to 50 people, prepared in your ownCallhome.843.422.5480 or visit cheflynnmichelle.com for sample menus and more information.
LOWCOUNTRY SHRIMP EXTRAVAGANZA INGREDIENTS:
1 pound fresh shrimp, whole with shell and cooked for display around the platter
1 stick 11Shrimpbuttershells-1/2cupwaterlargecontainer sour cream
1 large Vidalia onion, roughly chopped 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped 1 cup, colored peppers, roughly chopped 2 cups beef sausage, cut into bitesize pieces
1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
1 large tomato, roughly chopped 2 small cans black eyed peas, drained and rinsed 2 cups shredded cheese
1 small jar pickled okra, some whole and some sliced into bitesize rounds 1 cup roasted red peppers, roughly chopped 3 ears fresh corn, char on grill whole and cut corn off cob Pimento Cheese (see recipe above)
2 bunches romaine lettuce, washed and sliced into thin strips
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 53
4 cups cooked rice
Pork InFritos®RindsSCOOPS®alargesaucepan, melt 1/2 stick butter; add raw shrimp shells and cook the shrimp shells until pink. Add water to create shrimp broth and simmer for 20 minutes. Using a colander, strain the broth into another pot. Set aside. Using the same large saucepan, melt other half of the butter. Add onion, celery, and colored peppers. Sauté until translucent. Add beef sausage and shrimp pieces to slowly cook together for 4 minutes. Do not boil. Add shrimp broth to this mixture. Turn off heat and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix sour cream and Old Bay seasoning. Set aside.
TO ASSEMBLE: Using a large deep serving platter, place the rice on the bottom and push rice out to the edge. Cover the rice with the shrimp, beef, pepper mixture. Cover with sour cream mixture, thinly sliced romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, black eyed peas, shredded cheese, sliced pickled okra, chopped red peppers; sprinkle charred corn, and top with Chef Lynn Michelle’s Pimento Cheese. Serve with Pork Rinds and Fritos SCOOPS or serve as a meal.
• Cleaning products (although I have made my own in the past, nothing really cleans like good old fashioned Clorox).
• Toilet paper (unless you get a bidet or bidet attachment, which I highly recommend).
ARTICLE BY BECCA EDWARDS . PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2LIGHTS, 1STAND
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 55
And yet, with minimal effort, being completely indoors, even without having much square footage, you can generate Becca Edwards harvests fresh greens from her indoor gardening system.
• Cooking ingredients like high quality seasonings such as salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• Meat and fish (unless you hunt or fish).
I might just be posthumously a millennial, but there is an ingenuity to being seemingly industrious without actually doing anything. I believe my parents’ generation labeled it as being lazy, but they may be missing the art form of it all, and I have applied this concept to provisioning our home. Call it COVID fatigue, middle-age malaise or the confluence of both, but I now detest going to the grocery store. This, mind you, has nothing to do with the people who work at the grocery store—a shout-out to Brad, Jack, Leo (who just retired), Adrian and Edy at the Harris Teeter south end location. I love you all. Really I do. I simply have evolved into hating grocery shopping and, reactively, have begun practicing what I call “homegrown grocery shopping,” which involves doing the bare minimum, avoiding the grocery store at all costs, and still providing healthy staples for the fam. This evolution comes with a caveat. For the unmotivated, there are some things you have to buy at your local store or gourmet shop. These must-haves include:
HOMEGROWNGroceryStore
• Rice and bread (Yes, you can make your own bread, but who really has the time to be a baker?).
• Eggs (unless you have your own chicken or ducks, which having had both, go with chickens).
Plants like this aloe are strategically placed in light-soaked windows around the home.
When it comes to sprouting kits, you don’t need to get fancy. Yes, there are some kits that look better on your countertop than others, but my favorite is the Kitchen Crop Seed Sprouter. Sprouts are hearty little greens, so do not feel like you need great natural light or you have to babysit your sprouts. I simply empty the water basin, rotate my trays and rewater my Kitchen Crop Seed Sprouter once a day until about day five when it is time to harvest.
INDOOR GARDEN
KOMBUCHA KITS
In my household, we are trying our darndest to go dairy-free. What that looks like is nut milk in our coffee, homemade creamy soups and smoothies, and then Saturday charcuterie when we binge on brie, gouda and other fun cheeses. But I digress. There are several nut milk makers on the market like Almond Cow (which I have and love), Tribest Soyabella, and Nutr. The main considerations to think about when getting one of these are: how easy it is to clean, how much space it takes up on your kitchen counter or in your appliance drawer, and how effectively it uses the ingredients. My Almond Cow is super easy to clean, occupies very little space, and takes less than five minutes. Furthermore, I am having fun experimenting with different nuts like hazelnut and cashew, as well as oats and flaxseed. I feel a bit like a healthy mad scientist combining different dairy-
There are several indoor gardening systems on the market like Gardyn, AeroGarden, Rise Gardens, and Becca’s personal favorite, Lettuce Grow.
SPROUTING KITS
Again, these kits are often inexpensive and, if you like kombucha as much as I do, after one or two batches, you are already saving money. I am a fan of Brew Your Bucha from Amazon, which includes a starter fluid and globular, alien-like thing called a scoby, which is actually a live culture and natural probiotic. All you need is your favorite black tea, sugar, and a large mason jar, and in about one week of you doing nothing but just ignoring the fact that you have a scoby on your countertop, you have kombucha.
There are several indoor gardening systems on the market like Gardyn, AeroGarden, Rise Gardens, and my personal favorite, Lettuce Grow. Yes, these spacecraft-looking veggie/herb makers can get a little pricey, but I would suggest not starting with the largest size. Instead, slowly add on (options like the Lettuce Grow are modular and you can add tiers).
FYI: You can do a payment plan, too. Also, experiment with different plants. We have found we like a myriad of lettuces, strawberries, spinach, chives, parsley, basil and cherry tomatoes. We did not like growing larger variations of tomatoes like Plum Regal, edible flowers or mint; all became overgrown and crowded the other plants. We also were not as successful with green beans and some of the “stalkier” cruciferous like broccoli because we believe the plants needed more soil and space. Nevertheless, we have seriously upped our garden game with very little effort. Weekly maintenance only takes 15 to 20 minutes and involves minimal pruning, applying Neem oil if needed, checking the water level, and adding nutrients. Every three months, we do have to dismantle and wash the Lettuce Grow, which takes two hours since we have two 36-plant towers. Noteworthy: since getting the Lettuce Grow, we now have an ample, always available fresh food supply that serves as a visual, topiary-ish reminder to get our daily dose of greens.
HOMEGROWNGroceryStore
56 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM much of the most nutrient-packed items on your grocery list. Let’s start with your vegetables and herbs.
NUT MILK MAKERS
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 57 free milks with ingredients like sea salt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
CLUB SODA
Just to reiterate, I’m a “quasi-millennial, middle aged, living-in-the-time-of-COVID mom” and all about doing as little as possible to maximize results. So, when it comes to this category, I could be doing more, and at one point I did. I used to make my own toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, shampoo—you name it. Now, I keep things simple and only make my own lotions and perfumes because this involves, you guessed it, the least amount of work. All you need is a carrier oil like vitamin E, jojoba, coconut, almond or argan and essential oils like rose, peppermint, grapefruit, lavender, jasmine, frankincense, and lemon. The only caveat here is you need to be picky about your ingredients. Get a high-quality carrier oil, and research your essential oils resource, because low-quality ingredients can cause skin irritation and even breathing problems. (FYI: I only buy doTERRA.)
This one is not only a money saver but also an environmental saver. If your family is anything like ours, we can demolish a case of lemon Le Croix in a matter of minutes. But not anymore. We were gifted a SodaStream and have never looked back. Originally, the kids liked to play with all the artificial flavors that came with the SodaStream, but now they only use fresh ingredients like lemons, grapefruit, raspberries, blueberries or something from our Lettuce Grow. Becca Edwards is a wellness professional, freelance writer, and owner of Female IQ (femaleIQ.com).
HOMEMADE HYGIENE/BEAUTY PRODUCTS
AMY
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 59
W
ReadyKickoff?for
ARTICLE BY BARTLETT
HERE’S YOUR FALL FOOD & FOOTBALL FINDER
STREET MEET – CLEVELAND BROWNS Cleveland rocks. So does Street Meet, the island’s “Brown Backers Bar,” known for its food reviews far beyond the team on the TVs. We already know Hilton Head is the capital of Ohio (#OHHIO), but nowhere does this climb to a roar with as much fanfare as Street Meet. An award-winning menu covers everything from homemade sauces to soul food fusion chipotle-ranch chicken baskets, to stadium faves like gyro and a hot pretzel or homemade chips. Street Meet gets its name on Sundays, meeting somewhat in the street as the festivities pour outdoors to tailgate, filling the barrel barbeque with slow roast. Patriot ownedand-operated, the owners take pride in their veteran support through Honor Our Heroes. This American tavern with Americana cuisine is as passionate about their community service as their selection of American whiskey, bourbon, and craft-brews in addition to American-made apparel and memorabilia. streetmeethhi.com MANGIAMO’S – OHIO STATE “Welcome in!” as their tagline states, to the Italian eatery known primarily for its pizza. The energy in the house is a mix of height-of-the-summer high fives and
e already know Hilton Head Island and the surrounding Lowcountry is where the masses migrate for good food and that everyday vacay feel. As the summer winds down, cooler breezes kick up, and oysters steal the show, we hear another fight song calling us together, and we start clamoring for kickoff. It’s more than just the game. It’s big groups and batch brews; it’s 10 kinds of dry rubs for your boneless wings and fisticuffs over which pizza crust is an abomination; it’s fantasy leagues and fried things. It’s football, friends, and food, and in your hunt for the perfect local haunt, C2 is here to help you find your people.
If you’re looking for the yinzer club, they’re not dahntahn; they’re over at Guiseppi’s and “serving award-winning pizza (‘and more’) since 1984.” The “and more” sets the tavern tables with a large, family-sized servings of “the freshest and most authentic ingredients – sauce is made fresh from California tomatoes. The dough is made daily at our Hilton Head and Bluffton restaurant locations, and the best quality Italian cheeses top our pies.” The menu goes full bar (16 beers on tap) and full Italian, with food running almost second to the Pittsburgh-native owners’ Steel Town roots. This Steeler Nation HQ has memorabilia on every wall and window, making no secret of the “Stiller” black and yellow that reigns supreme on 14 TVs broadcasting the Big Ten Network, Direct TV, and NFL Sunday Ticket! Yinz gotta git over der and siddahn ta eat (or just call for delivery from their HHI or Bluffton locations).
60 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM drink clinks, super-friendly wait staff, and a big bucket of Buckeye fans, most of which are sharing a pie. On a scale from extra sauce to extra serious about the game, Mangiamo’s has a Buckeye nook and gift shop and an anti-Michigan restroom. Of gamedays, they state, “For noon games, we open three hours before kickoff, and for night games, the kitchen closes at half-time, and the bar closes immediately after the game.” Mangiamo’s serves up sports bar spirited specials like half-price spaghetti Wednesdays and happy hour drink lists for a party of “pizza, pasta, and pigskin.” But there’s no question pizza is their calling card. So much so they keep right there in their URL: hhipizza.com
GIUSEPPI’S – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
giuseppispizza.com
COCONUTZ SPORTZ BAR (HILTON HEAD BEACH & TENNIS RESORT) – BALTIMORE RAVENS
hhibeachandtennis.com/dining
Not just the four-year repeat winner of Wingfest (and People’s Choice to boot), Coconuts’ “must-try” list is long, and possibly topped by their namesake CocoNut Shrimp Dinner. Whether your taste runs prawns or pizza, beer or bourbon, or somewhere in the middle with a rich and thick Blue Beach Burger, CocoNutz is serving what you like, especially if it’s a Ravens win on their 23 HD TVs including a dual projector wall of sports. Nutz is a pure seaside resort atmosphere with pool tables, dart boards, and a host of other games and nightly promotions. Not just a Sportz bar (with a Z), it’s an island watering hole where businesses and beachgoers flock for food, fun, and a little Maryland football (to go with the crabcakes).
“Cincinnati is a German town” said the owner of Rockfish when describing the German fare found on their menu including “goetta omelets,” (goetta being a sort of German scrapple for those not in the know), “Big Boy burgers with tartar, and Graeter’s ice cream.” Come by for the game, and you might catch a former Bengals QB who lives on HHI and catches the game at Rockfish on occasion, including last year’s Super Bowl.
ROCKFISH – CINCINNATI BENGALS
PITTSBURGHGIUSEPPI’S STEELERS BAR
A unique offering at Rockfish is their “season ticket holders,”
CHEAP SEATS – COME ONE, COME ALL Haven’t found your team yet? At Cheap Seats, the colors run together for every possible clubhouse favorite you could hope to find, both on the island and in B-Town too. Garlic fries, loaded nachos, fried meatballs, wings, Reubens, Cubans, Phillys, quesadillas, chicken parm, gyros, chilis, sammies, even fish tacos, bruschetta, or jambalaya, and those are just the highlights. Their page-turner menu covers everything from full-course meals to snacks so stadium-worthy you can almost hear the staff yelling “hot dog” as they pass your table. Well-rounded is the name of their game, as in their tag that reads, “Music, Melts, and Martinis.” A fave of fans who want a little bit of everything and everyone at their table, with emphasis on music which you can keep up with on their socials for who’s playing Cheap Seats and when. cheapseatsrestaurantgroup.com
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 61 meaning you can purchase your seat for the season, and you get the name of your choosing on a plaque on the back of your reserved gameday seat. Talk about regulars. Proceeds go to the Kenny Anderson Alliance (the Bengals QB’s Cincinnati based charity).
R BAR & GRILL – BUFFALO BILLS
BENGALSCINCINNATIROCKFISHBAR
Often referred to as “your bar,” playing into the hometown feel of this Bluffton favorite just off 278 (Sheridan Park), R Bar and Grill is where everyone knows your name, thanks to the neighborly vibe, regulars, and friendly wait staff. It’s also where the Bills stickers on car windows are prolific in the parking lot. Weekend drink specials and family fun with cornhole and video games keep fans entertained in an open air environment where the rustic garage door wall opens to outdoor seating complete with fans and fires, depending on the local temps. 16 flat screen TVs flank a mouthwatering menu featuring house made, slow roasted roast beef on a from-scratch kimmelweck roll with a dollop of horseradish and au jus—so perfect you might be tempted to sneak in as a Steelers fan. All are welcome to the one-stop-shop for everything from Philly Cheese to Meatball Parm Hoagies. rbarbluffton.com
REILLEY’S GRILL & BAR – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
If you haven’t heard of Reilley’s, you’re new here. It’s an island staple, pulling drafts since 1982, way before the Patriots 2002-2019 never-gonna-stop sudden uptick in world domination. “If football is on, it’s on our TVs,” proclaims this Boston brew pub, speaking of 16 TVs which you can watch indoors or out on a pet-friendly patio. Voted “best of” for both happy hour and the brunch menu, the ambience here is a cut above in true Bean Town style, as is the menu of sizzling steaks, fresh seafood, and pub sandwich creations. In-season, call about the live music set list playing Thursdays through Sundays or about reservations. reilleyshiltonhead.com
rockfishhhi.com
From to Fennel, and
Daryl Booth, Zach Krimm,
right: Jess Rapagna, Chris Kingston, Laura
Patsy Delello
left
Follow a Local to MIXX ON MAIN ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2 LIGHTS, 1 STAND EXPANDED FACILITY AND NEW SUNDAY HOURS ADD MORE FUN TO THE MIX
If a packed parking lot on a Tuesday evening with mostly South Carolina tags is any indication, then Mixx on Main, open since 2018, is a prime example of a restaurant doing right by the locals. The north end bistro and bar, tucked into the woods next to a bank, not only survived the pandemic but came out all the better on the other side. That’s thanks to the loyal clientele who continued to patronize the restaurant by ordering takeout and supporting the outdoor footprint. Now, they’re enjoying indoor seating again along with an expanded deck for al fresco dining and newly renovated patio space, which opens to the inside bar for a bigger, better after-work and happy hour“Iexperience.canonlybe thankful for the regular patronage that we have received from our surrounding plantations— Hilton Head Plantation, Indigo Run, and Palmetto Hall. They are the core of our business,” said Patsy Delello, who owns and operates the restaurant along with his lifelong friend and investment partner Daryl Booth. “We do get vacationers, but our livelihood is based on being a local establishment.”
I t’s no secret that many of Hilton Head Island’s most popular restaurants are hidden in the quiet corners of our world. They are not necessarily the ones with a water view or a billboard on I-95, but when you want to find them, follow a local.
Of course, everyone is welcome, and now that word has gotten out, they have regulars coming from as far away as Sea Pines and Sun City (along with lucky visitors who discover them on Trip Advisor or are fortunate enough to be tipped off by a local).
FOOD AND SERVICE While Delello, a resident of Hilton Head Island and familiar face on the local restaurant scene for going
on 40 years, is excited about his recent expansions, he knows it takes more than a pleasant venue to entice the number of repeat diners Mixx on Main is drawing. It’s the quality and consistency of the food and the friendly, attentive service that make the customer experience so inviting.
64 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
Guests, and especially those who come regularly, also appreciate the creative daily specials listed on the ever-changing chalkboard. “We have five or six daily lunch specials along with five or six daily dinner specials. It gives us the opportunity to ‘Mixx it up’ with a variety of new or seasonal ingredients not on the regular menu,” Delello said. But even delectable food is not always enough to keep people coming back for more. Often, how we are treated is the ultimate allure.
“And everything is fresh—from the seafood to the produce to the hand-pattied burgers,” Delello said.
“Most of my staff has been with me from the beginning. To be successful, you need a core group who really believe in what you’re doing and how you take care of the regular customers. They are not just order takers. They get to know everybody’s names, and people feel comfortable because of that.
“We are also extremely excited to have added Zach Krimm to our staff. Originally a 16-year employee and bartender of the Reilley Group, his following and great customer interaction has been a terrific addition and asset in moving the restaurant forward.”
FALL SURPRISE!
“We are really well received for the quality of our food, but the people who serve it also play a big role,” Delello said.
Delello is extremely proud of their menu offerings and the quality of the food they serve. As the name implies, the food is a something-foreverybody mix—a masterful blend of all-American favorites, Mexican fare, Italian specialties, fun bar food, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a taco salad, a sizzling steak, a plate of authentic spaghetti and meatballs, a lobster tail, or fresh grilled shrimp, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re craving.
The exciting news ahead is that, starting on September 11, Mixx on Main will be open Sundays from noon-7 p.m. The “kitchen” A busy Happy Hour crowd enjoys the outside bar at Mixx on Main. The giant windows retract and lead into the main bar area, bringing the outside in on those cooler fall days approaching.
(FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE WEB)
EXCELLENT ALL-AROUND RESTAURANT Mixx may well be my favorite restaurant on the island. The ambiance, service, food quality, and price points are excellent. I’ve eaten there many times, have tried different food selections, and all have been excellent. Their prime rib is about as good as it gets, and the price cannot be beaten. The Mexican selections are better than most Mexican restaurants. I highly recommend it.
Mixx is our neighborhood restaurant that never disappoints!
NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITE Mixx is one of those places to go when you don’t feel like cooking, when you need to meet a friend or colleague for lunch, or when you just want to go out for a bite to eat and not have to worry about tourist traffic. They have a menu that pleases all, wonderful daily specials, and a great, friendly, hardworking staff.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 65 moves outdoors on Sunday to create a cookout/tailgate vibe, perfect for family fun, mingling with friends, and Sunday sports. All seating options will be available but expect to see Delello behind the grill and a smorgasbord of sides set up on the new patio.
Mixx on Main does not currently accept reservations, however, patrons are encouraged to call about 10 minutes prior to arrival to save time in the event there is a wait list. The main parking lot is next to the restaurant with spillover spaces next door after 4 p.m. Come on over to Mixx on Main and see what the fuss is about. For directions, set your GPS to 87 Main Street … or just follow a local. Mixx on Main is located at 87 Main Street, Hilton Head Island, serving lunch and dinner, Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday from noon-9 p.m., and a Sunday cookout from noon-7 p.m. For more information or to put your name in the hat for a table, please call (843) 842-MIXX (6499).
—Scott Pritchard BEST KEPT SECRET Best kept secret on Hilton Head Island is Mixx on Main. Great variety of food for lunch and dinner at a reasonable price. Friendly staff. A great happy hour. And I would put their prime rib up against any big time steak house. Mostly a local spot, but worth searching out.
—captmorgan40 Cajun Garlic Shrimp served with garlic bread
Rave Reviews
—cruzchix
—Christina Dzendzel GREAT FOR TAKEOUT Mixx is our go-to favorite takeout place during the week. Food is always excellent. Service is fast. Never disappoints. The street tacos, fajitas and “Mixxadillas” are our family’s favorites!
Realtor Robert Moul is photographed in front of his May River office. Q
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 67 OPERATION EXCELLENCE
2LIGHTS, 1STAND
THE CIRCUITOUS ROUTE So, how did Robert Moul get here, and what makes him tick? Looking back on his career path, he took some rather interesting turns along the way, starting with an unusual degree. Moul earned a B.A. in Intelligence Studies from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania, which was, at the time, the only school in the United States that offered the specific Research Intelligence Analyst Program (RIAP) to fit his goal of joining the CIA. The reason he chose that line of study was because of 9/11. “When I saw the twin towers, I said, ‘I want to go fight terrorism,’” he explained.
Have you seen him? He’s the guy with the exquisitely groomed Aquaman beard, walking around in a suit and tie (complete with matching pocket square) on the steamiest dog days of summer. While clothes don’t make the man, Robert Moul’s signature look certainly sets him apart, leaving a first impression that speaks volumes before he ever utters a word about real estate. If you believe the adage, “The way we do anything is the way we do everything,” you can clearly deduce that Moul does business with aplomb. Whether he’s talking with a client, meeting with his team, delivering a motivational speech, or painting a wall, he does it the same way: with excellence, because that’s how he rolls—in business and in life. Moul’s first ambition was not to be an award-winning Realtor, but that’s exactly what he has become. Starting in real estate in 2014, he was one of the top-producing agents in the country at his previous brokerage, earning the prestigious and highest level Chairman’s Club Award in 2020 and 2019 for his sales production and earning the title of the No. 5 Agent Nationwide out of 6700+ in 2019. Previously, he received the President’s Cup Award for his sales production in 2016, 2017 and 2018, achieving top one percent of agents nationwide. In 2018, Moul earned his Broker’s license for the state of South Carolina, opening his own boutique brokerage, Moul, REALTORS®, in 2021.
TO ELEVATE YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE ARTICLE BY LINDA S. HOPKINS BY
PHOTOGRAPHY
“The RIAP program really prepared me for a career surrounded by data. I can take the trends of the market— the research, the data—and formulate a plan for my buyers and sellers based on what I see the data doing,” Moul said. Also preparing him for real estate sales was his previous career with a national franchised furniture and mattress company, which is, ironically, what brought him to the Lowcountry and led him to cross paths with the love of his life, Sandra. He sold her a mattress! “We still have it in our guest room,” Moul said. Moul married Sandra in 2012, and all was well in his world until his job suddenly evaporated. That’s when rock bottom became the catalyst for a new dream and far greater achievements. “A driving factor of my success is that I don’t ever want to be back where I was when I lost my job,” he said. Moul credits his father for setting the example and
ROBERT MOUL STEPS OUTSIDE THE BOX
In college, Moul applied to the CIA, FBI, and NSA. They all said no because they wanted someone with military experience, according to Moul. Though his dream was dashed, his education was far from wasted. Moul attributes much of his success in real estate to the research and analysis skills he obtained in college and his ability to leverage the power of information.
In addition to Moul, founder and broker-incharge, the current team includes licensed real estate salespersons Yuri Kennedy, Makayla Drake, Saida Razmetova, Julie Seda, and Chris Castro, along with Christine Carter, who serves as transaction coordinator, supporting the team and holding clients’ hands throughout the transaction Technologyprocess.isalso Moul’s friend—and yours! “Marketing a property takes more than just listing on the MLS,” Moul explained. “Technology changes daily, and you need someone who is up to speed with all the latest marketing ideas,” he said. With a background in computer programming (even starting his own website design and development company at age 13), Moul built his own website, which he updates regularly, including multiple pages of unsolicited five-star reviews. And so important in today’s market, he’s active and highly visible on social media. He’s also proud to turn both buyers and sellers on to a “cool system” that allows them to follow along throughout the steps to closing. And then there is that extra personal touch. When a closing occurs, buyers get a framed painting of their new house as a gift. “It’s an emotional end to the home-buying experience,” Moul explained.
From Left to Right: Julie Seda, Chris Castro, Saida Razmetova, Robert Moul, Yuri Kennedy, Makayla Drake, and Christine Carter.
THE NEW DREAM
Moul takes pride in the unique culture and brand of his brokerage and has recruited the best and most dedicated team of professionals to support his vision and serve his clientele.
After speaking to many people who described nightmarish real estate transactions, when Moul opened his boutique brokerage, he was determined to do things better. “We want to be more client focused. Our goal is for you to have a great experience,” he said.
68 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM showing him the way to entrepreneurship. “My father is an entrepreneur [currently in the tech industry in the Philadelphia area]. He always had that ‘get it done, do whatever it takes’ mentality. I think I bring that a lot in terms of perseverance—never giving up! But I also have this mindset of ‘I don’t want to fit in a box,’” Moul said. “I want to be different from everybody else aroundMoulme.”also has a distinct advantage in his broad worldview. Thanks to his father’s career with EDS (Electronic Data Systems), in addition to Pennsylvania where he was born, Moul has lived in Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, Texas, England, Hong Kong, Australia, and South Carolina—never staying in one place longer than five years … until now. He’s lived in the Lowcountry since 2007, moving here from Erie, Pennsylvania during a blizzard, his car packed with everything he owned. Coming from a place with only two seasons—winter and August—he says he’s most appreciative of the temperate weather and the beauty of his surroundings. With his family and business firmly rooted, he’s now proud to call the Lowcountry “home.”
Moul, REALTORS® believes strongly in giving back to our local community as well as our great nation. If you qualify and buy or sell a property with a Moul, REALTORS® eligible agent, you can earn up to 25 percent of their commission as a rebate at closing to use toward your closing costs and prepaids when buying or save on your listing side commission when selling. Qualifiers include teachers, school administrators, university & college faculty and staff; firefighters; medical personnel, including EMS & paramedics, doctors, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, administrators and support staff; law enforcement and public safety officers; and military, including active duty, reservists, wounded warriors, National Guard members, Coast Guard personnel, and military veterans.
When he is not working, Moul enjoys spending time with his wife and their three-year-old son, Robbie. He also enjoys carpentry and home improvement. As an owner of multiple Lowcountry properties, which Sandra manages, Moul derives great satisfaction from his DIY projects. “I’m the most calm when I’m painting a wall,” he said. “I’m in the moment. I’m focused.”
And you can bet that wall is going to be painted to perfection. It all goes back to excellence. Because that’s how he rolls. Moul, REALTORS® is located at 1132 May River Rd., Bluffton, serving Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and Beaufort, S.C. Meet the team and learn more at robertmoul.com or call (843) 940-8007 to begin your own unique real estate experience.
HONORING OUR HEROES
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 69
ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER TOURING HILTON HEAD ISLAND’S PREMIER NEIGHBORHOODS
ong Cove Club members have been enjoying this secure, private residential community since the early 1980s. The property graciously sweeps the salt marsh, weaves through lagoons, and is shaded by the beautiful pine and live oak forests that surround it. Situated on more than 600 acres at the south end of Hilton Head Island, its perfect location—among other attractive details—is a huge selling point for residents.
“We are so close to all the great things Hilton Head Island has to offer—restaurants, fitness, shopping, and beaches,” said Lindsay Finger, director of marketing and communications for Long Cove Club, “and the setting inside our gates is incredibly beautiful. The property is warm and welcoming.”
L
One of Hilton Head Island’s best-kept secrets, Long Cove Club residents have been serenely enjoying the sweet life here for more than four decades. Andy Reed, partner and one of the owners of Charter One Realty, moved to Hilton Head Island with his parents in 1980 and graduated from Hilton Head Island High School. Reed and his
Reed continued, “The beautiful lagoons wrapped throughout the course and hundreds of pine trees and live oaks strategically placed enhance how certain holes must be Hole #9 at Long Cove Club. The course is currently ranked #12 in Golfweek’s Top 200 Residential Courses in the U.S. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America and Long Cove Club has all that you need to engage your competitive spirit. The sports center features 8 Har-Tru tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts and 2 bocce ball lanes – all lit for nighttime play.
wife have lived in Long Cove Club for 20 plus years. “It’s our haven,” Reed said. “This island can get busy, but when I go through the entry gates every day, all that disappears, and I experience a tranquil ‘welcome home’ feeling. Long Cove Club is also a place where we loved raising our kids. Security is phenomenal. Chief Rice, Officer Young, and the entire security team provide a sense a safety, and we know there is always someone watching out for the community and providing a resource for assistance whenever anyone needs help. Plus, there are so many aspects of Long Cove I love, such as the marina, clubhouse, pool, tennis, and golf. It doesn’t hurt that our course is one of the best in the country.”
The Pete Dye golf course, currently ranked No.12 in the Top 200 Residential Courses in the U.S. by Golfweek Magazine, sets the tone for the community. A rare test of sport and spirit, this championship golf course takes you on an 18-hole adventure set within a breathtakingly beautiful Lowcountry backdrop.
72 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
The developers knew they found the perfect piece of land to build a community that returned to the simple and exclusive principles of private, single-family residential living, removed from the hubbub created by island tourists.
Steve Tagert, Pennsylvania transplant and Long Cove Club resident for four years, agrees. “My wife and I both play golf, and the course is phenomenal. It’s challenging, yet fair and fun, and it was completely restored about five years ago, so it’s in fantastic shape. I play with a group of men several times a week, and I can tell you, it plays differently every day. We never get tired of playing, and some of the holes on Broad Creek are simply breathtaking.” Members, as residents are called, enjoy a variety of amenities beyond golf. The Club has a sports center that features eight immaculately tended Har-Tru tennis courts, four pickleball courts and two bocce ball lanes, which is a popular gathering place during happy hour. The facility is lit and open for evening play and includes viewing areas to watch friends play or gather after your match.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 73 played. I’ve been playing for many years, and I never get tired of or bored with it.”
The golf course continues to receive top accolades from Golfweek and Golf Digest magazines and is also host of the annual Darius Rucker Intercollegiate, the top women’s collegiate event in the country, which is featured on the Golf Channel. In addition, Long Cove Club boasts a state-of-theart practice facility with a driving range, putting greens, and chipping practice areas. A Golf Teaching Facility is being constructed and is expected to open later this year. The facility will feature top technology for members and their guests to use for lessons and club fittings.
Sharon Essler and her husband moved to Long Cove five years ago from Dallas. When they made the decision to move to Hilton Head Island, they thought they knew the community and where they wanted to live. “All that changed when our Realtor brought us to Long Cove Club,” Essler said. “We knew when we drove through security that this was the right place for us. Long Cove Club has a different feel than any other community, and the location was extremely important to us. The fact that the neighborhood is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty, the wonderful amenities, and the fact that short term rentals are not allowed all played a major factor in our decision. My husband and I are both avid golfers, too, so the course was important to us. Long Cove Club has one of the top private courses in the country, and it exceeds our expectations without a doubt.”
Members agree. One of the best features of living in Long Cove Club, according to Reed, Tagert, and Essler, is the camaraderie they enjoy with their neighbors.“Within months of moving here, we had more friends than we ever imagined, and when you are relocating, that says so much about what the members and staff have made of Long Cove Club,” Essler said. “It’s very easy to get to know people,” Reed said, “whether you are into sports or participating in one or more of the many clubs. We gather at the Clubhouse— which I call the HUB—and within minutes are chatting with long-time friends and being introduced to new friends. At the end of the day, I really enjoy the relationships I have made with other members.”
“While our sports facilities are world-class, Long Cove Club offers so much more than sports,” Finger asserted. “The community has a variety of clubs and activities that you can get involved with. It’s really the people that make this place so special, and there is always something to do. People gather here and friends are made no matter where you moved from.”
In keeping with rich, Southern family tradition, the Long Cove Clubhouse is the community centerpiece. Members gather there for celebrations, to share a meal with friends, or to raise a celebratory postround or post-match drink. The beautifully decorated clubhouse offers multiple dining options as well as unforgettable culinaryTagertcuisine.andhis wife go to the clubhouse to dine at least twice a week. He said, “The chef and kitchen staff are second to none— actually, the entire staff from the general manager, golf and tennis pros, and the servers are like family to us. Some have been there 35 years, and that speaks volumes.”
The certified clean marina is another Long Cove Club allure. Whether you long to set out on a family adventure for the day or simply enjoy watching the local sea birds from a lovely tree-shaded shore bench, the marina presents a private gateway to the beautiful banks of Broad Creek, Shelter Cove Harbour, Calibogue Sound, and the deep blue sea beyond. Open to all Long Cove Club members at no additional service charge, this private water amenity features boat slips, kayak and paddleboard storage, and club community kayaks for members and their guests.
The clubhouse is the community’s gathering place providing a variety of culinary offerings and so much more.
74 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
Featuring Lowcountry inspired décor, the clubhouse is warm and welcoming.
The incomparable natural beauty and casual, Southern elegance of the Long Cove Club community reflects a relaxed and unpretentious lifestyle as well as a commitment to excellence, well-being, and exclusivity. The beauty combined with the world-class amenities, spectacular homes and, most important, warm and friendly people are what make Long Cove Club so special.
In addition to relishing an extraordinary way of life, Long Cove Club members are dedicated to the rich tradition of philanthropy through the Long Cove Fund.
Whether you own a boat or not, the marina provides something for all members. Community kayaks are available plus the area is equipped with wifi – outdoor meeting anyone? This is a popular gathering place during the summer months to watch Shelter Cove Fireworks on Tuesday evenings.
“For people who love the water, the marina is a beautiful place,” Reed said. “At sundown, we love to walk out on the docks. There are chairs there, and like the clubhouse, we can meet up with friends or just sit in solitude.”
“Since membership is only available to those who purchase property, our marketing team is available for tours or to answer questions about Long Cove Club. In addition, we are happy to work with prospective buyers who may want to experience the club to help them with their purchase decision,” Finger said.
“We go to the marina during the summer to watch sunsets and fireworks from Shelter Cove,” Tagert said. “We also kayak on Broad Creek a mile or two down river, then stop and have a bite to eat. Many times, dolphins will follow us all the way back to Long Cove Club.”
The mission of the Long Cove Fund is to encourage and support charitable giving by members of Long Cove Club and to provide grants to nonprofits in support of current needs in the areas of health, housing, hunger, and education in Beaufort and Jasper Counties, with particular focus on projects and programs serving the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton communities.
Members, too, enjoy the swimming pool at the club. The heated, saline, Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool is one of the best on the island. A lovely and lively summer hot spot, pool activities include water aerobics, family cookouts, and special club and summer holiday events.
“Besides the amenities, the members and employees at Long Cove Club are the most caring and giving people,” Essler said. “We love the fact that we have a sizable charity foundation that gives back to the island community.”
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 75
Long Cove Lowcountrywith an Edge MERGED STYLES BLEND BEAUTIFULLY IN WARM, WELCOMING, WIDE-OPEN NEW HOME ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2 LIGHTS, 1 STAND ARCHITECTURE BY FREDERICK & FREDERICK ARCHITECTS CONSTRUCTION BY COASTAL SIGNATURE HOMES LANDSCAPE DESIGN BY JOHN THOMAS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT INTERIORS BY EDWARDS ANTIQUES & INTERIORS HOME AUTOMATION BY ATS
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 77
S
Julie has lived in the area for 30 years, and when the two met, she had already begun renovating her Old Town Bluffton home with the idea in mind to sell it and move to theJulie,island.an avid tennis player, was part of a league that played in Long Cove Club, and once the couple began dating, Steve began coming to watch her matches. Not only did the couple fall in love with each other, they fell in love with the Long Cove Club community and all its amenities, including the golf course and marina, the community gardens, and the clubhouse where they love to dine and enjoy social events year-round. They soon decided they wanted to make the neighborhood their own.
Steve and Julie Tilton built the house with entertaining their friends and family in mind. From the open floor plan and expansive screened in porch to the pool right off of the game room on the lower level, this house was built for a party.
V T
In painting the entirety of the room (walls, trim, and ceiling) a deep sultry custom-mixed blue, the den envelops guests in a cocoon of layers. The ideal backdrop for a movie night with the kids, or a gentleman’s cocktail hour after a day on Long Cove’s fabled golf course.
teve Tilton, owner of Coastal Signature Homes, and his wife Julie, local Realtor, are no strangers to the area. Steve’s family has lived on Hilton Head Island and has been in the construction business since 1964. He grew up in a little ranch style home on Dove Street off North Forest Beach Road that is still there today. Though he lived off the island for many years, for the past 17, he resided in Oldfield in Bluffton.
The bookshelf was created to be the client’s very own curiosity cabinet. A navy tonal seagrass wallpaper provides the ideal backdrop for books, found objects, natural specimens, and items indicative of the homeowners’ travels and explorations.
The architectural footprint of the home is rooted in Lowcountry history: the T-design. “This is a modern interpretation of a traditional Beaufort ‘T’ plan that has porches on three sides facing the prevailing summer breezes and shading the interior while allowing the cooling breezes to blow through all the rooms,” Frederick explained. “The Tilton house opens to views, across the pool, down a beautiful lagoon, and captures the breezes from the southwest.”
V
The Tiltons also embraced the Gullah tradition of using “haint” blue on their porch and kitchen ceilings. This folklore explains that ghosts, also referred to as “haints,” were not able to cross water. To repel evil spirits
A truly entertaining bar and landing place for Steve’s extensive bourbon collection was a must from the first concept meetings for this house. Inset lights and glass shelves coupled with a burnished mirror and hammered copper sink add just the right mix of masculine with a hint of glam.
“We wanted a home that would incorporate some edgy design elements but maintain a recognizable nod to Steve’s well-known style and fit in with the neighborhood,” Julie said.
V
Again, the couple turned to architect Frederick for ideas. He presented them with two, one of which they found too contemporary.
Steve has made a name for himself and his business by building homes in a traditionally Southern Lowcountry style, but when he and Julie decided to build a home rather than remodel, they chose to move toward a more innovative, edgy vibe that still has its roots in time-tested, recognizable, well-loved architecture.
78 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
V
This sculpture from a local artist has always watched over Tilton family gatherings, and has found her place of honor in the Great Room ready to chaperone for the happy years to come.
In 2019, once they made the decision to move, they began shopping for homes they might renovate but didn’t find anything suitable. Shifting focus, they decided to build and found a lot that had been overlooked by other“Becausebuyers.of how the lot is situated, others had missed the beauty of the view,” Steve said. “Michael Frederick, our architect, helped us define and refine the view by suggesting a wraparound porch and facing the bedroom to the east to maximize the sunrise. It captured our vision, and we got excited about starting from scratch and creating something new.”
The exterior of this beautiful Long Cove home at twilight.
The kitchen was designed to feel fresh and timeless by using simple Shaker-style cabinetry and a pale blue v-groove ceiling that implies the space could have been a porch that was finished to be the kitchen later, as many older Lowcountry homes were.
The luxurious lodge-like elements in the Tilton home include large, distinctive, structural trusses that are connected with half-inch plates of steel at every connection to ensure their security. The three impressive trusses are inset in a symmetrical pattern from the front of the house to the back, as well as wood paneling on ceiling and large wood-burning fireplaces, both indoors and out. In addition, the use of transom windows throughout the home allows for more
This powder bath immediately off the foyer sets the tone for the color pallete used throughout with this silvery navy woven seagrass wallpaper, burnished bamboo sewing table, French antique mirror and the homeowner’s collection of art.
“Luxe lodge is a phrase we conceived in our home design,” Steve said. “It involves incorporating elements of design that are reminiscent of a cabin or cottage that add a degree of warmth to an otherwise modern aesthetic.”
V
This mercury glass bell jar lantern blends a timeless shape with an updated finish for a pop of fun against the iron ore painted ceiling with cross trim detail V
Other traditional Carolina/island elements in the home are the tabby walls and pool deck, peaked glass, big French sliders, and the double staircase entry onto their front porch.
Q V
On the edgier side of things, the couple installed a glass-framed catwalk upstairs overlooking the great room, cable stair rails, sleek interior moldings, notched baseboards, black sashes around doors and windows, and modern hardware, lighting (from Circa), and fans.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 79 from plantations, porch ceilings were painted a soft blue. The color was meant to mimic water to keep any haints or spirits at bay.
Julie, on the other hand, had a more practical, functional list which included an elevator, laundry rooms up- and downstairs, the kitchen open to the great room, and a home automation system that allows for remote control of temperature, lights, etc., and a sound system indoors and out.
V
80 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM light in the interior rooms and invites the outsideWithin.the ultimate goal of entertaining family and friends, the couple commenced upon the project with some “must-haves.”
Julie loves the porch, not only due to the sheer size and possibilities available, This playful hot tub and pool, designed to complement the natural shapes of the lot, look out over the waterway and provide the perfect focal for parties that continue on all three levels of this fun loving home. Long Cove residents, Steve and Julie Tilton. V
Though the abode was a true collaboration regarding tastes and styles, each partner has their own “favorite” when it comes to the rooms they enjoy.
Steve’s list included space for the couple’s blended family (five grown children and hopes for lots of grands), a huge back porch consisting of 2,000 feet of Ipe decking (the home is 4,800 square feet heated and a whopping 9,000 when you count the porch space), a pool, hot tub, and outdoor fireplace (for year-round outdoor fun), a freezer in the pantry (which doubles the fresh food fridge space, triples freezer space, and quadruples ice capacity), and the use of Nu Cedar PVC shingles that never fade and last forever with minimal maintenance.
The Tiltons are now happily settled in and looking forward to more family gatherings, more soirees, lots of holiday and summer fun, and making tons of memories in their welcoming, joy-filled, and wide-open forever home.
“Working with our entire team was a dream,” Steve said. “We sought out Michael Frederick because he is known for creating innovative designs. Michael and I also recently finished a project together on Brays Island that turned out great, so selecting him as our architect was an easy choice.”
The idea of inside outside living that draws so many to this area was instrumental in the creation of this wrap around porch that serves as breakfast room, entertaining space, outdoor kitchen, and intimate living room/movie nook, complete with tabby fireplace for the homeowners to enjoy on crisp evenings.
Steve’s favorite room is the “Moody Blue Den” (so named after the distinct wall color) which affords him a nice retreat at end of day where he can enjoy an evening cocktail and put his feet up. Their kids prefer to spend time in the game room, fully equipped with billiards, ping pong, and more.
V
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 81 but also because the master opens to one side of the wrap-around space where they quietly sip their coffee every morning. It affords an amazing view where she can enjoy a variety of wildlife, and the coziness of the fireplace in the cooler months.
V
The antique bar was a gift from one of Steve’s clients, who was thrilled with her new home on Callawassie Island.
Achieving the final result, which both Steve and Julie say exceeds their vision and imagination, was not without its challenges. During the design phase, the couple decided to reconfigure the west side of house to eliminate the west side porch in order to move the kitchen from the front of the house and make it part of the great room. The Moody Blue Den happened as a result as it then took the space that was initially planned for the kitchen. And now the common area is extra-large and flooded with natural light, creating a treehouseRegardingeffect.interiors, the couple relied heavily on their interior design firm, Edwards Antiques & Interiors, owned by Julie’s daughter, Alexandria Wildasin. Their starting point was inspiration derived from one of the Tilton’s favorite works of art: a Michael Karas painting that now hangs in their great room. From that, they established the home’s beige/blue/green color palette, which carries throughout the home.
Kennedy captures the spirit saying, “Legacy Oaks Preserve provides a place to settle the mind and soul while enjoying what nature has to offer. Coming through the gates feels like you are escaping from the busyness of the world and allows people to engage in the natural elements of life while being around other outdoor enthusiasts.” Around every regal bend runs restorative views and some of the finest facilities available for membership in the Lowcountry, just a short distance from Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island.
“I want Legacy Oaks Preserve Sporting Club to be known as a top-class sporting environment for outdoorsmen/women or those who would like to become one, where they can enjoy a range of recreational activities,” Kennedy said. This includes a five-stand sporting clays and 10-station sporting clays course, 500-yard rifle state certified outdoor pistol range, archery range, four fishing ponds, a high-fenced and irrigated dove field, quail woods for quail hunting, wild boar hog and deer hunting, and ATV adventure trails.
Members can partake in guided hunts and fishing trips along with training from some of the most experienced and elite instructors around the country, offering extensive instruction covering concealed weapons, kids gun safety, tactical shooting, skeet shooting, weapons safety and handling, archery, and much more. Amidst the activity, in the words of its members, “Legacy Oaks is about taking care of the people you served with.”
Legacy Oaks Preserve was originally created to help promote Operation Patriots FOB and give them a place to call home. - Ben Kennedy
More than a sporting club or enchanting event location, according to its members, Legacy Oaks Preserve is, “a lifesaving venue.”
A LEGACY OF HOPE
OPFOB is a 100 percent volunteer organization and a 501(c)(3) charity that provides support for veterans, first responders and law enforcement from all services and all times. It is their hope that this legacy will continue to support those who serve our country for generations to come. Funds raised from rentals and services at Legacy Oaks Preserve support the needs and activities of OPFOB.
Write your story—from recovery to celebration—in a place that was built on legacy, and now, where legacy is born. For more information, visit legacyoakspreserve.com.
Our 268-Acre Foxhole
BEAUTIFULLY BESPOKE
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 83
Your party package is fully customizable with picturesque locations like Legacy Oak and Freedom Lawn to stage your ceremony as well as your choice of cocktail hour on Liberty Plaza, around the fire, or on the covered porch, bookending add-ons like an oyster roast rehearsal dinner or Sunday morning farewell brunch for your start-to-finish concierge experience.
In 2020, the country was in a mental health crisis, and none so much as our nation’s veterans. That’s when JR Brown and Ben Kennedy bought the farm— hundreds of acres for the purpose of “building a legacy of hope for combat veterans, first responders, and their families.”
While the headlines here might be “sporting club,” and “outdoors,” and “veteran,” there is an intricate and elegant event venue embroidered deep into the personality of this pristine property and its amenities. Activities aside, we arrive at a list of attributes that make Legacy Oaks Preserve an increasingly popular wedding and destination venue: Rustic and refined, the awe of the colossal Great Barn is built on 5000 square feet of elegance, coronated with flagstone and hanging vines, surrounded by walking paths, winding waterways, private facilities for wedding parties, quaint cottages, expansive quail woods, the bucolic Avenue of the Oaks, and highly Instagrammable scenic settings.
T hese acres hold a heroic secret. They have the Lowcountry’s standard strokes of beauty—sprawling greens, outdoor activity, and the live oaks behind their legacy namesake. But under the shade of centuries old, mosscovered trees, there’s a heartachingly beautiful thing happening among veterans, survivors, first responders, and the people who love them, and this open-air miracle is why the whole preserve was created: to leave a legacy unlike any other.
LEGACY … PRESERVED Legacy Oaks Preserve was originally created to help promote Operation Patriots FOB and give them a place to call home, according to Kennedy. Profits benefit OPFOB and the veterans they serve. In the words of one veteran, it’s doing just that as a unique place where you can “come together, hunt, fish, shoot, sit by a fire, camp out, or just be around those who understand—most importantly, a place to relax and have an ear to listen … re-established to your ‘why’ in life.”
Article by Amy Bartlett
SuccessInvestment FUNDAMENTALS FOR PURSUING ARTICLE BY FRED GASKIN
1. Establish a financial plan based on your goals. Many of us have several financial goals—save for retirement, college for our children, and a home—to name a few. The first step to making progress toward those goals is creating a plan to reach them. According to Schwab’s 2019 Modern Wealth Survey, more than 60 percent of Americans who have a written financial plan feel financially stable, while only a third of those without a plan feel that same level of comfort.
It’s been said that a rising tide lifts all boats. And despite negative returns in both stocks and bonds year-to-date, many investors seem content that they have weathered yet another storm, simply because their investment portfolios’ performance may have improved in recent weeks. We consistently encourage our clients to take ownership of their investment portfolios, and a big part of that process is settling on an investment management plan. In our opinion, what long-term investors really need are guiding principles to help them stay focused and on track to pursue their goals. With my clients, I talk about these seven essential fundamentals:
2. Start saving and investing today. Building wealth is a long-term endeavor and for long-term investors, time in the market is more important than attempting to time the market.
A seemingly small difference in fees can potentially make a big difference over time. Regularly review your statement and ask your financial advisor directly about the different fees you are paying, why you’re paying them and how they are impacting your returns and progress toward financial goals.
Regularly review your statement and ask your financial advisor directly about the different fees you are paying, why you’re paying them, and how they are impacting your returns and progress toward financial goals. It’s also important to consider tax-efficient investing strategies, such as tax-loss harvesting, which may allow you to offset taxable investment gains with taxable investment losses, lowering your current tax bill and leaving you with more money to invest and potentially grow.
6. Rebalance your portfolio regularly. Forgetting to rebalance is like letting the current steer your boat—you’ll likely end up off course. Keep your portfolio aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. Letting asset classes “drift” can eventually expose your portfolio to a level of risk that feels uncomfortable, and could cause you to make knee-jerk, and potentially costly, decisions.
To determine what allocation mix is right for you, it’s important to understand your tolerance for potential losses, which is dependent on your time horizon and comfort with volatility. For example, if you have a mortgage, your own business, and kids approaching college, you may be less likely to ride out a bear market—given your income needs—than if you are single and not holding any major debt.
3. Build a diversified portfolio based on your tolerance for risk. Allocate your money across asset classes, such as stocks, bonds and cash investments, and within each asset class, across different sectors and geographies.
and
4. Minimize fees and taxes. Markets can be unpredictable, so control what you know, such as investing fees. A seemingly small difference in fees can potentially make a big difference over time.
Your level of savings is the biggest factor in determining whether you can meet your financial goals. And the earlier you start saving and investing, the more time your contributions have to potentially grow, thanks to the power of compounding.
5. Build in protection against significant losses. If you experienced the tech bubble burst in 2000 or the 2008 financial crisis as an investor, you know it can take years to recover— emotionally and in your portfolio. Holding cash and other defensive assets like bonds to hedge your portfolio can help provide stability and counteract big stock declines.
Minimize fees taxes
86 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 87 7. Ignore the noise. Markets will always fluctuate in the short term, but whether they’re moving up or down, long-term investors should ignore the noise. Instead, stay focused on making progress toward your goals and stick to your financial plan.
No investing plan is perfect for every situation, but having a proven process should provide investors the confidence to deal with most unexpected situations. Whether you’re retired, saving for retirement, or just getting started, we can help you get started on building your plan.
Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining
Rebalancing a portfolio and diversification strategies do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in any given market environment.(0822-2PFG)
Fred Gaskin is the branch leader at the Charles Schwab Independent Branch in Bluffton. He has over 35 years of experience helping clients achieve their financial goals. Some content provided here has been compiled from previously published articles authored by various parties at Schwab.
Rebalancingmarket. may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when rebalancing a non-retirement account, taxable events may be created that may increase your tax liability.
The information here is for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment or tax advice, and the investment strategies mentioned may not be suitable for everyone. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, please consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner or Investment Manager. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.
88 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM Ashley Gasiorowski, Molly Lucci, and Anne Petrat are photographed outside their office on Hilton Head Island at 61 Arrow Road, Suite F.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 89 INDEPENDENT BENEFIT ADVISORS ARTICLE BY BARRY KAUFMAN . PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2 LIGHTS, 1 STAND
A shley Gasiorowski was not expecting to fall in love with pickleball. It just happened. “This year has been an interesting year,” she said. “I had picked up the sport of pickleball from my friends bringing me out to play, and I’ve just really come to love it. Not just the sport, but the community of people around it.” And therein might lie the appeal for her. You might think that Ashley Gasiorowski is in the insurance business. After all, as senior client advisor for Independent Benefit Advisors, the company founded by her father in 2005, she is in the business of connecting people with the right insurance. But it’s that act of connecting people that truly drives her.
“WE ARE INDEPENDENT AGENTS REPRESENTING A NUMBER OF INSURANCE CARRIERS. WHAT WORKS BEST FOR ONE CLIENT WON’T WORK FOR EVERYONE. IT’S NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL. THE EASY PART OF MY JOB IS EDUCATING AND ENROLLING SOMEONE, BUT WHAT WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON IS CUSTOMER SERVICE.”
If you’re lucky, the resident black lab Tique, will greet you at the office with a smile and a wag of the tail.
That cuts right to the heart of what sets Independent Benefit Advisors apart. Since opening the Hilton Head Island office in 2018, Gasiorowski has made a name for the commitment she shows to her clients. Not just in scouring through all the options to find an insurance solution that works for them, but in carrying that commitment through to any extreme.
90 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
“We are independent agents representing a number of insurance carriers. What works best for one client won’t work for everyone. It’s not one size fits all,” she said. “The easy part of my job is educating and enrolling someone, but what we pride ourselves on is customer service. We are our clients’ customer service advocate for the life of their policy. If they’re enrolled through our office, they can call us, and we can handle most anything for them.”
For seniors, that means having an advocate on their side in navigating the bureaucratic labyrinth that is Medicare. “I’ve done so much with seniors, it’s become near and dear to my heart,” she said. “One client told me I was an angel. But Medicare can be so complicated and confusing, it’s nice to help people make sense of it.”
All in the Family
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 91
The local office is considered a branch of the family business, located largely across North Carolina. Gasiorowski first came down to the island with an eye on branching out in her career but realized that the family business just worked too well with her skill set. “I picked up right where I left off,” she said. “I feel like insurance is second nature to me.”
In the Hilton Head Island office, Gasiorowski is joined by a staff that includes client advisor Molly Lucci, administrative assistant Anne Petrat, and resident dog Tique, a black lab. “People come by just to see her,” Gasiorowski said with a laugh. “The whole team is amazing here, and none of this would run without them. I value them wholeheartedly, we are our own family, and when we have success, it is a team effort not just one person. But Tique is pretty sure she’s the important one.” But the fact is, everyone who walks in the door is the important one. It’s part of what Gasiorowski learned from her father.
“He always says, ‘If you always do right, you’ll never go wrong,’” she said. “It’s about doing what is right for the person.” ” To learn more visit www.schealthbenefits.com.
Joining her brother in following in their father’s footsteps was only natural. “He taught me a lot, like how to set an example to employees,” she said. “He was never one that expected the office to run without him. He was always the first one in and the last one out.”
MONEYMANAGEMENT Spotlighting Lowcountry Financial Advisors, Mortgage Lenders, and Banks. “WHEN MONEY REALIZES THAT IT IS IN GOOD HANDS, IT WANTS TO STAY AND MULTIPLY IN THOSE HANDS.” — Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All: Living a Life of Success at the Edge of Your Ability CHARLESSCHWAB &INSURANCEHILTONJESSICAPARTNERSGLOBALALLIANCEBAKER-HEADBROKERAGE-KICKFEESBRENDANDOWNEY
ilton Head Insurance and Brokerage has served Lowcountrythearea for over eight years as a full-service independent insurance agency. They pride themselves on being an old-fashioned business that builds long-lasting relationships with their clients and the local community. They currently offer home, auto, business, flood, and boat insurance and are pleased to announce their new Wealth Management division.
0922-2GN6 Belfair Towne Village 67 Towne Drive Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 473-3620
Together, the team works to provide value to clients through strong relationships, excellent service, and a focus on helping clients pursue their goals and objectives.
Hilton Head Insurance and Brokerage is excited to launch this new division by offering theirexpandeagerinsuranceandincome-generatinginvestments/insuranceprinciple-protectedproducts,products,enhancementsintheirlifeofferings.Theyaretocontinuetogrowandtheirofferingstoserveclientsbetter.
The Bluffton branch has been open for three years and has developed a strong following by providing clients excellent service and investment solutions, while helping clients focus on the important things in life. Joining Fred in the office are Ben Witcher and Hampton Long. Ben, who just moved his young family from Savannah, has built his career by working with clients to improve their financial futures and helping them better understand their options. Hampton joined the team last year and brings a wide and diverse background, an approachable manner, and a thoughtful process to tailor investment solutions for individuals, families, and small businesses.
The Bluffton branch is led by Branch Leader Fred Gaskin, a financial services professional with more than 35 years of experience in investment management. Prior to joining Schwab, Fred advised clients at JP Morgan Asset Management
The Village at Wexford 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite J Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) hiltonheadinsuranceandbrokerage.com252-0840
HILTON HEAD INSURANCE AND BROKERAGE
“Through my conversations with clients, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for people to have local access to investing help and guidance that makes sense for their specific financial goals,” Gaskin said. “Since its founding, Schwab has been an advocate for the individual investor, and we’re proud to be the face of Schwab in Bluffton and the surrounding communities.”
“I am thrilled to align myself with a company that places integrity, honesty, and ethics before anything else. I look forward to building relationships with families in the Lowcountry area as I partner with them to help them achieve their longterm financial goals.” Baker said.
and managed portfolios for institutions and HighNet-Worth investors at BlackRock, Deutsche Asset Management, and U.S. Trust.
JESSICA BAKER
H
BEN WITCHER, HAMPTON LONG, AND FRED GASKIN Inviting Local Investors to Take Ownership of Their Financial Futures
Jessica Baker, the most recent addition to their team, will be leading and developing this new division. Baker relocated to the Bluffton area from Atlanta, where she worked for one of the top boutique private wealth management firms in the city. There, she worked her way up from handling operations to financial planning and managing clientJessicaaccounts.transitioned to Bluffton after managing several media projects, including a financial radio show on Atlanta’s top new station and various financial segments on CBS and Good Morning America.
C harles Schwab believes investing for the future is one of the most important things people can do for themselves and their families. By providing full-service brokerage services, the Charles Schwab Independent Branch in Bluffton offers investors local access to a range of investing expertise, wealth management options, and personal finance guidance and advice.
CHARLES SCHWAB
W e are a financial planning firm, and what we are known for is helping successful business owners and families find simplicity in their financial lives. Creating this simplicity allows for what we call “the ripple effect,” as these families are then able to focus on the things that are important to them, such as making a big impact in the lives of the ones they love and the causes they care about while growing their business evenMostfurther.successful business owners and their families face the challenge of managing complexity due to their
BRENDAN DOWNEY
O
success. A family office was created out of this because a coordinated effort by a team of specialists was needed to help ensure the family was making good decisions with their wealth. We use the same concept that these ultra-wealthy families use, and we call it a virtual family office. We surround ourselves with the best minds to provide you the same advantage the ultra-wealthy have enjoyed. An entrepreneur’s complexities require solutions to help provide much-needed clarity. The solutions must coordinate all the moving parts to ensure they are working together. We work as a team with a select group of successful business owners and their families to help them make good decisions with their wealth by utilizing our distinct Fuse Wealth Management Process. Our process incorporates our unique investment consulting services, while taking it further by applying advanced planning techniques to fuse or combine all the aspects of your wealth into a cohesive process.
Village at Wexford 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Suite C5 Hilton Head, Island, SC 29928 (843) allianceglobalplanning.com715-2239
KICKFEES
riginally hailing from Buffalo, New York, Brendan Downey knew from an early age that his future lay in finances. The son of a successful banker, he made his way to the Lowcountry in 2003 and began following in his father’s footsteps with a financial career at Bank of America.Before long, however, Downey felt an opportunity existed in credit card processing. The first inklings of what would become KickFees were born then, with a radical notion that would turn processing upside down. Essentially, KickFees carries over the standard credit card processing fee for businesses, allowing them to increase profits. With the costs associated passed on to the consumer, this groundbreaking model gives every business from a small mom-and-pop shop to major restaurant chains an avenue to invest in their own business. And from this small corner of the South, Downey has seen KickFees grow to help businesses around the world. Beyond the KickFees program, Downey also offers regular credit card processing as well as ATMs through a strategic partnership. “I bring more to your business than just a credit card machine or a point of sale,” he said. Essentially, he sells a quick and easy way to boost a business’ bottom line. When he’s not rethinking the world of credit card processing, Downey continues supporting area nonprofits including Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, The First Tee, Special Olympics and Bluffton Self Help. (843) kickfees.com505-1590
ALLIANCE GLOBAL PARTNERS
“SIMPLE AND ELEGANT”
The traditional definition of a recession is two consecutive quarters of declining gross domestic product (GDP). In translation, that’s six months of a slowing economy. By this definition, the U.S. economy entered a recession on June 30, 2022. But some economists (and a handful of politicians) say, “Not so fast.”
HOW ARTICLERECESSIONFORPREPARETOABYKENTTHUNE
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 97
WHAT IS A RECESSION?
In the Lowcountry, during any given hurricane season, we never know in advance if a major storm will hit us. But we know it’s always smart to prepare in advance. In a sense, that’s where the U.S. economy is now. Some indicators are signaling an economic storm is headed this way. In many ways, an economic recession doesn’t seem likely. Traffic is heavy, restaurants are crowded, airports are jammed, the summer real estate market was hotter than ever, and unemployment is at a 52-year low. If jobs are plentiful and the economy is hot, how can a recession be on its way, and what does this mean for consumers? Well, let’s just say that the sun may be shining today, but that doesn’t mean the storm won’t come this season. That’s why we prepare in advance.
By mid-year 2022, all but one of these indicators were flashing recessionary warning signs: Consumer confidence has been generally falling since late 2021; the stock market peaked on January 1, 2022, then fell by more than 20 percent, officially entering a “bear market,”; and the bond market flashed the inverted yield curve warning in March and July of 2022.
ARE A RECESSION NOW?
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO FINANCIALLY TO PREPARE FOR RECESSION? When it comes to personal finance, it doesn’t matter that much what the government says about the U.S. economy; what matters most is your personal economy. Some people are already in their own recession now, while others could be headed in that direction if the broader economy weakens further. Although we may not be fully in a recession now, there are some things you can do to prepare your finances for a potential economic slowdown in the coming months. Some of the key things to think about to prepare for a recession include building an emergency fund, reducing expenses, paying down debt, and reviewing yourIfinvestments.youdon’thave a sufficient emergency fund, now can be a good time to strengthen it. Most financial planners recommend having between three and six months of living expenses in a liquid account. So, if it costs you $5,000 per month to live, you may want to build your savings account balance to at least $15,000 and up to $30,000. In general, your emergency fund should be on the high side of the range if your job is not secure and you have dependents living with you at home.
In a world full of small expenses, such as lattes at the coffee shop, streaming television, Amazon purchases, and subscription services, it’s easy to unconsciously allow them to eat a large hole in your budget. And when you get hit on both sides with inflation and recession, these small purchases really add up. The best way to cut back on unneeded expenses is to track your spending for up to three months. You can do this by reviewing monthly bank statements and credit card statements. Identify the purchases you make that aren’t necessary and either reduce them or eliminate them.
Possibly the worst thing you can do during a recession is to sell your investments in a panic. It’s wise to stick with your plan, no matter what the stock market is doing. There’s a wise saying: Time in the market beats timing the market. What this means is that it’s not wise to invest only in good times and try to time the market by selling out to cash to avoid the bad times. Many of the largest gains in stocks are in the days following a market bottom. A recent study by Putnam Investments revealed that an investor’s returns are cut in half by missing the 10 best days of each year. Although the bottom for stock prices may not have been seen yet, long-term investors can “dollar-cost average” down in increments. This means that your new
WE IN
Note: An inverted yield curve essentially means that the yields on shortterm bonds are higher than the yields on long-term bonds. This is the opposite of normal and has predicted 100 percent of recessions since World War II.
REVIEW YOUR INVESTMENTS
98 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
A reliable way to know if we are in a recession is to look at history, which reveals that the classic signs of a recession are rising unemployment rates, falling consumer confidence, falling stock prices, and a technical indicator called an “inverted yield curve.”
The entity tasked with the responsibility of officially calling the beginning and ending dates of a recession is the National Economic Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), and they have yet to announce, as of this writing, that the U.S. has entered a recession. The NBER’s definition of a recession is “a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and that lasts more than a few months.”
The one key economic indicator that has many economists hesitating to make the official recession call is unemployment, which hit a 52-year low in July 2022, as U.S. employers added a surprisingly high 528,000 jobs to the economy that month. Indirectly, the hot economy is what may ironically lead to a slowing economy. With prices rising on almost everything, especially rents for housing and gas at the pump, Americans are already cutting back on their spending. Compounding the challenge from the higher prices of goods and services, the Federal Reserve is fighting inflation by raising their key interest rate, which then causes rates to rise on many debt instruments, such as mortgages and credit cards. The idea is to cool down inflation, but it’s possible that the double-whammy of inflation and higher rates will send the economy into recession. If the U.S. economy doesn’t enter recession, it will at least slow down significantly later in 2022 and into 2023.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 99
If you are depending on investments for income, it’s best not to be heavily invested in stocks. For almost any investor, especially retirees, it’s wise to diversify between stocks, bonds, and cash. For sophisticated investors, adding commodity funds, Treasury inflation-protected securities, or I-bonds can be wise during inflationary periods.
Kent Thune, CFP®, MBA, has 23 years of investment management experience and has navigated his clients through some of the most challenging economic conditions in history.
purchases are buying shares of investments at lower prices, which will make them recover more quickly when the stock market resumes its general direction upward again. For most people, the best way to accomplish this is to continue regular contributions to long-term investment accounts, such as an IRA. If your employer provides a 401(k) with matching contributions, try to continue making at least enough contributions to maintain the maximum match.
To summarize, recessions can be like hurricanes. The professionals who watch them often see signs of them coming, but it’s nearly impossible to know very far in advance what their impact will be or even if they will hit us directly. Thus, it’s wise for those of us who may be in the path of the storm to be prepared.
Thune is the owner of a Hilton Head Island registered investment advisory firm, Atlantic Capital Investments, LLC. His financial guidance has been published in some of the most widely read investment websites, including Seeking Alpha, The Motley Fool, Yahoo Finance, and Kiplinger.com.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A RECESSION
Scott Odom, owner of Sir Grout of the Lowcountry.
Fantastic Floors ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2 LIGHTS, 1 STAND
Sir Grout of the Lowcountry, well known in the area for their outstanding ability to restore natural stone floors to flawless, like new finishes, now has another reason to shine. The local business was named 2021 Franchise of the Year among the Sir Grout nationalScottnetwork.Odom and his new business partner Dan Lundstedt own Sir Grout of the Lowcountry, which covers the Charleston, South Carolina, area down to Savannah, Georgia.
“Being recognized as ‘Franchise of the Year’ at our national meeting was pretty cool,” Odom said. “It was validation that we are doing things right in the Lowcountry.” Sir Grout of the Lowcountry was awarded this high honor among more than 40 locations nationwide. Partners Odom and Lundstedt recently acquired Sir Grout of Scottsdale/Phoenix and Lundstedt also owns Sir Grout Chicago, the largest in the network. The duo attributes a large degree of their success to their team who have been with them for several years. Each Sir Grout service technician undergoes an extensive training process and is qualified to help you understand the best way to care for your surfaces once work has been completed.
“Our guys are awesome, and we trust them implicitly,” Odom said. “Jonathan Russell is our general manager, and our customers love him. We also rely heavily on senior technician Andrew Russell, and our other techs Micah Russell, Will Gabriel, and James Hartzog. In the Charleston area, the team consists of Ari Biggus, Andrew Barr, and Luis Garza. We have never had a negative review about any of our guys. They are polite, respectful, and clean when they visit and work in our customers’ homes. These aren’t just any senior techs; these guys are trained professionals and the face of our company in field. We have an excellent reputation so that’s very important to us.”
“The color seal technology is the main reason I bought the franchise,” said Odom. “If someone has regular ceramic tile with grout, the color seal allows us to change the color of their grout to any color they desire without regrouting. And
Though Sir Grout has only been in the Lowcountry for a few years, Odom has actually been in the restoration business here for about 15 years. Five years ago, Odom decided to convert his thriving stone restoration business to a franchise because of the Sir Grout color seal technology, which he reports has grown his business tremendously.
SIR GROUT OF THE LOWCOUNTRY FINISHES ON TOP AS NATIONAL FRANCHISE
Sir Grout undoubtedly installs a lot of color seal. But what they are most known for is their natural stone honing, polishing, and sealing for marble, granite, travertine, limestone, and other natural stones, which constitutes most of their business. The process is detailed, and the results are fantastic.
102 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
Another favorite service provided by Sir Grout is cleaning and sealing granite countertops, which should be done every two years. And in showers, they can install epoxy grout, a grout used in expansion joints of showers due to its resistance to mold or mildew.
“An expansion joint,” explained Odom, “is the angle where two walls meet or where the wall meets the floor. Many times, those crevices will collect mold and mildew and even crack. As long as it’s maintained, the epoxy grout doesn’t mold, mildew or crack, and customers love the results.”
“The standards we set don’t necessarily guarantee that we won’t ever make a mistake,” Odom said, “but if we do, we own it, and then we go back and fix it. We always try to set a realistic expectation, and then work to exceed that. We don’t overpromise, but we do provide the highest level of service and a realistic result that more than satisfies.”
He further explains that though there are other companies that offer the same services as Sir Grout at perhaps a lower cost, there is no one who specializes in resurfacing like Sir Grout.
“We resurface the floor by taking just a little off the top,” said Odom, “and you’re left with a floor that looks brand new.”
“Most people are aware that wood floors need to be sanded, or honed, over time in order to maintain their desired look,” Odom explained. “But the same is true with travertine, marble, and limestone. Most people assume that natural stone can just be cleaned, which is typically not the case. Most times, a simple cleaning will not accomplish the results they desire.”
Before after
Depending on the stone surface, Odom and Lundstedt will examine the floor to determine if there is etching or staining, which will reveal how aggressive the sanding must be. And because their process uses water, no dust is left behind. As well, homeowners who are diligent about sweeping and maintaining a clean floor after a resurfacing, may not ever need another honing—at least for while.
The team at Sir Grout aims to provide the highest level of customer service and vows to always go the extra mile. Odom lives by the adage, “There is never a traffic jam on the extra mile,” and he asserts this mentality to his team.
although we aren’t necessarily a cleaning company, we do clean the surface first to ensure our sealer bonds. Then we seal it with our proprietary sealer and, properly maintained, it is intended to last indefinitely.”
“Maybe they clean carpet and they also have the ability to clean tile as an extra add on,” Odom said, “but this is our business. From Kiawah to Hilton Head, no one does more of this kind of work than us. Resurfacing is not just part of what we do, it is ALL we do.”
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 103 Sir Grout of the Lowcountry provides all professional services to recover the splendor of your hard surfaces. Whether it’s tile, grout cleaning and sealing, or natural stone restoration, their unique processes and products will transform and renew floors, kitchens, foyers, mudrooms, bathrooms, showers, and more.By scheduling an appointment, Sir Grout will offer free in-home/office consultations providing detailed written estimates and descriptions of their services. All locations are locally owned and operated (licensed and insured). The Sir Grout Franchise has been recognized and awarded by many publications, including Entrepreneur Magazine’s list of Top Franchises and Top New Businesses as well as review sites such as Angie’s List and thousands of satisfied customers. With rapid growth, Sir Grout is the best choice for floor care and restoration by homeowners and businesses throughout the Lowcountry and the U.S. For more information, visit sirgroutlowcountry.com.
The Bella Sante Team (from left to right): Katie Collins L.E., Lee Anne Marconi L.E., Kennedy Geyer L.E., and Priscilla Sanchez-Rubio
Geyer started her business when she moved to the Lowcountry from Indianapolis with a focus on corrective skincare, such as acne, pre- and postmenopausal skin, and anti-aging. Many of her clients struggle with acne, including the physical and emotional pain that comes with it.
“From the moment you come in, we care and are committed to your progress,” Geyer said. “Our clients are like family. They are very loyal and come from all over the country to Bella Santé Esthetics because we deliver results. We take on the worstcase acne cases that most others can’t correct, and we change their skin and, most importantly, change their lives.”
A dualistic approach—holistic and clinical—is what sets Bella Santé apart. Clients love the carefully curated pharmaceutical grade performance products utilized alongside beautifully formulated homeopathic remedies. Geyer passionately believes that change is made when both are incorporated side by side.
BELLA SANTÉ ESTHETICS OFFERS UNIQUE CUSTOM AND CORRECTIVE TREATMENTS ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY 2 LIGHTS, 1 STAND
“There is a place for both,” she said, “and when the two are married, the results are incredible.”
I f you’re in the market for skincare spas, the options abound. However, contrary to what you may think, one size does not fit all. Your skin is as distinctive and exceptional as you are, so finding the right esthetician to treat you is so important. Providing personalized, individualized, and custom skin care is the goal at Bella Santé Esthetics, located at 29 Plantation Park Dr., Suite 204 in BellaBluffton.Santé Esthetics is a unique and locally owned modern corrective skincare and acne clinic whose owner, Kennedy Geyer, takes pride in not only healing your skin but feeding your soul. “We are dedicated to making each experience clientdriven and client-customized by giving your skin exactly what it needs,” she said.
“Internally, we try to identify anything in their diet and lifestyle that might be a trigger,” Geyer said. “For example, we might discover they eat too much dairy, gluten, soy, or peanuts. Then we discuss their lifestyle and ask things like ‘Do you drink a lot of alcohol? Do you exercise? Do you spend a lot of time in the sun or heat?’”
Geyer and her staff are triple-certified acne specialists who never intend to stop learning. They know that something new and innovative is always on the horizon in skincare. The team recently attended a three-day convention in Las Vegas where they learned in depth about skin disorders and treatments.
One innovative treatment method available at Bella Santé is the use of light therapy. Visible light devices that kill bacteria on the skin have been used as acne treatment for the past 20 years. There are two main kinds of visible light therapy: blue light and red light. Each has a specific use, and, while they both help acne, each has different benefits.
In fact, each of the four estheticians who work for Geyer were initially clients who came in for acne treatments. They were so inspired and empowered by the results they experienced that Geyer helped each obtain their esthetician licenses and made them a part of the BSE family. Now they collaborate as a team to identify each client’s root cause of acne and then offer ongoing support to help them control and manage their skin.
106 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
“Just using a topical or clinical approach is like simply putting on a band aid,” Geyer said. “If, on the other hand, you pair that with a holistic approach, then results last longer. We inform our clients of what products they can use at home; we make it easy for them to understand what type of acne they are experiencing, and we teach them how to best control it.”
Such questions allow Geyer and her team to identify the source of the acne—for example, fungal acne, which is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin and can be caused by heat and humidity. Then once the source is identified, the client receives advice on homecare products combined with customized facials treatments, specific to each individual, depending on what their skin needs that day.
A new patient coming in for their consultation will first learn that acne is a common disorder and that the Bella Santé approach consists of both internal and external, which fosters long-lasting results.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 107
Red light therapy doesn’t have the same antibacterial effects of blue light therapy, but it can promote healing and has incredible anti-inflammatory capabilities. Red light therapy works deep below the surface of your skin to help soothe and repair tissue. If your acne is caused by a chronic skin condition, red light therapy might be the choice for you.
Blue light therapy is used to address acne breakouts. The wavelength of blue light has an antimicrobial effect, allowing it to kill several types of p-acne bacteria that can collect in pores and oil glands and cause breakouts.
Anti-aging is another specialty at Bella Santé. The Hydrafacial® is a client favorite. This treatment brightens, hydrates, and plumps the skin’s surface to create a dewy complexion while gently improving skin texture.
“We didn’t want the basic Hydrafacial, so we created a 90-minute red carpet version,” said Geyer said. “It’s a seven-inone treatment that will exfoliate, extract impurities, and infuse serums. It ends with a revitalizing dose of a customized booster, LED light therapy, and sculpting Lymphatic facial massage.”
Geyer includes a Sculpting Lymphatic Facial Massage in every facial because of its extreme value to skin health. With this treatment, the esthetician manually massages the face to drain excess fluid from targeted areas in the face and neck, such as under the eyes or at the jawline, creating the most incredible contoured shape and glow. Also included in every facial is cryotherapy, which calms any inflammation after a peel or Bellaextractions.Santéalso offers waxing, brow laminations, and lash lift and tint and pharmaceutical grade product lines including Skin Better, Lira Clinical, Glymed Plus, iS Clinical, Face Reality, and Colorescience. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit bellasanteesthetics.com or call (843) 384-8842.
Chief Tadlock started his career in Fire Rescue as a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) with the then Hilton Head Fire Department, which later came under the auspices of the town. He was a standout employee as his supervisors quickly recognized that this young firefighter/EMT had the qualities to lead others and manage operations. He was quickly promoted through the ranks as station captain and deputy chief of operations before becoming fire chief in JuneDuring2014. his tenure, Chief Tadlock identified ways to improve the department including reinstating the Emergency Medical Services Division in 2017 and guiding the department through two international reaccreditation cycles in 2017 and 2022. Under Chief Tadlock’s T he growth of this area brings the need to continue to educate new and old residents about their town government. One important initiative is the Don Ryan Center of Innovation. I would encourage each of you to visit the website at donryancenter.com and learn more about our business innovation center. Today I want to talk about one area in the center called ideation.
What is an ideation session? Product ideation is a strategy session (or sessions) that is a formalized part of the development process. It brings together the entire squad to leverage the insights, experiences, and ideas of product owners, designers, developers, QA, and architects. The logic behind it is simple. Collectively, a team has more knowledge, experience, and insight than an individual. Product ideation channels this and applies it to a particular product.There are rules of engagement. The product owner is ultimately responsible for the product and ensuring that development efforts align with business goals. He or she still has ownership over the product vision. But, instead of trying to build a product roadmap and suggest features and functionalities by themselves, they are leveraging the knowledge of their entire team.
Photography by M.Kat CONGRATULATIONS
hief Brad Tadlock is one of the people I greatly admire for his leadership, professionalism, and teamwork. Last month, he announced his retirement from the town’s Fire Rescue Department. On behalf of the Town of Hilton Head Island, I want to take this opportunity to thank him for 34 years of dedicated service to our community. His stepping into retirement will be a bittersweet moment for the town and his department, but he will leave an impressive legacy for our staff to emulate. I recently had an opportunity to sit with Chief Tadlock and talk about the many services Fire Rescue offers, the team he had the opportunity to lead, and the department’s accomplishments. What I love most about him is that he takes pride in serving and working with others. He credited some of his success as a fire chief to having a great team of men and women working alongside him. He’s quick to say that he didn’t accomplish it by himself. It was a team effort.
108 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM A Note from John McCann Hilton Head Island Mayor MAYORA Note from Lisa Sulka THE VALUE OF PRODUCT IDEATION MAYOR
Photography by Krisztian Lonyai TO CHIEF BRAD TADLOCK ON HIS CRETIREMENTUPCOMING
• Aligns the entire project team around a common objective.
• Sparks innovation by drawing from diverse experiences and perspectives.
• Helps eliminate the waste of nonutilized talent by leveraging the unique creative input of every team member.
• Generates fresh ideas and results in betterIdeasproducts.areborn organically from collaboration, rather than from the top-down approach. The Don Ryan Center for Innovation and the Town of Bluffton collaborate to create a HUB for entrepreneurs and innovators to develop their ideas. Contact them at (843) 5400405 or DonRyanInfo@townofbluffton. com to get started.
Chief Tadlock’s last day at the helm of our Fire Rescue Department is October 3, just as national Fire Prevention Month gets underway. The town anticipates having a new fire chief named by then— someone who can continue leading our department with the passion, enthusiasm, professionalism, and teamwork spirit that Chief Tadlock imbued.
The DRCI invites subject matter experts (SME), DRCI staff and the innovator(s) to a 90-minute session at The HUB. They talk through the idea, ask questions, brainstorm, innovate and sketch on a 24-foot whiteboard. This is a helpful process when there may be a kernel of an idea but where the innovator needs to engage with people outside of their “echo chamber” and hear a wider range of opinions. The goal is to decide if there is enough “meat” in the concept to move it ahead. Four key benefits of product ideation:
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 109
Chief Tadlock and his team also faced some challenging events. Among them were the response and recovery to Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and the COVID-19 public health pandemic that gripped the island and nation for more than two years. But despite those challenges, Chief Tadlock and his team continued operating under high standards to deliver service to the community.
A Note from Lisa Sulka continued leadership, the department’s Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating improved from a Class 3 designation to a Class 2 designation in 2019. Also, Tadlock credits the support of his team and Hilton Head Island Town Council for the department’s ability to continue upgrading facilities and equipment. Fire station No. 2 in Sea Pines was replaced last year, and a new fleet of 10 engines is on order.
Bishop Eye Center welcomes optometrist Dr. Paul Russo to its growing practice. Appointments are now being scheduled with Dr. Russo at all three Bishop Eye Center locations. Dr. Russo’s eye care experience ranges from routine vision eye exams to diagnosing, treating, and managing medical and acute eye diseases.
Happy New Year! While most people celebrate the New Year on January 1, Hilton Head Preparatory School starts a new year every July 1. And this year the celebration includes the arrival of new Head of School, Paul W. Horgan. Horgan, the eighth head of school at Hilton Head Prep, has hit the ground running, excited about his new home and ready to make an immediate impact. “This is not a school where students are put in a box, rather, it is a place where they can challenge their comfort zones and try new things,” Horgan said. “Hilton Head Prep will not stand still in the coming years. Instead, we will look to a future that is even stronger, solidifying our place as a national caliber independent school.”
Shuttle service is available for all Shrimp Fest attendees. Parking will be available in Lot 1 and will drop off guests in Harbour Town beginning at 12:30 p.m. Shuttles will run for an hour after Shrimp Fest concludes to make sure all guests are returned to Lot 1. Guests must print or show their ticket confirmation to receive free gate entrance into Sea Pines on September 24. For tickets and information, please visit hiltonheadislandshrimpfest.com.
The Sea Pines Resort Racquet Club has appointed Hilton Head native Mick Ray as teaching pickleball pro. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Ray started playing pickleball in 2018, traveling and playing tournaments shortly thereafter. In 2019, with partner Lew Halski, he won his first pickleball tournament at the Colorado Pickleball Open. Since this inaugural win, he has collected over a dozen tournament medals in the 4.5, 5.0, and Open Pro divisions. He is currently ranked No. 7 in singles in the Mid-Atlantic Region and has a global ranking of No. 136 in men’s doubles. For The Sea Pines Resort, Ray will teach daily lessons, facilitate beginner and advanced clinics, and conduct daily round robins for all levels at the Sea Pines Racquet Club.
An activity-filled “Kid Zone” with a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts and more, will be provided by event sponsors The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head, Technical College of the Lowcountry, Coca-Cola, Southern Crown Partners, US Foods and E. & J. Gallo.
The Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 on the lawn adjacent to the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town at The Sea Pines Resort
A Series of Fortunate Events, interesting news and a hodge-podge of other items. You know…this and that! If you would like to submit something for this special section, please email hunter@ch2cb2magazine.com. If we have room and it’s appropriate for public consumption, we’ll be happy to oblige.
This & That C2 Magazine • September 2022 Edition
Tickets are $75 for 21 and older, $50 for guests younger than 21 (or non-drinkers), and children 8 and under admitted are free.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 111
The family-friendly event will feature savory shrimp dishes prepared by 18 Hilton Head-area chefs (while supplies last), craft beers from more than 14 breweries (while supplies last), an array of goods offered by specialty vendors, and live music performances by local rock band Groove Town Assault.
112 SEPTEMBER 2022 CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM
Doug Hoover of Stone Restore is pleased to announce the promotion of his long-term employee, Roddy Lane, to partner. Hoover and Lane have over 30 years of combined experience in stone restoration here in the Lowcountry. See their ad on page 80 .
Monica Collins, aka our island’s whiskey girl and cocktail master, has taken the position of beverage manager at Chez Georges. The restaurant will be hosting a whiskey dinner October 4 with Chicken Cock Whiskey and Master Distiller Gregg Synder.
CH2CB2MAGAZINE.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 113
Join Operation Patriots FOB on October 8 from 6-11 p.m. for the second annual Concert For The Heroes, honoring our Lowcountry Veterans and their families. Headliners will be country music stars Justin Moore and Travis Denning, along with Jared Ashley, Lucas Hoge, and celebrity guests Thad Moffitt and Ted DiBiase Jr. The concert takes place at Legacy Oaks Preserve, 328 Lakeview Dr., Ridgeland. Get your tickets at opfob.org.
EVENTS
