TEN WAYS
October 2020
TO MAKE YOUR HOME AN OASIS ON THE CHEAP HOW TO PICK A
HOUSEPLANT
HOLY CITY
HOME
STYLE
THAT YOU (HOPEFULLY) WON’T KILL
R E AL E T ESTTA INGS LI S IN SIDE
BEN D’ALLESANDRO At Home with
Ruta Smith
a Charleston City Paper publication
Volume 1, Number 3
October 7, 2020
INSIDE AT HOME IN THE LOWCOUNTRY
D’Allesandro enjoys blend of family and business BY ANDY BRACK
.......... 4
DIGGING YOUR HOME
10 ways to make your home an oasis — for .......... 6 under $100 BY LAUREN HURLOCK AND LAUREN KESMODEL DIGGING HALLOWEEN
How to be safe when fun is spooky
nephronpharm.com
.......... 8
DIGGING INTO HISTORY
Charleston key in Revolutionary, Civil wars
.......... 10
BY ANDY BRACK
DIGGING REAL ESTATE
Properties for sale and rentals in your area
.......... 12
DIGGING LOCAL
‘What plant can’t I kill?’
.......... 14
BY TONI REALE
Digs, our new monthly home-focused publication, connects the people who make the Lowcountry special with content they’ve been missing. Digs gets up close and personal with stories on local personalities, home design and remodeling, plants and gardening, home repair and real estate. To learn more about advertising opportunities offered through Digs, contact our advertising team at (843) 577-5304 or send an email to: sales@charlestoncitypaper.com. Dig it! PUBLISHER
EDITOR
Andy Brack
Sam Spence
STAFF
Lauren Hurlock Lauren Kesmodel Ruta Smith
Published by City Paper Publishing, LLC Members: J. Edward Bell | Andrew C. Brack
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AT HOME IN THE LOWCOUNTRY
D’Allesandro enjoys blend of family and business BY ANDY BRACK
CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 10.07.2020
It doesn’t take long to learn from Ben D’Allesandro that he and his wife have three young children and a fourth on the way.
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When he’s not at his downtown pizzeria on St. Philip Street, he’s probably spending time with his family in their comfortable Rutledge Avenue home. His 3-year-old daughter may crawl into his lap during an interview. The dog will stop by to get rubbed. A son wearing a Captain America T-shirt will try to figure out why someone is asking his dad a lot of questions. There’s a lot of activity, as you would expect in a home with three kids under age 8. “I like getting my kids together with their cousins and having them play together while we’re watching football on a Sunday afternoon.” His crew, along with that of his business partner and brother Nick, might swim a little, eat a little, root for the Eagles and eat some more. At home, D’Allesandro, who comes from the Philadelphia area where pizza joints seem to be on every block, shares cooking duties with his wife, Jenifer. They met at his restaurant where she was a server. They dated a few years and got married in 2013. A year later, they moved into a solid 2,300-square-foot brick home built in 1925 on Rutledge Avenue. “At home, I cook a lot of pasta,” he said. “It’s easy and the kids love it. I also make a good grilled cheese.” And, of course, he twirls dough into pizza — but that’s at the restaurant, which is less than a mile away. His favorite: the Spicy Benny, a pie with red sauce, cheese, pepperoni, jalapenos and feta cheese. And while already a little
spicy, there’s a good chance he’ll slather his slices with chili garlic sauce, a recent food addiction. D’Allesandro seems to blend business and family seamlessly, taking both in stride and enjoying moments for what they are. “I’m never shocked if I have to go down there and do something.” If that includes making pizza, that’s fine. “I like doing it,” he said. “I still think I make the best pizza there.”
NEW TO CHARLESTON IN 1998 D’Allesandro narrowed his pick for college to two places — Drexel University in his hometown area and the College of Charleston. He remembers getting information in the mail about the college. It charmed him. “I thought Charleston was a beautiful city,” he recalled. “I didn’t know a single person here. They mailed to me a bird’s eye picture of the Battery and I thought, man, this is a beautiful place. I guess I just wanted to go someplace that looked interesting.” Soon after he got here in 1998, he picked up a job at Gilroy’s Pizza Pub on King Street. The job became an inspiration. “When I started there, Mr. Gilroy was the owner,” he said. “Gilroy was tossing pizzas, throwing them in the oven and making deliveries himself. I remember thinking, man, this guy is really doing it.” But D’Allesandro also saw the business side of things in the pizza joint. “He just had a great small business mind and was all about revenue and expenses. There’s a lot to be said for the time I spent with Gilroy himself — the actual running of a small business. He really took a strong liking to me.” Fast forward a few years as D’Allesandro kept working in pizza places, including one in Spain when he was studying for a semester while finish-
D’Allesandro and his 3-year-old daughter, Shoshie.
THE LOWDOWN ON BEN D’ALLESANDRO Age: 40 Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pa.; raised Bala Cynwyd, Pa. Education: Associate’s degree, Trident Technical College; Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies, City Planning and Administration, College of Charleston. Current profession: Pizzeria owner. Family: Wife (Jenifer), three children (Malcolm, Wolf and Shoshie). Family dog: Tag, a Weimaraner/Labrador mix. Something people would be surprised to learn about you: “I delivered my second kid in our car.” Hobbies: Walking while thinking, basketball, reading newspapers, running.
ing his college degree. By 2005, he and his brother, two years younger, decided to start a pizza restaurant. “We both agreed there was a lot of opportunity for a pizzeria here. Our number one goal was to find a cheap place. We would have sold pizza out of a garage.” They found a home on St. Philip Street and opened in 2006. In the first couple of years in the business, the D’Allesandro brothers nabbed customers in what then wasn’t the best part of town by having bingo, karaoke and “super cheap beer deals.” It often attracted a party crowd. Over time, the restaurant’s reputation and success grew. The brothers have a franchise in Greenville and opened a restaurant this year in the Nexton area of Summerville. On what he’s learned in business so far: “Make it easy to market. There isn’t overbearing management. The product isn’t incredibly complicated.”
Photos by Andy Brack
TIME TO RELAX These days when D’Allesandro wants to have a little me-time away from the family and business, he’s got two outlets: sailing and golf, both of which seem to be approached with wariness. “I’ve got a little Sunfish (sailboat) that I’ve been waiting to sink to the bottom of the harbor,” he joked. “I attempt to go out on it one time a week or so.” During the pandemic, he also took up golf with two friends. “I’ve really been liking that. We’re all equally as bad and it works out well.”
Favorite musicians: 90’s hip hop, Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band. Favorite new music: Drake, Sturgill Simpson. Favorite food: Chicken Parm. Favorite non-Italian food: A well-blended açai bowl. Favorite pizza topping: Feta. Favorite sauce: Chili garlic sauce by Huy Fong Foods. What meal would you want for your last supper: My mother’s lemon chicken and her Belgian waffles. Pet peeve: Drivers that try to get around me while I’m in the middle of a three-point turn. Describe your best day in 50 words or less: Coffee while reading the paper; six mile run; recuperate for an hour; spend the afternoon with my family; grab some dinner with my friends; watch the Philadelphia Eagles win a playoff game at Moe’s Crosstown with my brother. Charitable work, causes: “Lately I’ve been really into the poll working for elections. I just started doing it in February and I love how I’m able to directly assist with our democratic process.” Quote: “An eye for an eye makes the world blind.” Philosophy: “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” Anything about the pandemic affected you in particular: “I really miss having all of our amazing customers dining with us. They make the place a lot more fun.”
charlestoncitypaper.com/digs
The pizza shop logo was inspired by artwork created by D’Allesandro’s father (above)
Technology: “I’m a big fan of TikTok — it’s a fantastic platform for regular people to easily display their amazing creativity.”
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DIGGING YOUR HOME
10 ways to make your home become an oasis — for under $100 BY LAUREN HURLOCK and LAUREN KESMODEL We’ve spent a lot of time at home in the past six months between stay-at-home orders, working from home and social distancing. Translation: We’re tired of looking at the same four walls and want a “new look” without spending a lot of money. So we came up with tips to freshen your space without breaking the bank. Included are quick makeover ideas that are easy to change for renters and the Add some color to indecisive as well as some more permanent changes for your space with a those ready to take a deeper dive into fixing things — or fresh coat of paint desperate for something to do this weekend. over old furniture or
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Photos by Gettyimages.com
CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 10.07.2020
upgrade to adjustable
EASY FIXES THAT WON’T POUND YOUR WALLET smart lighting. Backsplash. Add a backsplash to your kitchen with removable wallpaper, or if you’re feeling adventurous, with peel and stick tiles. Each can be cut with a utility knife or scissors. Get tiles with a raised texture to make it feel ultra-realistic. Smart lighting. Good lighting is absolutely essential in any space, but why stand for lighting that doesn’t make you feel calm when you’re relaxing at home? With new smart bulbs, you can change the color of your space to your mood, time of day or the weather. (We started out with one bulb and ended up with six more.) For the shower. Changing shower heads is easy, even with minimal tools. Adding a new rainfall or multi-function shower head gives you a spa-like experience every time you change out of your pajamas to shower... to get back into your pajamas. Plants and more plants. House plants make people happy, and luckily we have some great nurseries and shops around Charleston with incredible, knowledgeable staffs. We’ve written about Charleston’s ‘grammable plant stores before and recommend making a day of it. Getting out of the house, strolling
PLANT RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PLANT BABE A taller plant? Dracaena We asked Jesse Nersesian, the (Dragon Tree) is a great babe behind Plant Babe (1836 starter plant for someone with Meeting St., Charleston), about patience. They’re hearty enough using plants to brighten a room. to bounce back from neglect, She had these pointers for plant but are slow growing. newbies before you head out to find A statement plant? Monstera your new leafy babe. Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) “Figure out where you want to is a favorite of interior designers, put a plant in your space first,” she Instagrammers and plant lovers. said. “Plants do need light. Does it A pet-safe safe plant? Parlor get direct light? Bright indirect light? Palm (Neanthe Bella) is well Some light? This is what you’ll need to loved by humans and pets for know to make the best choice. A plant its delicate stalks, jungle feeling without the right conditions is a plant and packs a green punch for a that’s not going to live very long.” small plant. Here are some recommended plants that are easy to care for, do well Some other tips from Nersesian on in different lighting and are practically how to keep your new plant alive: guaranteed to improve your space:
through the lush aisles and bringing a new life (or three) home? Sounds like a great day to us. Paint. Reinventing your existing furniture for a new look is a creative way to use what you have. A coat of paint on an old dresser or sanding down your scratched up kitchen table and restaining makes a world of difference with how your space feels.
SOME BIGGER PROJECTS Focus on windows. Window trim is the eyeliner of a window. It’s incredible how much a little trim can improve the overall look of a room as well as make a window appear larger. By adding simple trim to each window, the room feels much more complete and polished. Treatments. Install board and batten or wall treatments — it’s an inexpensive way to add clean lines and texture to any room. With all straight cuts (and cutting the same length over and over), this is a simple project anyone can complete with a few tools, including a saw (miter or hand), tape measure, level, pencil, nail gun, caulk and paint.
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• Do a little research on what your plant needs and what signs show that it needs to be watered. • Use pots with drainage. No one wants to sit in old bath water! • If you have pets, be sure to check out ASPCA.org to see if your plant is toxic — or make sure to keep plants out of reach. • Plants tend to die more from overwatering and too much love than neglect. Underwatering is better than overwatering. Use a reminder on your phone if you need a little help.
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Walls. A fresh coat of paint could be all an environment needs to feel brand new. Did you know including Sherwin Williams offers color consultation services to help choose the best colors for your space? The company will come to your home and help you choose the best colors while keeping existing lighting, furnishings and flooring in mind. For example, staffers will notice yellow tones in floors and suggest something that will balance out the yellow or help you find the exact right shade that will look just as good on the wall as it did on the chip. Tile. Speaking of paint, did you know you can paint your tile? While a fullblown renovation of replacing floors might be daunting, you can still change up dated beige tile with a little time and effort. Shelving. Replace ugly wire shelves (we’ve got our eye on you, laundry room) with open shelving in utility rooms. It’s a cheap and pretty way to update your room. Not only does it add storage, but it also visually heightens your room significantly.
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Dying for a cool trailing/ hanging plant that grows like crazy? Pick up a Pothos (also known as Devil’s Ivy, Epipremnum). Nothing will make your brown thumb look green like a pothos, which grows fast and loves to grow long legs. A plant to sit on the ground with good vertical lines? Grab a Snake Plant (Sansevieria, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) or ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). If you’re going for a dramatic, modern look, be on the lookout for a Raven ZZ plant with its striking black leaves.
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When in doubt about any treat you bring home, throw it out!
DIGGING HALLOWEEN
How to be safe when fun is spooky
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You can still ensure a special night for your little ones in your neighborhood by following safety measures aimed at keeping everyone healthy on All Hallows’ Eve. Consider these tips for safe trick-ortreating from the experts at the National Safety Council and the well-known candy maker, Mars Wrigley.
BEFORE THE BIG DAY • Buy individually-wrapped candy to hand out to trick-or-treaters. Fun-size packs are one of the easiest forms of candy for
trick-or-treaters to grab and go. • Create fun, individual candy goody bags for a no-touch option for trick-or-treaters. • Make sure your yard is well-lit. Replace any burnt-out light bulbs. • Create signs encouraging trick-ortreaters to stay 6 feet apart and display them in your yard. • Don’t hand out treats if you are not feeling well. • Consider socially-distanced options such as “trunk-or-treating,” during
with hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and extra face masks. • Help little ones clean their hands throughout the night. • Maintain a distance of 6 feet from other groups of trick-or-treaters, allowing one group to collect candy at a time. • Wear face masks and reflective tape on clothing and carry flashlights or glow sticks if you’re walking in the dark. • Do “mask checks.” Stop in a safe place and make sure young children’s masks are covering their mouths and noses. • Use sidewalks and crosswalks. Don’t
Photos by Gettyimages.com
CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 10.07.2020
Traditional family activities like trick-or-treating create fun which prepackaged goodies are handed out, or a virtual costume parade. moments and memories, but the effects of COVID-19 on this Halloween will bring about huge changes for ghouls, DURING TRICK-OR-TREATING • Provide trick-or-treating care packs goblins, princesses and superheroes.
HANDING OUT TREATS AT YOUR HOME • Stand outside when handling If you’re staying home to hand out treats, wear a mask and use treats to the little guests who arrive hand sanitizer often. Consider on your doorstep, consider these ideas to encourage safety and fun: keeping a large bottle of sani• One at a time. Minimize the numtizer near you for visitors to use ber of hands reaching into a bowl. as well. Find fun, hands-free ways to give • Allow one small group at a time candy to trick-or-treaters. You can at your door. place candy on your lawn or drive- • Give out one set of treats at a way, so trick-or-treaters don’t have time to minimize hands reachto crowd around your front door, ing into a common bowl. For touch handrails or knock. example, fun-size packs of treats • Move out of the way any items offer plenty of options and are that children could trip over and easy for trick-or-treaters to grab keep pets inside. and go.
AFTER YOU’RE DONE • Wash your hands immediately when you get home. • Sanitize candy wrappers before eating or let the new stash sit for 24 hours. • Follow the “when in doubt, throw it out” rule. Throw away any candy that is
open, ripped or has torn packaging, or has an unusual appearance or pinholes. Discard any homemade items from people you don’t know. • Watch for choking hazards. If you have a young child, make sure candy he or she collected isn’t a choking hazard. If it is, discard it. • Keep candy away from pets, especially chocolate and sugar-free gum, which can be poisonous for your furry friends. Story courtesy FamilyFeatures.com
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cross the street between cars and be as visible as possible as drivers may be distracted. • Consider setting up a grab-and-go “candy corner” for visitors, inclusive of hand sanitizer and treats.
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DIGGING INTO HISTORY
Charleston key in Revolutionary, Civil wars CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 10.07.2020
BY ANDY BRACK
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Bring up past American wars and it’s pretty certain you’ll soon get into a disagreement about something. Example: Which was more important — the Revolutionary War or the Civil War? Some people focus mostly on the Revolutionary War, saying without the success of patriots in South Carolina and the rest of the colonies that we may not have been able to test our unique experiment with democracy.
Others intently study the complexities of the Civil War, its strategies, its inventions, its terrible tool and its enduring impact being felt in society today in everything from polarized bickering about the Confederate flag to raciallymotivated killings and violence. Chapter Three of the newly-released “350 Facts About Charleston” highlights
the influential roles of people and events in the Holy City in these two deadly conflicts. Here’s a preview of some of the neat stuff in the book, now available online at CharlestonFacts.com and in some Charleston shops.
Third time was charmed for British The British failed in its first attempt to
calling themselves the Sons of Liberty. So here’s where the story about the Liberty Tree gets interesting. When the British occupied Charleston from 1780 to 1782, they cut down the Liberty Tree and burned its stump to prevent it from becoming a patriot shrine. But they didn’t think about the tree’s pesky roots. After the war, Judge William Johnson retrieved a root and had it made into cane heads. One of them was given to Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence. Pretty neat, huh?
No deaths during “shots heard around the world” On April 12, 1861, Confederates opened fire on Fort Sumter at 4:30 a.m. from multiple positions surrounding the fort — but not from the peninsula as many believe. Thousands of spectators filled rooftops and lined the Battery to watch the barrage. After the 34-hour bombardment, Union Major Robert Anderson, commander of Fort Sumter, surrendered. Incredibly, no one died during the engagement in which more than 3,000 shells Charlestonian gets credit for yellow were fired. It wasn’t until an accidental flag with rattlesnake explosion during the surrender ceremony A yellow flag with a coiled rattlesnake that the first casualty of above the words “Don’t Tread on Me” is the Civil War, Daniel a Revolutionary War symbol for national Hough, a Union soldier, unity and perseverance that is attributed to was claimed. Charleston patriot Christopher Gadsden. Fort Sumter remained In 1754, founding father Ben Franklin an important bastion penned what’s thought to be the colonies’ after the first barrage first political cartoon with a rattlesnake cut into eight pieces over the words, “Join, Confederate forces continued to occupy Fort Sumter, or Die,” to rally colonists to fight with the using it to hold a defense British in the French and Indian War. Fast of Charleston Harbor after forward 21 years when Gadsden, a memP.G.T. Beauregard captured ber of the Second Continental Congress, was on a committee to outfit the colonies’ the bastion in 1861. Better armed and finally finished, first naval mission. He presented the yelthe fort allowed the Southern low flag to the new Navy’s commander to military to create a valuable be his personal standard, or flag, for the ship. Gadsden’s flag later inspired the first hole in the Union blockade of the Atlantic seaboard. Two U.S. Navy Jack, a red-and-white striped years later, in 1863, the Union flag with the rattlesnake. In the 21st century, the yellow flag was used by tea party would launch its first assault against Fort Sumter, when Rear enthusiasts to show their anger at governAdmiral Samuel Francis Du ment — not support as it was intended Pont attempted a naval attack more than 200 years ago. on the port city of Charleston. He arrived Our favorite story in the book in Charleston with a fleet of nine ironclad Gadsden first advocated for colonial inde- warships, but in collaboration with Fort pendence from the British in 1766 under Sumter, Confederate batteries commanded a live oak that would come to be known by Beauregard unleashed a barrage of canas the Liberty Tree. A bronze plaque by nonfire against the fleet, dealing over 500 the Sons of the Revolution marks the spot hits and forcing the fleet to retreat. near Alexander Street where the tree Staff writer Skyler Baldwin contributed to once stood. Gadsden, along with his fellow revolutionaries, led public meetings to this story. Cartoon by Robert Ariail protest the British Stamp Act and tea tax,
350 Facts About Charleston is a new book about, well, Charleston. With facts. Lots of them. In fact, there are 350 facts, one for each year that Charleston’s been around.
The staff at the Charleston City Paper pulled together fun and arcane information about the Holy City to illuminate its deep, rich history. Included in the 200+ pages are details on early settlers, the wars (Revolutionary and Civil) and the struggle for civil rights by descendants of enslaved Africans. You’ll learn about food (Charlestonians have loved to drink wine for centuries), books, people, music, culture and much more.
FEAT SOUTH URING CA CARTO ROLINA ROBER ONIST T ARIAIL
Order your copy today for just $20 (plus shipping and handling) at
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charlestoncitypaper.com/digs
take Charleston in 1776 in what was the first major naval victory for patriot forces. South Carolina troops repelled an attack on a palmetto fort on Sullivan’s Island. Three years later, the British made a second attempt to capture Charleston while the main Continental Army was in Georgia. British Gen. Augustine Prevost marched from Savannah to Charleston, but as Gen. William Moultrie’s small force was holding its own, the Continental Army returned from Georgia, fighting back the British. The Redcoats mounted their strongest attempt to take the Holy City in 1780 when Sir Henry Clinton’s 10,000-man army, supported by the Royal Navy, laid siege to the city from April 1 to May 12. It was the longest siege of the Revolutionary War. It ended when Charleston and 6,000 colonial soldiers surrendered. The loss is considered the worst defeat of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and gave the British a foothold to try to retake the Southern states, a quest that ultimately failed.
11
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Amazing floor plans & flexibility. Sturdy, well-built models (Wind Zone 3) for hundreds of thousands less than traditional homes. Land/ home packages. Locally owned and operated for over 25 years. Call (843) 821-8671, www.nandmmobilehomes.com
Unfurnished Rentals
VACATION PROPERTY
WEST ASHLEY
335 Wappoo Rd. Beautiful, furnished short-term rental, 1 BR, 1 BA w/ lots of storage & 15’ x 11.7” flex space, convenient to the WA Greenway, shops & restaurants & downtown, $149/night + tax & $50 cleaning fee. Call Charlie Smith (843) 571-3573, CSA Real Estate. www.tou.rs/359057
Rentals or interested in Buying a Home? Call us
(843) 608-6832 or visit www.843realestate.com
DOWNTOWN
1 BR, 1 BA condo with balcony in Ansonborough. Walk to Market area/ Harris Teeter & restaurants. Private parking, $1,350/mo. Call (843) 795-5622.
DOWNTOWN
3 BR, 2.5 BA, fully equip kit, living room, den, hardwood floors/ carpet, HAVC, W/D, no pets, Avail 8/1, $3,700. Call Just Rentals (843) 225-7368.
MT. PLEASANT
1313 Mathis Ferry Road. 2 BR, 1.5 BA, townhome, fully equip kitchen, LR, W/D conn, avail 10/1, $800/mo. No pets. Call Just Rentals (843) 225-7368.
DOWNTOWN
147-D Church St. 1 BR,1 BA, apt, kit, living room, hardwoods, avail now, $950, no pets. Call Just Rentals, (843) 225-7368.
HOUSE FOR RENT?
Place your ad in the Charleston City Paper for only $15 per week. Contact cris@charlestoncitypaper.com
ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.1 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.
NEED A ROOMMATE? PLACE YOUR AD IN THE CHARLESTON CITY PAPER FOR ONLY $15 PER WEEK. E-MAIL CRIS@ CHARLESTON CITYPAPER.COM
LOCK IT AND LEAVE IT
CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 10.07.2020
Truly one of a kind! This completely enhanced 2BR 2BA middle floor condo has it all. Sub Zero, custom cabinet, fresh designer paint, new carpet, balcony, fireplace, parking AND walk to the incredible amenities, shopping, dinning, Volvo stadium. Investment, Primary or Second Home~Daniel Island
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ON STANDS NOW
Top Five for Listings in the Company -Your Realtor Concierge
Katrina Johnson CRS, CNE, ABR, CBR Awarded Diamond Circle of Excellence
843-452-2747 CELL kjohnson@carolinaone.com Selling Charleston SC 843-884-1622 OFFICE www.SellingCharlestonSC.com
DIGGING REAL ESTATE
Downtown
Summerville
HOUSE FOR SALE?
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
Celebrating Charleston Families Since 1996
EASTSIDE
11 America Street is a fantastic opportunity to own a low-maintenance townhouse with NO HOA within walking distance to restaurants & shops of King & Meeting 296 & 298 COMING ST. streets. This home is 4 BR, 2 BA & Two single family homes on one boasts a wonderful tropical garden lot sold together. Ideal for live/ rent. 2BR, 2.5 BA each, excellent w/ fruiting trees & shaded outdoor space. The 1st floor is very open rental history, no flood insurance w/ tile throughout keeping it cool required, $725,000. Call Charlie Smith (843) 571-3573, CSA Real in the summer & making mainteEstate. http://bit.ly/296298Coming nance a breeze. The upstairs has 4 BR w/ the rear 2 BR opening up to the brand new deck overlooking the garden. This home provides off-street parking in front of the unit and ample street parking. A PLEASE brand new roof and other energy efficient updates like vinyl winRECYCLE THIS dows, attic insulation & multi-zone PAPER HVAC system keep utility costs down. Call Troy Gandee (843) 817-4431, Maven Realty. troy@mavenrealtysc.com
117 HAMPTON DRIVE
Beautiful & spacious 5 BR, 3 BA home w/ FROG, quiet wooded lot, hardwoods, vaulted ceiling in great room, close to shopping restaurant & Ashley River views, $415,000. Call Charlie Smith (843) 571-3573, CSA Real Estate. http://bit.ly/117hampton
PLACE YOUR AD IN THE CHARLESTON CITY PAPER FOR ONLY $15 PER WEEK.
FOR SALE BY OWNER?
Place your ad in the Charleston City Paper for only $15 per week. Contact cris@charlestoncitypaper.com
E-MAIL CRIS@ CHARLESTON CITYPAPER.COM
N&M HOMES Charlie Smith, Broker 843.813.0352 • csarealestate.com csmith@csarealestate.com
Timeshare Cancellation Get your free information kit and see if you qualify: 888-604-1701
Come see why our highest quality-built Wind Zone 3 Homes protects your family better & saves YOU $$$!
10097 Hwy 78 • Ladson • 843.821.8671 NANDMMOBILEHOMES.COM dl35721
Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT TODAY!
843-806-2754
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PAY NO RENT UNTIL DEC 1ST WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD!
1735 Ashley Hall Road 843-556-1233 latitudewa@firstcommunities.com
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Special Financing Available
MOVE-IN BY OCT 23RD AND
13
DIGGING LOCAL
‘What plant can’t I kill?’
CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 10.07.2020
BY TONI REALE, ROADSIDE BLOOMS
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A young woman walks into our shop and looks around, awestruck by all of the indoor plant possibilities. We greet her and ask if she’s looking for anything specific. She shares she has a new apartment and is looking to create a more inviting space, especially since some of her roommates are now working remotely. Nervously, she asks, “What plant can’t I kill?” This is one of the most common questions we get from people aspiring to be plant parents. At least 40 percent of all of the people who walk through our door start off with this sentiment. This tells me two things: First, more people are looking to enrich their spaces and lives with plants. Second, they have not been set up for success with other plant purchases or plants that they’ve been gifted. Let’s discuss the motivation behind bringing plants into our homes and offices. Even before COVID-19 forced us to stay inside more often, people have been longing for connections to nature and one another. Our indoor environments tend to be filled with artificial light and stagnant air. Coupled with more time working or studying on our computer screens, this removes us further from nature and the natural environment where humans evolved to thrive. A 2014 Science Daily article cited in a variety of long-term studies that showed organizations and businesses that invested in indoor plants had happier and more motivated employees. In fact, researchers found employees working in greener spaces experienced less anxiety and stress, as well as improved focus and well-being. Additionally, worker producReale tivity increased by 15 percent, a significant increase for minimal upfront costs. With that kind of return on investment, all companies should consider plantscaping their workspaces, especially those that care about the triple bottom line (people, profit and the planet). The wonderful thing about plants is they are non-judgmental (unless it’s a fittonia, which, if you have one, you know what I mean). Indoor plants can help calm anxieties and build selfconfidence. The plant community is also full of opportunities for friendship and connections. The overwhelming majority of plant people that I’ve met are also non-judgmental, open and caring. Professionals and amateurs alike (even on social media) trade care tips, where they got their latest deal, and even cuttings from favorite plants. Introducing plants into our spaces and lives can open up many possibilities for professional and personal growth.
SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS Before we help customers choose their next houseplant, we want to know where the plant will live (bathroom, living room, porch), what the lighting is like in that spot, their lifestyle (do they travel a lot, have roommates, or have kids or pets), and their plant care experience. We want to set up each new plant parent for success and all of these factors weigh heavily on which plant will be right for them.
Part of being a good plant parent is finding one that suits your lfestyle.
Gettyimages.com
LIGHTING you should water plants. Many things factor into a Plants harness sunlight (specifically red and blue plant’s watering regime such as how much light the wavelengths) to create energy through photosynplant gets, what type of pot it is in, if that pot has thesis. Some species require more light than others drainage, the general humidity of where the plant and that ultimately depends on what ecological is located, and most importantly, how much water niche they evolved to fill. If they are an understory the plant requires. Some plants like to be dry and plant, they will require indirect sunlight, whereas a others always want to be damp. desert plant would require direct Our go-to watering method is sunlight. So when a customer to use the pinky trick. If a plant is looking for a plant for their “Indoor plants can help likes to be watered frequently, windowless bathroom, that helps stick your pinky into the soil and calm anxieties and us steer them into a direction of if it is dry to your first knuckle, build self-confidence.” it would likely be happy with a some of our dried flower arrangements versus a live plant. There drink. If it is drought tolerant, are certain plants that can survive wait until the soil is dry up to your (not necessarily thrive) in artificial light, but in a 3rd knuckle to water. Most plants fall in between. bathroom where the lights are not on all day, selling a The most important thing you can do with your plant for this spot would not set them up for success. plants is to observe them — notice their habits and what you did when they looked the healthiest. LIFESTYLE It’s important to know about the lifestyle of the cus- BUILDING CONFIDENCE tomer. For frequent travelers, we suggest a plant that We provide an opportunity for a customer to ask what they think are silly questions and never shame is more drought-tolerant as it might miss a watering them for not knowing something. Heck, most of us or two. Some plants are poisonous (most not lethal, but could cause gastrointestinal issues), which means are learning as we go! We even respond to people if kids or pets are in the picture, we want to ensure a on social media who have plant care-related quescustomer is purchasing the right plant. Additionally, tions about a plant they got from a big box store. The more confidence we can help build in people, pets and kids like to pull off leaves or knock soil out of the pot, so choosing an out-of-reach spot is impor- the better plant parent they will be, the healthier the plant will be and, ultimately, they will be a bettant. Lastly, communication about plant care in a ter customer for all of the Lowcountry’s wonderful household is crucial so no one over- or under-waters plant shops. Now, go dig in! it. A couple came in once telling us how they had this beautiful orchid that just all of a sudden rotted. Toni Reale is the owner of Roadside Blooms, a Turns out both were watering it, not knowing the unique flower and plant shop in Park Circle in other had already taken care of it. North Charleston. It specializes in weddings, events WATERING and everyday deliveries using nearly 100 percent Watering needs are tricky to address with a new American- and locally grown blooms. Online at plant parent. This is where experience comes into www.roadsideblooms.com. 4610 Spruill Ave., play. There’s no magic formula as to how often Suite 102, North Charleston.
6212 Ranch Rd, Wadmalaw Island 88.5 acres of waterfront, marsh, and farm land $1,700,000
2044 Shell Island, Johns Island Private land with shallow tidal creek 12x20 ft outbuilding with power $149,000
Trademark Properties 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Suite B276 (843)762-0110 trademark-properties.com
charlestoncitypaper.com/digs
1079 Harts Bluff Rd, Wadmalaw Island 5 Bed 4 Bath 3600 Sq Ft $1,425,000
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— CHARLESTON’S BAR GUIDE—
Mixin’ it Up Fat washing, milk punch, and feta cheese gin — what’s new in cocktails By Enid Brenize
O
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charlestoncitypaper.com/SWIG
ne can only imagine what Jerry Thomas, “the father of American mixology,” would think of the drinks from his old Charleston stomping grounds now. TYLER ROTHENBERG
Past summers’ frosé waves have waned and Four Loko’s spiked seltzer is threatening a takeover. Upstairs at the Cocktail Club, there’s dandelion-infused gin and fresh watermelon juice; on street level there are bachelorette parties double-fisting Booze Pops and Jell-O shots. What a world. Talking to some of Charleston’s most inventive cocktail-makers today, it sounds like they’re taking a page from Thomas’ seminal Bar-Tender’s Guide (1862) and concocting new inventions to rival tried-and-true classics. For Thomas, who grew up in the age of punches, toddies, and slings, the Manhattan, martini, and Martinez were a brave new world. In Charleston, is fat washing the new hotness? For last year’s SWIG guide, I grilled some of the top bartenders in town about where and what they drink on days off. Spoiler: beer and a shot. This year, we wanted to know what they’re slinging instead. If you’re looking to take your palate for a boozy adventure, we recommend trying that bacon fat bourbon, a milk punch, or salad-inspired cocktail. Could be the next classic ... or gone before Christmas.
Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails Rothenberg was on a working holiday of sorts when we talked in August. As a counselor at Camp Runamok, the annual summer camp for bartenders, he was whiskey-tasting and distillery-hopping with cocktail aficionados from all over the country. What’s really on his mind, though, is the everyday patron. “One of my biggest passions right now is the drink being secondary to the environment. We’re starting to shift focus away from these crazy complex cocktails because more and more bars can do that, so it’s not as groundbreaking as it was 10 years ago,” says Rothenberg. “I think that there’s this huge shift to simplicity, approachability, and certainly hospitality.” At Handcraft in Mt. Pleasant, Rothenberg oversees a cocktail proAt Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails, gram (that’s what they call Tyler Rothenberg (top) makes a a menu) that’s separated Melon Ball; James Bolt (below) into four parts: classics, at Gin Joint shakes things up the 20th century, highballs, and “the future.” As Rothenberg puts it, a bar should be a “comfortable safe space,
Photos by Ruta Smith
Not Alone Brantley Saunders’ Holy City AF group organizes alcohol-free gatherings around the city By Mary Scott Hardaway
It starts with a bang — late nights, rounds for the bar, spontaneous karaoke, new friends. Blurred joy. Foggy memories. Inexplicable bruises. Angry words. Regret. More, more, more. “Any time anything went wrong it was like ‘Well, I’m gonna get hammered.’ It was a party thing, a social thing, a stress reliever — when I was sad, when I was celebrating something. There was not a time when booze wasn’t around.” Brantley Saunders, a CofC alum who lives and works in the Lowcountry, says she never drank so much that she wound up in the Blotter. She never got a DUI or punched a bouncer or fell down a flight of stairs. She didn’t even start drinking until she turned 21, when she realized that booze made her more confident and outgoing.
charlestoncitypaper.com/SWIG
Holy City AF founder Brantley Saunders sips a spiritfree drink at Cocktail Club
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Continued on page 36
Photos by Ruta Smith
Three’s Company
The next round is
To advertise Call Charleston City Paper 843-577-5304 or e-mail sales@charlestoncitypaper.com
By Vanessa Wolf
I
t’s the season of mandatory evacuations and hurricane parties, and there’s nothing quite like cocktail simplicity when contemplating the seaworthiness of your Charleston single. We asked three celebrated local mixologists to craft something new using the three ingredients of their choice, with delicious results. Whether you tend to face the storms with an aura of tranquility, bravado, or getting the hell out of here, we’ve got a drink for that.
BOLD Batten down the hatches, turn on The Weather Channel and say a prayer with a smooth, smoky ‘Typical Miracle.’ Edmund’s Oast head bartender Jayce McConnell’s cheerful-looking concoction packs a punch. “I don’t try to hide the spirit base in this one at all,” McConnell notes. “With a three-ingredient cocktail you have to make sure everything in the glass stands out and supports the other two.” Made with Spade & Clover turmeric-rootinfused simple syrup, McConnell chose the locally grown plant for both the vibrant yellow color it provides, as well as the “balanced, earthy undertone” the dried plant imparts, perfect for pairing with a plate of tacos al pastor. Turmeric is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, helpful after a day spent manhandling plywood boards.
‘Typical Miracle’
charlestoncityppaer.com/SWIG
1½ oz. mezcal (Vago Espadín preferably) 1 oz. turmeric syrup (recipe below) ¾ oz. lemon juice
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Coming Nov. 4
We asked local bartenders to create a cocktail using only three ingredients — and share the recipes
For the turmeric syrup: 1 cup Demerara whole cane sugar 2 oz. Spade & Clover turmeric root, grated Combine sugar and turmeric in a metal bowl and mix well, pressing the turmeric into the sugar. Allow this to macerate at room temperature for at least an hour. When ready, add 1 cup boiling water and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, and allow to cool to room temp before use. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Prefer a drier drink? Reduce tumeric syrup used to ¾ oz. Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker and shake well until very cold. Double strain over cracked ice in rocks glass. If you’re feeling fancy, splurge with a fourth ingredient and garnish with a lemon twist or mint leaf.
Photos by Ruta Smith