Columbia Home & Garden - Summer 2011

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SUMMER 2011

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Table of Contents Summer 2011

SUMMER 2011

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Cover Story Kindall and William Otis graciously allowed us to feature the renovation of their master bathroom, but our photographer also captured some of the beautiful décor seen throughout the house. Pictured here is the dining room. Cover Photography by John Wrightenberry

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Cityscape makes Fertile Ground Robbie and Eric McClam are providing a wonderful benefit to their supporters with their organic urban farm in the heart of the Rosewood community. Silver Gardens The home of Janna McMahan and Mark Cotterill is surrounded by gardens that feature their unique touch.

26 36 Putting down Roots in Forest Hills After Kindall and William Otis moved to their new home, they personalized it by adding a few comfortable changes to the already stunning surroundings.

Columbia Cooks

Hennessy’s and the Main Street Revival When he recently took over the well-established downtown restaurant, Todd Mattocks had a vision of adding to Main Street’s revitalization. Also, the Hennessy’s staff provides us with some summer recipes to try at home.

Columbia’s Good Life

8 An Artist’s Eye • 12 Celebrating America’s Treasures • 17 Brew at the Zoo 18 Run! Jump! Fly!

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Departments

6 Staff • 34 Planting Points • 42 Artist Notes • 44 Wine Corner 50 Advertiser Index


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Sam’s Latest

Publisher Lorri-Ann Carter

Columbia Home & Garden Writer Has Another Novel Published

Editor Jennifer Soliday

Creative Director Matt Hudson

olumbia Home & Garden writer Sam Morton has done it again. Following on the heels of his highly rated novel, Betrayed, his second book in the Austin Files Series, Ten Weeks Til..., debuted at the 2011 South Carolina Book Festival. “Sam Morton is a writer with a keen eye for human detail, an ear for character, and a nose for suspense. He sketches ordinary lives with deft strokes that make them wholly believable. A writer to watch,” says A.J. Hartley, best selling author of What Time Devours. Austin Pierce thought he was out of the teen spy business. Little did he know that one CIA agent, three Russian spies, and a deadly street gang was just the recipe to pull him back in. Sam’s first novel (Disavowed, Echelon Press, 2006) maintains a five star rating. Betrayed was nominated for the 2010 Newberry Medal and the 2010 PEN/Faulkner Award. Ten Weeks Til... is published by Quake, a division of Echelon Press. “. . . Sam Morton weaves a tale of laughter, passion, and fury in Betrayed . . .” said Pat Conroy, best selling author of The Prince of Tides, Beach Music, and The Great Santini. At the South Carolina Book Festival, Sam appeared on two discussion panels: Fantastic Fiction! Werewolves, Vampires and Blood! and Thrillers & Mysteries II.

Check out our website

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Graphic Artist

Jane Carter Advertising Consultants Dana Kelly Rob Lambert Ben Plyler Cynthia South Photography Director John Wrightenberry Contributing Writers Ricky Mollohan Sam Morton William Thrift Staff Assistants

Kimberly Barrett Gerry Le Cover Photography John Wrightenberry

columbiaHG.com Visit us on the Internet for additional information, including links to our advertisers, subscription information, writers’ guidelines, and advertising opportunities. ©MMXI Columbia Home & Garden, LLC. All rights reserved. No part may be reprinted without written permission from the publisher. Columbia Home & Garden is published quarterly for Columbia Home & Garden, LLC by CarterTodd & Associates, Inc., 1233 Washington Street, Suite 101, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 779-4005. Subscribe to Columbia Home & Garden magazine at the introductory price of $12 for a one-year subscription. Each issue will be mailed to your home or office. Send check to Columbia Home & Garden, PO Box 50145, Columbia, SC 29250, or visit us online at columbiaHG.com to use credit card. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please visit us online at columbiaHG.com for submission guidelines, or e-mail us at editorial@columbiaHG.com.


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Sigmund Abeles. Photo by Lunch and Recess.

An Artist’s Eye: or the first time in history, the Columbia Museum of Art opens its Modern and Contemporary vaults to famed South Carolina artist Sigmund Abeles to present An Artist’s Eye: A Journey through Modern and Contemporary Art with Sigmund Abeles. The major summer exhibition is on view June 17 through October 23, 2011. As an invited guest curator, Abeles selected over 80 works from the Museum’s esteemed Modern and Contemporary collection. His selection is based on his personal taste, preferences and attitudes about contemporary art, which he developed over a 50-year career. An Artist’s Eye broadens the visitor’s understanding by providing a unique perspective. “The premise is that an artist brings a different ‘eye’ and set of criteria in evaluating art than does a curator or an art historian, whose training tends toward historical context rather than artistic practice. This different viewpoint – born 8 | Columbia Home & Garden

A Journey through Modern and Contemporary Art with Sigmund Abeles

South Carolina Landscape, George Biddle, 1931, oil on canvas.


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Phil/Fingerprint, Chuck Close, 1981, lithograph.

from a background of method, process, creation and materials – can yield a new and interesting perspective to the selection and display of modern and contemporary artwork from our collection,” chief curator Todd Herman said. Abeles was part of the art scene when many of the pieces in the show were created and in some cases knew the artists, including Jasper Johns, personally. He provides a rare look into the lives of the exhibition’s artists by engaging visitors with personal anecdotes and offering first-hand accounts of the artists and their work. Abeles’ ability to bring vast experience as an artist, a South Carolinian, a teacher, and his deep connections to the early years of the Columbia Museum of Art promises an exhibition full of variety.

Mother and Daughter, Paula Rego, 1997, 8 color screenprint on paper. 10 | Columbia Home & Garden


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“I would love to own and live with the sassy and bold Paula Rego colored lithograph, to take it home with me,” Abeles said. “The Chuck Close is sheer magic, his engaging portrait of Philip Glass created with Close’s fingerprints, for sure is innovative, fresh, and contemporary. I adore the rich painterly way Paul Wonner wrought a space-filled landscape with Abstract Expressionist means. To include some heroes I actually knew was so satisfying, namely, Jack Levine, Paul Cadmus, and Isabel Bishop, a teacher who became a friend.” H&G

Diane’s Vase, Janet Fish, 1998, oil on canvas.

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Celebrating America’s Treasures: Local Preservation Projects Recognized

Preservation/Restoration & Preservation Leadership Trinity Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street Trinity Foundation & Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Wilson Farrell, Owner’s Representative ach May, in observance of National Historic Preservation Month, Historic Columbia Foundation recognizes local projects that epitomize efforts to maintain and add to the historically, architecturally, and culturally significant buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes within the city and Richland County. This year the Foundation joins the National Trust for Historic Preservation in its theme of “Celebrating America’s Treasures.” Eight local projects were recognized in the categories of Preservation/Restoration; Adaptive Use; New Construction in a Historic Context; and Preservation Leadership. Each treasures in their own right, these projects reveal a wealth of vision, talent, perseverance, and commitment to respecting the past while accommodating the future. 12 | Columbia Home & Garden

In anticipation of its 200th anniversary, Trinity Parish embarked on what appeared to be a $2 million capital improvement of Trinity Cathedral and Parish House. When completed in 2010, the resultant work far exceeded initial estimates in extent and cost. However, the end result, made possible through the dedication of skilled South Carolina craftsmen, led to a state-of-the-art restoration of this circa-1846 National Register of Historic Places-listed site.


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Preservation/Restoration Wesley United Methodist Church, 1725 Gervais Street Walter Grant, Property Representative The Boudreaux Group, Architect Shenandoah Restoration & Watertight Systems, Contractors Faced with potential demolition, the circa-1910 Columbia landmark fortunately was saved by parishioners whose efforts have resulted in extensive exterior restoration work within the structure’s masonry and stained glass windows.

Preservation/Restoration Pine Grove Rosenwald School, St. Andrews Richland County Recreation Commission John Clayton, Architect Ronnie Kinnett & Bryan Crider, Contractors As the last remaining school of the 15 built in Richland County, this circa-1923 facility was saved from destruction by the Richland County Recreation Commission (RCRC), which saved the property, recently listed in the National Register of Historic Places, for use as a field study site for Richland District One students.

Adaptive Use/New Construction in an Historic Context 601 Gervais Street/1218 Pulaski Street Complex Greg Conde, Property Representative Studio 2LR, Architect Hood Construction & Mashburn Construction, Contractors Inspired by the Vista’s industrial roots, Studio 2LR created a distinctly modern structure whose massing, materials, and design complement this historic district’s character while offering a fashionable modern office space through the adaptive reuse of an historic structure formerly used as an antique mall.

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L i f e Historic Context Township Auditorium 1703 Taylor Street Richland County and the Township Auditorium Board Stevens & Wilkinson, Architect Contract Construction, Contractor This circa-1930 National Register of Historic Places-listed landmark was transformed into a modern-era facility through a $12 million rehabilitation that involved extensive infrastructure work and the dismantling and repositioning of its façade to accommodate an enlarged lobby, bathrooms, and other amenities.

New Construction in an Historic Context Ernest F. Hollings Special Collections Library University of South Carolina, Owner Watson Tate Savory Liollio, Architect Gilbane Building Company, Contractor Concern of respect for Edward Durell Stone’s Cooper Library and the challenge to meet the demands of security and environmental controls resulted in the striking facility that preserves the University of South Carolina’s renowned rare book collection.

For more information on Preservation Month, visit HistoricColumbia.org or to nominate a local preservation project, call 803.252.7742. 16 | Columbia Home & Garden


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Sixth Annual Brew at the Zoo

A

ugust 6, 2011, marks the 6th annual Brew at the Zoo. The sell-out event attracts nearly 2000 guests and features samples of domestic and imported brews from around the world. Evening highlights include live music throughout the park, animal encounters, and scheduled animal presentations. Ticket sales begin in June and are $30 for members, $40 for non-members, and $50 the day of the event. You must be 21 or older to attend. H&G

Live music is featured throughout the park.

Attendees await samples of domestic and imported brews.

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In Kung Fu Forest, the three principles of strength, peace, and respect are demonstrated.

Run! Jump! Fly!

Adventures in Action™

dVenture, always a treat for the young and the young at heart, has an exciting exhibit that will run through September 11, 2011. Featuring the theme of action adventures that are popular in children’s books and movies, Run! Jump! Fly! Adventure in Action™ inspires young people to get physically active. The exhibit invites visitors to jump into “Action Star Training”— playful activities that kids can do in and around the home to build strength, coordination, balance, and endurance. Visitors can climb a canyon wall, balance on a surfboard, pedal “flycycles” and practice kung fu stances. As visitors move through the exhibit having fun with physical activity, they gain ideas for how they can become more active in everyday life. Surfing and Snowboarding (Balance): Choose one of four balance boards and see how long you stay on for the ride! A motion sensor triggers a two-minute video sequence that takes riders through pine trees and past lakes as they snowboard down a mountain and then off the edge of a cliff before landing as surfers in the ocean. Kung Fu Forest (Coordination): Enter a clearing in a bamboo forest and begin a kung fu session with a bow to show the three principles of kung fu: strength, peace, and respect. Three lantern posts 18 | Columbia Home & Garden

The Strength Center is part of Action Star Training.


At the Climbing Canyon, participants follow trails to the treasure.

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display instructional images of kung fu animal stances – still, “ready” positions inspired by the rooster, the snake, and the tiger. Climbing Canyon (Strength): A trailhead marker introduces four different trails: the Toddler Trail, Beginners’ Bend, Rugged Ridge, and the Extreme Expanse. Traverse the trails to safely explore a cave holding a hidden treasure. Flycycle Sky (Endurance): Merge your imagination with physical activity by strapping on a bike helmet and climbing on a flycycle! These stationary bikes with wings or propellers each face a cloud-shaped panel. For every few rotation of the wheels, a star lights up in the sky! Action Star Training (Balance, Strength, Coordination, Cardiovascular, and Muscular Endurance): The action star training center will challenge your body through simple activities that you can do at home. At the Yoga Station, try out the tree pose and the cat stretch! At the Strength Center, try out the monkey bars, leg presses, self-weighted rowers, and adaptive chin-ups. In the Dance Club, increase your heart rate by going freestyle or follow the dancer on the screen. H&G

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Cityscape Makes By Sam Morton Photography by John Wrightenberry

Strawberries are one of the farm crops in the spring. City Roots is conveniently located in Rosewood across from the downtown airport.

20 | Columbia Home & Garden


A colorful and much appreciated part of the neighborhood,

City Roots is Columbia’s urban farm.

Fertile Ground The Rosewood Drive area of Columbia is in the midst of a renaissance, anchored by the Rosewood Hills community on its southern end, Publix in the middle, and The Preserve, a gated community of luxury homes, to the north. The latest, and brightest, jewel in the district’s crown is City Roots situated just across the street from Hamilton-Owens Airport.

City Roots is an urban farm, differing from a community garden in that it is a commercial venture that sells its produce—and fish since it is also a tilapia hatchery—to local restaurants, grocery stores, and the public. “It’s based on Will Allen’s Growing Power organization in Milwaukee,” said owner Robbie McClam, Jr. McClam is a licensed architect holding a master’s degree from Clemson University. His son, Eric, also an architect with a master’s from Tulane, is the farm manager. Eric designed the structure, combination office space and farmers market, that stands on the three-acre property. But the guiding hand is the wizened elder Robert McClam, Sr. who brought years of experience from his family farm in the Pee Dee. columbiaHG.com | 21


Robbie McClam checks one of the many frame beds of microgreens. A single seed is placed in the small dirt cup, nurtured, and then planted in one of the outdoor beds.

Eric and Robbie McClam together are inspirational force behind the City Roots concept. Eric McClam picks tender and peppery nasturtium

flowers and

leaves for salad greens.

Robbie was semi-retired when he came across information on Growing Power. He researched it, and having fully bought into Allen’s motto that access to land and clean water is transformative on every level in a community, and that we cannot have healthy communities without a healthy food system, “The next thing I know, I was on a plane headed to Milwaukee for 22 | Columbia Home & Garden

a workshop,” Robbie said with an ear-to-ear grin. He is clearly excited about his venture. When he returned to Columbia, he found this parcel of land tucked away in a three-acre former vacant lot in Rosewood between an empty warehouse and an industrial laundry. Having been in the development business, he was well versed in zoning requirements. “It was zoned commercial; so I discovered I could have an asphalt emulsion plant here, but not an urban farm.” Once he presented his concept, he said the city was helpful in changing the zoning requirements and in get-


ting him the needed permits. In June of 2009, he began bringing in loads of dirt and compostable materials. Eric McClam said that upon earning his master’s degree from Tulane, there wasn’t much of a market for architects. So he left New Orleans in the rearview mirror and came home to become farm manager at City Roots. “I have a family background in farming, but I literally never grew vegetables from the ground up,” he said. On-the-job training, reading, practice, and a few helpful lessons from the farm’s many volunteers have made it a notso-daunting task to move, in a literal sense, away from the drawing board. “At this point, I’m pretty confident in my abilities.” Commercial farmland is on a steep decline in South Carolina, with some traditional farmers converting their land to pine timber production. Robbie said one reason for that transition is, “the soil is tired from the old farming practices. That’s why our motto here is, ‘Feed the soil.’ ” City Roots is a fully sustainable operation. It partnered with Blue Sky Tree Service to bring in wood chips and also with Rosewood Market for food waste. “We get at least two full roll carts per week there,” Eric said. They mix the two with other trimmings or overripe produce at the farm. They add in little red squiggly earthworms and keep several piles of compost on hand as a planting mixture. Recycled water from the tilapia tank in the greenhouse feeds the plants, which in turn filter the water for its return to the tank.

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Beside the market building stands a greenhouse, itself recycled, disassembled, and rebuilt in Columbia from a farm in Lake City. Inside sits a large open tank filled with farm-raised tilapia. A pump sends water from the tank through a pipe about 20 feet long. The pipe circles under a raised platform holding tray after tray of nasturtium, watercress, radish greens, and various other plants. The plant roots and the soil they’re in act as a natural filter, removing all the impurities from the water, which drains back into the tilapia tank in one endless cycle. Customers can come into the green house and pick their own herbs or you can buy them at the market bagged into a delicious salad. Add a few organically grown tomatoes and cucumbers and you can have a nutritious meal that has gone straight from the garden to the plate. But why stop there? City Roots offers rainbow carrots, Over-the-Rainbow pole beans, purple potatoes, and okra, too. With the passing of Columbia’s new ordinance allowing people to keep chickens, the farm keeps a few on hand for fresh eggs and weeding. “We move the coops around,” Eric said, “because the chickens are great at weeding our rows, and the more they do, the less I have to bend over to pull them!” Eric refers to the farms sustainability as “duality.” “We keep bees, not only for honey production, but also for pollinating our plants. The chickens weed and produce eggs, but they also control insects and the nitrogen in their manure adds to our compost. The earthworms break down the compost and we use their castings for propagation. It’s all a part of the cycle,” Eric said. Robbie said community support, not only from the restaurants and markets he serves, but also the immediate neighborhoods of Rosewood and Shandon, have been incredibly supportive, but none more so than his contingent of volunteers. “From the retired Brazilian banker who is 65 years old 24 | Columbia Home & Garden

The chickens are moved around the farm site and provide a natural team of weeders.

The staff at City Roots hopes to eventually provide fresh eggs to their members.


Bees not only provide honey but also pollinate the crops. The boxes for the beehives are constructed on site.

to the 14-year-old who comes up here nearly every day for a couple of hours, to our very own mushroom man, they really keep it going.” One of their volunteers, Jana Fredericks, said she donates all day on Fridays, but would come more often if she could. “The way I feel about it is similar to the way all my friends talk about having kids. Their biological clocks are ticking, so I guess it’s my ‘agricultural’ clock ticking! To me it’s really fulfilling. It’s something that’s not about me. I used to work retail and no matter how hard I worked, it didn’t make a difference. The kind of work I’m doing here has a direct effect on tomorrow, next week, next season, really for a lifetime.” To learn more about City Roots, the produce on hand, or the stores and restaurants to whom they sell, log onto cityroots.org. H&G columbiaHG.com | 25


Silver Gardens By Sam Morton Photography by John Wrightenberry

It is somehow fitting that Columbia novelist Janna McMahan opens her book, The Ocean Inside, with a verse from Archer Huntington:

Come to the silver gardens of the South Where whisper hath her monarchy, and winds, Deftly devise live tapestries of shade, In glades of stillness patterned. McMahan shares her own silver gardens at her Forest Hills home with husband, landscape architect Mark Cotterill, and their daughter Madison. McMahan’s novels elicit emotions deep within her readers’ souls. They are cathartic and moving, most likely because the writer draws upon a deep well of inspiration, much of it provided by the art that surrounds her. 26 | Columbia Home & Garden

Walking into the Cotterill household is like stepping into a gallery. To say that the entire family is artistically inclined is faint praise indeed for the man who designed the Five Points fountain and the Gervais Street streetscape; the teenage daughter whose paintings hang alongside works by not only her father, but also by Chris Bilton and Mike Williams; and the writer who

so beautifully navigates the nuances of the human condition. Accordingly, their home reflects the infusion of their unique personalities. For this family, life is a celebration, and for them few festivities top Halloween. “What attracted us to this house in the first place was this tree,” McMahan said pointing to a bifurcated and branchy live oak that looks like it could appear in the foreground of just about any horror movie. “For us, that’s the perfect Halloween tree,” she said. When the holiday comes around, the family hangs an assortment of goblins, ghouls, and ghosts from the branches and places a large carved jack-o-lantern in the tree’s crook to welcome wary trick-or-treaters.


The huge live oak with its own personality dominates the landscape in the front yard.

Beautiful pot arrangements grace the brick patio in the backyard.

The large terra cotta pot with the lizard detail came from a

Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

trip to

A collection of unusual succulents adds to the interesting arrangements of

Janna’s plants.

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The remainder of the year, huge elephant ears, ferns, gardenias, and hostas accent the tree. McMahan lets them grow free of the strictures of a formal garden. She prefers the shabby chic look. “The elephant ears grow so thick that you can’t even see the base of the tree. All of this under here,” she said gesturing

28 | Columbia Home & Garden

A large whimsical sea turtle stands guard in the corner of the patio.

Another of the interesting pots has a

“sunny” face basking in the sunshine.


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to the bedding plants in front of the home, “is a shade garden.” In the places where rays of sunshine do make it through the tree’s canopy, they arrange annuals in decorative stoneware. McMahan grew up on a farm in Kentucky, and while her street, just blocks from the urban core, is a far cry from the rolling blue hills of her youth, she does like to preserve

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Janna’s herb garden is guarded by the lion’s head fountain. Some of the herbs are in pots, and some are planted in the ground.

many of her childhood traditions for her own family. Pointing to a plank suspended from a tree branch by two thick pieces of rough hemp rope, she said, “I put the swing in when we moved here. Our daughter was nine. I had a swing on the farm, and it was important to me that she have one. That swing has been used by almost every child in the neighborhood. I can be at work in my office and all of a sudden hear these giggly little voices. You just never 30 | Columbia Home & Garden

know who’s going to be on it.” The jewel in the crown of the McMahan-Cotterill home, however, is its backyard garden, a tapestry of color, texture, and—because it includes an herb garden—taste. An entire hedge of flowers covers a fence between McMahan’s yard and her neighbor’s. “These come up stunning and bright yellow. There are masses of blooms and butterflies everywhere.” Two large sago palms fan their fronds welcoming visitors.


In the early spring, waking up from winter dormancy, the palms grow at an incredible pace—inches a day. Gerber daisies and flowering annuals mature into a perfect cutting garden. Against the back of the house are stands of bushy oleander and wisteria. The entire yard is infused with the smell of honeysuckle. There is a world of difference between landscaper and landscape architect. Cotterill is used to de-

signing greenways on college campuses, corporate offices, and golf courses. But he grudgingly admits that the tender shoots of his backyard fall within his household responsibilities. Pointing to flowers fresh with new growth after a good trimming, McMahan confessed for him. “He hates it, but he does it.” Like the front, they prefer the shaggy look in the back. It makes for little maintenance, thus more opportunities to observe, inhale, and enjoy. Cooking is yet another art form in which the family immerses itself. Help comes from the outback herb garden, which provides fresh garlic, chocolate and lemon mint, dill, two varieties of chives, flat leaf parsley, thyme, and tarragon. The girl who grew up on a farm can’t resist the urge to cultivate a beefsteak tomato plant or two, either. When the couple moved into the home, they replaced the kitchen floor with hardwoods, installed a new furnace, built a potting shed that matches the house, and con-

Another arrangement of pots add color and texture to the area.

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A Japanese cryptomeria stands almost as a sentry at the edge of the back gate.

A gargoyle protects the garden. A perfect setting for outdoor dining and relaxing, the patio connects the main house to the garage and carport areas, now home to a convenient art studio.

verted the driveway gates so that now they open electronically. Outside they put in a fixed irrigation system and made additions to the landscape—once again infusing this house, this home, with their personalities. Last year, McMahan planted six tomatoes of different varieties. She discovered through research that tomatoes like being surrounded only by tomato plants similar in type. “If you have different kinds, they fight for space and they won’t even bear fruit. They refuse to bloom unless they’re surrounded by plants just like them.” It’s a metaphor the novelist couldn’t pass up. In her next book, tomatoes figure prominently; just more inspiration from the silver gardens and glades of stillness. H&G 32 | Columbia Home & Garden


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Planting Points By William Thrift

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or most gardeners, summer mornings are spent on the Sisyphean tasks of eradicating weeds that have grown up overnight, battling insects with all weapons at your disposal, and then dousing everything with water to keep your precious plants from succumbing to the sun god. When you come back inside to that refreshing blast from the air conditioner, your clothes sticking to you like Titanic artifacts from the icy Atlantic, maybe you feel the need to reach out to a kindred spirit and share the joys of growing. Maybe you’ve just encountered an alien horde munching on your tender new leaves and you want to know what they are and how to kill them. Maybe you’re just curious - you want to satisfy your inner Linnaeus and learn more about what’s growing in your yard. Whatever your reason, summer is a good time to sit somewhere cool (in front of your home computer or at the library, for instance) and peruse planting-oriented organizations and resources. While the following is by no means an exhaustive list of what’s available out there, hopefully it will pique your interests and foster some ideas that lead you to a more fulfilling gardening experience.

land to grow their own fruits, veggies, or flowers. The city provides soil, compost, and water – you bring the plants and labor! Neighborhood groups can participate and it’s a great teaching opportunity for kids.

Start at the top Riverbanks Botanical Garden is a premier place to get inspired and educated. In addition to wandering through the beautifully maintained garden (like a kid in a candy store), you can get more out of it by taking a class. Recent subjects have included bonsai, irrigation, and containers, and are taught by expert horticulturalists. You can visit riverbanks.org, or just hop in the car and plain old visit!

Call yourself a naturalist. The South Carolina Native Plant Society, founded in 1996, promotes awareness and education of native plant species and their importance in South Carolina landscape and history. The Midlands chapter hosts field trips among other activities. Learn more at scnps.org.

The Columbia Garden Club was founded in 1926, and promotes a love of gardening among amateurs, civic beautification, and conservation of native flora and birds. Their exclusive galas are not only great places to see and be seen, but also feature plant displays and arrangements by local growers and florists. For more information, visit columbiagardenclub.com. The Master Gardener program is active across the country and was begun to assist Cooperative Extensions in helping local gardeners with questions, problems, or just general information. The South Carolina Master Gardener Program was started in 1981 and is sponsored by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. The program concentrates on instruction - where potential MG’s are classroom-trained on a wide variety of horticultural topics, and service – where participants donate time educating and 34 | Columbia Home & Garden

helping others. After passing exams, participants receive the title of “Clemson Extension Master Gardener.” If you aspire to become formally trained and impart your knowledge to others, check out clemson. edu/extension. Once you become a Master Gardener, you’ll want to join the South Carolina Midlands Master Gardeners Association. It provides continuing education to members, and promotes interest in the art and science of gardening. Their classes and seminars provide timely, helpful information to residents of Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, and Richland counties. Visit their website to learn more: scmmga.org. It would be hard to miss the impact that Columbia Green has had on the beautification of our city. Everyone enjoys their landscaped medians all around town including Elmwood, Rosewood, Jackson Boulevard, and the Gonzales Monument Island. Among many other projects, they are working with the Historic Columbia Foundation to revitalize gardens at the Robert Mills and Seibels Houses. To learn how you can support them, visit columbiagreen.org. If you yearn to grow, but just don’t have the space, let Columbia help you. At columbiasc.net/communitygardens, you can learn the various locations around town where citizens can lease a 5’ x 12’ plot of

The Mid-Carolina Camellia Society is part of the American Camellia Society, which was founded in Macon, Georgia, to celebrate the evergreen beauty of camellias by educating and informing members on showing, growing, and cultivating them. Learn more at camellias-acs.com.

If the complete cycle of life is your thing, you may want to entice Lepidopterans to your yard. The Midlands chapter of the Carolina Butterfly Society emphasizes identifying and watching butterflies in the field and garden, rather than collecting them. They sponsor butterflying field trips in the Carolinas and provide advice on butterfly gardening. Visit carolinabutterflysociety.org for more information. “And here’s to our state flower…” Yellow Jessamine is not just a beautiful covering for a chain-link fence. Since the vine sap and nectar contain toxins, deer regularly shun it (funny how they know…). When planted on fencing surrounding fruits, veggies and other plants, deer tend to avoid the area entirely, moving on to what they consider less dangerous foraging. To celebrate this and the many other positive aspects of yellow jessamine, the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council hosts an annual springtime art festival aptly dubbed the Yellow Jessamine Festival. H&G


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down

PUTTING

By William Thrift Photography by John Wrightenberry

indall and William Otis had a good idea what they were getting into when they decided to relocate from Lake Katherine to a home in one of Columbia’s in-town neighborhoods. They wanted a place with character that they could grow into, and at the same time would take on their style and personality. Friends of theirs 36 | Columbia Home & Garden

had bought older homes around town and had undertaken renovations of bathrooms, kitchens, and various other aspects necessary to modernize dwellings that may have been built when wives typically did all the cooking and wardrobes consisted of three suits and half a dozen dresses. The new digs would require some work. But they didn’t want to take on the extensive, full-house renovation that some older homes require - installing new duct work, updat-

in Forest Hills


Looking across the bathtub to the shower area. Kindall’s orchids thrive in the bathroom environment.

A detail of the tile inset in the shower.

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Kindall added her own whimsical touch to the bathroom décor with her selection of this unique chandelier.

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ing entire electrical and plumbing systems, knocking out walls and adding foundations for additional rooms. Instead, they were looking for something that maybe had most of that work already done, something that had already matured under the nurturing care of past owners, and just needed a little remodeling to personalize it for their needs. So when they were house hunting, they asked contractor George Little, an acquaintance recommended by friends, to accompany them and give their potential home a cursory inspection to determine how much work they might need to do. After viewing several houses, they happened upon a 1930’s brick villa-style house in the Forest Hills neighborhood. They immediately fell in love with the four-bedroom home’s spacious (and recently renovated) kitchen, formal parlor and sitting area, and separate den for relaxing. The master suite had already been customized with two large walk-in closets and a modern bathroom. Additionally, the triple-tiered back yard offered ample room for their two large dogs. The neighborhood was just right too: the quiet, me-


The beautiful marble counter has storage and display cabinetry on each side of the sink area.

andering streets seemed to lace together the bustle of Forest Acres with the grid of downtown Columbia. Some sage once said that good things come to those who wait. After moving in, Kindall and William decided to give it some time, using their new space in order to figure out what they really wanted it to do for them. Prior owners had lent their touches, including adding on to the back of the house, re-tasking some of the bedrooms, and the marvelous kitchen renovation. So after about a year, the Otis’ decided they were ready to follow suit by personalizing the master bath and reverting an adjacent bedroom that had been partitioned off as a walk-in closet and dressing room, back into a guest room.

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Leave big projects to the experts. Two people came to mind when Kindall thought of whom to call for help. First was her mother, Donna Chamberlain, a decorator in Hickory, North Carolina - she would gladly help her daughter with the myriad decisions involved in renovating and decorating the remainder of the home. Then there was George Little, who works with Kathryn Clough of Edisto Kitchens and Bath, to help with the new construction. George’s team took over and in less than a week, took out the existing bathroom down to the studs. Donna suggested incorporating a seldom-used closet at the top of the staircase into the new bathroom to allow enough space for a separate tub and shower. So with the closet out of the way, George’s team was able to enter the new bathroom space from the stairway for most of the project without having to tramp through the master bedroom. The Otis’ continued using the master bedroom, but temporarily used the other two bathrooms during the project. Rather than being stressed out by all the construction, Kindall recalls this as a period of excitement - anticipating what it would be like when it was all done. Kathryn took some dimensions and sketched the new space a few times to get the layout exactly as Kindall wanted it. Since plumbing is a main consideration for bathroom design, the final layout minimized the need for rerouting existing pipes. George’s team also removed the partition wall that had been erected in the adjacent bedroom and found only sub flooring in part of that room. So Kindall decided to install all new hardwood flooring in that bedroom in order to maintain consistency. Her mom picked out the color to be compatible with the 40 | Columbia Home & Garden

pickled finish of the original hardwoods in the rest of the house. As far as specifics went, Kindall knew what she liked when she saw it, but concedes that her mom knew best how to translate her style into actual items that she could buy to outfit the new bathroom. Her mom helped her pick out a color scheme and other materials. They worked with Angie Banner at Ferguson for the brushed nickel sink, tub, and shower hardware. The sinks are from Kohler’s Archer line and the tub is Kohler’s Devonshire air bath. Kindall added an eclectic touch of her own with a small chandelier she found at Lowes. Lee at the Tile Center was a big help when picking out the travertine tile. He was also key in developing the inlay design for a toiletries nook in the shower. On a recent visit to the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Los Angeles, Kindall noted the floor-to-ceiling bathroom tile and wanted her bathroom done the same way. Although the tile installer wasn’t used to such a request in a residence, he happily complied with her wishes on the walls surrounding the tub and shower. Kathryn asked Bishop Cabinets from Alabama to make the shaker-style vanity cabinets and finish them in Nordic White. The thick countertop is carrera marble. The top of the vanity needed to balance proportionally with the high tile on the opposite walls, so Kathryn drew it two ways: a single column of cabinets splitting the vanity mirror, creating two distinct spaces, and twin cabinet towers on either side, which left a large space for a central mirror. Everyone preferred the large mirror; and the cabinets on either side gave each sink a convenient, discreet cubby to hide everyday items. The entire project, including the

The glass storage is a perfect display area for

Kindall’s glass collection. The flooring in the adjacent bedroom was selected to closely match the existing flooring in the rest of the upstairs.

A detail of the brushed nickel drawer pulls on the custom cabinets.


adjacent bedroom, was completed inside three months. Kindall admits that while the previous bathroom was nice enough, it just wasn’t reflective of her style. The new bathroom has much more space, and has become one of her favorite rooms in her home. She finds that she spends more time there than she used to – she’s even taken to adorning it with her favorite orchid designs from Jarrett’s Jungle, and showcasing glass and other art in the lighted vanity cabinets. Just outside the window, another phase of personalization is taking place in the form of much anticipated landscaping. Even though they own the house, in a way Kindall and William seem as if they are just another set in a long line of caretakers whose attention over time has transformed the structure and grounds into an almost organic thing that lives and grows as

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they live and grow. It is this collection of personalities that comprises and reflects the character of a home. In the years to come, Kindall and William will be able to stand alongside those prior owners who have enjoyed putting their mark on this classic Forest Hills home. H&G columbiaHG.com | 41


Artist Notes Leslie Bennett, Butterfly Oil on canvas 24” x 36”

he human form has fascinated artist Leslie Bennett her entire life. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Bennett’s love of art and portraiture began at a very early age. Throughout her childhood she was often found drawing or painting faces and animals, and spent time in the dunes of Pawley’s Island sculpting faces and animals in the sand. After High School she decided to pursue her BFA in Art and Design at Winthrop University. While there she further studied the human form, sculpture, photography, and abstract/non-representational painting. She was consistently interested in artists throughout the ages who used people as their subject matter, studying and appreciating them in their various periods and styles. Bennett headed west for life experience and ended up in Tucson, Arizona, a place where she felt her soul was meant to dwell. After receiving a Post-Baccalaureate teaching degree, Bennett worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at the University 42 | Columbia Home & Garden

of Arizona while working on a Masters in Art Education. It wasn’t until several years later, while working on a huge mural project with her 8th grade students in Tucson, that she became inspired to paint again. The beautiful colors and shapes of the desert were the inspiration for the landscape paintings and murals Bennett created during this time. On coming back to the South and moving to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, a unique opportunity presented itself. The owner of a local French restaurant offered her an opportunity to be a featured artist, working (painting) in public as a form of entertainment while the restaurant guests dined. People dined on delicious French cuisine, listened to live music, and watched a painting develop as they enjoyed their evening. For several years Bennett worked this way, completing many works of art for private collections up and down the East Coast. Initially the paintings consisted mainly of coastal landscapes and animals, inspired by countless days kayaking on the Calibogue Sound, but she eventually returned to her true passion as a portrait artist. Through light, shadow, line, color, and form, Bennett strives to capture the spirit of her subject. She loves to paint skin, finding it rich with color. For every skin tone, she uses layer upon layer of warm and cool colors, never using browns or black. Patrons have often commented on the artist’s ability to capture the light of the eyes, the expression and personality of the subject. In the spring of 2008, Bennett returned home with her young daughter to Columbia, South Carolina. Being true to her love of the human form, she has balanced working as a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym in Forest Acres with painting commissioned pieces as well as special pieces for an art show. Bennett’s featured pieces can be seen at the Sheraton Hotel on Main in July. Or for those who want to see this talented artist in action, Rosso’s Restaurant in Trenholm Plaza hosts Bennett regularly, usually the second, third, and fourth Thursdays of the month. You may visit her website at LeslieBennettArt.com, or contact her by email at LB@ LeslieBennettArt.com. H&G


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Wine Corner Trendy versus Smart ‘n Safe… A Wine Dilemma By Ricky Mollohan

T

rendy. It’s a word that describes a lot more than we probably like to admit. And whether it’s clothing, cars, pets, hairstyles, or for the purpose of this article, wine, “trendy” will always be there pressuring us. Trendy is the fancy looking bottle. Trendy is the wine that is stacked sooo high at a wine shop that your kids think it’s meant for climbing. Trendy is the wine that your friend tells you “is the best wine I’ve ever had” with the only problem being that they told you the same thing last week. Trendy is easy. Trendy is when you are not in the mood to think, which if you are like me, is totally acceptable at times. But this is wine! And therefore, let’s think “smart ‘n safe” when it comes to picking out what you’ll be poppin’ tonight! So what is a “smart ‘n safe” wine? Well, honestly, I made up that term. But I have good reason. And that’s because there’s no denying that there are definite factors that make a wine both “smart” and “safe”! For starters, a smart wine is a safe wine. Essentially I think of them as onein-the-same, but with safe paving the way for smart! Follow me? Let me explain... When I say a wine is “safe”, I’m referring to several factors that, in most cases, should lead you to believe that a wine will represent consistency and quality year after year. And even though these factors include a wide range that is beyondthe-realm of “really-need-to-know”, they can include things like the indi44 | Columbia Home & Garden

vidual winemaker, the weather, the dollar, and many more factors. But this isn’t advanced-wine-geek class. This is smart ‘n safe wine shopping, so we’re going to focus on safe wine regions and safe producers/wineries. Need some references? No problem... Some of my favorite “safe” wine regions where bang-for-yourbuck/”smart” wines are concerned include the tiny Carneros region that encompasses the southern tip of Napa and Sonoma Counties for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that drinks great from day one, the Casablanca Valley of Chile for fantastic Sauvignon Blanc and generally under-valued, crisp, barely-oaked Chardonnay, the Barossa Valley of Australia for fantastic Shiraz and under-appreciated Cabernet Sauvignon, the Columbia Valley of Washington for plush, rich, complex Syrah and bold, inexpensive (sometimes) Cabernet Sauvignon, -France’s famed Languedoc region for interesting, food-friendly white wines and some generously fruit-nspice laden reds, and my numero uno guaranteed five-star lock for the best region for your buck, any wine from the Mosel (or more specifically the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) of Germany for some of the world’s best Rieslings. What about some of my favorite “safe” producers that will make you look “smart” nearly every time? Too easy! 14 Hands from Washington State for over-achieving Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Steele’s Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, over-achievers for elegant California wines that out-drink many wines priced $20 more a bottle, Trimbach

of France’s Alsace region for quintessential Riesling, Pinot Gris & Pinot Blanc, Anne Amie of Oregon and the Willamette Valley for beautiful Pinot Noirs, crisp Pinot Gris, and a white you’ve got to try...their unique Muller Thurgau, anything that says Catena on it from Argentina! Malbec, Cabernet, it doesn’t matter, Gruet of New Mexico for some of the best sparkling wines you’ll ever find for under $20 a bottle at your favorite wine shop. It seems I could go on forever, but that doesn’t make me smart or “wine-wise” at all. It simply means that there are hundreds of fantastic wine-growing regions where certain varietals (yep, the type of grape) are concerned, just as there are hundreds, if not thousands of producers who can make you look “smart” by shopping “safe” instead of “trendy.” Save the “trendy” for a pink Myrtle Beach polo club t-shirt. Those things are always cool. Sorry Myrtle Beach, it’s just the first thing that came to mind. Now get out there and create your own “safe” wine picks at your favorite local wine shop. H&G Ricky Mollohan is the owner & Executive Chef of Mr. Friendlys, Solstice Kitchen & Cellar on Greene.


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Columbia Cooks By William Thrift Photography by John Wrightenberry

Hennessy’s and the Main Street Revival

O

nce upon a time, the section of Main Street from the State Capitol building north toward Elmwood was exactly that – one of, if not the main streets of Columbia. Main Street and some adjacent blocks featured a variety of shops, markets, restaurants, and other businesses frequented by people from all over the Midlands in the days before suburban sprawl begat places like Harbison’s Columbiana Centre and the Northeast’s Sandhills retail area. Main Street was the place one went to while away an afternoon of window shopping or take in a matinee at the Fox before deciding which establishment would satisfy the evening’s epicurean pangs. But the one constant in life is that all things change. And so it is with Main Street. Over the decades from that bygone era, people have relocated and found new places to spend their time and money. Many businesses followed them, or folded their hands altogether, like Tapp’s and Lourie’s. Leftover spaces took on practical tenants - law offices, banks, utilities – still vital to the local economy, but lacking the vim and vigor of

46 | Columbia Home & Garden

retail and restaurants. Although some have managed to survive the exodus, King’s Jewelers and Tronco’s for instance, most of the Main Street corridor has remained a shell of what it once was - that is, until recently. What goes around comes around. As the Vista began booming in the late ‘90’s, Main Street began to see a trickle-over effect with the occasional business venture. Arts patrons have added to the downtown traffic with their visits to the Columbia Museum of Art’s galleries and plaza. Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel renovated one of the grand old buildings. Upper level apartments and condominiums have become available. With the recent opening of Mast General Store at the corner of Main and Taylor and the relocation of the Nick into the same block, a wave of vitality has been building for Main Street, and Columbians seem poised to catch it. One local who is enthusiastic to ride the crest is Todd Mattocks. In November 2010, an opportunity came his


Dinner is served in a beautiful setting at Hennessy’s. Todd and his staff are set to provide a wonderful meal and excellent service.

way to become vested in the Main Street revival. Among the few businesses that had hung on during the lean years, Hennessy’s restaurant was up for sale. Twenty-seven years ago, Hennessy’s caught the tail end of Main Street’s heyday, opening in the lower floors of an historic, three-story building on the corner of Main and Blanding. It built a solid reputation for fine dining, and became a standby of the business and legislative set who wanted a nice, convenient place to unwind or entertain. Todd wanted in on the new vision for Main Street, and he literally closed the deal within a few days. Although born in Heidelburg, Germany, Todd calls himself a Newberry native. He learned to cook German food from his grandmother. As he was growing up, he delved into French cuisine, working with favorites like escargot, veal, scallops, and tuna. He developed a taste for fine food, recognizing early on that sauces really distinguish one chef from another and can make the difference between a fabulous dish and a merely mediocre one. Of course he adheres to the famous French cooking adage: butter times trois. Todd says that, with a few exceptions,

SHOP proud SHOP COLUMBIA columbiaHG.com | 47


1/4 cup Burgundy wine Directions In a 6 quart pot, add rough chopped carrot, celery, onion, and wine stock. Let reduce down on Med/Hi heat. When mixture reaches 1/3 reduction, strain out the vegetables and return liquid to the heat. Continue to heat until it reduces to 2 cups of liquid (for stronger flavor, continue reduction to 1 cup of liquid). Drizzle demi-glace over plated lamb. Basil Mashed Potatoes Ingredients 3 Lbs Yukon Gold potatoes 1 Pt heavy cream 5 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 1/2 Oz fresh basil (finely chopped) 1 Tbsp salt & pepper mix

the typical lifespan of a restaurant is about twenty-five years, and Hennessy’s is a perfect example. That represents about a generation of patrons, and in a restaurant that age, the atmosphere usually reflects the prior generation. After that, a restaurant typically needs an overhaul in design, layout, and décor in order to stay current. While Todd plans to maintain Hennessy’s downstairs and mezzanine dining room layout, he plans to upgrade the spirit of the restaurant, patterning the transformation on something like a rustic, eclectic Charleston establishment. Art works by Brice Dickson on consignment will adorn the walls giving the restaurant “a gallery feel.” Live music enhances the upstairs bar area, lending it a casual air. He eventually wants to add a balcony overlooking Main Street for outdoor dining. Todd appreciates Hennessy’s reputation for hosting company functions, and recognizes that many patrons have been introduced that way and have returned for a destination dinner or to nosh before an in-town event. He also hopes to amend the clientele list by utilizing social network marketing techniques to reach diners who frequent hot spots like the Vista. Todd describes his new vision of Hennessy’s as “superior fine dining,” which consists of excellent food, great customer service, and competitive pric48 | Columbia Home & Garden

es. He strives to make the Hennessy’s experience exceed people’s expectations. Last but not least, he’s made a few staff changes since taking over, including Chef Daniel Greene who couldn’t settle on just one of Hennessy’s fine recipes for people to try at home. So here are two meals designed to serve four diners each: Grilled Lamb with simple demi-glace over Basil Mashed Potatoes with Glazed Carrots Grilled Lamb Ingredients 3 New Zealand Lamb Racks (6 bones per person) salt & pepper to taste Directions Cut racks into 2-bone portions. Salt and pepper to taste. Grill over dry heat (about 400 degrees) on each of the 4 sides (3 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 140 to 145 degrees). Demi-Glace Ingredients 1 Qt veal stock (or substitute beef stock) 1 carrot 1 small yellow onion 1 celery stalk

Directions Boil Potatoes until fork tender. Strain water and set back into cooking pot for 3 minutes. Add heavy cream, butter, basil, and seasoning. Mash into smooth consistency (some lumps are okay). Glazed Carrots Ingredients 1 Lb peeled and thinly sliced carrots 1 1/2 Tbsp light brown sugar 2 Tbsp solid unsalted butter 1 Tsp ground nutmeg 1 Tsp ground ginger Directions Boil carrots until they soft-snap when bent, then strain water. In a sauté pan over Med/Low heat, add carrots, then butter. Allow butter to melt. Then add light brown sugar and spices. Let the sugar dissolve and then allow the carrots to sit at room temperature for five minutes before serving. Chef Greene likes that there is no salt necessary in this recipe, but it can be added if desired. New York Duck Breast over Risotto Cake with Steamed Mixed Vegetables and Cherry Duck Sauce New York Duck Breast Ingredients 4 8 Oz Duck Breasts (skin on)


Salt & pepper to taste Directions Clean and Dry the duck breasts, score the fat and season lightly with salt & pepper. Heat a dry pan on Med/Med-Hi heat. When pan is hot, add duck breasts with fat side down. Cook for 4 minutes, then turn and cook for 4 minutes. Save duck fat in pan for finishing the risotto cake. Risotto Cake Ingredients 1 1/2 Cups of flat grain rice (risotto) 1/2 Cup white onion (diced) 1/2 Cup white wine 2-3 Cups of water or vegetable stock (monitor rice’s consistency for exact amount) 1/2 Tbsp salt Directions Heat dry rice in a sautÊ pan on Mediium heat. Stir often until browning starts and all rice grains are warm. Add diced onion, wine, liquid, and salt and bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Then turn down heat

to a simmer for 5 minutes. Then turn heat to Low and continue cooking, stirring often. Add liquid if needed. When rice has reached a gummy consistency, scoop out rice into a greased 9x9 inch pan and let it cool in the refrigerator about 1 1/2 hours. Once done, cut into squares and cook in the reserved duck fat until slightly brown. Cherry Duck Sauce Ingredients 1/4 Cup of dry dark cherries 2 Cups of veal or beef stock 1/2 Cup Burgundy wine Directions In a small pot, add stock, wine, and cherries. Cook on Med heat until reduced to 1/2 cup. You may season to taste. Steamed Mixed Vegetables Chef Greene encourages using fresh, locally grown vegetables in season from your favorite garden or farmer.

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8IP gets 0 varian $ ancer

All lll women are att risk i k ffor ovarian i cancer.

• Ovarian cancer is one of the five leading causes of cancer death in American women. tely one in 72 women. • Ovarian cancer occurs in approximately sed w itth ovarian ovvar aria ia n ia ian • Each year, over 20,000 women are diagnos diagnosed with e. cancer and about 15,000 women die. cer e. • A Pap smear is not a test for ovarian canc cancer. It detects cervical cancer.

Whispering symptoms include: • • • • • •

Abdominal pressure Bloating and discomfort Unusual fatigue Shortness of breath Unexplained weight fluctuation Constant feeling of fullness C Talk to your doctor or visit our web site for more information

www.scOvarianCancer.org SCO110403_thirdpg ad_CHGMag_0427.indd 1

50 | Columbia Home & Garden

5/2/11 1:03:46 PM



We offer… Routine & High-risk Ob/Gyn Care Advanced Diagnostics Minimally Invasive Surgery Adolescent Care

We’re here for you... and all the women you are. Obstetrics and Gynecology From your teen years to your golden years, all women need the services of an Ob/Gyn physician. Women’s Services at Lexington Medical Center is proud to introduce a network of Ob/Gyn physician practices from which to choose. Within this comprehensive network, you’ll find smaller, more intimate single physician practices as well as larger practices with multiple locations and extra services, such as midwifery. Most importantly, you’ll find a practice you’ll feel comfortable with.

52 | Columbia Home & Garden

www.lmcWomensServices.com


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