Charleston Living May-June 2014

May/June 2014

Great Burgers 16

of the best places to eat well

Summer Getaways

Women in Business

Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

$3.95 US

Donnie Donnie Gamache Gamache | | 100 100 S. S. Main Main St., St., Suite Suite BB | | Summerville, Summerville, SC SC | | 843.821.8280 843.821.8280 | | dpkgcalendar@gmail.com dpkgcalendar@gmail.com

22 | | CharlestonLivingMag.com CharlestonLivingMag.com

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2 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Listen to your dreams

and we’ll listen to you

WWW.CAMENSARCHITECTURALGROUP.COM ESTABLISHED

1982

2 May/June 2014 | 3

Features MAY | JUNE 2014

58

Luxe Lodge

Designer Tina Williams pulls out all the stops on this rustic quail hunting lodge that doubles as a family retreat.

By Lauren Frye

66

94

Ice Cream Class & Sundae School

It’s time for the kid inside us all to scream for a cold cone of creamy, melting, dripping, delicious ice cream.

By Kim Byer

Great Burgers

Comfort food of the highest order. That’s a great burger, and we’ve found plenty of them worth every big, messy bite.

By David Wilkinson

74

Wherever you want to go – alone, romantic escape, family trip or girlfriend weekend, these destinations offer fabulous ways to relax and unwind.

By Katie McElveen

4 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

PHOTO KIM BYER

Summer Getaways

24-7 Pediatric Care alWays closE By.

EmErgEncy

Summerville Medical Center provides dedicated pediatric care for children — newborn to age 17. Our beautiful new Pediatric Emergency

and inpatiEnt

Department is now open! It was created just for young patients.

pEdiatric

• Board Certified pediatric emergency physician

sErvicEs closE

• 24/7 Pediatric Nurses specifically trained to care

to homE. it’s somEthing EvEry family dEsErvEs.

for pediatric emergencies • All private rooms and area for families to stay with the child Residents of Dorchester and Berkeley Counties, North Charleston and surrounding communities are now just minutes from emergency pediatric services. As a national leader in quality care, Summerville Medical Center is proud to make this healthy commitment to kids.

295 Midland Parkway | Summerville, SC 29485 | (843) 832-5000 | www.tridenthealthsystem.com/peds

March/April 2013 | 5

DEPARTMENTS MAY/JUNE 2014

13 Buzz

41 81 Health Well Styled

13 Pet Care

41 What a Night

14 Calendar

42 Fashion Icon

Dr. Cara Daniel loves her pets and their owners

Our five musts from this

issue’s calendar of events

16 Events

Your guide to planning your social calendar

20 Entertainment

Current market conditions i n Charleston

28 News Maker

A night with NY fashion designer Yigal Azrouel Our Fashion Editor Lisa Arnold interviews famed designer Yigal Azrouel

46 Garden Edits

Gardening tips and advice from our local experts

Reviews of new movies and music

22 Real Estate

Tidewater Veterinary offers caring practitioners for your furry family members

Women in Business

82 Children’s Health

Helpful tips on staying up to date with your tots to teens

87 Diabetes

Diabetes Diet is essential in the prevention, treatment and control of diabetes

Meet the female entrepreneurs who have proven they have the skills and business acumen necessary to achieve success in Charleston’s competitive market

108 Cape Charles,

New book titles for some good reading

108

Virginia

Recommended drink pairings to go with your sushi dinner at Bambu

82 Sushi

94 In The Kitchen

It’s time for the kid inside us all to scream for a cold cone of creamy, delicious ice

101 Restaurant Guide

The best spots for eating and drinking in Charleston

Fundamentals 10 Reader Services 12 Publisher’s Letter 112 The Last Reflection

Crossing to the Cape for a view of gardens, sand and sea, and the orchestra of birdsong

»

ON THE COVER Halls Chophouse Burger.

Photograph by

ASHLEY WALKER

6 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Indaco

Travel

Linn Lesesne has long ` played a role in bringing visitors to Charleston

89 Dining Review

Karen Ann Myers explores the patterns of life

40 Staff Picks

Keeping up to date on the latest in children’s health is a constant challenge

47 Special Section

34 Southern Drawl

Food

81 Annual Checkups

32 Art Seen

89

6 May/June 2014 | 7

CEO & Publisher Robert Sweeney ■■■ Managing Editor David Wilkinson Associate Editors Julie Yow Susan O’Keefe ■■■ Senior Account Executives David Wilkinson Karen Poulsen Art Director Carl Turner Graphic Designers Carl Turner Shanna Thomson

Mom or Dad needs help.

Are you worried?

Lutheran Homes’ Assisted Living programs can help. Guided by licensed nurses, caregivers provide help with personal care, medications, and supervision as needed.

There are plenty of people to enjoy spending time with and a full schedule of award-winning activities. Tasty meals, transportation, salon and other amenities are all close at hand.

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Caregivers certified in essentiALZ— the Alzheimer’s Association’s education program, are best prepared to understand the special needs of persons with memory loss.

Flexible Assisted Living and Homeward Bound programs offer short-term stay options.

Learn more.

Discover how our assisted living programs can help support your family.

LutheranHomesSC.org

Contributing Writers Amy Kehm, Colleen Troy, Courtney Webb, David Wilkinson, Denise James, Donna Armer, Edna Cox, Holly Fisher, Jason Zwiker, Katherine Pettit, Katie McElveen, Kim Byer, Marie Sebastian, Nicholas Popovich, Patty Craven, Wendy Swat Snyder Photographers Ashley Walker, Christopher Shane, Jay Browne, Kim Byer, Lea Austen ■■■ Production Coordinator Dana Maskin Web Developer Brian Ostrovsky ■■■ Customer Service: (843) 856-2532 Charleston Living (Vol. 3, No. 4) is published 6 times per year by DueSouth Publishing, LLC, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466.

The entire contents of this publication are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or part, without written permission. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited materials.

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SUBSCRIPTION price is $18.95 per year. POSTMASTER send address changes to Charleston Living, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466.

Come see what the fuss is all about...

Annual Events

So Many

Places to B ike!

Carl Sandburg Home

Check out

Garden Jubilee Memorial Day weekend NC Apple Festival Labor Day weekend Flat Rock Playhouse Flat Rock Playhouse mid-April thru late-December North Carolina Mountain State Fair early September Music On Main Street June thru late-August, every Friday Street Dances Wine and Be er Tasting July thru mid-August, every Monday Ask for Art On Main your FRE E! Travel Gu first Saturday & ide today!

Sunday in October Farm City Day first Saturday in October

800.828.4244

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Photography: Holger M. E. Obenaus

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From The Publisher

Give the gift that lasts all year long... a subscription to

pools, to great golf grounds, to views of the big city, there’s something for everyone (see Summertime Getaways, page 74).

This is also our annual issue highlighting some of the top female talent in our city. Meet the female entrepreneurs who have proven they have the skills and business acumen necessary to achieve success in Charleston’s competitive market (see Women in Business, page 47).

There are many more great stories throughout the pages of this issue, including our sit-down interview with famed New York fashion designer Yigal Azrouel, where we get the scoop on his 2014 collection (see Charmed by Design, page 41), and just in time for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we bring you some great recipes for making easy and delicious homemade ice cream (see Ice Cream Class & Sundae School, page 94).

Just fill out the postcard in this issue, call 843.856.2532 or go to

www.CharlestonLivingMag.com

Let the Fun Begin!

If your calendar for may

and June looks anything like mine, it’s crammed to the max with major dates — weddings, graduations, birthdays and a pledge or two to catch up with family and friends. What better setting to celebrate these can’t miss events than a can’t miss star of Wilmington’s enticing culinary scene? To assist with your choices — and reservations — we bring you our annual Great Burgers issue (see Here’s the Beef, page 66), packed with details to savor about longtime favorites and promising new neighborhood joints.

Each of our picks is helmed by a chef whose passion for creating and presenting juicy and full-of-flavor burgers inspires increasingly informed and appreciative patrons.

Inspired by our city’s wholesome outdoor lifestyle, we present you with an array of southern getaways for all types of travelers in our summer travel feature. Most all of them are drivable, and each providing their own style of luxury, from lush swimming 12 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Robert Sweeney robert@charlestonlivingmag.com

We welcome your comments. Please send us your feedback to “Letters to the Editor,” Charleston Living magazine, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 or you can email us at editor@charlestonlivingmag.com.

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Buzz Your Local Rundown on News and Culture

Pet Care Dr. Cara Daniel with one of her feline patients at Tidewater Veterinary.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY WALKER

See page 28

12 May/June 2014 | 13

BUZZ

CALENDAR

The Reveal: MAY-JUNE Our five musts from this issue’s calendar of events.

Piccolo Spoleto May 23 - June 8

Focusing primarily on artists of the Southeast region, Piccolo Spoleto is the perfect complement to the international scope of Spoleto Festival USA, its parent festival, and its 700 events in 17 days transforms Charleston into an exhilarating celebration of performing, literary and visual arts. Piccolo Spoleto’s traditional program offerings include visual arts exhibits, classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children’s activities, choral music, ethnic cultural presentations, crafts and film. 843-724-7305, piccolospoleto.com

44th Annual Charleston Greek Festival May 9 - 11

Sweet Grass Music Festival May 2 - 3

The second annual Sweet Grass Music Festival will be held at Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant.

Visitors can expect an awesome weekend full of warm weather, hot bluegrass pickin’ and fun for the whole family. Not to mention a few picturesque sunsets over the USS Yorktown resting on Atlantic waters. The music begins at 2:30pm on Friday with world class bluegrass bands Subject to Change, Common Ground, Barefoot Movement, Adkins and Loudermilk, and the Lonesome River Band playing until 10pm. All bands are performing 90-minute sets. Saturday the music begins at 11am with the Grasstowne performing one 90-minute set at 4pm. 843452-5131. sweetgrassmusicfestival.com 14 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

The Charleston Greek Fest is a decades-old tradition of culture and entertainment. Come join in a celebration of life, music, good food, and friendship! This year’s festival includes Delicious Greek food, wines and beverages, Greek music (two live bands), Folk dance performances, Cultural exhibits and shops.

Church tours highlighting ecclesiastic history, music, art, and prayer. 700+ car parking area with continuous shuttle service to festival grounds. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. charlestongreekfestival.com

North Charleston Arts Festival May 2 - 10

The annual nine-day celebration of arts and culture highlights national, regional and local artists and performers in the areas of Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Crafts, Photography, Media Arts and Literature. For over 30 years the festival has been attracting over 30,000 residents and visitors from throughout the Southeast to experience 100+ free and modestly priced performances, workshops, exhibitions and activities. Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, the event has matured into one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the state of South Carolina.

The Main Event, held at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and Charleston Area Convention Center, offers free admission and parking to over 40 performances on four themed stages; General Audience, Cultural Heritage, Bands and Youth Entertainment.

843-740-5854, northcharlestonartsfest.com

Spoleto Festival USA May 23 - June 8

Considered America’s premier international performing arts festival, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with over 140 performances by world-renowned artists and emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, chamber, symphonic, choral, bluegrass, and jazz music.

843-579-3100, spoletousa.org

14 May/June 2014 | 15

BUZZ

EVENTS Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise May 8 - June 26 Every Thursday come hop aboard the Carolina Queen for a “Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise”. Boarding begins at 6:30pm at the Charleston City Marina. The cruise last from 7-9pm and there will be live music from the Shrimp City Slim Band aboard the boat.

843-722-1112, charlestonharbortours.com

Patriots Point 4th of July Blast July 4

Enjoy a professional fireworks display and shore side party with a beach music band. Tickets on the flight deck will be sold in a limited quantity. For $20 per person ($10 for children 11 and under), guests on the Flight Deck will enjoy special access to the USS Yorktown starting at 6pm, with catered food and beverages available for purchase, as well as live musical performances and activities for kids throughout the evening. Once the sun sets in the Charleston Harbor, the Flight Deck of the Yorktown will offer a front row seat to the fireworks display, which will feature firework shells shot from a barge in the Cooper River. Lawn chairs are encouraged for guests on the Flight Deck, but no coolers or personal food will be permitted.

843-884-2727. patriotspoint.org

Looking to fill your social calendar?

We’ve got the rundown on what to do this steamy season.

Sunset Tour to Fort Sumter May 2 - June 27 Ft. Sumter Tours is launching a new “Sunset Tour to Fort Sumter” on Friday evenings. A National Park Ranger will narrate from an informative historical perspective upon arrival at Historic Fort Sumter. Next, enjoy your own walking tour during the one-hour visit.The Sunset Tour will feature a cash bar offering beer, wine or your preferred cocktail. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres with Southern flare on the return trip. Guests board at Liberty Square at 5pm. 843-722-2628, fortsumtertours.com 7th Annual Dragon Boat Festival May 3 This event has it all…a fierce competition, a huge party and a celebration of cancer survivors, all benefiting the cancer survivor programs of Dragon Boat 16 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Charleston. This is the Lowcountry’s most unique and fabulous event. It’s hard to describe the creative costumes, colorful tents, strenuous paddling, delicious food and fun all set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Ashley River.

Come on out for a crazy day of fun with friends, family and co-workers. 843-324-9505, charlestondragonboatfestival.com 38th Annual Lowcountry Shrimp Festival May 3 The town of McClellanville rolls out the welcome mat for visitors to enjoy the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet.

Plan on making the short drive off Highway 17 to the end of Pinckney Street to enjoy the Festival. There will be plenty of local shrimp, as well as options for the non-shrimp eaters to enjoy. Beer and other beverages will be available for sale, no coolers please. Craft vendor area with more than 45 local artisans, and a huge children’s play area. Live music from two bands. Bring the whole family and plan to make a day of it. 11am-5pm. 843-887-3323, lowcountryshrimpfestival.com

Evenings in the Market May 9 - July 5 The weekly event, designed to showcase local artists, food vendors and designers, is from 6:30-10:30pm every Friday and Saturday.

Local artists are also encouraged to submit artwork to be featured on the event’s promotional poster. The winner of the contest will receive 50 posters and the rights to print and sell additional copies. Historic Charleston City Market, thecharlestoncitymarket.com 2nd Sunday on King Street May 11 and June 8 Lined with locally owned shops, King Street has been hailed as one of the best shopping spots in America according to U.S. News and World Report. For one Sunday afternoon of every month, cars are re-routed so the street may become a lively pedestrian fair with outdoor dining, live music and special deals offered by the merchants.

2ndsundayonkingstreet.com Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery May 13 - July 3 Join Sherlock Holmes for an Historical City Tour truly for the lazy - where without ever leaving your theatre seat you will explore Charleston’s past, present, and ...other worldly...and where should you choose to volunteer you may actually play a victim, villain or vile vision in The Case of Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery. The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre, 843-937-6453. charlestonmysteries.com

Explore Bulls Island Multi Day Adventure May 16 - 18 Offered only 8 times each year through Coastal Expeditions, this is a unique opportunity to stay overnight in a National Wildlife Refuge. All the Lowcountry-inspired meals are included, as are transportation to the island, aforementioned accommodations and guide service. Each day, your naturalist guide will lead you alongside freshwater impoundments, down the beach and through hidden trails as they share the refuge history, seek out wildlife, identify shells along the pristine shoreline and leave you with a greater appreciation for the importance of this refuge in our world. This trip is ideal for birders, photographers, adventurers and nature lovers. Sewee Center, 843-928-3368. bullsislandferry.com

Introducing at

Fly Fishing 201 Schools May 17 Each fly fishing class is typically offered once a month for $75. They run from 9am3pm, and include lunch as well as any necessary tackle required for the session. Capt.

John will cover everything from fly casting to knots and flies selection for Lowcountry species. Makes for a great birthday present or group activity. Class sizes limited to 10 participants. The Charleston Angler, 843-884-2095. thecharlestonangler.com Charleston Beer Garden May 17 The city’s largest pop-up beer garden returns to Brittlebank Park for the 3rd annual celebration of the suds. The festival features an impressive line-up of over thirty craft brews from the Palmetto state & beyond, with something for absolutely everyone. Beer is available in samples or pints. Craft beer, live music, homebrewers, beer olympics, awesome food and more! 12-8pm. charlestonbeergarden.com Shaggin’ on the Cooper May 17 and June 14 This popular live beach music and shag dance event series returns. Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with some dancing. Local bands perform live at the end of the Mount Pleasant Pier throughout the season, and the dance floor is open for all ages.

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Peaceful evenings made perfect by the fireplace. The Quay promises both the refuge to be as secluded as you desire and the revelry of being a member of an active and vibrant community.

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BUZZ

TOM’S TOYS KAPLA allows children to build and create by using their own imagination.

No glue, no screws, simply stack on top of the other. Everything is possible with KAPLA blocks!

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Open your home to an international student!

Expand your family’s horizons

Host a student in connection with Charleston Collegiate School!

Visit www.gphomestay.com for more information.

Contact us at: info@gphomestay.com 781.996.0429

18 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

EVENTS

Gates open at 7pm for all events, and tickets are $10 per person ($8 in advance for Charleston County residents).

843-795-4386, charlestoncountyparks.com Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series May 18 The Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series kicks off at James Island County Park. From the first race on May 18 to the Championship Race on August 10, it’s going to be another exciting summer for athletes. Cooler weather, a smaller field (260-300 registered), and a chance to pick up some early season points is a great way to start off the year! ccprc.com First Flush Festival May 24 A celebration of America’s own tea garden and its popular product line, American Classic Tea. The festival name, First Flush, is defined as the growth of new leaves on the tea plants in the spring time after a winter of rest.

Their “first flush” of new growth is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers deem to be the most unique, fresh, and amazing cup of tea. However, the festival is not just about tea! Residents from Charleston and all neighboring towns trek to picturesque Wadmalaw Island to enjoy music, entertainment, art, and local cuisine. Fun for the whole family.

Charleston Tea Plantation, 843-559-0383. charlestonteaplantation.com

Seminar - Local scholars and resource agencies will provide information and engage participants in discussion concerning health, education, land & heirs property issues within the African American communities.

Saturday 12-7pm, Sweetgrass Festival 10th Anniversary Celebration - Experience the Gullah Geechee people’s history and culture through the sounds of gospel songs, Gullah storytelling’s and African drummers and dancers. Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park.

843-856-9732, sweetgrassfestival.org

Green and Lean 5K Run/Walk May 31 The USA TF certified 5k begins 8am at Brittlebank Park, follows a scenic route around Hampton Park, past the Citadel, and ends back at Brittlebank Park. This is a family event and everyone is welcome. Immediately following the 5k, Clara’s 50-yard Tot Trot will be held for children ages 2-5. Race proceeds will benefit the mission of Keep Charleston Beautiful.

843-628-1479, greenandlean5k.com

The Head and The Heart June 12 It wasn’t that long ago that the members of Seattle’s The Head and the Heart band were strumming their acoustic guitars on street corners as they attempted to attract the attention of passersby. That unbridled energy was honed in local clubs before eventually being captured on the band’s 2011 debut album for hometown label Sub Pop. Then, something unexpected happened. That music began to reach audiences all over the United States and the rest of the world, and the album became one of Sub Pop’s best-selling debut releases in years. And slowly but surely, ideas began to form for the band’s second album, imbued with the experiences of traveling the world and cultivating a listenership with a deep connection to the music. North Charleston Performing Arts Center 8pm. 843-529-5000, northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival June 6 - 7 This intricate handiwork of Gullah crafts is the highlight of this cultural showcase that includes gospel songs, praise dance, rhythmic drumming and basket-weaving demonstrations. Featured events include: Friday 6-9pm, The “Real” Taste of Gullah featuring delicious Gullah Geechee Cuisine provided by the Culinary Institute of Charleston, the Cafe on Main, Joe’s Catering Service, Cruncho Enterprise and Culinary Concepts LLC. Saturday 9am-2pm, Gullah Geechee Group

Naturalization Ceremony June 25 The U.S. government will bestow those rights on dozens of new American citizens at a Naturalization Ceremony at Middleton Place. Held each year on Arthur Middleton’s birthday, the Naturalization Ceremony has become a distinctly patriotic event. It serves as a reminder of the varied makeup nation’s citizenry which, through natural birth or Naturalization, weaves the cultural patchwork that is the United States. 843-556-6020. middletonplace.org ¡

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BUZZ | ENTERTAINMENT

Reviews: Movies & Music DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC

A Better Tomorrow Wu Tang Clan

If I had a dollar for every time a person mourned the loss of 1990s rap out loud, I’d buy them a copy of Wu Tang Clan’s new disk, A Better Tomorrow.

With distinctive beats, back notes and lyrics you can actually listen to, this might be the happy result to fans frowning on the Clan’s recent endeavor — producing just one copy of the last album for sale to the highest bidder. With the debut of A Better Tomorrow this summer, we’ll all have a chance to listen to songs like “Keep Watch” and pretend we’re on MTV.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

4 Stars

Starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray; Direct by Wes Anderson; R

20 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Turn Blue

The Black Keys

Turn Blue is this alternative rock duo’s first album since 2011, and fans have been pumped for a while, after a series of creepy YouTube videos featuring a hypnotist surfaced on the Web to announce the album debut. One of the tracks, which was released as the initial single and titled “Fever,” is just as useful for pounding the pavement around your neighborhood as for cranking in the living room during a Saturday night get-together.

PHOTO C/O SONY PICTURES

A lot of us are accustomed to the Walt Disney version of a fairy tale. You know — all tied up with a ribbon and bow in the end and even the sad, scary or violent parts aren’t particularly grisly or graphic. Sure, we might have heard that the original versions of some of our favorite stories such as Cinderella or Rapunzel had odd twists and not-so-pretty turns, but as kids, we rarely encountered them.

For adults who still crave some whimsy, Wes Anderson’s quirky film directing and settings often fit the fairy-tale catalog. His newest, The Grand Budapest Hotel, is the sort of tale that appeals to both the bitter and naive at heart, with a complex storyline, beautiful scenery, fantastic occurrences and plenty of plot suspense. And, yes, even some blood.

As my movie buddy, Aaron, pointed out, one of the more unusual aspects of this movie is how layered the narrative is. The film begins with a scene of a young woman visiting the grave of a writer on a snowy afternoon, with a book tucked beneath her arm. She opens the book, begins reading .... and we see the writer, middle-aged, telling the story of his trip to The Grand Budapest Hotel and how he met the hotel’s elderly owner, Zero Moustafa. Next, we are treated to Zero’s own flashbacks as he shares information with this young writer which will later become the book. It’s a reminder of just how complex the process of passing down a story can be — and of the oral tradition itself.

One could venture to call the plot a “whodunit,” since Zero’s story revolves around his adventure as a young bellhop during the time he was entrenched in helping his dearest friend, Gustave H, the hotel’s esteemed concierge, escape unfair accusations that he murdered a certain wealthy Madame D. It’s clear to the viewer, of course, that Gustave H. loved Madame D., and she, him — and the result of her bequeathing him a rare painting after her death causes a jealous, vengeful game of cat and mouse with her other family members.

Regular fans of Wes Anderson’s directorial work will not be disappointed while watching this flick. Set in the fictional European country of Zubrowka, it engages viewers with the far-fetched visual effects that are Anderson’s trademark — but also throws in some modern mystery intrigue. In other words, everyone should be happy to book some time at The Grand Budapest Hotel.

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BUZZ | REAL ESTATE

The Real Deal

A

A review of the current conditions of Charleston’s real estate and housing market

By MARIE SEBASTIAN

A

s a writer, I have interviewed countless people who wanted to move to the

Lowcountry for various reasons —but at the top of everyone’s list is the earnest declaration

about how they simply fell in love with the area and decided to stay here for the long haul.

However, the manner in which they purchased a home is a different story entirely — usually with a happy ending, thanks to our hardworking real estate professionals.

It’s no secret that the real estate market in Charleston and the tri-county area is thriving significantly — more so than many other places in the country. The number of people determined to relocate to the Holy City each year is a pretty good indicator that houses are hot commodities in Charleston.

Perhaps one of the reasons is the fact that the different communities of the Charleston metro, from Summerville to Seabrook to West Ashley, offer something distinct and appeal to different kinds of people and different budgets.

In fact, according to the CharlestonRealtors.com 2013 Annual Report on the Charleston Housing Market, median home prices in Charleston were up more than 8 percent in 2013, in contrast with 2012 and more than 13 percent from 2009.

And where are we putting all the new

22 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

people flocking to the area? Well, condos are one answer — and out of the 21.3 percent new construction in 2013 in Charleston County, more than 17 percent was for condominium housing.

“From a land perspective and developmental perspective, home builders are out there looking for residential opportunities,” said Josh Schapp, a commercial broker with Keller Williams Commercial. “If there’s a piece of dirt in a good area, we’re seeing two to five builders snatch up the property.”

Schaap also explained how those fortunate enough to own land are maintaining the land and “holding out” for the best possible price when it comes to enticing a builder. If, for example, a builder estimates he can fit 25 condo homes on a piece of land, the individual owner will bargain for the price of each potential home. In 2013, Johns Island

saw a significant amount of new construction, followed closely by the Wando/Cainhoy area, North Charleston, Goose Creek and North Mount Pleasant.

Michael Scarafile, president of Carolina One Real Estate, noted the continuing growth as well.

“The neighborhoods, even the ones that decreased in size and suffered tremendously, are starting to recover one by one,” he said.

“In Mount Pleasant there are new apartment complexes being built as we speak. The growth is happening all around us.”

In other words, it’s never been a better time to buy or sell a house. Sellers listed 13.9 percent more homes in 2013 than in 2012 —and meanwhile, buyers purchased about 21 percent more homes in 2013. Trends throughout 2014, according to the 2013 Annual Report, should remain favorable for everyone. ¡

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Excellent views Havefrom youthis always haveWell aRetreat, waterfront Price reduced $100,000!

Excellent viewsWaterway.

Panoramic marsh and water greatwanted house intoRomain BR, 2 BAon brick home with beautiful from thisthis ininRomain Retreat, lot with stately trees to acall your own? from house Romain Retreat, views from ahouse large 2.5 acre lot. The ultimate situated over oak 2 acres!

The great room has view the lake.

Fenced back yard, hard ononly over 2minutes acres.

Great with getaway 15over from Mt.room Pleasant. aof raised brick fireplace and looks out over Fabulous, unobstructed views across the grassysituated situated on 2 acres.

Great room brick fireplace over thethe woods tile flooring easy to A raised Beautiful home withfireplace largelooks spacious rooms the Intracoastal Waterway and toit Bull Island marsh ofand Copahee Sound tomake the Isle of Palms. with raised brick looks over Waterway.

Master bedroom keep clean.The granite and wood floors throughout the main living beyond. kitchen is incredible with the tidal creek withNew 126+ feet ofcountertops, waterfront to call Intracoastal Intracoastal Waterway.

Master bedroom stainless appliances a new that smooth on main, or four BRs and 3 areas withwith tile inthree the baths.

A well appointed main dining area andand a fireplace gives your own and the chance of a lifetime to build, on main, with three or four BRs and kitchen, elevator,Antique and the master bedroom informal feelkitchen. of a keeping topthe stove in the Newroom. paintMaster and BAs upstairs. pine flooring why wait?

Opportunities at this price seldom upstairs. pine flooring has3aBAs private deck toAntique get away from itaall.

All bedroom is on the main floor, and upstairs new architectural shingle roof was throughout.

Includes elevator and short come along. $295,000. throughout.

Includes elevator and a pier short bedrooms have attached bathrooms. of are three or 3 baths. installed in four Septbedrooms 2008. Aand must see. An- dock with boat lift and water at theLots porches on all levelslift toand watch the boats by. tique pine flooring, elevator, and a dock with dock with boat water at thegopier $239,000. head. $850,000. lift and water at the pier head. $850,000

$1,400,000 head. $850,000.

MLS 1403878

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MLS 1025700 MLS 1217626 MLS 1112400 Detail found only in a home of the 1880s.

Within walking distance to the Ravenel IfBridge you have been waiting for Memorial a2 place to callCornice home thatcottage is also a dream come true for Private country retreat.

Adorable BR, 2 Bath Amazing a docktotal on Jeremy Creek moulding andwith first class renovation. and the new Waterfront your this it! Ato1500 log cabin hometo istop close and part ofquaint Mt. cottage situated 15iswooded acressq.ft. surrounded the Intracoastal Waterway!

Thisleading Condo isthat on the floor,inso no one isAwalkPark,horses, and juston a short trip downtown.

Pleasant.

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Natural wood onfloors the inside, ing over you.home Original wood from Ground floorin unit with walledeasement. patiowith off the by 500 acres a conservation Peace, A-frame with dockinlaid and floater.

Drive countertops in kitchen.

House is on approx. acres ahigh barn and at 1849, new granite counterwith tops,before ceilings, livinggranite area.nature The living has wood quiet and reignsarea supreme in thisfloors enclave. through a nice4wooded area arriving additional pasture on the adjoining 7 acres.

Home could be expanded to accommoAC,pasture stack washer/dryer and southern and new carpetain6 minute each of drive the bedrooms Location is within to Mt. Pleasant. central the horse of almost 3 acres on one side of date larger family or leftare asgraciously a guest houseexposure and build a new yourfeelneeds. gives great home light andtoa suit wonderful foraquiet comfort.

Closets Great room has a cathedral ceiling and a fireplace. the driveway and 1.4 acres of garden area on the ing totothis treasure infloor the middle of town. sized.

It is freshly and ready for a to expand The barn has 8painted stalls and the ability a second for studio living Kitchen is generous in size with wooden counterother.

It is unusual to have this much acreage Includes deededand parking It is an newspace. owner. Barn Two designated parking places can be purchased separately, or thea house thespace. barn may be for tops largeCommunity eatpurchased in area that has views horses, a to garden, andand outallbuildings, a short easy walkof MUSC downtown for and youracars. pooltogether andgreat a dock for a of real steal aCofC, deal.sheds $775,000. gorgeous priced sell. overlooking pondopens with through fountain.French Don’t wait. the back yarda and doors to activities. dock Absolutely on good water, and aand home thattoexudes $220,000 the back porch. $595,000. charm all $275,000 in one location. $789,543.

22 May/June 2014 | 23

BUZZ | REAL ESTATE

Need a Home Loan?

Confidence is gaining as home sales continue to remain steady

R R

By MARIE SEBASTIAN

ight after the economy took a tough hit, the

housing market here in Charleston was forced to give

up the fairy tale we’d all been living for several years: anyone could obtain any bank loan and move into the home of their dreams. But after the recession hit, the number of foreclosures and the families forced to relocate were hard reality checks. You’ve probably heard — or experienced — that around the Lowcountry, we’re raising our chins again and regaining optimism regarding housing.

24 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Though the economy still has a long way to go in some aspects, there is no shortage of people moving to Charleston to immerse themselves in the beauty of the area.

But what does that mean for mortgage loans? Well, you might think that because more houses are purchased, big banks are thriving again and rates are low. But this isn’t necessarily so. According to an article published in the Post and Courier and written

by John McDermott in March 2014, despite that home purchases “are on the upswing,” the sales are not providing much profit for banks. This is partially because the pool of borrowers is smaller and interest rates remain fairly low. Still, potential borrowers remain hopeful and in search of good news.

For Mandie Carson, a single mother living in a rental property with her young son, finding and buying a home in Charleston is proving a journey — but she did get pre-approved by Bank of America for a loan.

She described her loan officer as being help-

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responsibility.”

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of the local area to work for you.

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Thermador gas range, all custom molding, first floor master, antique heart pine floors with ceramic bath and laundry floors. 2,500 s.f.+ horse barn and equipment facilities. 5 minutes from Mt. Pleasant with access to the Francis Marion National Forest. Gorgeous, well kept community with only ten homes on several hundred acres.

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BUZZ | REAL ESTATE ful and pursuing her best interest as a buyer throughout the process.

“He has been very attentive,” she affirmed. “He follows up with me every week.”

This is actually Carson’s second venture purchasing property; in 2008, she bought her first home in Columbia, Tennessee and paid cash — a practice that many Charleston homebuyers are familiar with. Even then, the Bank of America in Columbia approved her for a loan.

Carson’s example of persistence is one that area banks are hoping will lead the charge. More borrowers willing to ask for loans and invest in Charleston property will mean a better profit for banks — and eventually, lower rates for all involved.

If you’ve been considering purchasing a property in the Lowcountry area and questioned whether you could get a loan, take heart. Right now, there’s an abundance of property in various price ranges — from million-dollar houses on the beach to affordable, cozy condominiums. And even though, these days, you might not get approved for the enormous loan that you couldn’t afford, area banks are more than happy to work within your budget and your vision. ¡

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BUZZ | NEWSMAKER

Furry Family Members

II

At Tidewater Veterinary, you’ll find caring practitioners that will love your pets and the owners too

By AMY KEHM O’NEILL

» Photos by ASHLEY WALKER

t is a simple statement that is backed by solid numbers: Americans love animals, specifically their pets. As you read this, you may be nodding in agreement as you pat Fido’s head or stroke Fluffy’s back. According to The Humane Society of the United States, pet ownership in the country has tripled since the 1970’s, from pets in 67 million homes to 164 million homes. The organization breaks it down by noting that in 2012, 62 percent of U.S. homes had pets which included 83.3 million dogs and 95.6 million cats. That means that we have a lot of furry family members!

28 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

As pet ownership grows, the need for pet care grows along with the need for practitioners who grasp the unique relationships that individuals and families have with their pets according to Dr. Cara Daniel of Tidewater Veterinary.

“There‘s a very special bond between each pet and their owner. Even if one person has three or four animals,” Daniel said. “I love seeing the different personalities and how they act.”

That love was strong enough to pull Dr. Daniel away from her beloved slice of the Lowcountry, on Sullivan’s Island, to pursue her bachelor’s degree in animal science at Clemson University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

if and when blood work, dental care or more serious treatment is needed.

That way, when situations arise, “It’s not new to them. It’s something we’ve been discussing all along.”

Emphasis is placed on the individual pets’ emotional needs as well. For instance, cats are very quickly taken to a special room for them that is away from the office bustle. This allows them time to get comfortable in what can be a very unnerving situation for them.

“We like to let them acclimate in the room,” Daniel explained.“To explore and get comfortable.”

Dogs are greeted differently – most often with exuberant hellos or even a welcome from Dr. Daniel’s own canine buddy, Tucker.

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Pet ownership in the country has tripled since the 1970’s, from pets in 67 million homes to 164 million homes.

After time away educationally and then professionally in Columbia, Dr. Daniel opened her own veterinary practice in August 2012 in Mount Pleasant’s Seaside Farms neighborhood. There she focuses on what many veterinarians are now focusing on, which is medicine that aims to be more proactive than reactive.

“I definitely try to focus more on preventative,” Daniel explained. “Our goal is to try to educate our client, educate as far as the pet owner goes, in order to keep their pet healthy to begin with.”

Dr. Daniel explained that when a new dog or new cat owner visits Tidewater Veterinary, she and her vet techs will spend a great deal of time simply getting to know the owner before instructing them on best care methods. Owners will learn not only about basic care but also about what will happen

“I have my dog here a lot of the time.”

Daniel believes that veterinary care goes beyond annual checkups and vaccines. This includes nutrition advisement, pet enrichment and multi-modal pain management.

More innovative and somewhat newer pain treatments might involve laser therapy and even acupuncture for animals, a trend which is growing according to Daniel. She studied small animal acupuncture through the prestigious Chi Institute after watching larger and older dogs, like Labradors and Golden Retrievers, still enjoy life but struggle to get around. Results vary from pet to pet, but are very promising in helping to ease or heal many ailments.

“It’s definitely becoming more common.

Even the national associations are starting to acknowledge it,” she said. “It just kind of depends on what their condition is. It depends on

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28 May/June 2014 | 29

BUZZ | NEWSMAKER

“My pets have always been really important to me and the relationship I see I have with mine. For me, they’re family members.”

— Dr. Cara Daniel

Front reception area.

how severe they are. Some are back to normal.

They don’t have any more pain.”

For veterinarians, constant education assures that your beloved pet is constantly receiving the best care.

“Even if it’s an old topic for me, I like to go check into things,” noted Daniel.

Dr. Daniel’s number one tip for pet owners is to be as she is – proactive in pet care. For instance, she noted that administering heartworm medication each month is far better than a costly treatment later.

“Getting ahead of the game is so important. The basics are doing the things up front that can prevent a lot.”

Another key to pet ownership bliss?... finding a veterinarian who cares for both pet and owner.

“I love the owners that go along with them [the pets] just as much,” Daniel revealed. “My pets have always been really important to me and the relationship I see I have with mine. For me, they’re family members.”

843-856-7300, tidewaterveterinary.com. ¡ 30 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

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30 May/June 2014 | 31

BUZZ | ART SEEN

A New Way of Seeing Karen Ann Myers explores the patterns of life

T

By JASON A. ZWIKER

T

he package arrived,

quite heavy, postmarked from

Georgia. “Hey,” Karen Ann Myers asked her boyfriend. “Did you order anything recently?”

He had not.

Curious, she tore the package open and found… a vintage Lathem mechanical time recorder. A workplace punch clock, from the days of old. It was a gift from her good friend Jeffrey Whittle, former Gallery Director of The University of Georgia, Athens.

“That was the coolest day ever,” she says.

“He was so kind to send that to me.”

She’d first seen the time clock in his office a year before when she was showing her work at UGA. It was an “Ah-Ha!” moment for her.

“Managing time is such an important part of being an artist,” she says. “The act of clocking in means that you’re scheduled to work.”

Hundreds of hours go into each of Myers’ paintings. It’s not hard to see why. Her work is meticulously detailed, almost startling in its photorealism and vibrancy. Young women, limbs at strange angles,

32 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

appear in bedrooms that shimmer with pattern and color. There’s a profound psychological exploration at work here, almost as if the blankets, rugs, wallpaper, and woodwork were more inner landscape than outward surrounding.

Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, Myers came to Charleston in 2008 after completing her MFA at Boston University. As executive director of Redux Contemporary Art Studios and as a solo artist, she quickly established herself within the local art scene. She became associate director of the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art in 2011. In 2012, Oxford American named her among the 100 Under 100 New Superstars of Southern Art. Standing in front of one of her original paintings – and really, that’s the best way to appreciate any painter’s work – can be an emotionally stirring experience. Look long enough

and the patterns surrounding the young women she paints almost seem to shimmer.

The unconventional viewpoint of her paintings – quite often a bird’s eye view of a young woman on a bed – allows her to focus more on figures and patterns than a traditional straight-on shot might allow.

“A by-product of the psychology behind that is that it puts the viewer in a really weird place in relation to the subject,” she says. “You wouldn’t expect to be looking at someone from that perspective.”

She is positively in love with patterns and her art is filled with exquisite detail. It pays to look closely at that detail and see how it harmonizes with the other elements of the painting. There is something musical in how it all comes together.

As both gallery director and artist, Myers

PHOTO (KAREN ANN MYERS) BY ASHLEY WALKER

(clockwise from below) Zig Zag Afghan and Triangle Rug oil on canvas, Orange Medallion oil on panel, Striped Zig Zag oil on panel, Striped Diamonds II oil on canvas.

has watched the art scene in Charleston evolve over the years. And while there has been plenty of good, she’s also seen missed opportunities.

“The art scene in Charleston is growing, that’s true,” she says. “But, at the same time, it’s sad that many of the more experimental art venues have left. Eye Level, Outer Space, Scoop; all of these were important outlets for non-traditional artists in Charleston, and we’ve seen all of these close. A lot of great, emerging artists at College of Charleston and other places don’t see a place for themselves locally and are looking elsewhere to grow as artists.”

“As an artist, it’s important to make contributions to the community that you’re involved in,” she says. “Creating opportunities for new, emerging artists is important.”

One of the ways that Karen has given back to the community is through Charleston

Supported Art, a program initiated by Kristy Bishop. Based on the agricultural model of CSAs, in which people who love fresh produce are connected to local farmers, Charleston Supported Art strives to do the same for art collectors and artists. “Leaders from the art community were selected to help facilitate this program,” Myers explains.

“The amount of support we’ve seen already has been absolutely tremendous.”

Solo exhibitions of Myers’ work have received acclaim all across South Carolina and Georgia, and as far as Lansing, Michigan and Los Angeles, California. A new solo show of 15 of her works will be on display at Robert Lange Studios, 2 Queen Street, beginning June 6.

There’s an intensity to Myers that isn’t surprising to anyone who has truly appreciated her art. She is a passionate speaker, often lecturing on topics of interest to the art community, and she is generous in sharing her considerable knowledge with new and emerging artists.

A day not spent in the gallery or studio might be a day browsing through fabrics, discovering new patterns, new textures, and new ways of seeing. She has an eye for matching patterns in a way that stirs the senses and the technique she uses to create these on the canvas is meticulous to say the least. It can take most of a month to go from the initial rough sketch of the scene through to the finished painting.

There’s a famous quote by Lincoln in which he says that given a number of hours to chop down a tree, he’d spend most of them sharpening his axe. There is something of that in the way Myers works. She plans exhaustively, washes her brushes thoroughly, and carefully creates precise palettes of color to apply to each section of the painting. Only then, slowly and steadily, is an intimate look into the inner realm of each woman she paints brought into being.

The time invested is well worth it, each satisfying clack of the time clock marking another step toward a dream fully realized. ¡ 32 May/June 2014 | 33

BUZZ | SOUTHERN DRAWL

John Rutledge House Inn

Promoting the Country’s Best City Linn Lesesne has long played a role in bringing visitors to Charleston

By HOLLY FISHER

On a recent flight back to Charleston, the airplane flew directly over the peninsula giving Linn Lesesne a bird’s eye view of her hometown, from Fort Sumter to the Ravenel Bridge.

“I just said out loud, ‘Wow! How lucky are we to live here?’”

Lesesne is fully aware of the magnificence that is Charleston, and she’s spent two decades attracting visitors to her beloved city as she’s marketed the family of Charming Inns properties.

Although Lesesne started in a Charleston hotel, her career in hospitality sales has taken her around the country. Her first job was at a Sheraton in Charleston (now the Marriott on Lockwood). She took the 34 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

job while on a break from her studies at the University of South Carolina. That semester turned into a 34-year hiatus as she headed off to Boston to work at the Sheraton Hotels Worldwide headquarters and then Princess Hotels in Atlanta and for Crowne Plaza, opening a hotel near the airport.

Then she went west to Sheraton Park Central in Dallas. In the midst of all

that, Lesesne married and had a son and a daughter. She took a break from the hospitality world, coming home to Charleston where she worked for South Trust Bank as a customer service representative.

A Charming New Offer In 1994, Lesesne returned to her hotel roots when a friend suggested she inter-

Linn Lesesne

Birthplace Charleston, SC Education In 2012, Linn Lesesne returned to the University of South Carolina to complete the degree she pushed “pause” on 34 years ago. She expects to complete her bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies in May 2015.

Finishing her degree was a “bucket list” item, she said. “I can’t wait to walk across that stage.”

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PHOTO ASHLEY WALKER

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34 May/June 2014 | 35

BUZZ | SOUTHERN DRAWL

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view with Rick Widman, owner of what was then Lowcountry Hospitality – a group of downtown properties including John Rutledge House, Fulton Lane Inn and Kings Courtyard Inn. Lesesne was hired as the sales manager and this September will mark her 20th anniversary with the company.

Lesesne got a little more than she bargained for when she took the job – but in a good way. She and Widman merged their personal and professional lives when they married on Dec. 31, 1999, blending her two children and his four children into a new family of eight.

Since then Lowcountry Hospitality changed its corporate name to Charming Inns, and the company grew its portfolio, adding the Wentworth Mansion and its on-site restaurant Circa 1886, along with Kitchen 208, a casual breakfast spot they opened in June 2013.

Other historic properties are the John Rutledge House on Broad Street, the only home of a signer of the U.S. Constitution that is both a living landmark and a bed and breakfast. Fulton Lane Inn is a private retreat tucked away on King Street and just a few doors away from Kings Courtyard Inn, an 1853 inn. The gem of the Charming Inns group is the Wentworth Mansion, a 21room luxury inn with Italian crystal chandeliers and hand-carved marble fireplaces. On the grounds of the Wentworth Mansion is Circa 1886, a fine dining restaurant situated in the mansion’s original carriage house.

With half a dozen properties, Lesesne said she and Widman have their hands full and no plans to add more hotels or restaurants. Right now they are coming off a banner 2013 – the best year in the history of their properties, she said.

The success is a combination of forces led by the fact Charleston has been named the best city in the country for three years running.

“Charleston is on fire,” Lesesne said.

“It’s a great place to live and a great place to visit.”

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Fueling that fire is the city’s reputation as a culinary hotspot filled with world-class restaurants and chefs cooking up Lowcountry cuisine, unique creations and dishes loaded with local seafood.

“There was not a culinary scene here when I grew up,” Lesesne said of the dra-

(top) Kings Courtyard Inn. (above) Outside patio at Kitchen 208.

matic change in Charleston’s tourism profile.

In the last decade, Lesesne and Widman have had a hand in growing Charleston’s reputation as a culinary destination with their involvement in the launch of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, which will celebrate its 10th season in 2015.

The festival continues to be a highlight of Lesesne’s year. “It’s Rick and mine’s favorite weekend of the year,” she said. “We

always do more events than we should, but we love it.”

While the ultimate goal of starting the festival was to see it grow into the incredible event it is today, Lesesne said she’s not sure any of the original organizers expected the festival to become the world-renowned event it has.

In 2013, some 23,000 food and wine connoisseurs converged on Charleston for four days of foodie fanfare at what has been named one of the top five food and wine festivals in the country by Forbes Traveler. All the eating and drinking gave the Charleston economy a $10.7 million boost. Since the festival’s

The success is a combination of forces led by the fact Charleston has been named the best city in the country for three years running. founding, it has generated an overall economic impact of more than $22 million.

A poster from each festival hangs in Lesesne’s office, a visible reminder of what Lesesne and Charming Inns have done for Charleston’s tourism industry.

In addition to her work with the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Lesesne is active with the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, serving on the board of governors, as travel council chairwoman and as past sales committee chairwoman. She’s also been part of the Les Dames d’Escoffier, a worldwide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality. Lesesne has been twice honored as a Golden Pineapple Award Winner from the Charleston Area CVB.

Seeing the World When she isn’t juggling multiple hotel and restaurant properties, Lesesne and Widman love traveling the world. With four of their children scattered across the country, they frequently head to Colorado, Chicago, Washington,

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(clockwise from above) Circa 1886 restaurant; Lesesne’s family: Pete Woodhull, Michelle Woodhull, Kathryn Widman, Cameron Widman, Linn Lesesne, Travis Young, Elizabeth Young, Rick Widman, Lauren Widman and grandchildren (in front) Miriam and Widman Woodhull; Wentworth Mansion.

D.C., and North Carolina for family visits.

Widman sits on the board of the International Luxury Hotel Association, which meets all over the country. Lesesne often accompanies him on trips, and this summer, they will head to Greece for a meeting.

“Traveling is our No. 1 passion,” Lesesne said, recounting a trip to Singapore that led to visiting seven countries in 21 days. “We try to see as much as we can.”

They often stay at small luxury hotel properties when traveling internationally 38 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

as a way to see what other boutique inns have to offer, but, Lesesne said, they are also practical travelers. So don’t be surprised to see them checking in at the Hampton Inn or Embassy Suites. “We’re not hotel snobs,” Lesesne said with a smile.

A Family Affair Lesesne is always happy to return to Charleston and her home on the Isle of Palms.

That sense of home and family runs deeply

throughout the Charming Inns company as well. “Probably one of the coolest things about the company is that we have people who have been with us 30 years,” she said.

Each of her and Widman’s children worked for the hotels in some capacity over the years, and Widman’s daughter, Michelle Woodhull, still works for Charming Inns as the vice president of marketing and revenue management.

Other married couples work at Charming Inns, fostering a family environment Lesesne and Widman have worked hard to maintain over the years.

That family atmosphere keeps hotel guests and restaurant diners coming back again and again. Yes, new restaurants open regularly in Charleston and plans for additional hotels and inns are in progress, but Lesesne said that new competition is healthy.

Overall the idea is to simply bring people to Charleston with the idea they become repeat visitors. Besides, Lesesne said, those new hotels can’t truly compete with Charming Inns properties.

“We have something that new buildings don’t – 1853, 1886. We have genuine history that can’t be created.” ¡

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BUZZ | STAFF PICKS

I I

Books for the Barefoot

By Courtney Webb L

t’s that time again, folks. time for sun,

sand and bare feet (if you’re lucky), as the hot days of an

other sweltering summer head in to stay all over our beautiful Carolinas. We’re superior to most in making the best out

» Photos by JAY BROWNE of a scorcher but it’s never too late to add a book to that beach, lake or pool bag to help you beat the heat. In the tradition of both old and new, here are a few books by those tried and true as well as a new kid on the block on the literary scene. Enjoy.

The Girl with a Clock for a Heart by Peter Swanson Debut author Peter Swanson has definitely got the attention of thriller lovers with his introduction into the literary world. [The Girl with a Clock for a Heart] is fresh, modern and completely unexpected. For George Foss it is a tale of old love turning sinister when a former flame unexpectedly shows up at his favorite local bar and asks for a favor. However, with the stunning Liana Dector, one simple favor can turn into a Pandora’s box of potentially deadly secrets and intrigue. A tale of a sordid past coming back to haunt in the present, the novel is fast paced, effortless and impossible to put down. In other words perfect for summer.

The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman For those readers who prefer to walk on the darker side, Alice Hoffman’s newest work is just the thing to dive into this sizzling summer. The pages of this gothic and yet mainstream novel are filled to the brim with odd curiosities, peculiar characters and out of the ordinary plot twists. It is anything but your average work of fiction, as it unfolds with the story of the beautiful but blighted “mermaid” Coralie Sardie, whose world is full of what many would consider freaks (but she finds to be family) at The Museum of Extraordinary Things on Coney Island. However, yearnings for a life of her own beyond her adoptive father’s sinister reach and a chance at forbidden love with the enigmatic Eddie Cohen may drive her into danger or the love of a lifetime. Told during the turn of the century in a burgeoning New York City, the work will sweep you up in its spellbinding chronicle of mystery, magic and mayhem.

The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert In acclaimed author Elizabeth Gilbert’s first return to fiction since her colossal success with [Eat, Pray, Love,] she’s chosen to entrance readers with a historical journey rich in both detail and scope. The narrative of the Whitaker family is one of fascinating proportions, journeying across both centuries and the entire globe. It’s meticulous in its attention to detail, botanical motif and complex characters of all types, including the quite progressive heroine Alma Whitaker, her tycoon globe trotting father Henry Whitaker, and her Utopian-minded paramour Ambrose Pike. The research for this work of robust fiction supposedly took over three years and it shows in every way. It’s simply ideal for a lengthy summer indulgence. ¡

40 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Well Styled FASHION ICON | GARDEN EDITS | Women in Business

PHOTO BY ANNE MCQUARY

Yigal Azrouel One on one with the legendary New York based fashion designer.

40 May/June 2014 | 41

WELL STYLED | FASHION ICON

Charmed by Design An intimate conversation with New York fashion designer Yigal Azrouel

» Photos By Anne McQuary

s i prepared, i began to think about yigal

the man: 41 years of age, single and gorgeous – and yet

he’s remained a mystery to most of the world since he launched his line at the age of 27.

Yigal, a New York based fashion designer who was born in Tel Aviv, Israel and is of French-Moroccan descent, has been rocking the fashion world since starting his own line in 1998. Yigal is best known for his feminine designs and expert draping. Many fashion critics have referred to Mr. Azrouel’s Fall 2014 collection as a “celebration of dimension” which I personally think describes him perfectly as a designer.

Pleats, textures (including nubby boucle knit, mohair, lambskin and leather) and geometric prints were all included in this collection.

42 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

The colors were subdued neutrals...think gray, black and a hint of navy.

The morning of the interview I dressed in a Yigal skirt and jacket, grabbed my notebook and headed out the door to interview him. And then, anxiety set in. I arrived a few minutes early in anticipation of Mr. Azrouel’s arrival and as my photographer, Anne McQuary, was setting up, I looked over at her and shared my sudden attack of nerves. Just as Anne looked back at me and replied, “You’ve got this Lisa, you’re a pro,” he casually strolled in, looking more handsome than in his photographs.

As the models started coming in for their fittings I observed Yigal asking each woman if they were comfortable walking the runway in what he had chosen for them. Understand that this is atypical of most designers; but for Yigal, how the models felt was clearly important.

*Council of Fashion Designers of America

A A

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LA: You’ve said that you never thought you would be in the fashion business. I read that while in France you went to a Dior show with a friend and your passion for design took off from there?

YA: Yes, I was 20 at the time. Gianfranco Ferre was the head of Dior. The energy and excitement was amazing; I enjoyed the entire experience.

LA: I heard that you started designing by deconstructing vintage pieces for friends?

YA: Yes, that is true. I would go to flea markets and bring home vintage pieces and take them completely apart. Then, I would create something totally different. I loved doing it and my friends enjoyed wearing my designs.

LA: You were born and raised in Israel.

What made you decide to move to the United States?

YA: I came to the United States to visit my sister and really liked it. I decided to move to New York and live with a friend of mine.

LA: You launched your line in 1998 at the age of 27. What made you decide to launch your own line?

YA: I could not find a job. No one would hire me. I saved a few thousand dollars and went down to the Design District and purchased some fabric. I just started designing and put together my first collection. It was all black (actually my first two collections were all black). I presented it to Barney’s and they picked up my line.

LA: I understand that you have no formal training in fashion, which is a testament to your unique and incredible talent. When and how did you realize that this was what you wanted to do and that you had such a natural ability?

YA: It came about organically. I believe that every person has a job in this life – this is my calling – it is my passion and love.

LA: You were inducted into the CFDA* in 2004, which is an enormous honor. What was that like/how did it feel?

YA: It was great. It wasn’t something I was chasing. I felt honored and I love the support of the fashion community and other American designers.

LA: Your designs are a balance of strength and femininity. That juxtaposition is a hard balance to achieve. You were once quoted as saying, “I’m designing for real women; not models and celebrities.” Define the Yigal woman.

YA: The Yigal woman is feminine and confident. I don’t love designs that are overly fussy or overtly sexy. My designs are minimalistic and modern, with just enough sex appeal.

The reality though is that it is all about the energy the person wearing the clothing exudes. I love to dress real women and it is exciting to see them wear my designs.

I was once invited by a friend to a luncheon at Gwyneth Paltrow’s house in the Hamptons. When I was introduced to her she asked me what I did and told her I was a fashion designer and she said ‘tell me your name again’ so I did. A while later she came back and said, “Come with me.” We went down the hall to her closet and she said, “I just got it.” She then proceeded to start pulling out all of the pieces that she owned that I had designed. I was very flattered but I don’t design with that in mind.

LA: Muse(s)?

YA: I don’t really have a muse except perhaps the French musician Francois Hardy.

I grew up listening to her music and attending her concerts. She was and still is gorgeous to me. Francois reminded me of myself; she loves her privacy and is not looking to be in the spotlight all the time. She lives her own life in her own way and I admire that about her.

LA: I have read that you produce 90% of your designs in NY? YA: Yes that is true. My flagship store is on Madison Avenue and the production facility is in the Garment District.

I love and am involved with every detail of production.

LA: Two of the things that I admire about your line are the consistency of quality and sizing. Tell me about how you do this?

YA: I am involved with every detail of the design process. I don’t know where I am going when I start the process of designing a new collection. I usually start by picking out the highest quality fabrics and then I move into shape. In the end, it’s really about the juxtaposition of hard and soft; refined and sexy, I just know when it feels right.

With regard to the consistency of the sizing, I have used the same sample model for 8 years and it is amazing because her body never changes.

LA: You have collaborated with Dror Benshetrit, a childhood friend, on quite a few projects. I understand that he is an architect; tell me about your relationship.

YA: Yes, Dror is amazing. He’s a little out there so I guess we speak the same language. I love collaborating with him because I admire him so much. He designed my first boutique in the Meatpacking District back in 2003. We also collaborated on the design of my house in Costa Rica.

LA: Tell me about the collection and show that you did at your boutique that Dror

was involved with, based on the infamous “imperfect vase” which he designed?

YA: Ah...the imperfect vase. The vase is about transformation and contrast. One side is smooth and perfect and the other side nearly destroyed. I believe that beauty comes from experience; when you look in someone’s eyes and can see that they went through something, it makes them all the more beautiful.

The show was very untraditional; it was at my old boutique and the models were seated in chairs. The hair and makeup was very Dior fifties. We even used Polaroid photos.

LA: You started showing internationally in 2004. How many shows are you currently doing around the world?

YA: I’m currently just showing in New York and Paris, which is the major place to show for the European markets.

LA: I love that you use convertible zippers in many of your pieces that double the functionality, which I understand as I own a few of those jackets myself. Tell me how that came about?

YA: It is so versatile you get two looks in one.

LA: You are the youngest of eight children and you have five older sisters? Do you feel that growing up with that much female energy in your family inspired your designs?

YA: I am sure it has subconsciously, but I have never really thought about it as a direct connection.

LA: Do you really surf or is that just a rumor?

YA: Yes, I really surf! Surfing is my other passion. I particularly love nighttime surfing.

There are only a few beaches in the world that you can do that and one is back home in Israel. ¡

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WELL STYLED | GARDEN EDITS

4. Get Rid of The Lawn Altogether

Why do we insist on fighting Mother Nature?

If it’s too shady, too overtaken by tree roots, or otherwise maintenance intensive, please don’t feel like a failure if you do without the lawn or at least a portion thereof. Plenty of native plants and groundcovers would be more than happy to reward you with less frustration, fewer expenses, and more time to relax. Can we say “no-brainer” in unison!

5. Build A Secret Reading Nook

Like to read in peace? A special little area can be carved out of your landscape as a destination. I’d suggest starting with finding the right bench or other type of seating. Surround it with evergreens and ferns to create a bit of an alcove of greenery. Before long, the kids will be asking, “Where’s Mom?”

6. Utilize Some Native Plants

There is almost no reason to not utilize native plants within one’s landscape. Less pest issues, greater soil and climactic acclimation, and less pruning are pretty good reasons to do a little online search. They may not be as easy to find in the big box stores, but they will be worth the effort through the years.

8 Small Project Ideas for Your Backyard

S S

7. How About A Serious Fire Pit

Tips and advice from our garden experts

ometimes it’s the small

changes in life that can make all the

difference, especially in that backyard of yours. You’ve grown tired of the same old patch of (hard-to-keep-totally-green-because-of-the-shade-and-the-dog-and-theweeds) lawn, the needful shrubs that have been pruned way too many times to keep them in check, and the general lackluster space that could and should be your respite from the mundane. Well, help is on the way…please, though, if you would, read on.

The help comes in the form of eight ideas that might just point you in the direction of your very own Shangri-La. So here we go (in no particular order):

1. The Potager or Kitchen Garden

Nothing tastes better than Swiss Chard that you grew. That basil on the dinner pizza shared with friends – yours. And cherry tomatoes?

They hardly take up any room at all. The key to this enjoyment is a nicely constructed, smallish box that will serve as a raised planter. Feature

it in a nice, sunny location and again, keep it small. You’ll be surprised how much you can do in a 10 feet by 3 feet area. The drainage and improved, controlled soil conditions of the planter will make it a dream and not drudge.

2. Make A Garden Path

Much too often we see clients’ landscapes with too little connectivity between space.

Remember, the journey counts too! As much thought that is put into the patio or deck needs to be invested in a pathway as well. Think of compatible but interesting materials—white oyster shell, crushed gray slate, or plantation mix—that pick up on and compliment the main hardscape. Don’t forget to edge in brick, commercial-grade black metal, or pressuretreated 1”x4” lumber in a neat manner.

3. Grow Two Meyer Lemon Trees

Suitable to the area, evergreen, a heavenly scent, and, oh by the way, a lovely payoff of a limoncello or cold lemonade – need I say more?

A few more dollars invested in a real fire pit (i.e. masonry or one of the iron sugar kettle types) are a much classier means to get fire into the landscape. The investment in their inherent beauty and construction will show!

8. Low-Voltage Lighting Is A Good Thing

Here, two adages come to mind that apply: “Quality over quantity” and “Less is more”.

I mean to say that the money spent on a commercial grade lighting system (fixtures and transformer) will have a payoff in much grater longevity. Secondly, remember to be judicious with the placement of the fixtures.

Too many and it’s a Las Vegas light show!

You just might be surprised to find the difference that professionally installed lighting will make.! ¡

Got a question for our garden experts?

Go to charlestonlivingmag.com/pages/contact and send us your questions.

By PATTY CRAVEN and NICK POPOVICH of DIG Landscape

46 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Women in Business The spirit of the entrepreneur is alive and well. Meet the female entrepreneurs who have proven they have the skills and business acumen necessary to achieve success in Charleston’s competitive market.

From real estate agents to attorneys and landscapers to medical professionals, these women are enhancing the future of Charleston.

Photos by LEA AUSTEN and SIGNATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

46 May/June 2014 | 47

Sharon Campbell Backyard Retreats 843-856-0049 • backyardretreatsinc.com My Mission: I strive to treat my customers like I want to be treated when I shop. This includes respect, honesty, integrity, and trust. The highlights of designing Backyard Retreats’ projects are satisfied customers and building lifelong relationships and friends.

My Business: At Backyard Retreats, we offer customers quality and service, and a vast selection of outdoor

48 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

furniture, billiard tables, spas, outdoor pillows, custom replacement cushions, umbrellas, accessories, décor, and much more. We also offer design services for our customers.

One Thing I Have Learned the Hard Way: You cannot make everyone happy, so do your very best and always treat everyone the way you want to be treated and you will be blessed!

My Strengths: I love people!

Honesty, integrity, and a warm heart. I have an eye for color and design. I always try to remember that things that matter most can never be measured. Listening is the key to customer satisfaction and I strive to make my customers feel important, because without satisfied customers I would not have a business.

Anna Camens Dinger Camens Architectural Group 843-768-3800 • camensarchitecturalgroup.com My Business: I have the infinitely rewarding position as Director of Operations at Camens Architectural Group. I hail from a long line of entrepreneurs, and work with my father, Marc Camens, who founded the firm in 1982. It was a natural evolution in my life to join, and thus create a family business. We are a seamless team with shared vision.

My Mission: I am focused on continuing our growth nationally in

custom home design and development projects. My priority is always to joyfully deliver exceptional service in the co-creative process of bringing our clients’ dreams and vision to reality. I love what I do, and at the core, that is what drives me.

Best Business Advice I Ever Received: Smile when you’re on the phone, people can hear your facial expressions.

Words of Wisdom to Other

Women in Business: Female intuition is a distinctive woman’s asset; trust yours.

One Thing I’ve Learned the Hard Way: Always wear sensible shoes to jobsites!

My Strengths: I excel at client relations, support, and communication. I have great management and coordination skills, organization ability, and a keen design eye.

48 May/June 2014 | 49

Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union 843-832-2632 • heritagetrust.org

Our Business: At Heritage Trust, we are here to help others achieve financial independence.

Our Mission: Create positive, lasting change.

Best Business Advice We Ever Received: Be true to yourself.

One Thing We’ve Learned the Hard Way: Be passionate but realistic.

Tools of the Trade: Know your audience, because you are only as good as your data. Teamwork is essential.

Words of Wisdom to Other Women in Business: Lead by example.

Our Strengths: Strategy, creativity, developing others.

Jan Snook Carolina One Real Estate 843-437-3330 lowcountryreguide.com

My Mission: Provide superior guidance to our buyer and seller clients using our experience and knowledge of real estate, and being honest with and loyal to our clients, engaging only in the most ethical practices.

My Business: As a Realtor, I provide confidence to property-buying clients that we will find the property that best matches their needs, at the best price. For property-selling clients, our goal is similar―to assure them that their property will be sold for the best price obtainable and as quickly as possible.

One Thing I’ve Learned the Hard Way: Life is too short, so laugh every day and find time to do something kind for someone each day.

Strengths: Being a skilled negotiator has consistently proven beneficial to my clients to help achieve their real estate goals.

50 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Caroline West Gedney M. Howe, III, P.A., Attorneys at Law 843-722-8048 • gedneyhowe.com My Mission: In my career, my mission is to work with individuals and families who have suffered a traumatic injury or loss as a result of the actions or inactions of others, to achieve a meaningful and relevant financial recovery on their behalf.

My Business: I am an attorney primarily representing injured people and their families.

Best Business Advice I

Ever Received: The more life experiences you have, the better you are able to relate to your clients.

very often it can be who you know that opens the next door. Burning bridges might mean a fait accompli later!

Tools of the Trade: Initiative, Focus, Strategizing, Risk Management, Open-minded.

One Thing I’ve Learned the Hard Way: Live in the moment, not neglecting your passions in life. Carve out time to pursue your passions and to grow as an individual.

Words of Wisdom to Other Women in Business: Maintain your relationships, personal and professional – they are important.

Most relationships require work, but

My Strengths: Organization, empathy, determination, persistence and generosity.

50 May/June 2014 | 51

Camille Wish-Clarkson

Terrace Oaks Antiques 843-795-9689 • terraceoaksantiques.com My Mission: To provide a shop that houses a wide variety of antiques at affordable prices. I also want customers to feel welcomed and enjoy their experience at Terrace Oaks.

My Business: Selling antiques ― anything from the 1960s and older.

Best Business Advice I Ever Received: You can do anything you want to do if you want to do it bad enough.

Tools of the Trade: Conversation with other antique dealers and collectors, trade papers, internet, reference books.

Words of Wisdom to Other Women in Business: Work hard and don’t ever give up on your dreams.

One Thing I’ve Learned the Hard Way: Life and business isn’t easy, but stay focused and you will succeed.

LaJuan Kennedy Fred Holland Realty 843-588-2325 • fredhollandrealty.com

My Mission: To provide fair and loyal service to anyone ready to purchase a house in order to create a home. I like to treat everyone the same, whether purchasing a $65,000 home or a million dollar home — you never know who you are entertaining.

My Business: I have worked for Fred Holland Realty and all interested buyers and sellers since 1973. Soon after mastering the trade I became a Broker in 1980, and then in 2008 I purchased the business. I have created a real estate and property management company that is honest and provides excellent service.

My Strengths: Negotiations - having the knowledge and confidence coupled with years of experience allows me to negotiate favorably for my clients.

52 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Kimberly Farfone Borts Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community 843-406-6334 • bishopgadsden.org My Mission: Bishop Gadsden, a Life Care Retirement Community, embraces God’s call to ministry. We affirm positive living for all who live and work here, and we serve with integrity. We exercise wise stewardship and reach out with a generous spirit. These words guide our actions and decisions.

My Business: As Director of Charitable Giving and Communications for Bishop Gadsden, I am responsible for the philanthropic aspects of the community, along with

our public and media relations, and branding needs. Bishop Gadsden is a thriving continuing care retirement community, which offers apartment and cottage living, assisted living and healthcare. We also offer the amenities, support and freedom to a community of more than 450 residents – who live extraordinary lives.

Words of Wisdom to Other Women: Be who you are – but don’t forget that you are a woman and by being such, you bring a special skill

set to every aspect of life.

One Thing I’ve Learned Along the Way: Prior to being with Bishop Gadsden, I was with Sea Island Habitat for Humanity and now proudly am a member on their Board of Directors. While working at Habitat, I learned the “11th Commandment – Be Flexible.” It has served me very well and is adaptive to any situation. The “11th Commandment” is something I use nearly every day in my professional and personal life.

52 May/June 2014 | 53

Laura Pape

Team Pape, Carolina One Real Estate 843-870-9073 • teampapescrealestate.com

My Mission: To successfully assist people with their home buying and selling experience, and make it the smoothest transition possible.

My Business: I am one half of our Father-Daughter Team…Team Pape at Carolina One Real Estate. I thoroughly enjoy working with my dad daily. He is a great mentor and successful real estate agent. I am delighted to have this opportunity to learn from him and other agents.

Words of Wisdom to Other Women in Business: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” –Eleanor Roosevelt. Motivation, drive, and an end goal are vital for a happy and successful life.

I am just starting my career and life experiences, and try to achieve these goals on a daily basis. Never give up.

Kathie Livingston Nature Adventure Outfitters 843-568-3222 • kayakcharlestonsc.com

My Mission: Providing nature tours for the preservation of our environment.

My Business: We are a kayak, canoe, paddleboard and hiking tour and rental outfitter. We provide University Degreed and Master Naturalist Guided tours to saltwater marshes and islands and to swamps, creeks and rivers in the Francis Marion National Forest and ACE Basin National Wildlife Area. We also lead wildlife eco-tours to Costa Rica.

Best Business Advice I Ever Received: Follow the path of your heart and don’t focus on making the most money in your trade, as it will destroy you. Always lead by example, and choose one thing to do in your career, and do it to the best of your ability.

54 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Patty Craven Designing Innovative Gardens (DIG) Landscape 843-327-4372 • diglandscape.net My Business: We create custom gardens and landscapes. Our turn key service starts at the home site with the design interview, and continues through the entire install process including the plant materials, irrigation and hardscapes. We make sure your landscape project is seamless, your decisions are minimal and your final garden is beautiful and fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Mission: To build our business through long term client relationships, repeat business and referrals by

creating extraordinary landscapes that connect people to their environment.

Best Business Advice I Ever Received: In “In Search of Excellence” by Tom Peters, one of his main principals was “Stick to your knitting”. The concept was find out what you do well and do it, don’t try to be all things to all people. Our company is a specialty company that’s expertise is designing and creating unique custom landscapes and gardens. We are very focused on that

aspect of the landscaping business allowing us to keep up with the latest trends, plant introductions, product availability and provide project oversight that insures delighted clients.

My Strengths: Strong project management skills, and listening to and understanding client’s wants and needs, and being able to interpret those into gardens and landscapes that will work for the client based on their lifestyle and maintenance capabilities.

54 May/June 2014 | 55

My Mission: To provide the same quality veterinary care that you expect from a standard clinic, all in the comfort and convenience of your home. We believe in treating our patients with the compassion and care that every animal deserves while treating their owners with the respect and honesty that they deserve. Our goal is to be part of your pets’ life from puppyhood to grey whiskers.

My Business: Island Veterinary Care is a mobile veterinary practice that brings the clinic to you.

We know that one of the most stressful aspects of a veterinary visit can be the ride to the clinic. We eliminate this stress by coming to you, offering a wide array of veterinary services in your pet’s familiar surroundings.

One Thing I’ve Learned the Hard Way: Although puppies are adorable and puppy breath is great, it always hurts when they bite you on the nose!

Dr. Shannon Barrett Island Veterinary Care 843-628-1941 • islandvetcare.com

From real estate agents to attorneys and landscapers to medical professionals these women are enhancing the future of Charleston.

Anna Camens Dinger, Camens Architectural Group.................Pg. 49 Camille Wish, Terrace Oaks Antiques.........................................Pg. 52 Caroline West, Gedney M. Howe, III, P.A. Attorneys at Law.............................................................................Pg. 51 Dr. Shannon Barrett, Island Veterinary Care...............................Pg. 56 Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union............................................Pg. 50 Jan Snook, Carolina One Real Estate...........................................Pg. 50

A special advertising section of Charleston Living Magazine

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Kathie Livingston, Nature Adventure Outfitters.........................Pg. 54 Kimberly Farfone Borts, Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community.................................................................Pg. 53 LaJuan Kennedy, Fred Holland Realty.........................................Pg. 52 Laura Pape, Carolina One Real Estate......................................... Pg. 54 Patty Craven, DIG Landscape......................................................Pg. 55 Sharon Campbell, Backyard Retreats............................................Pg. 48

56 May/June 2014 | 57

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Luxe Lodge

Designer Tina Williamson pulls out all the stops on this rustic quail hunting lodge that doubles as a family retreat

By LAUREN FRYE

Âť Photos by G. FRANK HART 58 May/June 2014 | 59

B B

ill Prestage’s hunting camp in Sampson County, NC

is a study in contrasts. The 5,600-acre quail preserve, complete with

picturesque 100-acre lake, tall pine trees and stately hunting lodge, can easily be classified as grand. But when you notice the way the red cedar shake exterior of the lodge melds seamlessly into the landscape, and how warm and homey the décor of the lodge feels, you also wouldn’t be wrong to call it cozy.

“The Prestage camp offers the best of both worlds: you have the epic scope of the property without giving up on any of the comfort,” says interior designer Tina Williamson, who’s keen eye for design helped Prestage and his wife Marsha strike the balance they were after in their gorgeous rural getaway.

Prestage, a long-time quail hunter, developed the camp primarily to allow guests to stay overnight for extended hunting trips on the property. The state of the art, fivestand skeet shooting station located close to the lodge shows visitors that there is more to add to their quail hunting experience. Of course, being able to host friends and family was also a goal, as was offering the property to employees, school, church and community groups for meetings and retreats. Prestage, owner and CEO of Prestage Farms, is a philanthropist by nature, and sharing his private retreat is just second nature.

Tina, owner of T. Williamson Interiors, joined the team of architect, builder and owner to help with the massive indoor/outdoor fireplace. “Bill wanted me to assess the color and scale of the stone he’d chosen for the fireplace, to make sure they worked with the rest of the space,” explains Williamson. “I fell in love with the lodge and wound up designing more features.” In fact, Williamson worked closely with Jimmy Burris, the builder, to finish the entire interior. She assessed the exposed cypress ceiling and fir beams, presented a total lighting plan and found handsome black chandeliers to compliment the fireplace.

Williamson’s relationship with the Prestages didn’t start with this project; in fact, they’ve been working together for more than 30 years, beginning when Prestage hired her to work on expanding Prestage Farms’ offices in Clinton, NC. Williamson clicked with both Bill and Marsha, and went on to do a second office expansion. When the

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The outside patio has expansive views of the 100-acre lake. (opposite) Exterior view showing the ranch-style Y-layout.

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The kitchen is open and large, perfect for entertaining. (below) The Texas sandstone floors wrap all the way around the home.

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Cozy sitting area with a built-in bar beside.

Prestages were building a home on Figure Eight Island, they called on Williamson for design services.

The sprawling, single story lodge sits on the edge of a quiet, 100acre lake, making it arguably one of the most placid and private spots in Eastern North Carolina. According to builder Jimmy Burris of Burris Construction, “there are very few properties that can rival this one in terms of size and beauty.” Burris should know; he built the lodge and has worked on many other projects with the Prestages over the years.

The lodge is roughly Y-shaped, with the main living areas situated in the center and four bedrooms divided equally between the two side wings. The living and dining area is close to 1,750 square feet and very

able porches allow guests to take advantage of the views and become one with the natural beauty.”

The lodge was designed to have a view of the lake from every bedroom, allowing the Prestages and their guests to take further advantage of the epic setting. “I love just sitting on the porch, listening to the quail sing,” says Prestage. “There’s nothing more relaxing.”

The most eye catching and impressive feature of the lodge is the indoor/outdoor fireplace. The mere size of the structure makes it the obvious focal point of the room: with a 12-foot wide hearth and vertical reach of 22 feet at the highest point, it commands attention, but not in an aggressive way. The rustic stone façade of the fireplace

“It’s so important to make choices that are going to work for your client. If the design of a room is beautiful but not functional, then it hasn’t succeeded.” open, which allows Prestage to easily bring family and friends together to celebrate and enjoy the space. “I love to be able to get the whole family, with all the grandkids and everything, together to enjoy this serene place,” says Prestage. “That’s what it’s all about.”

The lodge’s interior space totals 5,000 square feet, with an additional 3,000 in covered and screened porches, which feature Texas sandstone floors and wrap all the way around the building. “The porches play a key element in the design and use of the space,” explains Williamson. “The natural environment of the camp is such an important element in the whole experience, and the large, comfort-

gives it a gentle, vintage feel that lends a relaxed vibe to the space.

Williamson and Prestage had to make together while designing the lodge. According to Williamson, Prestage wanted the lodge to have a fairly traditional style that would appeal to a man here for a hunting trip. “Words like ‘traditional’ can be vague and hard to interpret into design ideas, but Prestage showed me pictures of another property he owned,and gave me very specific direction about the way he wanted the space to feel when it was done,” says Williamson.

“One of the first design ideas Prestage gave me was,‘I like the color of saddle leather.’ So I knew that’s where I had to start,” she smiles.

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Because Williamson was familiar with Prestage’s tastes from past projects, she knew he also had a fondness for soft leather sofas. Williamson knew furniture would be a great way to incorporate the saddle leather into the main area, but she had an additional challenge: the sofas had to be large enough to sleep comfortably on, for the occasions when Prestage’s guests outnumbered the bedrooms.

“I went to High Point to make furniture selections,” Williamson recalls. “I knew they had to be comfortable, I knew they had to be large, and I knew they had to fit in with the traditional hunting lodge theme I was working with.” When she found the right match, she had two custom sofas and twenty dining chairs made to fit Prestage’s specifications.

Williamson also knew Prestage likes a particular shade of green—a shade she describes as somewhere between bottle and forest—and she used it to personalize the space. “The green chenille chairs in the living room add softness while also bringing in a fun pop of color,” she says. “And they work well with the soft brown sofas and dark, heavy chandeliers.”

For Williamson, good design is not only about aesthet-

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ics; it’s also about matching the design of a home with the lifestyle of the homeowners. “It’s so important to make choices that are going to work for your client,” she says. “If a piece of furniture or the design of a room is beautiful but not functional, then it hasn’t succeeded.”

When Williamson began working on the furniture design for the lodge, she knew the dining room needed to be able to accommodate large parties, so she revisited the original design and added two large tables that seat 10 each. In the living room, she wanted guests to feel comfortable, so she had a large custom coffee table made using walnut with slate inserts, a choice Williamson calls “practical but beautiful.”

“The walnut is very rich in color, and the slate protects the table and allows guests to not have to worry about hurting the furniture.”

In the end, the project was success according to all parties. “I think we nailed it!” says Williamson. “This project was successful because the Prestages had a vision, and Burris and I were able to make selections to bring it to fruition. Open and honest communication was absolutely the key.” ¡

Shotguns polished and cleaned, waiting for another chance in the skeet shooting area (opposite).

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“The Mac” CAB Burger at The MacIntosh

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e at B u r g e r s

Here’s the Beef Charleston burger aficionados unveil the selections for 2014’s “Great Burgers of Charleston”

A A

By DAVID WILKINSON

sking someone to create a short list of charleston’s

great burger joints is like forcing someone to choose which one of their children

they love the most. Doing so is virtually impossible, and asking someone to do it in the first place just isn’t good manners.

However, we know our readers are a discerning group and no ordinary list would do, so the intrepid staff at Charleston Living made the tough decisions and did what we had to do to get this list compiled and onto the pages of the magazine – that’s right, we passed the job off to someone else! Lucky for us – and you – we have two nationallyrecognized burger experts right here in our own backyard.

The journey for Chevalo and Monique Wilsondebriano, the creative forces behind Charleston Gourmet Burger Company, has been a true American success story. Shortly after moving to Charleston from New York (where Chevalo was a member of the New York Fire Department’s EMS team and first-responder to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center), the couple quickly realized – with a little pushing and prodding from family and friends – that their passion for cooking the best backyard burgers in town could actually turn into a full-time venture.

Using their home-tested and family- and friendapproved marinade recipe, they launched Charleston Gourmet Burger Company and quickly gained a loyal, local following. Then, seemingly overnight, the business went from regional favorite to national darling as the couple and their marinade were featured on two nationally-televised shows, Food Network’s “Food Court Wars” and NBC’s “The Today Show”. The secret is now out, and the couple’s backyard marinade is going coast-to-coast.

Fret not, local burger lovers – despite their recent national success, the Wilsondebrianos are sticking to their Carolina roots. There marinade still sources Carolina-grown ingredients and can still be found at this season’s farmers markets in both Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston.

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So, without further ado, here it is – Charleston Living’s 2014 Great Burgers of Charleston list, prefaced with a few opening remarks from the Wilsondebrianos: Chevalo: We love burgers! Burgers have been part of our lives as far as we can remember. As a Paramedic First Responder with NYC Fire Department EMS and Charleston County EMS, I had to find quick eating choices in between emergency runs – and burgers fit the bill perfectly.

Monique: Upon meeting Chevalo, I realized that we had something in common because I love to travel and try different burger spots wherever I go. After years of experiencing countless burger joints together, we created a Gourmet Burger Marinade that, in our opinion, produces the tastiest burgers available.

Chevalo: With a bias towards burgers that have incredible flavor from the inside out (meaning a scrumptious meat patty that can stand on its own like a fine steak), we set out to compile our choices for “Great Burgers in Charleston”. In no particular order, here is our list. *CGBC = Charleston Gourmet Burger Co.

Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

CGBC Review: Great burger with great taste. Make sure to try the BBQ Bacon & Cheddar Burger – it’s a winner! On the side: Crab Balls – mini Charleston-style crab cakes served with vodka cocktail sauce or tartar sauce. While you wait: Try Moe’s Chicken Wings – skip the Hot sauce and go for MOE HOTTER. When to go: During your favorite sporting event – Moe’s has NFL Sunday Ticket, ESPN Gameplan, MLB packages & more.

843.641.0649, 714 Rutledge Ave., Charleston, moescrosstowntavern.com

Husk Restaurant

CGBC Review: The Husk ambiance alone makes it worth the price of admission.

The cheeseburger is grilled to perfection and filled with bacon flavor in the patty.

Just how we like it – flavor from the inside out. Summarized in one word – legendary.

What to drink: Choose from the extensive lineup of historic and modern cocktails,

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rare artisanal microbrews, or wines grouped by terroir and soil type. Did you know: Husk was named by Bon Appetite as ‘Best New Restaurant in America’ in 2011. Save room for: Pecan Tart, Bourbon-Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Sorghum-Caramel Sauce. When to go: Only after making reservations well in advance.

843.577.2500, 76 Queen St., Charleston, huskrestaurant.com/home

Poe’s Tavern

CGBG Review: Absolutely scrumptious burgers that never disappoints. We love the “Pit & the Pendulum” – the burger and the book. While you wait: Try a bowl of Edgar’s Drunken Chili. What to drink: Taste one (or more) of Poe’s 50+ beers, which tend toward “craft, high-gravity and local/regional selections”. When to go: On a sunny day, take advantage of Poe’s front porch and courtyard seating.

843.883.0083 2210 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, poestavern.com

The MacIntosh

CGBC Review: “The Mac” is a must eat for any burger connoisseur in Charleston.

Tasty, hearty and memorable. While you wait: Have a drink upstairs at “The Cocktail Club”. Save room for: Banana Mousse – fudge cake, milk chocolate peanut butter ganache and peanut brittle. Did you know: The MacIntosh has a homegrown feel to it – Executive Chef Jeremiah Bacon is a Charleston-native, and he likes to source local farms and purveyors.

843.789.4299, 479 King St., Charleston, themacintoshcharleston.com

Hall’s Chophouse

CGBC Review: You know a burger from a renowned steakhouse has to be good. The Halls Chophouse Burger is something everyone has to experience. So juicy, so scrumptious – simply amazing!

Too bad we’re only reviewing burgers and not fries, because their parmesan truffle fries are in a class by themselves. What to drink: Want to pair your burger with something other than a cold beer? Halls has one of the most exclusive wine lists in town, with over 100 selections. Save room for: Whiskey Bread Pudding, made with New Orleans style warm bread, sun dried

cherries, pecans & bourbon crème anglaise.

Did you know: Halls Chophouse ranked #4 in the OpenTable 2013 Diners’ Choice Top 100 Best restaurants in America list.

843.727.0090, 434 King St., Charleston, hallschophouse.com

SOL Southwest Kitchen & Tequila Bar

CGBC Review: A burger lover’s dream!

Not just beef burgers, either – they also offer turkey, chicken, tuna, and even bison. For traditionalists, make sure to try the Texas BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger – Delicious. On the side: Get creative and pair your burger with something other than fries – try the roasted poblano and smoked gouda grits.

While you wait: Order a drink at the Tequila Bar. Drinks are made with citrus juices fresh squeezed each day at the bar.

The tequila selections are endless, and you can drink your favorite at the huge maple wood bar. Did you know: SOL believes in “Kitchen Karma”, which is their program for giving back to the community. On special nights, proceeds from meals and drinks go to a local charitable organization.

843.388.4302, 1101 Stockade Lane, Mount Pleasant, solmtpleasant.com

Dunleavy’s Pub

CGBC Review: What makes a Dunleavy’s Pub burger a favorite is that it is just a great burger – the bun is so good it can be eaten on its own. But, when sandwiched with a tasty meat patty and cheese – so good.

On the side: In lieu of fries, go with the loaded baked potato. There’s a nominal $2 upcharge, but you’ll look more like a true Irishman. Did you know: After 20+ years in business, this popular Sullivan’s Island pub is still family-owned & operated – and proud of it. Second generation family members are now helping run the business. Insider’s tip: Be sure to bring cash because Dunleavy’s does not accept credit cards. There is an ATM on site for those not in the know – and for those wanting a second round of burgers!

843.388.4302, 2213 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, dunleavysonsullivans.com

Sesame Burgers

CGBC Review: This place is for Burger Lovers! Sesame Burgers have been our

PHOTO (halls chophouse) ASHLEY WALKER

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Halls Chophouse Burger.

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The Sleeper Burger at Poe’s Tavern.

“go to” spot when we have a craving for a burger that won’t disappoint. Try the hamburger sliders so you can sample three burger choices. Don’t worry – they are all good. On the side: Put a little twist on the traditional pairing of fries with your Sesame burger by choosing the sweet potato fries, which are lightly dusted with Parmesan – goes great with their homemade ketchup. Did you know: Sesame uses only hormone-free and pasture-raised beef, and their restaurants are built with sustainable materials and ecologically sound building practices. What to drink: If you’re not thirsty for one of the craft beers from their amazing selection, then you might opt for a homemade shake, which are offered up in traditional and special flavors.

Mount Pleasant: 843.884.5553, N. Charleston: 843.554-4903, West Ashley: 843.766.7770

Big Billy’s Burger Joint

CGBC Review: Big Billy knows burgers, and your mouth will start watering as soon as you walk in. We built our own simple

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burgers and the quality of the angus beef was evident in every bite. Loved it! Win your meal: Conquer Big Billy’s “Belt Buster Challenge” and your meal is free, plus you get a t-shirt and your name on a plaque.

Simply finish all of a double patty burger with grilled cheese in the middle, an order of loaded nachos, fries and a signature shake – all within 20 minutes. Did you know: A key ingredient in these burgers is the bun, which is made fresh daily by local artisans at Saffron Bakery. When to go: Get a break in price but still the same high-quality burger on Thursday’s Half Price Burger Night, from 4-9PM. 843.737.4212, 5070 International Blvd., N. Charleston, bigbillysburgerjoint.com

Matt’s Burgers

CGBC Review: Matt gives special attention to the meat patty before cooking, resulting in an extremely delectable burger.

Matt’s is a short trip to Summerville and it’s more than worth the effort. Try the chili cheese burger – it’s yummy. On the

side: Try the Frito Pie – it’s as good as it sounds: a bed of FRITO’s covered with chili, lettuce, tomato, and American and hot pepper cheese. Insider’s tip: Ask for beans and onions on the Frito Pie – they will add it upon request. When to go: Matt’s is closed on Sunday and has limited hours on Mondays and Tuesdays, 11Am – 3PM. Open till 11PM the rest of the week.

843.821.1911, 102 South Cedar St., Summerville

Tattooed Moose

CGBC Review: To be featured on The Food Network you have to be something special, and the “Tattooed Moose Burger” is extra special and unique in flavor. Incredibly delicious! Did you know: The Tattooed Moose’s ‘Famous Duck Club Sandwich’ was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”.

When to go: This is a great lunch or dinner neighborhood pub, but it’s also a great late night spot with “good beer, cheap beer, lots of shots, and a kitchen that’s open ‘til 1am!”

Insider’s tip: After 5PM, you can park next

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door at DwellSmart (formerly Berlin’s), but do not park in the old gas station lot next door - you will be towed or booted.

843.277.2990, 1137 Morrison Dr., Charleston, tattooedmoose.com

Parson Jack’s Cafe

CGBC Review: If you’re hungry, then you gotta get over to Parson Jack’s! The meatiest, most well, done-up burger around. ‘PJ’s Half Pound Fresh Ground Burger’ is an experience. Thoroughly enjoyable. On the side: You can’t go wrong with the fries – they are beerbattered AND bottomless! Save room for: Wholly Snick - O-REO Pie. Locally made vanilla ice cream with chopped Snickers bars served in an Oreo cookie crust. Yes, this is a real thing. What to drink: Choose from an ample beer menu of domestic, import, draft and craft beers. Drink a Chimay and you not only get a great craft beer, but you also help support Trappist monks in Belgium.

843.769.7775, 3417 Shelby Ray Ct., Charleston, parsonjackscafe.com

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Big Gun Burger Shop

CGBC Review: A place for burger aficionado’s, Big Gun serves it up right with a selection of gourmet artisan burgers that made our mouth water. The Bungalow Burger is incredibly tasty and next level.

Will try the venison burger next time (we heard they are great). While you wait: Start your meal off with an order of Mac N Cheese Fritters made of spicy gouda mornay sauce. What to drink: Forgo the craft beers or expensive wines and instead go with an old school Nehi Grape Soda, a soft drink founded by a Georgia grocer 90 years ago. Insider’s tip: – Big Gun will deliver to your home or hotel in Charleston.

843.789.3821, 137 Calhoun St., Charleston, bigguncharleston.com

HOM

CGBC Review: What a fun place with an unbelievable burger selection. The “Backyard Burger” was right up our alley and had the excellent flavor that we love. Did you

know: HOM isn’t just a burger joint – it’s a full-on pong lounge with tournament-style tables and league play! On the side: Go with the Dragon Fries, which consists of duck confit, creamy thai red curry, pepper jack, tomatoes, lettuce and roasted garlic sour cream. When to go: Pencil in Monday night’s on your calendar – this is “classic burger and beer night”.

843.573.7505, 563 King St., Charleston, homcharleston.com

The Griffon

CGBC Review: The Griffon Burger has “gourmet” written all over it. Well thought out, and grilled and plated to perfection. A beautifully soft and tasty bun. In a word – Excellent! On the side: Tired of fries? You can’t miss with the fried pickles – either as an appetizer or as a side for your burger. Did you know: In 2013, The Griffon was named

by Southern Living as one of the “Best Bars of the South”. Insider’s tip: Many Charleston chefs head here after work. Strike up a

Husk Cheeseburger at Husk Restaurant.

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“Build Your Own” Burger at Sesame Burgers

conversation with a stranger at the bar and you might get some expert culinary advice!

843.723.1700, 18 Vendue Range, Charleston, griffoncharleston.com

Jim ‘N Nicks

CGBC Review: World famous for bar-

becue, the “Hamburger Dave” and “John T. Pimento Burger” are so tasty that it is evident that the owners know how to create dishes that represent Charleston, the Carolina’s and all that’s good in the South. While you wait: Whatever you do – don’t skip the cheese biscuits! Did you

know: Jim ‘N Nicks was named the best barbecue chain in the country by The Daily Meal. Save room for: Mable’s Homemade Pies, made fresh in each store daily.

843.577.0406, 288 King St., Charleston, and 843.747.3800, 4964 Centre Point Dr., N.Charleston, jimnnicks.com ¡

The Charleston Gourmet Burger Company’s marinade has taken the backyard burger nation by storm! What’s the secret? Well, if marinade creators Chevalo and Monique Wilsondebriano told us, then it would no longer be a secret. However, they do let on that they use nine Lowcountry spices and herbs to create their sent-from-the-heavens marinade, which is designed to enhance the natural flavors of the meat, not overwhelm it. In their words, the marinade “produces the juiciest, most flavorful marinade around – no fancy toppings necessary!”

Chevalo and Monique also make a point to emphasize the healthy goodness of the marinade – it’s all-natural, gluten-free, low sodium and low calorie, and does not contain high fructose corn syrup or MSG. So, the marinade tastes great, doesn’t drown out the burger’s natural flavors and is just about as healthy as any marinade can be. I think we just found the secret to their success, after all!

If you enjoy the marinade, then keep an eye out for other products coming soon, including their own mustard, ketchup and “Church Tea”, made from a family recipe. charlestongourmetburger.com

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PHOTO (Dunleavy’s Pub) ASHLEY WALKER

Magic Sauce

The Carolina Burger at Dunleavy’s Pub

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SUMMER TRAVEL

Wherever you want to go – alone, romantic escape, family trip or girlfriend weekend, these destinations offer fabulous ways to relax and unwind.

By Katie McElveen

Bald Head Island

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S

ome people start planning their summer vacations in September.

Others wait until May. Or maybe

June. If you fall into the second camp and are just starting to think about where you’ll spend your precious time away from work, we’ve got you covered.

Each of these seven locales, some near, some far, offers something special, be it a fabulous culinary scene, lots of history or remarkable scenery.

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Bald Head Island, North Carolina There’s nothing like a week at the beach, but between finding parking and battling traffic, having a car, though necessary, can be a hassle.

This year, instead of fighting the battle, give up, and head to Bald Head Island, where you’ll park your car in a lot, hop onto a ferry and, 20 minutes later, emerge in a blissfully car-free zone where visitors and residents get around on bikes, golf carts and their own two feet. And where can those modes of transport take you? First stop is the beach, 14 miles of golden sand lapped by the seemingly endless Atlantic, positioned so that you can see the sun rise and set over the ocean every day. During the summer, the Bald Head Island Conservancy offers sea turtle walks for members several nights during the week. Then there’s the M. Kent Mitchell nature trail, which winds through an ancient maritime forest and a sunny tidal salt marsh. Finally, climb the 108 steps to the top of Old Baldy, the 1817 lighthouse that was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson. There’s also shopping, golf, tennis and a spa. When it’s time to get off the land, hit the creeks on a kayak or canoe, charter a boat for a day or fishing or try your hand at sailing, kiteboarding or stand up paddleboarding. Island rental homes come in all shapes and sizes, from cozy cottages to sprawling beach houses. For more information, visit baldheadisland.com

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SUMMER TRAVEL

Sonoma

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Park City, Utah It’s no secret that Park City, Utah is one of America’s top ski destinations. But come summer, when the mountains shed their wintry coats, the temperature hovers around 80 degrees and hotel room prices plummet, a new different Park City emerges. Hikers and mountain biker replace skiers and snowboarders on the chairlifts, passing over horseback riders on their way to the top. Activities abound: Mountain roller coasters and slides, bobsled runs and ziplines keep adrenaline junkies happy, but there’s also fishing, golf, free summer concerts, Park City’s Olympic Park and a zillion activities for kids.

Park City actually comprises three resorts: Deer Valley, Canyons and Park City Mountain, all lined up along a seven-mile stretch of roadway. Within each resort, you’ll find easy access to activities along with hotels and restaurants at every level. Park City’s historic Main Street, where Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival takes place every January, sits between Deer Valley and Park City Mountain resorts.

Boutiques, galleries, coffee shops and restaurants line the streets. For dinner, head to the stylish Riverhorse on Main, where chefs work wonders with preparing regional dishes like buffalo tartar, Snake River Kobe beef, sockeye salmon and elk. Still, the potstickers and panna cotta are worthy competition. Saunter into the saloon-like High West Distillery for stickto-your-ribs eats updated with chef-driven twists—burgers are a blend of organic bison and beef and come with house-cured pickles—and creative bourbon drinks crafted from the distillery’s own hootch. Top stays include the St. Regis and Montage in Deer Valley, in town, the historic but chic Washington School House Inn. For more information: visitparkcity.com Park City

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Sonoma, California Most people experience Sonoma as part of a wine-fueled day trip from nearby San Francisco, but the county, which is about the size of Rhode Island, is worth getting to know better. Beyond more than 400 wineries, you’ll find a dramatic Pacific coastline, majestic redwood trees and winding rivers.

With shops, tasting rooms and restaurants arrayed around a pretty town square, Healdsburg is a charismatic base camp. Bed down at Hotel Healdsburg, which is steps away from dining and shopping. Rooms are edgy but comforting thanks to fluffy down comforters on the beds, colorful Tibetan rugs, mustardhued walls and oversized soaking tubs.

For dinner, beeline to Dry Creek Kitchen, where local, seasonal ingredients give New American cuisine a dose of California cool, or Anguilla

to Scopa, for homestyle Italian specialties in a hip, bustling space.

Biking is one of the best ways to explore Sonoma County, for a real workout, try the Coleman Valley Loop, a scenic 30-mile round-trip from Healdsburg to the seaside town of Bodega Bay. While you’re there, kayak with harbor seals or check out scenery from Hitchcock’s classic movie The Birds, which was filmed in town.

When it’s time to visit a winery, make it special with Jordan’s Estate Tour and Tasting, a moveable feast through the 1,200-acre estate with stops like Chardonnay pairings at Jordan Lake and a seated Cabernet Sauvignon pairing on Jordan’s highest hilltop with 360-degree views of three wine valleys. For more information, visit Sonomacounty.com

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Anguilla, British West Indies Surprise! When the temperature and the humidity have both reached 98 in Columbia, chances are it’s a breezy, sunny 88 in the Caribbean, with a lot less humidity. And if it’s low-key luxury you’re after, head to Anguilla, a diminutive isle located just a few miles, yet a world away, from bustling St. Maarten.

Rimmed with billowy pale-pink sand lapped by evanescent turquoise water, Anguilla is a star in its own right, as beautiful

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as any island and as tranquil as a daydream.

And whether it’s served in an elegant dining room or yards from the beach, the island’s food is some of the best in the Caribbean.

Diners flock to Veya’s for crayfish in ginger beurre blanc and shrimp in a coconut curry sauce, all served on a second-story porch tucked into a tropical garden. At Blanchard’s in Meads Bay, order anything bathed in the restaurant’s signature red thai curry sauce and the cracked coconut dessert – a handmade chocolate shell filled with coconut ice cream and a nip of Bailey’s.

The island’s top resorts have also gotten into the culinary scene. The hippest spot in on the island is the Sunset Lounge at Viceroy Anguilla, where creative sushi, salmon poke and kobe beef sliders are served on low-slung couches with views over the infinity pool to the ocean. If you decide to stay the night, book one of the rooftop studios, which sports a spiral staircase to a very private top-floor balcony set with a plunge pool and lounge chairs. For more information, visit ivisitanguilla.com

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Savannah,, Georgia With Charleston less than two hours away, Savannah is often overlooked by many Carolinians, but the city, with its checkerboard of 22 leafy squares and riverfront location, has a personality all its own.

There’s plenty to do beyond the squares, too. If it’s just too hot to be outside, check out the modernist Jepson Center for the Arts, the more classic Telfair Academy and the interactive children’s ArtZeum. Or just shop. Broughton Street is the city’s bestknown block, and for good reason: locallyowned boutiques like Paris Market, Villa Savannah and 24e are fresh, friendly and chic.

Closer to Forsyth Park (and just around the corner from Mercer House, which was made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil), Savannah’s design district runs along Whitaker Street. Here, you can check out modern edgy designs at Custard or Trunk 13, immerse yourself in antique furnishings, peruse E. Shaver’s twelve rooms of books or check out home design trends.

Save time for shopSCAD, where you’ll delight in the works from the artistic minds of the students and instructors from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Savannah is filled with unique stays: Perched above the Savannah River, the Bohemian Hotel echoes the city’s maritime heritage with nautical artwork and riverinspired elements like driftwood and industrial

Savannah

ironwork ; rooms have shell-covered chandeliers, furnishings built to resemble old sea chests and large, modern granite baths. Occupying a prime spot in front its namesake green space, the Mansion on Forsyth Park is both exuberant and eclectic: one-of-a-kind Versace furnishings and 200-year-old pink marble columns fill a lobby that peeks into a pool area covered with a dramatic white canopy. For more information, visit visitsavannah.com

Captain Tuck

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Beaufort, South Carolina Beaufort gained fame for its starring role in the movie The Big Chill (you’ll recognize the house at 1 Laurens Street); star Tom Berenger loved the city so much that he stayed. It’s no wonder: attitude-free galleries, boutiques (a few chocolate alligators from the Chocolate Tree make snappy gifts for your dog sitter and plant waterer), coffee shops and restaurants are tucked under the city’s ancient live-oak trees and along the pretty waterfront; stroll the neighborhoods behind New Street and just try to choose a favorite among the rambling historic homes that sit shaded under veils of Spanish moss.

Locals flock to hip Breakwater for tapas and grilled mahi; cruise east on the Sea Island Parkway to the Shrimp Shack, where you can feast on signature shrimpburgers on the back porch. That same road will also take you to the Penn Center, which was founded

by Quaker missionaries as a school for freed slaves in 1862 and has become a museum and center for Gullah culture. The 50-acre site includes historic buildings (including the cottage where Martin Luther King stayed) and old burial grounds; at the museum, you can listen to the recorded voices of students sharing their stories.

Beaufort’s maze of rivers and tidal creeks are easily explored by kayak; choose nature tours where you’ll be eye-to-eye with alligators and snapping turtles, or get a different perspective on the town’s graceful downtown and view it from the water via kayak.

Stay at one of the city’s many historic inns, or go modern and book one of the two rooms at Greyhound Flats, with their funky bright-and-brown color scheme, heavenly bathrooms and central downtown location.

For more information, visit beaufortsc.org 76 May/June 2014 | 77

SUMMER TRAVEL

Barnsley Resort

additional 19th-century structures that dot the property. Dine at one of the resort’s two restaurants – one of which is located in an 1850’s plantation house – or find your own perfect spot within the resort and let the staff create a dining room just for you. There’s even a European-style beer garden.

Sophisticated but beautifully rustic, Barnsley’s 73 rooms, suites and cottages are individually decorated and come with amenities like oversized soaking tubs, pine floors, working fireplaces and window seats. Choose from single rooms, or rent one of the charming multi-bedroom timbered homes within the property. For more information, visit barnsleyresort.com

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Big Canoe, Jasper, Georgia Big Canoe

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Barnsley Resort, Adairsville,, Georgia When Prince Hubertus Fugger Babenhausen of Augsberg, Germany purchased the former Woodlands Plantation outside Adairsville, Georgia, in 1989, the gardens were overgrown and the historic buildings in ruins. After two years of painstaking restoration, he opened it to the public as Barnsley Gardens, naming it 78 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

for Godfrey Barnsley, who owned the original plantation. Today, the 3,300-acre property has been transformed into Barnsley Resort, a garden-filled retreat where, beyond pursuits like golf on the Jim Fazio-designed course or treatments in the spa, guests can, among other activities, hunt for quail, pheasant and turkey, shoot sporting clays, ride horseback through cool meadows, fly fish, kayak and play tennis. A full-time historian cares for the on-site museum, which is filled with artifacts from both the Barnsley family and the Civil War and sits next to the ruins of the plantation’s original home; walking trails lead past

Family vacations can be daunting. Too much to do, and you come home more exhausted than when you left. Too little, and the television or computer becomes the sole source of entertainment. And then there’s your lodging. It’s tough to relax when everyone is sharing a single hotel room. That’s why families flock to Big Canoe, an 8,000-acre private community an hour outside of Atlanta. There are lots of cool activities for kids and their parents to pursue together, while summer camps give parents time on their own for golf on the 27-hole championship course, a massage at the community’s own spa or tennis. Three lakes, one with a sand beach, mean families can spend time swimming, fishing and exploring by electric boat, kayak, canoe or even pedal boat. Landlubbers can discover the landscape on the 22 miles of hiking trails that loop through a property filled with deer, woodpeckers and other wildlife.

Community activities – canoe races, holiday festivals and movie nights – offer a place to visit with other families. Lodging options are equally varied, from one and two bedroom condominiums to spacious five-bedroom homes with screened-in porches, large designer kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs, playrooms for the kids and large flat-screen televisions. Whatever you choose, bed linens, towels and the final cleanup are all included in the price. Best of all, some of Big Canoe’s home can be rented for less than a week, making the community an easy weekend getaway. For more information, visit bigcanoe.com

The Swag Country Inn Remote, Rustic, Refined Remarkable

By Katherine Pettit

S S

wa g c o u n t r y i n n ,

perfectly sited next door to The Great

Smoky Mountains National Park, has become an enduring tradition for families, couples and friends who’ve discovered its tranquil beauty and appealing amenities.

The Inn rests along the Cataloochee Divide, which is a huge ridge forming one of the National Park’s boundaries. In fact, four of North Carolina’s highest mountain ranges are visible from the inn. No newcomer to the area, Swag Country Inn has been in operation for more than 30 years, winning many awards along the way. A few notable achievements: It made 1000 Places to See Before You Die, the New York Times bestseller; for five of the last six years, it’s been on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List of “Top Places to Stay in the World;” it’s listed as one of “America’s Most Charming Inns” by Departures magazine, and Wall Street Journal calls it one of the “10 coziest Hotels in the United States.”

Part of the charm of Swag Country Inn comes from a rustic exterior that gives way to an interior with all of the pampering amenities you’d expect from the finest luxury hotel.

Guests enjoy steam showers, satellite radio, Bose sound systems and Wireless Internet service. Your in-room coffee maker includes a bean grinder for the freshest brew. Your refrigerator is well-stocked.

You may want to leave the electronics at home (or at least unplugged), because there are so many ways to relax and unwind while you enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.

Remember to take your personalized hiking stick with you for a long walk in the woods (it’s yours to carry home). Or discover one of the three Swag ‘hideaways’ on the property.

Be sure to take advantage of the outdoor hot

tub with endless views, or perhaps a sauna after your hike is more your style.

In addition to long walks and/or mountain hikes, guests enjoy racquetball, wallyball, croquet, horseshoes, corn hole and badminton courts.

For some, grabbing a good book from the library and cocooning on the lawn is the ultimate form of relaxation, but for those who love a bit more stimulation, The Swag offers special events throughout the season. You may want to make your reservation when a birding expert is offering before-breakfast birding on the lawn, or when Don Davis, renowned storyteller, is leading hikes in the mountains.

Another favorite event is “Black Bears ad Unhuggables,” with Michael R. Pelton and Tamra L. Willis, who lead memorable hikes, programs and conversations about all things wild. Songwriters, storytellers, naturalists, and experts of all kinds have become favorites for

families who return to The Swag year after year.

There are family reunions, romantic getaways, anniversary celebrations, girlfriend escapes and unique corporate outings. The food is delicious, and they’ll even pack your lunch to take on a morning hike. Don’t miss The Swag’s renowned Picnic each Wednesday at 5,000 feet up on Gooseberry Knob!

Note: The Swag Country Inn is in a dry county, so bring your adult beverages with you. Your wine can chill in your in-room fridge while you play around the property. ¡

Near Waynesville, NC and about 50 minutes west of Asheville.

1-800-789-7672 www.theswag.com 78 May/June 2014 | 79

Stay Awhile

C l o s e s t

b e a C h

t o

h i s t o r i C

C h a r l e s t o n ,

www.follybeachsouthcarolina.org

80 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

s o u t h

C a r o l i n a

Health Children’s Health | DIABETES

Annual Checkups

PHOTO ISTOCK

Keeping up to date on the latest in children’s health is a constant challenge.

80 May/June 2014 | 81

HEALTH | CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Pediatric Health Helpful tips on staying up to date with your tots to teens

T T

By COLLEEN TROY

he information available to expecting and new

parents is copious. And while it can also be daunting,

this abundance of advice means parents can easily assess up-to-date info on ages, stages, illnesses and mysteries involving their new babies. But around the time children become verbal, they also become more complex. Parents seeking up-to-the-minute advice on raising their tots-toteens are encouraged to find a good medical home, to keep a watchful eye on their kids, and to trust their own instincts.

82 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Just ask pediatrician Elizabeth Milliron, mother of a toddler and five-month-old triplets. To say she marinates in all things pediatric health would be an understatement. So we ran a few “what’s a mom to do” questions by her: CL: Parenting in the internet age is challenging. How do parents get reliable info about their children’s health?

Milliron: We understand parents’ desire to have information at their fingertips, but sadly, there is a lot of inaccurate information out there. Stick with websites authored by medical personnel, like healthychildren.org. Many practices, like ours at Coastal Pediatrics, offer educational information on their websites.

And we also encourage questions by email through our patient portal. Good information should not be hard to come by!

CL: How important are well checks from toddler to teen years? Can you skip a year?

Milliron: Annual checks are instrumental in monitoring health, growth, development and immunizations. We can discover health problems that aren’t evident to the naked eye – like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which more children have. Well checks also provide a chance for candid conversation between the child, the parent and the doctor.

CL: Vaccines and boosters get a lot of attention – some bad. What should parents know?

Milliron: I believe all vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatricians are necessary. Vaccines prevent illnesses – many of which are life threatening – in children.

And vaccines have also made many illnesses very rare in the U.S. Without universal vaccination, some illnesses are returning. Choosing not to vaccinate risks your own child’s health, and the health of those with whom they come in contact.

CL: If you had to pick one truly healthy habit for families to adopt, what would it be?

Milliron: Be active at least an hour a day! It is so important for children to have physical activity for their overall health. Being active with your children allows parents to set good examples for their children, gives opportunities for bonding, and promotes overall health. This often goes along with limiting time children spend in front of a television or other electronic device.

Here’s a second: eat together as a family.

With our busy lives, it can be challeng-

ing to find time to eat together as a family.

But it provides a great time to catch up and discuss family matters. Recent studies have found children in families that eat together have lower incidence of substance use, teen pregnancy, depression, lower rates of obesity and eating disorders, as well as higher grade point averages, vocabulary, and self esteem.

There are not many other activities that take only about an hour a day and have so many benefits.

Go or No Go? Advice from an ER Pediatrician “I have to admit, I really feel for parents,” says Dr. Douglas Holtzman, Trident Health’s director of pediatric emergency services. “Figuring out when to go to the emergency room and when not to do so…the odds are stacked against you.”

Indeed, discerning the severity of a child’s injury – or lack thereof – can test the best instincts of a concerned parent or guardian. Gushing blood? A raging fever? Intense peevishness?

Defining “Fever” Holtzman acknowledges that parents are often challenged by fevers. “We pediatricians tell you to bring in your infant when fever hits 100.4, but we forget to tell you that the same fever in a six month old is no big deal.”

Children grow and evolve. They run hotter than older kids and adults. As they mature, they can handle a higher fever. But by the time they hit their high teens, their adult bodies once again adjust. The result: your 8 year old can power through a 104 fever that would bring your 18 year old to his knees.

“Fever is an indication that something is going on. Parents are often puzzled when we release a kid with a high fever,” says Holtzman. “But in the end, it’s important to assess what else is going on, what’s been ruled out, and what’s likely.”

Best rule of thumb? Call your pediatrician first. If you’re convinced it’s an emergency, head that way.

This summer, send your 7 to 16-year-olds to Trident Technical College for camps designed especially for kids!

Math and Science Creative Arts Video Game Design Culinary and Pastry Delights LEGO® Engineering Mania

Bumps, Bruises and Worse

Dr. Elizabeth Milliron

Toddlers suffer spiral fractures. Growing kids get green-twig fractures. Head gashes bleed in obvious ways; internal injuries are hidden from view.

It’s a wonder we don’t swath our kids in bubble wrap from the toddler to teen years.

“When in doubt, bring your kid in,” says Holtzman. “We will never ridicule a parent or guardian for coming to the emergency department.”

Continuing Education Register Now for Summer Camps

ONLINE: www.tridenttech.edu/ce.htm PHONE: 843.574.6152 82 May/June 2014 | 83

HEALTH | CHILDREN’S HEALTH

In fact, he adds, he teaches his residents that they need to pay careful attention to parents. “We believe moms really do know best.

If mom tells you there’s a problem, listen.”

had a cut that may have been exposed. And believe me, you don’t ever want your 20 yearold to contract chicken pox. It’s horrible. But all of these things are completely preventable.”

The nation’s ER pediatricians are putting together a bullying awareness program, to better train front-line medical professionals to help their young patients.

“For us, a bad asthma attack may be of greater concern than an open head wound.

Caregivers must be very aware of their child’s basic health needs. Problems can escalate.”

New Millennium Maladies

Dr. Douglas Holtzman

Holtzman cites a few new trends he sees in the ER: A growing number of children are presenting with serious illnesses like measles and rubella. “I just told a family yesterday that there is no cure for tetanus, and their child

Holtzman also sees a rise in patients presenting with behavioral issues, including depression, aggression and attempted suicides. “It’s incredibly sad,” he says, noting that the nation’s ER pediatricians are putting together a bullying awareness program, to better train front-line medical professionals to help their young patients.

Finally, Holtzman says too many of his shifts include visits by children beset with what were formerly “adult” diseases like hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. “Obesity causes other serious conditions, and they land too many young people in the hospital. “ ¡

When Playing Stops Being Fun Year-round sports and early specialization have been blamed in part for a dramatic growth in pediatric sports injuries. University of Connecticut researches recently dubbed the trend “a silent epidemic,” noting adolescents are just as susceptible to overuse and traumatic joint/extremity injuries as adults.

But, those injuries can look different than they do in older patients. And treatments for adults aren’t always appropriate for children. For example, experts must be aware of when to use metal inserts, and when to avoid them (they can stunt growth in young bones).

Dr. Benjamin “Benjie” Rodgers is a pediatric sports medicine specialist with Sweetgrass Pediatrics. He notes that in growing children, injuries to the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints are different than for adults.

He is a credentialed ImPACT consultant who works with area schools and athletes to keep them in game shape.

Parents with active children and teens are advised to look for sports-medicine specialists when facing medical problems like:

» Sprains and strains » Dislocations » Ligament injuries » Minor fractions and avulsions » Apophysitis » Tendinitis

84 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

» Cartilage injuries » Exercise-induced asthma » Concussions » Nutrition and supplement issues » Diabetes

» Eating disorders » Heat illness » Unique conditions of the

athlete with special needs Overuse injurie

»

Creative. Collaborative. Purposeful.

I love to build using my imagination.

I am Riley Kerr ‘21, and I am Ashley Hall.

“I love to learn through the projects our teachers give us. It makes learning fun! My favorite has been our Lego League project. We built from our imaginations not from instructions, and when you can experiment like that, you build at your own risk. It was great! Our group was a great size to work together because when you are sharing ideas and you are all different, you can put all those different ideas together to make something really big.”

To learn more about Ashley Hall please contact us at 843-965-8501 or admission@ashleyhall.org.

www.ashleyhall.org

Are you Ashley Hall?

Ashley Hall provides a classical education with faculty and programs committed to producing educated women who are independent , ethically responsible and prepared to meet the challenges of society with confidence. Accepting girls 2 years - 12th grade and boys 2 - 5 years.

84 May/June 2014 | 85

Call about our May feline special!

Give the gift that lasts all year long... a subscription to

Monday-Friday 7:30 am-7pm Saturday 8am - noon Located in the Shoppes at Seaside Farms Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Dr. Cara Daniel

Annual Exams, Vaccines, Surgery, Dentistry, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Laser Therapy

843 . 856 . 7300 www.tidewater veterinar y.com

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Just fill out the postcard in this issue, call 843.856.2532 or go to

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HEALTH | DIET

Nutrition and Diabetes What you need to know now

Salad – ©istock/monebook

By Edna Cox Rice RD, CSG, LD

D D

iet is essential in the prevention,

treatment and control of diabetes. Many people associate

diabetes with avoiding sugar, but it involves so much more than simply steering clear of sugar alone. In fact, sugar is not all bad; sugar or glucose is the body’s preferred choice of fuel for energy. Glucose is crucial for the body’s health and wellness, and provides energy to the brain, muscles and tissues. Diabetics are unable to use and metabolize sugars and starches, causing increased blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia.

Type 1 Diabetes, formerly referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is needed to take glucose into the body’s cells to produce energy. Type 2 Diabetes, once known as adultonset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, also impacts the way the body utilizes sugar. With Type 2, the body either does not produce enough insulin or resists the effectiveness of insulin. Untreated, either type of diabetes can lead to serious health consequences.

Today, 26 million Americans – children and adults – have diabetes. It is more prevalent and striking at any age; one in 400 children and adolescents has diabetes. South Carolina ranks 10th highest in the nation in the percent of population with diabetes. Diabetics are increased risk for other serious health issues such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness and amputations.

Preventing diabetes can often be as easy as following a healthful diet and maintaining a desirable body weight. Being overweight is a primary contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes; more than 3 out of 4 diabetics are overweight. Weight loss alone can have a big impact on diabetes prevention and control; every pound of weight lost counts. Participants in one large study lost around 7 percent of their body weight and exercised regularly; they reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 60 percent. Staying at a healthy weight is a weight that is right for you. Experts now assess obesity and overweight by using body mass index (BMI). Check your BMI at www.bmi-calculator.net.

86 May/June 2014 | 87

HEALTH | DIET

Deciding when, what and how much to eat can be a challenge for anyone, but are key to managing diabetes. There’s no such thing as a “diabetic meal plan,” but planning does make a difference.

Some Tips to Remember: n Eat at regular times n Include foods high in fiber; eat whole-grain breads and cereals

instead of refined breads, cereals and sugars

n Drink water or sugar-free beverages n Snack on raw veggies or fruit n At meals – cover half of your plate with vegetables; one quarter

of your plate with starchy foods; one quarter with protein

n Set a goal to eat 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily

(other than white potatoes, corn, or peas)

n Reduce total fat intake to less than 30 percent of total calories;

choose unsaturated fats rather than saturated

n Walk briskly or engage in some form of physical activity at

least 30 minutes daily

Having diabetes doesn’t mean a low-carb diet or avoiding carbohydrates altogether is necessary. It’s all about balance. Research shows that many types of eating patterns can work to manage diabetes. Carbohydrates can be worked into the overall diet. Choosing healthy carbohydrate foods, eating regular meals and portion control are helpful tools to keep your carb intake consistent. When choosing carbohydrates for meals focus on fiber and portion. The best carb choices include: n Fresh, frozen or fruit canned without added sugars n Whole grains such as 100% whole wheat bread, brown rice,

oatmeal and quinoa

n Starchy vegetables like potatoes, winter squash, pumpkin, corn,

parsnips and plantains

n Beans, legumes and peas n Non-fat dairy such as 1% milk, skim milk and non-fat yogurt n Be vigilant about the portions Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens, tomatoes, and carrots are relatively low in carbohydrate, about 5 grams in one half cup (this may vary). So including a full cup serving of any of these veggies is an excellent source of carbohydrates to include on your plate.

Most important to the diabetic diet is including a variety of healthy carbohydrates.

Special diabetic foods are not necessary; diabetics can enjoy the same wide variety available to the non-diabetics.

Sugary foods, like most sweets and desserts, prepared

88 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

with table sugar, dextrose, corn syrup, “natural “sugars or brown sugar should be limited or avoided. It’s best to avoid sugary drinks all together and stick to zero-calorie beverages like water or unsweetened tea. Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame and sucrolose can be an effective tool for diabetics. No sugar substitute is risk free and studies have shown they are not very effective aids for weight loss. Sensitive people have experienced a variety of symptoms when using some sugar substitutes, but used in moderation they are considered relatively safe.

Everyone, not only diabetics, should eat a healthy diet and stay physically active. Managing diabetes is a life-long responsibility. A few lifestyle changes can be big steps toward preventing or delaying diabetes and complications associated with the disease – it’s never too late to start! ¡

Food DINING OUT | SUSHI | IN THE KITCHEN | RESTAURANT GUIDE

Cerignola Olives Pizza

Photo by Andrew Cebulka

Thin crusted pizza with Cerignola olives, mozzarella, Calabrian chili and basil at Indaco.

88 May/June 2014 | 89

FOOD | DINING OUT

Indaco Italian food and wine

I

By WENDY SWAT SNYDER

I

n a town like charleston,

known for its food and hospitality, it's not always easy to stand out in the crowded restaurant scene. But in the heart of the Upper King Street dining district, Indaco is making its name serving rustic Italian fare delivered with an intense focus on over the top service. The restaurant is the vision of managing partner Steve Palmer of The Indigo Road group—from whence the name came. Indaco is Italian for indigo, a natural blue dye cultivated in South Carolina and once a major colonial cash crop.

The standards in the kitchen are over the top too, set by a young executive chef whose biography contains a stint with chef / restaurateur Scott Conant of Food Network fame.

In the short time since Indaco's Michael Perez graduated from the Miami Johnson and Wales University in 2005, he's worked aboard cruise ships, moved to Oregon where he cooked at the Timberline Lodge, and followed a brief interest in French cooking.

As a sous chef at Portland's Tabla Mediterranean Bistro, he learned to make pasta from a Michelin-trained chef who had studied in Italy. He says it was then that he changed course and embraced Italian cuisine.

“There's a history behind almost every shape of pasta,” explains Perez, referencing the creste di gallo—a pasta shaped like the crest of a rooster—and cornetti, or “little horns”. “It's a gateway cuisine into fine dining—your average diners can relate the pasta dishes to their past, and they become more user-friendly. That's what I love about Italian cooking—it's not intimidating. It helps you order outside your box.”

Perez had moved to Los Angeles for a job that didn't pan out when he got the call from Conant, who owns a string of upscale restaurants in the United States and Canada.

“He was looking for a pasta maker for the Beverly Hills Scarpetta. It was a highly coveted position, so he was doing the interviewing himself. We talked for 30 minutes

90 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

on the phone, and he said to come for an interview—right now!”

Describing the veteran chef as one of the most distinguished palates in the business, he vividly remembers the meeting, conducted poolside with a batch of margaritas.

“After Scott hired me, he said when you're done working for me, you're going to know how to make 200 types of pasta.”

Perez recalls a drill at Scarpetta that he's replicated at Indaco: Conant would routinely visit the kitchen, challenging him to create ten new pasta dishes, each of which he summarily critiqued. Sometimes one made it onto the menu. “Our kitchen is also a learning institution,” explains Perez. “Every cook who works here wants to become a chef, so part of my culture is to give them the opportunity to create a new dish for their station.

It pushes them to do more.”

Perez rose to sous chef and went on to

help start up the next Scarpetta in Las Vegas.

He eventually made his way back to the East Coast and cooked for several notable restaurants in Charleston before being tapped by Palmer to lead the culinary program at Indaco.

“I think the most important decision I make is who I choose to work with,” muses Palmer, whose string of local eateries— Oak Steakhouse, O-Ku, The Macintosh, The Cocktail Club, and Indaco—number among some of the best in the city. “I saw in him a great cook, and he has the heart for hospitality.”

“Steve talks about the difference between hospitality and service,” notes Perez.

“Service is knowing your menu and presenting it at the table, while hospitality is walking a guest to the valet, or calling them a cab. We nurture that culture by creating a positive experience with our employees, and mutual respect in the kitchen.”

PHOTOS (4) ANDREW CEBULKA; PHOTO (Michael Perez) KELSEY SCHULZ

(clockwise from above) Pappardelle - pork sugo, herb whipped ricotta, orange, pecorino romano; Dinner crowd; Chef Michael Perez; Black Pepper Tagliatelle - carbonara, pork tesa, egg yolk, chives, pecorino romano.

Palmer says it's an approach he's adhered to since his days at Magnolias restaurant. “A group of us developed it—The Fourteen Elements of The Guest Experience—and I used it to train staff for the opening of Blossom: follow the guest from the minute they walk in until they leave, and the guest will always have a good time.”

feeling and a forward, but accessible, menu.”

Pasta is the heart and soul of a menu anchored by classics like the cornetti, brimming with clams, Calico scallops, squid, basil, and parsley. Perez elevates a carbonara by topping the dish with a fresh egg yolk tossed in table side along with a grating of cured egg yolk that acts like a finishing salt. The agnolotti—a

“Every cook who works here wants to become a chef, so part of my culture is to give them the opportunity to create a new dish for their station. It pushes them to do more.”

Inside the restaurant, clean lines, pale wood and brick, and industrial fixtures reflect the concept of the menu—a blend of rustic and modern. Seating choices are diverse: cozy banquettes opposite a wide window front, single tables or family style, chef's table, and outdoor patio.

“Steve and I believe in the concept of sharing Italian food at a big, communal table with platters of food being passed. We tried to create an environment that reflects that home

meat-filled pouch of pasta—is a Perez favorite. “We use short rib, and toss the pasta in the braising liquid with mint, pickled shallots—it's decadent, but without the heaviness you associate with short rib. He believes that showcasing a few choice ingredients and letting them shine is what it's all about.

A wood-burning oven in the exhibition kitchen produces delicately crusted pizzas such as one featuring cerignola olives, mozzarella, Calabrian chili, and basil. A vegan

version can be made, sans cheese.

“We want every guest to have a great dining experience with us,” notes Perez. “Our cooks are always thinking creatively, so it's really easy for us to accommodate vegetarian and vegan requests.”

The four-course family style dinner is a good way to sample most of the menu. The table shares larger portions starting with an antipasto such as baccala, or a salad, a pasta and pizza, and then a whole fish or roasted chicken with one of the vegetable dishes.

Menu questions are adeptly handled by staffers like Griffin, who will expertly guide you through the entire list of choices with the enthusiasm of a foodie. Looking for a new Italian wine pairing, or a novel dessert? Just ask. ¡

Indaco 526 King St., Charleston 843-727-1228 indacocharleston.com

90 May/June 2014 | 91

FOOD | SUSHI

On a Roll at Bambu Recommended drink pairings to go with your sushi dinner

By MARIE SEBASTIAN

» Photos by CHRISTOPHER SHANE

Summer is a good time of year for turning off the oven and stove, and going out for a delicious sushi dinner. But if you’ve ever been stumped in regards to what drink pairs best with this delicate cuisine, check out these recommended pairings from Bambu of Mount Pleasant. bambuasiansushi.com.

Sushi bar at Bambu.

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Valentine Roll with Pinot Grigio If you’re making up with a sweetheart after a fight — or just want to show her how much you care — grab dinner at Bambu and an order of the Valentine Roll with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio. The lightweight white wine and house favorite roll with white tuna is the perfect coupling for the summer months — much like you and you beloved.

Nigiri with Kirin Ichiban Beer

»

The summer season is beer season, and we’ve paired a traditional beer, Kirin Ichiban, with a few pieces of nigiri. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it simply means sliced fish served with a ball of rice beneath it.

»

Sashimi Dinner, Rainbow Roll and Gekkaikan Black and Gold Sake Taking shots of sake in between sips of a yummy sushi dish is practically second nature around Charleston. This pairing of Bambu’s signature sashimi dinner, flanked by a rainbow roll, will take the edge off your appetite during dinner or happy hour. Pour out a little Black and Gold sake and you have yourself a well-rounded meal.

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How to Make a Sushi Roll 1. Roll some steamed white rice, and form into a firm ball.

2. Spread the rice onto a section of seaweed.

3. Fill seaweed with fresh raw fish (salmon, tuna, eel), vegetables, crab, avocado, etc.

4. Roll the seaweed with a bamboo mat to form into a com pressed roll. Note: If making a sushi roll with rice on the out side (pictured), be sure to use the plastic side of the bamboo mat against the rice to prevent sticking.

5. Slice roll into desired portions.

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Summer Homework Required Reading

Ice Cream Class & Sundae School Text and Photographs by Kim Byer

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FOOD | IN THE KITCHEN

Lesson no. 1: Know thy scream.

It’s summertime: time for humid, lazy days when the musical lilt of the ice cream truck – the original food truck – drifts through the neighborhood trees like a fisherman’s slow cast. It’s time for kiddie pools and blow up rafts, bicycles and beach vacations. It’s time for tank tops and sunburns, painted toenails and flip-flops, sunglasses and paperbacks.

But better yet, it’s time for the kid inside us all to scream when someone offers us a cold cone of creamy, melting, dripping, delicious ice cream.

Even though the screaming kid inside us is now responsible for either purchasing it or making it, it’s no less fun. Picking up a grocery store carton from the freezer aisle has been our reflex for decades now.

It’s not always cheap, but it is convenient. However, we’re beginning to realize that if we care about the ingredients and the food we eat, we’re often better off making our ice cream. And as these lessons illustrate, making it is half the fun.

Lesson no. 2: Go old school.

If your inner child cries out for a bowl of rich-with-real-cream, luxurious ice cream, this Vanilla Bean Ice Cream will knock your tennis socks off. Based on David Leibovitz’s French Vanilla Ice Cream, with less time standing at your stove, this recipe produces a quart of ice cream indiscernible from your grandmother’s rock salt and hand-cranked churn versions. She told you about those, didn’t she?

Lesson no. 3: How I made Snow Cream over Summer Break

This simple ice milk recipe will have you spooning up bowls of slushy, frozen goodness with minimal effort and without cooking. You’ll need a bowl, an appliance that churns, and four ingredients that you may already have on hand. After a few hours of freezer-time, you will be revered as an ice cream goddess. Own it.

Vanilla Ice Milk Serves 4-6

1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 cup sugar 3 cups half-n-half 1 1/2 tablespoons good quality vanilla extract  In a medium-sized bowl, stir or whisk the milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.  Add half-n-half and vanilla extract and pour into an ice-cream maker (following manufacturer’s directions) or stand-up mixer freezer bowl and churn until thickened.  Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for several hours. Allow ice milk to thaw for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Makes a little less than 1 quart Adapted from The Perfect Scoop by David Leibovitz 1 cup whole milk Pinch of sea salt 3/4 cup sugar 1 vanilla bean 2 cups heavy cream 6 large egg yolks 1 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract  Heat milk, salt and sugar in a saucepan. Split the vanilla bean open and scrape out the seeds. Add seeds and pod to milk. Remove from heat. Strain the milk and remove vanilla bean. Return to saucepan.  In a small bowl, stir the egg yolks together. Pour a small amount of the cooled milk into the eggs, whisking constantly. Incorporate eggs back into saucepan.  Using a silicone spatula, cook and stir the egg and milk mixture on low until it turns into custard. After approximately ten minutes, the thick custard should stick to the spatula.  Strain custard into a very cold bowl (or bowl sitting inside an ice bath) and slowly incorporate the heavy cream.  Incorporate the vanilla extract using a whisk. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled—up to eight hours. The colder the ice cream, the less time it will need to churn.  Churn/Freeze ice cream in ice cream maker following manufacturer’s directions.

Note: As it churns, ice cream will dramatically increase in volume.

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FOOD | IN THE KITCHEN

Extra credit:

Fruits and berries such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, fresh mango, peaches, grated coconut and cherries are easy additions to banana softserve. Or mix in your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, raisins or candies.

Swirl these in by hand after the initial blending.

Lesson no. 5: The Tale of the Magical Frozen Banana

Lesson no. 4: Sundae! Sundae!

Continuing this primer on homemade ice cream, I’d be remiss if I didn’t pause for a construction tutorial/reminder. The classic American sundae is what happens when pure vanilla goodness goes bad. Super bad. Sundaes are to ice cream what sprinkles are to frozen yogurt.

Assemble and devour. Repeat.

Summer Sundae

The average American consumes over 26 pounds of bananas each year. Don’t be average; be above average and stop trashing--or even composting-- the two or three overripe bananas that linger on your kitchen island each week. Frozen bananas are the one fruit whose sugar vs. water ratio allows them to magically transform into the creamy consistency of a dairy-based ice cream when blended.

Bananas contain high amounts of potassium, fiber and vitamin B6 and along with a string of other A, B, and C vitamins, they’re also low in calories. This healthy ice cream imposter has been lurking around the Internet for a few years now and, if you haven’t tried it yet, make this your summer to indulge without fear of the bulge.

Soft-serve Banana Ice Cream

Makes one sundae

3- 6 frozen bananas

2 -3 maraschino cherries 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, soaked in 2 tablespoons maple syrup Whipped cream (in the can—yes!)

1/3 cup hot fudge sauce or chocolate shell (see recipe) 2 scoops Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (see recipe) 1 brownie, blondie or cookie

 In a high-powered blender or food processor, chop frozen bananas on low, stopping occasionally to stir, until they transform from a small ball texture into a thick, creamy soft-serve consistency. Serve immediately or freeze for an hour or two in an airtight container.

Simple Chocolate Shell

Makes 2 cups (Note: Sauce hardens when drizzled over ice cream.)

1 cup powdered cocoa (100% cacao) 1 cup coconut oil 2 tablespoons agave sweetener or maple syrup Pinch of sea salt  Stir all ingredients together. If using solid coconut oil, place chocolate into a microwave for a few seconds to make it pourable.

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Tip: Cut ripe bananas into ½ disks and wrap with aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-4 hours before using.

Soft-serve Strawberry Banana Ice Cream 3 frozen bananas 1/2 cup fresh strawberries  In a high-powered blender or food processor, chop frozen bananas and strawberries on low, stopping occasionally to stir, until they transform from a small ball texture into a creamy soft-serve consistency. Serve immediately or freeze for an hour or two in an airtight container.

Extra credit:

Want more of an adult treat?

Swirl in caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt. Or, try adding crushed lavender, mint, saffron or cardamom.

Flavored balsamic vinegars, such as blueberry or espresso will also kick up the intensity.

And liqueurs add a bit of decadence to any creamy dessert. Try kahlúa, Irish cream, or crème de menthe.

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FOOD | IN THE KITCHEN

Double Dark Chocolate Cream 3 frozen bananas 2 tablespoons chocolate milk or chocolate non-dairy milk 1 tablespoon dark chocolate cocoa (100% cacao) Optional: 1 ounce dark chocolate bar, broken into small chunks 1/4 cup cacao chips 1 tablespoon chocolate covered espresso chips  In a high-speed blender, chop frozen bananas, chocolate milk and cocoa until mixture transforms from a small ball texture into a soft-serve consistency. Add chocolate bar chunks, cacao chips and espresso beans and pulse until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately.

Lesson no. 6: Whole Fruit Sorbet -an easy “A” Sorbet is the healthier and fruitier cousin of the extended ice cream family. Spun from a fruit base rather than a dairy base, short-cut homemade versions are possible in minutes by using frozen fruit, a single ripe (not frozen) banana and a heavy-duty blender. Create luscious, whole fruit desserts with seasonal ingredients. Shortcut sorbet variations are as unlimited as your imagination, but those made with one or two farmfresh, local ingredients will be as welcome on your lips as the most exotic pairings.

Sorbet Shortcut Method  In a high-powered blender or food processor, process sorbet ingredients on low, pulsing and stopping occasionally to stir. Serve immediately or freeze for an hour or two in an airtight container.

Peach Sorbet Serves two

2 cups frozen peaches 1 ripe banana 2 tablespoons agave, honey or maple syrup (optional)

Blueberry Sorbet Serves two

2 cups frozen blueberries 1 ripe banana 1 orange, peeled and seeded

Pineapple Sorbet

Extra credit:

Want a more sophisticated freeze pop? Try adding citrus zest, chocolate shavings, or nutmeg. Or, to kick up the hipster factor, add chia seeds, bee pollen, boba tapioca pearls or even bacon to your creations. You’ll either be crowned Popsicle King or kicked out of your supper club.

Serves three to four

3 cups frozen pineapple chunks 1 1/2 ripe bananas 98 May/June 2014 | 99

FOOD | IN THE KITCHEN

Lesson no. 7: Pop(sicle) Quiz!

Popsicles made a comeback a couple of summers ago. They’re still the “it” dessert of the summer and these velvety variations are the stuff of dreams. Control-happy cooks will know exactly what they’re feeding their families: Lactose and peanuts are no longer worries in homemade frozen treats. And although the sugar may not be saintly, it’s measured and countered by the healthy fat (and oh-so-delicious) coconut oil. In the solar vortex of a Carolina summer, a tonguefreezing popsicle is the best kind of love a cook can share.

Chocolate Popsicle Makes six popsicles

1 1/2 cup dark chocolate almond milk 1/4 cup agave sweetener 1/3 cup coconut oil (liquid) pinch of sea salt  Blend all ingredients on high for 15 seconds.

Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

Tip: If coconut oil is solid, heat gently until dissolved.

Berries & Creamsicle Makes six popsicles

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk or non-dairy milk of choice) 1/4 cup agave sweetener 1/4 cup coconut oil (liquid) 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice Pinch of sea salt 1 cup mixed fresh berries, such as raspberries and blueberries  Blend first five ingredients on high for 15 seconds.  Divide berries among popsicle molds. Pour almond milk mixture over berries and freeze until solid.

Tip: If coconut oil is solid, heat gently unt 

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Restaurant Guide Locations: (D) Downtown; (DI) Daniel Island; (FB) Folly Beach; (IOP) Isle of

Palms; ( J) John’s Island; ( JI) James Island; (KS) Kiawah/Seabrook; (MP) Mount

Pleasant; (NC) North Charleston; (S)

Summerville; (SI) Sullivan’s Island; (WA) West Ashley

O-Ku (D) 463 King St., 737-0112. Bold and stylish décor set the tone for this upscale sushi and Japanese eatery. Menu selections include Chilean sea bass and yellowtail carpaccio. Dinner nightly.

Bakery Shrimp Gumbo

Ready to Eat?

American

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

Closed For Business (D) 453 King St., 853-8466. Chic beer pub with tasty bar snacks like the pork slap sandwich, burgers, buffalo oysters, and salads. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Cork Neighborhood Bistro (NC) 1067 East Montague Ave., 225-2675. Charming bistro serving fresh, eclectic sandwiches, pasta, steaks, seafood, and salads. Full bar and wine.

Lunch & Dinner, Mon-Sat. Eli’s Table (D) 129 Meeting St., 405-5115.

American dishes kissed with southern charm in a cozy atmosphere, intimate outdoor seating and live jazz entertainment. Daily breakfast 7-11am, lunch 11-3pm, and dinner 5pm-until. Brunch Sat & Sun 7-3pm.

Firewater Grill (S) 109 Holiday Dr., 2612121. Fresh made burgers and hand-cut steaks along with seafood, salads and a full bar is what to expect at this newly remodeled restaurant. Outside patio, live music and comedy nights on Sat. Lunch and Dinner.

Liberty Tap Room & Grill (MP) 1028 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 971-7777. Handcrafted brew-pub with rich ethnic cooking styles

serving seafood, steak, chicken, burgers, soups and salads.

Southend Brewery (D) 161 East Bay St., 853-4677. Custom-crafted beers and superb local cuisine in a rustic, yet upscale setting.

Great views of Charleston harbor. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Toast (D) 155 Meeting St., 534-0043.

Praised by the New York Times as “a must for breakfast” and voted best breakfast in Charleston. Bottomless Mimosas and great Lowcountry fare. Open daily 6am-11pm.

Asian Bambu Asian Bistro (MP) 604 Coleman Blvd., 248-8229. New menu reflects the many different styles of Asian cuisine. Expect to find Thai curry, tempura, chicken katsu, sushi, salads, pad thai, and a full bar. Warm and relaxed atmosphere with patio seating and daily happy hour. Lunch and Dinner.

Basil (D) 460 King St., 724-3490. (MP) 1465 Long Grove Rd., 606-9642. Traditional Thai entrees using the freshest ingredients, in a chic and relaxed setting. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly.

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier (D) 363 ½ King St., 297-8674. Unique combination of French pastries, chocolate sculptures, and hand-painted chocolate pieces.

Cupcake (D) 433 King St., 853-8181. (MP) 664 Long Point Rd., 856-7080. A cupcake lovers dream, offering an array of 50+ delicious flavors such as red velvet and carrot cake. Open daily.

Whisk Bakery (D) 209 Meeting St., 628-5954. Offers the finest pastries, fresh baked breads and garden crisps, colorful salads, and a variety of coffees. Breakfast and lunch daily, dine in or on the go.

BBQ JB’s Smokeshack ( J) 3406 Maybank Hwy., 557-0426. Classic buffet style eatery serving smoked pork and chicken with an array of tasty side dishes. Lunch & Dinner, Wed-Sat. Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q (D) 288 King St., 577-0406. (NC) 4964 Centre Point Dr., 7473800. Known for their sliced beef brisket and cheese biscuits with their own brew-house ale. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Sticky Fingers (D) 235 Meeting St., 853-7427. (MP) 341 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 856-7427. (S) 1200 N. Main St., 871-7427.

Hickory smoked Southern style ribs and barbeque. Voted Best Ribs. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Bars & Taverns Boone’s Bar & Grill (D) 345 King St., 577-6665.

Great selection of tasty burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers, with an array of beers and bourbon choices. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Area restaurants provide this information to Charleston LIVING magazine. It is published according to space availability. No advertising or other considerations are accepted in exchange for a listing. To participate in our restaurant guide, call 843-856-2532.

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Family-Owned & Operated for 21 Years Traditional Irish-American Fare

Dunleavy’s Pub

RESTAURANT GUIDE Dunleavy’s Pub (SI) 2213 Middle St., 883-9646. Traditional Irish-American fare offering excellent burgers, sandwiches from crab cakes to roast beef, salads, and plate specials like Shepherd’s pie. Cash only.

Large beer selection and outdoor patio seating available.

Market Street Saloon (D) 32 N. Market St., 577-2474. (NC) 7690 Northwoods Blvd., 576-4116. Features award-winning barbecue and the hottest wait staff, this is the go-to location for a raucous party. A must-see, high energy experience! Mon-Sat 4pm-2am, Sun 7pm-2am.

Poe’s Tavern (SI) 2210 Middle St., 883-0083. Festive local pub serving fish tacos, sandwiches, salads, and the best burgers on the island. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Check our website for Full Menu and Daily Blue Plate Specials dunleavysonsullivans.com

Wing Night Every Wednesday All Wings 40¢ from 5-10pm Always Fresh, Never Frozen

Large Beer Selection • Outdoor Patio Seating 2213 Middle Street • Sullivan’s Island • (843) 883-9646 • Like us on

C H E C K O U T O U R O U T D O O R P AT I O LIVE MUSIC ON WEEKENDS O P E N 7 D AY S A W E E K AT 7 A M

eatatsaffron.com

Deli/Café Alluette’s Café (D) 80 Reid St., 5776926. Holistic vegetarian soul food such as hummus sandwiches, lima bean soup, and local seafood selections. Lunch, Mon-Sat. Dinner, Thur-Sat. Bull Street Gourmet (D) 120 King St., 722-6464. Upscale eatery offers elegant deli sandwiches, soups, salads and breakfast bites, as well as a variety of homemade prepared foods, deli meats and cheeses, produce and boutique wines and beer. Open daily 8am-9pm.

Café Fork (WA) 2408 Ashley River Rd., 769-0300. An upscale lunch café serving a variety of cuisine styles like modern American, Creole, and southern. Specialty sandwiches, desserts, and she-crab soup are top choices. Outside dining and catering services available. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Caviar & Bananas (D) 51 George St., 577-7757. Specialty food café with gourmet sandwiches, salads, fresh sushi, prepared foods, wine, beer, and coffee. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily.

Five Loaves Café (D) 43 Cannon St., 937-4303. (MP) 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 849-1043. Gourmet soups, salads, and sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere.

Lunch & Dinner, Mon-Sat.

CAF É BAKERY & MARKET

SAFFRON CAFE & BAKERY

3 3 3 E A S T B AY S T. , C H A R L E S T O N • 7 2 2 - 5 5 8 8 B R E A K FA S T • L U N C H • D I N N E R

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Laura Alberts Tasteful Options (DI) 891 Island Park Dr., 881-4711. An array of house-made salads, gourmet sandwiches, and seafood dishes. Large selection of wines and craft beers. Lunch daily, Dinner-Wed., Saturday brunch.

Rosebank Farms Café (KS) 1886 Andell Bluff Blvd., 768-1807. Delectable Southern fare with gorgeous sunsets at the Bohicket Marina. Diverse menu to include veal meatloaf, shrimp and grits, and seasonal produce. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Family Owned and Operated

The CharlesTon sTeakhouse Bringing Southern Hospitality to the American Steakhouse

Photos by Holger Obenaus

oPen 7 nIGhTs a Week sunday Gospel Brunch 10:00 am - 2:30 pm live Music nightly

Proudly serving the finest Allen Brothers prime beef!

Two Private Meeting Rooms s Fully Equipped For Audio/Visual 434 King St Charleston, SC s Restaurant: 843.727.0090 s Office: 843.727.0190

www.HallsChophouse.com

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“BEST HEALTH FOOD in Charleston” – Destination Guide

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Eclectic/Fusion Cru Café (D) 18 Pinckney St., 534-2434. A local favorite serving up gourmet foods with an Asian flair like seared salmon and Thai seafood risotto. Indoor or front porch dining. Lunch & Dinner, Tue-Sat. Graze (MP) 863 Houston Northcutt Blvd., 606-2493. Diverse eclectic cuisine with small “grazing” plates. Dishes include spicy tuna tataki and braised short ribs. Lunch & Dinner, Mon-Sat. Red Drum (MP) 803 Coleman Blvd., 849-0313. Traditional Lowcountry cuisine with a Southwestern flair. Fresh, sustainable seafood dishes, steaks, and pork chops, served in a casual atmosphere. Dinner, Tue-Sat.

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • CRAFT BEER & ORGANIC WINE

Fine Dining

Natural Fruit Smoothies & Fresh Sqeezed Orange Juice Energizing Wraps & Salads • Seasonal Nightly Dinner Specials • Delicious Desserts

39 Rue de Jean (D) 39 John St., 722-8881.

French brasserie cuisine in an intimate dining atmosphere. Serving steaks, sushi, burgers, and salads. Lunch & Dinner daily. Sunday brunch.

Catering Available for any Size Party or Event James 869 Folly FollyRoad Road James Island • 869 843-277-2101

Downtown Downtown•• 429 429 King Street 843-277-0990

Mt. Pleasant • Inside MUSC East Mt. Pleasant • Inside MUSC East 1600 Midtown Ave • 843-416-8561

1600 Midtown Ave • 843-416-8561 Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Coming Soon to West Ashley!

Order Online: blackbeanco.com

West Ashley • 1529 Savannah Hwy Savannah Hwy Charleston, SC 29407 (843) 531-5380

Anson (D) 12 Anson St., 577-0551. A local favorite among fine dining eateries, offering a romantic setting and fresh local seafood like crusted grouper and shrimp and grits.

Extensive wine list. Dinner nightly.

Carolina’s (D) 10 Exchange St., 724-3800. Large wood columns define this contemporary eatery, serving up delectable fresh fish, veal, braised short ribs, local clams, and seasonal vegetables. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly.

Charleston Grill (D) 224 King St., 577-4522. World-class dining at one of Charleston’s top eateries. An ever changing menu is uniquely divided into four main groups – Cosmopolitan, Lush, Pure, and Southern. Live jazz. Dinner nightly Circa 1886 (D) 149 Wentworth St., 853-7828. Delectable cuisine is served up at the Wentworth Mansion, with dishes like crabcake soufflé and braised pork shank.

Dinner, Mon-Sat. Crave Kitchen & Cocktails (MP) 1968 Riviera Dr., 884-1177. Fine dining within a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Tasty seafood and steaks with an Asian flair like seared sea bass and a cowboy rib-eye. Innovative martinis. Dinner nightly.

Cypress Lowcountry Grill (D) 167 East Bay St., 727-0111. Contemporary chic meets nostalgic in this award winning eatery, serving local favorites. Dinner nightly.

Fig (D) 232 Meeting St., 805-5900.

Nationally acclaimed bistro serving fresh, locally sourced food. Menu changes daily, from herb roasted tilefish to buttered noodles with white truffles. Dinner, Mon-Sat.

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High Cotton (D) 199 East Bay St., 724-3815. Southern cuisine offered high fashion style, with fresh local vegetables, seafood, and charbroiled steaks accompanied by tasty sauces like béarnaise and cabernet.

Dinner nightly.

Magnolia’s (D) 185 East Bay St., 577-7771.

Contemporary meets old world charm with a Southern cuisine menu that’s divided between uptown and down south. Lunch, Mon-Sat. Dinner nightly.

McCrady’s Restaurant (D) 2 Unity Alley, 577-0025. Southern fine dining with an award winning chef offers up innovative food choices using the finest local ingredients. Dinner nightly.

Peninsula Grill (D) 112 N. Market St., 723-0700. Southern classics served in an elegant, yet relaxed setting. Award winning chef and impeccable service make this a local favorite. First class wine list. Dinner nightly.

Tristan (D) 55 S. Market St., 534-2155.

Modern and inventive cuisine in a swanky atmosphere makes for a great dining experience.

Serving up such favorites as hay-smoked flounder and lamb ribs. Dinner nightly.

French Fat Hen ( J) 3140 Maybank Hwy., 5599090. A popular hangout offering CountryFrench cuisine such as barbeque-roasted duck, steaks, bouillabaisse, pork chops, and locally raised fat hens. Dinner nightly.

Sunday brunch.

Italian Fulton Five (D) 5 Fulton St., 853-5555. A romantic dining experience featuring traditional Italian dishes such as handmade pasta, lamb chops, and seared duck. Dinner, Mon-Sat. Il Cortile Del Re (D) 193 King St., 853-1888. Top spot for a romantic wine bar in a courtyard setting. Featuring Tuscan specialties including pasta dishes, fresh seafood, soups, and salads. Excellent wine list. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Mercato (D) 102 N. Market St., 722-6393.

Enjoy live jazz while dining in a chic and stylish atmosphere. Dinner nightly.

Pane e Vino (D) 17 Warren St., 853-5955.

A favorite local hangout serving traditional Italian fare trattoria style. Hearty pasta dishes, local seafood, and a great wine list.

Dinner nightly.

Sette (MP) 201 Coleman Blvd., 388-8808.

Classic Italian-American entrees such as capellini pomodoro, marsala, pork shank, and veal. Half-price wine specials on weeknights.

Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner, Mon-Sat. Trattoria Lucca (D) 41 Bogard St., 104 May/June 2014 | 105

RESTAURANT GUIDE

PIZZA MADE FROM THE GROUND

UP From our dough to our sauce, everything we offer is made daily with only the freshest ingredients!

973-3323. Rustic Italian fare with unique pasta selections, and excellent seafood dishes such as scamp grouper and grilled trumpet mushrooms. Dinner, Tue-Sat. Wild Olive ( J) 2867 Maybank Hwy., 737-4177. Rustic Italian fare in a casual dining atmosphere. Serving up favorites like veal marsala, shrimp picatta, risotto bianco, and the traditional lasagna. Dinner nightly.

Mediterranean Lana Restaurant (D) 210 Rutledge Ave., 7208899. Elegant and cozy dining with a Moroccan flair. Rich flavors and well portioned dishes include risotto, seafood, poultry, and beef. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner, Mon-Sat. Muse (D) 82 Society St., 577-1102. Eclectic cuisine in a secluded and quiet atmosphere.

Entrees include grilled swordfish, sea bass, short ribs, duck, risotto, and a large wine selection. Dinner nightly.

Sermet’s Corner (D) 276 King St., 853-7775. (DI) 115 River Landing Dr., 471-1777. Upscale service within an intimate setting. Serving up fresh seafood, pasta, beef, and local produce. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Tabbuli (D) 6 N. Market St., 628-5959.

Locally sourced fresh tapas and authentic Mediterranean cuisine and raw bar. Tabbuli boasts “the best patio bar downtown”. Lunch daily beginning at 11am.

Mexican Santi’s (D) 1302 Meeting St., 722-2633.

(S) 114 Holiday Dr., 851-2885. An array of authentic Mexican dishes in a comfortable dining atmosphere. Voted Best Margaritas. Lunch & Dinner, Mon-Sat. Taco Boy (D) 217 Huger St., 789-3333. (FB) 15 Center St., 588-9761. Fresh Mexican entrees such as fish tacos, and an array of beer and margarita selections. Lunch & Dinner daily.

TAKE OUT EAT-IN DELIVERY OPEN: Sunday-Thursday,11AM-12AM Friday-Saturday,11AM-3AM

1246 Camp Rd

James Island

(843) 762-1135

Yo Burrito (D) 77 Wentworth St., 853-3287. (MP) 675 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 8560061. Serving up big burritos with tasty stuffings such as chicken or grilled mahi-mahi. Margaritas and cold beers make for a great happy hour.

Lunch & Dinner daily.

Seafood Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar (D) 205 East Bay St., 853-8600. Traditional raw bar with fresh seafood choices including oysters, clams, flounder, and shrimp. Extensive beer and wine selections.

Lunch & Dinner daily.

Blossom (D) 171 East Bay St., 722-9200. Café like atmosphere serving up local seafood with an Italian flair. Homemade pasta dishes, gourmet pizza, oven roasted fish, and poached shellfish are top selections. Lunch & Dinner daily.

WWW.PAISANOSJI.COM

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Blu Restaurant & Bar (FB) 1 Center St., 588-6658. Fresh local seafood within an oceanfront setting. Spend a day at the beach and then enjoy tapas-style entrees. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner daily.

Charleston Crab House ( JI) 145 Wappoo Creek Dr., 795-1963; (D) 41 S. Market St., 853-2900. “Family owned for 20 years and still crackin!” Fresh Lowcountry seafood served daily in a casual, family atmosphere. Featuring fresh blue crabs, snow crab legs, ahi tuna, fresh salads and sandwiches, seafood platters, and more.

Coast (D) 39-D John St., 722-8838. Relaxed atmosphere with an array of fresh local seafood dishes and an outstanding drink list. Dinner nightly.

Finz Bar & Grill (MP) 440 Coleman Blvd., 6547296. Relaxed atmosphere with fresh local seafood, tasty burgers, and delectable appetizers. Live music, full bar, and wine list make this a neighborhood favorite. Lunch, Fri-Sat. Dinner nightly.

Fish (D) 442 King St., 722-3474. Southern favorites with an Asian flair such as Mandarin chicken, and fresh off the dock seafood selections. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner, Mon-Sat. Fleet Landing (D) 186 Concord St., 722-8100. Waterfront dining in a casual setting, featuring classic Southern dishes such as crabcakes, fried oysters, fish sandwiches, and gumbo. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Hank’s Seafood Restaurant (D) 10 Hayne St., 723-3474. Upscale seafood house serving an array of innovative and classic dishes like roasted grouper. Voted Best Seafood Restaurant. Dinner nightly.

Morgan Creek Grill (IOP) 80 41st Ave., 886-8980. Panoramic views of the Intracoastal waterway make this a top destination for local seafood, steaks, and nightly chef specials. Boat docking available. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Pearlz Oyster Bar (D) 153 East Bay St., 5775755. (WA) 9 Magnolia Rd., 573-2277. Fun, eclectic restaurant serving the freshest seafood in a casual dining atmosphere. Dinner nightly.

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet (IOP) 101 Palm Blvd., 886-8000. Overlooking the Intracoastal waterway with a rotating menu of fresh seafood, steaks, and pasta. A local favorite for over a decade. Lunch, Tue-Sat. Dinner nightly.

Southern

Hominy Grill (D) 207 Rutledge Ave., 9370930. Classic Southern fare in a neighborhood setting. Award winning chef offers generous portions, fresh breads, and the best shrimp and grits. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, Mon-Sat. Hucks Lowcountry Table (IOP) 1130 Ocean Blvd., 886-6772. Ocean views in an elegant but casual atmosphere. Serving Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits and fusion dishes such as scallop risotto. Lunch & Dinner, Tue-Sun.

Slightly North of Broad (D) 192 East Bay St., 723-3424. Upscale food in a casual setting, with such favorites as prime rib, poached mussels, and crab stuffed flounder. Lunch, Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly.

The Library at Vendue Inn (D) 19 Vendue Range, 577-7970. Historic dining spot featuring traditional Lowcountry cuisine.

Seasonal menu with an emphasis on locally inspired dishes like crabcakes and shrimp & grits. Dinner, Tue-Sat.

Virginia’s on King (D) 412 King St., 735-5800. Upscale yet relaxed atmosphere serving up traditional fare like fried chicken, deviled crab, po’ boys, and an array of side dishes. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner daily.

Steaks Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill (D) 14 North Market St., 737-8700. “The next generation

Grill 225 (D) 225 East Bay St., 266-4222.

Upscale and fancy with private booths and white-jacketed service, serving up prime USDA steaks and select seafood entrees.

Lunch & Dinner daily.

Halls Chophouse (D) 434 King St., 7270090. Family-owned high-end dining with a rich interior setting, offering up steaks cooked to perfection and choice seafood dishes. Dinner nightly.

Oak Steakhouse (D) 17 Broad St., 7224220. Upscale steakhouse fare in an impeccable setting, serving certified Angus beef and freshly caught seafood. Award winning wine list. Dinner nightly.

The Ocean Room at the Sanctuary (KS) 1 Sanctuary Dr., 768-6253. Rich mahogany sets the tone for this upscale eatery, serving up choice dry aged beef and fresh local seafood from an ever changing menu. Dinner, Tue-Sat.

November/December 2013

Where To Eat Now! 29

Restaurants Worth A Pilgrimage

Decorate For The Season

A Home HOLIDAY For GIFT Trophies GUIDE

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The Macintosh (D) 479 King St., 789-4299. the Macintosh brings a taste of homegrown cuisine to Charleston, offering a soulful menu inspired by Charleston-native and executive chef, Jeremiah Bacon. Set in a comfortable neighborhood space situated on Charleston’s bustling upper King Street. Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch.

of steakhouses” coined by those in the know of beef trends, this is a see and be seen eatery serving up choice cuts of beef, local seasonal vegetables, and sustainable seafood. Great location overlooking the Market area. Full bar. Dinner nightly.

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604 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant 843.248.8229 BambuAsianSushi.com 106 May/June 2014 | 107

TRAVEL

CAPE CHARLES, VIRGINIA Crossing to the Cape Text and Photographs by Donna Keel Armer

A A

m I really here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia?

Is this view of gardens, sand and sea, and the orchestra of birdsong my

imagination? Did I really find time to leave behind the chaotic schedule of my life to spend a week in Cape Charles? I whisper a resounding “YES” under my breath and take another look at the lush gardens spread out before me.

The weariness of yesterday’s drive fades away and I am ready for today’s adventure with my three sisters for our 17th annual girls’ get away. It is during these weeks that we reconnect and catch up, surrounded by new sights, sounds and tastes that feed our memories and senses. The location has to be special and appeal to all of us. This location checks all the boxes.

For me, the most memorable part of driving here from the Carolinas to Virginia was crossing the Cheasapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. It is an experience not to be missed.

The bridge-tunnel is an instant and graphic picture as you soar into the heavens and then dramatically plunge into the sea for two mile-long tunnels. From shore to shore it’s 17 miles. The bridge is considered one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world. There is no backing up or getting off once you’ve paid your toll and passed through the gate. You have committed yourself to reaching the other side.

And, the other side is another world. As you reach the shoreline and sigh with blessed relief that you made it, you are surrounded immediately by the beauty of the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge. Any time is good for a visit, but Fall is the perfect time as millions of songbirds, monarch butterflies and thousands of raptors wing their way to this sanctuary on their journey South.

Cape Charles (pop: 999 soon to be 1,000 I’m sure) is the perfect lazy sun drenched small town on the coastal Eastern Shore and it’s where we unpack to live for a week. The town is filled with tiny shops and restaurants and friendly people. In each shop I enter I’m greeted as an old friend returning after a long absence. “Can I take a few pictures,” I ask? Of course you can, is the reply.

Checking out each small shop is mandatory and a great way to spend the morning and early afternoon. Each shopkeeper from the fish & bait shop to the olive tasting shop has words of wisdom regarding what to purchase. Take your time in each shop, but know that your destination is 22 Strawberry Street. How can you not love a street named Strawberry? And, how can you not love a shop called Moonrise Jewelry?

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Sunlight shimmers, creating an angelic expression on the Madonna with child.

The chorus of birds wash away the morning fog with their musical notes and awaken the gardens to a new and profoundly beautiful day in Cape Charles.

108 May/June 2014 | 109

TRAVEL

If you’re lucky, the founder and designer, Meredith Restein will be on hand and you will be in for a special treat. Not only is the handmade jewelry exquisite; it is a unique combination of innovation and eco-friendly components for signature jewelry, including real orchid blossoms preserved in resin and “reel” fish leather jewelry made from salmon, perch and carp skins which have been discarded by fishing canniers. Meredith comes from seven generations who have lived and worked in this area where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. She is a selftaught designer and grew her company from the ground up not only collecting accolades and awards along the way; but, also reaching out to other women who needed assistance and a way to sustain themselves in this rural community. You will not be able to leave Moonrise without finding an amazing piece of jewelry art that you will never want to part with.

Of course, by now, you’ve worked up an appetite so stop in at Kelly’s Gingernut Pub on Mason Avenue. The pub/restaurant is a 1907 converted bank with original brick walls and dining in the bank vault is available. Order a beer (12 varieties on tap and 25 bottled brews) along with Kelly’s Jumbo Wings and Fried Pickle Spears. Or, 110 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

continue your stroll to any of the small cafes with outside seating that line the sidewalks.

There’s still an old fashioned drugstore at 2 Fig Street. Rayfield’s Pharmacy Fountain & Grill is worth a stop. You can try a vanilla coke or a malted shake and cheeseburger or maybe one of the daily blue-plate specials that this genuine sofa fountain offers. Be sure to bring a pocket full of coins to play those oldies but goodies on the 1950’s jukebox and give your partner a whirl … it’s allowed!

For more upscale dining try Acqua at Kings Creek Marina. You won’t be disappointed. Every seat has a view of the Cheasapeake Bay and you have a choice of dining inside or out. The food and wine are topnotch. For wine, try the Church Creek Steel Chardonnay for white and the Church Creek Vintners Blend for red. These are local wines from Chatham Winery in Machipongo, Virginia which is just down the road and should be on your “must do while in Cape Charles” list for an enjoyable wine tasting experience. Call ahead for reservations.

There is plenty to do on the Eastern Shore. You can fill your days with wonderful little side trips to Kiptopeke State Park (don’t miss the butterfly garden); the fishing village of Oyster; Maplewood

Garden or venture as far as Chincoteague which is about an hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Cape Charles. Taking Captain Dan’s Around the Island Tour is well worth getting a glimpse of those ponies that Chinoteague and Assateague are so famous for. You can fish, kayak, bicycle or sail or you can book a self-catered vacation rental with a private beach and move from bed to beach and back again.

For our week’s stay I combed the usual vacation rental sites until I found the perfect place for our group … St. Patrick’s on the Bay. If you are a fan of Old World charm, then this is the right place for you. The large family home encompassing 4,500 sq. ft. of comfortable living space is personalized by unique family pieces of history and art. The house is blissfully nestled in a true Italian garden on 1.5 acres. There are quiet nooks inside and out for reading, resting and quiet contemplation as well as an amazing deck overlooking the bay where congregating for evening cocktails is a much. Each sunset is creativity at its best.

This is as good as it gets and before we leave, there will be one more toast to family and the spirit of adventure. Then, it’s back through the bridge-tunnel headed south, to spouses and friends we left behind who will hear our stories and surely want to plan their own Cape Charles getaway. ¡

www.vrbo.com #300156 - St. Patrick’s on the Bay Chatham Vineyards www.chathamvineyards.com Acqua Restaurant Kings Creek Marina and Resort www.kingscreekmarina.com Kelly’s Gingernut Pub www.kellysgingernutpub.com Captain Dan’s Around the Island Tours www.captaindanstours.com Moonrise Jewelry www.moonrisejewelry.com Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern_shore_of_virginia May/June 2014 | 110 111

THE LAST REFLECTION

PHOTO JAY MAIER

Watercolor Morning

Sunrise on the Charleston Harbor.

112 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

A Record A RecoRd of SucceSS of Successin the couRtRoom in the Courtroom As one of South Carolina’s premier personal injury law firms, Gedney M. Howe III, PA has a reputation as the place injured people and other firms turn to for tough litigation cases.

“Litigation is hard work and we keep our focus on the client.”

—Gedney Howe III, chosen once again to the South Carolina Super Lawyers list.

Attorneys The firm represents (left to right): victims of wrongful death, Caroline West, personal injury, Gedney M. Howe, III,trucking Alvin Hammer andJ. automobile accidents,

defective products and

Practice Areas: premises liability, as well as Personal injury and medical and government Criminal Defense

negligence. Howe also handles business litigation and criminal defense.

Asone oneofofSouth SouthCarolina’s Carolina’s premier premier personal personal injury injury law law firms, firms, Gedney Gedney M. As M. Howe Howe III, III, PA PA has has a reputation as the place injured people and other firms turn to for tough litigation cases. a reputation as the place injured people and other firms turn to for tough litigation cases.

“Litigation hardwork workand andwe we keep keep our says Gedney Howe III,III, “Litigation is ishard our focus focuson onthe theclient,” client,” says Gedney Howe 2013 chosen once again to the South Carolina Super Lawyers and Charleston Best Lawyers lists.

SUPER LAWYERS chosen once again to the South Carolina Super Lawyers list.

Thefirm firmrepresents representsvictims victimsof of wrongful wrongful death, death, personal injury, trucking and automobile The automobile accidents, defective products and premises liability, as well as medical and government accidents, defective products and premises liability, government negligence.Howe Howealso also handles handles business business litigation and criminal defense. negligence.

CHOSEN TO

Gedney M. Howe III, P.A. | attorneys at law

8 Chalmers Street | Charleston, SC 29401 | 843-722-8048 | www.gedneyhowe.com

| 3 May/June 2014 May/June 2014| 112

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