Charleston Living March-April 2014

Page 1

March/April 2014

Summer Camps p.57

Senator Paul Campbell Leads the Airport Expansion Effort

Lowcountry Cottage Charm

Inviting Spaces With Warm & Soothing Colors

Plus:

Decorating For Outdoor Living

Spring Travel to the Mountains

$3.95 US


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22 | | CharlestonLivingMag.com CharlestonLivingMag.com


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2 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


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Features MARCH | APRIL 2014

57

Summer Camp Guide

We have lots of camp options, from sports and science to academics and religion, to make your home very quiet this summer. By Marie Sebastian

80

Spring Travel to the Mountains

Sometimes you want to find a different direction, like having a mountain view from your room. By Katie Osteen

90

Foodies Rejoice! We’ll always have Paris� A nostalgic tour through the twists and turns of this culinary capital. By Kim Byer

72

The unique design-build process used by Max Crosby Construction helps guide clients through the entire process from design to decorating. By Rob Young

4 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

PHOTO JIM SOMERSET

Lowcountry Cottage Appeal


March/April 2013 | 5


DEPARTMENTS MARCH/APRIL 2014

15

43 63 Health Well Styled

Buzz 15 Meditating Process

Portrait artwork of Robert Maniscalco

16 Calendar

Our five musts from this issue’s calendar of events

18 Events

Your guide to planning your social calendar

22 Lowcountry

Strawberry Festival

Event has something for everybody

24 Entertainment

Reviews of new movies and music

26 News Maker

43 Living in the Great

63 About Face

64 Cosmetic Surgery

Outdoors

Spring is the time to turn your backyard into an outdoor living space

44 Beauty

Expert advice on changing your hairstyle and finding the right hair products

48 Outdoor Living

Entertaining a group or relaxing by yourself, people are spending more time outside with a wide selection of outdoor living products

108 We’re Going to

New airport director and state senator Paul Campbell

108

87 Dining Review

90 In The Kitchen

Blind Tiger

Italian-inspired comfort foods with recipes

98 Restaurant Guide

The best spots for eating and drinking in Charleston

Fundamentals

Novelist Karen Bender

New book titles for some good reading

Once considered just Southern comfort food, we get the skinny about Southern greens

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

Travel

One-on-one interview with Guy Harvey

42 Staff Picks

Plastic surgery is on the rise, and some say it will improve our country’s financial health

69 Diet

Award-winning USC equestrian coach Boo Major

38 Southern Drawl

Cosmetic surgeons new noninvasive procedures

Gardening tips and advice from our local experts

34 Profile

Food

56 Garden Edits

28 Local Chatter

87

Disney World

It’s every child’s dream, but before you go, take advantage of expert advice to get the most out of the Magic Kingdom

»

ON THE COVER Senator Paul Campbell. Photograph by

CHRISTOPHER SHANE

6 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


Photography: Holger M. E. Obenaus

Attention to detail... only a family builder can provide.

rmbuckbuilders.com

Custom Luxury Homes Renovation Property Management

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CEO & Publisher Robert Sweeney ■■■ Associate Editors Julie Yow Susan O’Keefe ■■■ Senior Account Executive Karen Poulsen Art Director Carl Turner Graphic Designers Carl Turner Nicole Szews Contributing Writers Colleen Troy, Courtney Webb, David Wilkinson, Denise James, Edna Cox, Holly Fisher, Jason Zwiker, Katherine Pettit, Katie McElveen, Katie Osteen, Kendall Fuqua, Kim Byer, Marie Sebastian, Nicholas Popovich, Patty Craven, Rob Young, Wendy Swat Snyder Photographers Ashley Walker, Christopher Shane, Jay Browne, Kim Byer ■■■ Production Coordinator Dana Maskin Web Developer Brian Ostrovsky ■■■ Customer Service: (843) 856-2532

Charleston Living (Vol. 3, No. 3) 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. Copyright © 2014. All rights reserved. SUBSCRIPTION price is $18.95 per year. POSTMASTER send address changes to Charleston Living, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. 8 | CharlestonLivingMag.com



Introducing at

READER SERVICES Subscriptions Subscribing to Charleston LIVING is easy, and you save 20 percent off the newsstand price. Your subscription includes 6 issues, delivered right to your door. Subscriptions and billing are handled in-house, providing you with the best in customer service. Please call or email us if you experience any problems with your subscription, and we will assist to resolve them right away. You can subscribe by calling Customer Service at (843) 856-2532 or reach us via email at service@charlestonlivingmag.com or on the web at www.charlestonlivingmag.com. Gift Subscriptions Charleston LIVING magazine makes an excellent gift! Use the subscription card found in each issue or order by phone, email, or our website. We will send out a complimentary gift card to each recipient indicating who the gift is from.

A Unique Opportunity to Define Your Extraordinary Life. Live a life that both anchors and inspires. Introducing The Quay at Bishop Gadsden-a picturesque lake surrounded by three buildings with 15 stunning flats each. Open floor plans, ranging from 1,773 to 2,150 square feet, have been designed with every detail in mind for gracious living and entertaining. Imagine lake views from your balcony over coffee. Gathering with friends in your gourmet kitchen. 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. Live an Extraordinary Life-in a Most Extraordinary Community.

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Change of Address If you move or change your address, please call or email us and provide both the old and new addresses. The postal service does not automatically forward magazines, so please send us your change of address as soon as you know it.

Letters to the Editor We welcome your comments and letters. Send letters to Charleston LIVING, 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 or contact us via the web at www.charlestonlivingmag.com. Please include your phone number in case we need to contact you. Back Issues When available, back issues of Charleston LIVING can be purchased for $7.00, postage included. Writing Opportunities We are always interested in receiving article ideas from our readers as well as considering freelance writers. Please mail or email your ideas or writing queries to editor@charlestonlivingmag.com.

How to Advertise If you would like advertising information for promoting your products or services, call (843) 856-2532 or send an email to advertising@ charlestonlivingmag.com or on the web at www.charlestonlivingmag.com.


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 2014 | 10 11


From The Publisher

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

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

www.CharlestonLivingMag.com

Family Matters Winter has been cold this

year, and we are all waiting for signs of spring. Trees and flowers will begin popping with color, marking the start of this lovely season in Charleston. Spring is energizing, as abundant new life rears forward with vibrant displays. We are inspired to follow suit and spruce up our homes for the bright sunny days to come. Reorganizing, spring cleaning and adding new touches to embellish our space makes our home more pleasing—but the real motivation for nesting comes from the innate desire to create a nurturing environment for our family. Traditional families consist of parents, children and relatives. Although those bonds are never broken, sometimes we can no longer be together— and other relationships become strong and everlasting. Our families constantly change and grow, and home is where the heart is. As we begin to spruce up our homes, we look forward to fun times ahead. We assembled a talented group of outdoor living experts to share their advice on the latest trends in outdoor living products and turning your backyard into an inviting oasis (see Decorating Ideas for Outdoor Living, page 48). Whether you’re dining out or eating 12 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

at home, good things happen at the dinner table. And in case you are looking to sit around a different table this spring, we highlight some great places to visit that’s not too far from home but offer a different kind of view (see Spring Travel to the Mountains, page 80). And for our food lovers, we give you a great tour of some French recipes and her capital city, with 47 tips on being an American foodie in Paris (see Foodies Rejoice! “We’ll Always have Paris”, page 90). And now is the time to start planning (and registering) for summer camps. School will be out soon, and the best camps fill up fast. We rounded up some of the top camps in Charleston, and a few that require a little further drive, but are well worth it (see Camps That Rock, page 57). It is the people and pets in our lives, our family, that make our homes warm and special. Why not think of a reason to celebrate with your family this season—and take lots of pictures. One day you’ll look back and be glad you did. Let’s all get outside and celebrate the beauty around us.

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.

Find Us Online! Visit us on our website at charlestonlivingmagazine.com

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/charlestonlivingmagazine


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T S E B

OF 4

201 r e n win

Here’s your chance to vote for your favorite people, food, drinks and businesses in the Charleston tri-county area. Cast your ballot Jan 1 - Apr 30. CAST YOUR VOTE NOW!

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Salads

Appetizers

Seafood

Authentic American

Service

Authentic Caribbean

Specialty Drink

Authentic Chinese

Steakhouse

Authentic Italian

Sushi

Authentic Mexican

Sunday Brunch

Bar

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

Breakfast Spot

Water-view Dining

Burgers

Wine List

Candy/Chocolate

FOOD TO GO

Chef (Name & Restaurant)

Bakery

Club or Nightspot

Caterer

Cocktail Selection

Farmers Market

Coffeehouse

Organic Food

Crab Cakes

Ice Cream

Craft Brewer

Seafood Market

Desserts

Wine Store

Family Restaurant

RETAIL/SERVICE

Fine Dining

Architect

Happy Hour

Art Gallery

Healthy Fare

Artist

Late-Night Menu

Attorney

Lunch Spot

Bartender, Female

Outdoor Dining

Bartender, Male

Pizza

Bridal Boutique

Pub/Tavern

Bridal Registry

Raw Bar Romantic Atmosphere

Voting continues on next page... 12 March/April March/April 2014 2014 || 13 13


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RETAIL/SERVICE

continued

Cast your ballot Jan 1 - Apr 30. Ballots must be postmarked by April 30. You may also register your votes online at charlestonlivingmag.com. CAST YOUR VOTE NOW! Hotel

Businessman

Insurance Provider

Businesswoman

Interior Designer

Car Dealership

Jeweler/Jewelry Store

Clothing, Kids

Kitchen/Bath Remodeler

Clothing, Men

Landscape Designer

Clothing, Women

Pediatric Dentist/Ortho.

Contractor

Pediatrician

Day Spa

Personal Trainer

Dentist, Adult

Plastic Surgeon

Financial Advisor

Pool Company

Flooring Company

Real Estate Agency

Florist

Salon for Women

Furniture Store

Salon/Barber for Men

Garden Center

School

Gift Store

Shoe Store

Golf Course

Surf Shop

Gym

Swimwear

Home Accessories Store

Tax Preparer

Home Audio/Video

Veterinarian

Home Security Provider

Wedding Planner

Homebuilder

Wedding Reception Venue

Name Address

Phone Email 14 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Mail your ballot to: Charleston Living Best Of 3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 Rules: For your ballot to be counted, you must complete a minimum of 20 categories and include your full name, address, phone number and email. This is for verification purposes only. Ballots submitted without contact information will not be counted. Only one entry per person. Votes for national chains will not be accepted. No photo-copies will be accepted. Ballots will be selected at random to be verified by phone.


Buzz Your Local Rundown on News and Culture

Meditative Process PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT MANISCALCO

Portrait of Sarah-Scott and Larson Lewis, by local artist Robert Maniscalco

See page 36

14 March/April 2014 | 15


BUZZ

CALENDAR

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

YMCA Flowertown Festival Apr 4 - 6

Every spring, the Town of Summerville is awash in color- from the hot pink azaleas, to the purple wisteria, to the delicate white dogwood. On April 4-6, thousands of festival-goers transcend this gracious Southern town to take in the flowers and hospitality and attend one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. Ranked as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. 843-871-9622, flowertownfestival.org

67th Annual Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens Mar 20 - Apr 19

Charleston Wine + Food Festival Mar 6 - 9

Discover the distinctive flavors of the Lowcountry and uniquely Charleston experiences while interacting with and learning from the country’s best chefs, authors and beverage professionals. Over 80 events over the course of the Festival weekend. The Charleston Wine + Food Festival is a celebration of Charleston’s culinary excellence and renowned culture, which benefits scholarship programs for the culinary and hospitality workplace. Marion Square, 843-727-9998. charlestonwineandfood.com

16 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Set amid the historic ambiance of the city’s Old & Historic District, this series of award-winning tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. Tour approx.150 downtown Charleston’s grandest, private houses & gardens from Georgian & antebellum periods into early 20th century. Proceeds benefit Historic Charleston Foundation. 843-722-3405, historiccharleston.org/festival

Dig South Festival Apr 9 - 13

The 5-day Festival will include a 2-day interactive conference with high-level presenters, innovative startups and the Wild Pitch event, a 2-day tech and creative industry expo, a 1-day Culturama featuring the HACK Charleston Challenge, national touring bands, comedians, Space Walk tours, Deep Dive workshops, micro-cinema, dine arounds, craft beer gardens and unlimited networking opportunities. Conference presenters will explore the mobilization of digital tools, platforms and the global workforce. General tracks include technology, entrepreneurship, marketing, social media, gaming and ecosystems/culture. digsouth.com

11th Annual Charleston International Antiques Show Feb 3 - 9

Inspired by the rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Charleston, the annual event is a premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts who enjoy seeing and learning about incorporating antiques into modern-day decor. Expect to see English, European & American period furnishings, fine art, architectural elements, porcelains, vintage jewelry & silver, from the 17th to 20th centuries. Proceeds benefit Historic Charleston Foundation. Memminger Auditorium, 843-722-3405. historiccharleston.org/antiquesshow


Where Your Retreat to the Good Life Begins

Expert Space Planning • 100% Recycled Outdoor Furniture • Quality with Custom Designs • Solair® Retractable Awnings Exceptional Customer Service • Outdoor Furnishings, Spas, Wicker, Canvas Art, Lamps, Pillows, and Rugs

Backyard Retreats, Inc. Creating Outdoor Luxury and Comfort BackyardRetreatsInc.com 843-856-0049 We are nestled behind the row of colorful chairs on Highway 17

554 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 16 March/April 2014 | 17


BUZZ

EVENTS framed in latticework. Along with an exclusive boutique, and sales from designers’ rooms, guests can enjoy alfresco dining in the “Secret Garden” from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. House viewing Mon-Sat 10-4pm, Sun 1-4pm. 843-723-0020, csolinc.org

37th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run Apr 5

The Cooper River Bridge Run provides a world-class 10-K foot race. The race promotes continuous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through education and opportunity. The Cooper River Bridge Run is the best organized and the best conducted 10-K race in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. It broadens community cooperation and participation in healthy events throughout the year. The Cooper River Bridge Run serves as a model of health motivation for other communities throughout the world. 843-937-4183, bridgerun.com.

Looking to fill your social calendar? We’ve got the rundown on what to do this spring season. 8th Annual Friendship Cup Mar 6 - 9 A two-man tournament for male amateur players, The Friendship Cup is contested on the world famous Ocean Course, site of the 2012 PGA Championship, and the Gary Player designed Cougar Point Golf Course. You will enjoy lavish receptions & dinners, a nightly hospitality suite, and an array of fantastic prizes during this three-day event. Guests may purchase a non-golfer package and attend all nightly activities. Package includes: • Accommodations for three nights • Daily Breakfast (Friday and Saturday) • Thursday Night - Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ (includes alcohol) • Friday Night – Dinner for all attendees honoring our Past Champions (includes alcohol) • Saturday Night - Awards Dinner and Reception (includes alcohol) • Hospitality room for three nights • Two golf rounds (One on the Ocean Course) • Two boxed lunches while golfing and sponsored alcohol on course • Tournament gift bag. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, 800-654-2924. kiawahresortevents.com Catch the Leprechaun 5K Mar 13 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Catch the 18 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk. This scenic race offers spectacular views of the Cooper River Bridge, USS Yorktown and Charleston Harbor. After the race, there will be live music, food and drinks, a great post race party, a pot of gold for the winners and prizes for everyone who finishes before the Leprechaun. All proceeds will benefit Pattison’s Academy. Festivities at Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park from 6:30- 9pm. Race begins 6:30pm. catchtheleprechaun5k.com Fly Fishing 201 Schools Mar 15 Each fly fishing class is typically offered once a month for $75. They run from 9am to 3pm, 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. Class sizes limited to 10 participants. The Charleston Angler, 843-884-2095. thecharlestonangler.com Charleston Symphony Orchestra League Designer Showhouse Mar 20 - Apr 19 The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League’s 37th Annual Designer Showhouse at 67 Rutledge Avenue is an antebellum treasure located in Harleston Village. Built in 1852, this elegant home is known for its broad porch with a gray and white marble floor and Moorish arches

Pet Fest 2014 Mar 22 - 23 Our pets love us unconditionally, so why not give back to our best friends by bringing them out for some fun? Pets, their owners, and those in search of a pet are invited to join Charleston County Parks for a full weekend of exhibits, demonstrations, experts, entertainment, and more at Charleston’s premier pet festival. The fun takes place over two days, each day at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. Pet Fest provides an opportunity for local pet organizations and businesses to showcase their causes, products and services in a fun, pet-friendly environment. Leashed pets are welcome with their owners. Or, come to the festival in search of your new best friend from local rescue groups, who will have adoptable animals on site. 11-5pm. 843-884-0832. ccprc.com 10th Annual Masters of the Building Arts Festival Mar 28 - 29 The American College of the Building Arts event celebrates the extraordinary skill and artistry of master craftspeople and the durability of traditional building techniques. This year’s theme, Living Traditions, highlights the customs passed down by skilled craftsman who turn basic needs like shelter, into objects of delight that inspire, excite and enthrall. Members of the building arts community as well as guest artisans and professionals from around the country will come together for two days of professional workshops, lectures and training. 10-5pm. Old Charleston District Jail, buildingartscollege.us Spring Jam Music Fest Mar 29 The 2nd annual Spring Jam Music Fest presented by 105.5 The Bridge returns to Brittlebank Park for a jam-packed day of live music. Two stages, ten bands, side-show performances, and the Arts & Goods Village will line the banks of the Ashley River in celebration of the arrival of spring. This year’s line-up is stacked with an eclectic mix of bands from across the USA, featuring both emerging and established artists. Augustana will kick off their spring tour at the Fest, featuring hits and new music from their album scheduled to be released later this spring. Up and coming bands The Wild Feathers,


Saints of Valory, and Kopecky Family Band will perform, alongside Charleston locals, The Dead 27s and Brave Baby. Also performing are The Weeks, Space Capone, Possum Jenkins, and Death of Paris from Columbia, who won the Fan Favorite Band Vote contest. springjammusicfest.com Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament Mar 29 - Apr 6 Every spring, the City of Charleston and Daniel Island serves as a backdrop to one of the richest and most traditional events in women’s professional tennis. As one of the hottest tickets in professional sports, the Family Circle Cup is more than just a tennis tournament, it’s a festival with some world-class tennis thrown in. During the week, fans are entertained with a variety of activities aimed at making their week on Daniel Island a memorable one. Family Circle Tennis Center, 800-677-2293. familycirclecup.com Lowcountry Active Outdoors Expo Mar 30 Would you like to try out and experience all of the great outdoor sporting activities that abound in the Lowcountry? Join the Lowcountry Active Outdoors Expo and discover what the Lowcountry has to offer in outdoor sporting activities. This event will feature events such as surfing, kite boarding, kayaking, paddle boarding and golf. Joseph P. Riley Park, 10-4pm. 843-277-8770 Living History Days Apr 4 - 5 Hear the rifles and drums and smell the gun powder at the two-day event commemorating the 230th anniversary of General Nathanael Greene’s encampment of the southern army at Middleton Place during the Revolutionary War. Costumed historians will portray General Greene’s army as it was encamped here in 1782. Programs and interactive demonstrations focusing on Continental Army tactics and camp life, British prisoners of war and military field medicine will take place all weekend. Living History interpreters will also demonstrate period crafts such as spinning, indigo dyeing, candle and soap making, open hearth cooking, carpentry and coopering, blacksmithing, pottery, stone carving and lace making. Children will be able to test their skill with toys and games of the period as well as writing with a quill. Middleton Place, 843-556-6020. middletonplace.org Lowcountry Cajun Festival Apr 6 Bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry, Lowcountry Cajun Festival is a full-day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, children’s

18 March/April 2014 | 19


BUZZ

FINE ART BY LOCAL ARTISTS

Historic Downtown Summerville 130 Central Avenue 843-871-0297 www.artcgalleryltd.com

T H E

MAN CAVE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

EVENTS

activities and all around ragin’ Cajun entertainment. Full-bellied fun is what this festival is all about as local and regional chefs cook up a variety of mouth-watering foods. Savor the tastes of authentic Cajun and Creole fare. Food, beverages, and souvenirs will be available for purchase on-site. $10, Free for ages 12 and under. James Island County Park, Noon-6pm. 843-795-7275, ccprc.com Gala of the Royal Horses Apr 6 For the first time ever, riding Master Rene Gasser, will be bringing his world-renowned equestrian tour to the North Charleston Coliseum. Gala of The Royal Horses will feature a number of performances involving the Andalusian, Friesian, Lipizzaner and Arabian breeds, and the event is dedicated to showing off the amazing beauty and maneuvers these horses are capable of, including the stunning maneuvers once used on the battlefield now known as “The Airs Above The Ground”. Prices vary. 843-529-5035. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com 29th Annual Grits Festival Apr 11 - 13 If rolling in a vat of grits is on your bucket list, make haste for this colorful festival that celebrates all forms of coarsely ground hominy and crowns a winner in the official Grits Rolling Contest in St. George. 843-563-7943, worldgritsfestival.com The Garden Club of Charleston’s 79th Annual Walking Tour of Private Houses & Gardens Apr 11 - 12 The tour will include some of Charleston’s finest houses and gardens in Historic District, and will feature flowers arranged by members of The Garden Club. Refreshments will be served in a lovely Charleston Garden. All proceeds benefit The Garden Club of Charleston’s continuing projects--maintaining the gardens at the Manigault House, the Heyward-Washington House, the Gateway Walk, the Healing Garden at MUSC, the Museum Courtyard Garden and the garden at the Historic Confederate Home. 2-5pm. $45. 843-406-7626. thegardenclubofcharleston.org

843.384.6990 1152 Oakland Market Road, Mt Pleasant

www.facebook.com/ManCaveOfTheLowcountry

20 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Jillian Michaels “Maximize Your Life” Apr 14 Jillian Michaels, America’s leading authority in health, wellness and fitness, brings her critically acclaimed motivational live tour to North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Jillian takes the stage in this intimate and uniquely personal live experience that provides you

with the tools and motivation to harness your potential, kick-start your goals, and live the exceptional life that you’ve always wanted, but thought wasn’t possible. This powerful event will awaken you to reignite your passion, define your goals and live in your authentic truth. 843-529-5000. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com Easter Eggstravaganza Apr 19 The Easter Eggstravaganza at Middleton Place is a long-standing spring tradition. Families are invited to visit the National Historic Landmark and take part in an exciting day of Easter traditions. But the event is far from the usual Easter Egg Hunt. The Eggstravaganza will send the fun into overdrive with the addition of activities like the egg toss, egg roll, egg dying, a reading of classic children’s tales, and a variety of colonial games. 843-556-6020. middletonplace.org The Hat Ladies 14th Annual Easter Promenade Apr 19 It is Easter time in our Holy City, time for The Hat Ladies to don their stylish Easter bonnets reflecting the charm and tradition of Charleston. Elegantly dressed ladies, gents, and children will gather for photo ops at Marion Square between 11-11:30am, then Promenade down historic Meeting, King, and Market Streets until 12:30, wishing everyone a Happy Easter. 843-762-6679. hatladies.org Pinkalicious the Musical Apr 26 - 27 Adapted from one of the most beloved contemporary children’s classics, Pinkalicious the Musical tells the story of a headstrong little girl who loves the color pink, so much that she can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe. This colorful fun-filled family musical is sure to have everyone in your family tickled pink. 3pm, Dock Street Theatre. 843-577-7183. charlestonstage.com 27th Annual Town of Mt. Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet Apr 27 A safe and prosperous shrimping season is the sentiment of this community-supported benediction that dishes up fresh seafood and showcases local crafts. Live music, local crafts, kids activities, a boat parade, a ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, and lots of seafood will be present. Memorial Waterfront Park and Pier, 843-884-8517. townofmountpleasant.com ¡


Jan Snook, Realtor

Carolina One Real Estate

628 Long Point Rd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

GREEN, SRES, HAFA Carolina One Real Estate jsnook@carolinaoneplus.com Cell 843.437.3330

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MLS1221619 1308221 MLS2917128 2917128 MLS MLS Great in great location! built 3 Price reduced Have home you always wanted to haveWell a waterfront Price reduced$100,000! $100,000!Excellent Excellent views viewsBR, 2 BAstately brick oak home with beautiful from thisthis house lot with trees to acall your own? from houseininRomain RomainRetreat, Retreat, on over 2 acres. Great room with view of the lake. Fenced back yard,the hard Fabulous, unobstructed views across grassysituated situated on over 2 acres. Great room brickbrick fireplace looks over thethe woodsofand tile flooring it easy to A raised marsh Copahee Sound tomake the Isle of Palms. with raised fireplace looks over keep clean. New granite countertops, Waterway. Master bedroom tidal creek with 126+ feet of waterfront to call Intracoastal Intracoastal Waterway. Master bedroom on main, with three or four BRs and 3 stainless appliances and a new smooth your own and thekitchen. chance ofNew a lifetime build, BAsonupstairs. main, with three orpine fourflooring BRs and Antique top stove in the paint to and why Opportunities at this price seldom 3 BAs upstairs. Antique pineand flooring newwait? architectural shingle roof was throughout. Includes elevator a short along. $295,000. throughout. short installed come in Sept 2008. A must see. dock with boatIncludes lift andelevator water atand thea pier dock withhead. boat lift and water at the pier $239,000. $850,000. head. $850,000.

MLS 1025700 MLS 1217626 MLS 1112400 IfPrivate you have been waiting for a2place to call home thatcottage is alsowith a dream come true for country retreat. Adorable BR, 2 Bath Amazing a dock on Jeremy Creek your horses, this it! A 1500 log cabin hometothat is close inWaterway! and partAofquaint Mt. cottage situated on 15iswooded acressq.ft. surrounded leading the Intracoastal 2-3 bedrooms withPeace, a fabulousA-frame porch.home Natural onfloater. the inside, byPleasant. 500 acres inCozy a conservation easement. withwood dock and Drive countertops in kitchen. House is on approx. acres with a barnarriving and at quietgranite and nature reigns supreme in this enclave. through a nice4wooded area before additional pasture on the adjoining 7 acres. Home could be expanded to accommoLocation is within a 6 minute drive to Mt. Pleasant. the horse pasture of almost 3 acres on one side of date a larger family or left as a guest house and build a new home to suit your needs. Great a cathedral andability a fireplace. the driveway and 1.4floor acres for of garden arealiving on the Theroom barnhas has 8 stalls ceiling and the to expand to a second studio Kitchen is generous in sizebewith wooden counterIt is unusual have muchmay acreage space. Barn can purchased separately,other. or the house to and thethisbarn be for tops and a large eatpurchased in area thattogether has great views a garden, and out buildings, a short for a of real horses, steal of a deal.sheds $775,000. the back yard and opens through French doors to the back porch. $595,000.

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BUZZ

EVENTS

Lowcountry Strawberry Festival Features Something for Everybody

The Lowcountry Strawberry Festival will take place at Boone Hall Plantation Thursday April 10th, thru Sunday April 13th, and this year’s event is promising to deliver “Something For Everybody.”

Over 30 thrill rides and attractions again will be featured. But by popular demand Boone Hall is bringing back some past festival favorites as well as a few new additions. The Little Miss Berry Princess Contest will be back as will strawberry pie eating contests, strawberry recipe contests, live musical entertainment, and more. New additions for this event will include a Petting Zoo, a jumping pillow, an exhibit on farming in South Carolina, and lots more. The event will also feature pig races, numerous vendor displays, a variety of festival type foods, and of course, U-Picking of strawberries during event daytime hours on Saturday and Sunday of the festival. U-pick strawberries to be paid for by the pound. The event will be divided into two main areas. The thrill rides will be featured in part of the festival known as The Main Event. All the contests, live music, Petting Zoo, jump pillow, farming exhibit, and other family friendly festival activities will be staged in the area known as Farm Land. Food will be available for purchase in both areas. Paid admission is required for entrance

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29412

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PHOTOS COURTESY BOONE HALL

into the festival. Admission prices remain the same as last year, in a continued effort to make this event work for the family budget. Paid admission allows entrance into both The Main Event and Farm Land. The festival kicks off on Opening Night, Thursday April 10th from 6-10pm with Student Night. This night was very popular last year and as a result Boone Hall is bringing it back. With paid admission into the event, for Student Night only, event goers can purchase Ride Everything Wrist Bands for a discounted price of only $10. Although this night is designated as Student Night, the ride wrist band discount will be available to all age groups. For all other days, the ride wrist bands can be purchased at the event for $20, which is still a great value for unlimited riding on over 30 rides and attractions. As an option, individual tickets will also be sold at the event. These tickets are $1 each, and the number of tickets required for each ride varies. Event goers can save time and avoid ticket lines by purchasing admission tickets

in advance at boonehallplantation.com and at Boone Hall Farms Market in Mt. Pleasant. There will be an Express Ticket Line for online purchasers that will provide faster service with immediate entrance into the event with little or no waiting. Ride wrist bands and individual tickets will be available for purchase at various ticket booths once inside the event. The festival is being presented in cooperation with the South Carolina Dept. Of Agriculture’s Certified SC Grown program and the Town of Mt. Pleasant. For more details and entry information for festival contests, visit boonehallplantation.com and click on the Q&A blue button on the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival page. Admission Prices: $5, ages 12 and up; $3, ages 3-11. Ages 2 and under are admitted FREE with accompanying adult. Additional purchase required for rides. Dates and Hours: Opening Night/Student Night, Thursday April 10th, 6-10pm; Friday April 11, 4-11pm; Saturday April 12, 10am-11pm; Sunday April 13, Noon-7pm.

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BUZZ | ENTERTAINMENT

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

High Hopes

Bruce Springsteen

Unless you’re a die-hard fan of Springsteen, you may only know his radio hit—the ones that make you want to roll down all four windows and speed down back roads to the beach. Springsteen’s newest album strives for a more sophisticated sound. He gets it right in a few places, such as the slightly somber second track, Harry’s Place. Still other tracks, Just Like Fire Would, seem to be more of the artist’s traditional sound. For Springsteen fans, it’s a chance to experience the singer’s versatility as well as what you first loved about him.

Labor Day

3 Stars

Starring Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith and Tobey Maguire; Directed by Jason Reitman; PG-13

24 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

In This Life Elise Testone

If you’ve ever found yourself searching for the perfect music to accompany a small dinner party—not too stuffy but pleasing to a number of tastes—local artist Elise Testone’s first studio release might suit the search. Like a well-rounded perfume, her album includes notes of classical blues, country, and even alternative rock; parts are reminiscent of Fiona Apple, for example. Testone’s husky voice is emotional, yet relaxing—perfect for any situation.

PHOTO C/O SONY PICTURES

One common debate revolving around the practice of watching movies is whether a love story could interest both a woman and a man. Labor Day may just fit that bill. And, when we say “love story,” we aren’t talking about a car blowing up that just happens to have a man and a woman inside ― we’re talking a film in which the plot simply revolves around a man and woman’s intent to be together. But what if the man was an escaped convict, and, every time someone so much as knocked at the door or passed by the kitchen window of the house, he backed into the shadows of the walls and dared his beloved and her young son to breathe? Reitman’s direction of Joyce Maynard’s latest novel is at times slow and tedious, but the details of the story are so well thought out, it’s worth watching to see whether Adele, played by Kate Winslet, the single, agoraphobic mother, and her convict lover, Frank, played by Josh Brolin, escape to Canada as planned. Just a few things stand in the way, including Adele’s 13-year-old son, Henry (Gattlin Griffith), who isn’t sure he wants to leave his father or his new friendship with a girl who just moved to town. Some viewers may grumble over the fact that Frank’s previous murder crime is not discussed overtly. Instead, we’re presented with a series of flashbacks and readers come to draw a conclusion. Similarly, we are slowly led to trust Frank and believe that he cares for Adele and Henry moment by moment, just as the characters themselves come to trust each other. Perhaps the most significant scene of the movie is when Frank teaches Adele and Henry how to make a peach pie from scratch, and the three characters plunge their hands into the gooey mixture, a gesture of willing vulnerability. I emerged from the theater at the end of this film with a furrowed brow, determined to stay awash in Labor Day’s intricate scenes, not jar myself back to reality with the night air and the Saturday night adolescent screeches. It’s the sort of story that lingers for a while, keeping its viewer pondering the subtleties of joy and suffering.


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It’s Not That Hard

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The University of South Carolina’s award-winning equestrian program is known far and wide. Much credit goes to its remarkable head coach. By JACKIE PERRONE

sk the University of South Carolina’s honored and celebrated equestrian coach how she does it all (teaching, coaching, competing, organizing, winning), and you’ll get a hearty chuckle and a double-edged answer: “It is what it is. And: “It’s not that hard.”

26 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

So solidly is this philosophy ingrained in her career that her students collect the slogans to adorn her walls. They know there’s no allowance for whining, complaining, and of course not for quitting. To know Boo Major is to recognize competence, high standards, and a zest for winning which has led her teams to big championships. This redoubtable University leader of course has a formal name, Frances. “I was never a Frances,” she says. “Boo suits me just fine.” Long-time fans can spin yarns about her unforgettable parents, Bob and Madge Major, prominent in the area for many decades and known for their community service performed with wit and dedication. Come to think of it, those qualities (wit and dedication) pretty much apply to their daughter Boo, now in her 17th year as head of U.S.C.’s stellar equestrian program. Surely she was born for this assignment. “I was on horseback when I was three years old,” she says. “I fell in love with it instantly, and by the time I was 10 I was riding at Belle-

PHOTOGRAPH BY CORY BURKARTH

BUZZ | NEWSMAKER


grove, the Belsers’ riding academy. I tackled it all: shows, fox hunts, trail rides, and working weekends at the stables.” She attended Sweetbriar College in Virginia, and returned home to graduate from USC in 1981, later adding a Master’s degree at USC in 1990. Fast forward a few decades, to find Boo Major at the helm of an equestrian program widely recognized for its quality and achievements. “Equestrian had been a club activity at U.S.C.,” she narrates. “In the 1997-98 academic year it was established as a varsity sport, and I came on board the following year.” The University of South Carolina was the first major Division 1 school in the nation to elevate equestrian to varsity status.

championships. In 2005, only a few years after equestrian became a varsity sport here, the team won USC’s first ever national sports championship, NCEA Overall, and two years later, repeated the achievement. In her position as leader of this superlative program, Major has the opportunity to promote the sport to other universities, to the horse industry, to her fans, and at the national level. She has served as member and chairman of local and national committees, and as a Technical Delegate and “r” Eventing Judge with the US Equestrian Federation. Boo Major lives in Blythewood SC, on property which was once part of the JJ Ranch where she rode as a toddler. The earlier owners, the Jimmy Jennings family, died tragically

The University of South Carolina was the first major Division 1 school in the nation to elevate equestrian to varsity status. Major credits the University’s Athletic Department heads with the kind of support which made it possible for her to establish a solidly competitive program. “Mike McGee was big on horses,” as she puts it. “Eric Hyman and then Coach Ray Tanner have continued that support, helping put in place the resources which enable us to compete. We have choice property in Blythewood SC, and our new locker room is undoubtedly the finest one in the country.” Present Athletic Director Ray Tanner sings the praises of this dedicated leader. “Boo is an outstanding coach of young people who is passionate about the sport she coaches. She has a great track record in her 30+ year equestrian coaching and teaching career, winning two team national championships at Carolina and the inaugural SEC championship last season. I am proud of how her teams have competed and how her squads have epitomized the University in the classroom and the community. Boo is a great representative of the Gamecocks.” A lot else about U.S.C.’s equestrian program may justifiably be rated the finest in the country. These riders have brought home an impressive array of trophies and

in a plane crash and Major was able to acquire part of that property where she now lives with her 14-year-old son Robert “Mac” McDow Duncan III as well as assorted horses, a donkey, dogs, cats, birds and fish. She owns a Hanoverian stallion, Donnerkeil II, and is bringing along some of his offspring to compete and sell as well. The USC property was first leased from Scott and Katy Peterson, who then sold and also donated part of it to the University. It includes 28 acres. Major and the University would love to have 50 more. This program won the SEC championship in 1913, and a big moment lies ahead, when USC hosts the SEC championship competition March 28-29, 2014. Each SEC team brings 12 horses and a slew of supporters and fans, as well as extra staff for the events. It’s an opportunity to showcase the facilities as well as the talents of the competitors. Will everything be perfect? It’s a given that the staff and students will do everything in their power to make it so, but if snags crop up, well, “It is what it is.” Boo Major does not let obstacles divert her mission of shooting for the top. Remember? “It’s not that hard.”

During her tenure at University of South Carolina, Boo Major has led the Gamecocks to two NCEA Overall Championships (2005, 2007), three consecutive NCEA Hunter Seat National Championships (2005,2006,2007), one Southern Equestrian Championship (2012), and one SEC Championship (2013). After the Gamecocks upset No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Auburn to win the inaugural SEC Championships in 2013, Major was voted SEC Coach of the Year. ¡ 26 March/April 2014 | 27


BUZZ | LOCAL CHATTER

Guy Harvey presenting a check to the Coastal Conservation Association for habitat restoration. Pictured: (front row holding check, left to right) Gary Keisler, CCA-SC Top Water Action Campaign - State Chairman and Scott Whitaker, CCASC Executive Director. (back row) Guy Harvey; Steve Stock, President Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation; David Wilkinson, Director of Marketing & Communications GHOF; Richard Berry, CCA-SC State Chairman.

From the Mountains to the Sea We sit down with the world famous Guy Harvey to chat about his current exhibit in Charleston, and delve into his philanthropic efforts in South Carolina

A

By DAVID WILKINSON

A

t first glance, it appears that South Carolina and Jamaica have very little in common. Separated by over 1,100 mostly wet miles, the Palmetto State and the Caribbean’s third largest country are about as similar as a house cat and a lion. While sharing a common ancestry, by and large they separated from each other at some distant point in history before morphing into their own distinct and unique form. 28 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

However, South Carolina and Jamaica are still connected in at least one way – they share a similar geographical makeup that includes a mountainous interior that gradually gives way to diverse coastal plains. Jamaica, in particular, is known for its combination of lush, “jungle-esque” mountains and miles of beautiful coastline. It was here that Guy Harvey, another link between these two regions, was born into a family whose ancestors had migrated to the southwestern part of the island in 1664 after being granted a large swath of land for farming. As a youth, Harvey split time between his family’s cattle farm in the foothills of Westmoreland Parish and the coastal region to the south, catching mountain mullet in Sweet River and blue marlin off the coast. Growing up in these dual environments, Harvey developed an appreciation for each – and an understanding that these are interconnected, not distinct, ecosystems. Years later, after building a successful


Photo john bell

Guy Harvey

28 March/April 2014 | 29


BUZZ | LOCAL CHATTER

Guy Harvey painting: “Golden Prize”

brand, traveling the world and leaving his birthplace for nearby Grand Cayman, Harvey eventually expanded his business and philanthropic activities into South Carolina where he discovered that – like in his native Jamaica – everything is interconnected, from the mountains to the sea. Charleston Living recently caught up with Harvey for an interview at his world headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale to discuss how he became so entrenched in the Palmetto State, and to learn what we can expect to see from him in the near future. CL: Guy, you have a brand that is recognized throughout the world, and you travel the globe on various scientific and fishing expeditions. How did you end up with such a deep connection to South Carolina, particu30 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

larly the Charleston area? GH: Well, that was mostly dictated by the fans! South Carolina is a very big market for Guy Harvey Inc. After several visits to the state in support of the retail efforts, I realized that South Carolina has a very active recreational fishing community that is deeply concerned with conservation efforts. This eventually led to the idea that my business and Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (“GHOF”) should support some of these projects. We identified several that were aligned with the mission of my foundation, and then we partnered with Palmetto Moon on the sale of a custom shirt. Proceeds from these shirts were donated to CCA’s Topwater Action Campaign and the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rescue Program. The

fans seemed to appreciate the connection between the art and conservation efforts – and both of the projects we helped fund had proven to be very successful – so the foundation looked for a way to have an even bigger impact with these groups as well as some others we knew of in the area. CL: To that point, in October you made a big announcement alongside the South Carolina Education Lottery about contributions you made to several South Carolina organizations. How did this partnership come about? GH: In the summer of 2013, the GHOF partnered with the Lottery on a scratch-off ticket game featuring my artwork. This deal was based on a very successful scratch-off game we did the year before with the Florida Lottery – a game that ultimately sold 12 million tickets in just a few months’ time. In the Florida deal, I donated my entire licensing fee to the GHOF and pledged to spend every dollar in the state of Florida on marine science, education and outreach programs. It was very successful, so we took this proven formula and partnered with South Carolina. The Lottery printed 5 million tickets, and in October we announced that due to the success of the game the GHOF was able to donate over $226,000 from South Carolina Lottery proceeds to various organizations to benefit marine conservation and education in the state. CL: What type of conservation efforts did you support? GH: We donated funds to four organizations – South Carolina CCA, the South Carolina Aquarium, the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund, and the Dolphinfish Research Program. Although three of these four organizations are based in Charleston, the scope of their collective conservation work and outreach programs benefit the entire state. For instance, the CCA is building and restoring both inshore and offshore fish habitats that will benefit all saltwater anglers. Also, the Aquarium’s student outreach program educates about 100,000 school kids each year from all over the state – many of whom have never seen the ocean or estuaries that are right here in their own backyard. And, some of the work we funded, like Don Hammond’s dolphinfish tagging project, has implications well beyond the state. CL: How so? GH: These tagging studies are extremely important because fish don’t know live within imaginary lines on a map. In order


represent his clients with the utmost responsibility.” Founder of the Charleston Running Club, Co-Founder of the Cooper River Bridge Selling Your Run, Buying Fundraiser for or Injured Veterans and a Charleston Real Estate Icon. to develop comprehensive plans for managing specific fisheries, we have to have sound scientific data for a number of issues, such as where these fish live or when and where they migrate to for feeding or breeding. In the case of dolphinfish, Don’s research has shown that they travel thousands of miles in a very short time and can cross a number of international boundaries during those travels. For instance, dolphinfish tagged just offshore in South Carolina have been found in waters off Puerto Rico, Venezuela and beyond. Don is recognized as one of the leading experts in the world in the study of these game fish – which are a favorite among recreational anglers – and his operation is based right here in Charleston.

The GHOF was able to donate over $226,000 from South Carolina Lottery proceeds to benefit marine conservation and education. CL: You seem to have developed a strong relationship with the South Carolina Aquarium. In addition to donating the lottery funds, you also opened a new exhibit there in January. GH: Yes, the Aquarium has developed into a very successful partnership. The Aquarium’s various programs and initiatives are very much in line with the mission of my foundation. We are both focused on providing marine education and outreach programs to the community as well as to bringing more awareness to conservation issues. One of the Aquarium projects that are being funded with the Lottery proceeds is the ‘Shark Shallows’ exhibit that will open later this spring. Not only will this provide a fun, educational experience, but it will also serve as a handson teaching tool to highlight the critical state of many shark species. So, Aquarium visitors will be able to have fun and learn something at the same time. CL: So, how does the art exhibit fit in with the other components of the partnership? GH: The art exhibit actually developed independently of the Lottery initiative. However, it’s really an extension of the

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BUZZ | LOCAL CHATTER

The Guy Harvey art exhibit at the South Carolina Aquarium features an array of twenty-five originals and reproductions showing wildlife endemic to the state.

other programs in that it’s another tool for raising awareness of critical conservation issues. In this case, my art exhibit mirrors the Aquarium’s theme of “From the Mountains to the Sea”. The artwork we are showcasing there focuses on the wildlife found in South Carolina, from the mountain and sandhill regions in the upper state down through the 32 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

coastal plains and Sea Islands, then offshore. So, there is a nice mix of artwork in the exhibit, though it does tend to favor the inshore and offshore species a bit more. CL: Sounds a bit like your childhood in Jamaica. You grew up in the hills off the coast but spent as much time as you could

fishing offshore, right? GH: Exactly. That’s one of the things that really resonated with me when we began this partnership – the way the Aquarium’s exhibits reminded me of my years in Jamaica where I spent time in both the hilly interior of the island as well as on the coast. You learn quickly that all of these different ecosystems

The SC Aquarium’s student outreach program educates about 100,000 school kids each year, many of whom have never seen the ocean. are not separate – they are all connected and the health of one directly impacts the other. The Aquarium’s own exhibits show that connection in South Carolina, and we wanted to replicate that in the artwork we put on display. The overall purpose is to show not just the diversity of wildlife in the state, but also how it’s all connected and in a way interdependent. CL: Which species are featured in the exhibit? GH: I won’t tell you which ones – you have to see the exhibit yourself to find out! ¡


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32 March/April 2014 | 33


BUZZ | PROFILE

Identity Perceptions An interview with novelist Karen E. Bender

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By GWENYFAR ROHLER

aren Bender Says She Never Feels Short, “But I Know It’s The First Thing People notice about me.” She is talking about identities and perceptions, the main theme of her new book A Town of Empty Rooms. “Here in the Southeast I was very conscious of people seeing me as Jewish.” She pauses and looks at her small, fine hands. “I think sometimes identity is a complex thing, and you are not sure how someone sees you, and how that interfaces with how you see yourself. Jewish, from the North, a writer…” she trails off. 34 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


PHOTOS COURTESY KAREN BENDER

It’s a question of identity that she’s been wrestling with since the family arrived here from New York City in the fall of 2001. “People feel like outsiders in all these different ways in their world — I think it’s a really common experience. I like seeing how people respond to that.” Maybe that’s why Catcher in the Rye is one of her favorite books. “It expressed something I was feeling at a time, and it was ‘Oh I don’t feel alone’, so I want to write things that make other people not feel alone.” Bender might be diminutive in stature, but she radiates an outsized joy and zest for life that is contagious. With dark curls and an effervescent grin that lights up her heart shaped face, it is impossible not to smile when you meet her. Her nurturing, supportive spirit manifests in her interactions with adults and children alike. It’s a quality that makes her a natural educator. “I wanted to teach because I realize, that actually I had some really mean and sadistic teachers as writing teachers, who really taught the wrong things.” Bender tries to help her students develop patience, to learn to see writing as a task, and perhaps most importantly to develop some perspective about rejection. “There is so much of it for writers,” she shakes her head. “So much.” Many people spend their lives trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. Bender knew at the age of six. Though it didn’t come with a flash of lightening — it did come from getting hit on the head with a rock. She was at a classmate’s birthday party and was the unfortunate, and un-intended, victim of the birthday boy who had lobbed a rock at a crowd of his guests. The experience made her want to narrate, and to explain and control the events she saw and experienced. Is that a surprising response from the child of a psychoanalyst? She laughs at the question about her father. “Well, my mother was a dancer and choreographer,” she offers. It’s a family where everything is about story, expression and analysis. Of the three sisters, one became a psychiatrist and the other two, Karen and Aimee, are both writers. The family focus on analysis and story underpins Bender’s work in both her debut novel, Like Normal People, and her follow up book, A Town of Empty Rooms. Both of which turn on questions of identity. A Town of Empty Rooms focuses on the struggles and questions that adults ask themselves, when they realize that slowly their lives have shifted off course and away from what they recognize. But, Like Normal People is a gentle coming of age story, which looks at maturing not just from the perspective of a young girl becoming a woman, but also her mentally challenged Aunt Lena, who though physically an adult, has not matured mentally and emotionally on schedule with everyone around her. “Lena had to be simplified for the book.

She was inspired by my Aunt Joan,” Bender explains. “She had certain mental challenges but she was also really smart.” Simplified or not, the character of Lena is a sensitive and complex portrayal of a character that many people would stereotype. But Bender dug deeper for the universal story, for the parts of Lena that everyone experiences: the desires for respect, independence and romance. In the search for Lena’s story, Bender shows us the struggles that people have throughout their lives for these touchstones of the human experience, especially the need for companionship. “I always wanted to marry a writer,” Bender confesses with a blush. She explains, “Because I wanted someone who would be a partner in this odd endeavor. It’s helpful — Robert is my first reader — we are really on the same wave length as terms of what we think is good writing.” She pauses then adds, “I trust Robert and Amiee more than most writers — really deeply so it’s good to have them as a community.” A Town of Empty Rooms signals a shift in her focus as a writer, now a mother of two exceptionally brilliant children. The questions Bender asks about the world come from a parent’s perspective in a family. “One thing I did want was to write honestly about parenthood. That is more sentimentalized than anything in this culture.” Besides the stress and the difficulties that come with raising a family, Bender points out that for many people one of the biggest changes is to no longer be center stage. She and Robert have a code name for the feeling: “Brad Pitt’s Assistant.” Because that’s what it feels like: you show up as a chauffeur and purveyor of food, drinks and money, but no one is interested in you. It can be a tough adjustment. Just as experiences are a source of inspiration for her writing, so too is sense of place. Bender is a person who has crisscrossed the country: from childhood in California, to New York to break into writing, off to Iowa for her MFA, then back to New York before landing here. “It is interesting to see how settings influences you as a writer, and creates a lot of different experiences. There is a lot that I experienced emotionally because of living here,” Bender points out. Part is a sense of safety and gratitude. “During September 11, we lived a few blocks away from the World Trade Center,” she notes. Taking a deep breath, she says that her son Jonah was supposed to start preschool that day, only a few short blocks from the towers. But they were spared, because the family was here for the month for Bender’s residency. “It felt in a way like a special place — it saved us — we weren’t there.” More than a decade later there is still a catch in her voice when she talks about it. “We were here. We were safe.” ¡ 34 March/April 2014 | 35


BUZZ | ART SEEN

A Softer Touch Love brings new light to Robert Maniscalco’s work By JASON A. ZWIKER

C C

ate’s son was going

Robert Maniscalco

36 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

internationally renowned portrait artist. The light and shadow, mood and character, that distinguish Maniscalco’s work are well rooted in those early days. His methods are in the classical tradition of Rembrandt, Velazquez, and Sargent. He has now been painting commissioned portraits and fine art for over 30 years. Today, his works are part of over 850 private and public collections. Before coming to Charleston, Maniscalco lived in Detroit, New York City, and New Orleans. He not only painted, but also worked as

an actor and director. In Detroit, he was the host of Art Beat, a celebrated PBS series, and he has also shared his vision in two portrait painting instructional DVDs called The Power of Positive Painting. While those classical painting methods remain timeless, Maniscalco has found that marketing – the way in which an artist interacts with the community and finds new clients – has changed dramatically in the early years of the twenty-first century and is continuing to change, all the time.

PHOTOS COURTESY ROBERT MANISCALCO

t hrough a troubled time in his life. His artistic talent was obvious: he painted canvas after canvas, releasing the strange and beautiful scenes that played in his mind. But he still needed guidance, an experienced artist to teach him how to channel that creative energy and focus it in a way that would help him achieve his goals. Cate knew the perfect person to call: her childhood friend, Robert Maniscalco, who grew up just down the road from her in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Even though Maniscalco was now 900 miles away, living in Charleston, he was happy to help. His mentoring of her son had a happy side effect. It brought him and Cate back together, closer than ever. They married in the summer of 2012. “Cate was the missing piece in my life,” he says. “She’s brought a softer touch to my life, my work, my art.” This intersection of family and art is nothing new for Maniscalco. Painting is a family tradition for him. His father, Joseph Maniscalco, with whom he apprenticed in the early 1980s, is an


(clockwise from left): Haitian girl expressing the surviving spirit of the Haitian people; Portrait of Carlton Campbell of Vicksberg, MS; Marsh Sunrise; Yellow Crown Night Heron.

He credits Cate with modernizing his approach to that. “Ideas can be very delicate,” he says. “Sometimes you just need someone to listen and say, ‘That does sound good’. I feel free now. I’ve felt that way since we’ve been together. I feel more open to exploring possibilities.” These days, his acting and artistic talents often go hand in hand at social events. He’ll show up dressed as Picasso, John Sargent, or an artistic take on Quick Draw McGraw, depending on the party theme and age level of the party guests. “It’s a lot of fun to dress up as one of them while I’m doing sketches for guests at a party,” he says. “There’s a famous story of how Picasso

would do a sketch on a napkin to pay for a dinner. I always add little touches like that while I’m in character to make it more fun for everyone.” When he’s not painting portraits or performing, he’s busy putting pen to paper. One of his current passions is writing plays, including a play about Vincent Van Gogh with a modern spin that he would love to see at Spoleto one day. He is also hard at work on fine art projects depicting scenes and faces of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Future plans include exploring the globe, traveling to different parts of the world, gathering reference material, and creating exhibits in support of causes that would help people in need. Giving back to his community is an important part of his life and work. He is a tireless advocate for the arts, benefits charitable causes such as medical research and the fight against homelessness through the donation of his work, and has a great interest in the artistic advancement of Charleston. “A big part of my mission as an artist is education,” he says. He loves the way in which painting puts the mind in another place and sees the benefit this can have for people with chronic pain and illness. “The meditative process of painting takes your mind out of your body.” He and Cate are fond of hosting “Brush with Wine” events, sharing the joy of creating truly wonderful art with others. Not only do these evenings produce an abundance of great art, they are also all-pressure-off ways for people to get together and simply have a great time. Maniscalco uses The Power of Positive Painting, a system he developed that breaks the complexity of painting down into easy to understand steps, to make the process of learning fun and relaxing for everyone involved. One piece that Maniscalco would very much like to see added to this mix is a Charleston atelier, dedicated to the teaching of traditional painting methods. The benefits of bringing artists together to learn and create would be substantial. It would be another piece clicked into a puzzle that has been taking shape quite nicely over the last several years. And with decades of experience as a professional artists behind him and nothing but new ideas ahead of him, Maniscalco is in prime position to be a vital part of that. “What’s happening in Charleston right now is this explosion of the avante-garde,” he says. “Artists are less afraid to take risks now. They’re exploring new possibilities, new ways of expressing themselves. It’s an amazing time to be here.” 843-486-3161, maniscalcogallery.com ¡

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36 March/April 2014 | 37


BUZZ | SOUTHERN DRAWL

Aerial view of the Charleston International Airport.

Terminal Redevelopment Paul Campbell finds balance in running and expanding the Charleston International Airport while serving as state senator By HOLLY FISHER

Positioned on either side of Senator Paul Campbell’s desk at the Charleston International Airport are framed front pages from both The Seattle Times and The Post and Courier heralding one of Campbell’s greatest accomplishments: the landing of the Boeing Dreamliner assembly plant in the Lowcountry. An Associated Press photo on the front of the Oct. 29, 2009 edition of the Seattle newspaper says it all: Campbell’s fist is punching the air and he’s grinning ear to ear. His quote below the photo reads: “If we have the opportunity, and Boeing has given us the opportunity, we will make them successful.” In April 2013, Boeing announced plans to expand, adding another 2,000 jobs to

38 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

the Charleston workforce. That front page headline also hangs in Campbell’s office. “It’s fun working with economic development,” he said. “If we can get South Carolinians the opportunity to make their lives better, it makes families better and changes lives for generations.” As a retired regional president of Alcoa and then a state senator representing Ber-

keley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, Campbell has long had his hands in the region’s economic development and business growth. The Goose Creek resident’s decision to run for Senate in 2007 came from a desire to further economic development in the state and his home region. He has previously served as chairman of the South Caro-


PHOTO CHRISTOPHER SHANE

Senator Paul Campbell

Birthplace West Jefferson, NC Family Wife, Vicki; Daughter, Christie Snipes, 44; Son, Jeremy Paul Campbell, 42; Daughter, Caroline Burgreen, 26

Education BS, Chemical Engineering, Clemson University; MBA, Jacksonville State, Ala. Favorite Hobbies Running, reading and investing

Favorite Charleston Event SEWE

38 March/April 2014 | 39


BUZZ | SOUTHERN DRAWL

lina Chamber of Commerce and the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance with a projobs and pro-business focus.

A New Era for Charleston’s Airport Now Campbell is tasked with another challenge that will impact Charleston’s business and tourism economies – overseeing a $200 million renovation to the Charleston International Airport. Campbell was tapped for the job of director of airports at the Charleston County Aviation Authority last summer, after the sudden resignation of then-director Sue Stevens. Campbell was hired in August just in time to usher the Terminal Redevelopment and Improvement Program to final approval, and to oversee the last details of the sale of land to Boeing for its expansion.

The renovation project is increasing the capacity at Charleston International Airport by 50 percent. The renovation project – known as TRIP – is increasing the capacity at Charleston International Airport by 50 percent. Currently both the A and B concourses have five gates; Concourse B will be expanded to 10 gates. The renovation also includes adding a baggage carousel, a consolidated TSA checkpoint, expanded desks for airline check-in, a new rental car pavilion and upgrades to the airport exterior and entrance. The estimated completion date is August 2015. In addition, more food and retail space will be available after guests go through security, which is when most people prefer to make their purchases, Campbell said. The expansion comes at an opportune time as the airport authority announced a record number of passengers coming and going through the airport in 2013. Nearly 2.9 million passengers came through the gates at the airport last year, marking a 10 percent increase over 2012 with 2.6 million passengers and up from 2.5 million in 2011. Thanks to efforts of both the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, the 40 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

(top) Guests awaiting their flights inside the terminal. (above) Artist rendering of retail shops inside the new terminal.

Holy City is a major attraction for both tourists and business travelers, Campbell said. He also notes that Boeing and other large manufacturers like Nucor and Alcoa generate airport traffic along with the region’s growing software and tech community. Plus, Charleston is three years running as the No. 1 city in the United States. “We are a destination of choice,” Campbell said. Campbell also points to JetBlue Airway’s plans to increase the size of its equipment for greater capacity as evidence of a growing airport. And, since coming to Charleston two years ago, Southwest Airlines is already the third largest carrier with 20 percent of the

local air traveler market. Campbell anticipates easily surpassing 3 million passengers this year and that makes the airport renovations important for both the short term and the future. “At the rate we’re growing, we’ve got to plan for the next 20 years out,” he said. Thoughts of adding a second parking deck are already being discussed to prepare for longterm growth, Campbell said.

Hard Hat and Senate Hat Campbell has a busy job overseeing the airport authority and construction projects,


couldn’t be opened before,” he said. “Maybe we can get a little more attention (as an airport).” He admits a key disadvantage is juggling two busy schedules, but, he said, it gives the airport staff some opportunities to grow their skills as they take on more responsibilities. Working two jobs doesn’t leave Campbell much free time. Despite the fact his office overlooks the runway he doesn’t have much time to travel these days. He and wife, Vicki, do make frequent fall trips to Clemson to watch Campbell’s alma mater on the football field. In January, Campbell laced up his running shoes for the 2014 Charleston Half Marathon. He also serves on the board of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, which Campbell credits for generating not only airport traffic but economic development in the Charleston region.

Focus on the Future Serving the business traveler, tourists and the locals who fly in and out of Charleston International Airport on a daily basis is

Nearly 2.9 million passengers came through the gates at the airport last year

Photos (5) Charleston County Aviation Authority

(top) The current entryway and curbside elevation. (above) Artist rendering of the new curbside drop-off area.

but that’s only part of Campbell’s responsibilities. He retained his senate seat when he took over the airport director job and when his term is up in 2016, he intends to run again. Juggling the two positions isn’t as tough as some people might think, he explained. As a regional president at aluminum plant Alcoa, Campbell managed plants in South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee and Indiana so he’s accustomed to dealing with multiple areas, he said. And thanks to today’s technology, he’s in touch via phone, email, text and iPad whether at the airport or on the Senate floor,

Campbell said. “If you can’t manage from a hotel room, you shouldn’t be managing,” he joked. It’s simply a matter of staying organized and managing priorities, Campbell explained. And he gives ample credit to the airport authority staff members who keep the airport running on days he’s in Columbia. When Campbell accepted the airport job, there was some question as to whether he should resign his District 44 Senate seat, but Campbell counters that his political experience is an advantage. “As a senator, I can open doors that

Campbell’s immediate and long-term focus. He knows the region is growing and that means having an airport to accommodate that growth. The population in Charleston is growing, pushing probably 1 million people in the region by 2020, Campbell said. While the current renovation program is “huge for Charleston,” Campbell said, it’s also time to look ahead to the probably notso-distant future when the airport authority has to add that second parking deck or even five more gates. While the current renovation program is “huge for Charleston,” Campbell said, it’s also time to look ahead to the probably notso-distant future when the airport authority has to add that second parking deck or even five more gates. ¡ 40 March/April 2014 | 41


BUZZ | STAFF PICKS

The Undeniable Dazzle of Downton Abbey

F F

By Courtney Webb

for four seasons many of us have been

captivated by the British drama Downton Abbey, the show has secured the minds and hearts of millions all over

world with it’s famed sweeping castle vistas, riveting plot and unforgettable characters. Sometimes waiting for the next installment can be quite tortuous so why wait to get your period drama fix?

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle, and Lady Catherine, the Earl and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess Carnarvon Penned by the current Countess of Carnarvon who now resides at Highclere castle where Downton Abbey is filmed, these non-fiction companion books delve into the history that inspired much of the series. Lady Almina, wife of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who is best known as the discoverer of King Tut’s tomb, is most notably recognized for her nursing of wounded officers in the aftermath of World War I when she chose to open her home as a hospital for recovering soldiers. The American wife of the 6th Earl known as Lady Catherine in turn almost certainly launched the creation of Lady Cora who as we all know helped renew the fortunes of the family estate with her significant dowry at the time of her marriage. Diving into the family archives, records and photographs allows readers unique insight into the very real people who once inhabited the life, time and place that Downton now represents so well.

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax Take a dash of modern women, a spoonful of good southern charm and a generous helping of a very Mr. Carson-like British concierge and you have the new novel While We Were Watching Downton Abbey. The mix of female characters lovingly concocted by Atlanta author Wendy Wax represents a tellingly true depiction of the wide range in audience that the beloved series has drawn as devoted followers and how this camaraderie has lead to many moments of bonding among both strangers and dear friends alike. Newbie watchers of the series beware however as the book does contain some major plot spoilers from the very first season.

Habits of the House Series by Fay Weldon Writer Fay Weldon known most notably as the award-winning writer of Upstairs, Downstairs has turned her immeasurable talent to another historical hit in this new trilogy. Set slightly before the Downton era towards the end of the London season in 1899, readers will once again be transported to a time and place far from their own. Devotees will enjoy reading along as the Earl of Dilberne finds himself in deep financial troubles that will threaten to upset the aristocratic family and its staff both upstairs and down at 17 Belgrave Square. ¡

Additional Reading for the Devoted Downton Fan Mouseton Abbey: The Missing Diamond by Nick Page (Ages 3-7) Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid’s Tale Memoir that inspired Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey by Margaret Powell Summerset Abbey by T.J. Brown 42 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


Well Styled BEAUTY | OUTDOOR LIVING | GARDEN EDITS

Living in the Great Outdoors With spring right around the corner, it’s time to turn your attention from indoor pursuits to turning your backyard into an outdoor living space.

PHOTO COURTESY BACKYARD RETREATS

See page 48

42 March/April 2014 | 43


WELL STYLED | BEAUTY

New Hairstyles for Spring Expert advice on changing your hairstyle, and finding the right hair products to keep it looking good. By KENDALL FUQUA

T T

here always seems to be a variety of popular hairstyles no matter where you turn. It makes no difference who you are, the time comes for all of us when refashioning your hairstyle with the latest look is priority. And yes, you can get the latest hairstyle if you know where to look and how to relate your request to the right stylist. Inspiration can come from the styles worn by celebrities as well as the fashion world. For most of us, our hair is the number one accessory that we own, either by growing it or by purchasing it. Hair means something, if not everything, and many lives have been changed by the look of a new hairstyle. 44 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


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The question that always seems to be the most asked is how long should my hair be. Some women wear certain lengths based on their emotions and some based on time. The fashion industry also has its thoughts on the subject. Short hair will always be considered to be the immaculate, fashion forward, stylish and extremely sexy look for many women. With short hairstyles, there are endless possibilities that never get boring. When you look at any fashion magazine, you always encounter pictures of famous celebrities wearing short hairstyles. The question that I hear repeatedly is – would a short hairstyle look good on me. The answer I like is that a suitable, personalized short hairstyle would look great on anybody. Medium length hairstyles on the other hand, will always offer the advantage of being able to experiment. The medium length is getting the most attention right now in fashion and Hollywood. Doesn’t everyone want a quality hairstyle that will get them noticed and will be easy to style? This is also an acceptable length with those wanting to make a change, because it can be easy to grow it back long again. It’s the “crawl before you walk” length when making that transition into a new shorter hairstyle. Ok. We know that long hairstyles will always be in the spotlight for any season, and will remain the most popular for the majority of women. Why? It is usually because of the security that it seems to give, or because of the easy ponytail. And don’t worry – stylists will always have a plan for the ladies that want to keep those lovely locks long, stylish, and healthy.

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magazine Just fill out the postcard in this issue., call 843.856.2532 or go to www.CharlestonLivingMag.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY ABBA HAIR CARE

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44 March/April 2014 | 45


WELL STYLED | BEAUTY

magazine

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Become a fan! on facebook Preview issues Special event invitations Contests Exclusive deals and more!

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Our latest discovery, The KeraSpa Collection has three ways to smooth hair physically and not chemically. The KeraSpa Intense is rich in keratin proteins, polyquaternium and uses amino acids synergy cysteines to effectively smooth the hair. The KeraSpa Intense smoothing system reduces up to 90% of curls, and removes volume and frizz, leaving the hair with a stronger, naturally smooth and silky effect for 3 to 4 months. The quick fix option in the KeraSpa Collection is the Kera Express. This is an excellent way to reconstitute the proteins in the hair, and increase its brightness and softness to the touch, all while removing frizz. It’s ideal to use as a short term smoothing treatment, protect the hair from heat and free radicals, as well as extending the longevity of KeraSpa Intense Smoothing Treatment. This Express treatment can last up to 3 to 4 weeks. Another choice is the Kera Kontrol Total. A new generation smoothing system that controls the curl and frizz of your hair, by using lupine protein that stimulates the natural keratin of the hair. This technology uses amino acids and protein synergy that are bio compatible with the hair fibers. This treatment improves the hair’s moisture, elasticity, and strength while removing the undesired bulkiness while leaving soft, shiny, beautiful curls. This service takes no more time to receive than coloring, and can be done the same day as a color service. Fabulous hair for 8 to 12 weeks! This formaldehyde free system introduces innovative, high quality products, and takes advantage of authentic Brazilian fruit extracts and their natural benefits. The Treatment includes natural ingredients such as Carob Bean extract, Acai, Guarana fruit extracts, Argan oil, Babassu oil, Wheat Germ oil, Vitamin E and Glycerin. This new combination regenerates and restructures the hair restoring lost moisture, softness, brightness, elasticity, and vitality to the hair. Every option in the KeraSpa Collection Smoothing System contains no Formaldehyde, and has been approved for use by Health Canada, the Canadian version of the United States FDA. Health Canada adheres to more strict guidelines on the use of Formaldehyde content allowed in consumer products than the United States. In fact, Canada does not allow most smoothing treatments that the FDA still allows for use in U.S. salons today. So, does beautiful hair have to cost you your health? Not anymore. ¡


46 March/April 2014 | 47


WELL STYLED | OUTDOOR LIVING

Decorating Ideas for Outdoor Spaces Whether you’re entertaining a group or relaxing by yourself, people are spending more time outside in their own backyards with a wide selection of outdoor living products By COLLEEN TROY

W W

ith an average of 211 days of sunlight every year, Charleston ranks as one of the nation’s best places we know for outdoor living. Sure, it can get a little chilly in winter, and a little humid in the summer. But heck – it’s a small price to pay for the right to bask in a semi tropical climate.

Demographers cite the climate that continues to attract folks to the region. With a population growth of three times the national average, local professionals are seeing a real uptick in interest for outdoor living spaces. According to the 2014 Garden Trends Report, consumers are spending more leisure time outdoors and “decorating” their yards as well as their homes. “2014 is all about balance. People finally appreciate that being in nature and in the garden is true bliss. But now, they want the garden to do double duty: A Zen oasis and the social hub for entertaining,” says Katie Dubow, creative director of Garden Media. “Surrounding yourself with nature, with trees in the yard and houseplants in the office, brings a sense of peace, boosts productivity and enhances your quality of life—in addition to providing a great escape from the hustle and bustle of a technology intense life.”

48 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


Landscaping designed by DIG Landscape.

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WELL STYLED | OUTDOOR LIVING

Customers Dig DIG Landscape Designing Innovative Gardens (“DIG”) has helped scores of Lowcountry residents make the most of their landscapes. Spend a little time on their website – and chatting with the principles – and one thing becomes clear: working with professionals turns good gardens to great escapes. Local owners Patty Craven and Nicholas Popovich have perfected a four-part process for turning dirt into gold. 50 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

It all starts with design, which starts with listening. DIG is focused on learning what the customer wants and needs. What lifestyle do they live? How much time do they want to putter, and how much would they be willing to outsource? What preferences do they bring to the process, and what will their property support? “We’re very proactive at the beginning,” said Popovich. “We want to listen for their needs, for the long-term, and strive for a design that will work year-round.” Next comes plant selection (and remember, native is always best!). Hand

selecting each plant, the team considers the quality of soil, access to water, and even the presence of critters (welcome and otherwise). One trend Popovich sites is the reduction of lawns; “they are just so labor and chemical intensive. That’s not how people want to live today.” Another challenge is working with the region’s micro climates. A yard in downtown Charleston is often starkly different from one across the river or up near Summerville. “Clients will see a garden they want replicated in one place, which is doable, but it might demand different plant choices that work with the soil, the sunlight and the general location.” With a plan in place, crews get to work creating the skeletal structure: the hardscape. DIG is big on pathways – reminding owners that they’ll want access to their yard’s various features. Walls, walkways, raised beds and lighting plans come together to frame the ultimate escape. The final, and most exciting part of the process, comes with the final garden, a freshair space that will grow and evolve over years. “We are always committed to delivering a garden that looks great on day one, and which will still look great on day 10,000,” Popovich said. 843-327-4372, diglandscape.net


Relaxing with

Backyard Retreats

Drop in to Sharon Campbell’s showroom, and encounter a world of fresh-air possibilities. As owner of Backyard Retreats, Campbell carefully curates all manner of products designed to extend a home’s interior to the great outdoors. As a result, she features allweather wicker and other patio furnishings, spas and accessories, and all manner of outdoor living hardware. The whole idea of her store is to allow customers to bring to life their desire to spend more time outside. “Whether that’s because they want more family time, more socializing, or just quiet time, we can help create a plan that allows them to create a space they love.” Campbell started out in the “outdoor” business selling hot tubs. “But the designer in me was always pushing to do more, to create an entire environment that customers could enjoy.” Today, those environments are as varied

as is the clientele who visit her Mount Pleasant store. Some are augmenting a new deck or pool. Some come with a clear vision; others with a finite budget. Some have just an inkling of what they’d like. While it’s long been ‘a well kept secret,’ her business is definitely on the up swing. “I think the economy has people spending more time home with the family, and that’s a good thing.” No matter the size and scope of a project, Campbell is always happy to work with a customer’s budget. “That helps us create a real plan, and clarify what’s most important. We can always add or subtract elements from there.” Often, before the final design plan and purchase is made, Campbell will visit the customer’s home to ensure that her mindseye matches their reality. One thing she does caution customers against is falling in love with any element before they get their big picture fully in focus. “People may just love a certain piece, but then find it doesn’t fit their space, or their vision. It’s hard to let go at that point.” 50 March/April 2014 | 51


WELL STYLED | OUTDOOR LIVING

52 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


Photo Holger Obenaus

Campbell says outdoor kitchens continue to be a very hot trend, as families extend their living space with built-in grills and the like. One particularly popular item is the fire pit that converts during warm weather into a table; either iteration invites people to gather around and relax. And what’s perennially in style? “A lot of seating, really comfy chairs. That’s what people want when they relax outside,” she said. “But variety is the key for our business. Everybody has a unique vision.” In fact, that’s where Campbell’s design sensibility really comes in to play. She appreci-

ates an opportunity to see a client’s interior, so she can extend their design sensibilities outdoors. In addition to photos, she encourages them to bring color swatches they love, and any other items that inspire them. She’s also happy to work with builders or other designers. “At the end of this process, my customers truly are like my friends,” she said. “I want to be sure that when we’re done, we’ve done the best possible job for them, and that they’ll enjoy the results for years to come.” 843-856-0049, backyardretreatsinc.com

Owner Sharon Campbell 52 March/April 2014 | 53


WELL STYLED | OUTDOOR LIVING

In the Swim with Atkinson Pools Jenny Atkinson and her family can be credited with making Lowcountry living a wet, refreshing and welcome adventure for three decades. Their company, Atkinson Pools, has specialized in turning backyards into watery playgrounds. And the choices for doing that are amazingly varied. 54 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

“More and more people are adding the backyard oasis – or the outdoor living room – onto their homes,” said Atkinson. By blending interior and outdoor with a transitional space, homeowners increase family and social time. Indeed, a pool allows families to connect and entertain with ease. It encourages children to learn to swim early (a special benefit in a region where water truly is everywhere), and promotes physical activity. Indeed, for many customers, there are

measurable health benefits available from a pool or outdoor spa. Hydrotherapy has long been known for its healing power. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed water therapy was essential for health. And modern science has indicated that soaking in a hot tub or swimming a few laps can lead to better sleep, reduced arthritis symptoms, recovery from back and muscle injuries, and stress reduction. Many customers know they want a pool, have done a bit of research, and need some


Photos Karson photography

guidance. “The key to every project is understanding what the customer wants to get out of their pool or spa owning experience.” All pools are not created equally, either by design, by infrastructure, or by purpose. The Atkinsons help customers answer all sorts of questions that lead to the right choice for them. Will this be a second-floor elevation, or in-ground? Fiberglas? Multi-generational? “Knowing the home, the landscape and the owners’ desires is key to making the right recommendations,” said Atkinson.

And having decades of experience is key to making those recommendations work. Atkinson says that her staff is trained to help walk customers through everything from permitting to engineering and design. Atkinson also handles the fencing and hardscaping surrounding the pool or spa, and they can recommend trusted professionals to provide lighting. Her son Josh, who manages most of the company’s installations, says there is a real advantage to working as a design-build firm. “Some clients come with a landscape architect, but for most, we meet onsite, get their likes and dislikes, and start creating.” The next meeting involves reviewing several designs. Client input helps narrow down the features. And ultimately, the winning design gets assigned a price tag and

production schedule. Installations can take anywhere from five weeks to multiples of that to complete. And Atkinson installations tend to include some attractive bells and whistles. Salt water pools are now standard, and mineral purification systems are available. These systems respond to growing consumer demand for minimal chemicals. Another consumer craving: automation. Atkinson pools can be operated on a smartphone or tablet. “That means you can be out to dinner or golfing, pull up your app, and have the spa heated up by the time you get home,” said Josh. Perhaps best of all, the family-owned company also offers maintenance contracts on all installations. Notes Josh: “We’re not just the builder; we’re here from cradle to grave.” 843-881-3068, atkinsonpools.com ¡ 54 March/April 2014 | 55


WELL STYLED | GARDEN EDITS

Vanilla-strawberry Hydrangea

Garden Discovery

A A

Tips and advice on new spring plantings

h, the warmth of a

Spring day has finally arrived and thoughts turn to our now thawed gardens! So, after judicious pruning, an application of (slow-release) fertilizer, and a raking of the assembled detritus of leaves, let’s make 2014 a year to remember newly cultivated interest in your landscape, and not the ice and cold that was. We decided to go to our favorite garden centers to get a preview of what new spring plant introductions will be awaiting us. First stop, Hyams Garden Center on James Island. George Hyams says that new shipments are on the way and he is excited about some new blooms that will be coming our way. Most of us are familiar with Encore Azaleas which are repeat bloomers, but we are going to see a new variety called Bloom-A-Thon. They bring five months of blooms in whites, pinks

and lavenders. They are disease resistant and do well in shady gardens unlike the Encores that need lots of sun. Love Hydrangeas? Look for these new stunners. Plum Passion is the only Hydrangea with purple leaves. Vanilla Strawberry has large strawberry pink flowers. And what about a heavily jasmine scented Hydrangea called Golden Crane? It has elegant white flowers and could very well scent your entire garden area. Small tree favorites include Hearts of Gold and Rising Sun Redbuds that have the early pink spring flowers but the foliage is lime green with pink and red overtones. There is also a burgundy leaf weeping redbud called Ruby Falls. A new variety of Mimosa tree will also be popular. Summer Chocolate leaves start out with a bronze green color in early spring and darken to

a rich chocolate burgundy color in summer. Of course there are also the pink, powderpuff blooms to love. Honorable mentions go to a new variegated Agapanthus called Sun Stripe, two upright Hollys for use in tight spaces called Scarlet’s Peak and Emerald Colonnade. For drama in planters try the new Festival Raspberry Cordyline. One new plant I want to check out is First Love Gardenia. It is a small tree (5-8 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide) that tolerates poor soils and is nematode resistant. Its blooms are fragrant, larger than other Gardenia blooms and are the first to bloom. Over in Mt. Pleasant, Bruce Donaldson of Abide-a-While Garden Center, and his knowledgeable staff have made the most of the down-time of January, to reinvigorate much of their nursery areas to better reflect the sophistication of their growing clientele that hales from Charleston, Daniel Island, West Ashley, and Mt. Pleasant. There is a rustic/elegant quality that describes many of his offerings from garden-oriented gifts to furniture to the plants themselves. The quality of Monrovia-grown boxwood and ligustrum topiaries can really set off an entry when paired with their beautiful array of pots and planters. The energetic staff is really a group of enthusiastic gardeners, and have even arranged much of their newly renovated greenhouse areas so that choosing annual color for those planters is a joy. They group the flowers compatibly to make your shopping even easier. Classes are offered to make the potting efforts a fun and show-stopping experience. The tasks of Spring are at hand, but the enjoyment of discovery to be found in two of our best go-to garden retailers should lend to the thrill of the hunt of what is new and exciting. Let your garden reflect your personality. Let the same-old, same-old be a thing of the past as you let go of the chill and embrace the possibilities of Spring! ¡

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

56 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


e have lots of camp options, from ÂťW

photo elaine floyd

sports and science to academics and religion, to make your home very quiet this summer.

56 March/April 2014 | 57


Summer Camp Guide

W

hat if you could spend

the summer sailing the Charleston Harbor, learning to ride horseback, perfecting your tennis serve or polishing your pitch under the instruction of a River Dogs star? It’s all possible—that’s the good news. Unfortunately all this great stuff isn’t for you—it’s for your kids. In fact, children of all ages today have a tremendous number of options to keep them busy during the summer months. But to find the perfect camp for your child, it’s important to make your application early, as space is limited. The following is a list of just some of the camps in or near Charleston, offering everything from sports training to computer science skills. By MARIE SEBASTIAN

» Trident Tech

Let’s say you’re looking for a summer camp for your kids but you live too far away from Trident Tech’s main campus in North Charleston. No problem – Trident Tech offers its Kids College for 7- to 16-year-olds at five other locations throughout Charleston

ArtBuzz Art Buzz Kids Kids Famous Famous Summer Summer

» Nature Adventures Outfitters

Kids from 6 to 17 can enjoy fun on the water and learn a lot about the environment as well at one of three Nature Adventures Outfitters Teen and Kids Camps. Options include the weeklong Naturalist Adventure Day Camp, offered to 6- to 12-year-olds in June, July and August; Teen Wilderness Adventure Camp, for 13- to 16-year-olds, from July 27 through August 1; and Teen Stand Up Paddleboard and Kayak Camp, for teens in the 12 to 17 age group. Nature Adventures Outfitters is located on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. 843- 568-3222, kayakcharlestonsc.com

» Wine & Design

Your budding Picassos and potential Rembrandts will have the opportunity to hone their artistic skills at the always-popular Art Buzz Kids Summer Camp, where they will be inspired by the work of artists from around the globe, including sculpture, pottery, the art of welding and, of course, painting. Monday through Friday sessions are available from June 16 through August 8 in two age groups: 4 to 6 and 7 to 12. Wine & Design is on Ashley River Road in West Ashley. 843-573-3422, wineanddesignus. com/westashley

» Ashley Hall

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58 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

County, including Mount Pleasant, Moncks Corner, downtown Charleston, Hollywood and St. George. Concentrating on developing children’s imagination, creativity and talent, sessions range from Magic Camp to Everything Southern to Pastry Boot Camp to Playful Poetry, and almost everything in between. 843-574-6111, tridenttech.edu/ ce_23221.htm

During the regular academic year, Ashley Hall is an exclusive school for girls, but its Summer Fest Day Camp is open to kids of both genders and from schools all over the Lowcountry. Boys and girls will enjoy art and crafts projects; field trips to zoos, water parks, fun parks, museums and movies; athletic activities; and a daily swim in the school’s pool. The camp is broken up into four age groups: primary and pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade, second and third grade, and fourth, fifth and sixth grade. 843-722-4088, ashleyhall.org/summer-fest-day-camp.php

» Charleston Museum

Just because its summertime doesn’t mean your kids have to stop learning. The Char-

leston Museum offers children of all ages the chance to have fun and find out about subjects ranging from Nature to Colonial America to the world of dinosaurs. One of the weeklong camp sessions will even show them how to “become an inventor and create crazy ways to solve problems.” Sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Charleston Museum is located at 360 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. 843-722-2996, charlestonmuseum.org/ summer-camps

» Camp Sewee

If your children love the outdoors, and especially the water, they’ll be crazy about Camp Sewee. Where else can they spend a week learning all about what it would be like to be a marine biologist or a naturalist? The camp, for 8- to 14-year-olds, has provided an excellent opportunity for fun and education to more than 333,000 kids since it was established in 1934. Activities include island ecology and salt marsh study; marine wildlife exploration and crabbing; trips to the South Carolina Aquarium, Sewee Environmental Education Center and local water parks; and Nature and night hikes. 843-928-3112, clemson.edu/yli/pages/sewee4.php

» Charleston County Parks & Recreation

Do your kids want to learn how to navigate the waters of the Lowcountry in a canoe or kayak? Have they always dreamed about rock climbing or mountain biking? Do they enjoy creating arts and crafts projects? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should take a serious look at the summer camps offered by Charleston County’s parks. A wide range of other programs are offered as well for children from 5 to 16 years of age, at parks throughout the county. Full and partial scholarships, based on economic need, are available. 843-762-2172, ccprc. com/index.aspx?NID=1570

» Sol Surfers Surf Camp

If you live near the ocean, and most of us do, it’s only natural that your kids might yearn to learn about how to ride the Atlantic waves. At the Sol Surfers Surf Camp for kids, they’ll pick up the basics of surfing, advancing based on their ability and comfort level. They’ll also gain the confidence that will carry over into other activities and throughout their lives. The camp runs weekly from the end of May until the middle of August. Participants must be at least 8 years old and must know


Summer days are fun days at Ashley Hall!

SUMMER PROGRAMS at Ashley Hall

Day Camp! Seven fun-filled weeks of day camp, with each week offering a wide variety of activities including access to the Ashley Hall indoor pool. Boy and girl campers ages 3 and 4 will enjoy morning circle time and thematic craft projects. For girls, rising kindergarten through 4th grade, campers will enjoy computer lab, daily swim time and much more. Day camp program includes hot lunch and snacks.

Sports Camps! For girls, rising 4th through 12th grade, Ashley Hall offers volleyball, basketball, and strength and conditioning day camps.

SpACe iS limiteD—

reserve a spot for your child today! All of Ashley Hall’s summer programs are open to the general public.

For detailed session descriptions and to register, please visit www.ashleyhall.org

58 March/April 2014 | 59


Summer Camp Guide how to swim. Leave the rest to the expert instructors. 843-881-6700, solsurfers.net

» Charleston Community Sailing “Sailing, sailing, over the bounding main.” That’s what your children might be singing while they’re learning all about life on the water at the Charleston Community Sailing Summer Program. Kids from 5 to 18, from beginners to seasoned sailors, are welcome to participate and learn from certified instructors. The fleet consists of 10 Optomists, two Open Bics, two Lasers and 13 Vanguard 420s. For the youngest sailors, the Guppy Program is aimed at building confidence and providing safety and fun for 5- to 7-year-olds. 843-607-4890, charlestoncommunitysailing.org/category/ programs/summersailing 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

» Camp Happy Days Camp Happy Days is all about fun, laughter and the joy of childhood – for children ages 4 through 16 who are battling cancer. The camp’s programs are aimed at improving the emotional, physical and psychological well-being of children affected by pediatric cancer and their family members, with an emphasis on building self-esteem, courage, confidence and trust. The camp’s goal is “to give these children life-changing experiences that offer hope, courage and the will to fight one more round.” Since 1982, Camp Happy Days has brought smiles to the faces of more than 1,500 kids who otherwise would have nothing to smile about. 843-571-4336, camphappydays.org » Camp St. Christopher One of the Lowcountry’s well-established camps—75 years and counting—with a Christian background, Camp St. Christopher is located on Seabrook and gives kids of all ages a chance to bond in the great outdoors. Highlights of the camp include archery, kayaking and water sports, plus the chance for fellowship and worship. Children 5 to 18 are welcome—but the dates of the sessions are different for each age bracket, so check the website for scheduling. 843-768-0429, stchristopher.org

Continuing Education Register Now for Summer Camps

ONLINE: www.tridenttech.edu/ce.htm PHONE: 843.574.6152 60 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

» The Little Gym of Summerville If your little ones aren’t quite old enough to enjoy sleep-away camp, you can still elect to give them a great time at the Day Camp at Little Gym of Summerville. Those who know anything about The Little Gym are

already aware how much kids love it—it’s the perfect place to play hard. And for the summer camp sessions, the camp offers special events plus arts and crafts in addition to physical activity. Possibly the best part about this day camp is the flexibility in scheduling—you can sign up for several weeks at a time, one week at a time or even just a day. 843-851-2950, thelittlegym.com/ summervillesc/pages/kids-camps.aspx

» Charleston SUP Safaris Wondering what SUP stands for? It’s short for Stand Up Paddleboarding, which is all the rage in Charleston nowadays and makes for a brilliant summer camp as well. Led by owners “Big Jon” Ory and Philip Antman, this day camp is held on Folly Beach on Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. until noon. Kids must be between 12 and 16 years of age and strong swimmers. The equipment is provided—including sunblock—and kids are given a certificate of achievement at the end of the week. They’re also taught water safety, paddleboarding etiquette and other awesome skills that will help them navigate the water with skill and enjoyment. 843-817-7877, charlestonsupsafaris.com/ summer-camps.html » Fear No Easel Fear No Easel takes the fear out of art. Paint in a social atmosphere and have a fun evening with your friends, sipping wine or beer and create your own work of art. Their artists will guide you to a creation that even Picasso would envy. With classes for adults and kids, they can take care of your private party, bachelorette parties and birthday parties. View their online calendar for dates and you can also register online. 843-284-3327, fearnoeasel.com » Charleston Tennis Center Charleston has been called the best city in the United States for playing tennis. As it turns out, it’s also a great city for tennis camps, such as the Charleston Tennis Center’s summer camp, taught by professionals Toni Young and Fredrik Anderson. Each session offers instruction in fundamental strokes—with one-on-one lessons—and reinforces skills with the help of interactive games and prizes. Plus, if you find yourself feeling jealous of your kid’s swing, you can sign up for the adult camp. 843-7667401, charleston-sc.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/3669


» Edisto River Adventures

For kids between the ages of 10 and 16 who are itching to get outside and away from technology, the Edisto River Adventures camp may be just the ticket. Each camp session includes one overnight stay and plenty of water activities on the Edisto River, such as kayaking, canoeing and tubing. Waterlogged campers will enjoy corn hole, volleyball, horseshoes and plenty of other games. There’s even a field trip to Bee City in the cards. 843-870-6978, edistoriveradventures.com/summer-campsfor-kids-and-teens-ages-10-16

» East Coast Baseball Academy

Your kid’s dream of getting drafted by the Phillies isn’t going to happen overnight―he or she needs practice, to the tune of attending camp at the East Coast Baseball Academy. Known as “Charleston’s premier site for baseball and softball training,” Junior is sure to get the best batting and pitching instruction in an indoor, air conditioned environment from a slew of great teachers, including former minor and major league coaches and players. 843766-4933, hometeamsonline.com

» The Grass is Greener Riding School

This camp is worth attending, if only to find out what “horsey games and crafts” are all about― which are promised on the Grass is Greener’s website. And for your young equestrian, a week of spending time with horses will surely bring about a smile. Camps run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and all ages and skill levels are welcome. Campers will not only enjoy fun and social activities – they’ll also learn safety precautions and how to tack and care properly for a horse. Just prepare yourself for the “Daddy, I want a pony,” conversation afterward. 843-952-5147, grassisgreenerridingschool.com/summercamp

» Gibbes Museum of Art

Budding artists in your family will enjoy the opportunity to work with practicing artists as well as museum guides during the weeks of day camp at the Gibbes Museum. Different themes include All About Animals, Art Through the Ages and Exploring Nature, each with its own activities. Tuition for the weeklong experience includes the child’s art supplies, snacks and even tours of the museum. Best of all, campers will enjoy

art in a variety of media, such as sculpting, printmaking and painting. 843-722-2706, gibbesmuseum.org/pdf/Gibbes_SummerCampBrochure_Final.pdf

» East Cooper Gymnastics Camp

Summer will improve by leaps and bounds with an adventure at the East Cooper Gymnastics Camp. You can select either the full-day camp, which lasts from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., or the half-day camp, which lasts from 9 a.m. until noon. Campers will increase physical skills such as flexibility, coordination and strength by spending time on the bars, beams, vault and other equipment. Each child receives an award on the last day of camp. Sessions run from June until August, so don’t be afraid to book this one in addition to your other plans. 843-849-6668, eastcoopergymnastics.com

» Mount Pleasant Paintball

Don’t ignore the hunch that your child could use some team-building skills this summer, along with a few lessons on survival and self defense. Mount Pleasant Paintball’s day

ear t hsh inediscove ry.com | 828.862.4207 EXPERIENCE high-adventure, living history, and hands-on fun with your friends and family. GETAWAY to our one-of-a-kind mountain retreat and let our handcrafted programs help you create lasting memories with the people you love.

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E d u c a t i o n | Fa m i l i e s | Re t r e a t s 60 March/April 2014 | 61


Summer Camp Guide camps will provide all of this and more, in a fun, well-supervised environment. Tuition for a week of camp includes all kinds of great stuff such as membership to the facility for a whole year, a Mount Pleasant Paintball tee shirt and a banquet on Friday night. Campers must be at least 10 years old. Each session can only accommodate 50 people, so hurry and sign up. 843-696-9930, mountpleasantpaintball.com/summer-camp ¡

Earthshine Discovery Center Make your personal connection to nature By KATHERINE PETTIT

I

f you haven’t heard about

Summer Camps for Kids Evening Sessions for Adults

Sign Up Online...GrabArt Some Lowcountry Wine... t’s P intin’ Time! in a ISocial Scene Top 10 Date Night • Best of Charleston 2012 1960 Riviera Drive • Mt. Pleasant

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Earthshine Discovery Center, you soon will. The property offers a wonderful opportunity for families (as well as school classes, scouts and businesses) to connect and learn something about themselves as well as the remarkable natural world of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Families of all ages will enjoy the perfect combination of recreation, outdoor activities and learning. On Pioneer Mornings, all ages will learn to press apple cider, make hand-dipped candles, spin wool and take a turn at blacksmithing. Cherokee Morning offers opportunities to grind corn, make clay beads and throw tomahawks. Critter Hunts open up more than 80 acres of mountain land to inquisitive eyes. The High Adventure activities offer quite the challenge for those ages 10 and

up. Try out the seven-stage zip line course, including a 400-foot tandem run – not for the faint of heart. Equally non-wimpy is the high ropes course – an obstacle course that ends with the Leap of Faith. Families build team spirit (and precious memories) with a multi-challenge low-ropes course designed for all ages. How does the Puzzle Platform of Doom sound? We thought so. There’s also the climbing wall, creek hikes, and in the midst of it all, killer views and up-close encounters with the creatures who live on the property yearround. (Goats are actually very nice, once you get to know them.) Nature hikes, archery, treasure hunts, nighttime campfires (with s’mores, of course), and scavenger hunts round out the activities the whole family will enjoy. Mealtimes offer hearty, tasty fare and the chefs know how to grill some perfect ribs, or fry a mountain trout to perfection. Sounds like it’s a lot of fun – and it is! Just as important, there’s time to unwind and be with the family on an entirely different level from your everyday school and work routines. It’s the best of summer camps with the whole family. » Hint: Bring outdoor shoes, bathing suits and layers of clothes. Earthshine is quite comfortable and the staff feels like visiting old friends. You will leave with great photos and long-lasting memories. As one family said, “Why would we ever go anywhere else?” 1600 Golden Road, Lake Toxaway, NC. 828-862-4207, earthshinediscovery.com ¡


Health Cosmetic Surgery | DIET

About Face

© Istock.com/malyugin

Surgical procedures are on the rise, but cosmetic surgeons have new noninvasive procedures, cell-based products—even radio signals—in their tool box.

62 March/April 2014 | 63


HEALTH | PLASTIC SURGERY

Restore, Rejuvenate, Enhance, Improve If you’re not happy with your body, your nose has always bugged you or those wrinkles are making you sad, join the club.

P P

lastic surgery is on the rise across the nation and in South Carolina. From tummy tucks to Botox to liposuction, even men and women are getting in line to achieve the face or body of their dreams. “In fact, the largest number of plastic surgeons per capita isn’t in Hollywood. It’s in Salt Lake City, Utah. I couldn’t believe it, “ says Dr. Gary Culbertson, a Sumter plastic surgeon and past president of the South Carolina Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and a diplomat for the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

64 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

© Istock.com/Stefanolunardi

By CECILE S. HOLMES


“I like to think of what we do as kind of like the specialized contractor you call to fix the house,” Culbertson says. “We restore, rejuvenate, enhance and improve the appearance of the individual.” While men still fall behind women in the number of cosmetic procedures and plastic surgeries performed nationwide, plastic or cosmetic surgery for men is much more common now than it was just a few years ago. Men may enter the plastic surgery arena at the encouragement of their significant others or while they are undergoing a difficult life transition such as a divorce. Men are now requesting a variety of cosmetic procedures. In the U.S. in 2012, men numbered nine percent of all cosmetic procedures. That’s a 121 percent increase over 1997. Topping the list in popularity of cosmetic procedures for men, according to one medical source, are liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), eyelid surgery, gynecomastia (the removal of excess breast tissue) and ear reshaping. “Nationally there has been an increase in the number of men pursuing procedures. That also includes noninvasive procedures: Botox, lasers to the face,” Culbertson says. “Remember that plastic surgery has two largest branches or wings,” he says. “One is reconstructive surgery or rebuilding an individual. In such cases, we’re most concerned about closing the wound, maintaining the function. Our last concern is the appearance. “The second wing is aesthetic or cosmetic surgery. This is surgery that is not medically necessary. It restores or improves the appearance of a normal individual. Someone comes to you who has aged, or they may have been a model.” In a sense, the goals are different when it comes to rejuvenation. Physicians are seeking to help patients gain confidence and look younger and refreshed. Especially with men, plastic surgeons strive for subtlety and for keeping the results natural looking. Once middle-aged men went to plastic surgeons seeking liposuction to get rid of the paunch or spare tire they’d put on over the years. Nowadays, however, young men come in for more high definition liposuction, the kind of body sculpting that lends itself to an abdominal six-pack. As patients’ desires and demands change, plastic surgeons are keeping up. Ragan Communications and PR Daily, producers of the ACE awards (Awarding Communication Excellence), has named The American Society for Aesthetic Plas-

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HEALTH | PLASTIC SURGERY

Physicians are seeking to help patients gain confidence and look younger and refreshed.

tic Surgery (ASAPS) winner of the 2013 award for its effort in changing perceptions of the plastic surgery industry using social media. The ACE Award honors individuals, agencies and in-house teams who have used communication to overcome obstacles.

and details on new trends in plastic surgery. “Our new Smart Beauty Guide demonstrates not only our commitment to providing consumers with a real and unbiased source of knowledge but also goes a long way to ensure that everyone has the infor-

Choose a surgeon you can trust. Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust. Choosing an ASPS Member Surgeon ensures that you have selected a physician who:

» » » Courtesy American Society of Plastic Surgeons

The society even created its own special guide for consumers looking for “accurate, unbiased information” on various aspects of plastic surgery. (The information is accessible by typing Smart Beauty Guide into a browser, tablet or smart phone.) The service took two years to develop. Aesthetic surgeons created it to serve as the consumer face of the society for their patients. Smart Beauty Guide showcases basic medical information from plastic surgeons, in addition to tool kits, product giveaways, and well known bloggers offering their take on plastic surgery. It also provides questionand-answer snippets on various procedures 66 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

mation they need to make informed and safe decisions,” Dr. Jack Fisher, the society’s president, says on the group’s website (www. surgery.org). Trends in plastic surgery for men and women in South Carolina follow national trends though the Palmetto State tends to be a little more conservative, according to Culbertson, the Sumter plastic surgeon. “As you get toward Charlotte, you’re going to see a little bit more of an uptick (in such surgeries) because there will be more disposable income, “ he says. “And, when you’re down along the coast, there tends to be a bit more cosmetic

» » »

Has completed at least five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years in plastic surgery. Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction. Operates only in accredited medical facilities Adheres to a strict code of ethics. Fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety. Is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or in Canada by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®.


The Price of Beauty

Scoliosis Care

The following average prices are from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. National average for physician/surgeon fees per procedure.

PROCEDURE Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) Blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery) Breast Augmentation, silicone-gel implants Breast Augmentation, saline implants Breast Lift Breast Reduction (women) Buttock Lift Chin Augmentation Facelift Forehead Lift Lower-body Lift Otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery) Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) Thigh Lift Upper-arm Lift

$5,419 $3,205 $3,918 $3,535 $4280 $5272 $4,820 $2,480 $6,607 $3,358 $8,085 $3,205 $4,436 $4,933 $4,055

INJECTABLES Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox, Dysport) Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radeisse) Hyaluronic Acid (including Prevelle, Belotero, Juvederm, Perlane/Restylane, Elevess) Poly-L-Latic Acid (Sculptra)

$326 $634 $550 $941

SKIN REJUVENATION Chemical Peel Dermabrasion Fractional Resurfacing, ablative Fractional Resurfacing, nonablative IPL/Photorejuvenation Laser Skin Resurfacing, ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing, nonablative Microdermabrasion Nonsurgical Skin Tightening

Before

After

Chiropractic Care Scoliosis Treatment Postural Correction

$560 $1,590 $1,948 $1,161 $381 $2,349 $1,357 $122 $1,563

Other new products: Liposonix average starts at $1,103. LaViv is $2,250 for the cells to be taken and grown and then $1,000 for the injections (three times, bringing the cost of the injections to $3,000).

Neuropathy Treatment

Call 873-2225

McPhail

Chiropractic Dr. Drew K. McPhail

1709 Old Trolley Rd Summerville, SC 29485 www.DrMcPhail.com

66 March/April 2014 | 67


HEALTH | PLASTIC SURGERY

surgery,” says Culbertson. “Again, there tends to be more disposable income. Charleston is kind of artsy and patients in the region seem to have more aesthetic surgery.” Like his counterparts in other regions, Culbertson views himself as a patient advocate. For example, plastic surgeons worked hard to establish laws to for safer ambulatory (outpatient) surgery and pushed for health insurance companies to cover breast reconstruction in SC for women who have had breast cancer long before the national mandate. “It makes sense,” he says. “If you have surgery for breast cancer, why not start on the road to reconstruction. It’s psychologically important to the woman.” ¡

Courtesy American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Cecile S. Holmes is an associate professor of journalism at the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery urges patients ask themselves three questions before submitting to plastic surgery. www.surgery.org Is this really what I want?

1.

Unless you’re getting reconstructive or reparative plastic surgery, you’re likely considering a cosmetic procedure. Thousands of people book aesthetic surgeries every year, but before you join their ranks, make sure you actually want the procedure. If you feel like you’re being pushed into the decision to get a breast augmentation or tummy tuck by a significant other, family member or friend, it’s time to pump the brakes. Though you can certainly ask your loved ones for their input, the decision to go under the knife should be yours and yours alone.

Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

68 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Have I considered all of my options?

2.

It’s not uncommon for patients to get their hearts set on a certain procedure, but sometimes, there may be plastic surgeries that you aren’t aware of that could better help you achieve your goals. For example, you may come to your cosmetic surgeon saying you want a tummy tuck to help you lose weight, not realizing that tummy tucks

are actually about tightening skin, not shedding unwanted pounds (although liposuction may be a good alternative.)

Have I found a qualified plastic surgeon?

3.

Imagine you’re on your way to the emergency room with a broken arm. As you get out of the ambulance, someone approaches you and says they can fix your broken arm for a much better price if you’ll go back to their office. Most people would say, “No way!” That’s exactly how you should react to individuals who try to offer you discount plastic surgery. Before you agree to go under the knife, you must have evidence of your cosmetic surgeon’s training and board certification. Don’t be afraid to ask about it during your consultation - if your doctor is qualified, he or she will have no issue showing you proof. Should an aesthetic surgeon refuse to answer your inquiries, it’s time to move on to a more qualified individual. www.garyculbertson.com


HEALTH | DIET

Southern Greens Once considered “just” Southern Comfort Food, now we know the truth. They are so good for you.

V V

By Edna Cox Rice RD, CSG, LD

egetables, in general, provide you with

a lot of nutritional bang for your buck. If you want to improve your health, including these southern favorites – collards, kale, turnips, and cabbage – in your diet regularly may make the biggest impact on your overall health. Unfortunately produce doesn’t carry nutrition labels, but you may see benefits of specific items posted on their stand. Green leafy vegetables are powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that contain numerous healthful benefits. These nutritional winners may help protect you from heart disease, diabetes, cancer, as well as offer beauty benefits for healthy, glowing skin and hair. Greens are low in calories, high in fiber, and have a negligible fat content. Because of the high fiber content, they are digested slowly and keep you feeling fuller longer. Almost carb free, greens are considered “freebies” on most diet plans. Depending on the green, a single serving, one half to one cup, will provide only 15 – 50 calories, making them an excellent choice for any weight loss plan.

portant than once thought and many people do not get enough of it in their daily diets. Vitamin K regulates blood clotting; protects bones from osteoporosis; protects against inflammatory diseases like arthritis; and may help to prevent diabetes. And there’s more. These vibrant vegies also contain a high amount of minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and iron. One cup of greens provides 20-30 percent of your daily value of calcium. Dark leafy greens are brimming with phytonutrients including lutein and zeaxanthin which protect cells from damage and protects eyes from age-related problems – cataracts and macular degeneration, among many other effects. Deeper colors, as in spinach, Swiss chard and broccoli, offer greater nutrient benefits than their paler relatives such as Boston lettuce, Belgian endive, and iceberg lettuce. These lettuce varieties, though not devoid of nutrition, are mostly water and last on the list of health benefits. Even so, iceberg lettuce is the most popular leafy green in the United States. Annually, Americans eat 17 pounds of iceberg lettuce per person. Try using this as a salad starter, but combine with the darker green varieties to maximize the health benefits.

©Istock.com/Gravicapa

So good for you Greens

Dark leafy greens are some of the best sources of both water soluble vitamins: B and C; and fat soluble vitamins: A and K. The B vitamin, folic acid, has been shown to decrease the risk for colon cancer. Kale, collards, and spinach are the leaders in folic acid content. Vitamin C has many important functions: it boosts the immune system; fights infections; promotes healthy skin. Foods rich in vitamin C increase the absorption of iron. Greens are rich in the beta-carotene form of vitamin A which is known to maintain healthy vision, radiant skin and hair. Recent research indicates that vitamin K may be even more im-

» Kale: The current “it” food is popular to add to a smoothie, in salads, or baked as a chip. Just one cup provides only 33 calories and is an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, calcium, and potassium. Our bodies absorb the calcium in kale better than the calcium in spinach because of the lower oxalic acid content in kale. Oxalates bind with calcium, interfering with absorption. The heat during cooking reduces the oxalic acid content and releases more of the dietary calcium. Curly kale, the most widely available, can be used as an alternative to cabbage in most dishes, including slaw. It’s wonderful in soups, salads, or sautéed with olive oil. The red, purple veined Red Russian variety is sweet enough to even eat raw. » Collards: This southern classic originated in the Mediterranean basin and was a favorite of the Greeks and Romans. Nutritionally, collards are similar to kale, but have a heartier, chewier texture. The typical southern cook uses ham hocks to season these greens. To lighten up on the sodium and saturated fat, try fat free chicken stock for flavor. » Turnips: A staple of southern cooking, these are best from October to February. Turnips with the tops offer two vegetables – the greens and the root. Of all the greens, turnips are the most tender variety requiring less cooking, yet still have a sharp flavor. This bitter flavor is linked to the high calcium content. Turnips, like collards, are rich in Vitamins A, C and K, iron, folic acid, calcium and potassium. » Mustard Greens: Another southern favorite, they provide beta-

68 March/April 2014 | 69


HEALTH | DIET carotene, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin C. Mustards can have a sharp, peppery taste; adding lemon juice or vinegar at the end of cooking helps to decrease the spiciness.

» Swiss Chard: It’s a member of the beet family, and is most often identified with Mediterranean cooking such as bean soups and lasagna. The stalks come in shades of yellow, purple, orange, and red; the entire plant is edible. This veggie is a rich source of vitamins A, C, K, folic acid, and carotenoids. » Broccoli: It’s one of our more popular vegetables and is readily available in all grocery stores. Americans eat about 6 pounds a year. Broccoli is steamed, added to stir fries, pureed for soups, or used for dipping. This super food is packed with vitamins A, C, K, calcium, folate and potassium. » Cabbage: An international vegetable, it’s grown statewide in the Carolinas. It is universally available in all countries and cultures and is a staple of cooking world-wide. Varieties include Savory, used in American dishes such as soups and stews; Red Cabbage commonly used as an accompaniment with German meats; Bok Choy, a favorite for stir fries; and Napa fermented for Korean kimchi. It is a great source of cancer-fighting compounds and vitamin C. ◼ Any fresh produce must be properly washed and cleaned before cooking. Be sure to wash greens thoroughly. Fill a sink with water and swish the greens to loosen dirt and grit from the leaves. Drain the sink and repeat the rinse until free of all dirt. Even if greens are labeled “prewashed,” be sure to rinse thoroughly. Store washed greens in a plastic bag; these should stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days. It helps to wrap tender greens such as spinach and Swiss chard in paper towels, before placing in a plastic bag. Greens are relatively easy to cook. Substantial nutrition is lost when greens are boiled, fried, or over cooked. Steaming greens, lightly sautéing, roasting, or stir fry preserve more of the nutritional value. These cooking methods allow you to appreciate the natural flavors of the veggies. Green leafy vegetables are widely available in grocery stores making it easy to incorporate them into your daily diet. Collards, kale, cabbage, turnips, and mustards are grown locally, right here in the Carolinas. So take advantage of this local fare and enjoy those foods that are so good for you! 70 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

»Tip: one pound of greens cooks to 1–2 cups One pound greens – kale, collards, turnips, mustards, spinach are great choices for this recipe

• • • • • •

Olive oil Garlic, thinly sliced Crushed red pepper, a pinch Lemon juice, cider vinegar, wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar (optional) Salt & pepper to taste

• • • •

Cook greens stovetop for 5–10 minutes, drain. Press with back of spoon to release excess water. Heat olive oil and garlic in a skillet until garlic sizzles Add red pepper, stir and cook until garlic is tender and a light golden color, 1-2 minutes Add greens and toss to distribute the hot oil Splash lemon juice or vinegar and toss One half cup serving = 45 calories

• •

Kale Slaw with Peanut Dressing

2 bunches kale (2 pounds), washed well and drained; stems and center ribs removed; leaves very thinly sliced crosswise

• • • • • • • • • • •

1 yellow, red or green bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, halved crosswise and thinly sliced lengthwise 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced crosswise ½ cup roasted, unsalted peanuts ½ cup neutral-tasting oil (such as canola or sunflower) ¼ cup apple-cider vinegar 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar Coarse salt In a large bowl, toss together kale, bell pepper, and carrots. Puree ¼ cup peanuts, oil, and vinegar with the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth. Coarsely chop the remaining peanuts. Pour dressing over vegetables. Sprinkle peanuts on top and serve. One half cup serving = 110 calories

©Istock.com/NiDerlander

» Spinach: This versatile treasure routinely makes the top ten super foods’ list because it is loaded with vitamins A, C, folate, iron and calcium. It does contain oxalates which can combine with calcium and can be a concern for anyone who is prone to kidney stones. Cooking spinach decreases the oxalic acid content and provides more nutrition than raw. More calcium is released when it is cooked. So you benefit from adding spinach to soups and stews or stuffing lasagna and chicken with this green.

Basic Greens with Garlic and Red Pepper


The Inaugural Charleston Living Magazine

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CAST YOUR VOTE NOW! Don’t miss your chance to vote for the Charleston’s best. Let us know who your favorites are by filling out the ballot (see Pages 13-14) or cast your vote online at CharlestonLivingMag.com.

Voting ends April 30.

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. Rice Estate Northeast Columbia 803.691.5720 the Heritage at Lowman Chapin/White Rock 803.732.3000 Franke at Seaside Mt. Pleasant 843.856.4700 RoseCrest Inman 864.599.8600 Trinity on Laurens Aiken 803. 643.4200

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LutheranHomesSC.org 70 March/April 2014 | 71


72 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


s

Lowcountry Cottage Appeal a

The unique design build process used by Max Crosby Construction helps clients bring their dream homes to completion, and guides them through the entire process from design to decorating

OO

The family room is inviting and cozy with soothing seagrass wall colors.

By ROB YOUNG Photographs By JIM SOMERSET

n Daniel Island, Marie Feldman found

a community masterfully planned, a gentler pace, a slice of Lowcountry living. It was exactly what she was looking for. In Max Crosby Construction, she found more of the same: artfully planned processes, uncommon experience, and a premier custom home builder. Again, it was just what she was looking for. Feldman moved into her home in August 2013, the project finishing in roughly one year. An accommodating floor plan boasts high ceilings, handsomely detailed trim work, and a relaxing screened-in porch with fireplace and television – ideal space for Feldman and her three dogs, Lucy, Benji and Pebbles. “It’s just fabulous,” Feldman says. “With the screen porch and dining room, if you opened up all the doors you could have one continuous flow.” Feldman, who previously lived in Potomac, Md., quickly settled on Max Crosby Construction, largely thanks to company president Jamison Howard. Feldman’s real estate agent, Brenda Cook, first suggested the company’s services. “Jamison, she highly recommended,” Feldman recalls. “Then I met Jamison, I got to appreciate his personality. I saw the home he lived in and two or three others he did, which were consistently beautiful, different and very detailed. I just really enjoyed working with him.” Founder Max Crosby and his wife, Jackie, actually began the construction firm almost 40 years ago, in 1977. Since then, the company has been a major player in the Charleston home market, fostering a strong relationship with clients, suppliers and subcontractors. Max Crosby Construction builds three to eight homes per year, cleaving tightly to its roots as a small custom home builder keen on details, committed to attentiveness. By promising to exceed customer expectations at every stage of the construction, Max Crosby creates a consistent building experience for its clientele. Most recently, Max Crosby Construction was chosen as Builder of the Coastal Living Showhouse on Daniel Island, as the pictorial was published in the October issue of Coastal Living magazine. Howard, a native of Marietta, Ga., joined the firm in 2002. Howard first came to Charleston to play soccer for the College of Charleston under long-time coach Ralph Lundy. Drawn to design and construction, he worked with framing crews on construction sites in the summers. Once Howard graduated from the 72 March/April 2014 | 73


(this page) The upstairs sitting area. (opposite) Front elevation of the Feldman home.

74 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


College of Charleston, he began a three-year Masters of Architecture program at the Savannah College of Art and Design. A friend introduced Howard to Crosby about that time. “We just really hit it off,” Howard says. “I would drive to Charleston from Savannah on Thursday night just to shadow someone on Fridays, and over the weekend if they would let me. I was anxious to learn everything and luckily Max was just as anxious to mentor me in the business.”

one another with similar gentle approaches to people and challenges,” Howard says. Several years later, the firm’s success had grown as the partners shared several successful endeavors with happy clients eager to describe their homes and building experiences, resultant from the consistency and strength of the Crosby team and processes. Sadly, Crosby died from cancer in September 2009. Since then, Howard says, “I have been honored to carry on the company as he and I both wanted.”

to fulfillment without exceeding their budgets. “The custom building program allows us to lead a client through the entire process – from design firm selection to home completion. I have always felt that the most successful projects are design-build,” Howard says. “I have a strong appreciation for the design process with my background and am always amazed with the talents of the firms we have here in Charleston.” The experience is value-driven, represented by Crosby’s extensive experience in design

“Among our team, there is accountability and interaction between client, designer, interior designer, and builder that develops a trusting relationship where expectations are clear before construction begins.” As Howard prepared to finish his thesis and graduate from SCAD, Crosby offered him a full-time position. Howard jumped at the opportunity, working together well with Crosby, and developing a strong working relationship and friendship. “We complimented

In 2000, Howard began the design build program at Max Crosby Construction. During the ensuing decade-plus, the program has gained a number of believers – homeowners, chiefly – as it has helped clients flesh out their concepts and ideas, bringing their dream homes

design, engineering and construction. Crosby’s team approach facilitates adjustments in design and budget to account for personaliza tion. “So many times I have had prospective clients come to my office with fantastic sets of plans, only to find out that it is unattainable 74 March/April 2014 | 75


with their budgets, or to find out that so much has to be sacrificed to get some of the key features that they always wanted,” Howard says. “Among our team, there is accountability and interaction between client, designer, interior designer, and builder that develops a trusting relationship where expectations are clear before construction begins.” Max Crosby maintains a vigilant eye throughout the build, guiding each client through the process. As part of the program, each client works with Sandra Crosby of Designs by Sandra; she’s an interior designer with more than 30 years’ experience in the design and furniture industry. She books and attends selection appointments with clients, attending to design needs – and budget. “Sandra is a great asset to any project,” Howard says. “She keeps clients on task and on budget 76 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

with the many selections that must be made to complete a project.” Feldman was a design-build client, as Max Crosby Construction worked with her throughout the entirety of the project. They paired with Phil Clarke of Clarke Design Group, and Sandra Crosby coordinated interior designs. “Everyone did an amazing job,” Howard says. Feldman’s home is an elegant cottage situated in the Daniel Island Park section of Daniel Island. An open, inviting space – perfect for entertaining – the main residence is approximately 3,300 square feet. The first floor contains the master bedroom and bathroom, while the second floor includes two bedrooms with private bathrooms. The second floor also offers an open media area, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their privacy. The finished

room above the detached, two-car garage incorporates a kitchenette, providing ample space for guests’ extended stays. “Ms. Feldman wanted larger, open primary public spaces that she could enjoy with friends and beloved dogs as she downsized for her new Lowcountry lifestyle,” Howard says. “Her style and great taste are visible in every room.” The interior, as Feldman describes it, meshes classic, Lowcountry cottage appeal with craftsman design. The palate encompasses linen, whites, seashell blue, celadon and seagrass, as Sandra Crosby proved the able guide. “I would not have survived it without Sandra. She held my hand and walked me through Ferguson’s (Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery) about 50 times,” Feldman jokes. “We had a great time working together. We picked out everything for the house.”


(clockwise from left) Kitchen is bright and crisp with the white palate; downstairs sitting area; dining room; the butler’s pantry.

76 March/April 2014 | 77


(this page) Master bedroom. (opposite) The outside porch is accessible from the dining room, which is great for entertaining.

Even better, Sandra’s daughter Emily McAden – an accomplished designer – decorated the home. Altogether, the package is far different from Feldman’s former Maryland home, which maintained a Northern look, the style more Ralph Lauren than Lowcountry. “It was more traditional,” Feldman says. “This is completely different, very refreshing.” The clean-lined look and flow between the kitchen, dining and family room, and outdoor living spaces facilitates functionality, allowing occupants to move easily throughout the home. “I’m very particular. There’s no clutter here. I just love the house. It’s not too big and it works perfect with company,” Feldman says. “It’s very exciting to have a screen porch and side porch that connect to the house and garage.” Crosby’s trim work, cabinetry, finishes and furniture accentuate the residence. Details are rich, including wide plank, dark hardwood flooring; wainscoting in the dining room, and a tailored laundry room al78 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

lowing Lucy, Benji and Pebbles to rest on custom-built doggie beds. “It’s not like any house I’ve lived in,” Feldman says. Together, Feldman and Howard – client and custom builder – have created a space sustainable, livable and enduring. It’s a goal not often achieved, but one certainly

worth celebrating. “This is a great home with functional, inviting spaces,” Howard says. “The relationship of the entertaining spaces is fantastic. The flow of the kitchen, dining, family room and outdoor living spaces could not be better. This has been one of my favorite homes.” ¡


78 March/April 2014 | 79


Springtime in the Mountains Sometimes you want to find a different direction, where you just need a mountain view from your room. By Katie Osteen

Ah, the Appalachians. Oldest in the world, these mountains look and feel mysterious – and yet, somehow accessible. For generations, families all over the Carolinas hopped on trains and headed for those cool, blue-tinged hills. Boarding houses and ole-timey campgrounds attracted folks who wanted hills, dark shadows, a different feel. Guess what? It’s the same in 2014 as it was in 1914 – with a few more creature comforts. Where do you want to go as the weather warms and the green foliage returns? Bumpy land lovers, the time is now to plan your springtime mountain getaway. Asheville www.exploreasheville.com 800.257.1300 Asheville is surrounded by one million acres of forest – a springtime heaven on earth for outdoor aficionados. Gentle breezes, clear skies and gorgeous flowers are all hallmarks of springtime downtown and the nearby wilderness. Hikes, a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a spring festival, strolling through a farmer’s market – it’s all good. Be sure to catch the vibe that resonates here – an adventurous spirit with a strong commitment to the land and local food movement. »» Insider tips: Springtime is a great time to visit several of their 250 restaurants and sit outside. It’s as if every restaurant tries to outdo the next. What a delicious competition. Take note: 18 breweries have great specialties and fun-filled tastings. For another tasty ramble, consider the WNC Cheese Trail. It connects farms making delicious goat and cow’s milk cheeses. Biltmore Estate: the gardens come alive in the spring and as everything greens up, the

Downtown Asheville

80 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

long drive to reach Biltmore House is cool and lovely. Shopping at the village is a mustdo, as well. Shopping is king. You will find quirky stores and boutiques and one-of-a-kind artist’s offerings in dozens of galleries and stores. Take your credit card and get a head start on holiday gifts. Big Canoe, North Georgia www.bigcanoe.com 770.893.2733 Big Canoe’s park-like setting includes 8,000+ acres of pristine woodlands, meadows, lakes and streams, of which over 2,000 are accessible greenspace. With the added punch of resort-style amenities like golf, tennis, swimming, state-of-the-art fitness center, over 22 miles of trails and more than 50 clubs and organizations, there is simply never a lack of things to do. Amenities are available to overnight guests. Some require fees. »» Insider tips: The Village Festival, just outside the gates, is held each Saturday from 9-12, starting April through October. More than 60 vendors participate each week. There are many interesting towns nearby to visit such as Dahlonega with its wineries and Blue Ridge with all its great shops. A 27-hole Championship golf course, with mountain peaks as backdrop, winds through valleys, rushing streams, clear lakes and cliffs where you can watch your drive soar off mountain tops. A beautiful Clubhouse at Lake Sconti has a restaurant and golf shop. The Tennis Center includes eight outdoor courts (4 lighted) and 2 indoors. A 16,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art fitness

View from Big Canoe

facility has top of the line equipment, court for racquetball/squash and a five-lane indoor pool. Over 22 miles of hiking and biking trails connect to lush scenery, trout streams and various meadows. Three lakes for swimming, fishing and boating. Fishing is one of the most popular amenities with 1,000 lbs. of Rainbow trout stocked in Lake Petit each month except in summer. Three pools. Lake Disharoon is popular with its sandy beach, free form pool, picnic area, paddleboats, canoes and the famous rockslide. Blowing Rock www.blowingrock.com 800.295.7851 The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right beside their beautiful village – how photogenic. Tweetsie Railroad – creating wonderful childhood memories since 1957. Outdoor activities in abundance, including Ricky Knob Moun-


tain Bike Park, with 185 acres of great mountain biking. »» Insider tips: Shopping in March and April in Blowing Rock is great. Shop owners have deep discounts on winter merchandise, plus feature their new spring inventories. Westglow Spa – Spend the day at the #4 spa in the world according to Travel + Leisure 2013 World’s Best List – amazing! Vx3 Trail Rides – small group guided horseback riding in and around the area; an entertaining guide who knows history and more. Hiking. Try the trails at Moses Cone or the Glen Burney Trail. Blowing Rock Ale House – their own brews accompanied by fabulous chef creations, casual but extraordinary. Lodging available if you are “overserved.” Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival – April 10-13. Food, wine, craft beers and fun. The beautiful, historic Hemlock Inn, set just off main street in downtown Blowing Rock, is within walking distance to many of the high country’s activities and attractions for all seasons. All the amenities, close to all the attractions in the area. A true mountain retreat, it’s in the middle of everything. Boone, NC www.exploreboonearea.com 828.266.1345 There’s so much to see and do around Boone in all seasons. Although ski season has wound down, March Madness offers end of the season low rates for skiing at Ski Beech, Ski Sugar and Appalachian Ski Mountain. Hawksnest offers snow tubing and also features the longest zipline in the region, open year-round (weather permitting.) Once Spring officially arrives, Tweetsie Railroad opens on April 11, giving the entire family a fun way to experience the wild, wild west. A springtime visit would have to include a trip to Grandfather Mountain, with its magnificent views and occasionally surprising weather. Bring a warm jacket and camera, just in case you spot black bears, deer, river otters, cougars, or perhaps, predatory birds. »» Insider tips: At Grandfather, you can take behind-thescenes tours of animal habitats, as well as naturalist guided tours of trails and forest area. At 11am each day, members of the naturalist staff take weather and climate observations in front of the Fudge Shop (and enjoy a piece of chocolate heaven). For hikers, consider the tough, three-mile hike up the mountain, or the 13-mile Tanawha

BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT FUN FOR ALL SEASONS!

1007 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, NC 1-800-438-2093 beechmountainresort.com

Experience the new Mountain Bike Park. Riders can rent downhill or cross country bikes, and trails cover all skill levels. Step off the chairlift at the new 5506 Skybar, where you can enjoy food and drinks at the top of the mountain.Beautiful panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 80 March/April 2014 | 81


Trail. Try entering from the parking area at popular Rough Ridge Overlook on the Parkway, (milepost 302). Linville Caverns is a great attraction in any weather! It’s all underground. An easier walk is the trail around Bass Lake, which also offers access to the Moses Cone Estate. (The trail also connects to the entire 26-miles of former carriage trails at the estate (for adventurers with more endurance). During your stay, two restaurants to consider are the Gamekeeper, with a menu that offers unexpected delights, such as ostrich, bison, rabbit and mountain trout. Family-style, country cooking can be found at the famous Dan’l Boone Inn. Need accommodations? Mast Farm Inn in Valle Crucis is famous for luxurious hospitality an gourmet dinners. In Boone, consider the Lovill House Inn, a consistent AAA Four Diamond Award winner. Beech Mountain Resort www.BeechMountainResort.com 800.438.2093 Beech Mountain Resort’s trails will cover a wide range of skill levels, challenging riders from novice to pro. The trails, scenic lift rides, the Beech Tree Bar and Grille, and the new Skybar “5506” will be open this summer every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from June through September. Scenic lift rides to the Skybar “5506” are also available to patrons. The Skybar is the highest in the East. It’s a glass roundhouse named for Beech Mountain’s superlative elevation and offers food and beverage service in comfort. A new observation deck is ideal for relaxing with friends. Beech Mountain Resort’s newly constructed disc golf course offers a challenging and unique design. Play nine holes with one lift ride, or play a full eighteen, requiring three lift rides. The newest craft brewery in Western North Carolina has opened in the Alpine Village. Beech Mountain Brewing Co. has the capacity to brew up to 100 gallons per day and will be open year round to serve skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers and other resort visitors. The brewery features three distinct ales created on-site, with consulting from awardwinning brewer Will Young of Blind Squirrel in nearby Plumtree. Heading the list of beers is the 5506 Pale Ale, followed by the Cream and Scotch Ales available by the pint or the growler. Flight tastings are also available, along with brewery tours, which include a pint and a keepsake glass. Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is open Thursday through Sunday. Visit BeechMountainResort.com for more information and details. 82 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Black Mountain www.blackmountain.org 800.669.2301 Take a walk through historic downtown and find unique gift shops, galleries, craft stores, and frequently, local craftsmen demonstrating iron works, dulcimer making, and throwing pottery.Forty restaurants range from upscale cuisine, to country cooking and BBQ. Visitors in the spring will enjoy dining al fresco, light sweater recommended. »» Insider tips: Enjoy a round of golf at Black Mountain’s famous 747 yard par 6 course (one of the longest in the world). Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in hiking and biking along the area’s numerous scenic trails. Don’t miss the Swannanoa Valley Museum and Black Mountain Center for the Arts. Stroll around Lake Tomahawk. Drink in the ever-changing mountain views. Luxuriate in the peace and fresh air. Visit during the 38th LEAF Festival, May 11-14, in downtown Black Mountain. Music, crafts, fun and food bring folks back to the twice yearly festival to enjoy a super fun, entertaining weekend. theleaf.org Discover more about their great arts festivals, including Blue to Black Art Weekend, Black Mountain Arts & Crafts show and Art in Bloom. It’s an appealing town with lots to do, especially when spring weather hits and everyone enjoys the views, artistic talent, and great people. Brevard and Transylvania County www.visitwaterfalls.com 800.648.4523 Spring is a superb time to get to know Transylvania County before summer summons campers and adventurers alike. The usually mild temperatures make for great exploring. There’s almost always something going on around town. Check the calendar at visitwaterfalls.org for updates. Come experience the wonder of Appalachian Spring. View from Skybar 5506

With more than 250 waterfalls to choose from, visitors can easily find a cascade to call their own. The intrepid can take the trip down Sliding Rock, where 11,000 gallons of water a minute flows over a smooth rock into a chilling pool. Check out their website for the skinny on their best waterfalls and swimming holes. »» Insider tips: Over 300 miles of outstanding singletrack in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest have earned Transylvania County a reputation as a mountain biking mecca. In fact, Bike Magazine calls Transylvania County “America’s Best Kept Secret.” This is a great time of year to hit some singletrack and see the sights. Fly fishing is tops, here. For anyone angling for a good time (and a rainbow trout), there are over 500 miles of fishable streams within a one hour drive of downtown Brevard. And the nearby Davidson River is ranked as one of the top fly fishing rivers in the U.S. The many wonderful galleries and restaurants in charming Downtown Brevard may lure even the more hardened outdoorsperson out of the woods and into a boutique. Of particular note are Drew Deane Gallery and Red Wolf Gallery, both in downtown Brevard. Mud Dabbers, in Cedar Mountain, is a great spot to find high quality, locally made pottery. You can even take a class and wheel-throw your own masterpiece. Cheers! Brevard Brewing Company, in downtown Brevard, specializes in lagers. Sample their flagship German-inspired lager at 63 E. Main. Just outside of downtown, beer fans can stop in at the Oskar Blues Brewery and the Tasty Weasel Taproom to sample the wares and hear live music almost every night of the week. For live music, consider checking out the line-up at 185 King Street, a cool little venue that regularly hosts great local bands as well as surprise performances from music legends. The same goes for The Phoenix, a hip, comfy venue offering an eclectic mix of bands and solo acts. Cashiers www.DestinationCashiers.com 828.743.5941 Enjoy the beauty and drama of the area’s many waterfalls, the Cashiers’ Area authenticity and village charm, world class recreation, plus seasonal festivals, art exhibits, outdoor concerts, dining and shopping. Western North Carolina’s Jackson County tourism opportunities range from “up-mountain” visits to the Cashiers area, to “down-mountain” stops in Sylva/Dillsboro, or Native American celebrations in Cherokee. Play On.


Come see what the fuss is all about...

So Many Places to Bike!

Ask for your FREE! Travel Guide today!

Wineries & Breweries Tasting Tours

Garden Jubilee

Memorial Day weekend NC Apple Festival Labor Day weekend 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

Carl Sandburg Home

al Historic n w o Downt

Flat Rock Playhouse

Annual Events

DuPont State ional reat Rec Forest

Street Dances July thru mid-August, every Monday Art On Main first Saturday & Sunday in October Farm City Day first Saturday in October

Check out

800.828.4244 historichendersonville.org

82 March/April 2014 | 83


»» Insider tips:

Hendersonville and Henderson County www.historicHenderonville.org 800.828.4244 Whether you’re looking for great entertainment, great adventure, or just a great view, Hendersonville and Henderson County, NC, just several short hours away, has something for everyone as warmer weather arrives. »» Insider tips: Take in a comedy, drama or fantastic musical at Flat Rock Playhouse, the official state theater of North Carolina. For show information or tickets, visit their website at flatrockplayhouse.org.

May 3: Take the 22nd annual Tour de Cashiers Mountain cycling Experience. Century, Metric & ¼ Century bike rides across scenic, highelevation byways with more than 10,000 feet in altitude gains (TourdeCashiers.com) May 24-25: Mountain Arts & Crafts Show presented by the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley – a popular annual event featuring Appalachian region artisan demonstrations and displays ranging from quilting to woodwork, painting to jewelry, set among the flowering colors of the Village Green park at the Crossroads. Held twice each year, bookending the summer months.

Western North Carolina

Family First Class!

BEST VALUE

Day Available April – Labor

first class! Adults and children can ride and dine ious lunch delic a y enjo rs enge pass s Clas First , a souvenir served by the car’s private attendant souvenir tote sive exclu an and soda a with tumbler ial child’s spec ive rece dren bag from GSMR. Chil Adults $94, enir. souv child own their and l mea 2) $20. Child (ages 2-12) $54, Infant (under

If it’s the outdoors you crave, make a visit to The Carl Sandburg Home. Enjoy a guided tour, walk through the grounds, hike or greet the descendents of Mrs. Sandburg’s dairy goat herd. Take in the downtown and enjoy some tunes at Rhythm & Brews, a music series scheduled for the third Thursday of May, June, July and August. A free event, the concert series brings an exciting line-up of bands to the district. The venue for the concert series is the Azalea Lot in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, which sits adjacent to King Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues in downtown. Want to challenge your athletic abilities while having the time of your life? If so, Hendersonville offers two events you won’t want to miss: The Mad Mountain Mud Run is three miles of 30 + obstacles and muddy challenges with lots of music, food, and local craft beer for your post-race party. To sign up, visit their website at Madmountainmudrun.com. The Run will be held Saturday, May 31st. Foxworth Advisor’s Gear Grinder in the Green River Valley is a 6 hour endurance mountain bike race that has something for the whole family. To register, visit pre-reg.com before April 23rd.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> PREMIER SPECIAL EVENTS AND DAILY SCENIC EXCURSIONS!

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GSMR.COM

84 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

OR

800.872.4681

Waynesville and Haywood County www.visitNCsmokies.com 800.334.9036 Waynesville and the surroundings areas offer fresh new ways to enjoy a springtime getaway. Haywood County offers year round activities and events centered around their five homegrown initiatives: Food, Heritage, Art, Music and the Outdoors. A 46-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway can be enjoyed in the county, too. Sounds pretty appealing to us. »» Insider tips: April is North Carolina Beer Month, and in Waynesville, that means celebrating at one of the town’s three craft microbreweries: BearWaters Brewing Company, Frog level Brewing and Tipping Point Brewery. Look for special offerings during April.


Spring Hiking on Purchase Knob provides easy access, an abundance of butterflies and wildflowers, amazing panoramas and historical significance. Naturalist Ken Czarnomski brought to life a unique illustrated free guide available exclusively in Haywood County. Visit Wheels Through Time, the world’s premier All-American motorcycle museum which houses over 300 of America’s rarest and most historic classic motorcycles. Find it in Maggie Valley. Quilting enthusiasts will enjoy the Haywood County Quilt Trails. These colorful wooden blocks are installed on barns and buildings and a drive through the county, following their map, will reveal almost 50 of them. Each has a story worth learning. Spring birding is very popular here and with seven suggested areas in the county that boast an abundance of bird species, bird lovers will have a wonderful time adding to their life lists in such picturesque surroundings. ncbirdingtrail.org offers details.

County, natural beauty is everywhere. And there are so many ways to enjoy the scenery. »» Insider tips: Take a scenic rail excursion aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad which offers trips to the Nantahala River Gorge, as well as themed seasonal experiences. Enjoy a waterfall walk in the woods of Deep Creek; located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park only minutes from downtown Bryson City. Get a new perspective of the mountains as you zip along the treetops. Choose from two great zip-lining experiences, both located in the Nantahala River Gorge. Spend your downtime downtown! Shop

Swain County www.greatsmokies.com 800.867.9246 With more than 40% of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park located in Swain

and dine your cares away in their picturesque downtown filled with boutique shops, art galleries, old-fashioned general stores, and dining sure to please any palate. And don’t forget all the water – they’ve got fishing galore in their streams, rivers and Lake Fontana as well as whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River and creek tubing in Deep Creek. When it’s time to dine, consider Bryson City Cork and Bean, and its fresh, farm to table menu with a downtown vibe. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad www.gsmr.com 800-872-4681 The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic rail excursions taking riders from the historic depot in downtown Bryson City through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina. There are various train excursions and special event trains, making it a perfect experience. You can even dine in a first class car with a private attendant. Or ride in an open air car. There are special excursions as well as enduring favorites. Families enjoy time well spent and for the older generation, it’s a nostalgic return to days when train travel was the way to go. ¡

“THE NATIONALS” SILVER AWARD WINNER 2014 Masterplanned Community Of The Year THE BLISS AWARD™ 2014 Mountain Community Of The Year GREATER ATLANTA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 2012 Best Amenity Package, 500 units & above 2011 Mountain Community Of The Year

Charleston LivingMag.indd 1

1/28/14 12:54 PM 84 March/April 2014 | 85


LUSH, PURE, SOUTHERN AND COSMOPOLITAN. Or, as we like to call them, the four quadrants of heaven.

86 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


Food DINING OUT | IN THE KITCHEN | RESTAURANT GUIDE

Tiger’s Famous Bloody

PHOTO ASHLEY WALKER

Blind Tiger Pub’s secret combo of sauces including fish, Worcestershire & Japanese hot, rimmed with a house blend of herbs and spices.

86 March/April 2014 | 87


FOOD | DINING OUT

Blind Tiger Pub Aesthetically beautiful, delicious, and flavorful By WENDY SWAT SNYDER Photos by ASHLEY WALKER

R R

aucous rebels and refined

manners are what the Old South is all about. Those seeking a taste of Charleston’s storied past, and scaled-up pub fare to boot, need not look any further than the Blind Tiger Pub. The notoriety of the Blind Tiger dates back to pre-Prohibition days, when Charlestonians were singled out for their freewheeling ways by a teetotaling governor in the South Carolina upstate. Viewing the “Holy City” as a melting pot of a variety of vices, the Honorable Ben Tillman, also known as “Pitchfork Ben”, declared the sale of liquor illegal, and sent out posses to enforce the law. Defiant bootleggers opened parlors where patrons paid to see a tiger (wink), and were served complimentary cocktails. These establishments were precursors of the speakeasy, and eventually sprouted up all over the country. Today, much of the original 19th century building housing the Blind Tiger Pub remains—dark hardwood paneling and pressed tin ceilings setting a historic tone inside the pleasantly ramshackle restaurant, and outside, courtyards of old brick archways and winding paths. Tourists, locals, and the college crowd collide here regularly for shots, beers, food elevated with farm fresh ingredients, and live music. South Carolina native and hospitality veteran Lisa Brown has had dominion over the celebrated eatery since 2006, when she purchased the Blind Tiger and brought chef Mitch Wyman on board. “I’ve worked in the food business since I was 15,” says Brown, who spent time in California and Vermont before resettling in Charleston. “I would come home during Spoleto and earn extra money working at Fulton Five.” “Funky fine dining” is how Wyman describes the pub’s style of cuisine. The longtime Lowcountry resident’s culinary journey includes a stint in the kitchen of Rue de Jean, Charleston’s famed French bistro

88 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Benton’s Bacon and Bleu: Chargrilled Certified angus beef with Tennessee’s famous smoked bacon & premium bleu cheese.

where straightforward brasserie classics rule the menu. “I’m a three-ingredient guy,” he muses, adding, “I like to keep it simple—let the ingredients speak for themselves.” The no-fuss menu gets you started with a mixed bag of pub standards and a surprise or two. For example: spinach artichoke dip, a hummus plate, fried pickles, white corn fritters, and pierogies—potato dumplings pan seared in brown butter and smothered with caramelized onions, sour cream and bacon. Fried green tomatoes are Panko-coated and deep fried until golden. The crunchy Southern classic is served with goat cheese, basil aioli, and a cucumber and roasted corn relish. It is made vegan by substituting caramelized onions and a light, sweet barbeques sauce for the cheese and aioli. Light plates include a tarragon chicken salad served over mixed greens and fresh fruit. A duo of crab cakes made with “Mitch’s Voodoo Dust” are topped with lemon aioli and served with a house salad. Chef describes “The Greek” as a true Greek salad–no lettuces, just hearty wedges

of chopped tomato, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onions, feta, and pepperoncini tossed with a house made Greek vinaigrette. Skip the feta for a vegan version, and add chicken, salmon, Ahi tuna, or hanger steak to beef it up. The burgers are all made with Certified Angus Beef and simply seasoned to showcase the great char-grilled flavor. The Broad Street variety features a hefty patty topped with a pair of fried green tomatoes and savory goat cheese. The menu is rounded out with hearty offerings such as an Angus beef hanger steak sandwich, a Philly cheese steak sandwich, a Carolina pulled pork sandwich topped with house made barbeque sauce, and “Tiger Tacos” stuffed with your choice of seared Ahi tuna, beef , or organic free-range chicken. If you’re lucky, the shrimp salad will be on the daily specials board when you visit: a simple, light preparation with a crème fraiche base that lets the fresh flavor of the regionally sourced—and perfectly cooked— shrimp shine through. A mesclun salad


(above) Fried Green Tomatoes with Panko and topped with goat cheese, basil ailoi and cucumberroasted corn relish. (right) Chef Mitch Wyman.

dressed with a lemony house vinaigrette adds just the right touch of acidity to the dish. Friday is fish fry day, and the star of the show is a lightly battered and deep-frieduntil-crunchy pair of cod filets. Food and beverage specials run Sunday through Tuesday, discounting featured menu items, specialty drinks and beers. On Wednesdays, for instance, enjoy a generous pound-and-a-half bowlful of steaming mussels served in a classic buttery shallot and wine broth with a wedge of garlicky baguette from local artisanal bakery Normandy Farms. The Blind Tiger website www.blindtigercharleston.com is the best way to keep up with the many specials the restaurant runs and its live music schedule. Happy Hour begins at 5pm, Monday through Friday, featuring $2.75 domestic brands and $3.75 wells. Brown notes that spring will bring several new dishes to the menu. Pub patrons will see a few more vegetarian and vegan option, and more salads: a watermelon salad with feta and mint, and an arugula salad with

Those seeking a taste of Charleston’s storied past, and scaled-up pub fare to boot, need not look any further. The notoriety of the Blind Tiger dates back to pre-Prohibition days. dried blueberries and blueberry vinaigrette. A Sante Fe brunch dish and quinoa cakes are also on the horizon...and wait’ll you see the tiger! Blind Tiger White Corn Fritters 1 cup flour 2 cups corn meal 1 tsp salt ½ tbs baking powder 1 cup corn ½ cup yellow onion, chopped ½ jalapeno, chopped 1 tsp red pepper flakes ½ cup cilantro, chopped ½ tsp cinnamon 2 eggs 1 cup milk ¼ cup brown sugar

Mix together the first four ingredients in a bowl, ingredients five through ten in another bowl, and the last three ingredients in a third bowl. Combine all three bowls into one and mix thoroughly. Add more milk if necessary, mixture should be moist. Heat oil in a deep pan to 365 degrees and gently drop in batter using a small scooper. Cook until golden, turning once. Work in small batches to maintain temperature of oil. Drain on paper towels. 

Blind Tiger 36-38 Broad St., Charleston 843-577-0088 blindtigercharleston.com 88 March/April 2014 | 89


FOOD | IN THE KITCHEN

Foodies R ejoice ! “We’ll always have

Paris”

Text and Photos By Kim Byer

If the city of lights is your home-away-from-home, you’ll enjoy a nostalgic tour through the twists and turns of this culinary capital. If you’re still planning that first visit, you’ll want to keep this issue in a very safe place.

I I

n the sunshine of my thirteenth year,

while the tips of our South Carolina pines toasted, and the lake thickened into a red clay soup, I spent my summer inside. Not moping or brooding, but instead, mesmerized by the towering woman on the cooking show. My infatuation grew and, for weeks on end, I looked across our kitchen counter and gave my best high-pitched French Chef impression to an imaginary camera. I brandished salad tongs and gestured authoritatively to an invisible audience while following recipes in my mother’s church cookbook. Not exactly Mastering the Art of French Cooking, nevertheless, you never forget your first French toast.Ah, Julia, you inspired us all. Years of French toast and French lessons later, I am in Paris, walking alone. The cold morning air is as blunt as a slap. While the city (along with my husband) is still sleeping, I descend into the Metro and travel across town to the 15th arrondissement. Crossing Rue de Vaugirard and turning right, then left, I spot a dozen people standing in front of a modern, downright nondescript building. Walking closer, I see their faces. They are star-struck. Quiet. Nervous, no doubt. After all, this feels like the first day of school. They are foodies and certainly Julia Child groupies, too, and we are a scattered clan, now collected.

90 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Le Cordon Bleu Paris, founded in 1895, is the most revered academy of culinary arts. It houses the very halls where our heroine first honed her knife skills. Or… Not. Child did visit the current halls once; however, it was long after she mastered classes in the original school in central Paris. When I compare this building before me with my imagined Le Cordon Bleu Paris or even the vision brought to us in flashbacks of Technicolor on the big screen via Julie & Julia – of a stone carved structure clutched by ivy, wound with marbled hallways where students glide over golden floors of waxed herringbone that all lead to a grand kitchen where ancient copper cauldrons hang from the rafters and the smell of simmering bouillon perfumes the air – I am a bit disappointed, but not discouraged. For the next twenty minutes, I skip alongside my American, Canadian and Japanese classmates as we eagerly follow Chef Bruno Stril and his translator, Deborah, along sidewalks and across intersections to the Saint-Charles market twenty minutes away. Shopping in any Paris market is a sensory feast, but when led by a Le Cordon Bleu Master Chef, the colors seem more vibrant, the smells and sounds, more intense. Our collective adrenaline could lift a food truck. continued top of page 92


47 Tips for an

American Foodie in Paris

1. Dust off your French dictionary. Although many Parisians are bilingual, they appreciate your attempting French. If you find yourself misunderstood -- or worse -- speechless, they will gladly finish your sentence, or thought, in English. 2. Make reservations well in advance. Want to attend a class at Le Cordon Bleu Paris? Want to snag a table at Le Meurice, Le Chateaubriand, or Spring? Most restaurants, classes and tours are accessible online, but the best may require reservations weeks in advance. Don’t have a French dictionary or even a good fake accent?

Contact the concierge at your hotel or try to book online. 3. Read the former Chez Panisse pastry chef and ex-pat David Leibovitz’s The Sweet Life in Paris and his blog, davidlebovitz.com. 4. Before deciding where to stay, research the various arrondissements (areas surrounding the center of Paris like a spiral) and decide which area appeals to you the most. 5. In Paris, Google’s street views are only as good as the day and hour they were shot. Parisian shops can have odd hours, so if shops were closed when the Google mobile made its way down a street, you may not realize how bustling a street can be when the shop doors are lifted and the horns are honking. 6. Make a list of all of the sites, restaurants and markets that you want to see and plot them out

on a paper or mobile map. 7. Shop for cookware at E. Dehillerin in the 1st arrondissement. 18 – 20 rue Coquillière 8. The New York Times is a great source for Paris restaurant reviews 9. Familiarize yourself with the VAT (European value added tax). It’s around 20% on goods you purchase and if you buy anything heavy, e.g., Le Creuset or Staub, you’ll likely incur extra baggage fees. 10. Vegetarians and vegans beware: Parisians love their meat. And rather than risking the wrath of a French chef, plotting a map of vegfriendly stops will make your trip much more pleasant. The Hungry Hungry Hippie blog has a good list, as does Trip Advisor. 11. Stroll along the Rue de Buci in the 6th arrondissement and gather a bouquet of flowers 90 March/April 2014 | 91


FOOD | IN THE KITCHEN Whole fish are cataloged in icy rows of grays and pinks. Mounds of blood sausage curl across wooden planks like serpents. Small gray shrimp, antennae intact, are offered up for the tasting, and a lone stall of crimson horsemeat opens for business, shocking the occasional American tourist. Under the produce awning there are crates of thumb-sized radishes, miniature wild asparagus and a cache of sagegreen ice lettuce that looks as though it were picked straight out of the tundra. And all along the block, buckets of flowers stand in the morning sunshine as thick as a meadow. Watching Chef Stril operate,

ue Croq

it’s clear that it will take bravado and our finest French accent to order, but the bounty is ours for the taking. However, it’s not ours for the picking or bagging. Vendors insist on selecting the plums that will be perfectly ripened at a specified future meal of our choosing. Paris —the epicure’s epicenter—is a compulsory pilgrimage for cooks and foodies from all over the world. It’s where, in the 1800s, Escoffier created veal stock and in doing so, freed umami—our dormant fifth taste; it’s where Julia Child and Simone Beck wrote the book that started an American French cooking revolution; it’s where Saturday

Monsieur

Makes two sandwiches Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 cup milk, heated ¼ teaspoon salt Pinch of nutmeg 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan 4 slices hearty, day-old white bread, crusts removed Dijon mustard 2 slices of ham 1 tomato, sliced (optional)

Directions

u Melt butter in a shallow saucepan. v Add the flour and stir for a minute then slowly add the hot

milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is thickened.

w

Off the heat, add salt, nutmeg, Parmesan cheese and onethird of the Gruyere cheese.

x

In a toaster or in the oven, toast the bread and then brush all four slices with Dijon mustard.

y

Next, pre-heat the broiler. On two slices of toast, top with ham and tomato slices and another one-third of the Gruyère. Add the second slices of toast and top with the cheese sauce.

zBroil for a few minutes until the cheese turns golden brown.

47

tips along with a basket of cheese, wine, bread, fruit and sausage. 12. Picnic beneath the Eiffel Tower. Gather your wine, cheese, pâté, etc., in each of your neighborhood’s specialty shops and lounge the day away on the lawn. 13. Take a tasting tour. Ruth Reichl enjoyed her tour with Meg at “Paris by Mouth.” And if it’s good enough for Ruth… it’s good enough for me. 14. Marvel at the macarons in the windows. 92 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Each vibrant hue or pale shade represents a delightful flavor or combination of flavors: gingertangerine, hibiscus, currents-violets, banana-coco, rose petals, pomegranate and salted caramel. Ladurée, Pierre Hermé and Gérard Mulot are three of the finest macaron houses. 15. Read Clotilde Dusoulier’s Clotilde’s Edible Adventures in Paris and her blog, Chocolate and Zucchini. 16. Enjoy a champagne brunch at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots.

17. Buy a Poilâne loaf and a linen shopping bag at the flagship Poilâne store in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. 18. Sign-up (early!) for a cooking class with Patricia Wells. 19. Download Wells’ Food Lover’s Guide to Paris app for your iPhone. Billed as “the most authoritative guide to eating well in the City of Light,” the app guides you towards the best Parisian restaurants, markets and shops in your vicinity.


night dinners inside Gertrude Stein’s salon began with hashish fudge and ended with framboise at sunrise; and it’s where, in the bottomless belly of the now bygone Les Halles, farm-to-table food was bought and sold for over eight hundred years. When you walk the streets of Paris, you walk in the wake of culinary giants. There’s no need for timidity. And no time. If it’s your first visit or your twentieth, Paris is a city best devoured by the impetuous and free-spirited, yet organized foodie. On your first few visits, there are the obligatory sites: the museums, the cathedrals, the parks, the shops, THE tower, etc. And every visit after that will have you returning to your favorites. For example, my husband and I never miss the Musee D’Orsay or a quick respite beneath its massive clock face in the Café

Campana. And although the chandeliered and gilded dining room on the first floor, where the food is said to be as luxurious as the surroundings, has beckoned us for years, we’ve yet to break our sentimental tie to the café. Surely, the clock has us spellbound. Over the years, we’ve accumulated dozens of sentimental treks: Les Deux Magots for Sunday brunch, the park pavilion at the foot of the Champs-Élysées for banana and hazelnut crepes, the Ile Saint Louis for Berthillon gelato, the Jardin des Tuileries for croque madames and a bistro along the rue Saint-Benoit where meringues bob like snowballs in baths of crème anglaise. However, our essential trek is to the French version of a neighborhood steak house— le Relais de l’Entrecote. This restaurant breaks

47

tips 20.

Buy a colorful set of Opinel or a treasured set of Laguiole knives at the knife shop on Ile Saint Louis. 21. Enjoy a pain au chocolat on a sidewalk café. 22. Speaking of chocolate, visit the Maison du Chocolate and indulge your sweet tooth. 23. For an elegant patisserie showcasing sumptuous, perfectly sculptured sweets, visit Dalloyau. 24. Enjoy a delicious dinner at Bistroy Les Papilles near the Luxembourg Gardens. The food is grand but the prices aren’t. Best of all, the

staff seems to genuinely like Americans. in the park, eat the park food. There is little more relaxing than an afternoon spent in a Paris park, drinking cold beer and eating a croque monsieur. This quintessential French treat is made using day-old white bakery bread, which is filled with ham and topped with a Mornay sauce and melted Gruyère or Emmentaler (Swiss) cheese. These superior Swiss cheeses have a nutty, sweet flavor and, when melted, taste like sinfully nutty butter. A croque madame

25. When

adds an egg to the top of the sandwich. You can typically take a bite into this for less than 5€. But don’t be mislead, a slightly more substantial lunch (with alcohol) at a park café can easily run up to $100 USD. 26. Berthillon, on the Ile Saint Louis serves wonderful gelato and sorbet. Order a double cornet in a scrumptious moka dauphinois (mocha with chocolate, almond paste, rum, nougat, nuts) or pamplemousse rose (pink grapefruit sorbet). 92 March/April 2014 | 93


FOOD | IN THE KITCHEN two fundamental French taboos: one, it’s a chain, and two, it’s all-youcan-eat. Stay with me, though, because it’s also phenomenal. And please don’t be put off by the long line of people waiting for a table. Despite the hunger-pang-inducing, often cold, but rarely long wait, inside, the atmosphere is warm and lively. Once you’re seated, your server will ask you two questions: “How do you like your steak,” and “What would you like to drink?” Quickly. “Rare and red wine.” Or better yet, “Saignant et vin rouge.” Instantaneously, (Yes!) a saucer heaped with delicate lettuce is placed before you. By now, you’re beyond hungry, and yet the pile of lettuce is surprisingly satisfying. It’s simply lettuce - no tomato wedge, no olive, and not a shred of cheese. Lettuce. Tossed with a light vinaigrette. And it’s delicious. Next, dinner leaps from the magical simple salad into the mythic main course. The l’entrecote, a cut of beef similar to the flat iron, arrives, draped in a cloak of buttery herb sauce. The steak is supple and tasty, but

M us

s

el s

& affron S h t i w

White Win

e

Serves 2 to 3 Ingredients

it’s the sauce that would make Escoffier stir with pride. Your tongue tastes hints of anisette or perhaps whispers of tarragon and parsley or a soupçon of herbal heaven that you cannot — for love or espionage — deconstruct. Silver tongs appear and release stacks of long, thin, (ahem -- Authentic) French fries onto your plate. Finish these and more appear, along with more steak and more sauce, until you neither remember nor care where you ate the previous night. Fortunately, there are kilometers of walking waiting for you after every meal, so burning off the butter isn’t a worry. While out wandering, one shopping destination you won’t want to miss is the venerable E. Dehillerin — the cookware mecca of Paris. Part of the pleasure of shopping anywhere in Paris is knowing that you’ll be able to coolly mention your shoes, scarf, copper saucier, etc., were picked up on your recent trip. Although I’ve never been able to be very cool about it. From my mouth, it’s more like a gush. I mean, really, a copper saucier from E. Dehillerin?!

3 pounds of fresh mussels 1 pinch of saffron threads 1 cup (or more, if needed) good quality white wine 2 teaspoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 shallots, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 handful Italian parsley leaves, chopped Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions

u

Scrub mussels to remove beards and grit. Discard any with open shells.

v

Steep saffron in wine for 5-10 minutes. Melt butter in a large stockpot. Add shallots, garlic and a pinch of salt. After you begin to smell the garlic cooking, pour in wine (with saffron).

w Add tomatoes and half of the parsley and bring to a boil. x Add mussels and stir, adding more wine, if necessary.

Cook until all are open, about 5 to 10 minutes.

y

Discard any mussels that don’t open. Add salt and pepper to taste.

z

47

Scoop mussels into low bowls, top with remaining parsley. Serve with chunks of buttery, toasted bread.

tips

27. Avoid Paris in August. The best chefs and wait staff are on vacation, along with every other Parisian. And despite the heat, even Berthillon is closed. 28. Eat a crêpe, made fresh-to-order, filled with Nutella® and bananas. 29. Two words: duck confit. 30. Rent Julie & Julia or the original Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn. 31. Take the Paris Market Tour with lunch and a demonstration class at Le Cordon Bleu. Spend the morning in a Paris open-air market, eat a beautifully prepared lunch at the school

94 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

and sit back while a master chef teaches you how to prepare a few exquisite French dishes. 145€ /~$195 USD 32. Read The Sharper your Knife, the Less you Cry by Kathleen Flinn, an American-born graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. 33. Latin Quarter wanderings call for falafel sandwiches. Yes, French falafel. For sit-down meals, try Chez Marianne, or for a quick bite, try L’As du Falafel. 34. Get thee to a Fromagerie! France produces over 400 types of cheese.Try them all before you leave. 35. The best goat cheese on earth is found at

a friendly farmer’s stall along the Saint-Charles market. He’s been there every Tuesday and Friday for many years. 36. When entering a store say, “bonjour;” when leaving, “au revoir.” Always. 37. Meet other foodies at Jim Haynes’ house. Every Sunday evening for over thirty years, Jim Haynes has invited strangers (upwards of 70) to dinner. Although the experience is more the draw than the food, there is a nominal donation requested. See Jimhaynes.com for more information. 38. Attempt to decode the buttery herb sauce at le Relais de l’Entrecote.


“There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived it differs from that of any other. We always returned to it no matter who we were or how it was changed or with what difficulties, or ease, it could be reached. Paris was always worth it….” Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast This line of provenance merits a gush. After your shopping spree, you should be armed with enough copper and enamel to properly cook a wolf. And I hope you bought a pot rack, because if you’re renting an apartment in Paris, your kitchen is likely an Ikea-appointed galley with miniature appliances, but with a scarcity of countertops and cupboards. In fact, excepting the price, most things concerning the Parisians and their homes (particularly rentals) are petite and, relative to we-who-hail-from-excess, sparse. Coffee machines are single serve over-the-stove espresso makers. On a shelf adjacent to the kitchen, you may find two espresso cups, two wine glasses and two champagne

flutes. Overabundance is as rare as in-home entertaining. Parisians eat out. However, if you’re staying in Paris for an extended time, eating in will save you a few Euros (these will come in handy for the European VAT tax on your cookware) and will allow you to shop at markets and bring home bags overflowing with exotic fare. Back in our Le Corden Bleu Paris classroom, Chef Stril answers technique questions while mincing mounds of perfect brunoise for a mirepoix. In the mirror above the range, his hands command our attention. Dressed in his whites and quintessential toque blanche, he mans the grill, doesn’t use a timer, scoffs at measuring and, by three o’clock, plates our Tatin de Tomates Confites au Crabe -- layers of lump crab and sautéed vegetables, tucked between rounds of puff pastry. Fillets of John Dory Grenobloise over a potato puree strewn with lemon segments and capers follow. For dessert, he carefully spoons strawberries macerated with wine and blackcurrants over Arborio rice steeped in coconut milk and rum. Despite the paper napkin and the plastic desks for chairs, the exquisite lunch lingers in my mind beyond the cement walls, beyond the Metro where I wave goodbye to my new friend, Louise, beyond dinner where I relay every detail to my husband, beyond the flight home, beyond Paris.

47

tips

39. Fresh marshmallows from Gérard Mulot or

Pain de Sucre. Cut into perfect cubes, these soft sweets come in an assortment of pretty pastels. 40. Skip the absinthe and sip on a pastis. Mixed with a small amount of ice-cold water, pastis transforms before your eyes into a pale yellow cloud of licorice-laced liqueur. 41. Visit a local wine store where terrific regional wines are relatively inexpensive. No need to stop at “vin blanc” or “vin rouge.” Tell the sommelier what you’re cooking for dinner and he’ll suggest several bottles in your price range. 42. If you find yourself longing for the English

language, drop into Fish: La Boisonnerie (a wine and seafood bar) on the rue de Seine in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The staff will happily speak English while pouring you the wine of your dreams. 43. Stow a culinary giant in your carry-on: M.F.K. Fischer’s How To Cook a Wolf, the A.J. Liebling collection Liebling Abroad, or Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast. 44. Ina Garten, Dorie Greenspan, and Patricia Wells are superb cooks and Paris aficionados who wax poetically about their favorite haunts and foods. They’re also all (part-time) residents. 45. Want to hang where the bobos (bourgeois

bohème) hang? Read the blog wwwparisbobo.com Visit an open-air food market. You’ll find a full list on www.parisianlocal.com 47. The perfect baguette should be flaky, fragrant and golden on the outside with a hollow sounding inside. If there are pointed ends, even better — it’s handmade. The crust will explode into slivers of buttery goodness. Eat one with every meal. Eric Kayser makes some of the city’s best. When you return home you will realize that no matter where you live, there is sadly no equivalent to the baguettes of Paris. 46.

94 March/April 2014 | 95


FOOD | IN THE KITCHEN

les

Î

Flottantes

Makes 4 large meringues Caramel Sauce

1½ cups sugar ½ cup water ½ teaspoon good quality vanilla extract

u

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt caramel sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Don’t stir. When it becomes a clear toasted caramel color, add ½ cup of water and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.

vBring up to 250 degrees (no higher!) on a candy

thermometer. This is the thread stage. Set aside.

Meringues 9 egg whites (large eggs) 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon cream of tartar 1 cup of sugar 1 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract

uLower the oven temperature to 250 degrees.

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

vWhisk egg whites, salt and cream of tartar until

frothy. Add the cup of sugar and beat until the meringue forms glossy, stiff peaks. Whisk in the vanilla extract.

wWith your largest soup ladle, gather a

mound of meringue and form it into a huge ball with your hands. Make four of these and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

xTo serve the giant beauties, place a ladle of crème

anglaise in a shallow bowl and float a meringue on top. Spoon over the caramel sauce, sprinkle with almond praline and serve.

96 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

Almond Praline Crunch Topping 1 cup of sliced almonds

u

On a cookie sheet, coat a piece of parchment with half of the caramel sauce. Sprinkle almonds on top of the sauce.

v

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 10 minutes or until almonds are lightly browned. Cool praline, then break into pieces.

Crème Anglaise (Vanilla Sauce) 5 egg yolks (large eggs) ½ cup sugar ½ teaspoon cornstarch 1¾ cups scalded milk 1 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract 1½ teaspoons cognac or brandy

u

Beat the egg yolks and sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes, until very thick. Reduce to low speed and add the cornstarch.

vPour the hot milk into the eggs. wNext, cook this mixture in a saucepan and over low heat,

stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thickened. Don’t cook it above 180 degrees or the eggs will begin to scramble.

x

Pour the sauce through a fine strainer and add the vanilla extract and cognac. Chill until you’ve made your meringues.


nch e r F

Onion Tart

Serves 4 to 5

Tart Shell (or substitute pre-made pie crust) ½ cup cold, unsalted butter 1 cup flour ¼ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons cold water

Filling 3 tablespoons olive, canola, or grapeseed oil 1 tablespoon butter 5 cups onions, sliced thin 1 teaspoon salt A pinch of sugar 2 eggs, beaten ¼ cup heavy cream, half-n-half or dairy of choice 2 tablespoons cognac or brandy (optional) Freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded 4 to 5 fresh thyme stems

For the Tart Shell

u

Cut the butter into small squares. In a mixer (using an S-hook) or food processor, combine or pulse first three ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

v

Sprinkle in water and pulse again until clumps form. Remove and knead by hand. Cover with wax paper and place in refrigerator for 15 minutes.

w

Dust work surface with flour before rolling or place dough between two sheets of plastic wrap and roll dough until thin. Place dough into a 9 or 10-inch tart pan (pans with removable bases are easiest) and place inside the freezer for 15 more minutes.

x

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake shell for 10 to 20 minutes until the bottom is dry, but not golden.

For the Filling:

u

In a large Dutch oven, sauté onions in the oil and butter. Add sugar and salt and stir occasionally, until onions are caramelized and golden. This step can take up to 30 minutes.

v

Remove from heat. In a medium-sized bowl, add eggs, dairy, cognac, and a few grinds of pepper. When the onions have cooled, add them to the mixture.

w

Using a pastry brush, spread the Dijon mustard inside the tart shell.

x

Add the onion mixture and top with the cheese and thyme stems. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a green salad. 

96 March/April 2014 | 97


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

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.

98 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


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

98 March/April 2014 | 99


RESTAURANT GUIDE 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

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.

CAF É BAKERY & MARKET

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.

Deli/Café

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

“BEST HEALTH FOOD in Charleston” – Destination Guide

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.

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • CRAFT BEER & ORGANIC WINE Natural Fruit Smoothies & Fresh Sqeezed Orange Juice Energizing Wraps & Salads • Seasonal Nightly Dinner Specials • Delicious Desserts 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

100 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

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

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.


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.

Fine Dining 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. 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. March/April 2014 | 100 101


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!

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.

Mediterranean

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OPEN: Sunday-Thursday,11AM-12AM Friday-Saturday,11AM-3AM

1246 Camp Rd

James Island

(843) 762-1135

WWW.PAISANOSJI.COM

102 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

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.

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.

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.

TAKE OUT EAT-IN DELIVERY

973-3323. Rustic Italian fare with unique pasta selections, and excellent seafood dishes such as scamp grouper and grilled trumpet mushrooms. Dinner, Tue-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.

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. Yo Burrito (D) 77 Wentworth St., 853-3287. (MP) 675 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 856-0061. 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

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.

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.

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.,

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.


Voted Summerville’s Voted Summerville’s Best Cafe, Sandwiches, Best CatererCaterer & Chef! & Chef! Offering catering to the Lowcountry

Quaint European-style cafe offering unique soups, sandwiches, salads, & desserts. Offering catering to the Lowcountry www.EclecticChef.net 125 Central Avenue, Summerville • 821-7733

Now Open For Lunch

l a n o i t . p e c x E e v . i t Fresh Crea Warm and Relaxed Atmosphere Daily Happy Hour 4-7pm Patio Seating Available

A s i a n B i s t ro

604 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant 843.248.8229 BambuAsianSushi.com March/April 2014 | 102 103


RESTAURANT GUIDE 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., 654-7296. 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.

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

Dunleavy’s Pub

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., 577-5755. (WA) 9 Magnolia Rd., 573-2277. Fun, eclectic restaurant serving the freshest seafood in a casual dining atmosphere. Dinner nightly.

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 104 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

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., 937-0930. Classic Southern fare in a neighborhood setting. Award winning chef offers generous portions,


the

Woodlands DISTRICT The neWesT addiTion To saluda river club

The Woodlands disTricT

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You’ve driven by. You’ve heard the raves. Now it’s time to make Saluda River Club your next address. The Woodlands is the newest district in award-winning Saluda River Club. It offers all the incomparable amenities with more entertaining space and flexible room designs, plus garage and back yard. Call, click or come by today. We’re pre-selling a limited number of phase one homesites and they’re going fast!

• 7 arChiteCt-designed plans with 1 and 2-story options • private baCkyard with 6-foot privaCy wall • innovative finishes and spaCious open interiors • riverfront reCreation, kayaking, trails, gym and aCtivities for all ages

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www.SaludaRiveRClub.Com • 803.358.3969

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directions from i-20: West to Exit 61, Hwy. 378. Turn right. Take an immediate right on Corley Mill Road. The entrance to Saluda River Club is located 1.5 miles down on the right hand side. We pay relocation fees up to 38% | contingent contracts accepted

March/April 2014 | 104 105


RESTAURANT GUIDE

We’re Hiring Media Account Executive Job Description:

• Sell and service the advertising clients of Charleston Living and represent our portfolio of products at selected events. • Provide advertising clients with market-based advertising solutions which include print, digital, direct marketing, SEM/SEO, and design. • The Account Executive will be expected to incorporate a consultative selling style, identify new advertising clients, and grow arket share.

Job Requirements:

• Meet monthly revenue expectations through selling and/or up-selling advertising clients. • Spend 75% of time in the field, calling on existing accounts as well as developing new business. • Generate and follow up on new business leads. • Initiate, coordinate and conduct formal verbal and written presentations. • Grow market share with various custom media print and online products. • Possess strong written and verbal communication skills. • Maintain a high retention rate among advertising clients.

Qualifications:

College degree or equivalent sales experience required as well as a proven track record of excellence in sales and customer support. Experience in magazine sales a plus but not a requirement. Must be a self-starter and possess strong time management skills. Attention to accuracy and persuasive oral and written communication skills are needed. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of products also a plus. Dependable transportation and a valid South Carolina driver’s license and proof of insurance are required. If you are a proven sales leader, email your cover letter and resume to:

robert@charlestonlivingmag.com or fax to 877-505-4432.

Spring Special $50 OFF

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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. 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. 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 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.

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.

Jto your porch or outdoor garden area.

136 Hemphill Court, Summerville • www.thejogglefactory.com • 200-2073 106 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

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.

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.

Add a piece of Charleston history 10-16 feet in length Hand-Crafted Locally Made

fresh breads, and the best shrimp and grits. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, Mon-Sat.

Oak Steakhouse (D) 17 Broad St., 722-4220. 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.


March/April 2014 | 106 107


TRAVEL

We’re going to Disney World It’s every child’s dream, but before you go, take advantage of expert advice to get the most out of the Magic Kingdom. By Katie McElveen

108 | CharlestonLivingMag.com


L

Photos Courtesy The Walt Disney Company

ike most couples

with school-aged children, Kristy and Jack Ellenberg need to plan their vacations well ahead of time. But not always. Case in point: their most recent trip to Disney World. “It was the weekend before fall break, and Jack and I decided, totally spur-of-the-moment, to take the children to Disney,” laughs Kristy. Instead of getting online, though, and wading through the Disney website, Kristy made a phone call to her friend Margaret Bauer, who, along with her sister, Daisy Miller, owns and operates Forest Lake Travel. “I said, ‘Margaret, is it crazy to think about going to Disney in four days?’ She cracked up, but then she got really excited about it and started asking me what we wanted to do, how long we wanted to stay and how much we wanted to spend. By the end of the conversation, we’d planned every day, including dinner reservations, tickets to the Not-SoScary Halloween party and finding an easy place for us to meet up with Jack, who would be flying in from a meeting in Denver. All I had to do was pack.” It may be every child’s dream to visit Disney World, but for many parents, planning that trip can be a logistical nightmare. It’s easy to see why. The Disney World entertainment complex includes 35 hotels, six parks and four golf courses within its nearly 40 square miles. Add new attractions, vacation packages, endless food choices and ticketed special events to the mix, and suddenly even the savviest parents can feel like they’ve fallen down a rabbit hole. “We’ve been to Disney before, but this was the first time we had help,” says Kristy. “It made a huge difference. Margaret knew what was new and was honest about what was worth our time. She also helped us fit things together logically so we weren’t running from one end of the park to the other. We were really able to focus on the fun and not the planning.” Kristy also appreciated that Margaret had noted on the family’s reservation that Larrabee would be celebrating her birthday during the trip. “When we arrived they gave her a birthday button. Everywhere we went, cast members wished her a happy birthday,” says Kristy. “She felt like a princess!” For Margaret, those special moments are why she loves Disney. “Not only do I adore Disney myself, but I think it’s a fabulous place for a family vacation.” She should know. For the past few years, Margaret, along with her coworker Shelley Bohlman, has worked as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. “Years ago Disney was easy to navigate,” says Shelley. “Not any more. Since you can pre-register for almost everything, March/April 2014 | 108 109


110 | CharlestonLivingMag.com

» Disney tips and tricks Considering a trip to Disney? Here are just a few tips. If your children are young, you’ll probably only need to plan for half a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “They’ve got a great preschool component, but the park is mostly geared toward older kids,” says Shelley. If you’ve registered for a nighttime event at the park, be sure to pick up a special armband when you arrive that day. It will allow you to play in the park between the time that it closes to the public and the event begins. Magic Bands are bracelets which store each guest’s room key, park tickets, meal plan and other information. Wear one, and you don’t need to carry a wallet or keep track of your room key. They’re still in the testing phase, but Forest Lake Travel clients have access to this new technology before it’s available to the public. For more information, visit forestlaketravel.com

Photographs (top right, bottom left), courtesy Daisy Miller

making all those decisions can get complicated very quickly. Since we know Disney, we can guide you from the time you leave your house until you get home. It’s a real time-saver there is no additional cost for Disney planning.” As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, Forest Lake Travel has access to money-saving specials before they are offered to the general public. “Once I have your dates, I can call and find out what kinds of specials they have during that time,” explains Shelley. “And if a special comes up after you’ve made your reservation and it is available, we can usually rework it to include the new offers.” To become authorized planners, Margaret and Shelley as well as several other advisors at Forest Lake Travel completed a series of courses through the College of Disney Knowledge that familiarized them with the parks, their offerings, lodging options, transportation and dining. Once they’d completed their training, they joined a cadre of planners around the world who are among the first to know about new programs, attractions and packages. Even better, taking regular Disney cruises and making visits to the parks mean they’re loaded with tips, tricks and advice that come either from on-theground experience or too many hours on the internet reading Disney vacation blogs. Take, for instance, dinner in Cinderella’s castle, one of the most popular events in the Magic Kingdom. “It’s a wonderful experience, but it’s also very expensive and can be hard to reserve,” says Shelley. “I’ve sent a lot of clients instead to the Princess Dinner at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in

Epcot. It’s more intimate and there are always several princesses around to talk to the children. They’ve got time for photos and autographs, too.” Daisy Miller, who recently took her daughter Madge to Akershus, agrees. “Madge’s eyes were huge when one of the characters leaned down to whisper a princess secret in her ear. She was absolutely thrilled.” Shelley Dempsey discovered the benefits of working with Shelley Bohlman and Forest Lake Travel almost by accident. “I mentioned to Daisy one day how much Scott and I wanted to take the boys back to Disney, but that it was just too overwhelming to plan,” she recalls. “When she explained all they can do for us at no additional cost, I called Shelley Bohlman immediately.” One of the first things Shelley did was help the Dempseys make the most of the money they’d budgeted—so much so that they were able to extend their trip from four days to seven. “I thought we’d need a top dollar hotel,” says Shelley Dempsey. “But when we explained that we spend very little time in the room, Shelley suggested we book a less expensive hotel that had particularly boy-friendly amenities and use the money we saved elsewhere.” Shelley Dempsey hadn’t considered purchasing Disney’s dining plan, but when Shelley Bohlman explained it to her, she was sold. “She planned out each day to include dining and we never had to run from one end of the park to the other,” she says. “Everything was perfectly organized, down to which restaurants had the best breakfast, lunch or dinner and a note in our file alerting staff to my son’s food allergies. At every restaurant someone walked us through the menu or the buffet line and explained what he could or couldn’t have. The whole week was incredible and I’d go again tomorrow—but only after I’d called Shelley!” 


Everybody has two sides. There’s your normal, everyday side that goes to work, studies for school and doesn’t do anything crazy. But you also have another more fun side—your Disney side. That’s the side you simply can’t wait to share as a family. It’s the side of you that laughs bigger, screams louder, says “yes” more often and just plain lives life to the fullest. It’s the side of you that comes out to play the moment your family steps through the gates of the Walt Disney World® Resort. So why wait? Share the magic right now and come show your Disney side!

CS-13-28104

©Disney

FOREST LAKE TRAVEL (803) 738-1520 (800) 554-8758 info@forestlaketravel.com www.forestlaketravel.com

March/April 2014 | 110 111


THE LAST REFLECTION

PHOTO CECE BOYKIN

OH, THE JOYS OF SPRING

Rhododendron Austrinum. Better known as Southern yellow azaleas, they are slightly fragrant and bear vivid yellow-orange flowers in spring. 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 March/April 2014 March/April 2014| 112


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