Rosenfield’s Blueberry Bread Pudding

A Life Consumed by Victuals

Marty Rosenthal

Marty Rosenfield’s Blueberry Bread Pudding is a transcendent summer experience.

Ihave known in my lifetime quite a few folks whose days and nights have been occupied with a focus on food. In fact, I would suspect that I know more people who are so involved than most.

Yet I think Marty Rosenfield may stand alone in defining a life consumed by victuals. As I related formerly in this magazine, Marty and his wife Donna met while hosting a culinary event for an event planner in Atlanta.

After marriage, they worked together in one of the city’s gourmet catering kitchens. Sometime later they moved to Highlands and purchased Lakeside Restaurant – which they ran for 24 years. Marty spent the next five years directing the Highlands Foods Pantry, fearlessly working through the first year of the Pandemic despite being diabetic. And for more than 20 years he and Donna have spent Christmas working and cooking at the annual Highlands Christmas Day Dinner. He continues to cook and cater parties and events for friends and associates today! Here, Marty shares with us his recipe for Blueberry Bread Pudding – the Number One Selling Dessert at Lakeside. “Bread pudding was already on the menu when I bought the restaurant but when I elevated it by adding blueberries and other fresh fruits in season, sales escalated.” I suspect that after one bite, the dessert will take you to a very Happy Place and that you’ll find it as much a vehicle for comfort and pleasure as did so many before. Oh, and need I mention it’s a cinch to put together and perfect for a crowd.

Marty Rosenfield’s Blueberry Bread Pudding Ingredients

1 lb crusty French, or Italian bread, or Ciabatta 2 cups sugar 7 eggs 4 cups whole milk

1 ½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract 3 cups fresh blueberries 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Butter an 8 x 12 glass baking dish 3. Cut bread into ¾”cubes.

4. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and whisk in the milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add the bread and blueberries to the bowl and stir gently to combine 5. Transfer the contents of the bowl to the prepared baking dish and place in the oven. 6. Bake for 30 minutes, then turn the pan and bake an additional 15 minutes or until custard is set but still a little wobbly and edges of bread have browned. Serve warm or at room temperature.

by Marlene Osteen

Lunch for Literacy

Lunch for Literacy, set for July 1 and July 8, is a delicious way to support the Literacy Council of Cashiers and a gladsome celebration of the community’s generosity.

Zookeeper Bistro Whiteside Brewing Co.

Chili Loco

On the Side Barbeque

The Literacy Council of Cashiers and local Cashiers and Sapphire restaurants have teamed up to sponsor the annual Lunch for Literacy event on Friday, July 1, and Friday, July 8. On those days, participating restaurants will donate a percentage of their lunch proceeds to the Literacy Council to help fund the Imagination Library, schoolbook giveaways, one-onone tutoring, and other activities of the Council. Participating restaurants include Chili Loco, El Manzanilla, On the Side Barbeque, Whiteside Brewing Co., and Zookeeper Bistro. More restaurants are coming, so keep an eye out for Lunch for Literacy posters and signs at your favorite lunch spot. Because The Orchard only serves dinner, it may appear there was no way for them to participate in Lunch for Literacy, but owners Travis and Chad Boswell conceived the most direct way possible to signal their support for the Literacy Council – they wrote us a generous check. The Literacy Council of Cashiers serves the children of the greater Cashiers area and has sponsored over 300 area children in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. Each month, children from birth to age 5 from Cashiers (28717), Glenville (28736), Sapphire (28774), Cullowhee (28723) and Tuckeseegee (28783) receive a free age-appropriate book in the mail. This program is completely free for families, as the Literacy Council pays the sponsorship fee of $30/year/child to be in the program. Being exposed to books by parents/ guardians helps children realize how important reading is to everything they do. Literacy skills are the key to success in school. To this end the Literacy Council has partnered with Blue Ridge and Summit schools to provide on-going book giveaways to students each school year. Free tutoring by Literacy Council volunteers is available to elementary children in the Cashiers area. Parents/guardians should contact the Literacy Council at the number below.

If you’d like to add an additional donation or volunteer to help in any of the Literacy Council activities, please mail a donation to The Literacy Council of Cashiers, PO Box 1398, Cashiers, NC 28717 or call (828) 743-0215 with questions or to volunteer. If you’d like to register your child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program, you’ll find registration forms at the Cashiers Library. Gather a group of your friends for lunch, look for signs or posters at area restaurants, and enjoy a wonderful meal while supporting a great cause! The children will thank you for it.

by Serenity Richards, The Literacy Council of Cashiers

Summer Wines

Marlene invites you to uncork a bottle of memory and sensation, and savor the seduction of summer wine.

Summer wines! Two words that make me happy, long for and reflect upon hot days, warm nights, soft breezes, and the wines that accompany all of it. Those that taste of berries and watermelon, and lemon, that sparkle on the tongue or fill the mouth with a gentle fizz. What I crave most on those sultry days and nights are wines that are refreshing, citrusy, and lighter in weight. As to wine less weight means lighter alcohol – once alcohol rises above 14 percent, it can make wine seem heavier in texture, leaving the impression of sweetness. Consider the enchantments of some of the following – quaffable wines that play well with summertime snacks – deviled eggs and shrimp salad and tomato sandwiches and pimento cheese. • Txakolina: An invigorating, crisp wine that the Basque folks of Northern Spain

drink with just about everything – crisp, fresh and gently fizzy with a briny taste and citrus flavors. Seek out one by the producer Ameztoi. • Muscadet de Sevre & Maine: A wine that has been for too long underappreciated, primarily known for its remarkable affinity with oysters, its great with all sorts of seafood. Expressive and delightful with long, lingering flavors it’s a delightful aperitif. Modestly priced, it’s one of the wine world’s last bargains. The Chateau de la Ragotière is a fresh, light-bodied style with surprising intensity and assorted citrus notes. • Erbaluce: When was the last time you tasted an unknown wine from an obscure grape and were blown away. It’s been a while – right? So perhaps now’s the time to try Erbaluce, a white wine and gr ape from Piedmont, in Northern Italy. The most exciting producer of Erbaluce is Francesco Castaldi who produces the organic, ultra-fresh/ natural “Lucia Bianco” made from 100% Erbaluce – delicious and intense, laden with stone fruit flavors.

• Rosé: Finally! A wine so identifiable with summer that one producer labels his “summer water”. There’s a lot of Rosé out there, but since I take my rose seriously, I generally seek out those from Rose’s heartland – the Cotes de Provence in France. One of my longtime favorites is By Ott, the second label from Domaines Ott. A wine that comes roaring out of the glass with a core of melon and then settles down to deliver herb and citrus flavors.

Contrary to popular myth, better Rosés often improve with an extra year in bottle. A fact worth remembering, given the late arrivals of the 2021 vintage due to supply chain issues – and you may even save some money by selecting an older bottle. If you cannot find these bottles, a seemingly infinite number of other Provençal producers stands ready to sell you rosé – Names to look for include Domaine Tempier, Commanderie de Peyrassol Côtes de Provence Rosé, and Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence Rosé.

Visit your most trusted wine shop – in Highlands at Highlands Wine Shoppe, Bryson’s and Mountain Fresh Grocery; and in Cashiers at The Wine & Provisions Shop at the Hotel Cashiers, and the Wine Cellar of Cashiers – and ask for the wines mentioned here or suggestions for similar bottlings. And you can always email me at marlene.osteen@gmail.com.

by Marlene Osteen

thelaurelmagazine.com/cuisine

To see the most up-to-date information about dining on the plateau visit thelaurelmagazine.com/restaurants

Plateau Dining Guide

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Meals Wine Full Bar Children’s Menu Vegetarian Selections Reservations Recommended Dress Code Live Entertainment Outdoor Dining Take Out Ad On Page

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS The 4118 Kitchen + Bar The Bistro at Wolfgang’s Calder’s Cafe 64 Highlands Plaza (828) 526-5002 L, D n n n C n 133 460 Main Street (828) 526-3807 D n n n n NC n n 5 384 Main Street (828) 200-9308 B, L n C n n 131

The Dancing Bear at The High Dive 476 Carolina Way L, D n n n n C n n 138

Fire + Water Restaurant Reservations Required (828) 526-4446 B, L

n n C n 15 Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 465 Main Street (828) 787-2990 L, D n n n C n n 135 Fressers Courtyard Cafe Village Square, 470 Oak Street (828) 526-4188 L, D n n n C n n 133 Highlands Smokehouse 595 Franklin Road (828) 526-3554 L, D n n n C n n 134 Hummingbird Lounge 455 Main Street Highlands, NC (828) 787-2525 L n n n NC n 77 *The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering 350 S. Fifth Street (828) 526-2110 L, D n n 131 Lakeside Restaurant Smallwood Avenue (828) 526-9419 D n n n n n NC n n n 128 Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge 470 Skyline Lodge Rd (828) 482-4720 D, SB n n n n NC n n n 124 On the Verandah Highway 64 (Franklin Road) (828) 526-2338 D, SB n n n n C n n 136 Paoletti’s 440 Main Street (828) 526-4906 D n n n n NC n 129 The Ugly Dog Pub 298 South 4th Street (828) 526-8364 L, D, SB n n n n C n n n 138 Wolfgang’s Restaurant 460 Main Street (828) 526-3807 D n n n n NC n n 5 CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Cashiers Valley Smokehouse US 64 West (828) 547-2096 L, D C n n n 130 The Orchard Highway 107 South (828) 743-7614 D, n n n n n C n n 128 Town & Country General Store Deli 14 Raggedy Lane (828) 547-1300 L n n 139 The Ugly Dog Pub 25 Frank Allen Road (828) 743-3000 L, D, SB n n n n C n n n 138 Zookeeper 45 Slabtown Road (828) 743-7711 B, L, SB n C n n 129 SAPPHIRE/TOXAWAY AREA RESTAURANTS The Fix Bar & Lounge 3093 Hwy 64 East, Sapphire (828) 743-7477 B, L, D n n n C n n 141 Grand Olde Station 502 Blue Ridge Road. Lake Toxaway (828) 966-4242 D n n n n C n n 162 Greystone Inn 220 Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway (828) 966-4700 B, L, D, SB n n n NC n n 4 Panthertown Cafe 16614 Rosman Hwy, Lake Toxaway (828) 862-3663 B, L, SB n n C n n 170

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner SB Sunday Brunch * Takeout Only Dress Code: C Casual NC Nice Casual J Jacket

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4th Street Market - (828) 526-4191 Asia House - (828) 787-1680 Bella’s Junction Cafe - (828) 526-0803 Black Bear Restaurant - (828) 482-7020 The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922 Bridge at Mill Creek (828) 526-5500 Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775 The Cake Bar - (828) 421-2042 Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762 El Azteca - (828) 526-2244 Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590 Highlands Burritos - (828) 526-9313 Highlands Deli/ SweeTreats - (828) 526-9632 Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant - (828) 482-7040 Madison’s Restaurant - (828) 787-2525 Midpoint (828) 526-2277 Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400 Rosewood Market - (828) 526-0383 Ruffed Grouse (828) 526-2590 Subway - (828) 526-1706 Primary Restaurant & Bar - (828) 526-3555 Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035

CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997 Canyon Kitchen - (828) 743-7967 Cashiers Farmers Market (828) 743-4334 Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160 Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750 El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522 JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - (828) 743-7778 The Library Kitchen and Bar - (828) 743-5512 Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740 Mountain Cafe - (828) 577-0469 Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220 Slab Town Pizza -(828) 743-0020 Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655 Subway - (828) 743-1300 Villa Amato (828) 885-7700 Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777 Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000 Winslow’s Hideaway - (828) 743-2226

thelaurelmagazine.com/lodging

Plateau Lodging

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

HOTELS / MOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS

On Site Restaurant On Site Bar/Lounge Pool Whirlpool Rooms Exercise Facility In Room Microwave/Fridge Cable/Satellite TV Banquet Facilities Wireless Internet Pet Policy Ad On Page

Earthshine Lodge 1600 Golden Road | Lake Toxaway, NC earthshinenc.com | (828) 862-4207 n n n n n 167

Fire Mountain 700 Happy Hill Rd | Scaly Mountain firemt.com | (800) 775-4446 n n n n n n 15

Greystone Inn 220 Greystone Ln | Lake Toxaway thegreystoneinn.com | (828) 966-4700 n n n n n n 4

Old Edwards Inn and Spa 445 Main St | Highlands oldedwardsinn.com | (866) 526-8008 n n n n n n n n n 77

Skyline Lodge 470 Skyline Lodge Rd | Highlands skyline-lodge.com | (828) 526-4008 n n n n n n 124

VACATION RENTALS

The Vineyard at 37 High Holly 37 High Holly Road | Scaly Mountain thevineyardat37highholly.com | (828) 505-6190

VACATION RENTAL AGENCIES n n n n n 185

Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals 488 Main Street | Highlands meadowsmountainrealty.com | (828) 526-1717

Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals 401 N 5th St | Highlands highlandsiscalling.com | (828) 526-3717

Landmark Vacation Rentals 17 US Hwy 64 E | Cashiers landmarkvacations.com | (877) 926-1780

Rent in Highlands - CCP 507 Main Street | Highlands rentinhighlands.com | (800) 684-2171 x 302

Silver Creek Vacation Rentals 341 Hwy 64 W, Ste 102 | Cashiers ncliving.com | (828) 743-1999 143

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CASHIERS, NC: High Hampton Resort - (800) 648-4252 Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706 The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247 Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780 Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258 The Orchard Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614 Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623 Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999 The Wells Hotel A Cashiers Experience - (828) 761-6289

GLENVILLE, NC: Innisfree Bed & Breakfast - (828) 743-2946 Mountain Lake Rentals - (828) 743-6875 Prime Property Rentals - (828) 743-3482

HIGHLANDS, NC 200 Main - (855) 271-2809 Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-1717 Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717 The Chateau - (561) 613-1496 Fairview House - (866) 526-8008 Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246 Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590 Highlands House Bed and Breakfast - (828) 787-1186 Highlands Inn - (828) 526-9380 Highlands Inn Lodge - (828) 526-5899 Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839 The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999 The Lodge at Old Edwards - (828) 787-2560 Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799 Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008 Park on Main - (800) 221-5078 Ray’s Roost - (678) 534-6870 Rent in Highlands - CCP - (800) 684-2171 x 302 Rockwood Lodge - (828) 526-8919 Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-2999 The Wells Hotel - (828) 482-7736 Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222 SAPPHIRE, NC Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441 Foxhunt At Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667 Hampton Inn & Suites - Cashiers-Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-4545 Mt Toxaway Lodge & Motel - (828) 966-4582 Sapphire Run at Whisper Lake - (863) 412-5734 Whispering Falls - (352) 470-4085 Woods at Buc - (770) 714-9211

SCALY MOUNTAIN, NC: Fire Mountain - (800) 775-4446 The Vineyard at 37 High Holly - (828) 505-6190

LAKE TOXAWAY, NC Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333 Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700 Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141

SHOPPING

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