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Letter from the Publisher
Welcome to our October issue, where we celebrate all things culinary in our Foodie edition! As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there's no better time to explore the rich and diverse flavors our community has to offer.
This month, we take you on a flavorful journey, starting with Laziza Mediterranean Grill, where Middle Eastern cuisine comes to life. From the savory Chicken Shawarma to the irresistible Feta Fries, we highlight four of their must try dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds.
For those who enjoy a cozy family activity, we have an article on autumnthemed treats perfect for making memories in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice baker, these recipes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your home.
We also shine a spotlight on Cadwalladers Café, one of Augusta's finest dining establishments, and the iconic New Ming Wah, a local gem for Cantonesestyle food.
So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and enjoy this delicious issue as we dive into the vibrant food scene of Evans. Bon appétit!
JANA MORRIS, PUBLISHER @EVANS.LIFESTYLE
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Michelle Parnell | michelle.parnell@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Daria Terry
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Daniel Morris
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bailey Hall, Daria Terry, Michelle W. Parnell, Savanna Jaggears
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gregory Jaggears, Kraft Visual Productions, Randy Pace
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Columbia County Experience Club members learning new culinary techniques and enjoying a meal at Baby Jo’s.
business monthly
Young Women on the Way Community Service
The Columbia County Chamber Young Women on the Way delivered dinner to the residents of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta for their community service project. Thank you for this great act of service!
Oak & Palm Interiors and Gifts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Congratulations to Oak & Palm Interiors and Gifts on opening your new storefront located at 4246 Washington Road. Be sure to swing by and check out their collection of items inspired by the Carolina coast, traditional influences, and contemporary flair.
Southern Trails Vet Now Open in Evans
Clifton Construction, led by owner Rob Clifton, recently completed the new Southern Trails Vet in Evans. Hired by AcharaVet, the project showcases Clifton’s commitment to quality. Stanford Bell from AcharaVet praises their work saying, “Even on the tough projects, Clifton Construction is on time, on budget, and high quality. We have been very pleased with their professionalism.” Southern Trails Vet is now open, offering top-notch veterinary care to the local community.
MEDITE R RANEA N
A
L A Z I Z
In 2011, Nader and Lisa Khatib opened Laziza Mediterranean Grill, bringing the unique flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to Evans. “Since I was a little boy, I’ve wanted to open restaurants,” shared Nader. “I love to cook for people and I’m a people pleaser. So, I get great satisfaction from having happy customers.”
When planning Laziza, the Khatibs created a simple, fast casual dining concept with a fresh menu. Community response has been so enthusiastic Laziza has expanded to include a second location in downtown Augusta, a catering division, and a food truck. Let’s take a deeper look at four popular menu items.
CELEBRATING THE DELICIOUS AND FRESH FLAVORS OF MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
G R I L L
CHICKEN SHAWARMA FETA FRIES
A traditional Middle Eastern street food consisting of marinated chicken thighs that are slow roasted and shaved very thin. For the wrap, it comes encased in thin pita bread with house-made garlic sauce, pickles, and tomatoes. Wraps are pressed to give each one a crispy exterior. Chicken Shawarma can also be added to a salad; served in a bowl with basmati rice, lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, and a creamy dressing; or served on a platter with white or brown rice, hummus, pita and choice of side.
This festival favorite that started as a customer request has transformed into a Laziza staple and become one of the most popular menu items! This hot basket of french fries is topped with a drizzle of Laziza’s signature garlic chili sauce and sprinkled with feta cheese. The sauce not only adds depth of flavor but keeps the feta stuck to the fries for a full culinary experience. Turn the basket into a loaded feast by adding chicken shawarma or the gyro combo of seasoned blend of beef and lamb.
HUMMUS STEAK KEBAB
Laziza’s house-made hummus comes in original, roasted red pepper, and jalapeño varieties. These special blends are made fresh daily and begin with dried chickpeas that are soaked overnight and boiled to perfection each morning. The classic hummus flavor comes from tahini paste, lemon, garlic, and salt. Although roasted red pepper and jalapeño may stray a bit from traditional hummus, it provides a variety of flavor combinations that customers truly enjoy. Opt for the loaded hummus which can be topped with fresh vegetables and feta.
One of the menu’s premium items, the steak kebab is handtrimmed beef tenderloin seasoned with a signature blend of spices, and garlic. The beef is skewered and grilled to medium doneness. The steak kebab can be served as a toasted wrap in pita bread with garlic sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, tzatziki sauce; as a bowl with basmati rice, lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, and creamy dressing; or as a platter with white or brown rice, hummus, pita and choice of side.
Laziza Mediterranean Grill has two storefront locations: 4272 Washington Road, Suite 8A in Evans and 901 Broad Street in Augusta. Visit www.lazizagrill.com to explore menu, catering, and online ordering options and to find out more about the new Rewards program. Also follow Laziza on Instagram and Facebook for updates on specials and events.
Autumn Bites: Family-Friendly Fall Recipes Made Easy
CHECK OUT THESE SIMPLE FALL AND HALLOWEEN-INSPIRED RECIPES YOU CAN MAKE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY
ARTICLE BY DARIA TERRY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Haunted Pie
INGREDIENTS
• Pillsbury pizza dough
• 1/2 cup of pizza/marinara sauce
• Black olives
• Slices of mozzarella cheese
• Ghost cookie cutter/Knife
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Lay out a slice of mozzarella cheese and cut out ghost shapes using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter or a knife. Set aside.
3. Slice a black olive, lengthwise, in half. Use one half for each spider’s body. To make the spider legs, cut a black olive lengthwise and then cut each half four half-moon slices, so you’ll have a total of eight legs. Repeat to create as many as desired! Gather additional tiny pieces of cut olives to use as eyes and mouths for the ghosts! Set aside.
4. Unroll the pizza dough to desired shape and thickness onto a greased pan.
5. Follow provided instructions for pizza dough including pre-baking.
6. After pre-baking your pizza dough, spread your pizza or marinara sauce, leaving room around the edges of the dough. Finally, arrange your ghost cheese and black olive spiders on top! Bake again according to the provided instructions included with the pizza dough.
7. Take out of the oven and enjoy!
Autumn Crunch Mix
INGREDIENTS
• Popcorn
• Wheat Chex/Rice Chex
• Mini pretzels
• Candy Corn
• Mini marshmallows
• Reese’s Pieces
DIRECTIONS
1. Grab your kids, a big bowl, and just start throwing ingredients in, by the bag, one at a time!
2. Once everything is in, use your hands and start mixing everything together.
3. Finally, grab some mason jars and fill them up to the brim.
4. Savor this easy snack with a ton of flavors!
Pumpkin Patch Pudding
INGREDIENTS
• Clear plastic cups
• Instant chocolate pudding
• Oreo cookies
• Green sugar crystal sprinkles / Green frosting
• Mellowcreme pumpkins
DIRECTIONS
1. Crush up Oreo cookies using a fist, utensil, or food processor. You can even let your kids hit them with a hammer! Make it fun!
2. Sprinkle the cookie crumbs on the bottom of the clear plastic cups (make sure to save some for the top). This will be your “dirt!”
3. Next, fill the plastic cups with instant pudding to 3/4 full.
4. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cookie crumbs on the top of the pumpkin patch pudding.
5. For the grass, add some green frosting or green sprinkles on top!
6. Finally, top it off with a few Brach’s mellowcreme pumpkins. Push them gently into the “dirt.” You can also add any other fun fall or Halloween-themed charms on top!
7. Serve the pudding chilled and enjoy!
SOUTHERN STYLE GOULASH
WELCOME HARVEST WITH THIS SIMPLE SOUP RECIPE
HistoryToday.com explains that goulash is a beefy soup that originated in the barren beauty of the Hungarian plains during the ninth century. The dish was prepared by Hungarian Cowboys who spent months roaming the vast expanses of Eastern Europe on horseback while tending to their cattle. A lifestyle of sleeping under the stars calls for simple meals. Such soups spread throughout Europe and later across the world.
Though the soup is intimately linked with Hungarian culture, my
grandmother created a Southernstyle version. To make supper time feel fancy, she embellished this easy weeknight meal by describing it as a special recipe from Hungary. She was known to stretch the truth with her imaginative tales, but she was right about this recipe’s origin.
Goulash is a quick, economical dinner with robust tomatoes and macaroni noodles for any working mom to whip up on a whim.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Pound Cooked Ground Beef
• 1 Yellow Onion Diced
• 4-5 Russet Potatoes Peeled and Cut into Cubes
• 1- 28 Ounce Can of Whole Tomatoes
• 1 Cup Elbow Macaroni Noodles
• Salt and Course-Ground Black Pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a lightly greased pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and brown.
3. Drain off any liquid or grease. Return to pot or Dutch oven to heat.
4. Add in onion, potatoes, tomatoes, salt and pepper.
5. Cover with water and boil. Stir occasionally, add more water as needed and until potatoes are cooked.
6. Stir in noodles and simmer until the noodles are fully cooked.
7. Serve with Southern cornbread.
ARTICLE BY SAVANNA JAGGEARS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY JAGGEARS
Cadwalladers Café
AUGUSTA’S TIMELESS CULINARY GEM
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDY PACE
Nestled in the heart of Augusta, Cadwalladers Café has been a cornerstone of the local dining scene since 1987. As one of the oldest and finest dining establishments in the area, this locally-owned gem offers a dining experience that stands apart from the typical chain restaurants. The owner, John Donner, is dedicated to maintaining the high standards that have kept Cadwalladers thriving for decades.
“We’re a made-from-scratch restaurant, and we use only the highest quality products,” says John. “We try to shop local and support other local farmers and produce markets,” he continues. This commitment to quality is evident in every dish, from the carefully crafted appetizers to the rich and flavorful entrees. The menu, which changes weekly, showcases an array of American cuisine, ensuring that both new and returning guests have something to look forward to. While specialty items rotate to keep the experience fresh, fan favorites remain, often with slight enhancements.
Two dishes that consistently draw praise are the Seafood Risotto and the Porkchop.
The Seafood Risotto, a creamy parmesan risotto with sautéed shrimp and scallops, is a standout. “It’s rich and everyone loves that,” John shares. This indulgent dish, currently featuring artichoke hearts, snow peas, and mushrooms in a white wine sauce, is a testament to the Cadwalladers Café’s ability to elevate classic flavors.
Equally celebrated is the Porkchop, renowned as “the best in town” by regulars. Topped with a lusty monk mustard sauce, this dish is nothing short of phenomenal. In addition to these favorites, the menu occasionally includes unique offerings like lamb, bison, and rare catches like Golden Tilefish, making each visit a new adventure in dining.
Cadwalladers Café also boasts an extensive wine selection, a full bar, and one of the largest whiskey collections in the CSRA. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine with your meal or exploring their whiskey offerings, the beverage menu is crafted to complement the dining experience.
As the holidays approach, Cadwalladers’ private dining room is the perfect venue for intimate gatherings and special occasions.
Located at 106 Davis Road, Cadwalladers Café is the go-to destination for a refined dining experience in Augusta. Reservations can be made by calling 706.860.7444 or visiting CadwalladersCafe.com .
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 12TH
Evans Beer Fest
Columbia County Performing Arts Center
After a successful first year, Evans Beer Fest is excited to bring another unique experience to beer enthusiasts in the area. With over 150 beers to sample, from local, regional, and national breweries, there's something for everyone. For more information, visit EvansBeerFest.com.
OCTOBER 12TH - 13TH
Show Me Reptile Show & Pet Expo
Columbia County Exhibition Center
The Show Me Reptile Show & Pet Expo is back at the Columbia County Exhibition Center on October 12th and 13th. This event is your passport to a reptilian wonderland where you can not only admire these remarkable animals, but also take home a scaly friend of your own! For more information and tickets, visit ShowMeReptileShow.com
OCTOBER 17TH
Trick or Treat at Evans Towne Center Park
Evans Towne Center Park
The park will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland, featuring not-so-spooky decorations with over 100 candy stations, delicious food vendors, and a ghoulishly good time for visitors of all ages. The annual Trick or Treat event will be on October 17th from 6PM to 9PM.
OCTOBER 24TH
Business Networking Event
935 Ronald Reagan Dr
Calling all local business owners! Join us and JT Realty Group on October 24th at 5:30PM at Goat Kick Coffee in Evans for our CSRA Business Networking Event. Dinner and lattes will be provided. Remember to bring plenty of business cards to pass out!
OCTOBER 26TH
The 5th Annual Holiday Craft Market
Our Savior Episcopal Church
Come out to Our Savior Episcopal Church on October 26th from 9AM to 3PM and shop for the holiday season! This is a fun, family-friendly event. Grab lunch at their Grill Station and children can be kept busy at the Kids Activity Corner.
OCTOBER 31ST
Halloween
Happy Halloween from the Evans City Lifestyle Team! Remember to be safe while you go Trick-or-Treating!
New Ming Wah
Serving the CSRA Since 1989 with Time-Honored Cantonese Dishes
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRAFT VISUAL PRODUCTIONS
New Ming Wah has been a cornerstone of Augusta’s dining scene since 1989, when it was founded by Mark Cheang’s great uncle and father. Mark took over the family business in 2017, continuing its legacy of serving authentic Cantonese cuisine with a personal touch.
Mark is dedicated to ensuring that every visit to New Ming Wah is more than just a meal. “I want people to come in and enjoy our food and their time together with friends and family,” he shares. This focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere makes New Ming Wah a favorite for both long-time patrons and newcomers.
Among the many dishes they offer, the almond chicken and pepper steak are standout favorites, each prepared with the care and attention to detail that has made New Ming Wah a beloved fixture in the community.
For Mark, the most rewarding part of his role is the connection he forms with his customers. “Meeting all sorts of people” is what he enjoys most about running the restaurant, and it’s this warmth and commitment to service that keeps guests coming back.
Visit New Ming Wah at 3415 Wrightsboro Road to experience Cantonese cuisine at its finest, or call ahead at 706.736.1701 for convenient takeout options.
