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26 6 live : My Son is a Dog 10 style : Style v. Fashion 16 get out : 5 Nights in Kauai 18 feast : Haute Cuisine in Unexpected Places 23 fashion : Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose 26 get out : Jazz Destinations 32 events : Stuff we’re going to do in March 36 scene : Danielle Hodson 37 accessories : Haterblockers 38 stir party pages : What’s Love Got to Do With It? 40 last scene : John Eades 42 scene :
Natalie Brown
18 Publisher/Designer Mark Pointer Editor in Chief Natasha Chilingerian Director of Sales & Marketing Veronica Staub
Interns Brandon Carnes, Anna Smith
Contributing Photographers Scott Bilby, Ash Little
Contributing Writers Katie Mcelveen, Dan Everett, Sarah Novak
stir Magazine is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the publisher's written permission. ©2009 All Rights Reserved
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[scene]
Photography by Scott Bilby
Natalie Brown Dreampunk. Anyone that encounters Natalie Brown, director of Columbia’s Alternacirque and Delerium Tribal Bellydance, can attest to the fact that she is driven to create. Whether she is designing costumes, choreographing, bellydancing, swing dancing, or extolling the virtues of exotic teas, Ms. Brown is on a mission to enrich and proliferate the arts and wants to take entire communities with her. Her present undertaking, ‘Alternacirque’, is about to enter its second full season, and is preparing its ‘steampunk’ themed show for its Art Bar debut, March 27th. This show is a departure for Alternacirque, abandoning their trademark joi-de-vivre for “a tale of a mad scientist with an army of Frankensteins in the guise of life-sized dancing dolls…Victorian London in an alternate universe.’ Natalie has been at this sort of rambunctious ambition since arriving in Columbia and while many have begun grand plans at exalting Columbia to the international stage Natalie and her familiars take tremendous efforts to sustain and realize it. Some of the best acts on the East Coast can attest after being floored at the support Delirium received following January’s Art Bar show.
Illuminated Passage Lynn Greer 2008 Artisphere Commemorative Poster
3 DAYS OF VISUAL, PERFORMING AND CULINARY ARTS.
May 8-10 West End Downtown Greenville, SC
After fleeing Hurricane Katrina, Natalie seems to have clung to art for sustenance. In rapid succession, Natalie arrived in SC, began teaching, and founded a performance troupe in 6 mere months. That sense of passionate urgency is what she strives to inspire in others, using performance to encourage a community based experience, one that entertains and utilizes untapped artistic resources craving expression.
WWW.ARTISPHERE.US Presented by
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ArT of EYEwEAr
1520 main st suite 1e tel 803 988 1065
COLUMBIA
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Written by Dan Everett
ince 12:30am, I’ve been in a bad way, intestinally speaking. Every hour or so, I have been visiting the master bathroom. Finally, it’s 6:30am Monday morning, my 16 month old son Finn is crying and my wife is in the shower preparing for work. I enter his room and find he has recently spread yesterday’s dinner all over his crib. I dedicate all my will power toward not adding to the mess, breathing the room’s aroma as little as possible while changing him. Within the hour, his “ayi” (nanny, or, Sweet Angel of Benevolent Mercy on this particular day) arrives on schedule. I call in sick, then go back to sleep as Xin Mei and my wife finish cleaning up Finn and his crib. By late morning, I decide it is time to stop up my plumbing. Rifling through our medicine cabinet, I discover that we have only one Immodium remaining. I take it and go back to bed. Soon after, I realize that I need to venture out for more drugs. I call my friend, who is out in downtown Shanghai entertaining visitors from Wisconsin, and ask her if I can borrow her electric scooter. She obliges, and I am thankful that I do not have to pedal my bike or sit on its little seat today. Heading to the local pharmacy, I think “this will be simple, I have my old Immodium box with me to show the Pharmacist, and of course I don’t need a prescription here in China. Easy-peasy.” Arriving there and pulling out my handy-dandy
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Immodium label, I say in Mandarin: “I want some more of these.” She gives me an extensively wordy reply, and points to a large shelf full of medicines dealing with digestion. My errand fails, as I am illiterate here. I could attempt to try and talk my way out of this jam, perhaps crafting an impromptu description of the symptoms Immodium is designed to relieve? To the Pharmacist, my chinese would sound something like this (translated to English): “My poop go out very fast and not good. I am sick. I want my poop stop. I like my poop to make for it slower.” I opt to avoid the snickering of other customers, and I call my bilingual secretary. It turns out that the pharmacy does not have what I’m after, and she suggests I just come in to work and get some from the Elementary School Nurse’s stash. Next I venture to the market for some Gatorade, because when ‘my poop go out very fast and not good,’ this prevents dehydration. I pile a dozen bottles of the elixir into my shopping cart, and head over to checkout. Giggles and comments from the checkout girl to her colleague…something about how foreigners are always buying this stuff because they are always getting sick. I decide not to respond, and I leave. On my way back to our apartment, I pass by the local repair shop. This guy fixes anything with two wheels. My friend’s electric
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restaurant whose tables spilled out onto the pedestrian street. Soon after we order, a local woman plops down at the next table out on the street. She pulls her chair to within inches of Laura and Finn, then she and her 8 month old baby sit and stare at us. Big smile from this mother as she stared. We sensed she had no intention of ordering, call it intuition, and that she was there to have a baby chat with us. Here’s the English version:
Laura: Hi. Woman: Hi. How old is he? Laura: 4 months Woman: He is too cold. (feeling Finn’s clothing, checking for the number of layers) He’s not wearing enough clothing. He’s too young to be out of the house. Laura: No, he’s OK. He’s fine. Woman:
scooter has a broken hand brake, and I decide to stop and take care of it for them. I point and ask if he can fix it. His approximate response: “Would you prefer that I replace both brake handles so that they match, or shall I simply replace the one?” I answer: “Want one of.” He giggles and repeats my answer. I console myself, thinking that at least I’m getting a few things done on my sick day. Five minutes and the equivalent of three American dollars later, I head back home with both brakes intact. So that was my day today. I forgot to mention my secretary’s comment as she handed me the drugs: “You look too skinny, go home and rest.” It’s very common here to comment directly about your friends’ appearance. “You are much fatter since the last time I saw you” would not be considered rude. I have grown to appreciate this cultural idiosyncrasy, at least you know where you stand. There’s a certain intimacy with this approach. However, all that closeness can be annoying, particularly with strangers about town. We didn’t know the extent of it, until our son Finn was born. Whenever we had to take him out on the town, people would flock to us to see the baby. We would answer all the universal new baby questions: “How old? Boy or girl? Do you have other kids?” Then, the commentary would begin: “He was born in the Year of the Dog.* Your son is a Dog. He has very huge eyes. They are very blue.” After hearing us speak Mandarin, the free advice would commence: “He doesn’t have enough layers on. He’s too cold. You shouldn’t be taking him out of the house before he’s 3 months old. He’s too small to be outside. Keep his hat on. Put a blanket on him.” Picture being swarmed suddenly, by a troop of stereotypical mother-in-laws giving you tips about child-rearing and reaching in to touch your baby. For the swarmed, this flurry of advice in close quarters can cause responses ranging from slight discomfort, to manic shouting and clawing-for-escape type behaviors. I can recall my wife and I experimenting with our responses to this free advice, while traveling in Lijiang. We were eating at a
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He is too cold. He doesn’t have enough clothes on.
Laura: I know that he is OK. He is warm. It’s fine. Woman: He should have more clothes. He’s too cold. (repeat above exchange a few times) Dan to Laura: Tell her that her baby is too hot. Laura: Your baby is too hot. Dan: (over L’s shoulder) Yeah, your baby is too hot! Laura: Your baby has too many clothes on. He’s too hot. Woman: (smiling, laughing, incredulous) Laura & Dan:
(laughing and gaining steam) Yeah, too many
clothes! Your baby’s too hot! Ha! Maybe 4 shirts is too many! Woman: (still laughing) Tells passersby about the conversation, a small group forms to watch. Woman: (to the small crowd, smiling) Look! Our babies are friends. Crowd Members: Your baby is too cold. Not enough clothing.
And so it goes. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve grown to appreciate it. Now, Finn’s becoming a toddler, and I find myself thinking about how exactly growing up in Shanghai will affect him. A man named David Pollack wrote a book called Third Culture Kids, describing the pros & cons of raising a family away from your home country.** We’re hopeful that Finn will pick up a lot of the “pros.” For example, we hope that he will continue being very adaptable, and open to new situations. The most salient example of how different Finn’s life is here in China, would be his language development. My son has had Mandarin lessons since he was 2 months old…full immersion for 40 hours per week. Now, I’m kidding about “lessons.” His nanny comes over to take care of him while we are at work. She is a retired teacher, and we are her 8th expat family.
She interacts with him all day in Mandarin, and sings him traditional Chinese children’s songs. It may take him a bit longer, but you can actually see him becoming bilingual. It’s incredible. Sometimes my wife and I switch to Mandarin when we’re desperate to get our point across to him. There are times I wish he was a bit older, so that he could act as our translator. Like that time in the pharmacy. What else will he take with him from this country besides the language? Will he start telling his cousins they look fatter when he sees them in the summers? We’ll see, I guess, we’ll see. For now, I’m very proud of everything he has already accomplished. He is comprehending in two languages, and producing bits of both. Just the other day he said “apple.” Not bad for a dog. Not bad at all. * One of the Chinese Zodiac Signs: Dog = Honest and faithful to loved ones. Tendency to worry and find fault. ** Third Culture Kids, by David Pollack & Ruth Van Eken. “Third” refers to not being strictly a product of their passport country, or their country of residence. The term, Global Nomad, is gaining more popularity in the current literature.
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R osso Tra t to r i a
I t a l ia
Trenholm Plaza in Forest Acres. Rossocolumbia.com Rosso Trattoria Italia Trenholm Plaza (Located in the back corner of Trenholm Plaza, between the Post Office and Folline Vision Center) 4840 Forest Drive Columbia, SC 29206 Phone: 803.787.3949 Monday - Saturday 5:00pm - 11:00pm
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[style]
style v. fashion Written by Vaughn Granger Photography by Scott Bilby
atching madris suit, tie, and shirt. Skin tight suits with short coats and pants. The fashion industry would lead you to believe that the only way to be “in” with fashion is to wear extreme outfits that would create harassment for someone when they walked down the street. On the opposite extreme, fashion is not walking around in the same thing that was cool twenty years ago and calling it “vintage.” Think Sean Connery, Cary Grant, Fred Astaire and John F. Kennedy. They didn’t care about being the latest in fashion; they cared about creating their own style that mirrored what was going on in fashion.
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Style as defined by Webster dictionary is a “distinctive manner of expression.” Each one of us has a very unique personality. With that being true, then why do we choose to walk around (in many cases) looking like the person beside us? Gray suit, white shirt, red striped tie-this is a uniform for many businessmen. Instead, why can’t they wear a more modern style blue suit (perhaps a two button peak lapel coat with a flat front pant), with a textured white shirt, and a different tie that can bring the look together? Or maybe when a guy goes out on the town or to dinner why not wear a sport coat? I realize that we do not always want to get dressed up, but what about a cool pair of blue jeans with a t-shirt and a cool herringbone coat? Please don’t misunderstand me; I am not saying to do away with the classics. They are named that for a reason, but it doesn’t mean it has to be that way 24/7. Try getting out of the box a little. There will be some things that won’t work at all. Some things will be okay, but then there are some things that you will do that will be grand slams. Keep the ones that are great, remember the ones that work, and forget about the ones that didn’t. Clothes were meant to be a reflection of your personality. We are not all runway models, but all of us have a style we can develop that we will grow to be comfortable with just like our personalities. If you don’t like something about it-change!
[get out]
Written and photographed by Katie Mckelveen
t was a crazy idea. Fly 17 hours from Columbia to Kauai, Hawaii. Five nights later, do it all again, in reverse. But as crazy as it seemed, I listened to the voice in my head saying, “Why not? It’ll be an adventure.” I was more on target than I’d thought. Though fairly small in size, thanks to an odd geographic twist of fate, Kauai emerged from the sea 5 million years ago crammed with so much geographic diversity that just about every outdoor adventure imaginable can be experienced within its bounds. Along the legendary Na Pali coast, trails wind atop 3,000-foot-tall cliffs that drop majestically into the azure sea below, offering hikers views of a lifetime. Verdant green valleys, many of which are strung with zip lines, spread for miles. To the west, the striated walls of the Waimea Canyon reflect sunset shades of rose and gold as they plummet more than 3,300 feet into the earth. Radiating from Mt. Wai’ale’ale, an extinct volcano and the wettest place on earth, Hawaii’s five navigable rivers rush toward the sea carrying canoes, kayaks and mountain tubers along for the ride. At the beach, water that ranges from bathtub calm to positively surly attracts splashers, swimmers, snorkelers and some of the best surfers in the world. Even better, after spending the morning in a state of adrenaline-fueled bliss, you can be on the beach by lunchtime, toes digging into the sand, pina colada in hand. With just five days to explore this paradise, I planned to take in as much adventure as I could. Kauai is five hours behind Columbia, so 6:30 am came awfully fast, but if I wanted to beat the crowds that often clog the famous
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Kalalau Trail, which runs for 11 miles along the Na Pali coast and offers the only land access to rugged cliffs that line this side of the island, I needed to arrive early. Since there are few directional or street signs on Kauai, finding your way around can be challenging at best. Fortunately, the views—of mountains dipping into ancient taro fields, of startlingly blue water glowing against bleached white sand and of graceful waterfalls—can make you forgive the lack of signage. Verbal directions are equally unspecific. To find the trailhead, I was told to simply follow “the road” out of Hanalei town until it ended. 45 minutes later—there were a few beaches and overlooks along the way that I just couldn’t resist checking out—I pulled into a nearly empty parking area and headed into the forest. Once the carpet of pine needles to give way to red clay that was rutted and slick, the hike became an exhilarating ramble over roots and rocks, each step an adventure in itself. Nothing makes a great view more worthwhile than working for it, and as I climbed, each glimpse of the Pacific rolling into the misty coastline was so breathtaking that I couldn’t wait to reach the next plateau. Finally, the trail began to wind its way back down toward Hanakapi’a Beach, which was supposedly gorgeous, but notoriously dangerous. I heard them before I saw them, two men, one large, one small, staggering up the trail in ripped t-shirts and bare feet. One had a bloody gash on his head. “Are you ok?” I asked as they drew closer. “Listen to the signs, man, listen to the signs,” they mumbled, referring to trail markers strung along the pathway that warned of
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dangerous waves, currents and undertows at Hanakapi’a. “We went in the water. It slammed us against the rocks. We lost our shoes and our board and almost died. Don’t go in the water, Man.” Then they were gone. Talk about an authentic travel experience. Crossing a small river to reach the beach, I was amazed that the two men had tried to swim: one after the other, ten-foot-wave after ten-foot-wave hurled itself into the sand with force that created huge pools of roiling foam. Wanting to cool my feet, I waded into one. Big mistake. Though I only went up to my ankles, a rogue wave had me backpedaling toward shore just seconds after I’d felt the first touch of the warm water. After watching huge swells tumble into the beach for awhile, I hiked to the top of a small rise. Turning to look at the water, I was captivated by a solitary swimmer who seemed to know this patch of ocean so well that at times he would hang suspended at the crest of a ten-foot wave, his body outlined in the clear water, before turning to catch another one. I wondered where he had come from, who he was, and how he’d get out alive. I got my answer the next day. Strolling along a grassy ridge after a day of kayaking through the rainforest and zip lining over a jungly canyon, I told the guide who was leading our expedition about the experience. “He’s a crazy fireman,” he said, laughing. “He’s been doing it forever. He grew up here and he’s nuts.” Thankfully, not every adventure on Kauai necessitates a workout. One day, aboard a catamaran, we sailed to the Na Pali coast. From this perspective, the pleated cliffs, shadowy and huge, seemed to stretch forever into the clouds of sea spray. Along the shoreline, sun lovers on kayaks had pulled up onto the tiny wisps of beach that had been carved into the craggy rock and were resting on the warm sand. Curious turtles swam toward us when we snorkeled and, on the way back to the harbor, a pod of spinner dolphins rode our wake, jumping diving joyfully as we cut through the water. Later in the week, aboard a helicopter, we swooped over lush valleys so dense that they can only be reached by air, hovered within an ancient volcano and cruised into a misty rainbows painted by a waterfall as it tumbled hundreds of feet into a calm pool of inky water. Lodging options abound on Kauai. Many people choose to stay in one of the resorts that line the island’s sun-splashed southern or eastern shores, where the water is calm and the sun shines gloriously from dawn until dusk. At the Grand Hyatt, which resembles a Polynesian fantasy, lagoons are hemmed by gardens scented with ylang ylang and dappled with brightly colored birds of paradise. Rooms have private balconies that overlook a particularly lovely stretch of beach. A bit rainier and more remote, Kauai’s north shore offers a different experience. Life here centers around Hanalei, a laid-back beach town that, it’s said, is the mythical home of “Puff the Magic Dragon.” Downtown, galleries and surf shops line the narrow streets and coffee houses like Java Kai take the place of Starbucks. Around the corner, locals and visitors flock to Hanalei Gourmet for guava daiquiris and grilled ahi tuna served in an old school house or to BarAcuda, a tapas and wine bar owned by former San Francisco chef Jim Moffett who came to Kauai in 2003 with his
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family for a surfing vacation and never left. On the shores of Hanalei Bay, which is just a few blocks off the main street, first-time surfers are pushed to the beach by gentle waves. If you’re lucky, you might spot Bette Midler or Pierce Brosnan strolling along the strand, since both own beachfront homes on the bay. In typical Kauai fashion, everyone knows where the celebrities live, but no one really seems to care. Since the Westin Princeville resort sits on a bluff overlooking the
beach, not only are the views of the scalloped coastline amazing, but the trail to the beach, which leads through a marine forest populated with towering pines and groves of philodendron with leaves the size of dinner plates, will make you feel a little bit like Indiana Jones. The dreamy beach—a serene stretch of powdery sand dotted with bending palms and lapped by sapphire-blue water—is worth the walk. I spent my last evening on Kauai sipping a Longboard Ale and munching on fish tacos at Monico’s Taqueria, a bustling dive near the airport. Over the past five days I’d hiked to the top of a mountain and back again, kayaked over a waterfall, snorkeled with sea turtles, taken a helicopter ride, driven through a canyon and mucked through a muddy field. I was a little sore, but my adventure, actually, all my adventures, had been well worth the day and a half in the air. Perhaps next time I’d stay a week.
APRIL 2-4, 2009 An artistic feast for the senses in historic Camden, SC Presented by The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County
TOUR 8 FABULOUS RENOVATED KITCHENS
P lu s ... POTTERY SHOW & SALE
“BACCHUS NIGHT & EPICUREAN DELIGHTS” WINE & FOOD TASTING
“EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK” ART EXHIBIT
Details and tickets: (803) 425-7676 www.fineartscenter.org
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[accessories]
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– noun Pronunciation: Hat"er 'bläk-&r shades, particularly when you wear them in the club or at night, because no matter where you go theres always gonna be haters. Block them out with some Hater Blockers cus no one wants to see a slob ass hater.
“With my hater blockers on, them crab ass haters can see me but i can't see them.”
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1. Miumiu - Mary 2. Blinde - Joy Rides, Frame of Mind 3. IC Berlin - Audrey, Frame of Mind 4. Blinde - Come Clean, Frame of Mind 5. Miumiu - Mary 6. Blinde - Apparently Arrogant, Frame of Mind
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Written by Kristy Ray Quattronne
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Photography by Melinda Register
Haute
HauteCuisine inUnexpected Places
Written by Sara Novak
thought that I was destined to be late for my interview with celebrated Chef Charles Zeran. After a short tour around Orangeburg and a couple of missed turns, I finally approached the strip mall that matched my Google map directions. But I wasn’t truly at ease until I saw the modestly whimsical sign for Four Moons hidden between an unassuming gourmet shop and a large discount chain. Upon entering the intricately adorned foodie establishment, the entire evening began to turn around. The Phases Moon Bar, in which I spoke with Chef Zeran, reminded me of those high-end New York lounges where one skulks around celebrity stalking on a weekend getaway. And who can resist cocktail names like the Shooting Star, Harvest Moon, and Raspberry Hibiscus? After perusing little bites like the King’s Hawaiian Bread Sliders with crab cake, fennel slaw, and passion fruit tartar sauce, I was getting interested to see what the evening would bring. Creativity and imagination are the overarching themes of both the bar and restaurant menus. Chef Zeran made the move here for that reason. He and his wife, Colleen, who is also the pastry chef, have full creative control. And that’s evident. The menu, which is separated into traditional and imagination, is truly Zeran. “It’s serious food that we don’t take too seriously,” Zeran says. “We’re not trying to get pigeon-holed into a certain genre of food . . . we like the idea of experimenting with senses, textures, and temperatures.” The divorce lawyer turned chef has already made quite a gastronomical impact across the country. He most recently held the reins at The Lodge at Glendorn, a AAA Four Diamond Relais & Chateaux property in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Together, this husband and wife duo have literally followed fine food for the past eight years. Working first at Stone Manor just outside of Washington, D.C., and then Star Waterfront Café in Ocean Isle, North Carolina, they have won countless awards along the way. Zeran’s fascination with the senses seems to extend into the atmosphere of the dining room itself. Glass sculptures and lighting fixtures reminiscent of the Bellagio in Las Vegas, royal velvet chairs, and a dutiful wait staff anticipate your arrival. We started off with white truffle oil fries, a macaroni and cheese martini, raw scallops, and some crocodile wings. The crispy fries
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tasted so rich that they could have been fried in duck fat. The macaroni and cheese (our first play on words) was an elegant blend of creamy orzo, perfectly cooked chunks of lobster and sweet buttery mascarpone topped with a generous dollop of caviar. But the scallops were my favorite. So exceptionally fresh—the seafood is usually on the table within 18 hours of being caught—one can actually taste the unmatched quality. The crocodile wings, well, taste like chicken, but tasty chicken. Ahh the entrees. Anthony Bourdain refers to it as food porn. I had been fantasizing about this larger than life entrée since my first glimpse at the menu. The biscuits and gravy (another amusing play on words) are a shout out to a food that we southerners cannot do without. Except these “biscuits” are made with the likes of butter poached lobster, pan seared sea scallops, and sweet corn atop a coconut lime biscuit, all served in a lobster custard “gravy.” The shellfish were cooked to perfection. The scallops quickly seared to keep intact the innate flavor and the lobster poached, amazingly, as it should be and not into that sad rubbery shame that so often seems to be the case. Working hard to save room for dessert—filling up my reserves like a foodie chipmunk—I knew it would be memorable. We split the Four Phases of Chocolate and the Key Lime Pie Our Way. My pet peeve is over thought desserts with zero substance. If I’m going to feel guilty for a sense of overindulgence, I better have overindulged. Our selections were artistic—chocolate ganache with salted caramel filling, frozen Gianduja chocolate mousse on chocolate meringue, chocolate banana foam on chocolate praline crunch, and chocolate strawberry hot chocolate—but they were also hearty. The Key Lime Pie Our Way evoked memories of simpler times, in a childhood of ice box style pies. The meringue was cleverly stashed in the corner of the plate. A deconstructed delight. A good meal is as much an experience as it is fine cuisine. Four Moons delivers. And it is priced reasonably enough that you can visit for more than just holidays—especially the extensive and wellorganized wine list. Give it a try. In fact go twice, so you can take turns being the DD—mastering the wine list will be no easy feat. Or just start at the Phases Moon Bar, which features a steep discount during happy hour, and see where the evening takes you.
Cuisine
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[fashion]
Worn-out hearing about the state of the economy? Yeah we are too, but let’s face it, people simply are not spending the way they used to. Fashion has taken note, and has made a decisoin to “re-use and re-wear” the oldie but goodies everyone has in their closets. You can’t beat the classic summer short, the shirt-dress, or simple tailored skirt for women. Men can’t deny the simple elegance of a classic sport coat layered over a crisp dress shirt. We can all uniformly embrace the khaki trench, all of which will always remain staples in the fashionista’s and gentlemen’s wardrobe. Still, no one can resist a good splurge within each season, and this season that splurge is shoes! Fabulous spring shoes are here and the wonderful designers available here in town have truly “stepped” up to the plate, and we salute them. So here is what we consider to be the best, and the brightest spring has to offer, ENJOY! Styling by: Veronica Staub Makeup by: Kelly Niklason for Carmen! Carmen Photography by Scott Bilby
Vanessa- Silk jersey bat-wing top: Roberto Cavalli: Coplon's. Black leggings: American apparel. Chocolate brown gladiatorrbootie: Giuseppe Zanotti: Coplon's. Melissa- Silk jersey snake print halter: Roberto Cavalli. Black leggings: American apparel. Bronze lace-up gladiator sandal: bcbg: Kick's Exceptional Shoes.
On Brett: khaki slacks, Polo by Ralph Lauren. Available at Grainger Owings. Mustard yellow polo by Lacoste and Brown belt, Dolce and Gabbana, both available at Neiman Marcus, Charlotte. On Caitlen: yellow cardigan by Lela Rose, khaki kick pleat skirt by Chloe, and white knit camisole by Theory, all available at Coplon's. Smoky topaz cocktail ring by David Yurman. On Ivan: Linen slacks and sport coat, both by Cornelioni. Yellow nautical printed pocket square Polo by Ralph Lauren. All available at Grainger Owings. Stainless timepiece by Philip Stein Teslar, available exclusively at Sandler's Fine Jewelry.
White military style button down cotton shirt by Paul Smith, available at Bohemian. Philip Stein ostrich band watch, available at Sandler's Fine Jewelry.
On Melissa: Red shirt dress by Theory, available at Coplon's. Around her waist, yellow linen tie, polo by Ralph Lauren, Grainger Owings. Yellow T- strap sandals by LAMB, available at Kick's. On Caitlen:Red platform sandals by Marni available at Coplon's. On Vanessa(standing):yellow piquĂŠ shorts, see by Chloe. Khaki trench, Valentino red label. Red silk flutter sleeve blouse, Loeffler Randal. Nude patent leather slingback wedge Christian Loubitin. All available at Coplons
Written by Katie Mckelveen
hat makes a city a great destination for jazz fans? How about a club scene that supports both established and up-and-coming artists; a variety of venues; and a sophisticated audience that appreciates a range of styles and performers? These ten destinations offer all that, plus countless options for museum hopping, outdoor pursuits and culinary exploration.
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Why jazz lovers flock here: The Big Apple’s nearly unlimited array of venues—think downtown joints tucked into obscure alleys, local hangouts, glamorous clubs that play host to legendary talent and everything in between—will satisfy any musical craving. Two clubs to try: The Blue Note is one of the most well-known clubs in the city, and it draws top talent like Herbie Hancock, Earl Klugh and Cassandra Wilson to its stage. Take in a late-night performance for a first glimpse at emerging artists in r&b, funk and soul in addition to jazz. The legendary triangle-shaped room at Village Vanguard has seen artists such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon in its more than seventy year existence; today, Wynton Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, Roy Hargrove, Cedar Walton and the Adam Rogers Quintet are some of the artists that play the small, murky but acoustically dazzling space. Eat here: Tucked underneath the Brooklyn Bridge within a walled garden, the River Café offers stunning views of the Manhattan sky-
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line along with creative American cuisine. Stay: Towering above Central Park, Jumeirah Essex House has one of the best locations in the city; a $90 million renovation in 2007 added a modern edge to the art deco landmark. In SoHo, chic 60 Thompson pampers guests with Fresh amenities, Sferra linens and access to Above 60, the hotel’s ultra-exclusive rooftop lounge.
Why jazz lovers flock here: Thanks to several active jazz organizations, a slew of jazz festivals featuring stars like David Sanborn, James Ingram and Tower of Power, oodles of opportunities for young artists to jam (sometimes with the big names) and a spate of club openings, LA’s jazz scene is livelier than ever. Two clubs to try: Dark wood and stylish lighting give Catalina Bar & Grill an upscale vibe that makes a perfect backdrop for the starstudded list of musicians that appear on the red-walled stage. Although the new location is a good bit larger than the old one, (it now seats about 250) this Sunset Boulevard mainstay manages to retain the intimacy that made its original location so popular. With no drink minimum, Culver City’s non-profit, volunteer-run Jazz Bakery is one of the best bargains in jazz. Although the experience is decidedly no-frills, it’s worth it: some of the jazz world’s most talented performers regularly take the stage. Culture Hit: Once a stop for the Red Line trolley, Bergamot Station in Santa Monica is now home to dozens of working artists’ galleries as well as the Santa Monica Museum of Art.
Stay: Located on chic Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Wilshire delivers old world elegance and serene accommodations. In Brentwod, rooms at the mod Hotel Angeleno have jaw-dropping views of LA from their private balconies.
Why jazz lovers flock here: The high-spirited, improvisational “Chicago Sound” was born here at the beginning of the 20th century and today, the legacy of artists such as Eddie Condon and King Oliver lives on. Two clubs to try: Known for jam sessions that rock long into the night and oversized black and white photos of local jazz legends that line the walls, the Velvet Lounge is a Windy City classic, even in its newish location. Shuttered for more than a year, the renowned Jazz Showcase has reopened in a brand-new, more convivial space that owner Wayne Segal hopes will encourage visitors and musicians to linger and see what develops. Chances are, they’ll be glad they did. Culture Hit: The world’s first modern skyscrapers were raised here; today, Chicago’s skyline is a showcase of striking architecture. To boost your building savvy, book one of the architecture tours run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Stay: Quiet and cultivated, but with a modern edge, the Park Hyatt is a stylish choice in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Shag carpeting and touches of red leather and chrome give the James Hotel a trendy vibe. Why jazz lovers flock here: The twin cities are emerging as one of the midwest’s hippest destinations; for jazz lovers, that translates into eclectic offerings both at clubs and, during the summer, at concerts
and festivals that spring up in the urban parks that fill the city. Two clubs to try: Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant delivers on two counts: the music, often adventurous, is always top-notch while the creative, impeccably prepared American offerings at the adjoining restaurant are worthy of a trip themselves. It doesn’t take reservations, but night after night, the musician-run Artists’ Quarter in St. Paul delivers passionate performances in its slightly scuffed but ultracool subterranean space. Outdoor adventure: 50 miles of pedestrian and bike paths along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway loop through neighborhoods, cross over rivers and show runners and cyclists some of the region’s pret-
tiest scenery. Stay: Utterly sleek but filled with artful touches like etched-glass headboards on the beds and oversized bars of Hermes soap, Graves 601 is the city’s trendiest hotel. Tucked into a corner in the theater district, the David Rockwell-designed Chambers Hotel is also home to an art gallery.
Why jazz lovers flock here: Grunge may have put Seattle on the music map, but the city’s decades-old jazz scene continues to flourish, nurturing talented local artists and attracting A-list performers. Two clubs to try: Even with a state-of-the-art sound system, oversized stage and generous seating capacity, Jazz Alley maintains an intimate, clubby atmosphere. National acts like Eartha Kitt perform regularly, as do an array of international artists from France, Africa and England. Tiny Tula’s may have just 96 or so seats, but that coziness, along with great acoustics, make each note feel like an embrace. Even better, top artists in town for other gigs often slip in for impromptu jam sessions. Eat here: Savor beautifully prepared, innovative takes on approachable favorites like Alaskan halibut and grilled sea scallops at the casual but sophisticated Restaurant Zoe. Stay: Floor to ceiling windows make the most of the Puget Sound views at the artsy-luxe Grand Hyatt, where rooms come with supersoft beds and oversized marble baths. At the teched-out Hotel 1000, guests can choose the virtual artwork to be displayed during their stay and the gigantic bathtubs fill from the ceiling. Virtual golf is a creative diversion.
Why jazz lovers flock here: Jazz was born in New Orleans, and the clubs in Louis Armstrong’s hometown jam all night long. Surprise drop-in guest appearances from visiting musicians looking to try out new arrangements on sophisticated ears add to the allure. Two clubs to try: Members of New Orleans two First Families of Jazz, the Marsalises and the Nevilles, are regulars at the aptly-named Snug Harbor jazz club, a slip of a venue that is home one of the city’s most respected jazz stages. It’s been a private home, a tavern, an inn, a photography studio and a gallery, but in 1961, Preservation Hall became a place where New Orleans jazz could be enjoyed in its purest form. Today, tickets are just $10 and although no food or alcohol are served, the hall is packed every night. Eat here: Lunch at Gallatoire’s is a New Orleans tradition; nab a table and watch the parade of regulars while indulging in shrimp remoulade, crab Sardou and other Creole specialties. Stay: Each of the eighteen floors at the historic Renaissance Pere Marquette hotel is dedicated to a different jazz legend. Plush, oversized rooms decorated in soothing golds and greens wrap guests in luxury at the Windsor Court Hotel; an $8 million art collection includes original works by Gainsborough, Reynolds, Van Dyck, Huysman and de Largilliere.
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Why jazz lovers flock here: Considered the jumping off point before artists hit the big time in New York, Bay Area clubs offer better than average odds of an “I saw them before they hit it big” experience. Two clubs to try: Yoshi’s got its start as a no-frills sushi bar in Berkeley in 1973; today, the club, which moved to Oakland in 1977 when it added live music to the menu, still serves sushi, but the space, with its sleek curves, voluptuous banquettes and high-caliber performers, is anything but utilitarian. Crystal chandeliers, dramatic red lighting and just 25 tables give North Beach landmark Jazz at Pearl’s a 1920’s speakeasy vibe; a huge variety of jazz—Latin, cabaret, Afro-Cuban as well as more traditional performances—keeps things fresh. Eat here: A stunning view of the bay from its perch atop Nob Hill is just one reason to visit Venticello; another is anything roasted in the wood-burning oven at this neighborhood Italian. Stay: Hotel des Arts takes its name seriously: nearly forty rooms at this centrally-located property were painted by local artists. Wireless internet and breakfast are complimentary. An oasis of plush calmness along bustling Market Street, the Four Seasons has a surprising asset: you can walk for blocks without encountering one of San Francisco’s urban Matterhorns.
Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory and New England Conservatory of Music can perform on stage with seasoned professionals, Wally’s is the place to go for innovative, fusion-driven jams. Eat here: If the true test of a chef is how well he or she can roast a chicken, Gordon Hammersley, who opened his namesake bistro, Hammersley’s , more than twenty years ago, wins the prize. But don’t discount the cassoulet or other comfort offerings. Stay: Period antiques, gilded ceilings and rich fabrics are hallmarks of the stately Fairmont Copley Plaza, which stands on the original site of Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts in the historic Back Bay neighborhood. Originally constructed as a private home in the 19th century, the
Why jazz lovers flock here: Duke Ellington was born in DC and put the city on the map as a jazz destination in the 1920’s and 30’s. Seventy years later, fueled by 2005’s inaugural Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, the city has undergone a jazz renaissance. Two clubs to try: Located in an 18th century carriage house,
Charlesmark is filled with modern, upscale touches like custommade furniture and bathroom vanities, Italian tiles in the bathrooms and lofty beds.
Georgetown’s Blues Alley is a local landmark that has hosted some of the world’s most renowned performers in its more than 40-year history. The 60-foot-tall windows along the 630-foot-long Grand Foyer within the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts create an awe-inspiring entry; near perfect acoustics in the Concert Hall allow each instrument to be heard with exceptional clarity. Culture Hit: Stroll in and out of the 19 museums in and around the mall that comprise the Smithsonian Institution at your leisure. Each one— including the National Galleries of Art, the National Zoo and the Air and Space Museum—is free. Stay: Ensconced within a nondescript building in Washington’s business district, the Ritz Carlton is a refined surprise; the adjoining Sports Club/LA is one of the best facilities in town. Being carved from an old Holiday Inn hasn’t hurt Donovan House’s hip factor: round showers are located mid-room, the rooftop pool is hangout-worthy and the staff is overwhelmingly friendly.
Why jazz lovers flock here: The chance to walk the streets where John Coltrane changed the face of jazz. Two clubs to try: At Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, audiences watch performers on a stage that hovers just inches from their tables, creating almost a sense of partnership between musician and listener. Small, dark and blessed with unbelievable acoustics, Chris’s Jazz Club showcases serious local talent in its corner (there’s no stage). The club is so small and casual that fans and musicians often linger to talk about music long after the last set has been finished and the instruments packed up for the night. Culture Hit: Original manuscripts by James Joyce, Charles Dickens and Maurice Sendak sit alongside Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten list of his slaves, the Bay Psalm Book, (the first book printed in the U.S.) and a lock of Dickens’ hair at the Rosenbach Museum and Library , which was once the home of Abraham and Philip Rosenbach, brothers, collectors and rare book dealers. Stay: Philadelphia’s landmark Rittenhouse Hotel impresses with oversized rooms, car service to in-town destinations, overnight shoe shine service and free use of the business center to check your email. It’s even pet-friendly. Art deco with a contemporary punch—think curvy chairs set over geometrically-patterned inlaid marble floors—give the Sofitel a retro, artsy vibe.
Why jazz lovers flock here: During Jazz Week, a spring ritual in Boston, jazz emanates from not just from clubs and lounges, but churches, schools, museums and community centers throughout the city. Two clubs to try: If history is any indication, Scullers Jazz Club in Boston is the place to go if you want to see The Next Big Thing. Diana Krall, Norah Jones and Michael Bublé all got their start on the club’s stage. By maintaining a forum where students from nearby
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Danielle Hodson When and how did you start riding, what inter ested you in the sport? I grew up riding, got my first pony on my 4th birthday (and immediately cried because I thought the big red bow sticking into his saddle was stuck into his side!) I did three-day eventing as a child and teenager. I grew up in NH and there is no steeplechasing there, I didn't even know it existed! the only racing I ever saw was the Kentucky derby! When I went to college in VA (near Middleburg) I sold my event horse and heard about a trainer in Millwood looking for a rider. It was the first time I had been paid to ride instead of paying my horses way- so I thought I had hit the jackpot! Only $7 a head those days... I never actually considered racing- it just sort of happened. I began with a few point to point flat races and progressed from there. I just sort of fell into it. Big wins/accomplishments? Back to back wins in the Royal Chase for the Sport of Kings Grade 1 at Keeneland racetrack. 2007 aboard Mixed Up and 2008 aboard Sovereign Duty. 2006 NY Turfwriters Grade 1 at Saratoga aboard Mixed Up. Only second girl to be the National Steeplechase Association Champion Jockey in 2006. Advice or words of wisdom to aspiring young jockeys? Find your place. Find a trainer that you trust and respect and work as hard as you possibly can. The biggest part of succeeding in this sport, as with most, is dedication and hard work.
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What’s Love Got to Do With It? at 701 Whaley 2.14.09 38 * stir
blu-magazine.com Photo by Carlos Nunes
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SmashBox by Freya at the J. Thomas Salon 912 Lady Street 803 343 7000 in the heart of Columbia’s historic Congaree Vista district.
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[on the calendar]
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[scene]
John Eades Pro golfer
hroughout his childhood John tried his hand at the more typical team sports, basketball and football. Although to this day he claims football as his favorite, physical stature was a challenge he could not overcome. In high school John turned his attention to Golf, which earned him a scholarship to The University of Maryland in 2002. Golf is a gentlemen’s game, which plays well to his strength’s, as he boasts a swing and swagger of sophistication and power. He is eloquent and charming, although unassuming and frank. I have known John my entire life, and none of his success thus far surprises me, and I am certain that success will continue to follow him.
T
What are you greatest achievements? “I have won two mini tournaments, each one earning me between 10-12k. Although they are smaller not-so-glamorous tournaments, it’s working your way up the ladder. Much like AAA baseball.” What plans do you have for the spring/summer of 2009? “I will be staying in the US this year. I am participating in the Tar Heel tour, which is based out of Charlotte, NC. I will be in Charleston the first week in March.” What are 3 tips you would give to an amateur golfer? “First of all, spend plenty of time practicing. There shouldn’t be any rush to the course. That is what the putting green and the range are designed for. Second, don’t force the game upon yourself, at the heart of golf it is still an athletic movement and forcing it will only set you back. Lastly, and most important is to enjoy your surroundings, you are outside in a great setting, keep that in mind, especially if you loose.”
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