“Be Yaself” Book Launch

Justin Beaufort or JB, a North Charleston native, wrote an autobiography called “Be Yaself” that chronicles his past life and future endeavors. JB  had his book launch at Aria’s Lounge on Saturday and it was filled with smiling faces of young black entrepreneurs waiting to purchase a signed copy of his first book. JB has set a standard here in Charleston with his positivity and constant hustle. We congratulate him and can’t wait to read his book; sure it’s a page turner.

“Be Yaself” can be purchased at www.createspace.com/5439969

Punchy Afternoon

Summer Punch course at Cocktail Club Charleston

There’s no better time for sharing an ice-filled punch bowl than summertime. The mixologists at The Cocktail Club Charleston displayed their extensive collection of punch bowls during an afternoon punch making course. We watched as the bartenders prepared Pimms Punch and Watermelon Sangria.

Mixologist Ryan Welliver informed us that the name “sangria” comes from the Spanish word for bloodletting due to the dark-red color of the beverage. We snacked on fresh popcorn and goat cheese and watermelon salsa bruschetta. Try making your own custom punch bowl at home this summer. Remember this simple rule of thumb – 1 part strong (vodka), 1 part weak (st. germain liqueur), 1 part sour (citrus juice) and 1 part sweet (fruit juice) – and you are sure to impress your brunch guests!

Deluge Charleston

So how we managed to stay dry during the Deluge Charleston family fun day in the sun at Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant. Water slides, water cannons and water pistols were available to splash and spray friends and strangers alike. The talented djs with Clubbullies Entertainment  provided tunes that almost made you forget how hot it was! In our shaded spot near Holy City Popcorn, we chatted briefly with Chef Fisco of Caribbean Creole food truck about the success of the event.

For information on the next Deluge event, visit www.delugecharleston.com

Martinis, Pro-style

Source: Fix.com

Altos Tequila Training

We had the pleasure of having Jesus Hernandez, the master distiller for Altos Tequila come out to 492 Restaurant here in downtown Charleston, for a taste and talk seminar on the agave plant, which is used for tequila. Jesus was very knowledgable on the agave plant, he has been distilling this spirit for over 19 years.

He talked about the different categories and classes of tequila. He also extended an invitation to Mexico if wanted a more detailed lesson. Tequila is such a complex liquor and its extremely important to us to learn as much as possible.

California Wine Club

Limited Wine Review

California Wine Club specializes in bring great wines to members at affordable pricing. After selecting a package, members receive artisanal wines delivered directly to you in the mail. CA Wine Club focuses on using wines from small family-owned wineries to ensure the craft quality of the grape and aging process. Our special delivery of Limited Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are a perfect representation of custom flavors and convenience. Both wines were complex yet very drinkable. We are now curious about the other offerings from Limited Wines.

For more information on California Wine Club, visit www.cawineclub.com

South Carolina: Out of the Way, Out of this World

South Carolina: Out of the Way, Out of this World

The morning seminar started with an introduction from Matt & Ted Lee, The Lee Bros. addressing their ties to Charleston and love for southern cuisine. The 10am session aimed to show  Heidi Trull of Grits and Groceries (located in Belton, South Carolina) served the room of 100 guest warm cups of  Aromatic Carolina Plantation Rice.

We followed introducing our Charleston Place cocktail to the thirsty group. The beverage which was inspired by traditional southern sweet tea, featured Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, Blenheim Spicy Ginger Ale, Tippleman’s Lemon Oleo Saccharum and Lemon Juice.

The cocktail was garnished with a hand-crafted sweetgrass Palmetto Rose made by local artist, Fletcher Williams III. We were tasked with creating a cocktail that embodied the Lowcountry’s history, cultural and charm.

The Charleston Place cocktail was served during the South Carolina social event later that evening along with our Palmetto Ginger cocktail. Carolina Cakes, Slightly North of Board, Virgil Kaine and Palmetto Moonshine were serving samples of their menu representing their unique take South Carolina eats. Kim Jamison, of South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism thanked all the guest and Atlanta Food and Wine Festival for allowing us all to share South Carolina Food Culture.

#AFWF15

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

Focusing on Southern food and beverage treasures, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival in Midtown Atlanta attracted upwards of 10,000 guest during the 4 day celebration. A combination of dinners, special events, educational seminars and rows upon rows of tasting tables offers attendees a sample of the South has to offer.

Representatives from Alabama, North Carolina, Florida and South Carolina, encouraged festivals goers to visit their respective states as well. Coca-Cola, Porsche and PNC Bank were among the community sponsors involved with the festival making the 5th more interactive and diverse. The 2016 festival is scheduled for June 2nd through June 5th; mark your calendars and visit www.atlfoodandwine.com

 

 

The Peninsula Tea

The Peninsula Tea

1 oz of Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

½ oz of Bittermilk Ginger Honey Syrup

½ oz Lemon Juice

1 oz of Blenheim Hot Ginger Ale

Palmetto Rose garnish

Lemon wedge garnish

Mint spig garnish

In tall Collins glass, add mint, lemon juice and Bittermilk Ginger Honey Syrup; muddle. Add ice. Gently pour in Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, then Blenheim’s Hot Ginger Ale. Garnish with hand-crafted Palmetto Rose, lemon wedge and mint spig. Served during our seminar during Atlanta Food & Wine Festival – South Carolina: Out of the Way, Out of this World. Thanks South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, The Lee Brothers and all the volunteers who helped us prepare for our festival debut! Cheers

Brasserie Gigi Pop-up at Vuitton

The management staff at Louis Vuitton in the Shops at The Charleston Place thanked their most valuable clients with a private shopping experience last week. Brasserie Gigi’s head bartender, Kate DeHart served chilled glasses of Moet and small, sorted bites of beef tartare and salmon.

Each attendee was treated to a custom monogram luggage tag from Louis Vuitton as a token of their appreciation. The machine was shipped in town just for the event. We absolutely love ours!

 

Visit Brasserie Gigi’s on the Market and online at www.brasseriegigi.com

Visit Louis Vuitton at The Shops at The Charleston Place and online at www.louisvuitton.com