March Madness Part 1 #CHSWFF 2017
Although, we are well into the month of September, we have to recap all of the MADNESS, and CRAZINESS from March. We are not talking basketball, we are talking about the food, fashion, and non profit events that took place… And we were definitely in attendance for it ALL! This three part series, will cover our crazy month that we call MARCH MADNESS… We hope you all enjoy!
Part One – The Food and Wine
Charleston Wine and Food Festival is a five day festival that has over 110 events. That’s right, there are more than 20 events each day to satisfy every foodie/bevvie’s desire to eat, drink and enjoy the amazingness that is better known as Charleston’s food scene. Events are located all around the city but Marion Square is always the central location for most of the festivities. We were able to experience signature dinners, tasting tents, exclusive beverages, mixology classes and amazing after parties this year and can’t wait to share it all!
#CHSWFF was really fun this year because we were able to be a part of the CHSWFF Street Team. The street team was comprised of the top culinary bloggers and influencers in the city. Awesome people like Holy City Handcraft, Queen of the Foodage, Charleston Shop Curator, and Basil and Bubbly were also street team cohorts. Since there were so many events, the #chswffstreetteam was able to split up and give complete coverage of the entire festival.
Tap-to-Table at Craftsman’s Taphouse
Allagash brewing and Holy City Brewing took over the taps at Craftsmen’s Taphouse for a lunch of flights and small bites. Allagash, a North Carolina company commenced the meal with a pour of their Belgian Wit-bier paired with a piece of fried lobster. The buttery sauce combined beautifully with freshness you can only get from local crustaceans. Holy City Brewing followed with their Bowen’s Island Oyster Stout alongside a bite of fried oyster stew. The creaminess of the perfectly fried oyster (which is no easy feat) and the almost milky stout melted in my mouth.
We were ultimately served three courses, each more complex and delicious than the previous pairing. I was impressed by the adaptability of the beers chosen for the flights. Some brews neutralized spice while others enhanced the silky texture of the seafood. Well done!
Iron Mixology Challenge
Bar Mash played host to a cocktail competition that’s not for your average bartender. Charlotte Voissey, brand ambassador for William Grant & Son moderated a “Top Chef” style cocktail challenge. Each round, competitors were given mystery ingredients to create a craft cocktail with. Each round was timed and contestants were eliminated if their cocktail got the lowest score from the judges’ panel.
Attendees were treated to a Hendrick Gin punch created by Charlotte to whet their whistle, yummers! Head bartender and owner of The Gin Joint, won the competition after crafting a cocktail with the last mystery ingredient, balsamic vinegar. Its amazing to watch creatives in the moment; the packed bar agreed as attendees cheered on each bartender. Hoping the festival brings this event back next year!
Origins of Ice Class
One of my favorite classes from Charleston Wine and Food was the ICE class that was led by Charlotte Voisey of William Grant & Sons. In the beginning of the class, she opened with a cocktail that had one large ice cube; it was delicious! After the cocktail, she talked about the origins of ice. Frederick Tudor, a New England business man, created the commercial ice business about 200 years ago. He would take ice from his lake in Boston and send it down to places like South Carolina, the Caribbean and even all the way to India. Before that time, cocktails were served punch style, warm. The accessibility of ice changed everything.
After learning about the history of ice, we enjoyed Mint Julep cocktails that are served with plenty of crushed ice and a vodka Martini that is stirred with ice but poured neatly in a chilled glass.
SieMatic Kitchen
The King Street concept kitchen studio served as a VIP lounge for day 1-3 of #CHSWFF. The comfortable King Street location provided beverages and bites for festival talent and media. The state-of-the-art kitchen hosted live food and beverage demonstration throughout the afternoon supplying entertainment and refreshment for all the drop-in guest.
Chef Marvin Woods of the newly opened Gentry Bar, prepared spaghetti squash bolognese with juicy veal, incredible and nutritious!
Charlotte, North Carolina mixology legend, Bob Peters, crafted a fun French 75, with a little help from Johnny #FestivalMade. This classic cocktail is simple to make and pleases every palate. We will be visiting Bob at The Punch Room in North Carolina very soon!
Tasting Tents
The last 3 days of Charleston Wine & Food festival in the tasting tents in the Culinary Village are the place to be! There are food, wine, beer and spirits vendors all around Marion Square and we tried almost every sample available! It was also great to catch up with other foodie friends, take plenty of food photos and dance to live music.
Industry Lounge
We found refuge from the hustle and bustle of the culinary village in the Opentable VIP tent. Located conveniently by the exit and the restroom. This climate controlled lounge provided media and talent an on-premise location to charge their phone and rest their feet. Friday through Sunday, different chefs and bartenders hosted tent takeovers providing libations and snacks to VIP badge holders.
Additionally, media outlets like Eater and Hoffman Media held social media interviews live on Facebook! We met Brian Hoffman, of Southern Lady Magazine, who was gracious enough to sign our copy of his book ‘Coupe’.
#CHSWFF Top 3
1. Super Swag bag
2. Seeing all our favorite Food & Beverage folks
3. What The Pho?!? Party at Le Creuset
What the Pho??
Hands down, THE best event/after party of #CHSWFF was “What the Pho?!” The entire Le Creuset was made over with Asian inspired decorations. It was beautiful. There were over 20 different pho dishes to sample and just as many cocktails to pair with the noodles. They had gin, tequila, vodka and whiskey cocktails to keep us warm on that cold, cold evening. It was only 46 degrees, but we couldn’t tell because we were on the dance floor all night… The DJ was awesome, even had us sweating!
2017 Charleston Wine and Food West was one for the books. We ate. We drank. We learned. We danced…. And we can’t wait til 2018! Cheers to an awesome event!
www.bobpeters.net
www.opentable.com
Summer Social Recap
Summer 2017 in Charleston has been beautiful. A record number of sunny days. Plenty of perfect beach days with cool breezes leading into balmy evenings. What better way to the celebrate the season than with a gathering of friends around delicious food and crafted cocktails.
Doors opened at 6:30 pm at the Hyatt Place on King Street on July 7th. Music from Dj YNOT could be heard throughout the ballroom. Our Summer Social began with a busy start.
We provided three options for the beer lovers. Our friends from Bell’s Brewery, Yazoo Brewing and Lagunitas Brewing brought a variety of ales ranging from light pilsners to special edition cask brews.
We invited a few of our favorite Charleston chefs to prepare a Lowcountry dish for attendees. Chef Bj Dennis served a mango couscous, while Chef Glenn served his version of shrimp and grits; each offering their take on southern cuisine.
Dessert came in the form of a fruity frozen treat from Sunset Slush of Lowcountry and super creamy vegan cheesecake bites prepared by Chef TR Creations.
LaWanda’s Creations displayed a few of her pieces throughout the ballroom to simulate the imagination of attendees.
Live performance artist, Kolpeace, captivated the audience creating an original graffiti painting that he sealed with flames!
We served a specialty crafted cocktail to toast the occasion. ‘Southern Living’ consist of vodka, lime juice, pineapple juice, grenadine and tonic water. It leaves you feeling refreshed and wanting to order another.
We are delighted to share a project that we have been working on for almost a year. Last fall, we were approached by Evening Post books. The publishing company read our blog and wanted us to write a book on our two favorite things: Cocktails and Charleston!
After wiping away tears, we eagerly said, “Yes!” and have been researching Holy City beverage history ever since. We started with the settlement of Charleston, learning what residents of Charleston circa 1776 drank; up to our current and rapidly growing craft cocktail bar scene.
‘Holy Spirits!’ will be released this November 22, 2017 making it a perfect holiday gift. It can be pre-order right now, using the link below.
Many thanks to all of our beverage, food and entertainment sponsors.
www.hyattplace.com www.kolpeace.com www.bellsbeer.com www.lagunitas.com www.yazoobrew.com www.gentsgingerale.com www.hoochitup.com www.sweetgrassselfies.com Photos by Jovon Roberts and Brenda Peart
Charleston Vikings
Scotch on the beach may sound like a naughty cocktail name but it actually describes our afternoon with Highland Park Scotch and the United States Bartender’s Guild. We boarded a bus and headed over to the Windjammer on Isle of Palms. I’m embarrassed to say it was the first time we’ve had our feet in the sand all 2017.
We sipped frozen pineapple and whisky coladas while a few fellas played giant beer pong with trash cans and beach balls.
After a lunch of pulled pork and fixin’s, we teamed up for a battle of the sexes.
Fueled by Highland Park mules, our team of all girl boozy lovers were challenged to build a sea vessel using only cardboard boxes, duct tape and trash bags.
We’ve faced worse. We carefully thought and comfort in mind, we secured a 4 sided floating craft complete with team flag and drink holder, we needed it to toast our victory.
The boat built by the guys team took on water and quickly capsized under a wave. Never modest about triumph, the ladies team was sent home with a bottle of the Single Malt Scotch.
Inspired by another victory, we create a cocktail in honor of our accomplishment.
Maiden Voyage
1.5 oz of Highland Park Scotch
.5 oz of Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur
1 oz of Orange Juice
1 barspoon of Gent’s Spiced Orange Syrup
Hibicus and Sea Salt rim.
Add scotch, liqueur, syrup and orange juice to mixing tin full of ice. Shake passionately. Pour mixture into glass rimmed in hibiscus salt and filled with ice. Take #GentleLadySips
www.highlandparkwhisky.com
www.gentsgingerale.com
Photos by Arielle Simmons: http://ariellesimmons.com
Mink Blink
The life of a Cocktail Bandit has its privileges. Our evenings are often filled with live music from local bars, lively conversation with foodie friends and glasses overflowing with craft cocktails. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for pampering and priming. We take time to exercise (almost daily), moisture our natural curls and try to eat a balanced meal. We typically partner with talented local makeup artist to prepare us for photo shoots or black-tie events. But more than likely, you will catch us bare faced and smiling.
In an effort to add a little razzle dazzle to our appearance, we researched eyelash extension. The process takes two hours but our technician had a gentle touch and soothing voice that made the experience virtually painless. This subtle change adds definition and a certain brightness to the face. People notice a difference but can’t quite pinpoint what it is.
I prefer this method over the one-time use eyelash strips. The look is more ‘natural’ and you don’t risk ripping out your own lashes trying to remove the temporary extensions.
La Roc Beauty sent us home with our own lash maintenance and cleanser kit. Our lashes remained intact for 4 weeks with minimal shedding and no irritation.
www.larocbeauty.com
Featured Blog: The Fashionable Traveler
On May 27th, we partnered with Charleston based candle company, Candlefish, on a special craft event.
This lovely Charleston fashion and travel blogger attended our Maker Break class, where we hand crafted cocktails and custom blended candles. Read her insightful event recap using the link below:
#DrinkDifferently
My oh Maille!
We’re suckers for a well made condiment. French gourmet mustard company, Maille hosted a private luncheon at Chez Nous on the 3rd Friday in June. Our first time at the cozy restaurant off Spring Street, we made our way up the narrow staircase to be seated with a window view of Payne Street. The polite waitress filled our glasses with chilled Chablis as we met the guests of honor: Charleston’s #FlavorHeroes Maille conducted a nationwide challenge encouraging individuals to share their creative dishes that include a product of Maille. The luncheon at Chez Nous was an effort to show appreciation for their creativity.
Chez Nous prepares a fixed menu everyday giving you 2 options for per course. I love it when restaurants get it simple. Tomato tart appetizer had a buttery crust full of sun ripened heirloom tomatoes.
Followed by a meaty perfectly pan seared snapper and seasoned potatoes. We finished the meal with a decadent chocolate cake with a fudge like center.
I slowly sipped traditional French coffee; just heavenly after the cream soaked confection. The good folk at Maille who accompanied us during the meal, sent us home with two of their signature products: classic mustard and dijon mustard.
We were inspired to craft a Dad friendly cocktail in the spirit of Father’s Day.
Daddy’s Day Off
1 Barspoon of Maille Dijon Mustard 1.5 oz of Highland Scotch 1 oz of Montenegro Amaro 1 Barspoon of In the Raw Agave .5 oz of Lime juice Garnish: Beef sausage, lime slice, Dijon Maille on a Spice Daneson toothpick Add ingredients to mixing tin. Shake passionately. Pour contents into rocks glass. Garnished with cooked beef sausage, lime slice topped with a dollop of Maille dijon mustard. Enjoy your cocktail Dad, you deserve it!
www.daneson.com
www.mailleus.com
www.highlandparkwhisky.com
www.amaromontenegro.com
www.cheznouschs.com
www.intheraw.com
Diner en Blanc Charleston – 2017
Just a picnic with a few hundred of your favorite friends. You bring all the fixings and the organizers of this secret dining event bring all the fun…
The concept is simple:
1. Assemble your dining party.
2. Assign tasks. (someone needs to bring the table, the chairs, flatware and of course, food.)
3. Wear white.
4. Meet at Unknown location.
Attendees are challenged to curate a meal and table-scape that lends itself to the ‘All White’ theme. Guest are required to wear all white, even their shoes. Outfits range from elaborate ball gowns to casual seersucker suits, very Charleston.
Some fashionable ladies used unique white headpieces to stand out in the crowd. We saw flower crowns, white beads, and even full masks. The creativity was impressive.
We danced until the last song; drinking One Hope wine and celebrating with new and old friends.
Top 3 Faves
- Amazing Black Diamond Band
- Couple coordinated outfits, so cute!
- Unexpected location in the heart of Charleston
www.dinerenblanc.com
http://charleston.dinerenblanc.com/
www.onehopewine.com
www.moet.com
Vita Images
Artfields SC 2017
Small towns seem to harbor some of the most wholesome people. The railway town to Lake City, SC mostly known for its tobacco and bean harvesting is slowly making its mark on the national art scene. For 10 days the city of 6700 residents transforms its bars, restaurants, salons, banks, barber shop, and parks into modern art galleries.
Middle students and adults are encouraged to submit pieces for a chance at one of the cash prizes totaling over $120,000. Attendees register and vote for the favorite piece online.
Business owners choose which art is placed in their shop. Some submissions were small portraits, while others were mixed medium installations that consumed entire buildings. Some pieces made us smile and others initiated conversations on race, religion and gender roles. Not only is the Artfields project a great tourism vehicle but also an important outlet for emerging artists.
The grand prize went to Atlanta, GA artist Alexi Torres with a moving oil on canvas piece entitled ‘Spiritual Security – Safe in Prayer’.
www.artfieldsSC.org www.touchptcom.com www.lakecitysc.com www.discoversc.com
Rules to Wearing Jellies
Oh jelly shoes. The thought brings back elementary school memories of badly strapped shoes made of cloudy opaque jelly that left imprints in your heels.
Fast forward to 2017, when manufacturers have revamped their approach to plastic shoes. Now fashion jellies can take you from the beach to the boardroom.
Below are tips to help you rock your new favorite pair of all purpose shoes.
- Buy the proper size.
This should be a no-brainer but consumers often purchase shoes expecting them to stretch. These shoes, my dear, will never expand. Do your toes a favor and get that size 9.
- Don’t lotion your feet.
I know, I know. The key to ultra soft feel is moisturizer but to avoid your feet slipping and sliding around in the shoe, insert a dry foot into your jellies.
- Recycle, Reuse, Reduce.
Our fashion jellies from Oka B slick rubbery surface allows us to easily wash away any stains and scuff for extended wear. Once we are ready to replace our Oka B’s with a new style, we can just toss the old pair in the recycling bin to be re-purposed into something else.
www.okab.com
Red Bull Orange Party
The Red Bull Orange Party at Music Farm was awesome. Red Bull spared no expense planning the biggest F&B Industry party of 2017! They had a Red Bull Lab Bar that had fruit, mixers, garnishes and Red Bull Orange so that all of us bartenders/mixologist could make our own cool concoctions.
(We actually featured a cocktail ourselves! It was called Agent Orange.)
There was an amazing LOCAL artist, Reese of @reese.designs, who did a live painting and even allowed people to contribute to the art! (Love his work!)
We were amazed by the sounds of the DJ from Keys N Krates, and their light show was phenomenal …. The DJ had everyone on the dance floor all night dancing the night away.
Our favorite part of this event was the OPEN BAR! We were able to pair Red Bull with any of our favorite spirits!
It was awesome to see industry folks from the community, coming together over a can of Red Bull orange. We can’t wait til our next Red Bull adventure… CHEERS!
