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
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
Charleston Beer Garden
Craft beer lovers from all over the Lowcountry descended on The Grove at Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant. Over 30 breweries from the east coast offered their best beers to be sampled by thirsty attendees. Representatives from huge brands like Oskar Blues to small micro-breweries like Boulevard Brewing were on-hand to answer questions and hand out swag. Several food trucks were conveniently located around the perimeter providing much needed refreshments between beer tastings. Local bands kept our hips shaking while we sought shade from the beaming sun. Great afternoon of frothy craft beers, greasy food and live music!
Sweet Palmetto Cocktail
Southern Accents Coconut Cake Liqueur
Firefly Lemonade Vodka
Tippleman’s Falernum
Lime Juice
Lime slices (garnish)
Club Soda
Add Southern Accents Coconut Cake Liqueur, Lemonade Vodka, Tippleman’s Falernum, Lime juice and ice to mixing tins. Shake passionately. Layer lime on the bottom of chilled glass. Pack in crushed ice; add contents from mixing tins. Gently add club soda. Garnish with lime wheel. Imbibe responsibly.
McDonald’s Gospel Showcase – Mommy/Daughter Beauty Suite
The beauty experts at African Pride prepared a lush beauty suite for local fashion and beauty bloggers to hear all about their amazing product during the McDonald’s Choir Showcase on Mother’s Day. Brand Ambassador, Camilla Crews and Ebbie Drayton, creator of the Charleston Natural Hair Expo, were on hand to answer questions about the natural hair process.
Out front, several hundred people filled the North Charleston Performing Arts Center to hear some the best Choirs in the city. Tasha Cobb & Jonathan McReynolds headlined the showcase bringing their unique and modern take on Gospel.
For more events in Charleston, visit www.cocktailbandits.com
BACE League VOTES event!
The Charleston Music Hall was packed with music enthusiast and active residents for the BACE League Voter Registration and Brave Baby Album release party. BACE League includes all businesses, artists, cultural activists and entertainers in the Charleston area who wish to have a voice in the political changes taking place in our fair.
The launch event was a huge success with major community sponsors and almost 1000 attendees. BACE co-founders Makenzie Eddy & Elliot Smith have more events and community engagement planned to ensure that our voice on “new” Charleston is heard by those who represent us.
For more information about the BACE League, visit www.bacechs.org