Martinis, Pro-style

Posted: July 6, 2015 by Infamously Johnny


Source: Fix.com

Altos Tequila Training

Posted: June 16, 2015 by Infamously Johnny

ALTOS2
With Master Distiller Jesus Hernandez on the terrace garden of Restaurant 492.

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.

USBG Secretary and 492 bar manager, Megan Deschaine, gave the group a brief update on chapter business.
USBG Secretary and 492 bar manager, Megan Deschaine, gave the group a brief update on chapter business.

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.

Beet Tartare, savory custard and fish dip served during the Altos Tequila Training at Restaurant 492.
Beet Tartare, savory custard and fish dip served during the Altos Tequila Training at Restaurant 492.

California Wine Club

Posted: by Infamously Johnny

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.

Limited Wine

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

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

Posted: by Infamously Johnny

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

One of the many amazing and helpful volunteers who assisted with the preparation of our cocktails. We can't say thank you enough!
One of the many amazing and helpful volunteers who assisted with the preparation of our cocktails. We can’t say thank you enough!

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.

On stage presenting our Charleston Place cocktail.
On stage presenting our Charleston Place cocktail.

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.

 Our Charleston Place cocktail on stage during our presentation. All dressed up!
Our Charleston Place cocktail on stage during our presentation. All dressed up!

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.

In the hotel kitchen preparing the our Charleston Place cocktail.
In the hotel kitchen preparing the our Charleston Place cocktail.

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.

View of the crowd during the SC Social event at the Loews Hotel.
View of the crowd during the SC Social event at the Loews Hotel.

#AFWF15

Posted: by Infamously Johnny

With Ted Lee at the tasting tents.
With Ted Lee at the tasting tents.

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.

Taneka enjoying a Patron Blackberry Margarita flavored King of Pop. Great way to cool off!
Taneka enjoying a Patron Blackberry Margarita flavored King of Pop. Great way to cool off!

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

Some of the vendors we visited. So many yummy samples.
Some of the vendors we visited. So many yummy samples.

 

Johnny perfect the art of the #sippinselfie with the cold and frothy Stella Artois. Love Belgian brews.
Johnny perfect the art of the #sippinselfie with the cold and frothy Stella Artois. Love Belgian brews.

 

Brasserie Gigi Pop-up at Vuitton

Posted: May 25, 2015 by Infamously Johnny

Louis1

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.

Louis

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

Posted: by Infamously Johnny

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

Posted: May 22, 2015 by Infamously Johnny

 

Southern Accents Coconut Cake Liqueur

Firefly Lemonade Vodka

Tippleman’s Falernum

Lime Juice

Lime slices (garnish)

Club Soda

Sweet Palmetto Cocktail
Sweet Palmetto Cocktail
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

Posted: by Infamously Johnny

With Camila Crews, spokesperson for African Pride.
With Camila Crews, spokesperson for African Pride.

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.

Taneka Reaves enjoying some lemonade at the Gospel Showcase
Taneka Reaves enjoying some lemonade at the Gospel Showcase

 

 

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!

Posted: May 15, 2015 by Infamously Johnny

 

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.

BACE League

At the after party at King Dusko.
At the after party at King Dusko with BACE founder Makenzie Eddy.

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.

With Sanders Monsees of Cathead Vodka.
With Sanders Monsees of Cathead Vodka.

For more information about the BACE League, visit www.bacechs.org

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