Bon weekend!

It's looking like a wonderful weekend ahead. Our pal Calder Clark and her posse are busy making The William Aiken House even more gorgeous. (I was especially SWEATING the light fixtures in the tents!)

Don't forget: the Marion Square Farmer's Market is back in full effect tomorrow from 8 am until 2 pm. Buy some fine local produce; grab a crepe; buy some art! It's spring in Charleston, you know what to do!

Some friends and I are heading up to North Charleston for Kulture Klash 2 (which I have to admit that the name somehow reminds me of "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo," but I digress.) Anyway, psyched to hear some great music, see some wonderful art and maybe "pop and lock" a bit.

And, I'll end with a shout to Steve, our Accountant, who's heading off to VEGAS BABY for a week's vacation. This is his first time. Be gentle, Vegas. Be gentle.

Religion, politics & other things you may not want to talk about at dinner

Well, it's a simply gorgeous evening for the Spring Design Walk on Upper King, so I expect to see you out and about shortly. Meanwhile, it was another wild and wonderful day here at PP.

Heard this rather hilarious soundbite this morning on NPR about the Papal visit: "Keep your eye on this Pope." Um, why? Will he steal my backpack? Or, is it more like: keep-your-eye-on-this -rising-religious-star, he's-gonna-be-HUGE type of thing? Such a funny and ponderous quip, NPR lady!

By the by, not sure if you heard that on Monday Managing Partner Randall Goldman became President of the Charleston Local Development Corporation (LDC), a not-for-profit corporation created in 1979 by Mayor Riley and other city leaders. The organization helps create jobs and economic development through loans in Charleston, Berkeley, Colleton and Dorchester counties. You just never know what that Goldman is going to do next, I tell you. Congratulations, Randall. We're darn proud. But, what about that Vice Presidential run?

Randall actually told me a great story this morning, as it was happening. As he was filling up at the gas station, he spied a woman finishing up at her gas pump and then driving away with the gas hose still attached to her car. Ooopsie. She came back, as luck would have it, rather embarassed and Randall spoke to her, basically saying he wished he had filmed and could post it to YouTube and/or post it to this very blog. She wasn't so enthused about that idea. Which is crazy when you consider she couldn've benefited from some instant stardom, much like local boutique owner Kristin Morgan, who is my heroine of the moment. When life handed her an unsteady floor, she rocked out and told her story on Ellen. Say it, sister.

One of our neighbors recently wrote on his blog about the mysterious stencils appearing around the Upper King Street area. Well today, Fish had one on its pristine white exterior. Upon googling the 1.618, we found out that it's called The Golden Ratio. It's like pi (3.14) but way cooler.

More than the recommended daily allowance of stuff

Today at the zoo, I mean Patrick Properties. Holy smacks, people. It has been go, go, go, all the live long day around here!

Was proofing our new identity, courtesy of the fabulous folks at Gil Shuler Graphic Design, and oh my goodness, it is fine! Just wait 'til you see. Soon, people, soon!

Read this interesting bit in an article by John Burbage in The Charleston Mercury. Get this: one large oyster can filter as much as four gallons of seawater per hour. And, once upon a time you could eat the oysters found in Charleston Harbor. Due to population growth and industry, you can't and haven't been able to for years...something to ponder.

Had a fun meeting yesterday with Jamee Haley, one of our pals from Lowcountry Local First. Fish is one of the sponsors of their upcoming Chef's Potluck out at Middleton Place on Sunday, April 27. It will be a fantastic day full of local growers, chefs and some phenomenal food and drink. I better see you there.

And, I leave you for the weekend with this gem, courtesy of one of my favorite blogs. It's a song that some of you may remember...Enjoy.

Summer Vacation in Dubrovnik!

So, I am so serious when I say I never know what's going to happen on any given day at PP and here's a great example. Our Managing Partner and Director of Events, who are also husband and wife, respectively, are planning their summer vacation to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Today, aforementioned Managing Partner mentions to me that while they're vacationing, he's booked a tiny little speaking engagement with the students at the University of Dubrovnik. On what topic he be speaking, you ask? How about the development of historic properties in the hospitality industry. Of course, by Eastern European standards, our 200-something year old properties are mere babies, but still, PP does know have some great insights to share after more than 10 years in the hospitality and preservation business. And, how TOTALLY COOL is it to share that kind of information in a city that, as recently as the early 1990s was embroiled in war, and today is a parliamentary democracy thriving with art, history and beauty. Good stuff.

Happy & Warm

Coming to you from my warm and toasty couch. And yes, it is a bit cold in Charleston tonight. Currently, I'm feeling warm, safe and blissful. Someone very sweet has made me some homemade kipfel (a nut, flour and confectioner's sugar mixture that is simply lovely). I just googled it and found any number of variations from all parts of Eastern Europe. Suffices to say that these cookies melt in your mouth and should anyone ever offer one to you, you should say yes immediately. That's all for now. I hope this post finds you enjoying, relaxing and peaceful wherever you are.

Holla-Day-Eee! Cell-A-Bray-Eat!

It really doesn't take much to get me to burst into a Madonna song (though I'm not sure our bluegrass buddies Yee Haw Junction do any Madonna, but I digress). But actually, there is a good reason. Sunday night was the Patrick Properties Holiday Party, and it was a true Lowcountry celebration. An oyster roast at Bowen's Island, plus barbecue, desserts made by Managing Partner Randall Goldman and Director of Events Jennifer Goldman and the sweet bluegrass sounds of Yee Haw Junction. As luck would have it, the balmy weather we'd been having disappeared on Saturday. And last night was downright cold and breezy on the water. No matter, our holiday cheer and good company kept us warm. Mad props to young Liam (just two years old) who tried his very first oyster (and didn't spit it out). A true Charleston gentleman. Check out some of the pics.

Mmm, steamy oysters.

Hey, Nico! Look out, rogue oyster!

Take Me To The William Aiken House or Lose Me Forever

Charlotte, who handles our corporate events, forwarded me this email she received from a group who recently had their company holiday party chez William Aiken.

"Charlotte, we all had a blast! Best turn out we've ever had for a holiday party! The house was gorgeous, and the food was perfect! Everyone insists we have the party there again next year."

How cool is that, when people INSIST on having their party with us? Like they wouldn't go to the party if were elsewhere?! I love it. It's so darn DECISIVE.

Now. On a completely different note, here's the quote of the day sent to me by a dear friend: "Oh yay - my Moravian love feast buns have arrived."

If you need some back story (because I sure did), here it is. Personally, I find what my mind dreamed up wayyy more interesting than the back story, but what can I say, we're dream makers here, we think big.

Why We Do What We Do

Emails like this don't just make our day. They make us absolutely positive that we are in the right business. Thank you.

"I just had to send a special thank you. The reception dinner was spectacular. The setup of the room was perfect. The servers were so friendly and professional. The presentation of food was beautiful. All of the food was delicious - our thanks to Chef Nico.

In my two trips to Charleston this year I took the opportunity to dine at many highly recommended restaurants...they were all spectacular, but nothing beats the food at FISH. I absolutely love the Chef's menu, the commitment to freshness, the combination of seasonal flavors, and that wonderful peacefully friendly atmosphere. All the employees there have always displayed a genuine happiness to have me there - and that makes a person feel special. Everybody has been raving about the entire afternoon at FISH that day - you made it special for all of our family and friends. For that, we can't thank you enough."

A Serious Yet Fun-Loving Group

Yes, that's how I like to sum our happy little family here at PP. While out at Lowndes Grove the other day, I snapped a photograph of one of the many incredible architectural details: this ceiling medallion. Even without a chandelier it is exquisite.

And, just received this little gem from the hardworking pranksters at The William Aiken House. While doing some organizing at The American Theater, they came across some miscellaneous treasures, including this "lady." Of course, they immediately put her to good use, posing as Catering Manager, Richard Jones' "girlfriend" (patiently waiting for him by his motorcycle.) Can't. Stop. Laughing. Must. Go.

Focusing Our Energies

By now, you've probably gleaned that we are a group of folks who have a deep reverence for historic and unique spaces. We've been doing this preservation and hospitality thing for more than 10 years now, and we love it. This week, we had a good sit-down, focused our energies and discontinued the planning process for the hotel project.

As you know, Lowndes Grove came to us as an unexpected, wonderful once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Currently, we're in Phase 1 of a three-phase renovation led by Glenn Keyes Architects, Sheila Wertimer for landscape design and interior designs by Paula Adams. We know from experience that historic properties always present unique challenges during the renovation process, and Lowndes Grove is no exception. It’s requiring a lot of attention and resources, which it richly deserves. We want to give it our undivided attention, but with the hotel planning also in the works, we just couldn’t do both effectively. And, since preservation is what we’re all about, Lowndes Grove is our top priority.

I mean, what's not to love about Lowndes Grove? It's on the National Register of Historic Places; it's waterfront and once this renovation is complete, three events could take place simultaneously and the peninsula will truly rock. So, we're going to keep doing what we do so well: preserving and protecting historic Charleston properties. And create authentic moments in venues that can never be duplicated. Thanks always for your support and friendship.

Happy Birthday, Jennifer Goldman!

Yes, today is Director of Events Jennifer Goldman's birthday. Know what's cool about working for Charleston's finest hospitality company? We know how to throw a party. (See name on the marquee.) And, there were some yummy treats at the lunch party, y'all. (Charlotte's nearly illegal sausage dip, Elena's Polish comfort casserole, Britt's excellent sweet tea and let us not forget Steve's cookies.)

Bird Is The Word

Greetings from the heartland where my Mom is currently wrestling/cleaning a 20-pound turkey. The turkey says hi too (notice wing wave). And the weatherman just said the dreaded words, "wintry mix." Just a quick post to say safe travels to all of you who are currently or soon to be on the road. And for those of you who are up to your elbows in turkey giblets, I hope next year you get upgraded to gravy or potato mashing. Cheers.

Do You Know This Man?

Patrick Properties Managing Partner, Man About Town and all around good egg, Randall Goldman turned up in the Post & Courier this morning. I know. AGAIN. This time he's in an ad describing how reading the daily newspaper enriches his life. Ahem, I'll quote: "It (the P&C) paints the rainbow in full color." I'll just let that sink in, shall I?

Anywho, we're always amazed at how effortlessly Randall segues from real estate to hospitality to advertising and marketing. Must be those triple espressos. I'm sure he's fielding television and film offers as I write this.

P.S. If you get tired of reading the ad, I'm pretty sure you can make out the Lockhorns and Ziggy cartoons from the other side.

Existentially speaking, why are we here?

And by "we" I mean Patrick Properties. I haven't had nearly enough caffeine to ponder the bigger WHY. So, before we get in too deep. Here's a bit about us.

We do what we do out of a passion for Charleston and a reverence for the buildings we believe are a vital part of the fabric of our society. Of course, it’s not just about buildings. It’s the experiences we create within them that matter most. Whether it’s an intimate family celebration, an unforgettable wedding, a unique corporate retreat or meeting, our goal is to create authentic moments with gracious, personalized service and innovative cuisine in venues that can never be duplicated.

That – and we really enjoy a good gathering of people. Even when corporate folks use phrases like, “Let’s sync with that approach.” And even when saucy groomsmen fail at their attempt to do the worm.