Fun Fact & Lowcountry Still Life

Fun fact: the window seals at Lowndes Grove have nails in them that are numbered. To what do those numbers correspond? To their matching shutters, which are also numbered. So smart, those 19th century craftsmen.

I did not go to Lowndes Grove today, mostly because I didn't want to get caught up in the melee that is the last push to get things ready for Saturday. I liken the flurry of activity to a small, localized, highly organized tornado. Lovely!

Tomorrow, I'll be meeting with calligrapher extraordinaire Elizabeth Jones (thanks to Amy Pastre of Gil Shuler Graphic Design for the recommendation). She's going to help us with some in-room messages that are both beautiful and entertaining.

Ok, it's too pretty out. The opening photo is ode to a Charleston Spring Day. Until tomorrow...

Fish is "Fancy!" And has a garden! More Lowndes Grove pics too!

Holy exclamation points, Batman. It's exciting times here at PP.

And with spring comes a garden. That's right, there is a lovely garden beginning in Fish's backyard. Sous Chef Chou Duong was hard at work this afternoon tilling the soil. Yes, really! When asked what's being planted, Chou enthusiastically launched into a laundry list of goodies: jalapenos, thai basil, green onions, cherry tomatoes, mint, lavender, chives, thyme and rosemary.

In other Fish news, many thanks to the folks at the Post & Courier who ranked us tops in the Fancy Seafood category in their 2008 Restaurant Guide. Also, congrats to EVO for picking up tops in the Pizza category. I have to admit the FANCY seafood monider does make me giggle a bit. As in, who you callin' fancy?

But I do so LOVE the P&C's definition: "For our purposes, a "fancy" seafood dinner is about the imagination, innovation and creativity of the chef in making the most of the best seafood he can get. It's about knowing when to let the beautiful fresh tuna or grouper or scallops or shrimp speak for themselves. It's about attention to detail. And it's about a certain grace in the presentation."

What else, you say? Spent a few moments at Lowndes Grove today. Again, my kingdom for a time-lapse camera! The landscapers are in full-effect and the lovely and dramatic greenery is highlighting the spectacular house and grounds. Take a look at the latest pics.

Lowndes Grove, The Food Network, Ace Hotel & Madonna, in that order

Hi, hospitality fans. Sorry to have missed you yesterday. Had a trying day full of bad sinuses and car trouble. But Tuesday is a new day and with it, we are one step closer to the Lowndes Grove reopening.

Big news: Our Corporate Sales Manager, Jessica Kafer (you recall her and her heart-shaped self, don't you?) was contacted by the lovely folks at The Food Network who were venue shopping for a shoot showcasing Peninsula Grill's Bob Carter and his uber yummy coconut cake. A few conversations and photographs later, poof! A TV shoot at Lowndes Grove during our very first week. We are utterly stoked and extremely grateful.

By the way, tonight is Tuesday which means Dollar Dim Sum at Fish. And if you haven't been yet, I'd like to know what exactly it is you're waiting for, mister. Show me any other Charleston establishment where you can eat your fill of fresh dumpling goodness for a few dollars. For real, grab your co-worker, your girlfriend, whoever. Sit at the bar and let Sean spoil you. The last time I partook of the dollar dim sum, Sean made me the best dirty martini I've ever had. 'Nuff said.

What else? My newest hotel crush, actually it's ongoing, has GOT to be the Ace Hotel, who will soon be opening their New York location. Oh rapture, oh joy! Not only am I a huge fan of their graphic design, their copy and concept are just spot-on. "They (the partners) also wanted their hotel to be linked to the local culture, a living part of the community -- like an experience of staying with friends who are plugged into the local scene."

And I cannot leave today without saying: 1. Congratulations to Madonna on her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (Say what you will. She was an integral force during my formative years.) 2. Who but Madonna could get Iggy Pop and The Stooges to perform covers of "Burnin' Up" and "Ray of Light" with such frenetic energy?

Thoughts from the Lowndes Grove sette

Lots to report on this rainy Friday. First: Lowndes Grove. Tick, tick, know what I'm saying? A mere 8 days until the mighty reopening and first wedding of the season. New photos are up.

It's now interior designer Paula Adams' moment to shine. Yesterday, we took a peek at some of the incredible furnishings. It's fascinating to see how each part of the renovation works together with the next for this overall WOW effect. You'll see.

Sat down with Chef Nico and Pastry Chef Susie Ieronemo earlier to discuss the upcoming spring menu and, more importantly, WEDDING CAKES. (Sidebar: Nico was wearing a GREAT French soccer scarf.) As you may recall from earlier posts on Susie, she has mad wedding cake skills. In fact, the mini version of her wedding cakes at January's Client Appreciation/CVB Travel Council Party nearly caused a riot. (Word to the wise: NEVER, EVER get between a Southern woman and her dessert.) I just love that we now have wedding cakes in our repertoire. And it has nothing to do with the fact that I can occassionally score a free sample. Nothing at all.

On the tomfoolery front, friends and Mac-enthusiasts over at Blue Ion cracked me up this morning with this little homemade gem that highlights the fun you can have with the upgraded Photobooth.

In style news, was reading Mouthing Off, the Food + Wine blog and ran across this intriguing website for tableware that, in effect, lets you set your own table. It's like a dressing room for your dining room. Just go look.

And, finally: I can't believe that I forgot to mention that Master Sommelier Bob Bath spent some time with us over Food + Wine Festival Weekend. Friday evening before dinner service began, the Master Sommelier spent a few minutes talking wine with the Fish staff. (Of course, I sneaked in to catch some of his brilliance.)

This is a man who loves his job. His enthusiasm, in-depth knowledge and passion were evident in every moment. He encouraged questions and wanted so much to hear about what our guests are looking for in their dining and wine experience. I have to say: in just the 10 minutes I spent eavesdropping, I took notes AND left feeling energized and excited. Thank you again, Bob. It was our sincere pleasure to spend time with you.

Congratulations, EVO.

The Charleston City Paper came out yesterday with its Best of 2008, and I'm proud and happy to say that our friends at EVO Pizza won Best North Charleston Restaurant. Not only are owners Ricky Hacker and Matt McIntosh wonderful chefs and people, they are also committed to using only the freshest local ingredients. And they make damn fine pizza.

I have had the unique opportunity to watch this business grow, because I am friends and colleagues with EVO's marketing/accounting mastermind (as well as Ricky's wife), Elena. She and I have been friends and workmates through 2 jobs and nearly 5 years. I have watched in amazement as she ran from her "full-time office job" to her "full-time restaurant job." I have watched in admiration as EVO grew from the most successful pizza cart in town to a flourishing Park Circle restaurant with a most loyal clientele.

Yesterday, while we were celebrating and talking, Elena said, "Four years ago, Ricky came home and said 'I'm quitting my job and Matt and I are gonna sell pizza from a cart.'" As we all laughed over the sheer hilarity, bravery and vision of that moment, it occured to me that most great ideas start out sounding rather outlandish.

It has been an incredible lesson in dedication, hard work and commitment to watch EVO flourish in such a competitive business. It's even better to watch your friends succeed by staying focused on what matters most to them: great food, community and the desire to share their passion with anyone who wants to jump on board. Congratulations, EVO and P.S. Happy Anniversary (4 years for the business, 1 year for the restaurant.)

Storm's blowin' in!

We're actually getting ready to close shop a bit early today at PP due to some seriously bad weather heading this way. So, I'll keep this short and sweet so as to not blow away like a tumbleweed down King Street.

Ran across this really cool website for a combination organic restaurant and yoga studio called Ubuntu. (And before you ask, yes, it's in California. Napa to be exact.) Not only can you eat delicious food grown in their own biodynamic garden, but you can also partake in your choice of oh, about 53 yoga classes per week. Holy, downward dog!

Lots & lots

12 days and counting! Met with my friend and photographer this morning out at Lowndes Grove to scout it for an upcoming shoot. Mere days before we reopen, we'll be doing a shoot of both the property and the Main House. (Yes, we LIKE pressure.) Oh, and yes, I will be sharing those photos with you, in COLOR even.

In other news: from Sunday's Post & Courier recap of the Food + Wine Festival:

"Nico Romo's words, and even his accent, sounded exactly like Desi Arnaz in the old "I Love Lucy" show.

"Happy anniversary, honey, I love you!" he crooned from the stage, waving to his wife in the audience."

We're so grateful to be the lead in the story, so thank you. However, let me take a moment to bring some clarity to what seems to be a rather confused part of the Charleston population. Our beloved Executive Chef Nico (Nicolas) Romo hails from Lyon, France. His accent is indeed strong. I would compare it to the accents of fellow Frenchmen, Gerard Depardieu or say, Jean Reno.

On the other hand, Desi Arnaz, born Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III, also known as Ricky Ricardo from "I Love Lucy," was born in Cuba.

Nico = France. Desi = Cuba.

Any old way, though Nico and Marc Collins didn't win the cooking competition, it certainly wasn't for lack of talent or effort. Both did an outstanding job, and a bunch of us were on-hand to cheer them on and check out all the festivities.

Pastry Chef Susie Ieronemo rocked Bubbles & Sweets with her pineapple tart (don't be fresh). And, here's an inside scoop for ya: Susie is super allergic to pineapple. Like, she can't touch them without gloves. So, as she and I talked about her spring/summer dessert menu, I suggested this name: Susie's Pineapple Adrenaline Tart. Get it? In case of allergic reaction, adminster EpiPen. I know, you can hardly wait.