It's random Friday at Patrick Properties!

What a week it's been, kids. Just to let you in on a taste of what goes on behind the scenes in Charleston's finest hospitality company, I offer you the following array of randomness.

At left: our pals and neighborhood quality beef producers at Cordray's apparently dabble in other forms of...um, game? GATOR!

Below are Hanz & Franz, former residents of the Lowndes Grove Main House, now adding "character" and not just a little levity to the Lowndes Grove sales office.












And finally this is Hitachino, a lovely Japanese beer with one of the best designed labels (you know what a sucker I am for design) I have seen in a while. It's served at Fish. I highly recommend it. Especially after a week like this. Hanz and Franz haven't tried it yet, but they are more into Prosecco anyway.

Class is in session

The other night, Managing Partner Randall Goldman and I got to hang out with College of Charleston Professor Robert Stockton and his architecture class at The William Aiken House. The house encompasses four different architectural styles which makes it a bit of an enigma in Charleston. It also makes for a very concise tour: 4 styles in one house, so it lends itself to class tours. Professor Stockton has nearly encyclopediac knowledge of The House. In fact, back when Glenn Keyes Architects tackled the renovation of the house, Glenn and Professor Stockton spent much researching its history together. It's always interesting to walk through any of our properties with someone who can illuminate elements you might not have noticed or thought about from that particular perspective. Of course, that's one of the wonderful things about historic properties, the abundance of details and compelling stories.

For me personally, the whole experience was enhanced by Professor Stockton himself. He speaks slowly with a smooth Biloxi accent. And, (I hope he doesn't mind me saying this) he sort of resembles Donald Sutherland, which lends him an authoritative yet approachable, charming vibe. What can I say? Guess I'm a sucker for smooth talking architectural historians.

Instant moo shu, like instant karma, but tastier.

No sooner did I send out the alert on the Fish $10 lunch via email, Twitter, etc etc. did some folks over at TheDigitel waltz on over, eat some moo shu, then write and post a snazzy write-up. Poof, instant review!

Okay, new topic. If you happen to be the person at your company who is responsible for the holiday party, may I offer a couple of suggestions. (Not that there is, in theory, anything wrong with pigs in blanket and Swiss Miss, but you know, just in case.)

We here at PP have a lovely array of historic properties just perfect for your holiday shindig. For instance, go holiday-Deco at The American Theater Grand Ballroom. Or, live the estate life for a hot minute at the Lowndes Grove Main House. Better yet, go downhome at the Lowndes Grove River House. Perhaps a Lowcountry supper at The William Aiken House? A seated dinner at Fish. You think about it. Let us know.

The $10 lunch. Yes, really.

Here's the thing: we think lunch should fill you up not clean you out.

Hence, the $10 lunch at Fish.

Starting today, lunch at Fish is $10. That includes your entrée, fountain drink and tax. That’s right: ONE Alexander Hamilton. (Or TWO Lincolns or TEN Washingtons, etc.)

So, say you come in and order shrimp moo shu with the local tomato salad and a coke. $10.

Or maybe you fancy the seared tuna salad with the cilantro yuzu dressing and a sweet tea. Oh, just $10.

Actually, what you really want is a bowl full of steamy pho noodle soup with chicken and a seltzer. That will be $10, thanks.

Clear?

Why are we doing this, you ask?

Because...multi-billion bailout, anyone?

Because we want to be your regular lunch spot.

Because we now have a great big bar and why don’t you come by?

Because food is a comfort, and we'd like comfort to stay affordable.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Did someone say speakeasy?

Not only is Jessica Kafer a fine Corporate Sales Manager here at PP, she is also someone near and dear to my heart. And, she's one of the funniest people I know. Sometimes I think we shared the same childhood. So, I want you to know her and love her like I do, hence I've asked her to be today's guest blogger. Please make her feel right at home!

Can we talk about the American Theater? Of course we can because I’m in charge and the new ballroom is freakin’ fantastic! (Can I say freakin’?) I know, I’m the sales manager and you think I’m supposed to say that, but my job is great. I get to see the look on lots of faces that are seeing the ballroom for the first time, and let me just say that it is rewarding.

You see, we (me + clients) talk about the old theater and how it is hard to imagine that this new space exists, and we need to sing about it from the rooftops. We admire those ridiculously cool new chandeliers. We talk about making custom posters for the marquees. We have this great idea about pre-dinner cocktails in the lobby with parmesan truffle popcorn and old fashioned cocktails. We talk about cigarette girls and speakeasies, we become like family or at least old friends then we hug it out, grinning ear to ear. It is good times, and I love every minute of it.

I know it’s not up to me what you type of event you plan at the theater, but I love that space and it deserves a good party. If you care about my happiness at all, then here are my wishes.

1. Speakeasy! Secret knock or password at the street front ticket booth. Bathtub gin and moonshine. Oysters Rockefeller. Live music and guests dancing the Charleston. Debauchery!

2. A holiday party with a fake fireplace projected on the 9x12 screen on the stage. The Beach Boys and the Partridge Family Christmas albums piped in through the sound system. Turtlenecks, gaudy cardigans, lots of laughs, corny gifts. Don’t judge.

3. A realistic holiday party with a fun-loving group of folks. Hot cider, secret Santas, cranberry, pumpkin, roasted game, red wine. A trio of musicians in the background.

4. Ryan & Grayson’s wedding. Theme is The Notebook (one of their favorite movies & so happens the big date scene was filmed here). Okay, so it’s not a theme per se, it is art deco elegance and style. Dapper. Candlelit, creams, gold. Tuxes, gowns.

5. Corporate meeting that uses every inch of new technology in our projection booth. Now that the presidential debates are over, I guess I’ll settle for the State of the Union Address. Does it have to take place in DC or is location optional?

Call me. (843) 737.9225
Email me. jessica@patpropevents.com

Good and good for you.

This edition of the PP blog is fortified with 9 essential vitamins!

What a day here at PP. Busy, busy. Executive Chef Nico Romo and Chef de Cuisine Charron Henry will be cooking tonight at the 13th Annual Charleston Stage Gala at the Gaillard. The fundraiser will feature 15 chefs and Greg Tavares from the HaveNots! is master of ceremonies who will lead the party in a Musical Salute to Hollywood Musicals. THAT should be priceless. Sneek peek of Nico's menu:

amuse bouche
Local Shrimp Lollipop
Sweet Soy Ginger Ice Cream with Spicy Crushed Cashew

first course
Bouillabaisse
Grouper, Clams, Mussels, Fingerling Potatoes, Bok Choy,
Fennel, Mushrooms, Thai Coconut Broth

second course
Chocolate, Ginger Braised Short Ribs
Nori Rice Cake, Candied Haricot Vert

dessert
A Trio Mini Cheesecakes
Hot Chocolate, Raspberry and Peach

In other news, our pals Elise Testone and Matt Chase are playing at Fish tonight from 6 to 9. Don't miss it.

The Divine American Theater

The team at Glenn Keyes Architects was at it again this summer, turning The American Theater’s concession area and back theater into 2,300 square feet of elegant and glamorous Grand Ballroom space (accommodates 140 seated, 250 theater or 160 classroom style guests). I know, you were wondering what all that banging was about, right?

I use the word DIVINE on purpose and believe you me, I don't throw Miss M's image around lightly. But I am just saying this Grand Ballroom is just that. Details include two, handmade milk glass chandeliers and a warm, stylish Art-Deco palette (think creams and celestial gold). Very gorgeous, very elegant, very retro. And also, so very modern with all the hot tech/A/V equipment one needs for a truly fabulous celebration. (a 9 x 12 screen with ceiling mounted projector, state-of-the-art AMX A/V system, multiple handheld, lapel and headset microphones and a 340-square-foot stage for presentations/performances)

I'll tell you a secret: Corporate Sales Manager Jessica Kafer and I are both dying for someone, somewhere to have a Prohibition-themed party in the Grand Ballroom. Wouldn't that just be the most fun? Do it. Who isn't crying out for a Prohibition-themed company holiday party? Call Jessica, she has special packages and pricing too. 843.737.9225