Brought to you by way too much sugar

I have officially exceeded my maximum sugar intake for the day. Lucky you! Benefit from my sugar buzz...ready, go! The pre-Valentine/SEWE madness started early here today. This morning, I helped Director of HR Elizabeth Kitchin decorate Managing Partner Randall Goldman's office to celebrate his 11 years with the company (anniversary is tomorrow). And, there were treats (a rose and candy) on all of our desks this morning (courtesy of Randall and Elizabeth). Two days ago, we here at PP HQ received some "secret" (now out of the bag) cupcakes from Pastry Chef Susanna Ieronemo. Not only did they have fresh strawberries on top, she used the plastic container as the box. Super cute and ohmyGAWDgood.

The neighborhood is abuzz with activity too. At Marion Square, the animal prints and camouflage are in full effect as SEWE gets underway. Birds of prey, anyone? King Street stroll? The construction dust continues to fly at Hall's Chophouse who are working diligently to open by Tuesday. If you haven't seen the outside of it, you're really missing a beautiful facade. Copper, brick and wood accents. It looks like an old world steakhouse meets European pub...and another fine Gibson Thompson Guess project.

Can we talk about the phone ringing off the hook at Fish? (Unintended pun, sorry.) Seriously, y'all, there has been an onslaught of um, shall we say procrastinating men calling. Fortunately, we're doing our Valentine's menu tonight as well. Consider your relationship saved.

Now, go squeeze your Valentine. I'll be here with the chocolate.

Recession relief, V-day, rugby & hugging creatives

The Digitel gave Fish a shout out in their round up of The Holy City's Best Food Deals. Really, who else gives you $1 dim sum? And, at our Fish meeting today (Does that sound funny, like we are meeting about cod or something? I digress.), Nico had a fantastic idea to do a "second" Valentine's prix fixe menu on Monday for everyone who has to work on Valentine's weekend. So, should you be working for the weekend (like Loverboy), you and your valentine can celebrate your love on Monday. 3 courses, $35, Nico's choice. Wine pairings with each course are just $10 more. Who says just because you have to work you should miss the candy hearts and a fabulous meal? Hearts and cupids all around.

In other news, I have to say that I'm still a bit agog over the Ralph Lauren Rugby video starring our very own Lowndes Grove. I mean, don't you ever have those moments when you just wish you a soundtrack for your life...or it that just me?

Today's inspiration comes from the ThinkTEC Innovation Summit. Our Blue Ion pal Robert Prioleau gave a fantastic presentation on Charleston's most important industry: the creatives. Check out his post and download his presentation. And, while you're at it, hug a creative!

Fa fa fa fa fa fashion...at Lowndes Grove

Get the reference? David Bowie's Fashion, anyone?

What a gorgeous day here in Charleston. Kind of makes you want to launch your Spring Collection, no? You may recall a few months back that Lowndes Grove played host to a whole posse of folks from Ralph Lauren Rugby for a two-day film and photo shoot. Reminisce here.

Anywho, I'm very happy to announce the launch of the Spring campaign. You can go peruse the super cool video, shot on location at Lowndes Grove here. Make sure to turn up your sound. If you get hooked, you can download the song and video for FREE. More videos and print materials to follow in the coming weeks. Will keep you posted. In the meantime, go frolic like a careless, carefree teen left alone with great clothes at a riverfront estate.

When The American Theater was young, she was a deli.

Just received a copy of the photo above from PP Managing Partner Randall Goldman. The building once stood where The American Theater now stands. If you look closely, you will see a word I absolutely love: DELICATESSEN. Yes, The American Theater was once a delicatessen. Gosh, I love history. Upon closer inspection, you will see that it was a Kosher deli. Oh man, what I wouldn't do for a Reuben right now!


If you grew up where I did, a deli is a part of your life, much like a good diner or bakery. The deli in my hometown, Carmen's Meats was/is a family-run business, and if I ate one sub sandwich from there, I ate 500. (P.S. Don't bother mentioning Jersey's Mike's to me. 'Tis blasphemy to compare.) While I'm at it, I should mention The Prestige Diner and The Summit Diner. Eggs, hashbrowns or...greek salad, burger, fries. Nearly constant coffee refills and owned by Greek families. And, there is Lindee's Bakery, which I written about before on this very blog. Ohhh, the linzer tart! Why this trip down food memory lane? Remember? I love the word deli. If you think there is no strategy behind any of these so-called Mom and Pop shops, take a look at this.

Why do I love my deli, diner and bakery so? Not just because it's delicious, but because it's community; home, comfort, wrapped up in the sights, smells, beautiful noises and tastes that fuel my memories and keep me searching for similar experiences no matter where I roam.

These are the people in your neighborhood...

Happy Friday, Internet. It seems we made it through another week, bitter cold and all, hooray! Had an amazing turnout for the Upper King Design District meeting here at Fish on Wednesday night. Susan Lucas, AKA Queen of King Street, asks everyone to just put the name of their business on their name tag, so it facilitates people introducing themselves. Great idea.

Here's something I've been finding so puzzling: how so many businesses on King Street don't know OTHER businesses on King Street. For instance, I spoke with a couple of folks from the Lower King area who have never ventured to Upper King. Personally, I'm a walker, and I like to know the neighborhood. But I'll tell you, it's such a huge thing to be able to put faces and names with businesses. Getting to know someone and speak to them outside of their businesses is so interesting. I venture to say that if merchants and business owners from say, East Bay Street for example, could have peeked in our meeting the other night, they would have been insanely jealous. This meeting was just that good. I was looking around at one point during the evening and could not believe the collective creativity and positivity the room contained. It was a palpable energy. My neighborhood rocks. I just want to put on my cardigan and flip my shoe!

What's also cool is how Spring Street is exploding. If you haven't been over there recently, do yourself a favor and take a walk. Talk about creative energy: try Suite Sole and Maddison Row to get things started.

Fish Pays It Forward

Heading over to Fish in a few minutes for the Upper King Design District Meeting. It's always good to get together to share stories, offer support and ideas and generally just have a moment to relax and catch up with the neighbors. P&C's Brian Hicks penned a nice piece about what's been happening on Upper King, and most every street in most every town I can think of. We have the greatest neighbors.

In other Fish news, today kicks off Pay It Forward Wednesdays. What does it mean, you ask? When the economic downturn really began to hit a few months back, Nico came to me with an idea to somehow, some way, do something for someone else. After some brainstorming and discussions, we are happy to introduce Pay It Forward Wednesdays. Here's how it works: Fish has selected several area non-profits to highlight and partner with an effort to create awareness, raise funds and “pay it forward” to the community and folks that have been so supportive of us.

Today, we’re kicking off with Louie’s Kids, a Charleston non-profit committed to treating childhood obesity by focusing on one child at a time. Guests at Fish during Pay It Forward Wednesdays have the opportunity to make a cash or check contribution to Louie’s Kids. (In fact, donations can be made anytime.) Each week, Fish gives the week’s contributions to Louie’s Kids. And, we’ll be sharing information about all the great work Louie’s Kids does at Fish, here on the blog and on our Friends of Fish Facebook page. Just think: a few extra dollars can make a huge difference in the life of a child struggling with obesity. In times like these, we do what you can. Pay it forward and be good to your neighbors.

Friendly Reminder: pay your taxes, go to the B'Zar party

Can everyone just do me a quick favor and write yourselves a note to pay your taxes? Jeeze Louise, can someone give Tom Daschle a post-it? Good, glad that's all squared away.

Our friends and neighbors at B'Zar may be closing their storefront, but you can expect them to go out with a bang. This Saturday, from 6 to 9 pm, they are pulling out all the stops for one last shindig and shopping extravaganza. In addition to stripping their male mannequin naked and having folks sign/graffiti him, The Space Invaders will set up a video installation of all their fashion shows and Kulture Klash videos. And, DJ James Belk be spinning and all merch will be 50-60% off. Adult beverages will also be available. Also, don't forget to visit Suite Sole on Spring Street.

Here's a great bit of foodie news. Daniel Boulud's whipping up a new, casual, beer-focused concept called DBGB (Daniel Boulud Good Beer) Kitchen & Bar. Fun right? Nod to CBGB, anyone?

In Lowndes Grove news, I got a nice photo (to come tomorrow) from General Manager Ashley Gunnin of a fine fence going up in the "behind the scenes" area, also known as Ashley's backyard.

And finally, tomorrow at Fish we're kicking off a little thing we're calling Pay It Forward Wednesdays. Details on the flip side.