Coconut rice crepes, daytime TV stars, cawfee talk

Here's a sneak peek of our new printemps (I'm not reminding you this time) dessert menu courtesy of Pastry Chef Susie Ieronemo.

In France, crêpes were traditionally served on a church holiday, La Chandeleur, on February 2. I say, why limit yourself? Our coconut rice crepes are filled with hazelnut cream and served over frozen orange mousse with blood oranges. And, just because we can, we flambé it with Grand Marnier. Yes, we like you that much.

Oh, while online today, I ran across the photo above of Days of Our Lives actors, Mary Beth Evans and Stephen Nichols, who recently did a meet and greet at The American Theater. For those of you NOT in the know, Ms. Evans and Mr. Nichols were one of THE POWER SOAP OPERA couples of the late 1980s and '90s. As a totally random aside, although I was just talking about dessert, Mary Beth Evans started her own pie company, too. I understand that you might need something a bit more cerebreal from me now.

By the by, earlier in the week, I mentioned the new Starbucks idea blog. The #2 most popular idea? A very loud, OFFER FREE WI-FI! Here's the latest from their blog:

Back in February we announced that we're switching to AT&T as our Wi-Fi provider in our U.S. company-operated stores. As Brad Stevens mentioned in his post on March 24, we're thrilled to be rolling out two hours of complimentary Wi-Fi service for customers who have a registered Starbucks Card. It'll be simple to sign up. All you have to do is:
1, Register a Starbucks Card
2. Sign up for an AT&T Wi-Fi account (and limited ATT marketing)
3. Come to Starbucks and login

If you ask me, that's three steps too many. We'll see how the masses react.

In the meantime, stay tuned for new Lowndes Grove photos and some random silliness.

Hooked on a feeling

Not a day goes by here at PP without a story. Here's one of today's: our Sous Chef was cleaning a big honkin' local grouper (big honkin,' that's the scientific name). There, in the belly of the grouper, was a smaller fish, about 6 or 7 inches long. In the mouth of the smaller fish was the ENORMOUS hook. (Pictured with dime for size reference.)

What a world. That little fish survived the GIANT HOOK of humans only to get eaten by a big honkin' grouper that, in turn, got caught by humans. 'Tis ponderous.

In other Fish news, I sampled the new madeleine bread made by Pastry Chef Susie Ieronemo. Madeleine pastry, red onion and cilanto. It's quite divine.

And now to sports! Members of the PP staff, including yours truly, got trounced at our arena soccer game last night. However, Executive Chef and goalie Nico Romo took a turn at offense last night and SCORED! GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLL! It was very exciting and I only WISH we had video of his victory dance. Priceless.

The rest of the game was rough. We got muscled all over the place, and some yahoo who apparently is still working out some angst from junior high, drew back, blasted the ball in my face and bloodied my lip. Um, this is a recreational team, sir, not the World Cup. Ease up.

Charleston's Green Acres

A near-perfect day for a photo shoot at Lowndes Grove! We were there at 8 am this morning to catch the gorgeous morning light, and we're soon heading back for some late afternoon sparkles. Many thanks to friend and photographer Lynn Mitchell.

Our local grower friends are getting some nice press today. It kicks off with Rita Bachmann and Pete Ambrose of Ambrose Family Farms. Rita currently farms a few acres at Ambrose Family Farms in Wadmalaw Island. A year ago, owner Pete Ambrose was nearly ready to leave the acres he'd worked for 32 years due to competition from large, commercial farms/corporate monsters. Then he met Rita, a passionate and well-known grower and local product advocate, and everything changed. It helped that three farmers announced Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs in the Charleston area. The CSA concept? Consumers pay a set fee for a share of the season's harvest. (Approximately $300 for a family of four.)

Other Wadmalaw growers, Dan and Karen Kennerty of Kennerty Farms, were profiled in today's Post & Courier. The couple, who work the land with their two children, specialize in unique gourmet and heirloom produce, a favorite with chefs constantly searching for that next new thing.

And, on that note, Fish's upcoming printemps (French for spring!) menu is chock full o' great local ingredients. Like arugula and radishes from Rita. Tomatoes, cucumbers and Bibb lettuce from Moncks Corner. And goat cheese from Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC. Yum, yum and might I add, yum.

Alright campers, off for more pretty photos. See you tomorrow!

Victory Gardens, Starbucks, Photo Shoots or A New Jeopardy Category Waiting to Happen

So, was talking with a friend recently about the fact that we've been at war for 5 years. And today, The New York Times ran a mind-blowing, eerie, albeit creative piece about the 4,000 soldiers who sacrificed their lives over the past 5 years.

I wonder if we would be reacting differently to this war if we were all faced with the restrictions of a 1940s wartime America. Food rations. "Victory gardens." According to the Food + Wine magazine blog, some 20 million gardens were planted in the U.S. during the 1940s. Why not now? If I was working in a factory that made munitions for the "war effort," would I feel more connected to the 49 South Carolinian soldiers who died? Would my government get them home sooner? Something to ponder.

Okay, radical topic change. Starbucks launched a new social networking site that empowers their customers (fans, detractors, lovers, haters, etc.) to "Share. Discuss. Vote. See." In their valiant efforts to get back to the coffee that made them famous and loved in the first silly place, they're asking YOU, dear reader/coffee drinker what YOU THINK. Check out the "ideas." Free coffee and Wifi seem to be the big winners. P.S. If Starbucks turns your idea into a kajillion dollars, you get...nuttin'. Maybe a free cup of coffee? (I make no promises.) And, in the category of "someone's-always-watching-category," I give you this genius blog.

Finally, we'll be out at Lowndes Grove for a photo shoot tomorrow. Will have new loveliness to share soon!

Ah, printemps! (French for spring, people!)

You just never know where your historic property is going to turn up. Adrienne, one of our fabulous Sales Managers, recently ran across the book, Creating Outdoor Rooms by Leeda Marting. That's the Lowndes Grove entryway on the cover pictured above. Cool!

By the way, Managing Partner Randall Goldman's interview for ETV radio's South Carolina Business Review with Mike Switzer will be airing this coming Wednesday at 7:52 am on our local (South Carolina) NPR stations. I know it's early. Bring coffee. I'll remind you.

Was just reviewing the Fish printemps menu (that's French for spring) with Chef Nico and Pastry Chef Susie Ieronemo. SUCH deliciousness, I tell you. Lots of local seafood and produce. And some truly imaginative desserts. Coming soon, I promise.

Oh, and just ran across a supercool pre-Easter kids event happening tomorrow at Rosebank Farms on Johns Island. There will be baby chicks, bunnies and other barnyard animals, PLUS a wagon ride around the Farm with owner Sidi Limehouse and helloooo, THE EASTER BUNNY. The day finishes up with an Easter Egg Hunt and refreshment. All for $5. Can't beat that with an Easter bat. (Children 3 and under are free.) P.S. Rosebank Farms also has amazing produce and gorgeous flowers.

Roadtrips, military vehicles, weddings, photography & other pursuits

Back from Columbia and a great interview with Mike Switzer at ETV radio. Managing Partner Randall Goldman and I did NOT break the sound barrier on the roadtrip as planned but hey, you do what you can. Will let you know when the piece on us airs. Should be sometime in the next two weeks.

What we did see on our roadtrip was a rather somber reminder that we are five years deep into a war. The Anteater, as it's called, is a super-resilient military vehicle made by company called Force Protection. I hate that there is still a need in the world to build them.

In OTHER news, The photo of the gorgeous Lowndes Grove staircase above is courtesy of Arthur Howe, a location scout for film, TV and photography based here in town. Thanks, Arthur!

And, check out these lovely photos from a recent wedding at The William Aiken House on photographer Evan Laettner's blog.

Gooood mooooorning, South Carolinaaaaa!

On our way to Columbia shortly for an interview with Mike Switzer, host and producer of the South Carolina Business Review on ETV radio. Roadtrip!

Last night, Snyder Events hosted an informational meet and greet at Lowndes Grove for local planners and event folks to showcase their latest and greatest tents, which just happen to be up on our property. Our Pastry Chef Susie Ieronemo made sure everyone got a little to-go gift of deliciousness: a mini chocolate, cream cheese wedding cake!

Am also awaiting word on how our soccer folks did last night...Team? More later today.