Congratulations, Adrienne & Wells

Our very own Lowndes Grove Sales Manager Adrienne Boyle got engaged this past weekend in true Charleston style, in front of the pineapple fountain! We here at PP thought for sure this might have happened earlier in the year when they took a trip to Costa Rica (um, yes, we think about these things), or perhaps during football season (Wells is a huge Clemson fan). At any rate, Wells surprised Adrienne (and all of us) with a most stunning ring. Congrats you crazy kids. We lift our collective champagne flutes to you. Now, Adrienne. What are your colors?

Notes from the kitchen

Late this afternoon, over in the PP catering kitchen, Staff Accountant/Local Restaurant Co-Owner Elena and I had the opportunity to sample some of the new Fish menu. For those of you who were fans of the dim sum, never fear, it's back and it is insanely delicious. In fact, dim sum will now be a menu staple. (Which is aces for me as I could sincerely eat it all the live long day.) We also tried a fantastic tempura cherry tomato with homemade, panko-crusted mozzarella (Here ends the menu insider tips!) Sweet mother, it was delicious.

And, I have to say, I've never had the opportunity to be on the inside of a process like this. It was utterly enthralling to watch Nico, Chef de Cuisine Charron Henry, Sous Chef Deveaux Stockton and an array of cooks hovered around the stainless steel tables so earnestly discussing, tasting sauces, adjusting, tweaking, sampling, sharing. I was initially surprised at how serious the atmosphere appeared. But as I thought about it, the answer was clear. This is what they do. This is their art and passion. And who doesn't want what they do to be spot on? I walked away full, though I would have gladly sampled more, and exceedingly grateful to be allowed in on the process, to be given a glimpse of that moment of creation and celebration that is putting flavors and textures and colors together. All to bring people together, to eat and connect and enjoy.

Today's Post Brought To You By The Letter...

That "O" is for my ohmygawd. I thought the final push to get Lowndes Grove finished was something to behold? Apparently, I had to wait to witness the re-birthing of Fish to truly understand. Y'all, it's very well-organized madness here. Architects, PP maintenance staff, contractors, painters, boatmakers/woodworkers, managers, chefs and everyone in between have put it into high gear to get things ready to roll for the upcoming reopening. Today at PP headquarters, I met with Executive Chef Nico Romo on the new dinner menu. So choice. Also met with our favorite Pastry Chef Susie Ieronemo who spent her summer vacation "logging about 375 hours online researching French desserts." Might I just say...from our conversation today about the new dessert menu, Ms. Ieronemo's research sounds both extensive and deelish. Just you wait.

Byebye, old gal.

Being in the preservation and hospitality business is a constant blend of old and new. Case in point. Today at Lowndes Grove, we said goodbye to a dear, dying tree. Lowndes Grove, by virtue of its name, has an incredible assortment of historic, beautiful trees. Upon purchasing Lowndes Grove a little more than a year ago, Patrick Properties first order of business was to take a long, mindful look at the trees. Many had not received the love and care they so urgently needed. Some flourished in spite of it, and an unfortunate few suffered.

Ashley, our General Manager, sent me the photo above this morning, along with this line: Byebye, old gal! I sat there wondering if that "old gal" could talk, what stories she might share with us. After all, she has quite a long and illustrious history.

But, since we don't yet have the capability to "hear" the trees talking to us, it's a comfort to work alongside folks like Ashley who remind us of the good stuff. And that is the trees, the river, the land and the stories they hold. I can only hope that when it comes time for each of us to move on, we can make as graceful an exit as this one, magnificent tree.

Buffed, Polished & Refined...and now about that Jag...

Picture it: Lowndes Grove, just before sunrise. General Manager Ashley Gunnin, photographer Nils Schlebusch, his assistant Todd and me, all waiting for one, fabulous arrival. The front gate opens, and we watch as the hunter green Jag-You-Are rolls confidently toward the Main House. The car stops and out steps the enigmatic Mitchell Crosby of JMC Charleston.

Mitchell is simply one of our favorite people, and he was instrumental in helping Forbes put together an upcoming feature on Charleston. This morning's photo shoot was all about capturing Charleston hospitality and events, with Mitchell and Lowndes Grove as the stars.

The whole shoot was big fun. I got to play gaffer. Ashley and I snapped cell phone outtakes. Mitchell sang bits of Missy Elliot songs. You know, the usual.

We are abuzz with anticipation about seeing this one in print. For now, take a peek at these.

The Happiest Hour of All

Fish General Manager Jodie Battles passed along some fantastic photos from her time in New York with the folks at Craft. This one especially caught my eye. According to Jodie, this is "possibly the best summer cocktail ever." It's called "Coming Up Roses," and it's served at The Modern. Stoli raspberry, rose petals, rose water, fresh lime and champagne. Oh, how very rich indeed!

Thoughts from 'round the hospitality campfire

One of the gems Fish General Manager Jodie Battles picked up during her time with the Craft folks in New York was their concept of "enlightened hospitality." First of all, for a word nerd like me, what a fantastic phrase. I'm already in! What's funny about this whole concept is its simplicity. The premise? First, show hospitality to the people who work for you. Of course it's simple, but for anyone who's ever worked in the hospitality business, simple ain't always so simple.

While we're on the subject of ever-so-sharp phrases, I came across this one: Happy Luxe. It's a mix of Jonathan Adler (check out this manifesto) and The Parker Palm Springs (check out the uniforms on the bell hops!). I love this concept: luxury need not be stuffy. It need not whisper. It can be warm and whimsical.

P.S. Here's where the world is media-wise: Barack Obama is going to "pre-announce" his running mate via text message to his constituency. That's before CNN, folks.