Pecha Kucha Pandamonium!

It seems that people are cuckoo for Pecha Kucha. So, due to overwhelming Pecha Kucha demand, Fish will host a simulcast of the event next Wednesday. Doors open at 5 pm. Special thanks to PDA for making the tech of things happen. And, Fish is also hosting the after party so you can rub elbows with your favorite presenters, get them to sign your t-shirt, you know, whatever.

Just walked through the Grand Ballroom at The American Theater. It's completely decked out for tonight's Charleston Ballet Theater Oscar Gala. Each table is the theme of an Oscar-winning or nominated movie. Let me just say: there is a GIANT King Kong on the premises. And some very large fuzzy dice. Special thanks to photographer Brennan Wesley who came by to snap some shot for us.

In launch news, check out our pal Kristin Newman's new website. It's another fine Blue Ion project. Congratulations, all!

Before I head out, I must share this. As I've mentioned, I'm a huge fan of our Thursday night entertainment at Fish. Not only is Elise Testone a New Jersey native (HOLLA) but girl got pipes, okay? And, piano man Gerald Gregory is not to be missed. So, a few weeks back Elise participated in the James Brown tribute concert and that's all I'm going to say, okay?

Economic gloom & doom part 64

Fish is in for a busy night. It's Pay It Forward Wednesday where you have the opportunity to make a contribution and learn about our featured non-profit, Louie's Kids. And, for you Charleston history buffs, Danny Crooks, author of On the Eve of the Charleston Renaissance: The George W. Johnson Photographs, will be reading and signing books. The reading begins at 6:30 and our neighbor, author and bookseller, Jonathan Sanchez of Blue Bicycle Books, will be on-hand to introduce Danny and facilitate the discussion.

Thoughtful piece on the Upper King Design District in today's City Paper. You know, I'll be the first to admit how easy it is to get sucked into the frenzy that is the "bad economy mindbender." If you pay attention to any sort of media, it's nearly impossible not to. A dear friend of mine who lives in New York City, has a good, well-paying job and recently purchased a co-op called me this morning in a panic, the gist of which is "what are we going to do?" We talked about it for a while: the layoffs, the bailout, the great pressing American need for a quick fix. How we do begin to fix all of this? What sort of sacrifices are we all going to have to make? Big questions. And neither she nor I had the answers. But, we did manage to make each other laugh, which is a plus no matter what you're going through. It's a strange time. People are anxious, but the streets aren't empty. Lots of folks have lost jobs or closed businesses, but some have changed careers for the better; some are just opening businesses. For the record, a little break from the media never hurt anyone. That's my short term advice: a brief, enforced break from the media. Crank up a long-forgotten favorite on your iPod. For that matter, bust out an LP on your stereo. Find a good recipe for something comfort food-ish. Make a lot of it and invite your best friend over. Bring the leftovers for lunch. And take small, mindful steps.

Pecha Kucha, Bicycles, the L word & Sanka

Lots of random tidbits today, kids.

Pecha Kucha's back. Tickets are on sale (a mere $5) and you'd better get them now because I hear talk that they are already going fast. It's another super cool line up of Charleston creatives who get to share their tiny tidbits of goodness and light in the space of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. (I'm especially excited about seeing Sharon Graci, Mary Norton and our pal Gil Shuler.)

If you're in need of a bicycle and in this economy, I hope you have one, check out C of C's bike auction on Thursday outside the Physician's Auditorium from 11 am until 2 pm.

Had a really thought-provoking conversation with one of our favorite planners a few weeks ago. During the course of conversation, she used the word "luxury," which to some, is a bad word right about now. But, I was so happy she did. Why? Because we both believe this: true luxury is really about taking excellent care of someone. Actually, honestly caring about their well-being. And to us, it doesn't need to have a price tag or a logo attached to it. It only needs to be earnest and honest. Kind of a nice moment in the midst of this economic brouhaha, huh?

In wacky news, Starbucks is now producing instant coffee. I am not making this up. The award-winning line to go with? "This is not instant coffee. This is rich, flavorful Starbucks® coffee in an instant." Soooooo...where's my Sanka?

Presidents, the never-ending Valentine's Day and a lamb.

Nothing says Happy President's Day like Barack Obama and Abe Lincoln's likenesses IN CUPCAKES. This is actually an art installation by Zilly Rosen at Smithsonian American Art Museum. (Thanks to Rachel at Cupcakes Take the Cake for the photo.

Nay, I am no President, but I am the bearer of good news. To all of you who worked this weekend (special holla to our food & beverage and SEWE friends), Fish is offering one last hurrah to celebrate Valentine's Weekend. (I'm a big fan of getting as much celebration out of a holiday as possible.) So, tonight we're offering a special 3 course, Chef's choice menu for just $35. $10 more gets you wine pairings with each course. Who loves you? Nico does, that's who.

I had family in town this weekend and yesterday we joined the masses at the SEWE. We had the best time. My niece scaled the climbing wall, and we saw rescued greyhounds and golden retrievers, a llama, an alpaca, a bearcat, monkeys, goats, ponies, the sweetest lambs and puppies of all breeds. (As an aside, I also saw a proliferation of camouflage and animal print clothing.) Also, nice work to the SEWE organizers who had recycling opportunities available. As you may know, SEWE kicks off the tourist season here in Charleston and by the looks of things around town this weekend, I'm hopeful we're in for a rollicking good season.

I leave you today with a whole hunk o' cute.

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.