Get an exclusive peek into the world of Patrick Properties — we share a few of our favorite moments from recent events and happenings.
Is it me or is the teeniest bit weird that all of a sudden Neil Diamond is feeling compelled to tell the world who was the inspiration for his hit "Sweet Caroline?" It's Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg. I'll give you a second to ponder that.What's more mysterious is that Diamond says the inspiration for the song came after he saw a photograph of young Caroline decked out in her riding gear in a news magazine. Goosebumps? Anyone? Think about the lyrics for a minute. As usual, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg handled what could potentially be a creepy moment with her usual style and grace. Diamond said when he shared the news, Caroline "seemed really, really happy." Mmm hmm. Random thought: Best use of "Sweet Caroline" in a movie? Beautiful Girls, of course.In other news, I spoke with Jenny Smith from The Post & Courier about an article she's putting together on unique weddings and receptions. Interestingly enough, I had a great story to share about a wedding that took place this weekend at The William Aiken House. What started out as an elegant and traditional Jewish wedding got a shot of funk as the hour got later. What unsuspecting guests didn't know was that the carriage house parking lot had been transformed into a disco! A red carpet and velvet ropes led guests into "Club Hahn" where they were greeted with a red-lit bar, white shag carpet, retro couches, fantastic music from The Maxx and some really fun food like fondue, cupcakes and donut holes. I only wish I had seen it firsthand.
And lastly in today's random ramble, while doing some hotel research, I came across this fantastic photograph of the old Holiday Inn signage (which is currently being revamped as they rebrand), and memories of my childhood came flooding back. Nearly every summer, my family made a trek to visit my Mom's family. One of our stops was Oil City, Pennsylvania. Some children go to Europe for the summer, some go to Venango County, PA.We always stayed at the local Holiday Inn and may I just say that I LOVED IT. I loved the pool; I loved the restaurant downstairs; I loved the little soaps wrapped in paper and MAN, I loved the ice machine. All that good stuff just from seeing a photograph. Makes you think.
You know those people who disappear for a few weeks during the winter months and then emerge like a spring flower: refreshed, rejuvenated and somehow more fabulous than before? (Tip: check their hairline!) We're sort of feeling like that, but in a no-stitches, feel-free-to-peruse-our-hairline kind of way. Here's why.The season's last wedding at Lowndes Grove is Saturday, November 24. Come November 26, the refreshing begins! As we've mentioned before, Lowndes Grove is undergoing a multi-dimensional renovation with some of Charleston's heavy hitters at the helm: Glenn Keyes Architects, Sheila Wertimer landscape designs and Paula Adams interiors. All to restore the historic gem to its stately splendor, and of course, make it the ideal venue for both brides and corporate clients. We'll be talking to you a lot during the refresh, giving you sneak peeks and otherwise whetting your appetite. Why? Because we like you. Feel free to call 843.853.1810 to be among the first to see us in our finery come spring.
...in support of AFFA! Nearly 30 members and friends of AFFA, the Alliance for Full Acceptance, wined and dined at Fish this week in celebration of their nine-year anniversary. AFFA is a social justice organization achieving equality and acceptance for GLBT people. The Charleston non-profit got its start nine years ago when a handful of concerned citizens banned together to confront the challenges facing the community. Linda Ketner, one of the founding members and first President, was the evening's honored guest. Cheers to the organization for nine, incredibly successful years!Special thanks to Sean, Evan, Sarah, Jodie and the culinary staff who truly outdid themselves. Tip: If you're feeling a tad under the weather, ask Evan the bartender about his delicious hot toddy. (We haven't figured out if it's a cure, or if it just makes you not care that you're sick.)
We’re loving Jack McCray’s review in the Post & Courier of our Wine Wednesday stars: The Charlton Singleton Trio, featuring Singleton on trumpet, David Linaburg on guitar and Ben Wells on bass. When Fish General Manager Caroline Jackson found out that Singleton was available, she made a beeline to book him for Wine Wednesdays. She knows a good thing when she hears it. Seriously, what’s better than sipping great wine from a stellar, HALF-PRICED list while you listen to an eclectic mix of jazz standards? Put it on your to-do list.It’s especially cool that Jack McCray took notice. After all, he’s putting together a book, Charleston Jazz (Arcadia Publishing), the first comprehensive history of jazz in the Holy City. And he’s the co-founder of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival Jazz After Hours Series, founding President of the MOJA Arts Festival and co-founder of the Charleston Jazz Initiative. So he knows a little something about jazz.McCray dates the roots of Charleston jazz back to 1891 when the Jenkins Orphanage was established by Reverend Daniel J. Jenkins, a former slave who became a minister. The first African American orphanage, now a National Historic Landmark, hired two local Charleston musicians, P.M. "Hatsie" Logan and Francis Eugene Mikell, to tutor the children. Shortly thereafter, the first and only black instrumental group in South Carolina was born. The band “premiered” on the streets of Charleston dressed in discarded Citadel uniforms. Soon, The Jenkins Orphanage Band began performing around the U.S. and England – and eventually at President Theodore Roosevelt’s inaugural parade in 1905.
You know you do. Our very own French native (American citizen, thank you very much) Chef Nico Romo recently put together an incredible 50th birthday dinner at a private home here in Charleston. The 5-course dinner for 13 included: butternut squash soup, a duo foie gras, (au torchon and pan seared, if you must know) sweet potato puree and five spice pecan, pan seared red snapper with coconut curry sauce, seabean asparagus, red pepper and fried noodles; pan seared filet with caramel sauce, roasted pumpkin and haricot vert and finally, a dessert trio of passion crème brulee, bread pudding and chocolate banana tart. The equally amazing wine pairings included: Blandy’s Madeira Vintage 1870, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Penfolds “Grange” Hermitage 1994, Chateau d’ Yquem Sauterne 1994 and Dow Port Vintage 1957. The happy and very full guests had nothing but raves for the food and fine service. In-home catering...sounds like a lovely holiday gift, no? We'll even put a big red bow on him. Okay, Nico?