We’ve been out doing some more cocktailin’…this time with a bit of a theatrical flair! TALKGreenville’s November issue is now on the stands, and here is our contribution…
November is here, and there is so, so much to be thankful for…the fall leaves showing off their colors, football is in full swing (cheers to those rivalries), sweater weather has settled in to stay, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner (our favorite holiday…food, wine, food, wine)! Cocktailin’, of course, will play a major part in that kick-off to the holidays…kinda goes with the territory. We figured now would be a good time to scout out Genevieve’s at the Peace Center to prep for the upcoming shows (including some holiday favorites…a delicious cocktail adds an enticing dimension to The Nutcracker in our opinion!) because an informed imbiber is a happy imbiber.
We are privileged and grateful to have the Peace Center right at our fingertips, chock-full of events to please all tastes, and Genevieve’s has upped the ante on this fine establishment’s amenities. We paid them a little visit during a recent show and came away with quite a few suggestions for pre-performance, intermission, and post-performance hob-nobbing and libations.
A Word about Genevieve’s schedule…
This place deserves a Tony for its performance in a supporting role! With its breathtaking views of the Reedy River and cocktails created with nods to all things theatrical, this delightful space could be open seven days a week for all to enjoy. However, they are wisely focused on serving as an amenity, opening their doors and wowing guests only when Peace Center-presented performances are in-house. And let us give you some tips on how to “work” Genevieve’s to your best advantage. Arrive a bit early for your show and grab a table (you can also reserve a table in advance). Relax and enjoy a refreshing beverage along with some snacks, then let your server know that you would like to place an order for intermission. Here’s the mind-blower…they will take that order, let you pay in advance, and will have that order sitting at that very same table, all fresh-n-ready for you when you walk in after the first act! Tony. Award. Just sayin’!
Bar “boss”, Justin, has something to suit all tastes. These were our favorites…
“My Favorite Things”…
If you haven’t noticed, gin has come out of retirement and is making a rousing comeback of late. An alcohol that had taken a backseat to younger, trendier liquors, this boozy broad has re-entered society with smashing success! Justin, the suave and savvy bar manager, has quite a few creations featuring this throw-back spirit, and his love for the theater shines through in each delicious one. “My Favorite Things” is named after a childhood favorite of his, the Sound of Music. Here, gin takes center stage (told you gin was back in action) but is enhanced by cardamom bitters, cucumber and bay leaf. This drink deserves a standing ovation as the components play off of each other to perfection.
The “Employees Only”…
Much ado is made about the performers and the front of the house, but let’s not forget the hardworking staff that sets the scene, scurries backstage and puts all the pieces together. Justin has rewarded cast and crew with a liquid accolade in their honor. We can’t guarantee that it will be front and center on the menu, but if you ask for this secret cocktail, you won’t regret it. Earthy, with subtle notes of anise, a hint of sweetness, and an acidic note from a squeeze of lime, this beautiful amber elixir will warm you and energize you for the rest of the show.
You should be dancing into Genevieve’s at intermission soon to enjoy this concoction. Motown the Musical is showing this month, and Justin (bar manager extraordinaire) created the Modern Gambler with this show in mind. A true American dream story, and a great show for everyone, it’s uplifting, toe-tapping, and not to be missed. With songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “My Girl”, we can’t imagine not seeing this smashing hit. And the Modern Gambler will get you ready for all of that fun!
And now for a brief word about attire and such. With such sleek and sophisticated surroundings, we are compelled to put our best foot (we love a good shoe) forward! We encourage you to consider the performance and go from there. One might see jeans and cowboy boots for something like a Willie Nelson concert while the Nutcracker warrants a bit more festive, holiday slant to the wardrobe. However, the goal here is to bring a wide range of entertainment…and people…together for all to enjoy. Time to call the box office y’all!
a&a