drinkin’ on the job…a Stellar experience

01 Thursday Dec 2016

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cocktails, dining, magazine, Stellar Restaurant and Wine Bar, TALKGreenville, wine

Our most recent cocktailin’ experience for TALKGreenville magazine…

Twinkling lights really tickle our fancy…and there is no shortage of twinklin’ at this month’s cocktailin’ locale. Stellar Restaurant and Wine Bar is a shining star perched in an oh-so-perfect spot overlooking Main Street in Greenville. From the sparkling lights in the trees below to the fiber-optic constellations on the bar (you MUST check this out), this place really sets the mood for a festive yet laid-back evening.

via stellarwinebar.com

Farm to table…

The menu at Stellar is an ever-changing mix of fresh, farm-to-table finds with something to satisfy even the most discriminating diner. From seafood to select meat cuts, fondue to fritters, there is something for everyone! Just be prepared to switch it up a bit with each visit…no two experiences are the same!

photo by Cindy Hosea

Underneath the Stars

This moody, magical elixir is a delightful combination of Van Gogh blueberry vodka, PAMA liqueur, pomegranate and pineapple juices and a float of sour mix to balance the sweet. This frosty and fresh libation may be cool and crisp on the tongue but will warm you right up. Shoot for the stars with this beauty.

photo by Cindy Hosea

Your Customized Wine Flavor profile…

With over sixty bottles of wine on the “by the glass” list, it is understandable that one might have a bit of trouble choosing just one…or two. Why not sit back and let the pros guide you? Stellar is always happy to offer a taste of any wine that sparks your interest, but your best bet might be to have a conversation about your fave characteristics in a wine and let them design a “flight” suited to your tastes. Talk about customer service!

via stellarwinebar.com

Wine and dine…

While one might walk in off the street and challenge the staff to a quick tutorial on a few select wines, Stellar offers monthly wine dinners for a more in-depth experience. With a guest speaker, an occasional guest chef, and plenty of good food and wine to discuss (and sample), you will leave with a noggin full of knowledge. Don’t miss out…add yourself to their email list (check their Facebook page) and you will be notified of upcoming dinners.

Make new friends but keep the old…

The Stellar staff prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and loves to welcome newcomers into the fold. They live by the motto “good service, good product, good time”…and they do not disappoint! And while the vibe is friendly and casual, you might want to spiff up a bit…especially this time of year. “Tis the season, after all!

Stellar Restaurant & Wine Bar . 20 N Main Street . Greenville, SC . 864.438.4954

stellarwinebar.com

drinkin’ on the job…no “toss” up here!

03 Thursday Nov 2016

Posted by theRAREbelle in bar belles

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magazine articles, TALKGreenville, Toss Pizza Pub

Our latest TALKGreenville article…

There’s a new pizza pub in town…and it’s no toss-up…Toss Pizza Pub is a winner in our book! Recently opened at the corner of Church Street and University Ridge near downtown Greenville, this place is sure to be a hit among the pizza-eating, game-watching (and much, much more) crowd. We encourage you to go…and go often!

Cellos take a starring role (and we don’t mean the instrument)…

Cam and his crowd keep the cellos fresh and fun for your sipping pleasure. Handmade on site, these elixirs are certainly worth a try! Of course, they have the basic lemon (how could they not?) but they keep it interesting with strawberry, orange, pineapple…if you can imagine it, they probably make it. Try it as a “digestif” or go for “on the rocks” with soda. Refreshing!

The Aviation

Take off with the Aviation! Pretty and sweet with a cherry on bottom (not on top) this is a surprising little “purple people eater”…beware! A delightful concoction of Botanist Gin, Crème de Viollette, Luxardo Maraschino liquer, and lemon juice, you’ll be flying high in no time! (but fly responsibly please!)

The Pepperoncini Martini

Besides being a mouthful to pronounce, this kickin’ creation packs a spicy punch! Although the ingredients are few, Titos handmade vodka, vermouth, and pepperoncini juice, they combine to make a BIG statement. It’s certainly a must-try…but be warned. Just sayin’.

the fire sticks

Meatballs, mushrooms, and fire sticks, oh my!

The pizza is (with great reason) the main attraction on the menu at Toss, but one must not hesitate to explore! What’s the fun in that?! The hand-crafted meatballs are an excellent way to start your adventure into the offerings from the kitchen…or add them to your pasta for a tasty protein punch. And we encourage you to throw carb-caution to the wind with the fire sticks. You won’t regret it! We promise!

the Texas Mule

While the menu at Toss pretty much says it all…endless pizza possibilities, starters, salads, pastas, and quite an impressive cocktail selection (including the Texas Mule on tap…for those who can’t wait for the mixin’ & pourin’), going off-menu might prove to be the easiest way to join the “family”! Those “in-the-know” order “The Italian Grandma” (one shot of Grand Marnier followed by a shot of pepperoncini juice – wow!) The Toss team will welcome you with open arms with this order…but it’s certainly not a requirement. They will love you either way. Stay Gold!

Toss Pizza Pub, 823 S Church Street, Greenville, SC – 864-283-0316 – tosspizzapub.com

drinkin’ on the job…after 5 in the ’05

01 Thursday Sep 2016

Posted by theRAREbelle in bar belles

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cocktailin', drinkin' on the job, greenvilleonline, TALKGreenville, The 05

We didn’t stray far from home for our TALKGreenville cocktailin’ adventure this month. With summer coming to an end and school back in full swing, we thought sticking to our neighborhood might be a good idea. And – bonus – we had a new joint to check out! Open just a few short months, The 05 is a hot destination among the Augusta Road (and beyond…way beyond) crowd. And with Justin behind the bar with his quick wit and top-notch toddies flowing, we can see why there’s such a buzz!

Nibbles-n-Bites…

While we had drinkin’ on the mind, we couldn’t help but swoon over the creative eats at the 05! With an impressive selection of cheeses (of the cow, goat, and sheep varieties), charcuterie, and tapas (olives&almonds, Chorizo-stuffed dates, and a goat-cheesy focaccia to name a few), there’s a nibble to suit all tastes. For those in search of a bigger bite, the salads and flatbreads will not disappoint!

The cocktails…

Our faves…

The ‘05
A pretty little signature drink, “the 05” will take the edge off a long day for sure! Fresh-n-fruity with a bit of sting from the tequila, it will sweeten your attitude and give you a fresh perspective for the evening. A mix of Blanco Tequila, Grand Marnier, lime, raspberry, basil and mint, “the 05” is tasty enough to knock your socks off, yet light enough to keep you from falling off the barstool. You will want to put this one repeat!

The 19th Hole
If a cocktail can cause a craving, “the 19th Hole” would be the one! Cool and complex with the pleasantly surprising taste of cardamom, it’s like a spa in a glass…conjuring images of a far off and exotic land. The blend of vodka, basil, cucumber, cardamom, celery salt and small batch tonic makes you want to keep sippin’…with your curiousity and craving growing with each taste. This libation will keep you cool and coming back for more!

Inside-n-out…
The indoor-outdoor setup at this trendy little spot will be hard to beat when the summer heat fades to fall. Step inside to grab a solo seat at the bar, grab a table with friends or make new friends at the community table…or step outside for your cocktailin’ pleasure. The whole place opens up to patios in front and out back for all to enjoy the great outdoors. A little fresh air will do ya good!

The ’05 is the perfect watering hole to meet with your gal pals or rendezvous with your significant other for a little date-night liquid concoction and a light bite. Fashion varies at this little oasis…anything from workout wear to cocktail couture is acceptable. The vibe is more about enjoying the atmosphere and savoring the company. Conversation and mood trump attire every time. How nice that it’s always five o’clock somewhere…and that somewhere is in our neck of the woods!

drinkin’ on the job…where the gringos go

04 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by theRAREbelle in bar belles, belle adventures

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cocktails, drinkin' on the job, greenvilleonline, Gringo's Cantina, Talk Magazine

We slipped on our gringa hats for this month’s TALKGreenville cocktailin’ experience…stopping in at Gringo’s Cantina in downtown Greenville. Just a few steps out of Falls Park, this delightful space has been transformed into an authentic Baja-like oasis!

kate larch murals – via instagram

The décor (Robert Graves artwork and Kate Larch murals), the libations, and the nibbles make it easy to forget you’re in the heart of the south, so be ready for a true South-of-the-Border experience!

infused tequila – via instagram

Te-qui-lahhh
Gringo’s isn’t just your run of the mill cantina. With over 150 labels of tequila on the shelves, it pretty much blows the sombreros off the competition! And they don’t stop there. Jeremy likes to keep things interesting with house-infused tequilas…like the watermelon-rosemary-honey-lemon we had the chance to sip-n-savor. Excelente!!

The Gringo-rita
Like a salad in a glass with super-refreshing cucumber and cilantro, this generous pour of upscale tequila added to house-made sour mix is a muy bien libation. This potion balances sharp, tangy, vibrant and refreshing with a hint of sweetness…and the salted rim is the perfect finish. If you are not a salt fan, at least try it on half…you will be happy you did. And your tastebuds will be crying gracias!

The Strawberry-lemon Margarita
This little lovely seems fruity and mild…but don’t be fooled. Tequila is tequila, folks…no matter how sweet and innocent she might seem! As with their food, nothing is canned, packaged or premade – so this concoction boasts fresh strawberries and freshly squeezed lemon for a smooth, summery, light and breezy elixir. It’s perfect for an afternoon beverage which may or may not lead to an afternoon siesta.

Givin’ back…
Ya can’t say a gringo doesn’t take care of his own. Twice each year, Gringo’s spearheads the Greenville version of the “running of the bulls”…a charity event with loads of laughter and libations. Essentially a bar crawl with a “bull” bringing up the rear, the real focus is on giving back. Each participating bar donates $1 per drink to a chosen charity. (registration is $10…link on the website or on instagram @gringosgreenville)

Of course, one needs more than just “aperitivos” to remain upright around all that tequila! Although we could eat our weight in their “guacam-olé” one of the best we have ever had…and we are judgy) and super-fresh salsa (so fresh-n-frisky it’ll make ya want to salsa with your neighbor), we highly suggest digging a bit deeper into Gringos’ fresh fare. The Baja fish tacos are pretty much what started the whole shebang…why not start there?!

And if it’s fun-n-games you’re after, Jeremy keeps things hoppin’ with fun monthly events (like a BYO pool party in the parking lot…scavenger hunts…and foosball tourneys).

Olé!!

a&a

drinkin’ on the job…packin’ a picnic

30 Thursday Jun 2016

Posted by theRAREbelle in bar belles

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beer, canned wine, Community Tap, food trucks, Greenville, greenvilleonline, pinkiesdown, Swamp Rabbit Cafe, Talk Magazine, TALKGreenville, Underwood wine, Union Wine Company, wine

Our TALKGreenville cocktailin’ adventure this month took us in a slightly different direction. This time it involved less mixin’ and more easy, laid-back sippin’…perfect for this long, hot summer! We headed just outside of the confines of “downtown” to visit Mike Okupinski and Ed Buffington at The Community Tap where the beer gets its deserved attention, but the wine refuses to play second fiddle. We were pleasantly surprised!

Magnum, Jereboam, Methuselah…go big or go home…
While you can always grab your ho-hum-regular-sized bottle of vino for your everyday enjoyment, we get a little giddy at the idea of a super-sized bottle to share while entertainin’! We are thinking a giant Jeroboam (equal to 7 bottles of wine) would make an excellent bar center/conversation piece! TCT has you covered on all fronts.

Leave the corkscrew at home..:
Imagine our surprise when the most talked-about wine in the place was in a…wait for it…can!! Koozie-friendly and “pinkies-down” casual, all three varieties (Rosé, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir) from Union Wine Company’s “Underwood” label are spot-on delicious! And with the loss of glass recycling in the city, it is practically our duty to promote these winning wines!

On tap…
How could we mention The Community Tap without shining a big spotlight on the TAP!? The first retailer in the Upstate to offer “growlers”, TCT keeps twenty ever-changing taps of beer steadily flowing for their patrons’ enjoyment. Because many of the best craft brewers only produce small batches in kegs, the tap is the only way to sample those wares. Sit-n-sip or take a growler for your sippin’ pleasure at home.

Truckin’ it…
While TCT keeps a few, select nibbles on-hand (don’t miss the to-die-for Swamp Rabbit Cafe baguette – delivered fresh daily), Mike and Ed made the conscious decision to skip the food prep headaches in order to focus on what they do best…beer and wine. But never fear. Patrons have no excuse to leave hungry! These fellas schedule food trucks on the property every day except Sunday. Brilliant!

The Community Tap now has the two of us to count in their ever-growing fan base. We plan to return again and again for the super-cool-casual atmosphere (all of the wood in the place if from an old fertilizer plant in Pickens), a low-brow wine-tasting, or to simply relax on the deck. And when it comes to planning the perfect Fourth of July picnic off-site, how can you beat a delicious hunk of bread, some good cheese, a growler of cold beer, and a six-pack of wine? Easy. Convenient. Done!

Cheers!!

Alex Ryan and Angi Einstein – http://www.therarebelle.com

drinkin’ on the job…divin’ right in

02 Thursday Jun 2016

Posted by theRAREbelle in bar belles

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cocktails, Dive & Boar, greenvilleonline, hooch, Starr Haney, TALKGreenville

We love it when something gives us a giggle…and this month’s cocktailin’ experience ranks right up there with the best of ‘em. Dive & Boar…a Swill & Thrill Pub is a virtual den of irreverent humor… edgy, controversial, a little wicked…and oh-so-refreshing! From being greeted by “Miss Pearl”, the “boar at the door” painting by local artist (and dear friend) Starr Haney, to Chase introducing himself as “creator of liquid excitement”, we knew we had found the right place to dive right in for some tipplin’.

Drinkable desserts…

With a nod to typical “dive fare”, Chase and Maggie’s team keeps a generous supply of jell-o on hand…in the form of jell-o shots, that is. And the “Adult Chocolate Milk” is right up the chocolate-lover’s alley! A grown-up’s concoction served in a glass milk carton with a homemade cookie alongside, this is the perfect way to wrap up the “dive” experience.

Saké Prison Hooch…

Ya might call this “grown-up Capri-sun”…but the bag and straw are the only similarities. A potent concoction of low-brow ingredients (like boxed wine) inspired by “Orange is the New Black”, this might be our new go-to. Chase tells us it only gets better the longer it hangs out in the fridge…so we think we might need him to get us all stocked up!

Green, Mean, Fightin’ Machine…

Blending “super green juice” (think fresh-pressed green apples, arugula…) with some special “farm-to-bottle” spirits, this elixir is like a salad in a glass…hello, summer! Chase puts some extra love and care into a pretty floral ice ball infus’d with orange oil for just the right touch of freshness. It’ll keep ya mean & lean.

You Need Nachos…or Wings…or some Evening Slop

Of course, one needs some nibbles if one is to partake in all this good cocktailin’. From three kinds of nachos in two sizes (“introvert/lonely” size and “just got my tax check/entourage” size) to the ’77 Elvis Burger (yes…it has peanut butter) there is no excuse to leave this dive hungry! And don’t forget to read the fine print on the menu…it’s hilarious! ‘Nuff said.

The original aesthetic at Dive & Boar was BBQ, but it quickly morphed into a new, innovative take on the old-school dive bar. A place equally welcoming to a gaggle of gals or a belle bringing her beau, they encourage you to step out of the box and test the waters…especially when it comes to the libations! The cocktail menu is inspired by poetry, classic films, and Netflix (they claim to have been paid to say that), and focuses on craft’d house infusions, syrups and juices to “raise the brows and awaken the pallet”. But it changes with the season – or on an ADD whim – so go soon and go often. You don’t want to miss out on what Chase and Maggie are servin’ up!

a&a

a Persian pearl of a cocktailin’ experience…

05 Thursday May 2016

Posted by theRAREbelle in bar belles

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cocktails, drinkin' on the job, Greenville, greenvilleonline, Main Street, Pomegranate on Main, Talk Greenville

Our TALKGreenville cocktailin’ adventure this month took us to a Persian pearl right in the heart of downtown Greenville. Pomegranate on Main has long been one of our favorite spots for fresh, flavorful, Persian cuisine…and we have always fully enjoyed the libations as well. But when we sat down with Mike at the bar one recent afternoon, our eyes were opened to just how varied the options are in this little gem. A master of the adult concoction, Mike aims to please with a talent for off-menu specialties. Just ask. He will make it!

Derby Days…

Since May brings the “Run for the Roses”, we would be remiss in not mentioning Pomegranate’s nod to the southern mint julep…their Orange Ginger Julep. Hold onto those fancy hats, ladies…’cause this one will knock ‘em right off! And if the julep is a bit too involved for ya, Mike can serve up some Blanton’s bourbon for your derby enjoyment. Neat. Mic drop.

Pomegranate Martini

A standard offering (it’s all in the name), the Pomegranate Martini does not disappoint. Don’t let the sweet pink color fool ya. It packs a significant punch! But you can feel good about consuming all those antioxidants. It’s practically a vitamin in a glass! Wink, wink.

The French Mule

The French Mule is a fresh and clean version of the classic mule found out-n-about. Cleverly mixing champagne with ginger beer and lime, this is a bubbly and crisp concoction that is not to be missed.

Desserts to die for…

While Ali puts his Persian spin on the rest of the menu, his wife, Nancy, lets her southern roots shine through in the baked-goods department. Her chocolate cake is unparalleled…we’ve ordered it for countless birthday celebrations! Whatever your choice may be the dessert is not to be missed!

from dp3architects

Pomegranate is the perfect venue to savor a sultry evening out on the patio, and if one’s leanings are romantic, you can even bring a lock of love à la française. Live music and half-price wines add a wonderful perk to get you over the “hump” on Wednesdays. And while Sundays are usually a day of rest at this delightful little spot, Ali makes an exception a couple of times a year. One of those exceptions happens to be Mother’s Day…convenient, huh?
Time to make those reservations, folks!
a&a