Category Archives: bar belles

drinkin’ on the job…cheers to HOPE

01 Friday Apr 2016

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We decided to switch things up a bit with our cocktailing this month. Now that warmer weather is on the horizon, we’re getting excited about spring parties and celebrations. One such affair only comes along every other year, giving us something extra-special to attend. 

It’s the HOPE BALL, benefitting the Cancer Society of Greenville County, coming up on April 29, at the Hyatt in downtown Greenville. We thought it would be fun to use a bit of what we have learned over the last year, interviewing bartenders, mixologists, bar managers and the like, by helping to create a signature cocktail…the “Hope-tini”, for this much-anticipated event. 

 
The Color of HOPE…
If you have ever visited the Cancer Society of Greenville County, you might have noticed its distinctive purple front door. This bold choice of color is not accidental. Purple is recognized as the color of hope…exactly what every patient needs and experiences once inside. The lavender used in our signature concoction is no accident either. That hint of color is a nod to the hope we have for each and every life touched by the CSGC.

  

The HOPE-tini…
The “Hope-tini” is essentially a lavender-citrus martini. It might sound a bit feminine and dainty, but this is quite a powerful concoction! Healthy doses of vodka and limoncello combine with homemade lavender simple syrup and fresh lemon juice to create a citrusy-fragrant party in a glass. The lavender hits the nose as the citrus hits the tastebuds…and the vodka hits the spot.

  
Lavender Simple Syrup…
This little recipe could come in handy throughout the summer, so commit it to memory. You won’t regret it! Equal parts of sugar and water are brought to a boil, then 2-3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds per cup of water/sugar are steeped in the syrup for 5-10 minutes. Once strained, this sweet, fragrant elixir is ready to use in cocktails, lemonade, Italian sodas, over ice cream…the list goes on.

  

An elegant affair…
Widely known as one of the most elegant affairs in Greenville, one will want to dress the part…long gowns for the ladies, black tie for the gents. But wear your dancin’ shoes. You just might not be able to resist taking a spin on the dance floor after dinner!

Gettin’ down to the details, now. The Cancer Society of Greenville County (CSGC) is a local organization serving local cancer patients (over 4500 currently). All funds raised stay right here in Greenville to give hope where it seems hard to find. The HOPE BALL is coming up fast, so don’t miss out! You may call the Cancer Society of Greenville County at (864)232-8439 or click here to register online – website:  www.cancersocietygc.org. 

HOPE to see ya there…we’ll be the ones with the martini glasses! 

#yeahthathopeball

a&a

drinkin’ on the job…goin’ Irish

03 Thursday Mar 2016

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The ides of March may be upon us, but we have the perfect escape in Highstreet Hospitality Group’s upscale, classic pub, Playwright. An inviting mix of booths, tables and a magnificent bar provide the perfect euro-centric setting for enjoying a cold sip and a warm taste.  You will want to linger longer in this treasure of a pub, taking a break from a long winter’s day. It really is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

 

Jig-worthy fare 

Renowned chef, Adam Cooke, has created and tweaked a menu that is off-the-charts mouthwatering. From the corned beef brisket croquettes to the lamb and guiness pie, there is something for everyone. By the way…we highly recommend the scotch egg (a taste thrill if there ever was one!)

 The Stokers Mule

The Stokers Mule is the ideal beverage to stoke the fire and warm the body right up. Playwright puts its Irish twist on the classic mule with a perfect balance of Irish whiskey, bitters, “2 gingers” ginger beer and an orange slice (a touch of vitamin C to keep the sniffles at bay).

 

 The Dubliner

If you haven’t noticed, gin is making a comeback…something we don’t mind one bit! This particular concoction puts an Irish slant on the typical gin and tonic with its color…green, of course! Made with Hendricks gin, Jack Rudy tonic, and a cucumber garnish, it’s crisp, fresh, and just what the doctor ordered to cure the winter doldrums.

 

 Drinking dessert is our favorite!!

While Playwright’s dessert menu is swoon-worthy (“Cast Iron Irish Oatmeal Chocolate Cookie”…shut the front door!!), we can be quite happy with a cocktail as the final course (‘cause cocktailin’ is what we do). The “Kilkenny’s Revival” fits the bill perfectly with coconut vodka, Baileys, amaretto, Frangelico, and a cinnamon-maple sugar rim. Sweet!

  

As if Playwright didn’t already have enough to offer, we would be remiss to not mention three more bits of interest. First, the “Library”…a private whiskey room…is the perfect spot for an intimidate whiskey tasting (their whiskey menu is epic) or a private party for wining and dining. Second, the folks here are in-tune with the theater crowd. They know the importance of making it to the play on time (Shakespeare would be proud). Finally, “Sunday, Bloody Sunday” takes on a whole new meaning with the “Irish Rebel” (a bacon-laced bloody mary)…one of the stars of Playwright’s Sunday brunch. If you aren’t Irish, you will want to be by the time you’ve finished here, folks.

Erin go Braugh!

a&a

cocktailin’ at “the strip club”…a Valentines treat to remember

04 Thursday Feb 2016

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Our latest TALKGreenville outing sounds a bit scandalous…read on:

 

from thestripclub104.com

 

The Strip Club 104, the steak-house sister restaurant to our much-loved Bin112 in Greer, is another cocktailin’ winner in our book. We love that the name sounds slightly scandalous…the perfect bit of raciness for a Valentine’s dinner with your sweetheart (or the one you’re trying to woo). The vibe is a bit more masculine than its counterpart with its large bulky bar, and lots of leather and light…and menu categories with names like “foreplay”, “XXX-tras”, and “sexy combinations” will get your motor runnin’. And those choices extend to the cocktail list…a requirement in our opinion!

 

from thestripclub104.com

 

The Flying Pig 

Chef Jason is a master in the kitchen, but is also a culinary genius behind the bar. He takes the art of the cocktail to another level with “The Flying Pig”…aging his own cocktails (old-fashioned, manhattan) as well as flavor-infused bourbons, tequilas and vodkas. “Barreled” for at least 72 days, these spirits – served neat or over an ice ball – are well worth the trip. You will want to travel this road often!

 

 

photo by Cindy Hosea

  

The Gentleman and the Jackass

The name is something many can relate to, but appreciate more when it comes in the form of a cocktail. Atomized with essence of peach to bring out the nose, Corner Creek Reserve Bourbon is blended with fresh lemon, Fee Brothers peach bitters, fresh basil, and a smoked paprika syrup creating a smooth-talking (gentleman) libation with just the right amount of kick (jackass).

  

photo by Cindy Hosea

 The Gun and Garden

With love in the air, we felt this was an appropriate “opposites attract” choice of cocktail (garden/gun, she/he). We pride ourselves in being well-versed in the mojito department, and this one takes the cake. Mount Gay Black label rum, loads of fresh mint and basil, Fee Brothers Rhubarb bitters, a squeeze of lime and a splash of soda make this a masterful marriage of our favorite ingredients. This one will stand the test of time.

 

a sampling of the whiskeys served

  

Take flight…    

With thirty-plus bourbon styles and more than twenty choices in the rye, scotch, and ‘shine categories, TSC104 is whiskey heaven! Order up neat or choose 3 for a flight for your sippin’ pleasure.

from yelp

 
With Jason Clark’s vision and “hospitality king” Jeff Dye’s know-how, TSC104 has become the steak house of the new age (no smoky darkness here). The traditional steak house options are the stars of the menu (“house-aged Black Angus beef, creative side dishes that mimic comfort food” to borrow their description)…but the tradition stops there. The experience is like no other…kind of like your sweetheart…so plan your visit now!

 

 

cocktailin’ across town

07 Thursday Jan 2016

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Our latest TALKGreenville installment…the January issue is now on stands (or in your home)!


Is it just us, or do the short, dark days of early winter make everyone a bit stir-crazy? Although the holidays keep us hoppin’ for a while, the dust finally settles, leaving us in need of some entertainment. And what better way to entertain ourselves than to get out of our usual stomping grounds for some cocktailin’? No need to travel far…we found just what we were looking by paying a visit to Jason Clark and Jeff King at Bin112 on Trade Street in Greer.

Feelin’ cheesy …

 

 …Of course, a little snack before starting this kind of “work” is a must. We were delighted to find quite an impressive variety of cheeses on the menu. Diners (or cocktailers) can choose one, two, or three for sampling, accompanied by pear, local peach chutney, wildflower honey and a balsamic glace. Score!

Our cocktails of choice…

    

The Cheerwine Manhattan

This signature drink is a true family affair. Jason combines his homemade Cheerwine syrup and his own brand of “Flying Pig” barrel-aged Manhattan (a winning combination of Bulleit Rye Whiskey, Rivata sweet and dry vermouth, and Fee Brother’s 1864 bitters aged 72 days in an oak barrel) then adds his dad’s house-brandied cherries to create absolute perfection. This culinary concoction of a cocktail is rich, oaky, elegant and thoroughly indulgent.


The Corpse Reviver

In the dead of winter we could all use one of these bracing beverages to awaken the senses. A perfect combination of Tanqueray Ten Gin (there’s that Gin again, folks), Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, a smidge of absinthe and a note of orange, this creation is quite the reviver! This too is barreled for 72 days, emerging to create the perfect spirit-lifter.

Always leave ‘em asking for S’more …

 

from bin112.com


…Why not cozy up to a fire pot to melt those winter blues? Graham crackers, marshmallows (they should be tan not burnt, unless you want your fun taken away!) and Bin 112’s homemade chili-infused chocolate bar will surely warm you inside and out. We highly recommend a heavy dose before braving the cold, damp outdoors.

Jason’s vision of Bin112 was a wall of wine, an inviting bar, warm brick walls and a knowledgeable staff. We are happy to say that the atmosphere he has created is just that and more. Never complacent, Jason and Jeff meld the front and the back of the house with smashing success. Jason has fine-tuned the cocktail offerings over the years, carefully choosing and often creating his own libations while “hospitality king” Jeff plays to the crowd with ease. We were impressed. We expect you will be as well.

Cheers!

a&a

 

 

 

 

 

 

cocktailin’ where everybody knows our name…

04 Friday Dec 2015

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We’ve been cocktailin’ again…(no shock there). The December/holiday issue of TALK Greenville is on stands now. We paid a visit to our favorite neighborhood haunt…Augusta Grill…and shared our (once again) delightful experience. Read on…

from augustagrill.com

Let’s face it…in the hustle and bustle of the holidays (and any time of year, really), “sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came”. Sound familiar? That little ditty is a perfect fit for our cocktailin’ experience this month. There are neighborhood bars and restaurants all around…and they are to be celebrated. Having a place that’s familiar, friendly, and feels like home just can’t be beat. That place for us is Augusta Grill…and if you’re a “regular”, you know what we are talking about!

photo by Cindy Hosea

Our first suggested drink…the Blueberry Cosmo

We typically grab a seat and order “the regular”, but we have had friends talking about the “Blueberry Cosmo” for quite a while. One of us is a cosmo girl from way back, so this really piqued our interest. We gave it a try and were very impressed! It’s your classic cosmo (triple sec and cranberry included) with the twist of Blueberry Stoli, giving it a fresh, fruity finish. Brilliant!

photo by Cindy Hosea

For the finishing touch…The House Coffee

Our second suggestion…and without a doubt a fan favorite…is the “House Coffee”. It’s the perfect beverage to shake off that shiver. It’s also our favorite liquid dessert…ending yet another consistently wonderful meal. The perfect blend of espresso, Baileys and whipped cream, this one is nothing fancy but the comfort level is beyond words.

And as for the menu…one star (in our book) is the Wednesday night “special”…

from augustagrill.com

Wednesday night at Augusta Grill is an iconic experience! “Crabcake night” draws a crowd, and for good reason. Their mound of lump crabmeat, held together with what seems to be simply more crabmeat, is not to be missed. Word to the wise…go early to snag a table, or do what we do and head over there on the later side. Buddy never seems to run out of this culinary dream!

And an idea for ringin’ in the New Year with friends…

For those of you planning ahead for the end of the month, Augusta Grill is always a great option for New Year’s Eve.  The food will be delicious, the atmosphere warm and inviting, the drinks will be spot on…and chances are, the table next to you will be full of familiar faces. It’s like celebrating at your home away from home!

Loyal to the classics with no need to rely on trendy twists, fancy names, or learning the art of mixology, there is something refreshing about the good, old-fashioned bartenders at AG. You name it, they can make it…and they’ll remember you (and your cocktail) on your next visit.  We love that!

a&a

 

cocktailin’ while the show goes on…

05 Thursday Nov 2015

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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… 

photo, Cindy Hosea

 
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.

 

http://www.peacecenter.org

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.

 

the view from Genevieve’s can’t be beat!

 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…

 

photo, Cindy Hosea

 
“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.

  
The “Modern Gambler”…

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

cocktailin’ with a bit of southern culture

08 Thursday Oct 2015

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With fall finally here and temperatures headed south, we decided it was time to get a little cozy with some southern culture for our latest cocktailin’ experience. What better place than one perfectly named for such an occasion…Southern Culture Kitchen & Bar on North Pleasantburg in Greenville. This place covers the bases with southern dishes, libations, music and that legendary hospitality that would make any self-respectin’ southerner proud.

For starters…Grandma’s Eggs were nothin’ like this…A dish that is not to be missed:  the “seasonal deviled eggs”. We had the chance to sample the pesto version on micro greens with tomato and goat cheese…a true taste thrill! We could have blown through a dozen in a skinny minute!

Give these cocktails a “shot”…

Cindy Hosea 

The Old-Fashioned Gentleman     
Bring your beau to try this…or if you don’t have a gentleman of your own, here’s your chance to order one up. Bourbon, sage and black peppercorn syrup, bitters, brandied cherry and muddled orange blend to create a strong, smooth, spicy concoction that still maintains a hint of depth and mystery. What more could you ask for in a drink…or a man?

Cindy Hosea

The 1800’s Milkshake

If a nightcap that satisfies the sweet tooth sounds appealing, this is the libation for you. Made with tequila (the only alcohol that isn’t a depressant), you’ll be sure to end the evening on a positive note. Not too thick or sweet, this tastes just like a liquid after-dinner mint. It is served with one large sphere of ice so the flavor doesn’t get diluted and sipping is encouraged. Dessert without guilt is always a winner in our book!

http://www.southernculturekitchenandbar.com

With it bein’ fall and all, we would be remiss if we didn’t tie in the pigskin. Their “tailgate menu” will make the wise planner look like queen (or king) of gameday. Why not swing by on the way to the game, grab a tailgate-to-go, then head back to cozy up for some score-watchin’ and cocktailin’. Or…how about catching a movie and then go cuddle up for a nightcap?  Roaring fire included.

They aren’t kidding around when they say “southern fixins with a heap of culture”. The menu is varied and delicious, and the live band choices are always on-point, allowing toe tapping while still being able hold a conversation.  (Click here for upcoming live music). We were there mid-week, and the place was pleasantly busy but not overcrowded. You will find the weekend brunches hard to resist, especially the limitless Bloody Mary and mimosa bars. We might just have to explore that liquid buffet further…in the name of working hard, of course.

Cheers!

a&a

 

drinkin’ on the job…comin’ home to “roost”

06 Thursday Aug 2015

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Our latest “on-the-job reporting” for TALK Greenville…

As the long, hot summer forges on, we are delighted with any excuse to do some cocktailin’…a girl has to stay refreshed one way or another! Our most recent search for just the right cocktail(s) to suit our summer tastes came with a “fresh-n-local” bonus at Roost in downtown Greenville. The bar-folks there are quite creative with their offerings…and they keep it real with things like small batch, South Carolina-made bourbon, house-made mixes and all-natural sodas…giving visitors and locals alike a taste of what this great place we call home is all about.

roostrestaurant.com

It was quite a challenge to choose just a couple of cocktails from their extensive, creative list!

Our first cocktail of choice – The Roost Cool & Spicy Margarita. Now, this is a drink worth crowing about! Freshly-muddled cucumber and cilantro along with house-made sour mix combine to strike the perfect balance to green chili tequila. This breezy blend will have you feeling like cock of the walk or fresh as a daisy.            

Our next choice – the Pecan Bourbon Whiskey Smash is Kevin’s pride-n-joy. Usually, we are happy to share, but this one is a “get your own” kinda cocktail! Pecan bourbon and lemon juice are added to muddled mint and lemon, creating a sweet southern sipper with a crispy citrus on the end. It’ll make you want to nest for a while.

roostrestaurant.com

Expect to see it all during your “roost” at the bar. The afternoon brings everything from golfers looking to cool off after a round, business-types looking to unwind after a long day, and folks like us…just lookin’ to enjoy a refreshing beverage and chit-chat. The attire is hip-business-casual and excalates as the evening unfold.

roostrestaurant.com

Roost has far more than just cocktails to offer…no shocker there! With that fresh-n-local focus, the menu offers a little something for everyone. And, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the live music on Thursday and Friday evenings throughout the summer in NOMA plaza. They are set up to accommodate groups of all sizes for dinner…no crowd is too large…so, whether you are out with the girls for a bit of a “hen party” or out with a fella who likes to “rule the roost”, they have you covered!

summer cocktailin’ at Soby’s

09 Thursday Jul 2015

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Sharing our latest Talk Magazine article…

With summer in full swing, we are always looking for a cool, refreshing beverage.  Turns out to be quite convenient that we have this drinkin’ gig, giving us good reason to belly up to some bars to wet our whistles!  This month, we wanted to share our favorite ways to beat that summer heat while keeping ourselves properly hydrated…if you know what we mean.  We spent an evening under the stars and lights, dining al fresco at Soby’s…and sampling the creative concoctions Ashley (the knowledgeable bar manager) whips up in her “office”.

http://blog.tridentleadership.com

Although you might be tempted to head inside to the air conditioning, we challenge you to take a table outside. We promise it doesn’t take too long for the sun to slip behind the buildings across the street…leaving you with a cool (maybe) breeze and superb people-watching. 

photo by Cindy Hosea

Our first drink of choice…the Basil Bulleit. Fragrant from the basil and boozy with bourbon, this is a drink to sip and savor. Bonus points…it’s pretty enough for the ladies, yet plenty jaunty for the gents. This drink makes you want to while away the hours in comfort…and maybe ponder having another as you watch the main street world go by.

 

photo by Cindy Hosea

Our next drink was Ashley’s acclaimed mule with a kick…the New South Mandrin Mule. We all deserve to kick up our heels now and then! A mason jar chock-full of flavors…fresh lime, and ginger with a finisher of elderflower…this one might be a little prissy-looking for the boys. But, if they’re man enough to hold it, they’ll be glad they did!


Of course, Soby’s has more to offer than just these superb cocktails! Dinner is always something special, and they are quite generous with their secrets all around. In fact, a brand new cookbook hit stores just last month! 

Knowing that we all tend to feel like wilting lilies these days, Soby’s even has creative refreshers for the teetotalers among you with their selection of mocktails (so the kids can enjoy a little something special…or your DD can not feel so left out). Brilliant! And, speaking of wilting lilies…dress for the heat, but remember that you will see and be seen. Spiff it up a bit…in a casual way…and enjoy!

a&a

 

 

belles chime in…a share and share alike friend-1-1

05 Friday Jun 2015

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A good friend, Bebe…a belle pal from our college days…shared a great discovery which is very much in keeping with our love of cocktailing!


Via fancy.com

Wouldn’t these be a tremendous gift for anyone ? And we don’t mind saying they would be a great gift for yourself!  Order them at fancy.com .

Another belle suggested we try a great wine. She swears that every time she serves it up, people ask about it and love the smooth crisp flavor.  We obliged and tasted…who are we to argue??  The results are in and we agree…bring on the Vouvray!   Available locally at Northampton wines. Also online at wines.com.

So cool off with a sip or two…just sayin’

Now y’all are going to need to coat those bellies with something tasty while you sip away.  Our favorite Cajun belle Camille shared her secret to cooking all those étouffées and gumbos.   

When you don’t have the time or inclination to make a roux from scratch,  Savoies’s is the answer to any chef or non-chef’s prayers. We tried it with our favorite gumbo recipe and it was the best version to date!!  Easily ordered at Amazon.  So do yourself a favor and order up some, y’all won’t regret it…just sayin’…

Keep  ’em coming belles!

a&a