25 Saturday Aug 2018
Posted in fashion forward
Tags
We’re baaaack!! We’ve missed you, belles! We’ve been continuing our unintended hiatus (a belle can just get SO busy), but are gearing up to bring you some of the latest and greatest for fall.
Already ordered by BOTH of us…
This stunner from Vince works for tall, not-so-tall, blonde, brunette, has a great neckline, and is one of the top colors for fall!!
Available at Nordstrom
Get it while it’s hot!
a&a
20 Monday Aug 2018
Posted in bar belles, drinkin' on the job
Tags
cocktails, greenvilleonline, Husk Greenville, huskgreenville, Nathan Gray photography, Talk Magazine, TALKGreenville
Check out our most recent TALKGreenville cocktailin’ adventure at Husk in Greenville…
Pay Husk a visit sometime soon!! You won’t regret it!!
a&a
28 Thursday Jun 2018
Posted in fashion forward
Well, hello, belles! Long time no see! We’ve been taking a break from the madness (or have we just been lazy??). Anyhoo…we couldn’t resist sharing some fashionabelle pieces with you!
We love a blazer because they are a perfect layering piece, are transitional, and can be dressed up or down…a trifecta!
Here are a few of our favorites at the moment…
By Veronica Beard from Intermix
happy shopping!
a&a
04 Monday Jun 2018
Posted in bar belles
We’ve been at the cocktailin’ again…at The Anchorage in Greenville’s trendy, up-n-coming West End. Check it out in the June issue of TALKGreenville!
An anchorage is something that provides a stronghold or connection…and this month’s cocktailin’ spot has done just that for the Village of West Greenville. This uber-cool arts district has become a hot destination these days with over 60 galleries, shops, restaurants, and services, and it’s thanks to early “inhabitants” like The Anchorage that folks are flocking in.
“Cocktail by Committee”…
When Beth and Chef Greg McPhee began hiring for The Anchorage, they focused on assembling a collaborative team. Relying on the collective experience of Mills and Chris behind the bar as well as practically all other employees, the whole “team” plays a part in what you see, taste, smell and experience. When a new or unusual ingredient piques someone’s interest, Mills might come up with some creative ways to use it, but it often takes the team coming together to find the perfect balance. They describe the process as “cocktail by committee”. We think their “committee” rocks!
Photo by Nathan Gray
The Zombie…
The staff at the Anchorage maintains a huge sense of pride with the product they serve both in the kitchen and behind the bar. No detail is overlooked. The Zombie is a perfectionist’s dream. The color alone is exquisite, but add some freshly picked mint & a silver straw and you have a work of art. Hand-crushed ice, a special blend of three rums, fresh fruit juices, a dash of bitters, and house-made cinnamon syrup come together to create the perfect concoction to scare the summer humidity away. Served from their nitro draft system, there is (conveniently) no long wait to quench your thirst. PSA- there’s a reason it’s called a Zombie
Photo by Nathan Gray
The Strawberry Manilow…
One of us took a really long time to get the riff on Barry Manilow…we aren’t saying who but it wasn’t the blonde…just sayin! But beyond its clever name, this one is worth ordering just to watch zee bartender hand-carve the ice for the glass. This is truly a bespoke cocktail, and we get excited just watching this kind of attention to detail! Rye, rum, house strawberry vinegar, rosemary and ginger beer are all part of this magic potion. And since vinegar has long been used to battle dehydration, we consider this the perfect answer to staying hydrated in the dog days of summer…so make sure you drink enough- just sayin
Simple-n-local…a winning combination
The food (and drink) philosophy at The Anchorage is focused on “eclectic simplicity.” In creating the always up-to-date brunch, dinner, and cocktail menus, they focus on local/regional ingredients that can be super-simple yet interesting all at once. In fact, the brunch cocktail menu features “The Michenada” which highlights the local Birds Fly South brewery’s “Anchorage Saison”…neighbors helping neighbors. We love it!
How it all began…
Just two short years ago, the McPhees were approached with an idea that started the ball rolling for this West Greenville gem. The budding arts district needed a night-time destination and Beth and Greg had the experience and expertise to make it happen. And did they ever! They took the old Brandon Mill Infirmary and worked their magic. Today, The Anchorage is a bustling hot-spot with both indoor and outdoor dining and a kick-ass cocktail menu that keeps folks coming back for more!
Open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday and brunch on Sunday, the Anchorage is anchored in and waiting to see you!
The Anchorage . 586 Perry Avenue . Greenville
(864)219-3082 . theanchoragerestaurant.com
Angi Einstein and Alex Ryan – www.therarebelle.com
03 Thursday May 2018
Posted in what's ringin' our belle
Surprise, surprise! We’ve been out doin’ some cocktailin’ for TALKGreenville again. Read all about it!
Image from theNoseDive.com
The Main Street scene here in Greenville is hoppin’ these days. The warmer weather is coaxing folks out and about, and the doors of some of our favorite establishments are thrown wide open – just begging passersby to come in and sit a spell. Right at the heart of it all is Nose Dive with its “windows on the street” and a crafty little secret up above…the second floor bar, “Crafted”.
Image from theNoseDive.com
A little goes a long way…
While some folks behind a bar prefer to be called mixologists and try to get all fancy and fussy with ingredients, others go for minimalism and like to call themselves good ol’ bartenders. Walker and his team fit into the latter category. They have mastered the art and craft of libations with fresh simplicity. As often as possible, their creations consist of just three ingredients and a garnish. The results are stunning.
Image by Nathan Gray
Sneaky Pete…
One of the best things about the bartenders at Nose Dive is their complete dedication to their roles – these fellas dive right in! Sneaky Pete is one of their artistic creations that meets you head-on, then lingers a bit with its spicy kick on the back end. Careful, this one really will sneak up on ya. Just sayin’.
Image by Nathan Gray
El Delicioso…
El Delicioso is muy delicioso! We were quite impressed with how the red pepper garnish creates its own special impact on the overall flavor of this concoction. The fresh, crisp scent is the first to hit the senses…then the tastebuds kick in with the balanced flavors of tequila, Sadlers (liken it to angostura bitters) and just a hint of elderflower syrup. This is where you realize these guys know what they’re doing – no one flavor is going to overpower another on their watch.
Image by Nathan Gray
Rusty Nail Revamp
Everybody loves a comeback; and classic, old-school cocktails are getting a chance in the spotlight these days…with a modern twist here and there. This particular oldie-but-goody is the perfect finish for a wonderful evening. With an expertly balanced combination of Drambuie, Fernet-Branca and bourbon – this one just might be a trifecta of simplicity. Off to the races!
image from theNoseDive.com
Nose Dive doesn’t only show its crafty side in its cocktails. The craft concept is front and center in the kitchen as well. So don’t miss out…even if you choose to retreat to the “grown up” area upstairs, you can always order from the inventive menu downstairs. No need to venture anywhere but here. As they say at Crafted, “just sit back, relax, and sip into something more comfortable.”
Crafted at Nose Dive . 116 S Main Street . Greenville
(864)373-7300 . thenosedive.com
Angi Einstein and Alex Ryan – www.therarebelle.com
08 Sunday Apr 2018
Posted in what's ringin' our belle
We’ve been “drinkin’ on the job” again for TALKGreenville…this time with a spritz of hope for the Cancer Society of Greenville County’s Hope Ball…
It’s spring at last! While temps might not always cooperate, we are at least getting a glimpse of the sunny, happy, HOPE-ful days ahead. One of our favorite parts of this time of year is the chance to emerge from our hibernation and dress up in our finest for one of the most elegant evenings in Greenville…the bi-annual Hope Ball, benefitting the Cancer Society of Greenville County. And, just as we have done before, we had a hand in creating a signature cocktail…the Spritz of Hope…for this special event.
Labor of Hope…
As with any elegant affair, the devil can be in the details. Volunteers have been hard at work for months on sponsorships, décor, menus…and, our favorite…the bar! The kind folks at Itz Spritz (with three delicious flavors) and Tito’s vodka have very generously stepped in to provide some “supplies” for the big event. So, we thought it would be fun to use their wares to create a little somethin’ special. We belles just love to tinker around in the kitchen!
Hope in a flute…
Our first concoction starts with Itz Spritz Elderflower & Citrus and takes it to a new level. We eagerly infused a batch of Tito’s with fresh thyme and lemon and were quite smitten with the results. The thyme-infused vodka blends beautifully with the refreshing elderflower-citrus to create a lively spring-time cocktail with the perfect herb-floral balance. Itz Thyme to give this one a try!
Hope in a glass…
Our cup runneth over with this tasty, titillating cocktail. Once again, we got creative with our Tito’s and infused it with fresh cucumber. We doubled-up on the freshness by adding Itz Spritz Cucumber Lime Twist, then added a splash of ginger beer for a little extra pop of flavor. Crisp, cool and fizzy, this is the drink you want when you’re ready for a flavor frolic!
The winner…The Spritz of Hope
While we tend to be more about embellishing, we belles know when to let simplicity speak for itself. Our final creation is the perfect example. In this lil libation, we used Itz Spritz Golden Pear, then added a healthy pour of Tito’s, grapefruit juice, and a dash of grapefruit bitters. We found the ideal recipe to keep one feeling fresh throughout the festivities!
You will have to attend to take a sip of this winner. We HOPE to see you there!
And now…the details. The Cancer Society of Greenville County (CSGC) is a local organization serving local cancer patients. All funds raised stay right here, giving HOPE in the battle against this non-discriminating disease. The ball will be held on April 27th at the Poinsett Club. Call the CSGC or visit their website for more information. Get those gowns and tuxedos ready!
The Cancer Society of Greenville County . 113 Mills Avenue . Greenville (864)232-8439 . cancersocietygc.org
19 Monday Mar 2018
Here’s a not-to-be-missed event, belles…at our fave antique emporium in Greenville…The Rock House Antiques. House of Landor out of Raleigh is bringing their vintage wares for a trunk show this weekend!! We encourage you to stop and shop for that special “find”!
Here are some examples of what you might find…
The Rock House Antiques . 415 Mauldin Road . Greenville
And while we are at it…here are some vintage shopping tips…
1. For clothing, shop your size…and a size up…and a size down.
Sizes have changed over the years. Those of us who might have worn a 4 in the 80’s now find ourselves a very slim size zero (while having lost not a single ounce!). Don’t take the label at its word…use it as a suggestion. Also, we have found that many ladies who pass on their clothing to these shops are very much like us…addicted to alterations. Many…even most…of these items have been tailored to fit the original proud owner. This often means that an 8 has become a 6 through the bust, or a 4 at the waist. The only way to be sure is to…
2. Be prepared to try on.
Wear something that’s easy-on, easy-off. What you purchase is yours (no returns), so let’s make sure it’s do-able.
3. Don’t ignore the shoes.
We have scored scarcely-worn Manolos, Louboutins, you name it, at vintage shops. Often the shoes find their way to these shops because they were a poor fit for the original owner…so she really didn’t wear them much at all! Don’t be afraid to give them a try.
4. Don’t forget the fellas.
Hermes ties, Burberry wool scarves, belts, shoes, maybe even a classic old tuxedo…the options for the men can be just as numerous as those for women. Give the men’s section a quick run-through.
5. Check out the stores in different cities and different neighborhoods
You will, of course, want to visit House of Landor in person, and go ahead and haunt the vintage clothiers in other cities you frequent. While stores on the Upper East Side might be filled with Chanel, those in Soho might be filled with Pucci, Gucci, or who knows what. Give them all a chance…the treasures are worth it!
a&a
13 Tuesday Mar 2018
Posted in bar belles, what's ringin' our belle
The latest installment of our TALK Greenville “drinkin’ on the job” adventures…
Photo from kitchensyncgreenville.com
Winter weary and ready for some “sunny & warm”, our cocktailin’ adventure this month took us to a cozy neighborhood place with farm-fresh fare and cocktails to lighten and brighten the spirits – Kitchen Sync on Laurens Road. Warmly greeted by Kathryn behind the bar and introduced to Kevin (co-owner Kevin Feeny), we quickly settled in and let the doldrums disappear.
Cookin’ with a conscience…
Photo from kitchensyncgreenville.com
Kevin and his sister, Karin Farrell, spent years pondering the possibilities of creating a conscience-driven neighborhood go-to that featured inventive, delicious scratch-made food. From the use of eco-friendly building materials and appliances to composting, planting gardens, and sourcing locally as much as possible…even partnering with an organization providing work to people trying to get on their feet after incarceration, they have certainly succeeded on the responsibility front. And as for that inventive, scratch-made fare…it speaks for itself!
Tequila Paloma
Tequilaaaaah! This delicious, not-too-sweet, brilliant alternative to the margarita features Jose Cuervo silver, fresh pink grapefruit and lime juices, and sparkling Pompelmo San Pellegríno – all beautifully poured into a very generous glass. It makes for the perfect mood enhancer! PSA: tequila is the only alcohol considered to be an upper and spirit-lifter…an old wives tale maybe, but these belles plan on believing it! Let the Paloma perk you up!
Jo Montana
The San Francisco belle among us couldn’t resist tasting this handsome libation named after one of her first crushes. It certainly didn’t disappoint. Just like her favorite quarterback of all time, the Jo Montana is strong, potent, delicious and not hard to look at! Comprised of local Dark Corner Jocassee Gin, St. Germaine, fresh lemon and lime juices, and fresh mint from the restaurant’s own garden, it’s the perfect sip of approaching spring!
Photo from kitchensyncgreenville.com
Although we had experienced Kitchen Sync for lunch and dinner on other occasions, this particular visit had us focused on the very happy “happy hour”. With special nibbles and libations offered each early evening, one could easily fall in the habit of just hangin’ out at the bar ad infinitum. But we do encourage you to venture out into the other nooks and crannies of this delightful establishment. You’ll find tables filled with families (yes…there is a kids menu), couples, chatty chicks out for ladies night…it runs the gamut. Grab a table and peruse the menu. We promise you will find something to ring your bell!
Kitchen Sync . 1609 Laurens Road . Greenville . (864)568-8115 . Kitchensyncgreenville.com
06 Tuesday Feb 2018
Posted in what's ringin' our belle
Tags
avoiding conflict, booties, cheese tray Pottery Barn, Food52, goop, Gucci, minimalist baker, nordstrom, silpat, WhoWhatWear
A wonderful winter cocktail…
Via Minimalist Baker
Finally a way to clean those silicone mats…
Via Food52
How to stretch those boots…from Whowhatwear
And…of course…this boot totally rings our belle! Gucci … at Nordstrom.
Love this article about having hard conversations…sans Conflict
Via Goop
This tray would be perfect for a cheese board…
Via Pottery Barn
ring-a-ling!!
a&a
05 Monday Feb 2018
Posted in what's ringin' our belle
Tags
Since our very first viewing of the Hot vs Crazy Matrix, we have been convinced that we are both unicorns…we just can’t quite seem to convince the men in our lives (seems we might be a touch above a 7 on the crazy scale in their opinion). Crazy, right?!
This shower cap is the perfect way to strut our stuff!
At last we get to prove our unicorn status!! Available at Amazon.
PS: for some giggles…check out the Cute vs Rich Matrix – a fool-proof guide to finding the right man
a&a
the RARE belle 