Tag Archives: cocktails

Drinkin’ on the job…and perfectly in sync

13 Tuesday Mar 2018

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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

drinkin’ on the job…in the Hall of Fame

02 Friday Feb 2018

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Our latest TALKGreenville cocktailin’ adventure…

(photo from halloffamesportsgrill.com)

We fancy ourselves to be quite sporty…you just might not know it to look at us.  We tend to favor heels over flats, “dressed up” over “dressed down”, and when accessorizing, we go with “more is more”!  We look like girlie-girls, but we can get into a football game with the best of any manly-man! That’s why we dig a good sports bar.  When any worth-the-bourbon game is on, a good venue with TV’s in every nook and cranny really rings our belle!  And it’s a bonus when the drinks are flowing and delicious…and when the staff is like your best friend but you might have just met! Hall of Fame Sorts Grill…”a sports bar like no other”on Wade Hampton is just that place!!

(photo by Nathan Gray)

What color do you bleed?…

Gamecock or Tiger, Hall of Fame has just the drink for you…in the form of a grown-up slushy!  Always at the ready, swirling with icy deliciousness in machines at the bar, these are a must-try for any die-hard fan.  The garnet Gamecock is a bit like a raspberry margarita (but with vodka) and the Tiger is a blend of mango and orange.  And for the family divided, they will gladly give you a half-n-half.  How convenient!

(photo by Nathan Gray)

Deep Eddy in a Can

Believe it or not, we prefer simple over complicated…let the ingredients speak for themselves…and here they are singing in perfect harmony! Deep Eddy lemon vodka, club soda, triple sec, fresh mint and a splash of fresh lemon juice are served in a can of whimsy that is sure to keep this classic cocktail cool as the betting gets hot!  We cheer for team Deep Eddy!

The Man Mosa
No better way to watch the Super Bowl than in a classy sports bar that pumps up the standard mimosa to a new level. You will, of course, find the usual champagne and oj in this one…but they add lemon vodka, gran marnier, and raspberry liquer for good measure (just in case you feel the need for more alcohol with your alcohol).  This boozy beverage will have any fan cheering at full throttle.  We are betting that this one will be a winner every time!

(photo by Nathan Gray)

Sunday Bloody Sunday…

Sunday brunch without a bloody is a bloody shame!  Well…Hall of Fame has some bloody good options to solve that problem.  Choose from the revved-up “Spicy Southern 500”, the “Zesty Lemon Julious Pepper” version, or the “Mexican Futbol Ashtray” (while the name…ashtray…might cause pause, just jump right in.  Trust us!)  Sunday just got a lot more interesting!

With the Super Bowl looming, you might be trying to come up with a viewing game-plan.  While you could always fire up your own grill, set up your own bar…and then do dishes all day on Monday, who wants all that hassle? Hall of Fame has the food, the drinks, the game, and the dishwashers! And speaking of the food…we are true fans of really good pub grub, and odds are y’all will agree that Hall of Fame hits it out of the ball park. From their wings, to their chicken fingers, to their tenderloin bites, there is something for everyone. And – weather permitting – you might get to enjoy their cozy outdoor patio for a bit of fresh air as well.  All sports, all the time…Hall of Fame is the place to relax, watch, and enjoy.

Hall of Fame Sports Grill . 531 Wade Hampton Boulevard . Greenville

(864)609-4181 . halloffamesportsgrill.com

Angi Einstein and Alex Ryan – www.therarebelle.com

drinkin’ on the job…time to Thai one on

11 Thursday Jan 2018

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The latest installment of our TALK Greenville cocktailin’ adventures…

Photo from Basil – Greenville

Now that we are through the holidays, we are reflecting on our eatin’ (and drinkin’) habits.  While we might have thrown caution to the wind for the last few weeks with lots of celebrating with friends and family, we have decided that a bit of discernment might be in order.  Fresh, healthy food is on the agenda…as are drinks with a little somethin’ extra…some redeeming qualities if you will.  We found just the ticket, folks…at Basil in downtown Greenville.

Options galore on the menu…

Vegan?  Vegetarian?  Pescatarian?  Full-on carnivore?  Basil is happy to accommodate!  All of their dishes can be tailored to suit your needs and tastes.  Even the “heat” can be adjusted.  While it was confirmed to us that “Thai spicy” here in the states doesn’t really hold a candle to the heat you might get in Bangkok, they can tone it down for even the wimpiest of wimps when it comes to spice tolerance.  Have it your way!

The Basil Lime Martini

Sleek, sophisticated, simple and sexy defines this beauty of a martini. If you are a martini connoisseur, then you’ve just discovered your holy grail…and it will rest deliciously in the winner’s circle every time. A mix of fresh basil, vodka and hand-pressed lime juice, this concoction is shaken at least twenty times to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and, of course, just the right amount of chill. #shook

Mix your metals…The Gold Rush and The Angry Mule

We belles are not afraid to mix our metals…in fashion or in our fortified drinks.  The Gold Rush (of course, one San Francisco native belle loves this one) is a wickedly delightful combination of Bulleit Rye, Domaine de Canton (a ginger liqueur), and fresh lemon juice that will warm you all the way to your tootsies. And not to be outdone, The Angry Mule in its copper mug is the perfect order for those of us who might not be winter weather lovers. Let your winter grumbling dissolve as you sip and savor the saucy and spirited nature of this power-packed cocktail.  Careful though…this donkey with an attitude just might kick your ass!

Image by Nathan Gray

Photo by Nathan Gray

Pineapple…for that much-needed dose of Vitamin C…

Pineapple-infused Bacardi Limon Rum, fresh mint and lemongrass syrup become one of the best mojitos that we belles have ever tasted.  This house specialty has been a Mojito Challenge winner several times over.  And what a perfect way to start off the new year!  The pineapple is a great antioxidant and reduces inflammation, the generous pour of vodka will kill any lingering germs, and of course…the mint will keep you feelin’ fresh.  This drink falls in perfect line with all your healthy resolutions!

While brothers Henry and Chai Eang have hit it big in several cities with their “refined Thai cuisine” (with locations in Charlotte, Charleston, Columbia, Mt. Pleasant, and Ballantyne), each place has its own identity.  You can’t miss the hundreds of elephants adorning the Greenville locale.   And the “floating” lotus garden above the bar sets the tone for a truly impressive Thai experience.  They are open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner every evening…and the happy hour specials are not to be missed!  But they don’t take reservations, so just head on in…and tell ‘em the belles sent ya!

Basil .  9 North Laurens Street . (864)609-4120 . eatatbasil.com

Angi Einstein and Alex Ryan – www.therarebelle.com

drinkin’ on the job…home is where the hearth is

02 Thursday Nov 2017

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Our latest TALK magazine cocktailin’ adventure…


We are blessed here in our beautiful little city to have a thriving dining (and drinkin’) scene. Our choices have exploded up and down Main Street and well beyond in recent years…but sometimes we just want to settle into a cozy old stand-by. This month we did just that by heading out Wade Hampton to The Open Hearth. Family owned and operated since 1959 by the Melehes family, this place is still hoppin’! 

Way back when…


Jim and Paula Starr Melehes own and operate this icon these days, but Jimmy’s dad, Mike, was the brain behind its beginning. Mike and wife, Tula, owned Michael’s on Main Street back in the 40’s and 50’s, but Mike had this great idea to close his downtown doors and move all the way out to Taylors to treat the “out-of-towners” to some fine dining. The Open Hearth has been a part of family celebrations (and every-day dinners) ever since.

The Ciroc Lemon Drop Martini…


We deem this the ideal way to start your evening! Awaken your tastebuds and perk up that palate for what is sure to be a delightful meal. This cocktail is a feast for the eyes with its crisp, clean liquid, a sugared rim, and lemon curl flourish. Your senses will be raring to go after you wake them up with this cocktail!

The Toasted Almond Martini… 


We mentioned how to start your evening, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t offer our vote for a perfect ending. The house specialty is a mouth-watering combination of Kahlua, cream, amaretto, nutmeg and of course, toasted almonds. This gem of a dessert drink won’t leave you disappointed or feeling heavy. It’s the sweet finish to a guaranteed perfect evening .

The regulars…


There are “regulars” who chat it up at the bar each night, and others who arrive for dinner like clockwork…each one of them greeted by a smiling staff and a warm handshake from Jim himself. But there’s another kind of “regular” too…the classics on the menu. Started as an upscale steakhouse, The Open Hearth has not strayed far from its roots. The steaks still play a starring role along with the baked potatoes (with the condiment merry-go-round). But we happen to know some folks who won’t miss the chance to have some of the best fried chicken this side of Kentucky! And our favorite part…the onion rings (just a couple) with every entrée. And our other favorite part…ordering a full plate of o-rings to share with the family!

Make a plan now to venture out Wade Hampton for a visit to this Greenville mainstay. Jim and Paula Starr will give you a warm welcome…and it’s well worth the drive!

The Open Hearth . 2801 Wade Hampton Blvd . Taylors. . (864) 244-2665 . theopenhearthgreenville.com

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

what’s ringin’ our belle…round 125

12 Thursday Oct 2017

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Can’t wait to try this…


Via Design Sponge

Love these monograms…


Via Etsy

Must have these tortoise desk accessories…


Via Kate Spade
This top. This top! No words.


Via Farfetch

And a truly belle-ringin’ cocktail…

   
Via A Beautiful Mess

Well, ring my belle!

a&a

get ready for Scotch-tober, belles!

06 Friday Oct 2017

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While we each tend to have our favorite cocktail (Mount Gay & soda…Blanton’s & water), we are up for trying just about anything!  (All in the name of research for our TALKGreenville articles, of course)

That’s why this article from Liquor.com caught our eye.  Since we are not necessarily scotch drinkers, we consider it a challenge to make this elixir a bit of a focus for this month…and because “Scotch-tober ” has a catchy ring to it!


One scotch that we will certainly try is Auchentoshan…because it apparently has the vanilla and caramel notes of a bourbon.  Right up one belle’s alley!  We will just sub it in and see what we think.


Another goal will be to find a couple of mixed concoctions that suit our tastes.  A Manhattan or Old Fashioned mixed with scotch might be a hit.

(Image by Virginia Miller via Liquor.com)

Or how about something creamy and sweet mixed with Scotch??!  This one uses yogurt, honey, chocolate, and habanero bitters.  Who knew such a serious liquor could actually be fun??


(The Ichor & Glass at the Dewberry, Charleston, SC.  Image by Virginia Miller via Liquor.com)

Or maybe we will head down to Charleston and hit up the Dewberry for this beautiful, rosy, scotch-based creation.

The possibilities are endless, belles!

a&a

drinkin’ on the job…an Oktober adventure

05 Thursday Oct 2017

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Our latest TALKGreenville magazine contribution…


We decided to honor the 200+-year tradition of Oktoberfest for this month’s cocktailin’ adventure, paying a visit to our dear German friends at Schwaben House on Laurens Road in Greenville. This annual beer-party-and-more typically begins in mid-September and runs until the first weekend in October…meaning that you still have time to celebrate, folks!  Schwaben House has you covered. Prost!


A proper pour…

Don’t be shocked by the impressive “head” on your German-poured beer. Although Americans tend to frown upon this frothy foam, a true German would disagree. We all know that taste is dependent on smell…and the smell is in that bubbly top! Without that proper head, you lose half of the beer-tasting enjoyment. And, any German will tell you…if your beer doesn’t have that foamy collar, your glass must be dirty or the beer is flat. Nicht gut.


Kiss on the Lips…

We certainly don’t promote inappropriate touching, but if you’re offered a kiss on the lips here…say yes! Served in a sugar-rimmed champagne glass and a healthy dose of sweet confetti, this concoction will have you begging for another. Comprised of vodka, raspberry sorbet and Sangue de Guida (an Italian wine with a touch of fizz) it’s sure to tickle your fancy.

It’s down right delectable, delightful and addicting….just like a good kiss on the lips! In fact, it will have you falling for more…just ask Angi!

 

The Washington Apple…

This fresh, crisp, fall-worthy drink tastes like you’ve been apple-picking without the labor but with all the reward! Bird Dog Whiskey is the main ingredient here and for good reason…it is one of the most intriguing whiskeys we’ve tried. We thoroughly enjoyed taste testing it neat! Add a touch of cranberry juice and some prosecco and you have yourself amazing taste thrill. Served in an artsy martini glass with a slice of fresh apple…well now you have autumnal perfection!!

 

It’s all in the glass…

Yes…the glass used for your beer does matter! Different beers require different classes. While a Weizenbock reqires a Weizen glass, others might require a pilsner, chalice, snifter, tulip, stein, flute, stange, pint, or even an oversized-wine glass. Do your homework, folks. Or maybe just go let Schwaben House do it for you!


With the weather finally on the brink of being decent, you might want to book a table on Schwaben House’s “biergarten” patio. This space is a German oasis just waiting for folks to enjoy a cold beer and das fressen (that’s chow, baby). And if you want our two-cents, we recommend you try the potato salad (made fresh every morning), the soups, and the salmon…and just about anything else that tickles your fancy. It’s all good, freunde!

Schwaben House . 1810 Laurens Road . Greenville . 864-329-8681 . schwabenhouse.us

you put the rum in the coconut and drink it all up…

18 Monday Sep 2017

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We were cocktailing poolside with a belle friend recently and she introduced us to a new favorite libation…

All you need is coconut water with pineapple, Mount Gay Rum, and large ice cube trays…


We got our ice cube molds here

Now fill the the trays with the coconut water and throw them in the freezer


Once they are frozen, get out your cocktail glass, put a cube in and top with a healthy dose of rum…if you want to add a little soda water to lighten it up, feel free. 

As the ice melts, it muddles into the rum making a delectable concoction.  Divine….


Cheers!

a&a

drinkin’ on the job…we found the cure!

01 Friday Sep 2017

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We’ve been hittin’ the bottle again for TALKGreenville…check it out in September’s issue!!

from thecommoncure.com


If you’ve been around Greenville for a while, you might remember Campbell’s Pharmacy…where prescriptions could be filled but the soda fountain treats did a far better job of perking you up than any ole pharmaceutical could! If you never had their orange-ade, well bless your heart. But, that old location has a new occupant, The Common Cure Bar + Brill, with lots of “over the counter remedies” to cure what ails ya. 

Our kind of cleanse…


The “Cleanser” is not to be missed! We tasted the Rum Haven coconut rum as one of us has claimed she’s not the biggest fan of coconut-flavored liquors. Well, a girl can change her mind. It was so clean, crisp, and refreshing we’d drink it on its own! But why do that when you can actually “cleanse” with it? Layered with flavor, this concoction combines the Rum Haven with cucumber juice, strawberry, soda and a float of Myers Rum. A cleanser a day keeps the doctor away…just sayin.

The Pusser’s Painkiller… 

 

Back-to-school doldrums be gone. This cocktail is the perfect remedy. This is a true painkiller…just like in the islands…as it’s made using Pusser’s Rum (a must for it to even tout the name). Add a bit of pineapple juice, orange juice and cream of coconut…almost there! The sprinkle of nutmeg floating on the top assures all your summertime vacations and island-hopping memories stay fresh while you adjust to back-to-school reality. This liquid concoction wants you to feel no pain…so sip slowly. You don’t want to be overprescribed!

The Common Cold… 

 

A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down, but ice cream and bourbon make it a whole lot easier to swallow! September can be rife with those pesky summer colds and can also still be sizzling hot…but this grown-up treat sooths and cools you in just the right way. A classic vanilla milkshake so thick it hurts your cheeks trying to get it through the straw along with a healthy dose of Bulleit Bourbon and crumbled bacon make this the perfect answer when you need to keep your cool. 


DCD…


While perusing the menu at The Common Cure, one might be curious as to how the DCD Burger got it’s name. No…it’s not an acronym for certain ingredients (like a BLT). There’s only one “D” ingredient…and that’s the Dragon sauce. We got the scoop for ya. It’s a special burger concocted by a group of dads who have been dubbed the “Dark Corner Dads”. They are regulars who tend to gravitate to the corner booth when they are in residence. So try their burger (it’s awesome), but don’t try to take their seat!


The “Cure” truly is a “come as you are and bring the kids” kind of place…no high brows to be found. And there is something to please everyone on the menu. Choose from a long list of starters (try the “Hog Wings”…smoked pork shanks), a wide variety of sandwiches and salads, and a “fry” to satisfy almost any craving (waffle fries, shoestring fries, sweet potato fries, and onion rings). Trying to lay off the carbs? Any sandwich can be served as a lettuce wrap. Low-carb heaven! We are glad to say that this place is in our very own ‘hood. But even if it weren’t, it would be worth the trek. 

The Common Cure Bar + Grill . 15 Conestee Avenue . Greenville . 864.520.2118 . thecommoncure.com

drinkin’ on the job…sippin’ the summer away

03 Thursday Aug 2017

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Our latest TALKGreenville article is out (click here for the online version…or read on…)

photo by Nathan Gray


We took a steamy stroll to get to our cocktailin’ destination this month, ending up at one of our favorite little downtown spots, Passerelle, ”the casual French bistro in the park.” With a French-influenced menu and a perfectly paired beverage list, this little gem never fails to satisfy our craving for an afternoon or evening à la française.

What’s in a name…

When Table 301 landed in this spot at the Main Street end of the Liberty Bridge in 2012, they took a while to get to know the territory. They watched as folks ambled along the bridge and meandered through Falls Park, and street musicians began to draw a laid-back crowd. A classic French bistro seemed to be a perfect fit! And when it came time to assign a name, the French word for “footbridge” was a no-brainer. Passerelle. Voilá!

 The French 75… 

photo by Nathan Gray


Since we fancy ourselves aficionados in this particular elixir, we are always up for trying a classically elegant French 75 if it is featured on a menu. So to find the most delectable version right here at home…merveilleux!! Typically made with gin and champagne along with a touch of citrus, sugar, and often some type of brandy, Passerelle changes it up with a touch of Cointreau. This nosetickling mosaic melds together to encourage celebration and maybe even a bit of mischief. It’s summertime after all!  

The Lemon Ginger Bourbon Fizz… 

photo by Nathan Gray

For all you bourbon drinkers, this might become your go-to cocktail for the summer. Perfect for brunch, yet ideal for anytime, this lightened-up refresher will please even those who are not quite into the brown liquor. The rich sweetness of the bourbon pairs perfectly with the tart lemon and the bracing ginger, creating a truly refreshing concoction. The addition of ginger ale perfectly integrates all the flavors to truly make this a great option for those sultry summer nights. 

 About that view…

photo by Nathan Gray


While one of our favorite things to do is sit at the bar and watch Chef Steven Musolf work his magic, we often can’t resist a patio seat on a beautiful day with a cocktail and that stunning view of Reedy River Falls. Because Passerelle drew its name and vibe from the “little footbridge” and the surrounding park, they feel strongly about doing their part to keep it lookin’ pretty. A percentage of all revenue generated at Passerelle is donated to the Falls Park Foundation. Kudos!

from downtowngreenvilletoday.com


Passerelle has been a go-to for park-goers, Main Street strollers, and eager diners for over four years now (they celebrated their birthday on July 14th – Bastille Day…approprié, non?) Guests are treated to Chef Steven’s take on traditional French dishes like Cassoulet, mussels, Ratatouille, frites & remoulade (yum!) and many more. As he describes the menu…it’s “a little French, a little European, and a LOT local.” And with options for almost any time of day (brunch, lunch, mid-day, and dinner), how can one resist? If you haven’t been lately, we think it’s time you paid “the little French footbridge” a visit! Merci, Passerelle…salut!

Passerelle Bistro . 601 South Main Street . Greenville . 864-509-0142 . passerelleinthepark.com