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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

birds fly south…our latest bar-hoppin’ experience

04 Thursday May 2017

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Our TALKGreenville adventures took us out to the hip side of town this month.  Birds Fly South Ale Project was quite the cool experience.  Click here for the published article…read on for the details…

drinkin’ on the job…somethin’s brewin’


We headed into Greenville’s hip West End Water Tower District for this month’s “drinkin’ experience”…landing with the cool birds at Birds Fly South Ale Project.  We could not believe how cutting-edge we felt as we pulled into this up-and-coming area that was all aflutter, much to our surprise and delight.  Owners Lindsay and Shawn Johnson welcomed us to their uber-chill nest of ale activity…and we nest-led right in.  You will want to do the same!

What’s brewin’… 

First, about the name.  Lindsey and Shawn, both with Southern roots, spent years on the fly with the Coast Guard but were always lookin’ to head back South.  When the opportunity presented itself, they flew right in and settled in Greenville…thank goodness!  Shawn’s passion for beer took root and the rest is history.  They make craft beer with a “throwback approach” saying, “we don’t make beer, we wait for the beer to tell us what it wants to be”. We were quite impressed with how smart beer is these days!

Sip and Savor… 

Our first foray into this ale-tasting was a surprisingly colorful array of brews.  After perusing the vast menu and making some picks, we were presented with a group of 4-ounce pours to sip and savor…giving us the chance to pick a fave or two.  Rustic Sunday was one favorite with its hint of rye and golden color, while Anchorage was perfect for a neutral, classic palate.  Other offerings ranged from a dark and earthy brew called Parachute to Joos Raspberry with a strong element of fruit (the wine spritzer of beers if you will).  Across the board, Shawn’s creations did not disappoint!

photo by Cindy Hosea

Brand New Eyes and Petite Blanc…

We had a tie for our “blue ribbon” award!  While this place had us looking at everything with new eyes, Brand New Eyes was a delight for our feminine tastes. Citrusy, mild, smooth and mellow, it’s the perfect sipping ale for a warm day. And Petit Blanc locked us in and kept us wanting more.  Because we are foodie-centric, we were particularly pleased with this wine-infused ale. Talk about elevating your average beer!

from mobilefoodnews.com

Keep on truckin’…

The Johnsons keep a steady schedule of local food trucks pulling in for their patrons’ nibbling pleasure, and they bring in live music to keep the crowds entertained (beyond beer, music is another of Shawn’s passions).  If it happens to be a quiet afternoon/evening, pick up a game (Cards Against Humanity, anyone?) and have some fun. Their “urban farmhouse” is designed to inspire conversation, exploration and sharing.

If you have not discovered the West End Water Tower District, let us fill you in.  The area is home to an old cotton warehouse now known as Hampton Station.  Birds Fly South, and their neighbors (which will soon include White Duck Taco) have taken the area up a notch or two.  Seems we had been missin’ out on where the cool kids hang out.  Now that we have found it, good luck keepin’ us in the city! 

Birds Fly South Ale Project . 1320 Hampton Ave Ext . Greenville . bfsbeer.com

a&a

 

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

01 Thursday Sep 2016

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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!