31 Friday Aug 2018
Posted in bar belles, what's ringin' our belle
Check out our latest contribution to TALKGreenville Magazine for a bit of Labor Day entertaining inspiration!!
Enjoy your holiday weekend, belles!!
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
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
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
02 Friday Feb 2018
Posted in bar belles
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
02 Thursday Nov 2017
Posted in what's ringin' our belle
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
05 Thursday Oct 2017
Posted in bar belles
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
01 Friday Sep 2017
Posted in bar belles
Tags
cocktails, drinkin' on the job, greenvilleonline, Talk Magazine, TALKGreenville, The Common Cure Bare + Grill
We’ve been hittin’ the bottle again for TALKGreenville…check it out in September’s issue!!
from thecommoncure.com
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
03 Thursday Aug 2017
Posted in bar belles
Our latest TALKGreenville article is out (click here for the online version…or read on…)
photo by Nathan Gray
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
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
from downtowngreenvilletoday.com
Passerelle Bistro . 601 South Main Street . Greenville . 864-509-0142 . passerelleinthepark.com
01 Saturday Jul 2017
Posted in bar belles
We’ve been hittin’ the bottle again! Check out our latest TALK magazine cocktailin’ experience…out now in the July issue…
Table 301 seems to have done it again! They have another winner in downtown Greenville with Jianna, a “modern Italian Osteria” conveniently perched above Falls Park. Overlooking Liberty Bridge at the corner of Main Street and Falls Park Drive, Jianna has a window on the bustling world below. With a balcony reminiscent of The Big Easy, this corner oasis is perfect for dinner, drinks and whiling away a steamy summer evening.
Why “Jianna”?…
Chef Michael Kramer once worked at a San Francisco restaurant owned by one of his culinary mentors, Marc Valiani. The restaurant was called Jianna, and Valiani’s wife often joked that Jianna was her husband’s “mistress”. Sadly, Valiani passed away in 2011. When Kramer was given the chance to help name this new establishment in Greenville, he immediately thought of Valiani’s lasting inspiration and requested permission to use “Jianna.” What a beautiful tribute to a worthy mentor!
The Countess and her Counterpart…
Jianna’s beverage menu features Negroni-inspired cocktails, giving us a modern take on an old Italian classic. Two of these creations, in our opinion, go hand-in-hand…the Classic Negroni and the Countess (because every Countess needs a classic fella by her side). The Countess is light and refreshing, but might sneak up on you with her powerful punch. Crowned with prosecco, she is feminine, elegant and wholly deserving of her noble title. Meanwhile, the Classic Negroni deserves his own badge of honor. Not for the tender-palated, his slightly bitter edge is best for one who enjoys a stiff, bracing cocktail. …the perfect elixir to kick off an evening of fine dining. One of us has been called “the Contessa” since she was knee-high to a grasshopper…so of course she decided to claim as her own! Both will whet your palate and have you comin’ back for more.
The Hinny…
For those who might enjoy a touch of winter in July (‘cause who wouldn’t like at least a tiny escape from the sky-high temps?), the Hinny is the cocktail for you. An elevated take on the traditional mule, the frosty mug and mound of crushed ice combine to create an adult snow cone that will have you forgettin’ the steamy heat outside. The addition of fresh basil “frosted” with powdered sugar makes it just as pretty as it is refreshing. You’ve heard of herbal remedies right? Here’s the cure to all your hot weather hang-ups. Just cool your heels and enjoy the moment.
Indoor/outdoor…
Although it might be a bit toasty outside during the day, Jianna can take advantage of the cross-breeze as the sun sets…allowing patrons to enjoy some fresh air with indoor/outdoor bar seating and service. And what better place to try to catch the Fourth of July fireworks display?! Give ‘em a call…seats are bookin’ up fast!
Jianna’s bustling open kitchen cranks out modern Italian dishes using pastas made daily and seasonal, local ingredients. Add to that freshly-shucked oysters and “a refreshing selection of wines and spirits” and you have yourself a winning combination ”best celebrated with family and friends”. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner and lunch on weekends, there’s plenty of time to pay Jianna a visit. As they say, “vi diamo il benvenuti”, we welcome you!
Jianna . 600 South Main Street . 2nd Floor . Greenville . 864-720-2200 . jiannagreenville.com
the RARE belle 