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Durham Distillery Announces Its New Cocktail Bar, Corpse Reviver

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Durham Distillery Announces Its New Cocktail Bar, Corpse Reviver

Durham Distillery Announces Its New Cocktail Bar
Corpse Reviver
Following Legislation Approved in Senate Bill 290

Today, Co-Owners Melissa and Lee Katrincic are pleased to announce plans for Durham Distillery’s (https://durhamdistillery.com/) craft cocktail bar – Corpse Reviver. “Since opening the distillery in 2015, it has been our goal to showcase our Conniption gins in cocktails, but ABC restrictions have prohibited us from doing so; approval of this bill changes everything, and enables us to celebrate our brand in the fullest and most experiential way,” explained Melissa Katrincic. “Corpse Reviver is a natural complement to our award-winning Conniption Gin brand and distillery, and will provide an opportunity for us to bring our premium Conniption Gin to life, just as other distilleries have done across the US.”

The passage of Senate Bill 290 on July 16th marks an historic milestone for distilleries in North Carolina, now enabling cocktails to be served at distilleries, therefore also making it possible for distillers to operate a bar in addition to the distillery. “We’ve been lucky to be a part of the downtown Durham scene for four years but it’s been in a limited capacity,” explained Lee Katrincic. These antiquated laws restricted Durham Distillery from not only operating a cocktail bar, but also from serving their signature canned cocktails during weekly Friday and Saturday distillery tours. Effective in September, tours will sample their newest Conniption Gin Rosé Spritz, as well as Gin & Tonic and Cucumber Vodka Soda released in 2018, in addition to their flagship Conniption American Dry Gin and Navy Strength Gins, as well as Cucumber Vodka and Damn Fine Liqueurs. This, coupled with the lifted restriction for the number of bottles which can be sold each year per customer further enables Durham Distillery – and soon, Corpse Reviver – to be a destination for discovering premium gin in the South.

Durham Distillery

 

Durham Distillery’s Corpse Reviver will be located on the ground floor beneath the distillery with an entrance and outdoor patio facing the historic train trestle. This will enhance Conniption Gin in a craft cocktail bar setting, modeled after the luxe, modern gin bars of London. Named for both the classic gin cocktail, Corpse Reviver #2 – composed of gin, absinthe, Cointreau and lemon juice – and its’ basement setting located in a former coffin shop, Corpse Reviver is designed to showcase Conniption Gins at their best. Art deco style, high end finishes and martini carts will lend to intimate social gatherings around this celebrated spirit. Corpse Reviver is slated to open in early 2020 as an extension of the award-winning Durham Distillery brand.

Go Ahead. Have a Conniption!

EPICUREAN NOTE: I had the opportunity to enjoy one of Durham Distillery’s canned Gin & Tonic last week . In addition to being convenient, it was very tasty!

About Durham Distillery & CONNIPTION Gin:
Founded in 2013 and opened in 2015 by Melissa and Lee Katrincic, Durham Distillery is a craft gin, vodka and liqueur distillery – known for modern techniques and uncompromised quality – located in Durham, North Carolina. The company produces premium gins leveraging a differentiated two-step process combining time-honored gin making traditions with techniques borrowed from modern chemistry to create spirits that are both classic and contemporary. The full product line offers CONNIPTION Navy Strength Gin and CONNIPTION American Dry Gin, DAMN FINE Liqueurs (Chocolate, Mocha and Coffee), Cucumber Vodka, and Canned Cocktails (Gin & Tonic, Cucumber Vodka & Soda, and NEW Rose Spritz). As the leader in the South’s Gin renaissance, Durham Distillery has earned more than 50 national and international awards and in 2018 was named the #1 Craft Gin Distillery in the U.S. by USA Today. Co-Founder Melissa Katrincic is recognized as one of the prominent female distillery owners in the U.S.

Follow Corpse Reviver at Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar on Facebook, @CorpseReviverCocktailBar on Instagram and @CorpseReviverNC on Twitter.

Follow @DurhamDistiller & @ConniptionGin on Twitter, on Facebook at Durham Distillery, on Instagram @DurhamDistillery & @ConniptionGin, and visit www.durhamdistillery.com.

Capella on 9 and Maker’s Mark Release Asheville’s First Private Select Whisky

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Capella on 9 and Maker’s Mark Release Asheville’s First Private Select Whisky

With a heavy-pour of excitement, AC Hotel Asheville Downtown’s Capella on 9 announces the arrival of the rooftop bar and restaurant’s exclusive Marker’s Mark Private Select Barrel—which has never been done before in Asheville. Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 7, for a limited time only, locals and travelers from near-and-far can belly up to Capella on 9’s bar for a glass of the acclaimed whisky, served neat, “on the rocks” or mixed in an Old Fashioned made by one of the bar’s talented mixologists.

Earlier this year, veteran Capella on 9 bartenders Colin Dennis, Megan King and Food and Beverage Director Brandon Maynard made the trek to Loretto, Kentucky, to try their hand at creating Capella on 9’s very own private select whisky (spoiler: they nailed it!). The team’s mission was to design a spirit specifically for the purpose of mixing the best—and most exclusive—Old Fashioned in the city.

“We entered the tasting room, decked out with formal flight settings and chemistry equipment; and, to top it off, on the other side of the glass walls there were tourists coming in and snapping pictures of us as the guide explained to them what we were doing. Our nerves got a bit shaky, but then the whisky started flowing and we forgot all about that,” laughs Dennis.

After five attempts at conquering the task, the Capella on 9 team decided that number four was the winner. The blend—appropriately named Ole #4 as a nod to the fourth attempt it took to perfect the taste—contains a base of French Cuvée and mocha staves, and paired fantastically after mixing the concoction with simple Old Fashioned ingredients.

“Consumed neat, it was exceptional; but, after Colin mixed up some Old Fashioned cocktails for us, it was a whole new ball game,” says Maynard of Ole #4.

AC Hotel Makers Mark Old Fashioned

This year, the flavor profile of the private select barrel is geared towards an Old Fashioned cocktail; although, the approach will change year after year to focus on food pairings, neat pours and “on-the-rocks” style. The concept generates excitement for Capella on 9 staff and they already have their wheels spinning for future Maker’s Mark whisky creations.

“Creating this private select barrel was a really wonderful experience—an experience that very few bartenders are able to experience in the duration of their career,” says King.

Lucky for travelers, locals and whisky aficionados, Ole #4 will be available for tasting beginning on Wednesday, Aug. 7. To get a taste of the pure genius from the beverage team, order the Ole #4 Old Fashioned; the blend is smooth on the front with a classic Kentucky burn on the back. Though guests are encouraged to enjoy the whisky any way they choose, this 2019 vintage has been specifically created to be enjoyed in this one-of-a-kind cocktail. Cheers!

About Capella on 9
Capella on 9 stands apart from the rest of the city’s impressive roster of restaurants thanks to its seamless combination of locally-curated dishes, handcrafted cocktails and stunning mountain views from nine stories above Asheville. Located in the heart of downtown, Capella on 9 sits as one of the most picturesque spots in Asheville to watch the sunset, dine and sip. Reservations are available by phone at (828) 258-2522. Visit Capellaon9.com for more information and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

About AC Hotels by Marriott®
AC Hotels by Marriott®, a lifestyle brand that celebrates a new way to hotel complemented by a European soul and Spanish roots, boasts more than 125 design-led hotels in 15 countries and territories. Design-driven AC Hotels by Marriott® edit away the unnecessary to remove friction, providing thoughtfully designed moments of beauty, allowing guests to focus on what’s important to them. The properties modern design for modern business include buzzing AC Lounges, the perfect place for locals or visitors to get work done in style or to enjoy handcrafted cocktails and tapas. High-design guest rooms and public spaces with sleek furnishings and intuitive technology features such as the Media Salons and AC Libraries inspire and connect. For more information, visit ac-hotels.com. For more information, visit http://achotels.marriott.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
In 1954, in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr. fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat, with a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency, and finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr. transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® continues to make its bourbon exactly the same way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio including Maker’s Mark 46®, Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength and Maker’s Mark Private Select™, the brand’s first-ever custom barrel program.

In 1980, the Maker’s Mark distillery became the first distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records. It remains one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com.

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY. Maker’s Mark®, Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength and Maker’s Mark 46® Bourbon Whisky, 45-57% Alc./Vol. ©2019 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY. All trademarks are the property of their respective owner.

Italian Wine Dinner at French Broad Kitchen & Wine Bar

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Italian Wine Dinner at French Broad Kitchen & Wine Bar

French Broad Kitchen & Wine Bar’s (https://thefrenchbroad.net/) signature wine dinner events are both bold and comforting, as they expand their knowledge and indulge their taste buds with creative and innovative food and wine pairings. They are pleased to have Nicole and Derek Cote from Crate Wine Market & Project lead lively and informative discussions on their wine parings for each course. And Chef Brian will walk us through the Italian landscape as he discusses his creations – how it’s made, where it comes from and why he chose it.

Join us! Relax, sip, feast…and enjoy!
Thursday, August 15th at 6:00 PM

The Menu

Antipasto
for the table

Beef Carpaccio
served family style

Stuffed Calamari
shrimp sausage, caponata

Intermezzo: Schiz Cheese and Tomato “Caprese”
house-made northern Italian grilling cheese sauteed in cream and butter with fresh tomatoes, basil and aged vinegar

Wild Mushroom Agnolotti & Truffles
mushroom and ricotta stuffed pasta with black truffles

Dessert: Zabaglione Budino

Space is limited to 25 people for the Wine Dinner. To make a reservation for this special event, please call 828-595-9797 during normal business hours, or leave a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible.

French Broad Kitchen & Wine Bar
342 North Main Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Hours
Wed & Thurs, 11 am – 9 pm Fri & Sat, 11 am – 10 pm Sun 11 am – 8 pm

ASAP Announces 2019 Local Food Experience

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ASAP Announces 2019 Local Food Experience

Popular local food & farm event returns on Aug 15 at New Belgium Brewing Co.

ASAP’s Local Food Experience celebrates the connections between farmers, chefs, and artisan food producers in the region. The event, to be held on Thursday, August 15, 6-8:30 pm, at New Belgium Brewing Co., is an opportunity for attendees to meet farmers, chefs, and artisans while sampling small plates highlighting seasonal foods grown and raised in the Southern Appalachians. The evening also features an exclusive local food–themed silent auction, a scavenger hunt, and a friendly chef competition for favorite dish. 

Participating vendors for 2019 include Sawhorse, Aux Bar, The Montford Rooftop Bar, Early Girl Eatery, Sugar & Snow Gelato, Serotonin Ferments, Shanti Elixirs, Buncombe County Schools, and more. These chefs and producers will highlight Appalachian Grown™ farm products from Looking Glass Creamery, Dry Ridge Farm, Brasstown Beef, Ivy Creek Family Farm, Farm Fresh Ventures, Jah Works Farm, other local farms. More restaurants and farms will be announced in the weeks leading up to the experience. Updated participating partners, as well as a sneak peak at silent auction items, can be found at asapconnections.org. 

“I’m so excited to be a part of the ASAP Local Food Experience for the third time!” says Dan Silo, chef-owner of Sawhorse. “It’s been a fantastic way to highlight the relationships between people who grow and produce food and people who cook food in WNC. It’s also been a great way to network with the people who put love and care and thought into what they do with food, and how it impacts the environment, the community, and the local economy. I participated in my first Local Food Experience before I even had my own business to showcase, and now that Sawhorse is up and running it gives me great joy to continue the partnership.”

ASAP’s Local Food Experience is exclusively sponsored by Katie Button Restaurants. 

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in advance at asapconnections.org. All proceeds will benefit ASAP’s programs to help local farms thrive and build healthy communities through connections to local food. New Belgium Brewing Co. is located at 21 Craven Street, Asheville, NC 28806.

ABOUT ASAP (APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT)

ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. To learn more about ASAP’s work in the region, visit asapconnections.org, or call (828) 236-1282.

 

Growing up one of 11 children with no running water or electricity

Laura
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Growing up one of 11 children with no running water or electricity

We’ve known each other for decades, from college days on, and yet when our friends Tom and Shirley visited recently, we learned incredible details about what growing up in Jamaica was like for Shirley, and about some interesting funeral traditions.

She was one of eleven children and grew up in a home with no running water or electricity. Can you imagine taking care of all those babies with no running water?

To bathe, they would follow a path through the forest, down to a nearby river.

Fast forward to when we first met Shirley. She had immigrated to the United States and was working on her Masters Degree. After getting that degree, she began a professional career working with environmental engineers.

One of the most fascinating stories she told us was about the time she had an encounter with a ghost! 

When she was a teenager, she walked home on the path she took every day, but this time it was after dark. Every time she stopped by a tree, it sounded like rain was hitting nearby leaves, or even more like someone was throwing sand towards the tree. Yet, she couldn’t see any signs of rain, sand, or pebbles anywhere.

By the time she got home, she was pretty scarred because this happened every time she’d stopped. When she told her mother what had happened, her mother said she it was probably the man who had been buried with pockets in his suit.

Shirley had no idea what her mother was talking about, so her mother explained! She also told Shirley never to walk that path after dark again.

Nine Night, Jamaica
Nine Night

Among the many funeral rituals and superstitions, some still followed today, was the belief that “if the deceased was a man, [you were to] cut out or sew up all the pockets in the burial suit in case the ghost came back with stones [or sand] to throw at the house and make mischief.” Jamaica Observer

Once I started researching this and Jamaican funeral traditions, I was blown away by the number and types of rituals. If you’re interested in learning more, here’s a good reference: Jamaican Superstitions.

To hear this ghost story and details about Shirley’s life first hand was fascinating!

TerraVita Announces 10th Anniversary (Final) Schedule

Laura
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TerraVita Announces 10th Anniversary (Final) Schedule

TerraVita Food & Drink Festival is North Carolina’s premier gathering of culinary talent, makers, artisans, food purveyors, food lovers, sustainable eaters and thinkers. For the exciting 10th anniversary, festival founder Colleen Minton is focused on celebrating past, beloved festival contributors and toasting the future of food and sustainability in North Carolina and the South. The star-studded event returns to Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Pittsboro Oct. 16-19. Tickets for the most exciting festival yet go on sale this Thursday, July 11, at noon.

Visit www.TerraVitaFest.com for tickets and schedules. Follow the Facebook page @TerraVitaFest (same for Instagram and Twitter) for announcements as speakers and event participants are added.

In an email to devoted fans, Minton shared personal news: “There’s another reason this year will be special…2019 will also be TerraVita’s final year. Just as the North Carolina food and beverage scene has matured over the last decade, so has our family! I feel like our community has grown and flourished—and I think the timing is about as good as it gets. I am proud of what TerraVita has become and the way it has tapped into the undeniable power of food and drink. I feel like we were ahead of the curve when it came to exploring topics like sustainable seafood, GMOs and social justice, as it pertains to the industry. We’ve nurtured relationships and created connections within the culinary community and beyond.

“Through our close partnership with Orange County Waste, we’ve diverted more than 22,000 pounds of waste through composting and recycling. Most of all, I’m proud of the incredible memories we’ve made and the joy this festival has brought to participants, attendees and volunteers.”

TerraVita Food & Drink FestivalWednesday

TerraVita 2019 Events Include Alumni Lineup for All-Star East Meets West Dinner

The East Meets West Dinner kicks off the festival on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Fearrington Barn. Colin Bedford of The Fearrington House in Pittsboro will host nine chefs—all alumni of East Meets West over TerraVita’s 10 years—for a collaborative dinner. In addition to Colin, the lineup for the evening includes:

  • Daniel Benjamin of lucettegrace – Raleigh
  • Ashely Boyd of 300 East – Charlotte
  • Steven Devereaux Greene of Herons at the Umstead – Cary
  • Vivian Howard of Chef & The Farmer and The Boiler Room – Kinston; and Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria – Wilmington
  • Joe Kindred of Kindred – Davidson; and Hello, Sailor – Cornelius
  • Cheetie Kumar of Garland – Raleigh
  • Dean Neff of Love, Lydia Bakery – Wilmington
  • Keith Rhodes of Catch – Wilmington
  • Jesse Roque of Never Blue – Hendersonville

In addition, master baker Lionel Vatinet of La Farm Bakery will provide fresh baked breads and crafted spreads for the dinner. Botanist & Barrel of Cedar Grove will serve their ciders and dry fruit wines. Tickets are $120.
Hill Fire event

THURSDAY

Hill Fire: A Barbecue Revival with Pigs & Pies

TerraVita’s Thursday night event at the Carrboro Town Commons celebrates those who love to play with fire. This year, some of the region’s top pitmasters and chefs will come together for an evening of smoky bliss. In addition, a limited number of VIP tickets offer cocktails and a pre-dinner behind-the-scenes experience with several pitmasters and chefs.

The lineup includes:

  • Justin Burdett of Crook’s Corner – Chapel Hill
  • Wyatt Dickson of Picnic – Durham
  • Sam Jones of the Skylight Inn – Ayden; Sam Jones BBQ – Winterville; and Sam Jones BBQ Restaurant – Greenville, Raleigh and Wilmington
  • Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint – Durham
  • Matthew Register of Southern Smoke BBQ – Garland
  • Chris Prieto of Prime Barbeque – Knightdale
  • Jake Wood of Plates Kitchen – Raleigh

Additional chefs will be added in the coming weeks. Sean Umstead of Kingfisher in Durham will be slinging specialty cocktails and other beverage participants will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are $80 for the dinner and $105 for the VIP option (which includes the dinner).

Friday
The Sustainable Classroom, a hallmark of TerraVita, will return, stirring the mind, body and soul with workshops, food and beverage tastings, demonstrations, discussions and educational sessions all wrapped into one. Watch TerraVita’s social media and websites for more announcements and updates for classroom titles and participants. Each classroom pass will include three classes over the course of the morning and early afternoon. Tickets for a Friday class pass are $75.

Spirit of Adventure Cocktail Class
This special stand-alone class at The Crunkleton in downtown Chapel Hill will offer attendees a front-row seat as Gary Crunkleton chooses a few unusual bottles to feature. He’ll offer a little history lesson and a few distinctive cocktails while also discussing what’s trending in the bar world. Tickets are $40.

On Friday evening, TerraVita will host a dinner honoring the late Karen Barker, best known for her work at Magnolia Grill, a restaurant she founded with husband Ben Barker. The dinner will offer a chance to reflect, as a community, on the legacy of the Durham pastry chef. Friends and culinary pros from across the South—as well as Karen’s family—will come together for a family-style meal at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill.

Participating chefs include:

  • Frank Stitt of Highlands Bar & Grill – Birmingham, AL
  • Billy & Kelli Cotter of Dashi & Toast – Durham
  • John Fleer of Rhubarb & Benne – Asheville
  • Phoebe Lawless of Scratch – Durham
  • Glenn Lozuke of Weaver Street Market – Carrboro
  • Caitlin McCormick Schumacher of FIG – Charleston, SC
  • Amanda Orser of Littler – Durham
  • Tori Schumacher of The Ordinary – Charleston, SC

Debra Lewis of Vintage ’59 Imports will curate the wines for the dinner and Fullsteam Brewery will serve beer. Tickets cost $120.

Saturday
Saturday’s Fall FĂŞte on The Green offers the ultimate toast to the talent and innovation of North Carolina and the chefs, artisans and makers serving up a global mix of sustainable offerings. The event at Southern Village in Chapel Hill takes place from 1:30 pm – 4 pm on Oct. 19 and will feature tastings from more than 40 chefs and artisans. Guests may taste as many as 60 sustainably-produced beverages, including kombucha; organic coffee; biodynamic, organically-grown and natural wines; and sustainably-produced microbrews and spirits. The all-inclusive ticket for the afternoon tasting event is $80; designated driver tickets are available for $65.

In addition, the Fall FĂŞte will have a limited number of VIP tickets available for early entry. VIPs will be the first to shop in the expanded makers’ tent with potters from Seagrove, The Pottery Capital of the U.S. and more than half a dozen food artisans from across the state. The makers’ tent will also feature several pros creating specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres beginning at 12:30 pm. VIPs receive early access to the larger chef tent at 1 pm. VIP entry includes tastings from Jean Anderson’s new book, Kiln to Kitchen (UNC Press). Anderson will sign her book for the public for the first two hours. VIP tickets are $100.

About TerraVita Food & Drink Festival
Launched in 2010 in Chapel Hill, NC by food activist Colleen Minton, TerraVita was named one of “seven top-notch festivals around the Southeast to whet the appatite” this Spring by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Committed to sustainable food and drink, the event brings together award-winning chefs, authors, artisans, makers, media and farmers in unique settings to taste, talk about issues and celebrate the land.

TerraVita strives to produce a zero waste event. More than 22,000 pounds of waste have been diverted over the past nine festivals through composting and recycling. The event shares a strategic partnership with Orange County Solid Waste Management and Brooks Contractors, a commercial composting company located in Chatham County. TerraVita is grateful to the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau, a proud sponsor of TerraVita.

More Information
Watch our new video! http://bit.ly/TerraVita2019Video
Visit www.terravitafest.com and @TerraVitaFest on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Sign up for emails from TerraVita for the latest news and announcements:
http://bit.ly/SignUpforTerraVitaUpdates

The Palm and Grey Goose Vodka Pair on July 26 for Four-Course Feast

Laura
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The Palm and Grey Goose Vodka Pair on July 26 for Four-Course Feast

The Palm (https://www.thepalm.com/restaurants/charlotte/) will create a Grey Goose cocktail-pairing dinner on July 26 at 7 p.m., featuring an expertly curated four-course feast designed by Chef Colin Johnson with the famed vodka’s flavors in mind. Guests old and new can enjoy specialties including Prosciutto-Wrapped Chilean Sea Bass or a Cajun-Rubbed 9-ounce Filet Mignon. Each dish will perfectly pair with a unique Grey Goose-based cocktail creatively crafted by The Palm’s beverage team.

Seats are available for $105 plus gratuity and tax. Guests can contact Tonia Heidal at 704-552-7450 or theidal@thepalm.com for reservations.

Grey Goose cocktail-pairing dinner at PalmThe Palm’s Grey Goose Vodka Dinner Menu

FIRST COURSE

Applewood Smoked Bacon Wrapped Scallop

mushroom risotto and basil oil

Cocktail: Goose on the Loose

SECOND COURSE

Baby Arugula Salad with Grey Goose Poached Pears

goat cheese, candied pistachios, and creamy balsamic vinaigrette

Cocktail: Tuscan Pear

THIRD COURSE

Prosciutto-Wrapped Chilean Sea Bass

baby mozzarella and tomato salad

OR

Cajun-Rubbed 9-ounce Filet Mignon

casino butter and frizzled leeks

Cocktail: Melon Mule

THIRD COUSE (sides)

North Carolina Sweet Potato Mashed with Sour Cream and Chives

Broccolini with Roasted Shallot and Black Garlic Butter

FOURTH COURSE

Raspberry Tiramisu

Cocktail: A Palm Affair

About The Palm:
Known for their signature dishes including Prime Aged Steak and Whole Nova Scotia Lobsters, the menu also includes The Palm’s renowned Italian fare including Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Martini, Baked Clams Casino and an award-winning wine list. The Palm’s philosophy is simple: Treat guests like family, serve great food, and always exceed expectations. Owned and operated by members of the Bozzi and Ganzi families since the company’s founding in 1926, The Palm serves as a second home for countless patrons across the United States and abroad. Now celebrating its 93rd year, The Palm continues its legacy as a favorite gathering place and dining destination for families, friends and business colleagues alike. For a virtual experience and to find a Palm Restaurant near you, visit thepalm.com.

Dollywood Seeking Next Panel of “Dollywood Insiders”

Laura
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Dollywood Seeking Next Panel of “Dollywood Insiders”

It’s time again for Dollywood to find its next panel of park insiders who share experiences and tips through online content. For the past three seasons, park guests have found helpful information on Dollywood blogs and social channels thanks to this group of seasoned Dollywood veterans. Now applications for the fourth panel of Dollywood Insiders are available at https://www.dollywood.com/lpg/insider.

From best-value suggestions to traffic tips, and where to eat recommendations to what not-to-miss, Dollywood Insiders provide expert guest perspective to aid others in trip planning. Content is shared via blog, pictures and video.

Dollywood“As we have grown our Dollywood Insider program, we have added value to our guests’ experience—elevating regular guests to experts who trade best-practice secrets when it comes to spending a day at our park,” said Pete Owens, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. “These people who serve on our panel are relatable. They don’t get a pay check to say what they’re saying and that resonates with other guests.”

Past Insiders include moms, dads, grandmas, single parents, professionals, bloggers, theme park enthusiasts and other influencers. Dollywood intentionally selects panelists from diverse walks of life to best represent Dollywood park visitors. These Insiders hail from communities across the Southeast—from Knoxville, Nashville, Birmingham, Atlanta, Charlotte and beyond.

Dollywood Insiders are tasked with pitching and executing creative blogs and videos that help others learn about Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. The Insiders serve on the panel for a one-year term and re-apply, if interested. Perks of the role include behind-the-scenes access, tickets and invitations to media events.

Applications must be submitted by Monday, July 22. After interviews, panelists will be selected and notified by July 29.

About The Dollywood Company: A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa; and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of more than 35 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 26 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more than any other theme park in the world). The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and has been named a top three US theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions. Dollywood is open nine months a year (mid-March through early January) and offers rides and attractions, shows, and crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and TripAdvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks and named 2009’s Must-See Waterpark by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, operates from mid-May to Labor Day. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, which received the 2017 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, provides guests spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins offers luxurious cabin accommodations overlooking Dollywood. For more information, call 1-800-Dollywood or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.

Ponysaurus Brewing Co. and Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. Partner

Laura
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Ponysaurus Brewing Co. and Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. Partner

Ponysaurus Brewing Co., a North Carolina based brewery, and Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., a South Carolina based brewery, have partnered to create collaborative beers in celebration of each brewery’s expansion into the other’s home state.

Ponysaurus Brewing CoEdmund’s Oast Brewing Co. recently expanded distribution into North Carolina in May of this year, and Ponysaurus Brewing Co., which self distributed solely in North Carolina for over six years, will be officially launching its South Carolina distribution in September.

Edminu's Oast Brewing Co“This collaboration rooted from a mutual love and respect for one another’s beer,” said Nick Hawthorne-Johnson, co-owner of Ponysaurus Brewing Co. “Once we realized we could join forces to welcome each other into our home states, we of course knew a beer collaboration would be the best way to celebrate.”

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. will release the beer in mid-August as a “pre-game” of sorts before the Ponysaurus South Carolina launch in September begins.

In September, the Ponysaurus Brewing Co. team will return to Charleston for a series of beer events September 13-15 to celebrate the company’s distribution expansion into South Carolina. The launch weekend includes a beer dinner, tap takeovers, live music, and an oyster roast with James Beard Award Winner Jason Stanhope, Executive Chef of FIG, and Joe Kwon of The Avett Brothers. Further details will be posted on the company’s website at www.ponysaurusbrewing.com/south-carolina and on social media.

Weekend Getaway to Orlando sans Disney and Universal

Laura
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Weekend Getaway to Orlando sans Disney and Universal

After a few months of cold weather in Western North Carolina last February, we hopped a low cost Allegiant Air flight out of Asheville for a weekend getaway in Orlando, Florida. Click gallery images to enlarge.

It was the first time we’d flown Allegiant. And like most know, or find out as they book their flight, those low fares go up quickly when any amenity (basic or not) is added, so keep that in mind when trying to keep the fare low.

My mistake was thinking that my one bag the size of a large purse was a “carry on” for which I needed to pay an additional $40. It was actually considered the one free personal item bag I was allowed. That said, paying the $40 gets you a spot in the overhead for one bag, whether your personal item or an additional carry on. So, if you can manage with one weekend bag that fits under the seat in front of you, no carry on upcharge is necessary.

We’re lucky enough to have long time friends who’ve lived in College Park for decades. If you’re not able to stay with friends, you can find good hotel, Airb&b, and Vrbo lodging at reasonable prices.

Together we came up with lots of fun things to do that didn’t take us anywhere near Disney or Universal.

Thursday: COLLEGE PARK
Evening Arrival

Visiting with Peter and Karen is always wonderful. It’s a time for catching up and rejuvenating. Their neighborhood is quaint and established, but it’s experiencing a bit of transition with some older homes demolished in favor of new, or heavily remodeled to updated versions. There are lots of beautiful homes, old and new, that are fun to see while walking the sidewalk around the two neighborhood lakes.

Friday: WINTER PARK
Dinner and a Show

What a fun, tasty find Rome’s Flavours (124 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789) was! If you don’t look carefully at their online interior pictures, you’ll be surprised at the inside seating – cozy and limited. They do have quite a bit of sidewalk seating, though.

High points were house-made pasta, good wine and beer selection, and delicious house-made gelato in creative flavors. See a sample menu here.

 

After dinner we headed over to The Winter Park Playhouse (711 N Orange Ave # C, Winter Park, FL 32789) for lots of smiling and head bopping to the music of Fats Waller in a professional production titled Ain’t Misbehavin’. Great cast, high energy, fantastic vocals! If you’re in the area, taking in a show at this gem of a theater is a must!

My only regret is that we arrived last minute, so weren’t able to take advantage of the completely inviting lobby piano bar, featuring a grand piano and lots of comfy seating. 

Ain't Misbehavin
Image: broadwayworld.com

Saturday: Sanford
Festivals, Dinner, Brews, and Views

Is too much fun even possible? Not in my world! Saturday was all about great food, great drinks, and great scenery.

We headed out to Sanford’s Historic Residential Downtown for the 2nd Annual Porchfest. In a nutshell, musicians/bands set up on front porches of historic homes and play, with 15 minute breaks between bands. Folks walk, bike, and golf cart throughout the district, stopping to listen to the music and hang out with friends.

It’s free and a completely volunteer (unpaid) effort on the part of organizers, bands, District home owners, and support services like print shops. Donations for festival and local non-profit support are accepted at each porch. Bring a blanket, light weight chair, or whatever, to sit on, sun screen, water, and snacks (optional of course).

Some homeowners offer food for sale. We saw BBQ grills, and one group of kids operating a lemonade stand. And best of all, we were impressed with the quality of the music.

After hours of walking the District, stopping at lots of porches, we walked in to town for dinner at Sanford Brewing Company (400 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771) as the Central Florida Brewers Guild Festival was taking place. They serve “Southern gastro comfort food. Some bar food, some sandwiches, and some full plates” ( Menu ), as well as their own brews. We ordered a variety of both food and drink and were happy with all of our choices.

At this point a stroll along Sanford’s River Walk was in order. We were treated to sightings of birds, a variety of fish, and a gorgeous sunset. A great way to wrap up a great day.

 

Sunday: Breakfast & Mt. Dora
Exploring, Shopping, Afternoon Drinks

Our flight back to Asheville wasn’t until late afternoon, so we had time for Brunch at a pretty hip spot, Se7en Bites (617 Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32803), tagging along with our friends as they shopped for a new kitchen appliance in a huge, very cool warehouse with creaky floors, and a few hours exploring the sweet town of Mount Dora, including the luxurious Historic 1883-built Lakeside Inn (100 North Alexander Street
Mount Dora, FL 32757).

Se7en Bites has a system for handling the mobs of people who show up for Sunday Brunch. Not sure how busy they are other days of the week? We moved through the line  outside, past the host, and through the line inside quickly enough. Luckily we got a hold of menus (specials change weekly) when we were outside, so it wasn’t quite as hectic when we placed our orders at the counter as newbies.

Overall, loved the concept! The menu is creative and all our dishes were delicious, but it definitely leans “heavy” with lots of meats, biscuits, and gravy. Some vegetarian options are available, but no vegan at this time. Be prepared to take whatever seat you can find. A couple of us ended up eating scooched up to our table balancing on the front edge of what I think was a church pew.

“What’s the story behind the name Se7enbites?
Chef and owner, Trina Gregory-Propst had a long journey to owning a bakery and being healthy. In 2007, she had a sleeve gastrectomy. After this procedure her intake per meal had become 7 bites. Thus, the name was born -Se7enbites. Her new food philosophy has been if 7 bites is all you get it better be the best damn 7 bites ever!”

Brewed coffee is available, which would go with anything, absolutely anything, from their incredible bakery. Don’t miss the pictures of baked goods in the gallery below. I admit to lagging behind longer than I should have, ogling masses of treats on bell jar covered cake stands.

One of the things owner and Chef Trina Gregory-Propst is famous for is her Vanilla Bean Bourbon Bacon Moonpie. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in 2017. Click here to watch a video of Chef Gregory-Propst making those amazing Moonpies.

Mount Dora is a cute waterfront town that is totally stroll-worthy, with cute shops, a Modernism Museum, a great museum store, and plenty of restaurants. Anchoring the town on water’s edge is the iconic Lakeside Inn.

It was a warm day, so after walking around town, we decided to head to the Lakeside Inn for drinks. We almost sat on the big covered porch with a view of the lawn, pool with covered bar, and lake, but opted for air conditioning in the bar. If you’re in the area, take some time to walk he Inn’s property. It’s beautifully maintained and landscaped.

 

Plan ahead for a winter weekend getaway with low cost airfare to Orlando. Remember, it’s not all about the amusement parks. There’s so many other things to see and do!

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