Category Archives: Southeast Weekends

Birmingham

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Was able to explore a new city– while it was a few months ago it is still worth sharing! I also got to visit two good friends who had recently moved there.

Birmingham is two hours from Atlanta and in my mind that is the perfect distance when leaving after work Friday and returning Sunday.

We started the day on Saturday at the Pepper Place Farmers Market located downtown. Since we were starting our day didn’t have the opportunity to buy any produce but it certainly looked like you could buy your whole weeks worth and then some. I was able to enjoy some iced coffee & pick up some candles. I was going to get as gifts but they smelled too good to give away!

Next we headed lunch at Five Bar in Crestwood. I ordered the special for the day: blackened snapper with goats cheese grits & creole red pepper cream sauce. I recommend the smoked tuna dip as well as they smoke it right in house. Since we went on Saturday we missed the Sunday brunch when they have live Jazz.

In the afternoon we hiked around Pelham Oak Mountain State Park. Had it been a rainy summer/early fall the waterfall would have been more full but sadly it reminded me more of a trickle nevertheless it was still fun!

And while I love nature my natural habitat is probably closer to an institution that makes and serves beer so to Good People Brewery we went. And let me tell you they had the BEST coffee oatmeal stout. I was extremely distressed when I found out that they don’t sell into Georgia.

Went to Jisei for sushi and man was it swanky! I wish I could remember which rolls I had however I can’t but I can tell you I participated in the clean plate club that night and went on to enjoy the cake pops. They later inspired me to make my own but trust me when I say mine didn’t even compare.

Last stop for the day was to Avondale Brewery where I discovered the vanilliaphent porter, which I also enjoyed immensely. Very fun fact: you won’t be disappointed with the beers or breweries in Alabama.

On Sunday we hit up Brick & Tin in Mountain Brook for brunch. I had the meatloaf sandwich and indulged with another good beer a rye brown from Trim Tab Brewery.

This weekend was complete with good food, great company, and new places. Couldn’t have asked for a better inaugural trip to Alabama.

Thanks for hosting Kiffy & Justin!!

North Georgia

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Recently took the opportunity to spend a weekend up in North Georgia and I am so glad I did. Originally went up to celebrate Tom’s birthday and just go white water rafting but then (last minute) we decided to turn it into a FULL weekend.

We stayed at Rabun Manor in Dillard, GA and it was a fabulous Bed & Breakfast. Nancy is the owner and is just too sweet. She called saying she wouldn’t be there when we were planning to arrive and gave us perfect instructions on how to get to our room, which happened to be one of the cottages. The king size bed was a dream and the breakfast delicious. A bowl of fruit and a yogurt parfait were on the table when we got to table both mornings. On Saturday we had peach stuffed french toast with eggs and bacon. On Sunday it was carrot bread, pan-fried potatoes, and bacon.

On Saturday we rafted all day with Southeastern Expeditions in Clayton, GA. We did the class IV trip on the Chattooga river. It was my first rafting trip and I successfully only fell out of the raft once! The rapid was called 7 falls and you fall roughly seven feet (tip: when they say lean right actually lean right). Our river guide was Josh and he was beyond amazing. He told us all about the river, what to expect, and was a history buff so learned a lot about the Chattooga, which I honestly knew nothing about. Most importantly he told us about this BBQ place just over the state line in South Carolina…

I’ve never had BBQ in South Carolina so some might say I’ve never really had BBQ before. There is another saying in South Carolina that the less the place is open the better is it. Brasstown Creek BBQ in Westminster, SC is open 2 days a week for a total of 10 hours. There is no website and it is cash only. Now that I know what BBQ should and can taste like I fully agree that nothing compares. Tom & I shared the pulled pork sandwich with the Carolina mustard sauce, baked beans, apple sauce, and homemade pecan pie. Once we were done we promptly hopped back in line to bring home leftovers.

Our final stop on on the trip was at Fortify Kitchen in Clayton, GA. It is a farm to table restaurant near all the farms; a novel idea I tell you!! Having heard they were known for cocktails Tom and I decided to start with a Manhattan and Old Fashioned and since having BBQ only a few hours before we decided to skip the appetizers and just order mains. I opted for the Duet of Duck with farro and kale sauteed with sun dried tomatoes. Tom choose the 6 oz Filet with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. I ordered a glass of cab-franc for dinner from Stonewall Creek Vineyards in Tiger, GA. And it was really good! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised but I certainly do like local gems. We wanted to check out the winery but it wasn’t open until later on Sunday so this just mean we have an excuse to go back. The dessert was an easy decision, chocolate creme brulee with two Irish coffees. Finishing up the weekend on a sweet (and boozy!) note was really kind of perfect.

Savannah, GA

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Before I jump into things I will say it’s been awhile and it’s time for me to catch up! I really don’t have an excuse just thought I’d take a break. But now on to more important things!

I went to Savannah with my sister over the summer and quickly discovered this was another town with few disappointments! We got in late and went to Maxwell’s, which is on the outskirts of town but should not be overlooked just because it is not on a square. It’s pretty eclectic with many small plates to choose from. The cocktail menu is also wonderfully curated and has a pretty solid wine list to boot.

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View from the top!

On Friday we trotted over to Tybee Island to check out the The Crab Shack but before that we went to the lighthouse, which we climbed to the top of so needless to say were ready to E-A-T! At the Shack we ordered the Capt’n Crabs Sampler. If you see below we were anything but short of seafood. If you want a place to enjoy food without ANY FUSS look no further. Their catch phrase is honest to god “where the elite eat in their bare feet.”

Capt’n Sampler

After wondering around all afternoon we headed to The Olde Pink House for a more refined meal as the Pink House is one of Savannah’s most popular and historic restaurants. The service and quality were all on par and we timed finishing up perfectly as we walked home just as the fireworks were starting. Talk about an awesome way to light your walk home! (P.S. it was Fourth of July Weekend)

On Saturday we ever so eagerly went to tea at the Gryphon. It’s owned/ operated by SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) and has a killer location. The tea was rather traditional, which was just what I was hoping for. However, I noticed we had to ask for the tea menu and when another table saw what we got they were confused on why they weren’t aware of the tea option!

We continued our food tour of Savannah and landed at Alligator Soul for dinner that night. It’s contemporary southern with a heavy focus on game meat. We feasted on alligator, buffalo, and kangaroo. This is also where I feel in love with beerenauslese; I’d call it German port but according to Wikipedia is a “late harvest wine from Germany.”

Before we headed out of town we went to SoHo South Cafe for breakfast on Sunday. While it was good I wouldn’t say it was worth the 45 minute wait …which is what some people were willing to do when we left.

Other things I truly enjoyed while in Savannah was the farmer’s market on Saturday. The watermelon juice was probably my favorite stop!

And lastly the Spanish moss trees.

Until next time….

Charleston, SC

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I was finally able to make my way over to Charleston this summer and in doing so I was able to eat my way through the town! I was also fortunate enough to make this trip with my mom who is not only my inspiration in the kitchen but also the one who is responsible for making me aware of the joy that a good meal can bring. Below are four restaurants that I would easily recommend if you happen to find yourself in Charleston, South Carolina.

Circa 1886

Two words. Chef’s tasting. From seasonal foods to the presentation the whole night was outstanding. We even had a little excitement as we got to met the chef himself! One course that really stuck out was as the server put it upscale egg ‘n’ a hole. The egg was cooked in an oscillating hot bath so it’s similar to a  poached egg but it was so much more than that since the consistency wasn’t as aqueous. To be honest I don’t think I’ve ever had an egg like it. The cuisine is most definitely southern but don’t expect your typical fried chicken as the menu has the essence of fine dining.

My mom and me after the Chef's Tasting at Circa 1886!

My mom and me after the Chef’s Tasting at Circa 1886!

Husk

Brunch is a must at this place but don’t caught with a 2 hour wait, make reservations! The skillet corn bread is killer and so is the honey pork butter. I asked for more it was that good. I had the french toast with berries and cane syrup. My mom got the Funnel Cake with fried chicken, house cured ham, pickled red onion, a poached farm egg, and hollandaise. The plate was overwhelming with flavor but if you worked at getting everything on your fork for one bite it was fantastic. I have also never seen an eggs Benedict with funnel cake and suspect I won’t again. The restaurant is in a gorgeous house set in historical Charleston. The menu is updated twice a day based on what is available at that moment. The one rule of the kitchen is that if it doesn’t come from the South it doesn’t come in. While southern favorites are on the menu I would say all dishes have a modern twist that many other restaurants just don’t seem to be able to create.

82 Queen

This was my first true lowcountry cuisine dining experience and in classic fashion I started out with she crab soup. My mom and I also split the fried green tomato bites because I’m often eager to try them wherever I happen to be. It was a lovely warm summer night so we were able to enjoy the evening on their patio. I ordered the barbecue shrimp and grits and my mom the Carolina crab cakes. When you’re near the ocean it would be sin not to order seafood! This restaurant has been a main stay in Charleston since 1982 and was the first to really define all the influences of the area with African, Anglo, Caribbean, and French flavors popping in and around all dishes. When you’re here you get a sense that this is more than a restaurant that is following a popular trend. The care that is put into all dishes was definitely noticed and appreciated.

Butcher & Bee

Just before leaving we stopped at this sandwich shop but one shouldn’t really think of this as any old shop serving turkey and ham. They are known for their burger with pimento cheese but also serve an eggplant banh mi. I dare you to name anther place that serves both. On the day that my mom and I went there were probably 5 or 6 sandwich options. My mom got the lamb pita and I the BBQ pork with fried pickles. There is a reason why publications from GQ to Bon Appetit are taking about this place and it’s because whatever they create and produce turns out fabulously. They’re open for lunch, dinner, and late night. They also happen to be the only place in Charleston that is BYOB. While it may not be downtown you would be very sorry to have missed this place if you’re in or around Charleston.

 

I would also like to recommend the Andrew Pinckney Inn if you’re in need of a hotel. They were located in the heart of the historic district and had wonderful accommodations.