charleston

This last weekend we went to Charleston with Mom and Dad to visit Levi and celebrate the January birthdays.  Mine is the 14th, Mom's the 27th and Dad's the 31st. 

 

I am going to apologize in advance for the crappy pictures.  I didn't want to haul my SLR down there and I forgot to charge my little camera so these are all phone pictures.  Of course, I still can't get them to save after I have rotated them and the quality is bad.  But, it is better than nothing I guess...

 

 

We started at Fuel on Friday as it was next to Hominy Grill. 

 

This guava mojito was delicioso.  Not too sweet or minty - perfect!

 

Can you believe I have never eaten here before?  Even if I moved back to Charleston, it would take forever to get to all the restaurants.  And, I'd be broke.  :)

 

Boiled peanuts to start

 

Dad got the purloo with sausage, ham, shrimp and fried chicken

 

I got the sesame-crusted catfish with fried grit cakes, sauteed okra and a geechee peanut sauce

 

The catfish, okra and sauce were amazing.  I think my herbed cheese grit cakes are better than these though. 

 

Brad got the pecan-crusted pork chop

 

Levi got the special - a bog with some wild game (duck, rabbit, ??) and jasmine rice croquettes.  With collards and the grit cakes

 

 

We stayed at the Fulton Lane Inn right on King.  It was a great little place!

 

 

On Saturday, we walked around downtown.  The Battery.  The weather was fantastic!!  Clear, sunny and not too cold at all. 

 

Brad and me with a massive live oak.  I want one or ten...

 

Mom and Dad with one of the cannons. 

 

All the oaks in the park.

 

Brad and I took Mom and Dad to the place where Brad proposed.  The pineapple fountain at the park on the Cooper River. 

 

 

For lunch, we went over to Sullivan's Island for some BBQ.  (This is another place I had never eaten.)  The one in West Ashley is the game-day headquarters for UGA's alumni association and game watching.  And Packway Handle plays there a fair amount. 

 

 

I got a Goose Island winter ale.  Goose Island is brewed in Chicago and we always had it when we went to see Megan and Adi.  You don't see it much around here at all. 

 

Brad with a Hometeam Gamechanger.

 

My pork platter.  Those beans were for real!

 

We then went to Patriots Point so Dad and Brad could tour the USS Yorktown.  Mom and I skipped.  I have been on it several times.  Kiawah actually had their employee Christmas parties on it because no other place was big enough!

 

We ventured to North Charleston after that for some outlet shopping and the boat show.  Alas, we do not have a new boat.  :(

 

 

We went to Pearlz in West Ashley for dinner.  I really wanted to go to Al Di La but with it being Avondale's Restaurant Week, they were booked solid.  Pearlz was great though.  I love their corn fritters!

 

 

After dinner, we walked over to Voodoo for some cocktails.  Levi and Dad sipped some tequila and Brad and I enjoyed the house margaritas. 

 

They have this 32 oz rum punch that they set on fire.  We were really jazzed to see it but, then, weren't very impressed with the flame.  Ha. 

 

Brad and I joined Levi at Gene's across the street after Voodoo. 

 

We played some mean Jenga.  Levi is contemplating his move here.  It ended being the last one of our best game.  25 levels!

 

 

On Sunday, we had brunch at Fat Hen.  This is just about a ritual for us when we are in town.   

 

Levi has a friend that works as a cook there so he sent us out the house-made charcuterie to start.  Pate, mousse, salmon, beef and sausage.  Yum.

 

We also ordered the cheese platter and smoked salmon.

 

Brad had the duck bbq.

 

Mom had the creme brulee french toast.

 

Levi had the sausage and french toast sandwich.

 

Dad had the duck and apple sausage gratin. 

 

Sweet potato biscuits

 

I got the two eggs any way.  They have switched up their grits and they were scrumptious!!  Best eggs I have had in a while too.  Oh, and the local apple cider was amazing.  They actually ran out so I was glad I ordered it first thing!

 

As we were leaving, we decided to get a picture with some 'fat hens.'  Ha, they were fake.

 

With Levi and Dad

 

Sibling photo. 

 

Levi reaped the benefits of us ordering too much food and got a sweet doggie bag.

 

The fig tree Levi got Dad for his birthday

 

The Intercoastal on the way out of town.  Ah, I miss Charleston already.  Good thing we will be back in March!



bird hunting

I just found these photos that Brad had sent me from a bird hunt he went on with Dad and Levi back in December.  They had a blast (as always) and actually got some quail!

 

 

The pups were ready to go!  Noses out of the box trying to get a head start on finding birds.

 

(I am so fed up with my pictures not posting the right way.  I rotate them before I save them but it doesn't translate for some reason.  Anyone have any tips?)

 

Sadie with Dad and Brad - bird down!

 

Rascal (I think) on the run.

 

Kate.  I love her flopping ears!

 

Rascal and Kate

 

Sadie with a mouth full of feathers

 

Kate and Pepper - worn out after a long day of running!

 

Aren't they the cutest things?!?

 



january

January has been a blast so far!

 

 

For New Year's, we got together with the Lawrences, Bowens, Griffins, soon-to-be McWattys and a friend from work.  We had chili and cornbread, watched football and the ball drop and had a dance party.  Everyone spent the night so we had breakfast the next day and some folks stuck around for the UGA game (FTW) and the typical New Year's meal of pork, greens and black-eyed peas.  Good times!

 

Last Friday, I went to Sheehan's with Martha and Natalie as an early birthday celebration.  Their catfish louisianne is to-die-for.  I'm sure everything else is good too but I can't break away!

 

The girls came back to the house afterwards to continue the party.

 

I was loving that our table at dinner had an S.  The three of us all have surnames that start with S now.  Now, I am thinking the S is for Sheehan's.  Geez. 

Last Monday (my actual birthday), the whole crew got together for dinner at Salsa's.  Mexican is so easy - fast, good for kids and everyone loves it!  Thanks to Allen/Gail, Jay/Beth, the Lawrences, Bowens, Collins', Leveretts, and the soon-to-be Doziers for helping me celebrate!  We missed the Rigsbys and Griffins! 

 

On Friday, we celebrated Debbie's 60th birthday. Bill arranged this wonderful surprise dinner with her children (from AZ and CO) and her family (from IN). He did a great job!

 

Debbie's brother-in-law (also Bill), her son Andy, Brad and her other son Pete. 

 

Brad's Dad, Bill, as Debbie greets her sweet grandson, daughter-in-law and Megan.  Megan's husband, Adi, and Amanda, Pete's fiancee, were not able to make it and they were sorely missed!

 

Me and Brad

 

Debbie blowing out her candles

 

Megan with Brad

 

With Megan

 

(My camera was having issues so we did lots of takes.  It had issues again on Saturday.  I need to learn how to use the darn thing!)

 

Debbie with her sisters and mother. 

 

Afterwards, we went to Debbie and Bill's for more visting.  Happy 60th!

 

Then, on Saturday, we hosted an engagement party for Jay and Beth. The party was at Mike and Blake's and everyone had a blast!!

 



 

Mel with Allen

 

Allen and Brad with Jay's dad.  He's their favorite!

 

Cornhole tourney (of course)!  I am pretty sure those boards did not survive the night. 

 

Brock, Brad, Matt and Mike

 

The fire was fantastic!  Mike and Blake just took down their Christmas tree so there were plenty of dry branches to burn.

 

Eric and Steve

 

We had many takes of these photos too due to mechanical issues.  This was the best one...

 

Michelle, Liza, Jennifer, Michele and me

 

with Brad

 

Heather, Kristen, me, Beth, Michelle, Michele, Gail, Mel and Liza

 

Jay and Allen

 

Do you know Nuway in Macon?  I had never heard of it until a friend mentioned it earlier this week.  Then, totally unrelated, another host brought 60 as a surprise to Jay for late-night snacking at his party.  Hotdog with chili and cheese!

 

(On a side note, isn't it weird when you hear something for the first time and then that thing pops back up again very quickly?  Does it stick with you because you just heard it (and you're on the lookout for it) or is it just a crazy coincedence?  Things I think about.)

 

The lovely couple - Beth and Jay

 

Jay and Beth with Jay's Mom

 

Matt and Brad clowning around with the top-shelf Tortilla Tequila.  :)

 

The Nuways stashed in a closet until the big reveal!

 

Jay and Beth with Jay's parents, sister and brother-in-law.  Beth's family lives in Virginia but we are looking forward to partying with them in Charleston in March for the wedding.

 

The backyard crowd. 

 

The Roachs and O'Dells

 

And guess what we served - Salsa's!!!  Ha.  Like I said, Mexican is everyone's favorite. 

 

Master mixologist Brad making Shingleritas, part 2.  These things were delish but lethal!  I think he went with a 1:1 ratio on the mix and tequila.  When asked about the secret ingredient, Brad always says more tequila.  Well, I think he is right.  He did mix it this time with orange extract, curacao and sweet lime juice.  Although, this just covered up the tequila taste so they were super-sneaky. 

 

Trey, William, Matt, Eric (always on his phone) and Gail

 

Brad with Mrs. Wanda.  They used to work in the same building for Richmond County!

 

Then, on Sunday, we went to the Bowens to watch the Falcons game with everyone.  I must admit that I am not a Falcons fan.  I don't dislike them but am indifferent as I tend to follow UGA players and they rarely sign any.  I also don't want to jump on the bandwagon just because they are winning now.  Well, were.  Also, I think I just like to be contrary on this issue.  It was a great game but, of course, everyone was disappointed they lost.  Georgia teams have all lost in the semi-finals this year.  Let's hope that improves next year!

 

So, this weekend we head to Charleston with the family for more birthday celebrations.  Bring it on!