tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15640571625323793582024-02-19T03:19:35.794-08:00ButterflyByWays"tales of travel wherever fine wine, food and culture take us."TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-68937367044357267182016-08-26T13:10:00.001-07:002016-08-26T13:10:03.132-07:00Design & Décor: The Roost: Airbnb in the Trees<a href="http://www.greensboro.com/1808greensboro/style/design-d-cor-the-roost-airbnb-in-the-trees/article_d9e5c5d5-6636-5d1f-9e8e-def39fe35761.html#.V8CiC6lE508.blogger">Design & Décor: The Roost: Airbnb in the Trees</a>: Amanda Albert and Liam Barrett's sustainably built treehouse airbnb is getting booked.TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-53835287502434244242016-08-12T08:25:00.000-07:002016-08-12T08:51:19.188-07:00Binh Minh : Vietnamese family serves up love, one dish at a time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br>
It is a tale of two families, one country and a desire to have a better
life.<br>
<br>
The tale has a happy ending for Chi Le and Nhon Pham — husband and wife and
co-owners of Binh Minh Vietnamese restaurant.<br>
<br>
Pham was one of the few who escaped by boat crammed in with others for a
perilous trip out of his country. It would take a few years but his life was
about to turn around after living in war-torn Vietnam.<br>
<br>
The boat ride is just the beginning of his journey to freedom. There was a
refugee camp in Thailand for one year and then another year spent in Indonesia
studying English. He was waiting, hoping and praying to make it to America, and
in 1982 he got his chance. “I was so lucky to get to come to the U.S.,” says
Pham. “Some people were in the camp for years – it was hard to sit and wait.”A
20-hour plane trip was his ticket out of nowhere and heading to somewhere
better.<br>
<br>
Pham landed in Greensboro, North Carolina, knowing no one and nervous, but thankful for
a fresh start. His English was shaky and he was scared.<br>
<br>
Years passed and out of necessity and to control their schedules,
Pham and brother Minh, decided to open Binh Minh (a new day, “dawn” in
Vietnamese) in 1997. He admits the first few years in business were hard. “We
only had family working in the restaurant since we couldn’t afford to pay
anyone,” smiles Pham.<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://butterflybyways.blogspot.com/2016/08/binh-minh-vietnamese-family-serves-up.html#more">Read more »</a>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-65473729218088152882014-05-27T20:23:00.005-07:002014-05-27T20:25:46.156-07:00 North Carolina's Most Unique Antique FestivalOutdoor Festival Serves Up Antiques with a Slice of Americana <br />
By Lynne Brandon<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farm setting adds to downhome vibe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt on display</td></tr>
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Liberty, NC - You can hear the unusual noise before you walk into the Liberty Antique Festival. The unusual "hit and miss" sound is one-of-a-kind. It is the sound of the Hit and Miss 1937 John Deere <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serving up a "Rebel" with a cause</td></tr>
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engine that turns the big wooden churn filled with home made ice cream. The machine was used to grind corn at mills once upon a time. Owner, Jonathan Williamson bought it from the previous owner Gilbert Key when he decided to retire.Williamson's mother, Linda, helps scoop and serve the dairy confection, and she confesses that the pre-mixed commercial ice cream base is an old Amish recipe that is a secret. And, it is not cheap.<br />
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The recipe is 100 years old and patented so it will remain a mystery. What's not a surprise is the long lines that form twice a year when Williamson and other food and antique dealers come to Liberty for the down home show that is part Antique Pickers and part Mayberry.<br />
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The people behind the event are the Pike family. The Pike's own the large field (more than two football field lengths) that becomes the Liberty Antique Festival each April and September, always the last weekend in the month. The Pike's BBQ booth is one of the first seen when walking in. The smell will attract you initially, followed by the excellent service and food served up at Dixieland BBQ. Nan Pike is in charge and she and a band of church ladies serve up pork hams cooked by husband, Don. He starts at 3 a.m. each morning and before the event is over nearly 50 hams are cooked on the massive grill that was originally an oil drum.<br />
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"Staley" style cue is served up as a "Rebel" on the menu. It is Nan's invention and comes with sauce, BBQ, mayo-based slaw (mountain cabbage) and beans. No bun. Drink of choice is the house wine of the South - a.k.a as sweet tea. BBQ sauce is homemade by Don's mother and sold in bottles.<br />
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After filling up on BBQ, a walk through rows of antique wares is necessary to work off the calories. Booths, tents and spaces are lined in rows. Each space is different from the next and anything can be found if one is willing to poke around a little. Civil war artifacts, farm equipment, antique furniture, collectible glass and books are some of the treasures waiting to be discovered. The laid back atmosphere brings out crowds who enjoy strolling through the grassy rows looking for the perfect settee, old time wall fixture, or out of print book. <br />
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Those who walk the entire festival are rewarded along the way with homemade and freshly squeezed lemonade. It goes great with Papa's Old Fashioned Kettle Korn that is sold each year from the large copper pots. The couple making and selling the corn are from Florida and they come every year. You can't miss them - the wife is the red head with the cowboy hat on. No matter how hot it is, she is wearing her hat.<br />
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If you get lost, an Aunt Bea voice comes across the PA system to direct you back to your party. The voice says today that Edith is tried of waiting and Bill needs to hurry up and get to the exit. Set in a pasture with cows grazing nearby, the scene is true Americana. You might not always find that perfect piece of furniture but you will create a memory, and eat some of the best food in the South Guaranteed.<br />
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<br />TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-88373355484380367572014-05-27T18:24:00.002-07:002014-05-27T18:31:40.824-07:00Classic Carolina City: Camden, SC<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> City of History and Horses</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by Lynne
Brandon</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Mills Courthouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabKxC-9BCU0jzL24GX6x1CGdxQMC2nxl9neyB789n7G8pkNWZ10fp9_Mh9I6cNrTlKPToKCotmDsGsOaUcxXXkYqE0tOyhlzuN0r4cSaWK1XQhHWiCBJkpToQd7O45Cl7NNECDhSAncwD/s1600/CarolinaCupHopeCooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabKxC-9BCU0jzL24GX6x1CGdxQMC2nxl9neyB789n7G8pkNWZ10fp9_Mh9I6cNrTlKPToKCotmDsGsOaUcxXXkYqE0tOyhlzuN0r4cSaWK1XQhHWiCBJkpToQd7O45Cl7NNECDhSAncwD/s1600/CarolinaCupHopeCooper.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolina Cup</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Re-enactment at Camden Revolutionary War site</td></tr>
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Camden, SC - A common misconception is that Camden is only for the equestrian-loving
crowd. The equine industry is indeed robust in this Southern city, but it is
only one part of its appeal. Camden is rich in history, arts, culture and antiques
and gracious hospitality can be found on every corner.<br />
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Camden is South Carolina's oldest inland city,
and its rich past is on display in its museums, historic district, antebellum
homes and antique shops. Camden has more than 60 historic sites, including
parks, cottages and spacious mansions. At the Historic <a href="http://www.camden-sc.org/historic-camden.php?PHPSESSID=fa0565abd018961a27fb7d49dde78b27" title="Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Camden Revolutionary War Site</span></a>
visitors can see reenactments twice a year. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Camden Archives and Museum is a city-owned museum that focuses on the Colonial
and Revolutionary eras. Permanent and rotating exhibits such as the Ross M.
Beard, Jr. Gun Collection generate a great deal of interest. The collection is
one of the largest exhibits in the Southeast, featuring guns from John Dillinger.
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Museums
and exhibits tell Camden’s story while the horse industry are a major economic
driver of the city. The estimated impact of the Carolina and Colonial Cup Races
and the 31 weekend events at the South Carolina Equine Park was $10 million in
2013. The total economic impact of equine-related activities and businesses was
estimated at more than $29 million for Kershaw County, the top South Carolina County
for equine ownership per capita. </span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Signs of the equine
lifestyle are everywhere--</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">horse trailers and
small barns tucked among homes, huntsman and hounds afoot on Saturdays, retail
tack and feed supply stores. The 600 acres of the Springdale Race Course is
central to the horse community. Established in 1928, the course is home to the
Carolina and Colonial Cup Steeplechase Races. The Carolina Cup steeplechase
draws over 65,000 fans annually from throughout the country to enjoy an
afternoon of racing, fashion and tailgating. </span><br />
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Spring heralds springtime in Camden when the Steeplechase Capital of the
World gears up for the <a href="http://www.camden-sc.org/carolina-cup-races.php?PHPSESSID=fa0565abd018961a27fb7d49dde78b27" title="Carolina Cup Steeplechase horse race"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Carolina Cup</span></a>. In the fall
horse lovers gather for the world-famous <a href="http://www.camden-sc.org/colonial-cup-festival.php?PHPSESSID=fa0565abd018961a27fb7d49dde78b27" title="Colonial Cup Steeplechase horse race"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Colonial Cup Race</span></a>.
Throughout the year horse shows at Equine Park, polo matches and foxhunts keep
the equestrian community busy. Quarter horses are also trained in Camden for
barrel racing shows and roping competition.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is fitting that the National Steeplechase Museum resides in Camden. It opened
to the public in 1998, and it is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated purely
to telling the story of the American steeplechase. The white clapboard building
that houses both the racing offices and the National Steeplechase Museum is on
the grounds of the race course. A life-size bronze statue of Lonesome Glory, five-time
Horse of the Year, greets museum visitors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Inside, rotating
exhibits, a racing silks display, an interactive exhibit of a day in the life
of a jockey, equine photography, and the J.V.H. (Bobby) Davis Memorial Library
give horse lovers much to enjoy. Hope Cooper, Director of the National
Steeplechase Museum, welcomes tourists from every state and several countries
annually. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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The natural beauty of Camden’s landscape and temperate climate attract sports
and recreation enthusiasts from across the U.S. and internationally. The clay
sporting course at Hermitage Farm Shooting Sports, fishing at <a href="http://www.camden-sc.org/lake-wateree.php"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">LakeWateree</span></a> or driving a “lemon”
at Carolina Motorsports Park are all fun ways to relax for those not inclined
to ride horses.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
a day of outdoor sports, first-quality pampering awaits visitors at local bed
and breakfast inns. The Camden House is located in the historic downtown across
the street from the famed Buckley School of Public Speaking. Completed in 1832,
the mansion is in easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, antique stores, a
community theater and historic parks. Visitors also stay in Bloomsbury Inn, a
former residence of Mary Boykin Chestnut who authored the well-known Civil War
diary. Elegant surroundings and exceptional services have landed the inn on the
“B& B of the Year” list multiple times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Art
and music are appreciated in the city, and blues lovers flock to the annual <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Carolina Downhome </span>Blues Festival. Throughout the year, the active arts
community supports more than 100 events and classes at the art center.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
vibrant city offers many reasons to visit and perhaps put down roots. From
friendly people to the active outdoors lifestyle, Camden is a true Southern
destination, and the town built on tradition is not just for those who are
comfortable in a saddle.</span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SEE AND DO:
Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park, Springdale Racecourse (home to the
Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup steeplechase), National Steeplechase Museum,
South Carolina Equine Park.</span></div>
TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-90387953966312463182014-05-05T13:15:00.002-07:002014-05-05T13:21:08.616-07:00Musical Giants and Southern Cusine in Shelby<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A Small Southern Town Where Legends are Made</span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Vineyard Riesling</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shelby,
NC –</span></b>“She
was sitting right over there, in that corner booth,” he pointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chef Jim Sander was telling me about the time
Jennifer Lawrence ate at Pleasant City during the filming of the first Hunger
Games a few years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The actress didn’t
know it but the movie inspired menu items: District Twelve pizza, Girl on Fire
pizza, Peeta Pita and strawberry spinach salad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few years later and the District 12 pizza and spinach salad remain on the menu.
Both are worth trying. The District 12 pizza is a unique twist on pie with a
sweet potato base, mozzarella cheese, shitake mushrooms, caramelized onions,
ham, goat cheese and fresh basil. The strawberry spinach salad is topped with
exceptional berry vinaigrette. Other favorites are the chunky tomato basil soup
that goes perfectly with pesto mozzarella bread sticks. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG54Bu3uRGqB0oReq4InYb_62FDBlpEiuwcSz72bQVgTelJzDaKC2BgdHBwRLZRuWrH08c56IGZoCjhc5ONlynI5zUjcxASk7B71FfIkmlJ0VeBQz94vkcDMctkSBF_sOu8e1F2tKoc5bA/s1600/Earl+Scruggs+Center+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG54Bu3uRGqB0oReq4InYb_62FDBlpEiuwcSz72bQVgTelJzDaKC2BgdHBwRLZRuWrH08c56IGZoCjhc5ONlynI5zUjcxASk7B71FfIkmlJ0VeBQz94vkcDMctkSBF_sOu8e1F2tKoc5bA/s1600/Earl+Scruggs+Center+2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earl Scruggs Center on the historic Shelby square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Try the extensive beer
list with hand crafted brews for every taste. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Owner, Chris Canoutas comes from a long line
of restaurateurs starting with his grandfather who once owned the iconic Shelby
Café.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Walk
a few short blocks to try the famed Shelby Café, a town treasure not only for
the southern comfort food but the affable and energetic owner, George
Rizkallah. He starts his mornings at 4:30 a.m. to make his famous flaky
biscuits that are perfection when slathered with sausage gravy. The town has an
abiding affection for liver mush, a café specialty, a southern meat likened to liver
pate without the finery. The popular dish is served any way you want it but
most requested is the deep-fried version served with mustard. Table tops preserve
history with old news clippings about JFK’s assassination and Elvis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Burgers
are exceptional at Newt’s, the place to be on a sunny day on the square. The Carolina
Burger with all the fixings is worth every mess mouthful and goes down great in
between bites of homemade tater tots. The best beef brisket in the country is
at Smoke on the Square where BBQ is king and made with special lip smacking
sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For an elegant meal, go to Ni
Fens where fried oyster salads (ask for goat cheese topping and pot stickers
conjoin Southern and Asian elements. The decadent banana dessert slathered with
strawberries and bourbon flavored ice cream are worth every caloric mouthful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
every turn restaurants serve up food that you do not expect in such a small
town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A manicured and well kept downtown
is thriving with unique shops and art galleries. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Linda
Park’s cozy Fireside Books hosts national authors for special events, and for
wine lover’s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
wineries and vineyards are in close proximity. For culture lover’s two jewels
await in downtown—the Earle Scruggs Center located in a historic architectural
structure and the Don Gibson Theater.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs and
singer/songwriter Don Gibson, both inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
were born in Cleveland County, and called it home. Both icons were featured in
a special tribute in April by the Emmy-nominated TV series “Life in the
Carolinas.” Host and producer Carl White (the South’s version of Garrison
Keillor) focused on the music, history, architecture and culinary heritage of Cleveland
County with a night of entertainment and memories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The location in the Don
Gibson Theater located in the picturesque downtown was a perfect venue to pay tribute
to the man behind country music greatest hits, “Oh, Lonesome Me,” and “I Can’t
Stop Loving You.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bluegrass took the night to a new
level with the exuberance and talent of the Moore Brothers. Tom Isenhour’s
Nuhiway Out band added another layer with Isenhour in the lead. Dressed in a
hot, pink sequined “Nudie” suit reminiscent of Porter Wagoner, Isenhour played
a fierce, dueling mandolin set with Jacob Moore. It was Grand Ole Opry meets “A
Prairie Home Companion.”</span><br />
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Before leaving town, spend the afternoon at the Earl Scruggs Center to
relive the life of famed musician Earl Scruggs. The story of the beloved artist
who did things his way, including his world famous picking method called
“Scruggs Style,” is highlighted throughout the renovated historic 1907
courthouse with music, interactive displays and film.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">See and Do:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Music aficionados</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
Visit Earl Scruggs Center and Don Gibson Theater where the icon’s contribution
to country music are on display.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Movie lovers</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
See the sites in downtown Shelby where the “reaping,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“District 12” and other scenes were filmed.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Artisans:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Cleveland County is home to an assortment of artists from potters to wine
makers. Visit Owl’s Eye Vineyard and Winery where you can try classic wines like Merlot and Chardonnay and Carolina
blends. Buffalo Creek Vineyard is a visual feast set in a lush setting in
the countryside. Cab blends, Riesling, Traminette and other award-winning wines
are graciously poured in the tasting room.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stay:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The Inn
of the Patriots where Chef Martin Mongiello plies patrons with exceptional
foods from his days cooking for presidents in the White House.</span></div>
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<br />TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-27087631093146786252014-05-05T10:33:00.004-07:002014-05-05T10:38:53.006-07:00Budbreak Festival Brings Out Music and Wine Lovers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mayberry Nostalgia Attracts Wine
Lovers to Budbreak Festival</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snappy Lunch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit wines at Slightly Askew</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barney Fife cuts a rug with locals</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premiere winery, Childress Vineyards</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mount Airy, NC - Barney Fife was
handing out citizen arrest tickets while Eric and the Chill Tones crooned in
the background, and people danced on the sunny spring day. What could make the
day any better? Having a sip of locally produced wines from the Yadkin Valley viticulture
region.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The scene was Mount Airy’s annual
Budbreak Wine Festival. This year the festival made beer lovers happy with the addition
of craft breweries. Seventeen wineries and four craft breweries took over
for the afternoon on Main Street in downtown Mount Airy, the hometown of actor
Andy Griffith who came to fame portraying Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shops and restaurants downtown are
part of the tourist attraction known as Mayberry. Lining Main Street are restaurants,
bakeries and soda shops with Mayberry themes, Snappy Lunch where the famous
pork chop sandwich is produced, and Old North State Winery. The iconic Earle Theater
is home to old-time music, jam sessions, movies and other events. Just a block
away is the Andy Griffith Playhouse and visitors center where actress Thelma
Lynn (Barney Fife’s girlfriend) sees visitors monthly</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Budbreak event combines the nostalgia
of Mt. Airy with the burgeoning wine and craft beer scene of the region.
Sampling wines and beers, local art, and listening to music was on the agenda. The
Mediocre Bad Guys band started the day off on a high note featuring legendary Rolling
Stones saxophonist Bobby Keys. Keys is known for his instrumental on “Brown
Sugar” and other Stones’ hits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For the pale ale drinkers, newcomer <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Skull Camp Brewing Co</i>. at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Round Peak Vineyards</i> in Mount Airy had the
smooth tasting ale called Galaxy. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Childress
Vineyards</i> under the helm of NASCAR owner Richard Childress showcased a
variety of wine blends for any taste bud. Three Red varietal combines Cabernet
Franc, Malbec and Merlot for a slightly sweet finish with dark cherry and
raspberry notes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fans of fruit-themed wines visited
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Slightly Askew</i> tent for tastes that
are perfect for a day on the beach. Slut Dog Sin (Cabernet Sauvignon and
raspberry), Crooked Toe Blues (white Zinfandel), and other fanciful drinks made
a fan out of Gretchen Deruyta who traveled from Lake Norman to attend. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Morgan
Ridge</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> had the cure for what ails and a
wine for every taste. Ales of the day were Bald Mountain Ale, Cotton Patch
Gold, and Creek Bottom Pale Ale. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Waldensian
Heritage Vineyards</i> had peach Bellini’s for a summer themed drink. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Surry Cellars</i> brought the expertise and
education of Surry Community College’s viticulture program to the
festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Southern Charm Winery</i> from Lincolnton had award winning wines for
tasting. Editso Black is a Gold medal winner combining the taste of
blackberries with Merlot. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Herrera Vineyards</i>
from Dobson had seven verities for tasting. For an earthy wine with spice
accents try Tannant is made from 100% tannant local grapes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The sounds of music throughout the
day set a fun and festive tone. The little festival that could –did in rare
form. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Music, fun and local wine and
beer. It doesn’t get much better. </span></div>
TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-45822093197049270012013-10-04T12:12:00.000-07:002013-10-04T12:47:07.231-07:00Euphoric in Greenville, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZFalbn2AWGdTBEvSFXrLue_-XK-gL1KN7ALX-R5KpfjhFnJ-0EFiEu8tc_NqSWDDeesA2SoKqs5tjLDRJOHGR7RYebsjvS7AUsZ8qG_64zzDwZDsR1sQ4WTzwjkFKQdJTsHpfV_8gQbw/s1600/Halibut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZFalbn2AWGdTBEvSFXrLue_-XK-gL1KN7ALX-R5KpfjhFnJ-0EFiEu8tc_NqSWDDeesA2SoKqs5tjLDRJOHGR7RYebsjvS7AUsZ8qG_64zzDwZDsR1sQ4WTzwjkFKQdJTsHpfV_8gQbw/s320/Halibut.jpg"></a></div>
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Greenville, SC - In its seventh year, the festival founded by local restaurateur, Carl Sobocinski and singer/songwriter Edwin McCain, was the scene of national chefs, winemakers, distilleries, and famous musicians last week when Euphoria hit the town. The 3-day food and wine festival is not like others around the country — music is in the mix making it a “total eat, sip, listen” experience. Events and a myriad of chef-owned restaurants make it clear why the culinary destination was recently voted Top Ten on the “South’s Tastiest Town” list from Southern Living.
The aptly named festival continues to bring in crowds annually from across the U.S. in celebration of culinary, beverage and musical talent with all proceeds going to local Upstate charities.<br>
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The 2013 concert headliner was Grammy award winner Kim Carnes and her longtime band. Carnes treated the energetic crowd to the original sound the Nashville star is known for with “Betty Davis Eyes” and other hits. “It is our first time here,” said Carne’s guitarist/songwriter, Greg Barnhill. “We love it here and want to come back as tourists.”<br>
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The Taste of the South highlighted local and national chefs in the historic former Duke Mayonnaise factory building: Nose Dive, Bacon Brothers Public House, Tupelo Honey, The Lazy Goat, Roost, and other eateries showcased exceptional cuisine. From comfit of chicken wings with peanuts, cilantro and Thai sauce (Nose Dive), bittersweet chocolate barbeque spare ribs (Roost), braised duck pot pie with jalapeño cornmeal crust (Stella’s Bistro), smoked Manchester farm quail with pimento cheese grits (Bacon Brothers Public House) and others, it was all worth sticking a fork into.
Fresh, local greens dressed up salads, roasted brussel sprouts and watermelon feta tarragon salad cleansed the palate. To wash it down, breweries were on tap with Stella’s, along with Firefly moonshine, Six and Twenty whiskey, and wines from across the U.S.<br>
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Chef luminaries in town are too many to name but to name drop a few: Clay Miller,(Yardbird, Miami); James Boyce (Cotton Row, Huntsville); Rob Newton (Seersucker, Brooklyn). Charleston chefs brought a brigade with famed kitchen kings: Craig Deihl (Cypress), Frank Lee (SNOB), Kevin Johnson (The Grocery) and Mike Lata (FIG/The Ordinary). Culinary rock star Ed Lee of Magnolia 610 attended in 2012.
Executive Chef, Anthony Gray said the inspiration for the name Bacon Brothers Public House literally came from a plate of bacon as investors and chefs sat down to talk. Meat is smoked for three days in the back for a guaranteed superb taste, and all ingredients are made in-house. Known for its exceptional charcuterie program the restaurant gets it right with chicken and waffles, voted “Best Chicken and Waffles” in Travel + Leisure. <br>
<a href="http://butterflybyways.blogspot.com/2013/10/euphoric-in-greenville-sc.html#more">Read more »</a>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-53211918739489320532013-05-30T11:27:00.001-07:002013-05-30T11:27:32.977-07:00Ritz-Carlton, downtown merchants featured in Greene Co. - : News<a href="http://www.msgr.com/lake_oconee_news/news/article_0b9708c0-c3b0-11e2-81f8-001a4bcf887a.html#.UaeZ9dFAjkw.blogger">Ritz-Carlton, downtown merchants featured in Greene Co. - : News</a>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-76240933997396802962013-03-20T10:01:00.001-07:002013-03-20T10:37:36.461-07:00Traveling Just Got EasierYou wake up to the alarm set on your Smart phone. Check e-mail. Check the weather. Pay a bill. Use the calculator to figure out how much money is your checking account. Listen to Pandora to get through the day. Check Fandango for a movie. Oh, and yes, it’s time to start thinking about vacation. That means checking your favorite travel app – Dwellable to plan your vacation (named by CNN.com as one of the ten best apps).
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD0wnrYzMZ-Sz4aCl7nYQQy9BIy8qyFtYVD6zvFSqbQZ5CyDMUgi5KoLxx31moXyLfOgtPOd12SDMcSNYMjrP-al5p-ypvvgyMYzMDnckQUcOOF71NrOWWCXqxvAtm4QB7tiQonhZXLNk/s1600/dwellablemain.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD0wnrYzMZ-Sz4aCl7nYQQy9BIy8qyFtYVD6zvFSqbQZ5CyDMUgi5KoLxx31moXyLfOgtPOd12SDMcSNYMjrP-al5p-ypvvgyMYzMDnckQUcOOF71NrOWWCXqxvAtm4QB7tiQonhZXLNk/s320/dwellablemain.JPG" /></a>
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If you are like most of us, you have a bunch of apps on your iPhone/Android and iPad. Some you use a lot; some almost never. The Dwellable app is in the first category. First, it is free so anyone can access it. You don’t have to be a techie – it is easy enough for a fifth grader and easily installed on your iPhone/iPad. The best part is that at your fingertips you have great places to stay across the U.S.
Start at the Dwellable app home page where images of beautiful vacation spots across the country are front and center. The destinations are among the most beautiful in the U.S. – Hawaii, San Diego, Hilton Head, Colorado, Cape Cod, Outer Banks, to name a few.
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Simply select the city you want and let your fingers do the walking through images of beaches, sun, sand and beautiful homes. When you find one you like, another touch brings up the contact information of the owner to allow you to reserve the location. At your fingertips are a full description, prices, availability, and map. Take a virtual tour of your “home away from home” so there are no surprises.
There are no gimmicks or tricks. Dwellable works for family vacations, solo travelers, business retreats or family reunions. Whatever the need, you can find it from nice to ultra-nice. The vacation locations on Dwellable fall in two categories: places I have been and places I still want to visit.
<br /> <br /> As a former Floridian, I was happy to see the Sunshine State as a destination. From Sanibel to South Beach, Siesta Key to Disney World, Florida has it all: looking for shells, soaking up rays at one of the nation’s most glamorous beaches, and walking with Mickey Mouse in the Magic Kingdom. At Cedar Key live the Jimmy Buffet lifestyle and eat oysters on the water.
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has long been a popular “vacay” spot. From this vantage point you can check out other cities worthy of a day trip: Charleston, Hilton Head and Aiken, to name a few. I recently took at trip to Aiken, just because. I knew little about the Southern town except for that it is known for Thoroughbred horses, and it began as a railroad town. Not much to go on but it was enough for me.
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Aiken is one surprise after another. In the town synonymous with Derby winners, horses rule, but a closer look reveals so much more. It is a town of culture. Juilliard students call it home each March when they return in droves to offer free concerts throughout the town. Jazz musicians, theater majors are everywhere. At night, the talented Juilliard crowd entertains locals with concerts under tents outdoors, concert halls and at a cottage named Joye.
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History is rich in the town. In the early 1900s, wealthy northerners got wind of the Southern jewel and made the trek down from the north each winter. Elaborate parties, equestrian events, friendly folks and warm weather kept them coming. Names like Windsor, Astor, Vanderbilt, Koch, Hitchcock, Carnegie, Hitchcock and even FDR were the norm.
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The owner of the Hope Diamond is from Aiken and her peers lived in 20-room mansions affectionately called “cottages” in Aiken. Visitors flocked (and still do) to the famed Willcox, one of the worlds best hotels where to soak up the historical ambiance. If the walls could talk….
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Aiken is the perfect example of the rich places you can visit in the U.S. Other highlights in South Carolina are Greenville where food lovers flock to its European-style downtown; Spartanburg and its Southern music culture and coastal beaches.
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The Outer Banks in North Carolina has plenty of places to stay on Dwellable. It is my state’s crown jewel where you can see wild horses on the beach, walk quiet beaches, eat great food and see nature at its best. Southport (see Safe Haven), Wilmington, Beaufort, and our many coastal towns are all great road trip that lead to water. Easy lifestyle, fresh local seafood and low key people offer the promise of a good time for all ages.
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If mountains are more to your taste, head west to Asheville where art, craft beer and scenic vistas are a trifecta of good times. Closer to the Piedmont in the center of the state, you can have a great cabin stay experience at White Sulphur Springs just outside the iconic town of Mt. Airy, home to America’s favorite sheriff, Andy Griffith.
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Thanks to the Dwellable app traveling just got easier. With minimal effort you can have a great vacation without picking up a phone, working with a travel agent or wading through a convoluted web site. In just minutes you are on your way to a creating a lasting memory.
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Once the Dwellable app is installed start dreaming!
TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-10929333762941156212012-07-02T10:29:00.001-07:002012-07-02T11:36:51.101-07:00The Sweet Life in Saxahapaw<br>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"SAX APPEAL" ABOUNDS IN ALAMANCE TOWN<br>Featuring North
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By Lynne Brandon</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Featuring North
Carolina’s Only Five Star Gourmet Gas Station</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Lynne Brandon</i></div>
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Entertainment, great food, music, and a laid-back life style
all come together on the banks of the Haw River in Saxahapaw,
North Carolina. Just minutes from Chapel
Hill, the former cotton mill town is experiencing a revival. Once
defined by the mill buildings, the quaint village has breathed new life into
its repurposed structures which now are the scene of great concerts, businesses
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The mill’s restoration was led by Mac Jordan, grandson of
the late U.S. Sen. B. Everett Jordan, former owner of Saxahapaw Cotton Mill. To move the changes along, Jordan
recruited Tom and Heather LaGarde, a couple with ties to Chapel Hill
(Tom was a former UNC basketball player and later NBA), and New
York where they resided before moving back to the
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The restoration took root and the Saxapahaw Rivermill was
born complete with residential and commercial space. Others followed: Saxapahaw
Artist Gallery, the life-size puppet theater at Paperhand Puppet Intervention,
Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company, and the LaGarde’s Haw River Ballroom venue.
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The Haw River Ballroom is a renovated textile dye house –
perfect for concert crowds and other special events throughout the year. The
popular venue brings in crowds from nearby urban cities to the rural retreat to
hear live music shows from band members of the Old Crow Medicine Show, Kristian
Matsson (who toured with Bon Iver), and other original artists. In a short
time, the space has become a powerful entertainment venue and gathering place
for the artistic community.</div>
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Work gets done in the off the beaten path community, but on Saturdays
in the summer months, the community gathers for “Saturdays at Saxahapaw.” Set on a rolling hill, crowds mingle first at
the farmers market and sample local food products and then relax to a variety
of live bluegrass, rock and other genres. </div>
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<i><span style="font-style: normal;">The local
farm community has had its hand in the revitalization of Saxahapaw. The
creative use of fresh, local foods has food lovers and critics turning culinary
cartwheels over the gourmet cuisine choices in the unsuspecting setting. The
restaurant/convenience store/gas station aptly named Saxahapaw General Store is
the hub of the community where neighbors gather and new friends gather around
the table to experience local food and beverages. It wasn’t always a hot spot. </span></i><br>
<a href="http://butterflybyways.blogspot.com/2012/07/sweet-life-in-saxahapaw.html#more">Read more »</a>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-73135651684301863262012-06-19T09:49:00.000-07:002012-06-19T09:49:51.795-07:00The Sweetest Onion on Earth - Vidalia<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect Vidalia onions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-As0lmzkeU0UVPPmWn0JXRSH5rJFwhyphenhyphenWrcHS90obPsWfPd2rjGaQlGgmjHYddbM-AcYX0CWHjOUZsb4SDVKff1ZXlRx-aCaFzYYzTS98ehFtlwn0bsQ4OdeLZCGuX5LAgckixmwpr-eJ/s1600/onion+cheesecake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-As0lmzkeU0UVPPmWn0JXRSH5rJFwhyphenhyphenWrcHS90obPsWfPd2rjGaQlGgmjHYddbM-AcYX0CWHjOUZsb4SDVKff1ZXlRx-aCaFzYYzTS98ehFtlwn0bsQ4OdeLZCGuX5LAgckixmwpr-eJ/s320/onion+cheesecake.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candied Vidalia Cheesecake at Elements Bistro</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1c1b1a;">Who knew a seemingly ordinary vegetable could inspire millions
of chefs, and even inspire a museum? It's true. Throughout history writers Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charles Dickens, C.S.
Lewis and scores of other famous figures have mentioned the special onion
in their literary works. The revered object is none other than the sweet Vidalia onion grown only in </span><span style="color: #1c1b1a;">Vidalia</span><span style="color: #1c1b1a;">, </span><span style="color: #1c1b1a;">Georgia</span><span style="color: #1c1b1a;"> where the sweet onion was discovered in the 1930’s. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1b1a;">On a recent trip to </span><span style="color: #1c1b1a;">Southeastern Georgia</span><span style="color: #1c1b1a;"> I visited the towns of Vidalia and Lyons</span><span style="color: #1c1b1a;"> to see the origins of the famous sweet onion for myself. The Vidalia (Vie-Dale-yuh) onions thrives in this trifecta of perfect weather, climate, and soil which makes for peak
production. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1b1a;">I visited two great farms during my stay, and enjoyed the onion in salsa, spreads, and my favorite of all, Candied Vidalia Onion Cheesecake. Enjoy reading about the sensory pleasures of the sweetest onion on earth.</span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.winesdownsouth.com/Recipes/Vidalia_by_LB.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.winesdownsouth.com/<wbr></wbr>Recipes/Vidalia_by_LB.pdf</a></span></div>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-83422900228211848672012-03-02T09:52:00.013-08:002012-03-02T11:04:50.474-08:00Carolina Inn's Shrimp and Grits Throwdown<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO0-Kp7spPZtTdoN9klRMmBT8wbTPp9WHq5rHiaCJUFZ5KxHIwX89Juohw3rUhF7UlT1-zVrMOeU82MwxvfXysvTOnr99xdHgMKCO8-TGmlZUNF5-bRmT5lgAUfSuQc3cBqSnR9JfokSu/s1600/Cookof1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO0-Kp7spPZtTdoN9klRMmBT8wbTPp9WHq5rHiaCJUFZ5KxHIwX89Juohw3rUhF7UlT1-zVrMOeU82MwxvfXysvTOnr99xdHgMKCO8-TGmlZUNF5-bRmT5lgAUfSuQc3cBqSnR9JfokSu/s320/Cookof1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715375286072641794" border="0"></a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIipI-RAPhqJ7_LPSGlLNcoCoLMx_RQF7Ude9539VR-z_A1tqx56LM8JSBHadrQHAitMxdQN-odcMqx9F2CNFzVF-isvvmrvM3Y7k-NnlctQ4QTFyCozxXwBXeiaWP5JC7987pS3a5E3u5/s1600/cookoff2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIipI-RAPhqJ7_LPSGlLNcoCoLMx_RQF7Ude9539VR-z_A1tqx56LM8JSBHadrQHAitMxdQN-odcMqx9F2CNFzVF-isvvmrvM3Y7k-NnlctQ4QTFyCozxXwBXeiaWP5JC7987pS3a5E3u5/s320/cookoff2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715375109383410546" border="0"></a><br><strong style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Culinary Tradition Meet Creative Carolina-Carrboro Chefs</span><br><br>by Lynne Brandon<br><br>Chapel Hill, NC -</em></strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> Local residents and visitors from across the U.S. came out en masse for the first ever <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Shrimp and Grits Throwdown </i>hosted at the historic Carolina Inn.</span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">The friendly crowd had forks ready when “Eye of the Tiger” started playing and the seven </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Chapel Hill</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> and Carrboro chefs vying for the title rolled up sleeves and started cooking. Shrimp sizzled, wine was poured and all had a great time tasting a myriad of recipes of the well loved southern dish. Every chef had to use two ingredients: shrimp and grits. After that all bets were off. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Tabasco</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> sauce, flash fried leeks, cashews, prosciutto bacon, corn, and other inventive ingredients permeated the air and whet appetites for the eager crowd. Northerners and Southerners compared notes and savored the moment.<br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">After much sampling, local food writers and critics went with the creative style of Top of the Hill executive chef Trey Cleveland who showed his culinary chops from </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">New Orleans</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> and the </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Carolinas</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">. Carolina Inn’s Crossroads Restaurant executive chef Jimmy Reale was a close second. Fans went with “heat” and chose the spicy Shrimp and Grits recipe from <em><span style="font-style:normal;mso-bidi-font-style: italic">Vimala Rajendran of Vimala's Curry Blossom Café as the "Fan Favorite."</span></em></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:italic">The first ever event was a culinary success that benefited a non-profit relief organization, and gave food aficionado’s the chance to experience a new twist on an old favorite. </span></em><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Continue to read the winning recipe:<br></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b> </b></p> Top of the Hill Wild Mushroom Grit Cake with Shrimp <a href="http://butterflybyways.blogspot.com/2012/03/carolina-inns-shrimp-and-grits.html#more">Read more »</a>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-57166487703837124112012-03-02T09:31:00.005-08:002012-10-30T08:25:22.004-07:00SoBo: Luxury B & B, European Cars and Sculpture<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJy9otwuDk0pD-qnD8T9PuYMKt5Vc5BPIhf-eO4EzqsT2guaNL8TBWdkfD5y2O3QSdPoFOLRNQmDhhDxhuhLSLMjuYqq9IRIR1CBAulpgMjdcKLqNVLmsquQa2bmKeaWa1ckBf6ZSuXDm/s1600/SoBo2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715356447503360066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJy9otwuDk0pD-qnD8T9PuYMKt5Vc5BPIhf-eO4EzqsT2guaNL8TBWdkfD5y2O3QSdPoFOLRNQmDhhDxhuhLSLMjuYqq9IRIR1CBAulpgMjdcKLqNVLmsquQa2bmKeaWa1ckBf6ZSuXDm/s320/SoBo2.JPG" style="float: left; height: 213px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;"></a><br>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif][if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif][if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <br>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Where History and Love Collide</b></div>
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<b>By Lynne Brandon</b></div>
South Boston, Va. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Halifax County) - SoBo, or South Boston to outsiders, has a secret. Outside the small Virginia town sits a historic antebellum mansion once home to the affluent Bruce family in the 1800s. The mile-long driveway halts in front of the spectacular Greek Revival mansion that sits majestically on 685 serene acres dotted with native trees and magnolias.<br>
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Adjacent to the Dan River, Berry Hill is the perfect get-away for a romantic weekend, girl friend getaways, and yes, newlyweds. Brides have discovered Berry Hill, and in the summer the grounds are alive with laughter, love and celebration as families tie the knot under the wide open Virginia sky.</div>
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Leland Luck, the property’s faithful and enthusiastic historian, weaves a story of rich history in his tour of the “hidden in the hills” jewel. The great white home originates back to 1728 when it was first given to William Bryd II as a part of a land grant from England. Italian marble base boards, ornate ceilings and cherry floors connect
the mansion to owners of prestige and good taste. The focal point of the
house is the dramatic mahogany ‘horseshoe” staircase which displays the
craftsmanship of freed Black cabinetmaker, Thomas Day.<br>
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In the late 90’s after lying dormant for several years, Berry Hill was restored to its former glory, making it a leisure destination and executive conference center.The mansion itself houses two large suites used primarily for wedding parties. Privacy lovers will enjoy the two smaller “mini-mansions,” small replica’s of Berry Hill on either side of the mansion, as well as 88 historic rooms with a view of the rolling Virginia landscape. </div>
<a href="http://butterflybyways.blogspot.com/2012/03/berry-hill.html#more">Read more »</a>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-17844612259230453332012-03-02T09:05:00.005-08:002012-03-02T09:30:47.902-08:00Rembrandt in America<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39Bs9eX-wQNlMzUiTH792puMaWzosE-gFkETd5KAbx18KQN52-Mb7dM4R6x35V_AdyRqQUHaTIEdborYB1RL5cPTuNu9YvquxYS8bDyFcrdIX3mLwn5ojhBETOEl7ACt9OF3rI2Ip0fuE/s1600/Rembrandtvan-rijn-lucretia.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39Bs9eX-wQNlMzUiTH792puMaWzosE-gFkETd5KAbx18KQN52-Mb7dM4R6x35V_AdyRqQUHaTIEdborYB1RL5cPTuNu9YvquxYS8bDyFcrdIX3mLwn5ojhBETOEl7ACt9OF3rI2Ip0fuE/s320/Rembrandtvan-rijn-lucretia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715352897507189474" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Smithsonian of the South Pays Tribute to Master Artist<br />by Lynne Brandon<br /><br />Raleigh's Museum of Contemporary Art hosted a rare exhibit that made a one-time stop in the South. For complete story, click on link.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.winesdownsouth.com/culture/rembrandt_in_america/Rembrandt2012.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">http://www.winesdownsouth.com/<wbr>culture/rembrandt_in_america/<wbr>Rembrandt2012.pdf</span></a></span>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-43317274070768251052012-01-06T19:50:00.000-08:002012-01-06T20:22:33.821-08:00Egg Nog Nation is Once a Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFL7nv_xZmWQ4pi86xdAXIObprgiXx1spyDGvIcJGRnKADvHy2iatA5MWk5bK9i6m_yJIczN_uc7FAkQibEzPRNelyeIc2ZiQ324nsiWp0bULET1kFyk3lbBlCvloDDwB_slFNrhShZaa/s1600/eggnog.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFL7nv_xZmWQ4pi86xdAXIObprgiXx1spyDGvIcJGRnKADvHy2iatA5MWk5bK9i6m_yJIczN_uc7FAkQibEzPRNelyeIc2ZiQ324nsiWp0bULET1kFyk3lbBlCvloDDwB_slFNrhShZaa/s320/eggnog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694739989187818642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Egg Nog Never Looked Better<br /><br />by Doc Lawrence and Lynne Brandon<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Doc is the supreme expert when it comes to wine, fine spirits and such esteemed beverages such as the sometimes elusive and always evocative egg nog. Cocktail lovers and those who enjoy fine vintage wines and other libations will learn that the often misunderstood holiday beverage has connections to a historical Civil War figure, a prestigious mixologist and even NASCAR </p><br /><a href="http://doclawrencenews.blogspot.com/2011/12/egg-nog-nation.html" target="_blank">h</a><a href="http://doclawrencenews.blogspot.com/2011/12/egg-nog-nation.html" target="_blank">ttp://doclawrencenews.<wbr>blogspot.com/2011/12/egg-nog-<wbr>nation.html</a><br /><br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Photo: Chris Hannah </span></em><span class="il"><i>of</i></span><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Arnaud’s French 75 Bar created the Blue Hawaiian Nog to win the Best Bourbon Spiked Eggnog </span></em><span class="il"><span style="">cocktail</span></span><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> a</span></em><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">t the </span></strong><span class="il"><span style="">Tales</span></span><strong> </strong><span class="il"><span style="">of</span></span><strong> </strong><span class="il"><span style="">the</span></span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Toddy in </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">New Orleans</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"> in 2011.</span></strong></p>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-30314626014754089772012-01-06T19:36:00.000-08:002012-01-06T19:49:21.995-08:00McAdenville: Christmas Town USA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RczNRzbcxdKycxCwhyphenhyphenpIRuLLQ_ATv9cHwA-YnjZrustgyCu7s9nD_rw_lnXlq4Wv8G1eHLsR9Q_6sjvNxx7D8yW41yPLsTwiqRZHYSjApEwFItAXq6Dpj0kfdTCIB4iWLZ6SHzHDjiAV/s1600/XmasTownHouse.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RczNRzbcxdKycxCwhyphenhyphenpIRuLLQ_ATv9cHwA-YnjZrustgyCu7s9nD_rw_lnXlq4Wv8G1eHLsR9Q_6sjvNxx7D8yW41yPLsTwiqRZHYSjApEwFItAXq6Dpj0kfdTCIB4iWLZ6SHzHDjiAV/s320/XmasTownHouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694731512556126786" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Christmas Town USA</p><p class="MsoNormal">by Lynne Brandon</p><p class="MsoNormal">Make a Christmas memory you will not soon forget in McAdenville, NC. The little town is on the top ten Yahoo Travel list for Christmas light destinations in the U.S. Put it on your list for 2012.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;" > <a href="http://www.winesdownsouth.com/events/NC_McAdenvill_NC_Christmas_Lgts/Christmaslights2011.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.winesdownsouth.<wbr>com/events/NC_McAdenvill_NC_<wbr>Christmas_Lgts/<wbr>Christmaslights2011.pdf</a><span class="HOEnZb"><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);"> </span></span></span></p><div class="yj6qo ajU"><div tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":7m7" class="ajR" role="button" tabindex="0"><img class="ajT" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" /></div></div>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-59998019873465004292011-11-25T11:47:00.000-08:002012-10-30T08:20:04.462-07:00South Carolina City is a Culinary Destination<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctPp_yRGf9i7IDyB8N0SyIojcLDZimV32WaI_d23IqFv60bfNMYrDyndn_jqsqYHjapYdUJymIP5uN1kGhrkIFbKyJXDtPqKZDKRaW7ONRXETKbCOm7LEtVePzF24XzeQX-LAaRvGCkGl/s1600/IMG_1995.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctPp_yRGf9i7IDyB8N0SyIojcLDZimV32WaI_d23IqFv60bfNMYrDyndn_jqsqYHjapYdUJymIP5uN1kGhrkIFbKyJXDtPqKZDKRaW7ONRXETKbCOm7LEtVePzF24XzeQX-LAaRvGCkGl/s320/IMG_1995.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679024996788156994" border="0"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherJSXaj_2KjirR-uIHGpWm1c5aNlIgWKQD-a1WPAXnEaxNVZQvyL8PEnkHLTRx84SEhRGS3-0Zi07ZY0aK1KBzoYdqXcu6fG5hLBt8xNAtbPaQ3-DBviFqEC1Wn5CVOB3UB0xCP7JgHKy/s1600/IMG_2024.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherJSXaj_2KjirR-uIHGpWm1c5aNlIgWKQD-a1WPAXnEaxNVZQvyL8PEnkHLTRx84SEhRGS3-0Zi07ZY0aK1KBzoYdqXcu6fG5hLBt8xNAtbPaQ3-DBviFqEC1Wn5CVOB3UB0xCP7JgHKy/s320/IMG_2024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679024266954405938" border="0"></a><br><br><br><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="color:black;"><br></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="color:black;"><br></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="color:black;"><br></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="color:black;"><br></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="color:black;"><br></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="color:black;">Euphoria: A Celebration of Food, Wine and Music in </span></i><i style=""><span style="color:black;">Greenville</span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">By Lynne Brandon<br></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Greenville</b><b style="">, </b><b style="">SC</b>- <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >Food, wine and music lovers get a sensory overload when Euphoria rolls into town every September. The four-day event showcases the best-of-the-best in an artistic smorgasbord that has something for every foodie, wine lover and music fan. The event was started in 2005 by award-winning singer/songwriter Edwin McCain who lives in </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >Greenville</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >, and </span></strong>restaurateur Carl Sobocinski,<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" > owner of the Soby’s, the five-restaurant group. Combining food, wine and music draws record crowds to the small city with a European-like downtown.</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >E</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">uphoria</span></strong> is not just about eating, drinking and being merry. It is an event with a heart and funds the “Local Boys do Good” Foundation created to benefit local non-profit organizations.<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" > “We started this event for charity,” said Sobocinski. “It has evolved into tourism and put us on the map. People used to drive right through </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >Greenville</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >. Now, we are starting to be a weekend destination for folks from </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >Atlanta</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" > and </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >Charlotte</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >.” </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" ><span style=""></span>McCain noticed the change in the food scene when Soby’s opened and embraced the concept of music, food and wine as vehicles to raise money for needs in the community.<span style=""> </span>The two have grown the event with the help of many volunteers who work tirelessly to bring in acclaimed chefs like Frank Stitt, Master Chef Whitney Miller, and famed wine experts for cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and other events.</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >At the 2011 event, local chefs were showcased at the “Taste of the South” food event where Upstate culinary artists wowed all with masterful presentations at the Peace Center Amphitheatre. Regional fare from Soby’s, The Plaid Pelican, The Lazy Goat, and others served up shrimp and grits, seafood paella, pork and steak which pared well with regional rum and other drinks, beer and wine. Decadent desserts like carrot cake cupcakes with goat cheese icing from Stella’s ended the tasting on a sweet note. Afterward, diners enjoyed listening to the tunes of Edwin McCain, Maia Sharp and Will Hoke while lounging on the banks of the </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >Reedy</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" > </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >River</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" > under the stars. </span></strong></p><a href="http://butterflybyways.blogspot.com/2011/11/south-carolina-city-is-culinary.html#more">Read more »</a>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-1103285457304963422011-11-25T08:52:00.000-08:002011-11-25T09:02:08.477-08:00Maia Sharp: Living Life on Her Terms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1U7HX1t6gAcCDfvgjoQdsFH3Q4eFxShgYHZsbPpsldIBxa8JjrsifG3zHFWXvImX_yOQ9EujW7GvIN2JfdfdGyqJsdNMnimlSJ1Jx4bFwVZyiRPS5jPlfSoCl1g8lm2WiLmc1zHXc1bn/s1600/Maia_Sharp.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1U7HX1t6gAcCDfvgjoQdsFH3Q4eFxShgYHZsbPpsldIBxa8JjrsifG3zHFWXvImX_yOQ9EujW7GvIN2JfdfdGyqJsdNMnimlSJ1Jx4bFwVZyiRPS5jPlfSoCl1g8lm2WiLmc1zHXc1bn/s320/Maia_Sharp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678978595856307954" border="0"></a><br><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><br></span></p><p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><br></span></p><p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><br></span></p><p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><br></span></p><p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><br></span></p><p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><br></span></p><p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><br></span></p><p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><br></span></p><p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">Fringe</span><span style=";font-size:14pt;color:black;" > </span><span style="color:black;">artist cuts a path with message lyrics</span></p><p style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">By Lynne Brandon<br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And, a<i style="">ny time I think that I might drown in all this standard issue gray and I’m feeling small and pushed around, I close the door and draw the shades ---- I put on my red dress, I put my red dress. Can’t take my red dress away. I learned to grit my teeth and smile. Let’em think they’ve boxed me in. Inside I’m still the problem child that I always was, so I guess I win ---nah nah nah nah nah nah… - “Red Dress”</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Greenville</b><b style="">, </b><b style="">SC</b>- She’s cool and unassuming, and I am fairly certain that she lives life on her own terms. I heard her for the first time in beautiful Greenville, South Carolina. Maia Sharp was in the southern city for the annual <i style="">Euphoria</i> wine and food event that brought together all good things in life: exquisite Southern food by the nation’s top chefs and folksy-bluesy-southern rock music that stirs the soul and pulls on heartstrings. Sharp entertained the crowd solo with her powerful lyrics and at the side of friend and fellow musician Edwin McCain, Greenville’s hometown boy and co-founder of Euphoria. Sharp is the producer of McCain’s new album and co-wrote many of the songs on “<i style="">Mercy Bound</i>.” <span style=""> </span>She wrote her first song at the age of five.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Los Angeles native is California based but has the appearance of Nashville with jeans, t-shirt and boots.<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" > “If a drawl shows up now and then it's because I've spent so much time in </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >Nashville</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >, and around my grandmother in </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >Bakersfield</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" > who never dropped her </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >Oklahoma</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" > accent,” said Sharp. </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:black;"></span></strong>Sharp’s soul stirring tunes bear a message: being true to self is the only path to take. Her words soothe those who have felt slighted or “less than” in life. Courage, conviction, loss and love are central characters. The busy woman took a few minutes to share what it’s like having a nontraditional career, working with Edwin McCain, and writing songs. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color:black;">Lynne: </span></b><span style="color:black;">Did you know early on you would follow a non-traditional path for a career?<strong></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:black;">Maia: </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >I think I did. My father, Randy Sharp, is and has always been a singer/songwriter/musician/producer and my mother is a professor of anthropology and a photographer so non-traditional was par. Before I started playing saxophone I wanted to be the first woman to play major league baseball and they encouraged that as well. I'm very lucky to have a family that has no problem at all with non-traditional. </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" ></span></strong><b style="">Lynne:</b> Who have you written songs for? </p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:black;">Maia</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >: I've had my songs recorded by</span><span style="color:black;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;color:black;" >the Dixie Chicks, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, Cher, Keb Mo, Lisa Loeb, Edwin and others but unless I'm writing with the artist him or herself I just write and think about who might want to record the song later. Sometimes the song ends up being right for me and I do it on one of my own albums. Or, sometimes it needs a different home or maybe it shows up on both. It’s different every time. </span></strong></p><a href="http://butterflybyways.blogspot.com/2011/11/maia-sharp-living-life-on-her-terms.html#more">Read more »</a>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-11438344416774138222011-10-21T12:23:00.000-07:002011-10-21T12:46:06.822-07:00Youngest Master Chef Puts New Twist on Old Favorites<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IcLewe4v6PMk2G1qSCyO71DDdW7wqM3trAAT-aIJ8Vkflgr6soMe0rTZ6tor39pVAitQnO6zsZX7lOz0f3Sm0PDa-IzpWd-maHCp-9P46Ud8Wgq1KoGdFIlY2M8M1AW8GZefl7kBx0by/s1600/whitneymiller.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IcLewe4v6PMk2G1qSCyO71DDdW7wqM3trAAT-aIJ8Vkflgr6soMe0rTZ6tor39pVAitQnO6zsZX7lOz0f3Sm0PDa-IzpWd-maHCp-9P46Ud8Wgq1KoGdFIlY2M8M1AW8GZefl7kBx0by/s320/whitneymiller.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666031390220524594" border="0"></a><br><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Trailblazer in the Kitchen - Whitney Miller</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Greenville, SC </span>- At the age of 22, she was the youngest chef to win the coveted, Master Chef title on Fox TV’s season one. The diminutive Southern girl might appear to be a soft touch at first glance but Whitney Miller is tougher than she looks. And, determined. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The cooking bug bit early. By age 12, the young chef from Poplarville, Mississippi had cooked through an entire French cookbook. She mastered eclairs, tarts and other culinary treats that most are terrified to try, let alone alter, which she did. Soon, she was cooking for school functions, and even catered her own graduation party. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> At 19, she was asked to cater her first wedding reception. Instead of being terrified she jumped at the challenge. “You have to be a risk taker, you can’t be afraid,” said Miller. The no holds barred chef has a special love for recreating vegetables using nontraditional methods. Creamed collard greens, carrot soufflé, cauliflower Mac’ n cheese are just some of her new twists on old favorites.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The wheels of destiny started turning during her senor year of college at Southern Mississippi when she saw auditions listed for Master Chef on a web site. With the clock ticking, Whitney went to work in the kitchen and turned out a roast celery root and cauliflower souffle topped by a roast with pan gravy and horseradish cream sauce. Within the month, a film crew was at her door. It was show time and Whitney proved fearless. With 50 other contestants she held her own in Los Angeles and endured the long days filled with auditions and cooking classes from 7 a.m. until often midnight. Until Master Chef, the young kitchen wizard had never fried an egg or cooked a breaded pork chop. She conquered both challenges. </p><a href="http://butterflybyways.blogspot.com/2011/10/youngest-master-chef-puts-new-twist-on.html#more">Read more »</a>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-64595094704318955912011-10-20T13:50:00.000-07:002012-10-27T13:45:18.682-07:00Florida's Orange Vodka<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi2VBXBTpADyWiaZfvSywVYffen9tczTpkP0NqO94iZJ7eqDcrwbS8BrHaAzAdSAZywn3n5t7CuSz_an2NqXMCRTCnufhz2_Bbo0AR1Z1jLi9MQwXGSVZUE7UkNKUj4l6Az5VqN8VI6mr/s1600/FloridaVodka.jjpg.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi2VBXBTpADyWiaZfvSywVYffen9tczTpkP0NqO94iZJ7eqDcrwbS8BrHaAzAdSAZywn3n5t7CuSz_an2NqXMCRTCnufhz2_Bbo0AR1Z1jLi9MQwXGSVZUE7UkNKUj4l6Az5VqN8VI6mr/s320/FloridaVodka.jjpg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665758648408087042" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <h2 style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></h2><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><h3 style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></h3><h3 style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></h3><h3 style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></h3><h3 style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">by Doc Lawrence </span></span> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> LAKE ALFRED, FL-<span style="font-weight: normal;">Many years ago, the University of Florida’s agricultural department developed a new white grape. It was named Blanc Du Bois in honor of Florida’s late 19</span><sup style="font-weight: normal;">th</sup><span style="font-weight: normal;"> century wine pioneer Emile Dubois who produced heralded wines in his Tallahassee winery. Southern and elegant, the grape was created for vineyard cultivation to become very good wine, comparable to the vinifera of Europe and today is produced successfully in many states. Florida’s Lakeview Winery in Claremont, about 30 miles outside of Orlando, first produced it and wineries like acclaimed Ponchartrain in Louisiana have developed their own wines from it. </span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">Since Florida produces wines, what about spirits? Good question with an interesting answer. <div style='text-align:center;font-size:11px;font-family:arial;font-weight:normal;margin:10px;padding:0;line-height:normal'><a href='http://www.dwellable.com/a/1376/Florida/Disney-Orlando/Clermont/Vacation-Rentals' style='border:none'><img src='http://www.dwellable.com/dwellback/1376.jpg' style='width:102px;height:20px;border:none;margin:0;padding:0'><br>Clermont on Dwellable</a></div></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Florida is the now the home of the world’s first vodka you can almost squeeze, 4 Orange Vodka distilled exclusively from Florida-grown oranges. Crafted at Florida Distillers, the state’s first registered distillery, this orange-based<i> </i>vodka embodies the essence of the Sunshine state. Distilled from 100% oranges, 4 Orange is produced from four unique Florida orange varieties – Hamlin, Parson Brown, Temple and Valencia. One 750 ml bottle of this vodka contains approximately twenty Florida oranges. With its fresh citrus distillation base, 4 Orange took me on a “trip” to Florida’s grove stands. At 80-proof, it isn’t hot, and it has subtle hints of a sweet orange and tangy marmalade that I soon found to be a new experience in cocktails. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> “The French have their grapes and fine wine, and now Florida has its first orange-distilled vodka,” said Chester Brandes, President of Imperial Brands Inc., the creator of 4 Orange Vodka. Brandes takes pride in this all-Florida spirit: “Each sip helps support Florida’s local economy and citrus growers.” The bottle design is elegantly tall and frosted, featuring a design depicting a Florida citrus grove and 4 oranges. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Each bottle is marked with an authentic “From Florida” logo that depicts the sun over land and water, the Florida Department of Agriculture’s imprimatur, authenticating that 4 Orange Vodka begins in Florida’s orange groves.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style=""> A WORLD FIRST</span></strong><span style=""></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Because 4 </span><span style="">Orange</span><span style=""> Vodka is the world's first vodka exclusively distilled from </span><span style="">Florida</span><span style=""> oranges, it further establishes that </span>the name Florida is actually a valuable brand. <span style="">Distilled in </span><span style="">Lake Alfred</span><span style="">, </span><span style="">Florida</span><span style="">, it seems to owe its exceptional flavor and quality to ripe </span><span style="">Florida</span><span style=""> oranges harvested from the rich and fertile </span><span style="">Peace</span><span style=""> </span><span style="">River basin</span><span style=""> located in the southwestern part of the </span><span style="">Florida</span><span style=""> peninsula.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">This vodka is created exclusively from four distinct varieties of </span><span style="">Florida</span><span style="">’s signature citrus: Hamlin oranges, Parson Brown oranges, </span><span style="">Temple</span><span style=""> oranges and </span><span style="">Valencia</span><span style=""> oranges. The Hamlin orange is sweet with little acidity and juice content is high. The Parson Brown orange is sweet, well flavored and juicy. The </span><span style="">Temple</span><span style=""> orange has a uniquely spicy flavor. Typically, the </span><span style="">Valencia</span><span style=""> orange has a very high juice content with outstanding color and good flavor. Valencia, a Florida staple, has a deep orange color. According to Bandes, these were selected for their unique flavor characteristics and pleasant citrus aroma. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Each bottle of 4 </span><span style="">Orange</span><span style=""> Vodka contains the equivalent of 20 </span><span style="">Florida</span><span style=""> oranges that are first processed into a citrus molasses, which is then used as the distillation base.<span style=""> </span>4 </span><span style="">Orange</span><span style=""> Vodka is not orange flavored vodka; rather, it is an orange-based vodka that is distilled only from </span><span style="">Florida</span><span style=""> oranges. Orange flavored vodkas are most commonly distilled from grain neutral spirits. 4 </span><span style="">Orange</span><span style=""> is the only vodka product made from neutral 100% orange spirits. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">4 </span><span style="">Orange</span><span style=""> Vodka is now available throughout </span><span style="">Florida</span><span style=""> and in other large markets like </span><span style="">Atlanta</span><span style=""> and </span><span style="">Nashville</span><span style="">. The future? Think about how well </span><span style="">Mexico</span><span style="">’s Tequila distillers have marketed their wonderful spirits with the statement, “made from 100% pure blue agave.” </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">For thirsty Floridians who love to entertain, 4 </span><span style="">Orange</span><span style=""> Vodka fits the growing trend of farm to table. It is totally local grown and produced. </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoBodyText2"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-20111966449244187782011-09-11T20:09:00.000-07:002011-09-11T20:24:08.571-07:00September<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM0UQpQPz0IBG7peQXl7kAQFuo1BvrtL32yu_Fte_iYh0P0lbbgmziG14KhasmbwC-khyphenhyphen0wk_AINN2GSedcjf_r38hJOxoetJYQecz7cxh4u7wJTd124JHMJw7TyFD_xBypenWAS049JX/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM0UQpQPz0IBG7peQXl7kAQFuo1BvrtL32yu_Fte_iYh0P0lbbgmziG14KhasmbwC-khyphenhyphen0wk_AINN2GSedcjf_r38hJOxoetJYQecz7cxh4u7wJTd124JHMJw7TyFD_xBypenWAS049JX/s320/IMG_0439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651305641607439570" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></h2><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />by Lynne Brandon<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"The breezes taste of apple peel. The air is full of smells to feel - ripe fruit, old footballs, Burning brush, new books, erasers, chalk, and such. The bee, his hive, well-honeyed hum, And Mother cuts chrysanthemums. Like plates washed clean with suds, the days are polished with a morning haze." - John Updike<br /></div><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">For those that bemoan the passing of summer and all its glories, fall is a tonic that goes down well. I am one such mourner of the putting away of flip-flops, shorts, vine-ripened tomato sandwiches, watermelons, and all that spells summer. The gentle breezes of September work soothing magic on those like me who will miss the mercury climbing high each day but acknowledge that cooling down is not a bad thing. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">After all, from September we get apple pies, pumpkins, home made soup, and the wearing of leather jackets and boots. Those of us who love words on pages welcome the “back to school” feeling in the air for the adult learner. Paper is on sale and sharpened pencils stand at attention in Mason jars in the South. Bonfires, football games and the drinking of hot cider beckon. The world is truly my oyster in the fall when the shelled jewel of the sea makes a return to the table.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s not all bad to put the tanned foot in a leather boot, all covered up for awhile. It is nature’s course and so it shall be for now. Go with it and experience a new season of smells, sights, tastes, and sounds that spell the wonderful month of September. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:12pt;" > </span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-85316938558256021332011-08-06T21:35:00.000-07:002011-08-07T10:41:33.662-07:00The Classic Tomato Sandwich<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtBWddikgRp2XLPlUvyLn1j6-VeYhUmVvAifOJwGwWjXfP6zaQdAXloTlKEo68MOHKvHqjcuFhBuAGxFlTzsOUF7cxWeaObz9gLFTdcPaT-m6iSqArB8P2W7ZcjScKpYiTTtNVjE1RNge/s1600/tomsandwich.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtBWddikgRp2XLPlUvyLn1j6-VeYhUmVvAifOJwGwWjXfP6zaQdAXloTlKEo68MOHKvHqjcuFhBuAGxFlTzsOUF7cxWeaObz9gLFTdcPaT-m6iSqArB8P2W7ZcjScKpYiTTtNVjE1RNge/s320/tomsandwich.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638170183244927602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Simplicity at its Finest</span><br /><br />by Lynne Brandon<br /><p class="MsoNormal">The debate continues as to whether the tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. Scientists say it is a fruit while cooks refer to the red juicy food as a vegetable. Either way it is a year around favorite that has its “day in the sun” during the summer months when production is peak of the juicy fruit. All during the year we eat tomato products: catsup, spaghetti sauce, tomato-based soups, bruschetta, gazpacho, and more, but it is only in the summer that the classic tomato sandwich is front and center in the South. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Purists agree that there is only one true, authentic way to eat this simple but delectable summer classic. You can fancy it up with cucumbers, onions and make a BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato) but the best way to eat the original tomato sandwich is with only the basics: tomatoes and bread.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>Tomato sandwich ingredients:</u></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fresh white bread (whole wheat is healthier but it is not as good)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Duke’s mayonnaise </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Salt and pepper to taste</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Slicing tomato – German Johnson, Beefsteak, or any ripe tomato</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Slice only the amount of tomato that you can eat at the time. If possible, pick the tomato the day you want to eat the sandwich. Slather Duke’s on both sides of fresh, white bread. Slice tomatoes evenly. Salt and pepper tomato to taste, and place on bread. Slice bread diagonally. Stand over the kitchen sink and eat sandwich carefully so the tomato juice can drip down your arms into the sink. Or, wear a bib. You will need one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-84503302495676275012011-07-04T06:29:00.000-07:002011-07-04T06:36:58.764-07:00Freedom, Fun and the Fourth of July<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Douv1HNP7baQLd9DNY9bu2pw1qh_ULxRfOcye0nRaBMMUpyu87Jj9dcby_UctvCFCdMTA5IwNPMYXV7ZA9iY-s4uuCi2b_dzurseIoMLDRaAEhjWxkIGCCvUW0Lh5vLmhlkg-zE3bwmn/s1600/july4JPG.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Douv1HNP7baQLd9DNY9bu2pw1qh_ULxRfOcye0nRaBMMUpyu87Jj9dcby_UctvCFCdMTA5IwNPMYXV7ZA9iY-s4uuCi2b_dzurseIoMLDRaAEhjWxkIGCCvUW0Lh5vLmhlkg-zE3bwmn/s320/july4JPG.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625489292533663682" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Food and Family Mark Independence Day</span> <p class="MsoNormal"> by Lynne Brandon<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today should remind us all of the great freedoms we enjoy in the United States; something we take for granted but many other countries don’t have.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Independence Day is marked by family reunions, cook outs, parades, and of course, fireworks. It is a day of relaxation, seeing old friends, making new ones, hanging out at the pool and enjoying a day off from the office. Being outdoors is paramount on July 4. Sunny beaches and blue skies mark this day for many where coolers with iced down sodas and food show up across the South and our nation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Whether at home or vacation, Americans remembers our independence each year with spirit, fun and with food at the center of its celebrations. Rarely are sophisticated foods on the menu; but the tried and true Southern favorites we expect on this holiday: baked beans, potato salad, barbecue, and the headliners, hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Garden fresh produce also find a place on the menu and the grill. Yellow squash, zucchini and corn are all great seared and charred with butter and seasonings. Everyone’s favorite vegetable, the tomato is the top accompaniment to burgers and green salads.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">July 4th starts kicks off summer with the special holiday that sets the tone for a great summer of travel, relaxing with family and friends, and being thankful for the great life we enjoy. Most of all, today is a day for remembering how good we have in the best country in the world, the United States of America.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-43268281338713202222011-06-18T20:57:00.000-07:002011-06-19T06:10:54.233-07:00THE COACH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslsTvloQXFeRNfQROfiO65rGJcbYFRnC6LAyMHCo7mryZPUCFuHzyjQ5qBW3MtDwzWDP_-hqbVBHna55hBPLsWdk2-6ks2YkmZ1tzjnqHDMIeVs-NqZg9c0c7Tkb3mdNZGwJQXF3XZolk/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslsTvloQXFeRNfQROfiO65rGJcbYFRnC6LAyMHCo7mryZPUCFuHzyjQ5qBW3MtDwzWDP_-hqbVBHna55hBPLsWdk2-6ks2YkmZ1tzjnqHDMIeVs-NqZg9c0c7Tkb3mdNZGwJQXF3XZolk/s320/IMG_1369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619915528190578194" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">One of a Kind Father</span></span><br /><br />by Lynne Brandon<br /><br />My father was born on August 6, 1932. He entered the world during the depression when times were tough. This rude start to life helped him to survive the cruelty in the Korean War as a young man of only 18. Later he became a conqueror on the football field when he became a high school football coach, the great passion of his life, aside from his wife and three girls.<br /><br />He is still called "The Coach," and in Surry County he is referred to as "The Godfather of football," a label he laughed at but took, nonetheless. He coached many great all-star athletes in Florida and North Carolina during his long career, went to coaching clinics that Bobby Bowden attended, and was mentioned in Bear Bryant's book. It was always about the love of the sport and not money or fame. He turned down more lucrative, prestigious coaching positions to return home to Mt. Airy, NC, to care for ailing parents. He was a good son, and did the right thing.<br /><br />The tall, imposing man with the soft heart of boy, and charismatic smile that always charmed, found his way in life by coaching, track, swimming, tennis, and basketball. But no sport, captured him like football and teaching young boys to do their best on the field. He was respected and kids thought he was cool. He didn't care then or now what people thought of him. He just did what he thought was right and stood up for principles. Sometimes he fared worse for stating his opinions but that was his way.<br /><br />Dad is a still a voracious reader, and he opened the world of books to his daughters with our first library cards. He likes quirky, outrageous movies that make him laugh, good food, watching sporting events, and time spent with family. He inspires supreme loyalty in his faithful dog, Brutus, a Great Pyrenees, who follows his every step and rides shotgun on the back of his truck.<br /><br />My father did everything with gusto in life and still has the same spunk and fire, even if toned done a bit. He still exercises, keeps up on current events, and enjoys life with my mother in the quiet countryside. He will be 79 this year and I hope that the best is still to come for the wonderful father I look up to and call, "dad."TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1564057162532379358.post-23067833828605936932011-06-18T20:36:00.000-07:002011-06-18T20:47:28.387-07:00REMEMBERING DAD<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHe7ghG_9EgzAkhBi2-ozRtBxPv0XFSxZK5XN3YSdSd_DkwWkLzuDtERChsKjsyk3uKDhaQtlMs0uP601dqfWdlJPGVNZSu2ZsoyN2av0NaQ_zEwVXazFtuKWSrlksVUdAUEYs6rpO9BR/s1600/tequila+silver.PNG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHe7ghG_9EgzAkhBi2-ozRtBxPv0XFSxZK5XN3YSdSd_DkwWkLzuDtERChsKjsyk3uKDhaQtlMs0uP601dqfWdlJPGVNZSu2ZsoyN2av0NaQ_zEwVXazFtuKWSrlksVUdAUEYs6rpO9BR/s320/tequila+silver.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619772135122421266" border="0"></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><span style="font-size:130%;"><br></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span><br></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span><br></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span><br></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span><br></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span><br></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span><br></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span>A Gift for Our Great Guys</span></span><br></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>by Doc Lawrence<br></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Dad is my hero and life mentor, a combat veteran who still despises war. He is a rock-solid citizen and family man who is dedicated to good things like food, friendship, fine wines, cocktails, and his country. He leads by example and has an open mind. Through him, I earned an education, received badly needed discipline, learned the importance of a work ethic and was instilled with the unyielding belief that love triumphs over evil.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I found a few gifts that should bring a smile, hoping that these inspire readers to remember our grand guys on Father’s Day. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">If he’s a virtuoso at the outdoor grill he will enjoy his name on personalized barbecue tools and even a mug (from personalzationmall.com.) TempFork Thermometer is the grill master’s best friend and will digitally tell him when the delicious pork loin is done. The handsome<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>stainless steel <span class="apple-converted-space">Grill Mill from William Bounds</span> crushes peppercorns or sea salt rather than grinding them. When the weather isn’t cooperating, the George Foreman <a href="http://www.georgeforemancooking.com/pressroom/epk/multiplate/GR0097P.html"><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Control Temp Grill-Griddle</span></a> with fat-reducing elements, two removable non-stick grilling plates and a griddle for whipping up eggs and bacon will keep Dad happy. It actually removes up to 42% of the fat from 80/20 ground chuck beef.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">The Ninja Master Prep Professional is a revolutionary 6-blade device that allows Dad to evenly chop, mince, dice, blend and puree in seconds. Perfect for the home chef who believes in speed without sacrificing quality. </span>Another kitchen helper is the Black & Decker Powerful Die-Cast Blender, a sleek design featuring 750-watts of power and digital controls. Gotta love the 1-oz. measuring cup. (At<i> Target</i>.)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Always well groomed, Dad is a snappy dresser who glows decked out in nice clothes. Monogrammed cufflinks (from thingsremebered.com) is an elegant gift. For shaving and skin care, the Double Play Kit (from EverymanJack.com), or G for Men does wonders for the shaving experience. (gformencare.com.) The high fashion Dad loves functional watches. Casio has the Edifice Black Label Collection black timepieces with slight color accents designed in a racecar motif. <span style=""><span style=""> </span></span>A rugged, stylish timepiece, Casio’s new Pathfinder PAW-5000-1 features self-charging, self-adjusting technology, tough solar power and <i>Wavceptor</i> Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping Technology, adjusting automatically for daylight savings or leap year. </p><a href="http://butterflybyways.blogspot.com/2011/06/remembering-dad.html#more">Read more »</a>TWO REBEL WRITERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445725745635667053noreply@blogger.com0