Mint Julep Month April is Mint Julep month, so in honor of this classic southern cocktail I’ve listed out a few different recipes (along with some how-to videos) for you to try all month long. How to fashion a true Mint Julep is a hotly debated topic in the world of bartending and mixology, especially…
Author: Matt Swift
Roots Cafe
Great Places to Eat in Charlotte, NC Roots Cafe With food being such a huge part of our lives, we are always on the lookout for a new eating spot here in Charlotte, NC. Roots Cafe, which is located at 2135 Southend Dr. Suite 109, has just become one of our new favorite places! These…
Cranberry Mule
Tis the Season For Cocktails The holiday season can go either way. It can be a festive, jolly ole time … or … it can be a real shit-show. Either way, you are going to need to arm yourself with some holiday spirits to get you through the end of the year. While other cocktails…
Sautéed Shrimp and Okra
A little bit on Okra In my opinion, Okra is the most underrated and under-appreciated vegetable we have. It’s actually a very versatile vegetable that gets a bad rap because people think it’s “slimy”. How you prep okra will help dictate how “slimy” it gets. Water enhances the “sliminess” so don’t wash the okra until…
Have a Dish (or Two) at Haberdish
Haberdish Charlotte, NC In the South, food is serious business. There is a lot of sweat, and pride that goes into this region’s dishes. With the knowledge and the alchemy of seasoning one must master, it’s easy to get it wrong and you certainly can’t fake it. I’ve lived in the South all my life…
Southern Shine Beard Oil: Review part2
When I first established The Southern Blueprint, I envisioned working with great people from the South. I really wanted to identify brands that I could get behind, support, to help grow and watch succeed. The South has so much to offer, and holds so many talented and special individuals. One of those individuals is Jayson Reiher,…
Asheville for a Ladies Weekend? Yes, Please!
Written by: Jillian Hillard With Asheville exactly 2 hours to the minute from our home in Charlotte, it’s the ideal get away for many occasions. As the last of my girlfriends sail away to marital bliss, it has been a popular spot for Bachelorette parties. The city’s beautiful mountains, laid back culture, thriving local food and brewery scene,…
The Memory of a Perfect Brunch “Preserved” in My Mind
Article written by: Jillian Hillard To create the perfect brunch, there are a few MUST elements. Most obvious, great food and company, but add in perfect weather and a picturesque setting, and voilà! Let’s start by creating the setting. Nestled just on the outskirts of St. Augustine is the town of Lincolnville. With a rich history of…
Southern Shine Beard Oil
Over the past few weeks while growing the ol’ beard out I’ve been using Southern Shine’s Beard Oil and Beard Balm. Based out of Texas, Southern Shine was nice enough to send me some samples that I tested and tried out, and I must say that, so far, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. It’s true that selling…
A Day at Raffaldini
Raffaldini Vineyards Located in Ronda, NC Chianti in the Carolina’s is what they like to call it, and it’s fitting. As you ascend up the hill to get that first glimpse of the grounds and the villa, you forget that you are in North Carolina and instead get hit with the overwhelming sensation that you are…
The Southern Blueprint 