Uncle Pep’s I am always fascinated by how small businesses are created. I’m intrigued by the process, the strategy and thought behind it, the branding. I’m especially intrigued when I see a dear friend of mine going through that process. Starting a business is never easy. It comes with hurdles and unforeseen pitfalls that…
Category: Drinks
The Mint Julep
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 Big Texan Bourbon & Grapefruit Cocktail
This one is pretty easy yet so tasty! In a cocktail shaker, combine grapefruit juice, bourbon, simple syrup and basil leaves. Fill a chilled rocks glass with ice. Add a few ice cubes to the shaker and shake well. Strain the drink into the ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with the grapefruit slice and cherry. You can also…
The Charleston Bog
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the raspberries with mint leaves, lime or lemon wedges and Honey Syrup. Add ice and the bourbon and cranberry juice. Shake well and strain into a glass (I used a mason jar). Garnish with the mint sprig and/or lemon or lime wedge. Ingredients : 4 raspberries 8 mint leaves, plus…
Taking Drinks at Random Row Brewing Co.
Random Row Brewing Co. is a smaller place, as far a square footage goes, but a brewery doesn’t have to be gigantic to be good, they just need to make good beer. I have to say, these guys make great beer. A group of us went on a Saturday afternoon as the sun was setting….
The Southern Blueprint 