Beach House

We like a lot of different music around here at Sweet Iced Tea. For example, my playlist includes everything from bluegrass, classic rock, classical, indie pop (that is one genre people), jazz, Christian, etc…  Last week, Peter and I went to see Beach House.  No, that is not a house on the beach, it is a band.

Based out of Baltimore, Maryland, Beach House is hard to place in one genre (as are many bands these days).  It is moody, with ups and downs that transition slowly throughout each track.  The instrumental and synthesized sounds, on their newest album, “Bloom,” and the vocals of lead singer, Victoria Legrand can take you on a listening party journey, if time permits. However, this album is wonderful in that you don’t have to sit and listen for hours trying to discover song meaning, or turn down the volume for bits that are so overpowering you find yourself jumping. This is the perfect album to turn on, start a new recipe in the kitchen, and pour yourself a glass of wine.  Soon enough you will find yourself singing harmony. Well, ok, that might just be me.  It is an album that would make a fantastic movie soundtrack in its entirety, but for now it might just be the perfect soundtrack to your evening.

Here are a couple of upcoming shows in our neck of the woods:

July 9^th – Tulsa, Oklahoma

July 12^th – Memphis, Tennessee

July 13-15^th – Louisville, Kentucky

For a limited time you can also listen to the entire album, “Bloom” on NPR.

<picture was taken at the show in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and they put on a good show.>

Southern Islands: South Padre Island

When we think of the Southern islands, I jump right to the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida.

But don’t forget the Gulf Coast has some beautiful islands as well. South Padre Island off the coast of Texas is a resort island that is always filled with good food, good music, and water and sun. What more could you want?

If you’re an outdoorsman (or outdoorslady), there’s plenty of kayaking, horseback riding, and fishing. The island is host to many annual fishing tournaments, so whenever you visit, you’re likely to see a few catches being hauled in.

And check out last year’s Southern islands week featuring Dauphin Island, Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, and Kiawah Island.

Jack Rudy Tonic

It is with bated breath that I have waited what seems like an eternity for the sale of Jack Rudy Tonic.  It was sold out everywhere by the time I discovered this Charleston made tonic, and it left me well, sad.  Being a girl that loves a good gin and tonic (splash of water and lots of limes please), supporting a local, southern producer is just about the best combination ever. Created by Brooks Retiz, a mixologist at FIG restaurant in Charleston, the Jack Rudy Tonic is back and available for purchase.

Boutique bars and throwback drinks recalling the days of prohibition are making huge splashes in the bar world. Establishments like The Gin Joint in Charleston, SC, echo this trend. The Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. bottling is another throwback with the dark, brown bottle and stamped font of the label.  My masculine and industrial design preferences beckon me with just the bottle, and I know, I know, the tonic (said to be more of a syrup than traditional tonic) will also satisfy.  My bottle has been ordered. Shipping pending. I look forward to sharing the results.

God bless the creative people of the world!

A Weekend in Charleston

If the South has a capital, it’s Charleston, South Carolina. From the moment I turned onto Highway 17, I was smitten by the Lowcountry. How is it that I’d never spent more than a few minutes passing through this charming city? Well, I made up for lost time this weekend. We met my dad there for a little 50th birthday trip, since it’s one of my parents’ favorite cities, and halfway between my folks and my sister and her husband.

There was so much to do on our itinerary, we of course didn’t see it all, but I think we gave it a pretty good go, and I know we’re all already planning our next trip back! Here’s what we did, in case you want to re-create a patented Thompson family trip:

Thursday Evening

Mr. SIT and I snuck in early and had a delicious dinner at Jim ’n Nick’s. Listen, I’m a Memphis BBQ girl, but I do love some vinegar-y Carolinian ‘que. And Jim ’n Nick’s Cheese Biscuits are to die for!

Friday

We slept in a bit at our hotel in preparation for a big weekend of late nights chatting and eating. Upon recommendation from a friend who works for the Charleston Tourism Department, we stayed in the up-and-coming neighborhood of North Charleston. In addition to being full of great shopping, eating, and near the airport, it was also central to everything. It never took us more than 20 minutes to get anywhere in the city.

Then, before our families arrived, we explored the city a bit, familiarized ourselves with the varied neighborhoods like quaint Summerville, hip Park Circle, beautiful Avondale.

But as soon as the families arrived, we hugged and squealed and then promptly went for the food (you’ll notice lots of eating on this trip). Jack’s Cosmic Dogs was the perfect place to start off a fun and distinctly Charleston local favorite. There were dozens of hot dogs to choose from, and the atmosphere rocketed us (sorry!) back to the atomic age.

Next off, we headed straight for the downtown area. We strolled through the City Market, the perfect place to pick up souvenirs like handmade woven baskets, art, benne wafers, and jewelry. It’s like Etsy in real life! We wondered up and down Meeting Street, where you’ll find plenty to see. My favorite were the gorgeous old churches, fitting appropriately in the “Holy City.” So much history!

We lucked out and happened upon the French Quarter on the first Friday of the month, where the local art galleries fling open their doors with plenty of art to see, snacks to nibble, and wine to drink. The best part? I happened upon a couple of new favorite artists, and even got to visit with one about her inspiration and process.

But by the end of the evening and plenty of walking, can you believe it we were hungry again, so we headed over to the highly recommended Sesame Burger. The service was fantastic, and the menu varied so that even the vegetarian lovers in your group will be happy. I got the South Carolinian burger, topped with pimento cheese. You can not go wrong with that! Plus, everything, and I mean everything is fresh. They even grind their own meat on site.

Saturday

Of course we had to start Saturday morning off with more food. We woke up early and got to a classic Charleston favorite, Hominy Grill. If you’re going to take it slower, be aware that their crowds start showing up at highest peak around 11 a.m., so grab a coffee on your way, ’cause you’re gonna wait a minute. But boy was it worth it! Around our table, I was drooling over the Fried Green Tomato BLT, Cornmeal Cakes, and poached eggs with salmon. But if it’s your first time, you gotta go with the classic Big Nasty Biscuit. A biscuit topped with fried chicken and gravy. Makes you want to smack yur momma! (But I didn’t. She was sitting right across from me.)

We still hadn’t seen the famous Charleston homes that are so uniquely Southern, and it was a gorgeous day, so we headed for the Battery. What a view! Charleston is surrounded by water, and the cool breezes kept us company while we broke out the bocce ball set and wiled the morning away.

Mr. SIT, trying on hats

But we ladies hadn’t gotten our fill yet of shopping, so you know we had to hit King Street sooner or later. With everything from Louis Vuitton to Forever 21, ladies you will get your fill. But there was plenty for the men to enjoy too. Seersucker, hats, book stores, a whole shop full of industrial lamps that my dad and Mr. SIT went crazy for. And when you’re tuckered out, a two-story Starbucks to soak up some air conditioning.

We’d spotted a cool old building down by the marina, and turns out it was California Dreaming, where my parents had recalled they had gotten unforgettable ribs before at their location in Columbia, so off to dinner we went. We got the best waterfront seat in the house, delicious salads (I mean seriously good, couldn’t-stop-talking-about salads), scrumptious meals, and fantastic service. The wait wasn’t short, since it’s apparently a very popular location, so we suggest calling ahead for reservations.

Since we happened to be in Charleston on Derby Saturday, and since I’ve not missed a viewing of the Derby since I was born, my dad then raced back to the hotel like a prize-winning jockey, just in time place our hands over our hearts as “My Old Kentucky Home” was sung. We’d all placed our bets, but no one chose winner I’ll Have Another. What a inspirational story, so we didn’t mind anyway!

We were all tuckered out from a day filled with walking and shopping, we stayed in for the rest of the evening, playing games and chatting (and polishing off a bucket of Peterbrooke popcorn I had brought up from Jacksonville. Then off to bed early so we could be well rested for…

Sunday

Like any good southern Baptists that we are, we had to visit a church while we were there. What a treat to get to worship with some real locals, and get a good feel for the city. We had fallen in love with the nearby neighborhood of Summerville, so we tracked down a pastor that had graduated from my favorite seminary, and attended Sunday morning at Old Fort Baptist Church. There are plenty of great churches in the city to choose from. In fact, it got its name, the “Holy City” from the amount of steeples dotting its skyline.

After a failed attempt to lunch at EVO (closed on Sundays — sad for us, good for them!), we settled on spending the perfect day out at Folly Beach. So we drove out, and grabbed a quick lunch at Taco Boy. A cool atmosphere (a little too hip for us Southern trads though… we did not care for the unisex bathroom!) — Taco Boy has fresh tacos a la carte for a quick snack before an afternoon of dipping our West Coast toes in some good Carolina ocean. We frolicked, played a little more Bocce Ball, but were then too hastily ushered to our car by a quick afternoon coastal thunderstorm.

It didn’t last long though. Just enough to cool things off. By the time we had popped into Publix (the things I miss about the South!!) to stock up on more waters, the sun was popping back out, so we drove downtown again for just one more look at those genteel, elegant homes. We just couldn’t get enough! Walk down Broad Street and Church Street for some of the most gorgeous Southern homes you’ll ever see. A girl can dream…

After all that fresh air and water-gazing, we were all in the mood for a little seafood, and you can’t leave Charleston without trying out a favorite, Hyman’s Seafood. Despite its popularity, and location right on Meeting Street, we got right in and proceeded to dine on fresh fish, shrimp and grits, and crab cakes. Make sure you visit their gift shop on your way out. We could not get enough of their salt scrubs. Perfect for souvenirs to bring home to friends and fam who weren’t lucky enough to accompany you on this trip. (Maybe grab one for yourself too, because you won’t stop thinking about the Holy City.)

I even sat at the table where Pat Conroy has dined!

Monday

Just enough time to grab a sackful of Chick-fil-a biscuits on our way to the airport and one last wave to the East Coast before we headed back to California. For now. But we can’t wait to get back to Charleston as soon as possible!

As I said, there was so much we didn’t get to this time around. From Magnolia Plantation to Fort Sumter to Sullivan’s Beach, and restaurants galore. Here are a few that are on our list for next time (trust me, we shoved as much food as was humanly possible down our hatches, but we can’t wait to eat at): Poogan’s Porch, EVO, Husk, F.I.G., McCrady’s, High Cotton…

And of you’re still looking for more to do, of course always check out Design*Sponge’s collection of City Guides.

Peanut Butter

We talked so much about peanuts yesterday, we didn’t even have time to go into possibly the most popular peanut product — peanut butter. In fact, about half the peanuts grown in the United States go to making peanut butter.

These days, you can get natural peanut butter, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter mixed with fruit jelly, low-salt, and a host of other varieties. But about 800 peanuts go into every jar, so it’s a great snack.

I like storing natural peanut butter in the refrigerator and it will last much longer (about 6 months), but if you get the regular kind, store it in the cool, dark pantry for about three months.

It might look funny, but I store my PB upside down. The oils tend to rise to the top, so when you turn it back right side up to use, make sure you stir, that way you get those oils that have begun to separate back into the mix.

Peanut butter is so easy to make. Chop peanuts in your food processor and add just the tiniest bit of peanut oil. Keep processing it until you get that perfect consistency — whether you prefer smooth or chunky.

I never particularly thought I liked peanut-flavored dishes, besides peanut butter, until I tried this Thai

Try Elvis’ proported favorite of peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Or my absolute favorite guilty snack? A big piece of thick white bread, smeared with peanut butter and drizzled with maple syrup. If you’ve never indulged in this midnight snack, you’ll love it.

Or of course, a thick PB & J sandwich, with homemade strawberry jam and a glass of cold milk.

Food Friday: Peanuts

Peanuts. Groundnuts. Georgia nuts. Goober Peas. Whatever you call them, the South loves their peanuts. And we may think we know all there is to know about this snack-time favorite, but here’s something I’ve just recently learned. Did you know that the peanut isn’t really a nut at all? It’s technically a legume, much closer to the bean family, as it grows in the ground istead of on trees as other nuts do. But even though they technically aren’t nuts, they’ve been popular in the Southern U.S. since colonial times.

If you’re buying unshelled nuts, they should have clean, unbroken shells and should not rattle when you shake them. Refrigerate them, wrapped tight for up to 6 months.

Peanuts go great in banana-nut bread, Thai curries and sauces, chocolate bark, and of course, with most any dessert.

King peanut lives on!

Distinctly Southern: Haint Blue Porch Ceiling

“Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the Deity to be a source of delight.” – John Ruskin

Click image for source.

I love nothing more than sitting on a certain cool porch on a hot summer day, obviously a pitcher of chilled sweet tea nearby, leaning back in a chair to look up at a ceiling of calming light blue.

We’ve all heard the rumors for the reasons why — to keep away evil spirits, to keep our hearts devout by reminding us of the color of heaven, because wasps won’t build nests on blue surface they might think was the sky.

So what’s the real story? I’ve heard all three spouted with absolute certainty, so we may never know for sure, but who really cares? It’s tradition, beautiful, cooling, and, just like porches, distinctly Southern.