Bennie’s Red Barn is practically an institution on St. Simons Island.  It looks like a restaurant out of an old movie.  You know, one of those from the late 40’s or early 50’s with Fred Astaire and one of his many partners spinning through the aisles, between the tables while Bing Crosby croons one of his famous old tunes.  This is how I felt the first time Mr. T took me to Bennie’s shortly after our marriage.

This wonderful restaurant, patterned after supper clubs in the 1950’s is famous throughout Coastal Georgia and points beyond for their outstanding steaks, grilled over an open fire in the enormous kitchen.  Fresh caught fish and seafood is also offered up, cooked any way you like it.  Then there’s that salad.  So completely Italian with the marinated lettuce tossed with plump ripe tomatoes and just the right blend of oil and vinegar.

Bennie Gentile making his famous salad

Bennie Gentile built this restaurant after serving in World War II.  Bennie took cover in a barn in Germany while fighting and vowed that he would build a duplicate once he returned home.  Build it he did, an exact replica of the barn that sheltered him from harm.

Bennie’s has now served three generations of valued customers and they just keep coming back to celebrate engagements, weddings, special events and Christmas.  The wood used to build the barn was locally milled, the bricks brought in from Baxley, Georgia and those pillars you see holding up the covered drive at the entrance came from the original causeway bridge.  History is in every inch of Bennie’s.

When I met with Bennie’s granddaughter, Ali Paolini, she shared her family’s story.  The fact that her grandparents lived right next door to the red barn all of their lives and family continues to own and run the business the way Bennie would have wanted.  They keep it simple, fresh and delicious. Judging by the crowd when we ate there a couple of weeks ago they continue to be a huge success.  This is truly a destination for local patrons and tourists.

Interesting to note is the fact that you’ll find some of the best Southern fried chicken and homemade spaghetti at Bennie’s.  Ali let me in on the secret in their meatballs….that’s their top grade tenderloin, ground to make them.

Table side singers, simple food with no frills.   In the winter, that amazing roaring fireplace, where I’m told many a proposal has taken place at the table for two that sits just across from it.

In this world of chain restaurants that are owned by huge conglomerates, it’s comforting to know a place like Bennie’s Red Barn still exists and thrives, treating us all to a bit of the past.

Reservations Suggested

Bennie’s Red Barn – 5514 Frederica Road – St. Simons Island, GA 31522 – 912-638-2844

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 08 20th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

I have long believed in dreams that come true.  My vivid imagination dates back to childhood when I preferred my imaginary life to my reality.

I began to imagine myself living back in the South about 15 years ago.  My first move to making this my reality was to subscribe to Southern Living Magazine.  I browsed through the pages imagining myself living among trees draped with Spanish moss and yards overflowing with azaleas and caladium.

Caladium, otherwise known as Angel Wings, Heart of Jesus and Elephant Ears, represented the South to me with their varigated leaves in so many beautiful colors.

My dreams came true and I now grow caladium in my own yard.  They never cease to give me pleasure.  Seeing their little tips begin to rise up out of the earth each year, having survived another winter, brings a smile to my face.

I pick up a couple of bags of bulbs each year, planting them here and there.  They are lovely in containers, in a garden grouping or planted in multitude at the corner of a garden.

My love affair with the South continues as late summer settles in here on St. Simons Island.   Afternoon showers leave a steamy haze through which I envision the leaves that will soon be changing then falling.  The caladium will wither back to take a winter nap, only to rise again with the onset of another summer.  I learn from my garden.  Most of all, it reminds me that there will always be renewal, new growth and beauty.  In nature I find the rhythm of life with the flowers and plants that bloom in their own time.  The flow of life…..gentle, quiet and always a work in progress.

Melissa | Out&About | 08 19th, 2013 | No Comments »

After the week we’ve had, I felt this song appropriate for a bit of gratitude and introspection.

We all have so much to be thankful for!

Wishing all of my readers a wonderful Sunday.  And don’t forget to say “thank you”.

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 08 18th, 2013 | No Comments »

Mr. T and I love to take short trips on the weekends.  One of our favorite destinations is the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine  Less than two hours away, it offers the perfect getaway.  I always feel like I’m going back in time when we pull up into the covered valet parking area.

The hotel has been completely renovated, offering a feeling of being in a Moorish castle or someplace in Morocco.  Colorful opulence surrounds you as you walk through the lobby.

I love the little cabanas by the pool, perfect for two and so comfy!

The hotel is located in the heart of the historic area of St. Augustine offering plenty of shopping and casual dining within walking distance.

The Cordova Restaurant, located in the hotel, features a delicious menu with fresh seasonal selections.  You won’t be disappointed in the hotel’s Cobalt Lounge, located just to the side of the main lobby. Live entertainment on the weekends draws a crowd and the service is great.

One of our favorite spots for dining when we’re in St. Augustine is the Bistro de Leon.  Chef  Jean-Stephane serves his faithful patrons French cuisine that transports us straight to France when we eat there.  We actually had breakfast, lunch and dinner there one day it was THAT good.

Think of Casa Monica when you want to get away without driving for hours or navigating an airport.  Elegant comfort and historic surroundings….so relaxing and fun!

 Casa Monica Hotel – 95 Cordova Street – St. Augustine, FL  32084 – 888-213-8903

www casamonica.com

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 08 17th, 2013 | 5 Comments »

Simple Summer eating….so easy and delicious!  I’m serving up a pizza today with fresh Georgia peaches and other goodies you may never have thought of!  Quick and so yummy!  Let me know if you try this one!

Here’s what you’ll need to create this in your own kitchen:

1 pizza dough ( I get the dough in the deli at our local Harris Teeter)

2 tablespoons good quality olive oil

2 peaches, peeled and sliced

4 slices prosciutto, sliced into thin ribbons

1 small log goat cheese

1 box organic, baby arugula

balsamic vinegar

honey

sea salt and pepper to taste

Let the dough come to room temperature and form into a circle.  I use a pizza stone to bake pizza, it makes the crust turn out so nicely!  You’ll want to preheat your oven to 500 degrees.  Brush the dough with the olive oil and bake for about eight minutes.  Remove from the oven and place the peaches in any pattern you like and top with the prosciutto.   Return the pie to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.  Remove the pizza to the stove top and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.  Top with fresh arugula and season as desired.  Drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction over the top and you’ve got it!  Now….enjoy!

Balsamic Reduction

This is so easy.  Place 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar in a small sauce pan.  Add 1 tablespoon local honey and bring to a simmer.  Let the mixture simmer until it reduces by half and thickens.  Told you it was easy!

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 08 16th, 2013 | No Comments »

This is a brief post today.  I’m at the hospital with Mr. T as he has a pacemaker implanted to regulate his pulse which has been dropping to around 30 beats per minute throughout the day and night.  Please say a little prayer for him.  I found this Circle of Prayer on line and really like it.  Sharing this today so that all can be surrounded by our loving Father.

Melissa | Out&About | 08 15th, 2013 | 8 Comments »

I’m featuring Summer Waves today, the water park on beautiful Jekyll Island.

If you’re looking for a way to cool down on a hot summer day, this may be your ticket!

With 11 acres in all, Summer Waves offers something for everyone.

Whether you want to cool down in the huge pool….

Take a slide down one of the water slides, choose between The Hurricane and The Tornado …..

Or float down a lazy river on Turtle Creek, a slow moving, half mile of relaxation…..

Summer Waves is the place to cool down, slow down and enjoy some family fun.

Read more about the park and get information on admission here:  http://www.jekyllisland.com/summer-waves/

Melissa | Out&About | 08 14th, 2013 | No Comments »

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I truly suffer through hot, humid weather.  The fact that I grew up  in Houston, Texas might make you wonder why I am not better acclimated to hot summers.  But you have to understand that we went places to get away from the abysmal heat that appeared every summer like a bad dream.  I hate to complain, I really do, for nine plus months out of the year we live in paradise here on St. Simons Island.  Even with the heat we’re experiencing now I feel a bit ashamed complaining because we do have those luscious sea breezes that come through with the changing tides.  But….bear with me and humor me, I’m going to dream a bit about being in places I love that are cooler this time of year.

When I was growing up we used to spend time in the Sangre de Cristo  mountains outside of Taos, New Mexico.

Taos was a charming little village with an Indian flavor.

Times have changed and the population has grown, but Taos is still a magical place with so much charm and history.

Maine….ahhhhhhhh, just the name brings back pleasant memories to me.

When I lived in New York City I spent many summer weekends on the coast of Maine near Mount Desert Island.

High tea at the Jordan Pond House, so yummy and relaxing.  There’s really nothing that can match Maine in my book. I dream of owning a vacation home there one day.

And it doesn’t hurt that it’s the home of my most favorite food…lobster!

Then, there’s the South of France…..warm, sunny, earthy….I could go on and on!

Just plant me any place in the French countryside and I’ll be in paradise!

The food, the wine, the French language….enough said!

Last but not least, a part of my heart is and always will be in Colorado.  My daughter was born there, I lived there for almost a decade and still have family there.  One of my favorite spots is Crestone.  A sleepy mountain village with an amazing secret.

Crestone is a spiritual center.  You’ll find a Shumei temple, a Carmelite monastery, two Tibetan Stupas and an Indian Ashram and I’m sure I’m leaving other groups out.  The energy level is as high as the altitude, which is 8,000 feet at the base of the valley and about 8,500 in the town itself.

Majestic Crestone peak rises from the valley floor to a height of over 14,000 feet.  This photo was taken by my talented nephew, Travis.

Cool, mellow and perfect for enjoying an otherwise long, hot summer….and you might even see a deer outside your front door!

So there you have it!  I’m dreaming of a cooler place.   Where would you summer if you could go anywhere in the world?  I’d love to hear from you!  When all is said and done, I have to admit that if I could go anywhere I’d still pick St. Simons Island….there’s just no place like home!

Melissa | Out&About | 08 13th, 2013 | 4 Comments »

Shrimp boats have always fascinated me.  Growing up on  the Gulf Coast of Texas they were an ordinary site.  One of the things I love most about my life in Coastal Georgia is seeing these boats again.  There is something comforting about watching them as they head out in the mornings, ready for a busy day at sea.

I heard about Capt. Gabby Charters last winter and instantly knew I wanted to see the boat and write about it.  The boat is named after Herbert Walker, a.k.a., Captain Gabby, a beloved resident of Sapelo Island who passed away about ten years ago.  The new owners, Charlie Young, Cindy Dennard and Robbie Bufkin, decided to keep the name in honor of the Captain.

The Capt. Gabby is normally docked in Darien, Georgia, but in July it has been at home in Brunswick, just behind Southeast Adventures off of Highway 17.  I contacted Cindy and arranged to meet her and go on board.

This boat has been completely renovated and refurbished by its owners making it ready for sunset cruises or multi-day treks through area waterways.

It is equipped with sleeping berths for six.  There’s a galley kitchen where food can be prepared, either for you or by you.

The top deck offers “the best view in Georgia”, according to those who have experienced a trip on the boat.

Love to kayak?  You’re in luck.  The Capt. Gabby will take you and five others to any destination in local waterways, kayaks in tow.  I’m seriously considering this for Skylar and me next summer.

For a unique experience, consider booking a sunset cruise with friends, gather up all of your cocktail paraphernalia and toast the end of the day in a way you’ll never forget.

Capt. Gabby Charters is now at the top of my bucket list!

To plan your cruise aboard the Capt. Gabby contact captgabby@gmail.com or 912-270-5383.  To read more go here:  http://www.captgabby.com 

Melissa | people | 08 12th, 2013 | 5 Comments »

I posted about Phil Morrison and his jazz trio a couple of weeks ago. Today I’m sharing a wonderful video put together by Joe Wills featuring the official song of Brunswick and the Golden Isles, written by Phil…..Enjoy!  “Take Me To The Coast Of Georgia”!

Melissa | people, Simple Sundays | 08 11th, 2013 | 3 Comments »