I love nothing more than enjoying a delicious meal, outdoors…..on the ocean!  And now we’ve got the fabulous new Echo Oceanfront Restaurant at the newly renovated King & Prince Resort!

The menu is fantastic.  Chef Jason has outdone himself with a varied selection of deliciousness!

You can dine indoors with a wonderful view of the beach and ocean, or select a seat in the new outdoor dining area.

Visit the website here:  http://www.echostsimons.com/ to see the menu and more photos.

Take a seat at the new bar and enjoy beer on tap, a glass of wine or a signature cocktail!

I’ll be posting about A Taste Of Glynn which took place at the King & Prince yesterday afternoon in my blog tomorrow.  You’ll see all of the lovely dishes and the winners of various categories.

In the meantime, make plans to visit Echo and take a stroll through the elegant new lobby of the resort.  You won’t be disappointed!

Melissa | Out&About | 03 31st, 2014 | 3 Comments »

Sunday always seems like the end of the week instead of the beginning to me!  It is termed the “seventh day”, yet on any calendar you’ll see that it is, in fact, the first day of the week.  I like the idea of Sunday being a day of rest, a time for family and friends to enjoy time together.  Whether you share a meal at home, go to your favorite restaurant, take a picnic to the beach or any place you love, Sunday is a day of sharing and togetherness.  I found this lovely collection of relaxing music for you to begin your day.  Pour a cup of coffee, put your feet up and just let the time pass as you listen.  Music always sets the tone for the day in my life.  Whether it is the music of nature as I listen to the birds awakening and beginning their songs or it’s soothing music such as this.  Music is such an important part of life!  So enjoy and have a wonderful day…..whatever you do!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 03 30th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

Join me for a lively conversation on The Chef and The Wine Guy!  This month I talked with wine expert, Mark Gagliano with special guests Stacy Bass and Jay Anderson of Straton Hall Events.  We had quite a time!  Enjoy the show!

Melissa | On The Radio | 03 29th, 2014 | No Comments »

It’s Finally Friday!  It has been quite a week, a mixed bag of joy, sadness, illness of an elderly parent and very little sleep.  Being the eternal optimist that I am keeps me on the path I choose and that is one of joy and faith, no matter what.  In the midst of all of the hubbub, I managed to cook a good meal or two.  No matter what, we always need to feed ourselves whole foods that nurture and sustain.  For many years I have tried to eat a vegetarian diet, foregoing animal protein, only to feel horrible and less than at my optimal performance.  It works for some, but not for all.  I have learned to balance and put more emphasis on fruits and vegetables using meat as more of a side dish than the main course.  In keeping with that, here is a truly delicious meal I prepared that Mr. T and Sky went crazy over.

I met the nicest guy in the deli of our local Harris Teeter who steered me toward a new cheese I had not tried that got the whole thing going!   Then a trip to Uncle Don’s Local Market yielded some of the most gorgeous organic dragon kale that became a scrumptious Caesar salad.  I hope you’ll enjoy this meal if you make it.  I’d love to know how it turns out if you do!

Cambozola Burgers

Dragon Kale Caesar

Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cambozola Burgers

I’m laughing at this photograph because it looks like a meal for the three little bears!  The smallest patty is mine….probably only about 3 ounces of meat….I meant it when I said I use meat as a side dish!

1 pound grass fed ground beef

1 wedge Cambozola Cheese ( this is a blend of camembert and bleu that delivers a divine flavor to this dish!)

4 scallions finely chopped, green ends included

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon grey salt

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 tablespoon Creole mustard

1 tablespoon olive oil

Place the beef in a large mixing bowl.  Add one half of the wedge of cheese, about 1/3 cup and mix into the meat.  Add the scallions and remaining ingredients up to the olive oil.  Form four ounce patties.  Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet or other skillet until it just begins to smoke a bit.  Turn the heat to medium high, add the burger patties and cook for four minutes on each side.  This will be a medium rare burger, juicy and delicious.  If you desire more doneness, add one minute to each side.

Dragon Kale Caesar

1 bunch fresh, organic dragon kale, washed well, ribs removed and remaining leaves torn into a wooden salad bowl

Bread Crumb Topping:

1 cup fresh, whole bread crumbs, tossed with 2 teaspoons olive oil.  Spread on a parchment lined sheet pan and bake at 350 for about five minutes, until golden and crunchy.

For the dressing:

juice of 2 small lemons

1 teaspoon capers

1 egg, coddled (I just barely soft boil the egg so that both the white and yolk are still liquid, yet the possibility of salmonella is gone.  I also use organic eggs)

1 teaspoon anchovy paste

1 teaspoon Creole mustard

3 cloves garlic

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

cracked black pepper

Place the first five ingredients into a food processor or blender.  Pulse to blend, with the motor running, add the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture begins to thicken.  Add the parmesan cheese and pulse briefly to blend.  Toss the kale with the dressing and sprinkle with cracked black pepper and sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs on top.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 03 28th, 2014 | No Comments »

Spring is finally busting out all over Coastal Georgia.  I shudder at the site of Wax Lagustrum….eyes running, sneezing and sniffling…..ahhhhh, Spring!  I love the fragile blooms of the dogwood trees….

The ruffles of azalea’s blossoms so pretty…….

And I’ve got my own case of Spring Fever going in my garden.  The leaves on the fig tree I planted a couple of years ago are coming out nicely and I’m taking a stroll around the yard every day or so to see what is peeking out from the garden floor, having survived this strange winter we’ve had.

When I visited Eagle Island, one of Capt. Andy Hill’s fabulous private islands last fall, I saw so many reclaimed items he used in fascinating, whimsical ways.  One thing that caught my eye were antique crab traps Andy turned into glorious planters, overflowing with flowers and plants, hanging along the walkway that leads to the house in which we stayed.  I spoke to Andy about buying the traps for my home to which he replied, “Of course!”.  The rustic traps turn out to be from the Lewis Crab Factory in Brunswick.  They are just what I wanted to add a special touch to our front porch, I can change the plantings seasonally, add too or take away…..perfect!

Here is what the trap looked like pre-planting.  I lined each of the three traps I purchased from Andy with “coco fiber”, available at our local Ace Garden Center.  Each planter was then filled with a high quality potting soil with plenty of nutrients to help the young plants become strong and healthy.

This is the final result.  They aren’t overflowing yet, but they will be!  If you are interested in purchasing crab traps for your own gardening adventures contact Andy:  912-222-0801.  Get creative, recycle, reclaim….let your imagination go wild and jump into the Spring spirit!

Melissa | Out&About | 03 27th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

As a young girl Amy Wallin Smilovic always possessed a wildly creative streak.  Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, as a teenager Amy made hand-woven silk belts for her friends and those of her mother, Judy, as well.  You might find her embellishing sweatshirts and t’s for special friends back in the day.   She has always been interested in color, art, design and FASHION!  

Amy Wallin Smilovik

While living with her husband  in Hong Kong during the late 90’s Amy began to spread her wings, designing clothes for herself then having them made by local seamstresses.  Her clothing soon became the envy of members at the American Club as women began to beg her to make her designs available to them.  The rest is history.  Design Amy did!  Hers is now one of the hottest labels internationally known for contemporary, slightly “edgy” designs perfect for the young as well as the young at heart!

We on St. Simons Island are blessed to have the one and only Tibi outlet located right in the heart of Redfern Village.  Items in the outlet are marked down by 50% and more, making these collectible pieces affordable for any fashion lover.

And SHOES?????  Mr. T. was probably holding his breath when I visited the shop to learn more about the line and its founder.  All styles, colors and height of heels….enough to make me swoon!  A girl can never have too many shoes!

This coming Friday and Saturday, March 29th and 30th, Judy Wallin, Amy’s proud mom who heads up the running of the vast warehouse located in Brunswick, is hosting a sale!  Not just any sale, it’s a Tibi warehouse sale that you will NOT want to miss!  Find it at the very end of Redfern Village in one of the available spaces located  near the Marsh Point Grill.  You will not be disappointed.  Stock up on clothes and shoes at unbelievable prices you won’t be able to resist!

This business that began across the sea in China, with small trunk shows held in private homes is now one of the most sought after lines in the industry.  In case you’re not excited enough already….here’s a peek at the recent show held in New York City during January’s Fashion week to launch Spring 2014!

Tibi – 220 Redfern Village – St. Simons Island, FL – 31522 

Melissa | people | 03 26th, 2014 | No Comments »

If you live in Glynn County or the surrounding area you will not want to miss A Taste Of Glynn!  This annual event supports the Glynn County Crisis Center under whose umbrella are Amity House, Hope House and Outreach.  All of these are havens for women and their children who are in need of shelter from domestic violence.

This year’s event is being held at the fabulous, newly renovated King & Prince Resort on St. Simons Island.

Chefs, restaurant’s and caterer’s from the entire area will be showing off their culinary creations for all to taste and enjoy.  What a delicious way to support this important group and enjoy a wonderful evening!

The setting will be both inside the King & Prince as well as on the grounds, weather permitting.

Put together by a team of expert volunteers, headed by Linda O’Meara, this year’s event promises to be one of the best ever.  The silent auction that will be held during the event features all sorts of wonderful items including a sunset cruise and cocktails on the Bellagio, on it’s way up from south Florida.  What fun!

Live entertainment will be part of the evening’s festivities with well known names such as Michael Hulett and other local artists who will provide music for your listening enjoyment!  Be sure to make your reservations and get your tickets soon!  For more information on purchasing tickets and the event go here:  http://www.atasteofglynn.com/.  Join a lively group of people who enjoy good food and wine while supporting GCCC!  I’ll see you there!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 03 25th, 2014 | 3 Comments »

If you’re looking for a fabulous Spring getaway, why not consider the Jekyll Island Club Hotel?  You’ll be experiencing a little piece of history, situated like a jewel on the river side of Jekyll Island, this is the place to rest, relax and renew!  I have to thank the hotel for these wonderful images, most taken by David Fisher of J&D Images.

The rooms are comfortable with fabulous views and balconies perfect for a good read on a warm Spring afternoon.

There are activities galore on Jekyll Island too.

The kids will love the  sea turtle center…and if you check out the clinic times you can even go behind the scenes to see the veterinary team in action!

The food is splendid at any meal, fresh local seafood and vegetables abound.

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is steeped in history, mystery and lore.  You might even hear a ghost story while there!

It’s spring getaway time at this wonderful hotel!   You can enjoy a 25% discount on your rate or like the hotel on Facebook, here:  https://www.facebook.com/JekyllIslandClubHotel and  book online using the rate code FACE for a 30% discount here:  http://www.jekyllclub.com/

Enjoy the gorgeous Spring weather and spend time with your family wandering all over Jekyll Island, exploring….discovering…..sharing!  It doesn’t get any better than this!

Melissa | Out&About | 03 24th, 2014 | No Comments »

Today’s my birthday!  I love birthday’s….they are always welcome in my world.  Another year has passed, hopefully I’ve become a bit wiser and assuredly I’ve learned a lot over the past twelve months.  I always consider this to be the beginning of my new year, so fitting that it is also the beginning of Spring!  It’s a time of renewal, of love, of freshness and growth.  We’re celebrating today with a special dinner and plenty of candles to blow out as I make my secret wishes.  Enjoy this recording of “romantic” music.  I am incurably romantic and I make no apologies for that.  Have a wonderfully simple Sunday!

Melissa | Out&About | 03 23rd, 2014 | 6 Comments »

I visited with Linda O’Meara and Ed O’Grady this week.  We shared a lively discussion about the upcoming annual event, “A Taste Of Glynn”.  Enjoy and make plans to join us at this wonderful event which benefits the Glynn County Crisis Center!

Melissa | Out&About | 03 22nd, 2014 | No Comments »