This has been a very exciting week at The Permanent Tourist as Holly Herrick launches her new site through which she shares her beloved Charleston, SC with readers globally.  Holly is a fantastic writer, chef and friend.  I invited her to join me to tape a show so everyone can become acquainted with her, her new blog, www.charleston.thepermanenttourist.com, and her life in Charleston.  We had a great time discussing all sorts of subjects…..get a cup of coffee or your beverage of choice, sit back and enjoy!

Melissa | Out&About | 05 31st, 2014 | No Comments »

Warmer weather always means lighter food for me.  Finger foods, easy to make and delicious!  I’m sharing several of our family favorites.  I love anything with shitake mushrooms so this flat bread pizza fills the bill.  For those who don’t like mushrooms I chop up a cutting board Italian salsa with organic plum tomatoes, basil and garlic….refreshing and yummy.  This is the perfect meal at the end of a busy day…..and you won’t heat up the kitchen making it!

Flat Bread Rustic Pizza

Antipasto Platter

Melon & Prosciutto

Pinot Grigio

Flat Bread Rustic Pizza

1 Boboli thin crust (these are perfect for a quick pizza on a warm day….short cuts can be a good thing!)

Sliced provolone cheese (enough to cover the crust)

2 teaspoons good olive oil

1/4 pound shitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced

1 clove garlic

2 cups organic baby spinach

10 fresh basil leaves, torn by hand

balsamic reduction (1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons good local honey – simmer until reduced to 1/4 cup)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, this can also be cooked on the grill outdoors.  Place the pie crust on a round pizza pan, cover the crust with provolone cheese, overlapping as you go around.  Saute the mushrooms and garlic in olive oil for about five minutes.  Spoon the mixture over the  cheese and season with sea salt and pepper to taste.  Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.  Top with raw baby spinach and basil.  Drizzle the finished pie with balsamic reduction and serve.

Antipasto Platter

Assorted Olives

1 jar roasted red peppers

1 can artichokes, drained

1 can garbanzo beans, drained

1 small box grape tomatoes

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

10 slices hard salami, thinly sliced

10 pieces pepperoni, thinly sliced

Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons Sangre de Cristo Italian Herb Blend

2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

Pink salt and ground black pepper to taste

Combine the marinade and pour over the olives, beans and veggies in a large plastic bag.  Marinate for two – three hours.  Pour out into a serving bowl.

Melon & Prosciutto

1 cantaloupe

1/2 pound thinly sliced prosciutto

Cut the cantaloupe in half, cut into wedges and then in half, crosswise.  Wrap each melon piece with prosciutto and place on a serving platter.  Garnish with fresh mint to serve.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 05 30th, 2014 | 3 Comments »

About two minutes after the news broke yesterday morning, I saw the post on Facebook sharing the word of Maya Angelou’s passing.  As I read the report, silent tears streaming down my face, I realized how connected we have all become through use of the internet and all of the modern day media that broadcasts news just as it happens, internationally.

I felt the loss of a dear friend as I watched the various videos of her speaking, reading her poems, so filled with wisdom and inspiration.  I posted one of her quotes just the day before, never imagining that her life was nearing its end.

Maya Angelou was a self made woman…..against all odds.  She clearly had the courage to forge her own path and find her voice.  That voice was the source of solace, hope and determination for all those who followed her career and writings.

“When you get….give.  When you learn…teach,”  Maya lived those words, making the world her classroom as she wrote about current issues, calling for PEACE for honesty, fair play, kindness and justice.  She leaves behind a legacy of excellence for women everywhere who face life’s challenges.  We come together with sadness as news of her passing spreads.  We must continue to speak and share her words, especially the word PEACE which she entreated us all to speak loudly.

One of her poems touched my life at a time when I needed guidance and hope.  “Still I Rise” is a poem of strength and determination to continue to rise, no matter what the odds.  I share her words here with you today and ask that we all remember Maya Angelou, that we follow her lead to live a life that shines with the passion we have for living, just as she did.  Rest in peace, dear lady.

Still I Rise

Melissa | people | 05 29th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

We headed up to Atlanta to spend Memorial Day weekend with our kids and their families.  Also to be there for my appointment at Emory University…..bad knees…..more on that later!  Decatur is a city unto itself, nestled within the city of Atlanta.  We arrived just in time for live entertainment in Decatur Square.  I love to people watch.  This is a busy hub, filled with people from all nationalities and backgrounds.  The music was great…..we even danced a bit….me hobbling on my right leg, but having a great time in spite of it all.

Decatur is filled with interesting restaurants.  It is a mecca for craft beers and all sorts of inventive adult libations!  The food scene in Decatur is adventurous with many ethnic choices, vegan, vegetarian and cutting edge culinary creations by up and coming young chefs.

We journeyed to Lake Lanier on Sunday to get some sun and let the grands play in the water for a bit.

The Emory Conference Center Hotel is the place we called home each night while we were there.  It is so beautiful, situated in a wooded area not far from the University and hospital.  The rooms are spacious with views of the wood that surround the property.  I love the “Mission” style of the furniture and the architecture itself.  Lots of glass and attention to detail.

I’m not a doughnut fan, but I have to tell you that Revolution Doughnuts was a fantastic place to have breakfast.  Located at 908 West College Avenue in Decatur, you’ll find hand made doughnuts and other bakery creations that are organic and awesomely delicious! There are all sorts of choices from fresh blueberry stuffed puffs of dough to vegan offerings.  We loved the little slider with french ham and gruyere cheese….I cannot describe the yumminess….try it when you visit Atlanta and see for yourself.

We’re home now….safe and sound on the island.  It’s always good to be with family and spend time visiting and catching up with each other.  BUT….there’s no place like home.

Melissa | Out&About | 05 28th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

photo by Joe Loehle

I am so pleased to welcome Holly Herrick to The Permanent Tourist as she launches her fabulous new site from Charleston, South Carolina!  We were connected via the wonderful Southern chef, Nathalie Dupree and my dear friend, Chef Matthew Raiford.  The rest is history!

With her lovely dog Tann Mann and a cat named Chutney…..

Holly makes her home in Charleston where she is a well known chef, food writer and author of seven cookbooks to date.

Holly is a graduate of the French Cordon Bleu in Paris…..(that’s her second from the right)

She puts together the yummiest dishes to tempt us with and recipes to guide us in our own culinary pursuits.

Pinterest

Holly was a food writer for The Courier and Post from 2000-2007, sharing Charleston’s vast world of restaurants, bistros and markets with readers.

I am so thrilled that she chose to join me and Tamra Bolton, the Texas Permanent Tourist, on this wonderful journey we have embarked upon.  I think we’ve got lots to look forward to over the coming months as we build The Permanent Tourist, making it an international resource for travel and fine living.  We’re searching for just the right person in the Savannah, GA area and Jacksonville, FL…….and on from there as we spread the joy of living the good life with readers around the globe.

Take a look at Holly’s site here:  http://www.charleston.thepermanenttourist.com/  Leave her a comment and follow her daily to learn all about beautiful Charleston and the Lowcountry.  I know you’ll love it and learn so many interesting things as Holly shares her passion for all things Charleston!

To celebrate Holly’s new site we’re doing a GIVEAWAY!  One lucky person will win a copy of her fabulous “Southern Farmer’s Market” cookbook.  It’s filled with yummy recipes and lovely photos.  The perfect summer cookbook for tips on preparing local produce!  Leave a comment to enter!

Melissa | people | 05 27th, 2014 | 7 Comments »

It’s Memorial Day, a day for remembering all of those who have courageously served our country.  Many lives have been lost in order to insure our precious freedoms in America.  This is a day to honor those who have served and those who have fallen.  Take a moment to say thank you, attend your local parades and celebrations.  Support our troops and pray for peace.

Melissa | Out&About | 05 26th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

I have always loved Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings.  I stumbled over this recording on YouTube that has the words to Max Ehrmann’s famous Desiderata set to this beautiful piece of music.  The Desiderata shares timely advice for living a full, happy life.  Written in 1927, the poem did not gain popularity until it was recorded in the 1970’s and heard by millions.  The words are timeless, the message complete.  Take a moment of silence to listen and read this beautiful work of music and prose.  Wishing you a peaceful day….today, and always.

Melissa | Out&About, Simple Sundays | 05 25th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

I’m doing something a bit different today.  Once a month I’m going to be featuring a recipe from one of our wonderful local chefs.  Today, I’m sharing a delicious recipe from Chef Dave Snyder, owner/chef of two fabulous restaurants here on St. Simons, Tramici and Halyards.  Dave always brings freshness to the table as he and his staff prepare seasonal foods made with fresh local produce and the finest meats, fresh caught fish and seafood.   I think you’ll enjoy this delectable offering from Chef Dave.  Pair it with an organic arugula salad, tossed with crumbled goat cheese and a nice bottle of Zinfandel for the perfect meal!  This recipe comes from the cookbook Chef published a couple of years ago, “Edible Art”.  If you’re interested in the book you can order a copy here:  http://halyardsrestaurant.com/store/

Fig Compote On Lamb Chops

Ingredients:

2 cups Honey

2 cups Red Wine Vinegar

2 oz. Worcestershire

1 teaspoon Mustard Seed

1 pound Dried Black Mission Figs, diced

Preparation:

1.  Reduce honey, vinegar, Worcestershire and mustard seeds to 1/3 cup

2.  Add figs and simmer for about 15 minutes or to desired consistency.

3.  Season with salt and pepper to taste

Lamb Marinade

1 cup Honey

2 oz. Mint

3 Tablespoons Worcestershire

1.  Puree all ingredients in a blender.

2.  Marinate chops for 4 hours

3.  While grilling, use a brush to apply more marinade

4.  Place Fig Compote on top of finished lamb chops

Variation:  For fun, add a little Peppermint Schnapps to the figs after simmering.

Melissa | Out&About | 05 23rd, 2014 | 2 Comments »

It’s official!  St. Simons Island has been voted BEST beach town by Travel & Leisure magazine!

Now, if you are lucky enough to live on the island you already know it’s the best!  If you live anywhere else…..it’s time to discover this little gem of a vacation spot!

St. Simons Island has it all…..canopied streets with beautiful oak trees and rich history to explore…..

Fabulous restaurants serving the freshest seafood, barbecue and more!…..

Great shopping……..

And accommodations…….just wait until you discover all of the possibilities!

There is way too much to include in one post.  So much to enjoy, learn and share with family and friends. Over the next couple of months I’ll be sharing many of the good things to do and see in the area.  Let The Permanent Tourist be your go to guide for reservations and information.  Send me a comment or write me a message and I’ll help you in any way I can so that your island experience is simply the best!

 St. Simons is a place to create memories…once you visit, you’ll always come back!  

Melissa | Out&About | 05 22nd, 2014 | 5 Comments »

For as long as I can remember I have dreamed of living on the ocean.  The sound of the surf as it rushes to shore and then  pulls out to sea once more is so peaceful and calming.

To be able to live on the beach and walk out the door onto sandy shores is such a treasure.

There are lovely cottages along parts of East Beach here on St. Simons Island.

No two are alike, some are designed with a bit of whimsy and others echo pure Southern living, cracker style.

Living on an island gives us the opportunity to collect all sorts of objects from the ocean.  Gifts left by the surge of waves, some returning to shore having been in the depths for years, now find their way into collections to be shared and admired.

Thanks to Jan Carpenter for these wonderful food photos!

Beach life is all about enjoying the outdoors….especially dining al fresco!

There’s something about salty, fresh air that beckons a hearty appetite!

Cheers to one and all!  If you can, find the nearest beach or plan a summer vacation on our special island!  St. Simons has just been voted favorite beach town by Travel & Leisure Magazine….make reservations at one of the many fabulous places to stay or rent your own little cottage on the beach. Take a look at some special properties here:  http://www.hodnettcooper.com/  Let the summer magic begin!

Melissa | Out&About | 05 21st, 2014 | 3 Comments »