I love making announcements and sharing new developments with my readers.  When I began this blogging journey a couple of years ago I had no idea where it would all lead.  I didn’t realize writing the blog would enhance my on-line presence as an author, thus helping get my books published and out there.  I never saw myself doing a radio talk show, which has taken off in a big way.  I had no idea I would meet the wonderful people I’ve met and become so involved in the going’s on of the area.  Writing The Permanent Tourist has enriched my life in so many ways.  And today…….I’m sharing what seems to be the next natural step for The Permanent Tourist.  The doors are opening and I’m taking that step through to see where it all will lead!

Not long ago I began to be approached by readers from out of the area who were wondering where to stay while on St. Simons Island and what to do during a stay.  A couple of readers went so far as to ask if I would prepare an itinerary for their trip, to which I said YES!  What fun to put fantasy trips together that engage a couple, or family or corporation….anyone visiting Coastal Georgia for a week or two. in amazing adventures and experiences.  And so it is!  The Permanent Tourist is now offering a full itinerary service for people who are planning to visit our wonderful area!

If you want and island adventure…I’ve got such an amazing package for you!  Culinary aspirations….just wait until you see what I can put together for you to enjoy!  A romantic weekend for two with all the bells and whistles?  A corporate retreat where each person gets to experience a hands on experience in the world of art, jewelry making or paddle boarding!  The possibilities are endless.

I’d love to know your thoughts about this latest adventure The Permanent Tourist is now embarking on!  I’ll be happy to share the reasonable rate sheet I’ve created to get all of this going!  You’ll have a trip prepared for you that you’ll never forget….ever!  Making dreams come true and fulfilling even the wildest notions, safely of course, is going to be great fun!  Join me on this new path of my journey.  If you’re a local business or professional who has a service, lodging, adventure or other item that would fit into the book I’m putting together, message me!  You don’t want to miss being a part of this!

Oh the places you’ll go and the fun you will have!  Endless possibilities!

Melissa | Out&About | 09 9th, 2014 | 7 Comments »

There’s still a feeling of muggy, late summer in the air, but the buzz of activity in Coastal Georgia is beginning to make itself known!

On September 19th –  21st we have the annual Shrimp & Grits Festival coming up on Jekyll Island.  This is always an event you’ll want to attend.  Wander around through the historic district on Jekyll as you taste the various offerings of local chef’s and their “take” on this favorite dish.  Entertainment, arts and crafts……family fun on Jekyll!  You won’t want to miss it!

And then….the first week in October we’re all excited about the St. Simons Food & Spirits Festival that benefits our local hospice group.  What a wonderful way to support a local group that gives to our community in untold ways.  There’s a full schedule planned with events you won’t want to miss.  Tickets are on sale here:  http://saintsimonsfoodandspirits.com/.

Coastal Symphony is gearing up for a fabulous new season that will delight the music lovers all over the area.  I’ll be talking with some of the ladies from the Symphony Society on the radio as we share all of the wonderful concerts and events on their schedule for the coming season.

There is never a reason to be bored in Coastal Georgia!  So much to plan for and I’ve only touched on the very top of it all with this post.  I’ll be featuring more events you’ll want to check out over the next few weeks.   A bit of Fall is in the air and the energy is building!

Melissa | Out&About | 09 8th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

I’ve been enjoying the new Starz series “Outlander” based on the books by Diana Galbadon.  The concept of time travel has always fascinated me as well as anything to do with Scotland, Ireland and Celtic lore.  I also love good Celtic music.  Loreen McKennitt, with her haunting voice and melodies is always a favorite.  Enjoy listening to her recording, “The Two Trees” this morning as you ease into your day!  It’s Sunday…..do whatever brings you joy!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 09 7th, 2014 | No Comments »

I welcomed Wendy Couch and Mary Beth Bonner to the show this week.  Listen as we discuss the Island Newcomer’s Club and all that it offers to new residents of St. Simons and Sea Island.

Melissa | Out&About | 09 6th, 2014 | No Comments »

I’m sharing one of my families favorite meals with you today!  Gnocchi may appear to be a difficult dish to make, but, trust me, it’s not.  These light little pillows of potato, egg and cheese are so delectable.  There are many sauce variations to pair with gnocchi as well as many different types of gnocchi.  This is a fairly basic recipe that I use and have used for years.  I like to bake the potatoes early in the morning, let them cool and scoop out their meat for use later in the day when I begin assembling the dish.  Our favorite sauce is a fresh tomato vodka sauce.  We’ve also loved a brown butter sauce with sage, wild mushrooms and plenty of garlic when it’s a bit cooler outside.  Gnocchi can be made with russet potatoes or sweet potatoes.  I’ve even had it when poached fish was added to the mix, light, fluffy little pillows that pair perfectly with a buerre blanc sauce….heaven!

To prepare the Gnocchi: (serves 4-8)

4 russet potatoes

2 large egg yolks

sea salt to taste

1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, plus a bit more for dusting

freshly ground pepper

freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Bake the potatoes at 400 degrees for one hour, or until tender.  Cool the potatoes then halve them and scoop the flesh into a potato ricer.  You can also push the potato meat through a colander with smaller holes if you do not have a ricer.  Transfer the riced potatoes to a large mixing bowl.  Stir in the egg  and one teaspoon of salt.  Add 1/2 cup of flour and stir until a stiff dough forms.  Gently knead the dough until it is slightly sticky, yet smooth.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and dust with flour.  Cut the dough into four pieces that you will then roll into 3/4 inch ropes.  Cut each rope into 3/4 inch pieces and press against the tines of a fork to make ridges.  Place on the baking sheet.  In a deep skillet filled with simmering water, place the gnocchi.  As they cook they will rise to the top of the water.  Melt the butter in another skillet and add the drained gnocchi.  Toss with the tomato vodka sauce, top with shredded parmigiano-reggiano cheese, a bit of cracked black pepper and serve.

Tomato Vodka Sauce

2 tablespoons butter

2 shallots, peeled and finely minced

1 tablespoon vodka

3 tablespoon heavy cream

1 cup Italian tomatoes in puree  (Note:  this is your call.  I actually used a carton of organic grape tomatoes that I tossed in olive oil with a bit of pink sea salt, roasted at 300 degrees for an hour then added to the sauteed shallots….takes a bit more time, but worth the effort!)

1/4 cup fresh basil, julienned

sea salt and pepper to taste

Melt the butter in a saute pan, add the shallots and cook until just tender.  Add the vodka and simmer for 3-4 minutes.  Add the heavy cream and tomatoes stirring to combine.  Pour sauce over the cooked gnocchi and top with basil.  Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 09 5th, 2014 | No Comments »

No, it’s not a furniture polish…..it’s the one component to a healthy Mediterranean diet that I am never without.  But never have I seen olive oil in such glory as I did while visiting Golden Isles Olive Oil.  This shop is a little treasure trove of deliciousness for any food devotee like myself.

Beautifully designed and merchandised, owner, Paige Funkhouser, has created a tasting boutique where you can let your imagination and taste buds go wild.  Not only the best olive oil, it’s rated “Ultra Premium”, but each oil is infused with a natural flavoring and can be poured out through a spigot into three different sizes.  At $24.95, the 750 ml bottle is very well priced and I love the smallest 200 ml bottle since it allows one to sample and experiment with various flavors before going on to the larger sizes.

And vinegars…..Paige has an amazing array of flavored balsamics.  Put an oil and vinegar combination of your choice together, dip into it with a bit of bread that is always on hand for tasting and imagine the possibilities!  I personally loved the Japanese Sesame flavored oil with Honey Ginger white balsamic.  The idea of Asian salads and grilled fish or shrimp with this combination has me going!

GIOO was recently awarded “Best Gift Baskets” by readers of Elegant Island Living magazine.  I saw a couple of the baskets Paige and her staff assemble and have them on my list for Christmas present ideas for the foodies in our family.  What a treat to receive a basket filled with speciality olive oil, vinegar, handmade pasta, olives and other goodies!  And baskets ship anywhere in the U.S. for a mere $15.00.  That is a deal!  One of my personal favorites is the beer bread mix Paige carries…you’ve got to try it!

Whether your taste leans toward the robust, medium or a milder flavor you’ll find it here or one of Paige’s expert staff members will be happy to assist.    Just think about combinations like Cinnamon Pear vinegar with Roasted Walnut olive oil….or Juniper Berry vinegar with Mushroom & Sage olive oil for a delicious lamb dish.  Any foodie will have found heaven in this place!

Paige welcomes her customers to share the recipes they devise in their own kitchens with her in a monthly newsletter that enters each recipe in a contest for all sorts of wonderful prizes.  You won’t want to miss out on the fun and you will want to be sure to ask for a Frequent Shopper Card where ten purchases add up to a free item!  Paige has got this going in a big way!  I’m wondering if she’d consider private tastings for small groups….hmmmmm….I’m asking!

Golden Isles Olive Oil – 306 Redfern Village – St. Simons Island, GA 31522

912-602-9736 – www.GoldenIslesOliveOil.com

Melissa | food & entertaining | 09 4th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

If you keep up with my blog you know I’m a lover of great Asian food….any type, especially Vietnamese and Thai.  I wrote a post about “Pho” in Brunswick a few months ago.  Today, I’m presenting “Island Pho”.  It’s one of the newest restaurants here on St. Simons and boy, does it deliver some delicious dishes!  After taping the radio show yesterday my mom offered to take me to lunch.  I was dreaming of Vietnamese Summer Rolls, all crisp and yummy with crunchy fresh veggies, shrimp and a bit of shredded pork.  The hoisin sauce, for dipping, makes the dish even better.  Island Pho did not disappointment me….the dish was just as fresh, cool and exquisite as I had hoped it would be.

We continued to another dish that we shared.  Grilled pork, marinated to tender perfection, served over rice vermicelli noodles with shredded lettuce, cucumber, carrots and bean sprouts…..pure yum!  Since I’m not a big lover of eating pork, I asked if I can substitute the lemongrass chicken the next time I visit and was told there would be no problem with making that substitution.

The atmosphere is spotlessly clean, the food incredibly fresh and obviously hand made.  I have now put Island Pho at the top of my list for a light summer lunch.  Cold weather will be here soon so that I can test the various soups and noodle dishes that appear on the menu.  Hand me my chopsticks, a napkin and start bringing the dishes!  There is something very healthy about eating this way.

The gardens that grace the front entrance are nothing short of gorgeous.  They are so colorful and full of blooms…..obviously well cared for.  I always feel this translates into the way the food in the kitchen is cared for and prepared as well.  Tender loving care on all fronts.  A perfectly delicious combination!

Island Pho….111 Longview Plaza….St. Simons Island, GA…31522…912-268-4081

Melissa | food & entertaining | 09 3rd, 2014 | No Comments »

I’m doing my happy dance now that it’s September!  We watched our first college football game on Saturday evening with friends…..GO DAWGS!  This all means that fall and cooler weather can’t be far behind.  Thus my most favorite time of year!

I’ll be taping a very special segment for my radio show tomorrow morning.  It’s not like other shows have been because I’ve actually taken a challenge to join the good people from “Paddle & Putt”, Davis Love III’s fun store here on St. Simons Island to a little lesson to get me back out in the water.  My bestie, Pat Shelnutt and her husband are all into this sport that offers a full body workout.

Did you know you can burn up to 1500 calories when you Paddleboard for just one hour????

Having been rather sedentary all summer after knee replacement surgery I’m ready for an adventure. I actually lost quite a bit of weight just from the sheer effort to move, but lost a lot of muscle tone at the same time. Pat has mentored me through this whole time, having gone through the same surgery a little over a year ago.  Our doctor at Emory is also part of the challenge, wanting pictures of us on the boards.  My physical therapist says I’m ready…..she’ll even be present to photograph the event.

Stay tuned for more as the time draws near.  I’m already back in the pool working on so I think paddleboarding is the next, natural step.  You won’t want to miss the radio show next Tuesday evening and Thursday too…WWEZ fm radio 94.7….or live stream it at www.wwezradio.com!  Life is meant to be lived and we’re meant to have fun….here’s to my next adventure!  Then…..to learn to do yoga while on the board….in the ocean….why not???

Melissa | Out&About | 09 2nd, 2014 | 1 Comment »

It’s Labor Day!  There are many signs from the present and the past  to hearken the day.  Love this from the World War II era.

And this from a bygone era when postage was a mere three cents….I wonder what gas was!

Whatever your plans, relax and enjoy a day with family and friends.  Seize the day!

Melissa | Out&About | 09 1st, 2014 | No Comments »