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I thought about whether to categorize this post under food & entertaining or people.  I opted for people because I truly feel the people who own Cj’s Pizza here on St. Simons Island are what make this restaurant so special! I first met Graham Owens and his lovely wife, Ada, at the pier crawl during the Food & Spirits festival last October.  One bite of the pizza samples they were offering festival goer’s that evening and was I impressed.  What I tasted was so reminiscent of a particular pizza I loved while living in New York City years ago.  I knew I wanted more and I wanted to meet the people behind the name Cl’s.

Graham spent his teenage years here on St. Simons Island working his way through high school and then some as a pizza maker at Cj’s.  He has a special place in his heart for the recipes he learned, the making of the dough and the relationship with clients who come to enjoy one of the most delicious pizza’s I’ve had in a long time.  His heart is in this business in every way.  He shared with me the fact that the pizza sauce he starts every pie with is made from scratch with the original recipe that has been in use for over twenty years.

The pans that hold the dough for the famous deep dish pizza are aged and seasoned to perfection so that they produce a perfect crust every time.  Each pie is hand made with the freshest toppings you can imagine.

I highly recommend the Magic Mushroom pizza that features homemade basil pesto, plenty of pine nuts, shitake mushrooms, red onion, the famous red sauce and lots of freshly grated mozzarella cheese.

And Graham makes regular pizza as well.  Mr. T prefers this to deep dish so I had a Margherita Madness pizza prepared to take home and found it to be just as delicious as the deep dish.

I love the fact that this is a family owned business.  When Ada and Graham graduated from the University of Georgia and moved to Atlanta, seeking positions in their selected fields of marketing, for Ada, and landscape design, for Graham, they were not successful.  The rest is history.  Graham’s lovely mother who maintained a friendship with Terri, then owner of Cj’s, told Terri of the kid’s plight and the offer to buy Cj’s began.  These two have it going in a big way with wonderful customer service and an excellent product that has kept us going back for pizza almost once a week since that first taste!  I haven’t made it to the other items on the menu yet, but I plan too.  Lasagna, eggplant parmesan and so many other favorite Italian dishes all hand prepared with the most delicious ingredients…how could you go wrong?  Everything about this restaurant reminds me of neighborhood, family owned Italian restaurants in New York City and that is a VERY good memory!

And there is Arthur!  Is he a cutie or what?  At almost two years old he’s learning the family trade from the ground floor up.  There is just something wonderful about the special restaurants on this island that are not a part of major corporations.  It’s what makes the island interesting and keeps us coming back for more!  Now that my mouth is watering for the crunchy goodness of that deep dish pizza, I’ve got to end for now!  I hope you’ll try Cj’s if you haven’t, I know you’ll love it!   In fact, this is the perfect place to go when you’ve had too much turkey next week….pizza is always on our list for the weekend after Thanksgiving!   Don’t forget to tell them you read about them on The Permanent Tourist…you’ll be rewarded with 10% off.  Go here to see the menu and read more:  http://www.cjsitalianrestaurant.com/index.html

Cj’s Italian Restaurant – 405 Mallery Street – St. Simons Island, GA – 912-634-2711

Melissa | people | 11 20th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

My most favorite holiday is coming up.  Some years we celebrate at home with family and others we visit our kids in New Orleans or Atlanta.  This year it’s New Orleans so I’m keeping my decorating down to a minimum since we won’t be opening our doors to guests.  It doesn’t stop me from dreaming, however.  It’s all due to this Facebook post by Edward on St. Simons that got me started.  The picture of the lovely arrangement above is from their wonderful shop in Redfern Village.  This got the wheels rolling in my head, sending me to Pinterest and all sorts of decorating ideas to welcome the season.  I especially love Thanksgiving because it is a celebration of thanks and abundance!  We always form a circle and share what we are grateful for before we dive into all of the delicious food.  So take a moment to dream with me and if you are at home for the holiday you just might get some ideas!

I love the country charm of this porch, overflowing with fall flowers, pumpkins and other goodies!  It just calls out, “Come Join Us….Celebrate Abundance!”

And this setting is perfection to me.  I love the arched doorway and the planters that were used for stacking pumpkins.  I’m wondering if those are lemon or magnolia leaves they layered between the pumpkins.  Isn’t it lovely?

This final beauty is another one I love.  Ornamental cabbage, seasonal gourds, pumpkins and corn plants abound.  This is probably my favorite vignette!  It’s about saying thank you for all that we have in our lives!  And, if you haven’t, make a list of everything that you have to be grateful for.  My list keeps growing and growing.

I suspect, judging from this other photo from Edward on Facebook that you will find just about anything you need or dream of to put your own show of abundance together for Thanksgiving day! It’s time to make your plan and get started if you haven’t already!  Let the decorating begin!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 11 19th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

As the holiday season draws near I’m beginning to think of recipes and that always leads to sweets.  Cookies, candy, desserts and, on cold mornings, cinnamon toast.  My mom always made this for my brother and me as children.  I still remember the sweet, crunchy goodness of sugar mixed with ground cinnamon, sprinkled over buttered bread and cooked under the broiler until it all melted together….so delicious.  I use cinnamon in a lot of my baking, but have lately begun to read of its healing properties.  So, I’m sharing a few things about cinnamon with you today.  In a way, it means you CAN have your cake and it too!  I hope you’ll enjoy reading this post and consider cinnamon as more than just something to mix with sugar!  Note:  I am not advocating using cinnamon in place of what your doctor may have prescribed….always check with your physician first!

First off, cinnamon stops the blood from forming unhealthy clots.  The oil in it, Cinnamaldehyde, has been proven to be an anti-inflammatory as well.  Sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on oatmeal or in a morning cup of coffee is a great thing!

And furthermore, cinnamon has anti-microbial properties.  Recent studies have found that cinnamon acts as a natural preservative in food and helps ward off fungal growth in the human body….who knew!

There are also studies that show cinnamon to have the ability to lower blood sugar, triglycerides, bad cholesterol and improve insulin activity.  People with these health issues who began to take just 1 gram of cinnamon a day saw definite improvement.  More proof that there is something natural that heals all sorts of human dis-ease.

I think one of my favorite facts about cinnamon is that mixed with honey it will shut down a cold in no time!  No more sniffles, hacking or coughing….cinnamon and honey….yum!  One teaspoon of honey mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon will do the trick.  Take this every couple of hours and you’ll feel better in no time!

So get yourself some good cinnamon and keep it around.  Heat up a mug of almond milk, add a tablespoon of local honey and swirl it with a cinnamon stick.  You’ll want to make sure you get the best organic cinnamon powder or cinnamon oil you can find, then enjoy!  And, before I close, you may find that you think more clearly when smelling cinnamon…it’s clinically proven to improve brain function!  So much from one little piece of bark!  Cinnamon…..try it….’tis the season!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 11 18th, 2014 | 5 Comments »

‘Tis the season to begin thinking about gift giving and nothing could be more fun than attending Glynn Visual Art’s annual Mistletoe Market!  It’s coming up this Friday – Sunday, November 21 – 23, with a new venue and lots of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy!

This year’s Market is held in both the GVA building as well as Postell Park, directly across the street.  You’ll hear a strolling young ventriloquist, Cole Tucker, just thirteen years old with a voice you won’t believe!  Phil King, our own local story telling songster will perform on Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 for your listening enjoyment.

There will be demonstrations on wreath making, decoupage, basket weaving, jewelry making and painting on glass.  Sure to inspire you to make a few of your gifts this year!

This year’s event also includes a new event, a Wreath Affair, in which various artists and groups are hand making wreaths for silent auction to benefit Glynn Visual Arts.   Judith Paixao, of Bermuda Sea Glass Jewelry fame, has designed a one of a kind wreath out of milky white sea glass.  I have to say it is one of the most beautiful wreaths I have ever seen.  Elegant yet simplistic, this amazing piece can hang year round as a beacon to fine island living.

Make merry and join in this fabulous weekend that will surely ring in the holiday season in a big way!  Santa Claus will make his first appearance at 6:00 pm on Friday evening.  What fun to see the light in children’s eyes as they are greeted by Santa!

 Glynn Visual Arts – 529 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Melissa | food & entertaining | 11 17th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

I’m sharing a lovely video of Fall Celtic music today.  Adrian von Ziegler is the composer.  This is wonderfully relaxing background music by which to meditate…..sit outside sipping coffee….or simply being quiet.  Sunday, being the first day of the week, is the time to destress and set the pace for the coming week.  We can “make our movies” and envision how we want our lives to be.  Sit back and relax as you listen to this beautiful music…perfect for a fall day!

Melissa | Out&About, Simple Sundays | 11 16th, 2014 | No Comments »

My radio show was a bit different this week.  My guest, Blaise Dismer, is a licensed social worker, he is a master of dealing with all sorts of issues people experience during the holidays.  Whether you battle depression, anxiety or you just need to have a tune up…or a loved one has one of these issues, this show may help!  Listen in as we discuss how to deal with holiday stresses in a positive, effective way!

Melissa | Out&About | 11 15th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

I’m hungry for the savory goodness of exotic flavors I only find in Middle Eastern cooking.  I’m sharing a wonderful recipe from my cookbook, “Spice Up Your Life” with you today.  The aromas that will waft through your kitchen will send you into foodie heaven!  I make a pot of aromatic Jasmine rice to accompany the chicken and a piece of flat bread or two.  I like a nice Sauvignon Blanc with this, but you can choose your favorite.  This is also good served with a cucumber raita…cool and crisp to compliment the layering of flavors in the chicken.  I hope you’ll try this and enjoy

Chicken with Golden Raisins, Apricots and Almonds

I use Marcona almonds in this recipe because they come from Spain and fit into a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern recipe to perfection.  If you can’t find them locally they can be ordered on-line from www.nutsonline.com at a very reasonable price.  Be careful, these almonds are habit forming!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. SdCSC Mediterranean Seasoning

½ tsp. SdCSC turmeric

¼ tsp. SdCSC allspice

1 tsp. SdCSC parsley, or 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup chicken broth

½ cup golden raisins

½ cup dried apricots, chopped

½ cup chopped Marcona Almonds ( you can use sliced almonds if you can’t find Marcona’s)

2 tsp. honey

SdCSC Pink Himalayan salt and white pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a skillet or dutch oven, add the chicken breasts and brown well on both sides.  Add the seasonings and chicken broth, bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 30 minutes.  Add the fruit, nuts and honey, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 11 14th, 2014 | No Comments »

Earlier in the fall I posted about the Coastal Symphony of Georgia season.  One of the main events that I am excited about is coming up on Monday, November 24th.  The Symphony will perform once again at the new Brunswick Highschool on Altama.

This is an event that is sure to delight people of all ages.  There is something for everyone, beginning with music we all know and love from The Sound of Music.

Following that will be  Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.  What a wonderful way to introduce classical music to the younger audience.  You’ll be delighted by narration of the Britten piece by Senator Mack Mattingly and his wife, Leslie.

Prokofiev’s famous Peter and the Wolf with follow with narration by Della Greenblatt, Ms. Georgia World International 2012.  Young and old will enjoy and appreciate this timeless work!

The evening will end with William Tell’s Overture performed by Coastal Symphony of Georgia with Maestro Luis Haza conducting.  This promises to be an evening the entire family will love and remember.

For ticket information and orders go here:  For ticket information go to: www.coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org   

Just for fun I found the National Philharmonic playing the William Tell Overture!  Turn it up….get excited….order your tickets!

Melissa | Out&About | 11 13th, 2014 | No Comments »

You’re in for a treat when you visit Pier Village!  Ed Hose has opened her new retail shop, filled with fantastic flights of fantasy all courtesy of her amazing imagination!

You’ll be surrounded by line drawings she has created that are just waiting to be colored.  Magnets, posters and more!

Would you love a personalized print colored just for you by Ed….you’ll find it here!

Her colorful sense of whimsy is everywhere you look…what a fun shop!

Ed is available for all sorts of work, custom made for you and yours.  My news is that my publisher has selected Ed Hose to illustrate the “Emmeline” children’s series I have written, for publication in hardcover.  The first book will be released on February 17, 2015, right in the middle of Mardi Gras!  You know where I’ll be….signing and celebrating!

Ed Hose – 135 Pier Village Market – St. Simons Island, Ga 31522 – 912-399-4533 – www.edhose.com

Melissa | people | 11 12th, 2014 | No Comments »

Taking something from nothing is Anthony Quickle’s passion.  Some of you may know Anthony as a local realtor, which he is, and an excellent one at that.  By day he works with Sea Palms Coastal Realty, but at other times you’ll find him in his studio working at his craft….sculpting.

I spent some time with Anthony last week talking about his work, where it has taken him and where he would like it to go.  I immediately noticed the influence of the fine sculptor, Ralph Hurst, whose work I have written about in a past post.  The smoothly sculpted lines that curve and turn making you have to reach out and touch it is unforgettable.  When I mentioned this to Anthony he instantly perked up to tell me that Ralph was his mentor.  The two met in Tallahassee years ago while Anthony was attending law school.  But a career in law was not to be his calling.  He learned to cut stone with Ralph as his guide and fell in love with the art, the organic beauty, of taking something from nature, making it a piece to be treasured.

He works in all sorts of stone as well as bronze and is now talking about venturing into the world of wood.  I can only imagine how wonderfully he’ll work with the burls and textures he’ll find in that realm.  He also does abstract work like the piece you see in the first picture with Anthony standing in front of it.  No size is too great for his imagination to grasp and run with!

Anthony works on commission.  You might be familiar with some of his work if you have visited Epworth by the Sea and seen his bust of Charles Wesley.  Or you may have seen the bronze sculpture that sits in the garden at Hospice of the Golden Isles.  His ability to capture the essence of a person or an animal is amazing.  I am always in awe of anyone who can take a block of stone and sculpt it into a thing of beauty.  Anthony Quickle does a masterful job!

Since today is Veteran’s Day I think it appropriate to share a bronze sculpture Anthony created to honor the many dogs who have been of service in our armed forces.  This fabulous piece was created in 2001 and stands in Streamwood, Illinois.  Good job, sir….and to all veteran’s both two legged and four…we salute you on this, your special day!

Melissa | people | 11 11th, 2014 | 2 Comments »