Two months from today, the fourth annual McGladrey Classic, a PGA Tour, FedEx Cup Event begins.  The tournament is operated by the Davis Love Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3, on St. Simons Island.  McGladrey, LLP, an international accounting and consulting firm sponsors the tournament which is held on the Seaside Golf Course, part of the Sea Island Company.  The name Love is well known in Coastal Georgia as well as internationally.  Champion golfer, Davis Love III,  calls the Golden Isles home as did his father, Davis Love Jr., a renowned golf instructor and one of the founders of the Golf Digest Learning Centers.  Davis Love Jr. worked at Sea Island as a teaching pro while mentoring and guiding his son in his career.  The Love family was and continues to be a closely knit group.  Davis’ wife, Robin, and their children Lexie and Dru, his brother Mark and his wife Lynn along with their children, Lowery, Lizzy and Anna all play a part in the family business.  If asked, Davis will always put family first.  He speaks of his father’s “investment” in his career as an expression of his love when writing his 1997 book, “Every Shot I Take”.  It is this love of family and concern for other families that makes the Loves such a special part of our community.

One always thinks of money when watching a tournament.  How many thousands of dollars per hole, what the purse is, how much money the winner takes home.  But to Davis Love III, it’s not about the money.  Four years ago when the McGladrey Classic first began, Love dove into the process of planning an event that usually takes two years to put together in a mere 10 months.  His staff at the Foundation refer to it as a miracle.  Teamwork is what it is all about and a leader, like Davis Love III, who believes in giving back to the community.

Patricia Shelnutt, Love’s financial manager, says that Davis “always believed in contributing and being involved in local charities.”, she continued, “Davis saw the erosion of family life in our area and was concerned about the youth and what their futures might hold.”.  He began to talk with the PGA Tour about sponsoring a tournament here in Glynn County and worked with them to create an event, within the strict guidelines and boundaries of the golf association.  Every PGA Tour event is hosted by a non-profit organization.  In this case, The Davis Love Foundation,  it’s team and many, many volunteers make it happen.  All profits from these events are disbursed to charities chosen by the hosts that meet a strict criteria.  The Foundation has continued growing the event and investing in Coastal Georgia through the Foundation each year the McGladrey Classic has been played.

Among the charities the tournament gives to are Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast GA, Habitat for Humanity of Glynn County, United Way of Coastal Georgia, Special Olympics and Blessings in a Backpack.  There are over thirty charities included in this year’s Birdies Fore Love.  To find out more about this special opportunity to donate and contribute go to:  http://www.mcgladreyclassic.com/.  You can share in the fun of predicting how many birdies there will be in the tournament as well as give to the charity of your choice and be eligible to win an automobile, which is donated by Nalley this year.  It’s a win/win situation!

Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting about other aspects of the tournament and giving my readers behind the scenes looks into what goes into making the McGladrey Classic the success it continues to be.  Each year there are more players, each year more volunteers and each year the crowd of golf enthusiasts grows.  All of this, carefully orchestrated and accomplished by a team I’ll introduce you to.  Before I began my meetings with the group I had no idea what went into the production of such an event.  You will be just amazed as I am!

Melissa | people | 09 5th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

She began dancing at the age of three and hasn’t missed a beat since then.  Christina Patelidas has experienced a brilliant career many only dream about.

Growing up in Coastal Georgia, Christina studied at the Eleanor Brooks School of Dance.  After finishing high school at Glynn Academy, she spread her wings and went to sea, joining Norwegian Cruise Lines, providing dance entertainment and instruction for guests.  She left Norwegian and went to work with Crystal Cruises whose voyages took her as far as Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Christina found her land legs again and headed for Las Vegas, where she auditioned for the famous Seigfried & Roy spectacular.  It only took a week, for Christina to be noticed by Seigfried & Roy and moved forward to lead dancer.  She was then promoted to “Illusion” girl.  You know the beautiful young woman who lies in a box and is cut into three…..that was Christina  She speaks fondly of the five years she spent in Vegas with the show.

When Christina’s grandmother passed away, she felt a pull for home and family and returned to the Golden Isles .  Christina opened her own school of dance instruction, Christina’s Dance World, where she taught and mentored children from all over the area.  For eleven years she continued her work with children out of her Redfern Village studio.  She also worked as an independent contractor at Sea Island teaching ballroom dance and instructing in the spa at The Cloister.

When she realized she needed more in her life, she closed the doors to the school in 2010 and went back to sea as a production manager for six months.  Returning to take the position of Entertainment Coordinator at Sea Island, Christina books all social in-house entertainment at the exclusive resort.  She has firmly established herself and put roots down that will keep her living in the Golden Isles.  When Christina realized how much she gave up to immerse herself in her career, she began to make changes that led to her current happiness.

On August 19th, Christina surprised friends and family by inviting them to an engagement party she and her fiance’, Terry Godwin, were throwing to announce their upcoming wedding.  What the guests didn’t know was that the wedding would take place that night!  Christina is one of those lively spirits who fills any room with her positive energy and joy.  It’s no surprise to me that she pulled off her wedding in such a way, to the delight of everyone attending.

On September 6th, Christina will begin teaching ballroom dance lessons at the Cloister for Sea Island members and their guests.  The lessons will be on Friday and Saturday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. in The Spa.  She continues teaching cotillion dance, as well as instruction at the private Wesley Academy for children and coaching engaged couples on how to dance that “First Dance” on their big day.  This lady never stops, inspiring everyone whose life she touches!  Thank you, Christina, for sharing your story with me!

Melissa | people | 09 3rd, 2013 | No Comments »

I posted about Nazzaro’s on Thursday and just want to make a correction.  Rich Nazzaro has his Sommelier certification, but has not achieved the master level yet.  His vast knowledge of wine is such an asset to the restaurant and its clientele.  Visit Nazzaro’s this weekend and try the new bar menu or one of the nightly specials!  You won’t be disappointed!

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 08 30th, 2013 | No Comments »

Nazzaro’s is a name that has been synonymous with great Italian food on St. Simons Island for thirteen years now. Master sommelier, Rich Nazzaro and longtime partner/chef, John Wirtz, have been creating comforting Italian food for locals and visitors alike.   Now they have upped the ante a bit by expanding  into the space adjacent to their original location and redesigning their restaurant to offer a more intimate, upscale setting for their patrons, both old and new.

The new space has the look of a fine Italian restaurant in New York City.  Since Rich hails from New Jersey originally he has brought some of that inspiration to our island, much to my delight!  The artwork has been preserved from the original space and added to with fabulous oil paintings by local artist, Peggy Everett, which she painted while studying in Italy.

The bar is now ready for gatherings large and small.  The wine list is extensive, overseen by Rich who received an award of excellence from the Wine Spectator.   A great menu of appetizers and specials including such favorites as Italian Nachos, Breaded Cheese Ravioli with fresh marinara sauce and a lovely antipasta platter to share.  The banquette at the front of the bar and the raised areas at the back offer an intimate atmosphere, while the bar is straight out of Manhattan with its red leather bar stools and every libation you can imagine being served up on a nightly basis.  Happy hour is from 5:00 – 6:30 each evening with house wine and well drinks for a mere $3.00 each.

And the new outdoor area…it is cozy, beautifully landscaped and  offers a space to enjoy a cool island evening with an appetizer and a great bottle of wine or mixed drink of your choice.

The menu has changed slightly, still featuring fresh local seafood  and signature Italian dishes with Chef John’s “made from scratch” sauces that have kept customers coming back for more all these years.  Now, with the elegant island,casual  environment the team has created the clientele is growing into a dining experience that attracts couples seeking a romantic evening as well as families out for a great time together.

Rich Nazzaro & John Wirtz cut the ribbon!

Nazzaro’s is a winner for so many reasons.  We on St. Simons Island are lucky to have fine dining at our fingertips.  Here’s to you Rich and John for adding so much to what you have already been giving us!  Private parties in the back room are still a huge attraction.  Rich’s vast knowledge of fine wines and pairings combined with John’s delicious specials will continue to surprise and delight us.  You’ll want to make a reservation ahead of time to insure getting  just the right table!

Nazzaro’s Ristorante Italiano – 196 Retreat Village – St. Simons Island, GA 31522 – 912-634-6161 – www.nazzarositalian.com

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 08 29th, 2013 | No Comments »

A mutual friend first told me about Tatum Strickland.  I remembered having seen her in a local gathering spot, Wake Up Coffee, and being impressed by her obvious outpouring of positive energy.

Tatum is a rising star.  She is part of a new generation, forging her path and making an impact on the lives of others.  We talked for over an hour about her life as a special education teacher and her decision to leave that profession to try her hand at a more entrepreneurial career path.  Coming from parents who both went their own way in business influenced her decision.  She fondly talks of her mother and father who chose to walk outside the box, so to speak.  Her father owns Fat Daddy ATV park in Brantley county and her mother owned a catering business for years.  Being independent and a go getter is in her blood!

Not only is Tatum succeeding in her career of choice….she just earned this company car….she is the youngest member of the shag club that meets every Thursday evening at Ziggy Mahoney’s here on St. Simons Island!  This is a young woman who knows how to have fun!

You can communicate with Tatum here:   www.marykay.com/tatumstrickland

When you meet Tatum and she shares her story with you, so full faith and enthusiasm, you’ll know you’ve been touched by a very special person.  Tatum Strickland is a rising star in a new generation of young people who want to make a difference in this world.  The more we can do to encourage and support people like her, the better!

Melissa | people | 08 27th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

I first heard about Matthew Raiford when I started my blogging adventure.  We made attempts to connect, but that did not come about until last week.  I think we could have talked for hours.  Being with anyone who is passionate about the food industry brings the chef back out in me and there are so many subjects to cover and things to discuss.  My time with Matthew was no different.  He is such a presence, his knowledge of food, farming and education is vast.  Coastal College is very lucky to call him the new Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of their culinary program.  Lucky students too!  Matthew believes in hands on teaching and feels that mistakes are always an opportunity to learn.  He stresses conscious cooking and hopes to instill this art into the minds of his students.

But Matthew has other passions as well.  Gilliard Farm has been in his family since 1874 when his great, great, great grandfather, Jupiter, established the farm.  Now, Matthew and his sister Althea are taking the reins, so to speak, beginning sustainable farming and raising of livestock.  Matthew actually went to the Center for Agroecolgy and Sustainable Food Systems in October 2011 to study for six months.  He and Althea are the sixth generation to farm this land and plan to provide local organic produce to area residents.  Matthew also serves on the board of trustees of the Edna Lewis Foundation and as secretary for Farms to Grow Inc.  Click on the arrow below to hear Matthew talk about his plans and see some footage of the farm.

Matthew’s reputation is known far and wide.  He spent time in the Washington D.C. area as a chef with Haute Catering Company who provide excellent food for the House of Representatives, the Pentagon, Embassy’s, including the Canadian Embassy, and other high ranking dignitaries and government groups.  When asked to provide “Moose Milk”, not mousse as in the French dessert, but moose, as in the animal, for an event at the Canadian Embassy he scratched his head then realized “Moose Milk” is an alcoholic beverage that is a tradition among Canadians.  A concoction of milk, vanilla bean ice cream, rum and coffee liqueur…..hmmmm, sounds pretty yummy to me!

His favorite position to date was as Master Chef on Little St. Simons Island where he was given carte blanche to delight the limited number of guests who frequent this private resort with his culinary creations.  The clientele expects the best of local fish, seafood, produce and all the trimmings.  Matthew and his talented crew did not fail to keep them coming back for more.  He believes in putting ones soul into the food prepared for his clients, something I have always believed in when I cooked professionally, as well as my current cooking for friends and family.  I believe you can actually taste the difference in food that is prepared by someone who really puts their essence into each dish they prepare.  Our shared passion for food and serving others,  could almost, that’s almost, make me consider going back into the business.

Matthew is a home town boy who has returned to Brunswick in a big way.  His love of the land, of his students and staff as well as his belief in cooking from the heart will serve him and those who know him well.  I’m looking forward to getting to know him better!

Melissa | people | 08 26th, 2013 | No Comments »

No, that is not a misspelled word in the title!  I had the great pleasure of speaking with Georgia author, Ann Hite, via telephone yesterday.   She is one of the most outstanding voices of Southern literature to come along in decades. Simon & Schuster publishes her wonderful books, the first of which, “Ghosts On Black Mountain“, won Georgia Author of the Year and best first novel in 2012.  Only to have her success heightened by making it into the top ten finalists for the coveted Townsend Prize that same year.

Ann can spin a Southern Gothic tale that will captivate and hold you.  It will  take you into its depths, making you want to stay on and on, lost in the lives of the vibrant characters she creates.  You know the books you read and  never want them to end?   Well get ready for more!  Ann Hite will not let you down.

Ann comes by her storytelling naturally.  Her grandmother, who lived in Appalachia, would tell her stories that could make your hair stand on end when she visited her as a child.  This family talent has lived on and blossomed as Ann prepares for the launching of her latest book, “The Storycatcher“.  She gives a continuing voice to Shelly Parker, the African American maid in Ghosts On Black Mountain, as Shelly leaves Appalachia to move to Darien, Georgia just north of St. Simons in McIntosh County. The book takes place in the 1930’s, vividly portraying those days of depression intertwined with haunting dark family secrets.

The Storycatcher will be available for sale beginning September 10th, but you can advance order your copy on Amazon today here:  www.amazon.com.  If you haven’t read her first book you’ll find it there as well, along with the popular eNovella she has written to bridge the gap between her first and second major novel, Lowcountry Spirit.   This is a tale of three young slave girls on a haunted barrier island in Georgia’s lowcountry.  Much of her research has been done on Sapello Island and throughout McIntosh County.  Ann’s love of history shines through her stories while her art for creating a spine chilling read keeps her fans wanting more.

Ann Hite will be at Hattie’s Books on October 4th, in Brunswick, Georgia where a luncheon will be held.  The catered event will include a signed copy of The Storycatcher” and Ann will speak about her books.  She will also be at Hattie’s Books for “First Friday” in October, signing books and sharing her story.  To make reservations for the $30.00 luncheon, contact Hattie’s Books at 912-554-8677.

To read more about Ann Hite, please visit her website, http://www.annhite.com.  You can also contact Ann through her website to schedule a creative writing workshop, truly an inspiring event for any writer, aspiring or published.

Melissa | people | 08 22nd, 2013 | No Comments »

I wrote a post on Uncle Don’s Local Market, here on St. Simons Island, several months ago.  Since that time I have gotten to know Don and his lovely wife, Hollie.  It is exciting to see their business grow as more and more people find out about it!

This summer Uncle Don has brought us the most delicious local, organic corn on the cob.

Tomatoes and peaches….so delicious and juicy!  Not to mention the homemade tomato pies and other goodies you’ll find in their refrigerated case.

Gazpacho and Buttermilk Cucumber soup….cold and so yummy on a hot summer day.

A multitude of organic bell peppers in every size, shape and color.

And flowers!

Lots and lots of gorgeous flowers.

The best melons to be found in the area.

As the summer growing season comes to an end Uncle Don’s is beginning to get the first of many starters for your fresh herb gardens.

I love supporting our local businesses and am so grateful to have Don and Hollie as sponsors and dear friends!  You just never know what you’ll find when you visit their charming little market!  Two Worlds just may be there with his beautiful handmade dream catchers!  It’s all great fun…Uncle Don’s provides so many wonderful things to the community!

Life on St. Simons Island doesn’t get any better than this!

Uncle Don’s Local Market – 1610 Frederica Road – St. Simons Island, GA

Melissa | food & entertaining, people, Shop! | 08 21st, 2013 | No Comments »

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 »

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 »