99 bottles of BEER on the wall….

If you have ever seen the letters “BYOB”, it’s a direct invitation to go above and beyond when choosing just the right beer for the occasion.  There are 2 places right here in Greenville that I totally recommend.  The Community Tap AND The Greenville Beer Exchange.  Although they are competitors, both bring a uniqueness to the local beer enthusiasts.

First up…

www.thecommunitytap.com

205 Wade Hampton Blvd Greenville, SC 29609

864.631.2525

info@thecommunitytap.com

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11-8, Fri & Sat 11-9, Sun 1-6

Conveniently located across from where Church Street forks off of Wade Hampton, this establishment offers 10 taps of rotating draft beers available for filling up growlers and taking home to enjoy.

Their website is always up to date with the current tap offerings, tastings, and special events.  There is also a great selection of craft domestic, import beers, and select wines to choose from.

This is what a typical Friday or Saturday looks like.  There’s something for everyone and it’s so cozy inside!

Next we have…

www.greenvillebeerexchange.com

7 S. Laurens St. Greenville, SC 29601

864.232.3533

info@thegreenvillebeerexchange.com

Hours: Mon-Sat 11-9, Sun 12-6

Located around the corner from Barley’s downtown, this is another great place to find rare beers.  Great selection, growlers available, 16 taps, and friendly service.

We were able to find some beer we tried in the Netherlands called Palm that we could not find elsewhere and it is always available!

There you have it, two very different places for beer enjoyment in Greenville!  It’s impossible to choose a favorite so just go do yourself a favor and visit BOTH!  Happy (and safe) drinking!!!

Trade Route, a true gem!

This place puts Pier 1 to shame!  The items in this store are truly unique, genuine, and hand selected from countries such as Beijing, China, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Indonesia, Tibet and Mongolia, to share back in the US with all of us here in Greenville, SC!

My first visit was last week with my friend, Shea.  She had discovered it not too long ago and shared her experience with me.  I’m so glad I went!  It’s the type of store that you would want to spend an hour or so in just to look at all the beautiful things in the room!

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind piece to add to your house, or even just a unique gift for a friend, this is the place to go!  The prices are incredible!  Stunning pieces from far away that you can’t find anywhere near here!  You’ll love it…go check them out!

For more info and pictures of the store visit: www.traderouteimport.com

also, find them on FACEBOOK

Trade Route Import Furniture & Accessories

Shops by the Mall
1175 Woods Crossing Road  Suite #7B
Greenville, SC  29607

Open:  Monday-Thursday 10-6, Fri & Sat 10-7, Sunday 12-5
Phone: 864-234-1514
E-mail: Info@TradeRouteImport.com

Palmetto Olive Oil Co.

Every once in awhile you stumble upon a place that catches you by surprise.  That was the case when we walked into Palmetto Olive Oil Co. located on ‘the other side’ of August Road.  Prior to entering we had in our heads that we would see wall to wall olive oil on shelves.  How exciting could a store like this really be?  Within the first 5 seconds of entering we were greeted by a smiling face and intrigued by the containers in rows set atop tables.  Venturing through the rows reading the labels on the containers we quickly realized there is more to olive oil and balsamic vinegar than we ever realized!  Blackberry Balsamic, Cinnamon Pear Balsamic, Perisan Lime Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), & Blood Orange EVOO are just a few examples of the flavors that we encountered during our visit.  We were introduced to the EVOOs by the use of bread for dipping.  We were able to sample each and every oil that piqued our interest and every one was unique and bursting with flavor.  Once we moved on to the Balsamic Vinegars we were given a small cup of ice cream – which sounds very strange at first until you take your first flavorful bite.  There are many flavor-infused Balsamic Vinegars to choose from including Strawberry, Tahitian Vanilla, Espresso, & Aged Dark Chocolate to name a few – all of which paired very well with the ice cream.

A regular Saturday afternoon quickly turned into an experience worth sharing after spending an hour in the store.  The staff was very friendly and attentive and made us feel right at home tasting all the offerings.  We walked out with one Tuscan EVOO and a Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar.  The uses for these oils and balsamic are endless.  You can find recipes and recommended pairings on their website, but be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself!

Palmetto Olive Oil Co.
2247 Augusta St,
Greenville. (864) 298-0304
palmettooliveoil.com
Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm, Saturday 10-5

Devereaux’s, my taste buds adore you!

Words can’t describe the level of class, presentation, service, and taste that Devereaux’s brings to the dining pleasures of Greenville.  Once you have gone, it is truly unforgettable!
The very first experience I had at Devereaux’s was for my birthday last March.  And shame on me for not going sooner!  When I moved here, I had a list of restaurants I wanted to try out and Devereaux’s was on that list…but I was saving it for a special occasion.
We were a party of 3 that particular evening; my husband, my friend, Laura, who had surprised me by coming to visit, and myself. We walked in and experienced a warm welcome by the doorman, hostess, and even the building itself.  The tall wooden beams on the floor and ceiling along with the modern brick walls gave off a comforting vibe.
We were seated right away and were taken into the main dining area, walking past a gorgeous water fountain which was lit with warm lights and branded to welcome guests.

The bar/lounge area was sectioned off by Asian inspired panels that were glazed with colored lights.  The dining area contained evenly spaced table arrangements with a long, cushioned booth all along one wall.  As we walked to our table, I noticed what appeared to be another dining area. But as I looked closer, it was only an illusion thanks to a tall mirror within two archways.  A very clever design idea!

So we were seated at our beautiful, candle-lit table and were all given a menu in hand and napkins for our laps.  Our waiter was very knowledgeable and extremely pleasant!  He pointed out a few things on the menu and even gave us his personal favorite…the duck entree.  Drink orders were taken and we began looking at the menu.

Final decisions were made and included the following:
Surf & Turf (appetizer): oxtail ravioli, seared scallops, zucchini, carrot-ginger – $12
Basil Marinated Veal Loin: campanelle pasta, asparagus, green olive, voodoo – $38
Pekin Duck: white corn polenta, duck sausage, broccolini, sweet raisin jus – $27
Tangle of Heirloom Lettuces: shaved vegetables, sunflower seeds, danish bleu, lemon vinaigrette – $9

All dishes were beyond anything we had ever tasted!  The amount of thought and preparation goes into every flavor and you can sense the passion for cuisine from the cook himself!  Wow…just, wow!  Oh…and if you like duck or have ever wanted to try it, this is your place.  Our waiter was right, it’s the entree you just have to try!

I normally only suggest restaurants…because there are so many to chose from that are good.  But as for Devereaux’s, I tell people that is a MUST and that they HAVE TO GO!  It’s the kind of restaurant where you could literally close your eyes and point to a dish, and go home knowing you just ate some of the best food in the Upstate!

Make your reservations online
www.devereauxsdining.com

Devereaux’s
25 East Court Street Ste. 100
Greenville, SC 29601
864.241.3030

Tags: devereaux's, food, greenville, restaurants, upscale

So fresh and so clean clean!

I believe I have found the perfect summer lotion…but only if you don’t mind a hint of the cucumber smell.

THE LOTION OF THE SUMMER:
Vaseline’s Aloe Fresh Hydrating Lotion

It is incredibly fresh and drys so smooth…and it leaves you feeling so ALL DAY!  I swear by this stuff!
It’s good for everyday wear or after you’ve been out in the sun.  LOVE IT!

 

 

Tags: fresh, hydrate, lotion, products, summer

Best pizza in the area

When we first moved here we found out about Wedgy’s Pizza and it was our delivery pizza of choice for a long time.  Fast forward 2+ years and just last night we tried a different pizza place: FRODO’S PIZZA!  It is by far the best pizza we have had in a long time.  After reading about them on their site (long after devouring every slice), we found out they make their own dough twice a day, use real mozzarella (no cheese blends), and top notch quality toppings.  One bite and all this is evident.  If you want great pizza give Frodo’s a shot.  We will be back for more soon!

-Adam

Mandy’s makeup pick of the week- eye shadow!

It must be the artist in me that keeps me coming back for a colorful palette of eye shadows.  But I feel like color is the easy part when trying to find a shadow that works.  The hard part is finding one that is easy and effortless to apply and stay on all day and night.  It IS possible ladies, I promise!

As usual, I buy all mine at either CVS or Target.  One day, I might try some fancy stuff but for now I’m gonna stick to what I know.

So as of today, I have about 5 different kinds in my makeup drawer.

Maybelline
Revlon
Almay
Elf
Benefit

Go ahead and just count Elf out…it cost $1 at Target and the shadow line is NOT their strong suit.  It brushes off as soon as you blink!

The Benefit cream shadow I have is insane!  I’ve had that sucker for 4 years now and it still works like new AND I still have tons of it!  I know they might say to replace your makeup after a certain amount of time…but no worries with this one!  (Plus I think that’s just a scam to get you to buy more often.)

Revlon, Maybelline, and Almay I would put all under the same category for eye shadow….great for everday wear and good enough if you’re feeling creative.  I just layer that stuff on and go for it!

Post your comments, girls!  Let us all know what you’ve tried and loved/hated.

Check out the other picks of the week too:
Foundation

Tags: eye shadow, makeup, products