Jack Hurley

Morgan Hurley Serves Up Patrón Secret Dining Society

Mixologist Morgan Hurley of BLU Restaurant at Folly Beach, son of Priscilla and Top Dog Jack Hurley, was the featured bartender for the Patrón Secret Dining Society’s night at Boone Hall Plantation as covered in the May 17 edition of the Charleston Mercury.

Boone Hall Plantation is a gorgeous setting — especially when you are greeted with cocktail at the door, the preface for an unforgettable dining experience.

Hurley prepared "six uniquely planned and perfectly paired Patrón-inspired cocktails, which featured a vast array of tequilas, according to Charleston Mercury reporter Samantha Rose. "Guests were served drinks created with Patrón Silver, Patrón Reposado, Patrón Añejo, Patrón XO Cafe and Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa."

"The cocktails were paired with the five gourmet creations of Chef Charles Arena of The Boathouse. Each dish highlighted the depth and range and use of Patrón. The five-course menu featured Patrón Añejo and cilantro-glazed Carolina quail; jalapeño braised pork belly; Patrón Citrónge and lime-marinated North Carolina jumbo lump crab; Patrón Reposado and olive oil-poached Carolina grouper with braised lobster, fennel and a citrus salad; ancho-rubbed beef tenderloin with Carolina shrimp cake, mashed potatoes and chimichurri sauce; and Patrón Silver pineapple coulis with cream cheese frosting." Click Here to Read the Entire Article.

Jack's Cosmic Dogs Featured in Southern Living Magazine's "Best Cheap Eats"

In the May issue now at newsstands, Southern Living Magazine joined Jeremiah Bacon to see where he goes for a bite when he’s off the clock. Bacon is the Executive Chef of Oak Steakhouse and The McIntosh, and he likes to spend his time off with his bulldog Dottie.

Number One on his list is Jack’s Cosmic Dogs. Said Bacon, “The Galactic Dog ($3) at Jack’s is loaded with chili, cheese, slaw and spicy mustard and that really hits the spot after a long day. I always order one dog without the bun for Dottie.” Dogs are welcome on the patio at Jack’s.

Jack's Sweet Potato Mustard Now Exclusively at The Pig

If you need Jack's Cosmic Dogs Sweet Potato Mustard and you can't get to one of Jack's three area hotdog joints, you can find his famous tangy mustard right on the shelf at your favorite Piggly Wiggly. As part of The Pig's new promotional campaign, The Pig Makes Local Happen, "Piggly Wiggly is proudly partnering with local entrepreneurs." The Pig will be the only grocery store stocking Jack's mustard. This full page ad was in the most recent Scene Magazine produced by the Post and Courier.

Food Network star Alton Brown raved about Jack's Cosmic Dogs Sweet Potato Mustard in the season premier of "The Best Thing I ever Ate." If you are ready to try the best Sweet Potato Mustard in this universe, head to Jack's, The Pig, or The Big Dog will hook you up with as much as you need... right here on the Internet. 

Quantities Including Shipping

3 Jars + Shipping $25.50 6 Jars + Shipping $39.00

Oyster Roast on for "Begin With Books" part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

We're having an OYSTER ROAST for BEGIN WITH BOOKS Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at The Island House on the Stono River 2658 Swygert Blvd., Johns Island.

We’ll open oysters for you, and you’ll open books by helping us bring books to the children of Johns and Wadmalaw Islands.

Oysters ♦ Hot Dogs ♦ Cash bar ♦ Activities for Children ♦ Live Band
At a beautiful setting on the Stono River. Live music by The 3 Dudes and John Cusati.

Adults $25; Children 6-12 $5; Children under 6 are FREE!
Proceeds will benefit BEGIN WITH BOOKS on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands BEGIN WITH BOOKS CHARLESTON COUNTY AFFILIATE OF DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY

To Purchase Tickets:
Online at Brown Paper Tickets: CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW!
Call Ashley at 843-345-5372   

Proceeds will benefit BEGIN WITH BOOKS on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands BEGIN WITH BOOKS CHARLESTON COUNTY AFFILIATE OF DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY Friends, A big FUNdraiser to bring the program to Johns/Wadmalaw Island. Jack and Priscilla will be there. Hope to see you, too!

My bride of 32 years

My bride of 32 years, Priscilla with the world famous Charleston band "Sol Driven Train" during their Caribbean tour on St John.

Sent from my iPhone

PGA Championship's Wanamaker Trophy at 2nd Sunday on King Street February 12

The PGA Championship's Wanamaker Trophy will be displayed during 2nd Sunday on King Street February 12. Strollers can take photographs with the same world-famous trophy that will be presented to the winner of the 94th PGA Championship at Kiawah Island's Ocean Course this August.   February's 2nd Sunday sports themed afternoon will feature Charleston's major sporting events and Charleston's professional teams. Add this to a vehicle-free King Street with the usual shopping, dining and fun, and 2nd Sunday is the best game in town. The PGA will have golf skill challenge on Society Street. Family Circle Cup has tickets, information and merchandise  Register and get info for the Cooper River Bridge Run.  Southeast Wildlife Exposition will have information, tickets for sale and prizes to win. See the lineup for ESPN's Direct TV Charleston Classic college basketball tournament and test your hoop skills. Charleston Battery has tickets for the upcoming 2012 Carolina Challenge Cup. Feb 25 - March 3. The RiverDogs have tickets for the April 5 season opener. South Carolina StingRays have great seats available for February and March games. 2nd Sunday is an official venue for the 22nd Annual Lowcountry Blues Bash with Sollie "Puddin'" Jenkins and Lightnin' Wells. There's more street music from Luke Wilson and the Steady Hand String Band, Michael Linsday, Daniel Mackey, Matt Lohan, Austin Fitzhenry and the Honey Bees.   Plus, Charleston's newest star chef, Melinda Piercy of the Culinary Connection, will be there to show off her skills.

Jack's Screen Doors Featured in Ken Burger's Latest Book, "Baptized in Sweet Tea"

The venerable screen doors that greet guests at Jack’s Cosmic Dogs on Rt. 17 North in Mt. Pleasant are featured in Ken Burger’s newest book, Baptized in Sweet Tea. Jack's swinging screen doors illustrate the essay "Sounds of Southern Summer."

With the photographs of David Gentry, Baptized in Sweet Tea is a collection of 36 newspaper columns Burger wrote during his tenure as a columnist for The Post and Courier in Charleston.

“First of all, it’s a pretty book. Illustrated by my friend David Gentry’s photography, it’s a trip down the rivers, through the woods, back in time, and into grandmother’s house where those of us lucky enough to grow up in the South feel comfortable,” said Burger.

“The title comes from a column I wrote a year or so ago about being from the Palmetto State. That is followed by stories about screen porches and hot cars and being raised by a hundred mothers in a small town.

"There are other stories about seer-sucker suits, things my mother used to say, being a student bus driver, remembering my father’s service in World War II, drinking beer under neon lights as a teenager, country doctors, fishing, cussing, trains, golf, and summers spent on South Carolina’s many beaches… and a few of life’s lessons learned along the way.”

You can order a signed copy of Baptized in Sweet Tea directly from KenBurger.com

While writing sports for The Post and Courier, Burger won numerous statewide writing awards and was named one of the nation's best sports columnists three times. He also was named S.C. Journalist of the Year in 1996.

Photographer David Gentry is a Professor of Psychology at the College of Charleston, and previously an aerospace engineer who worked for NASA during the Gemini and Apollo programs. To see more of Gentry's art visit his web site DavidGentry.photoshelter.com

See the iconic screen doors for yourself by visiting the original Jack’s Cosmic Dogs at 2805 N Highway 17, Mt. Pleasant, or one of his other two locations at 1531 Folly Road in Charleston and 817 St. Andrews Blvd. on Highway 61 in West Ashley. Tell Jack Ken sent you!  

Jacks Pick: "Freezin' for a Reason" New Year's Day

For umpteen years it's been a New Year’s Day tradition to put on a crazy outfit, have a few beers at Dunleavy’s Pub on Sullivan’s Island and head for the Atlantic Ocean for a quick dip or the Polar Plunge.  This year more than 4,000 people will crowd the streets and Dunleavy’s Pub, including Jack Hurley pictured at the right, posing in his $3 European tailored suit with his buds from the Pub.

The New Year’s Day dip, tagged “Freezin’ for a Reason,” isn’t just about being silly but being serious as the event raises some serious money for the South Carolina Special Olympics. According to Jamie Maher, a major partner in Dunleavy’s, this year’s Plunge will raise more than $20,000 for Special Olympics. A great start to the New Year.

Jack's Pick: Go See Tommy Baker, Award-Winning Business Leader, Jan. 5 at Halls Small Business Lunch

Jack's Pick for the New Year... Make time to see Award-Winning Business leader Tommy Baker the featured speaker at the January 5th Small Business Lunch at Halls. Baker, a Charleston native, is the President and CEO of Baker Motor Company.

Buy Your Tickets for Small Business Lunch at Halls

Baker served as the Chairman of the Board for the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital and is presently the Chairman of the Board of Yes Carolina, plus serves on the board of directors of Southcoast Bank and the Board of Governors at the College of Charleston School of Business and Economics.

A graduate of The Citadel and Harvard's Owner/President Management Program, he is the "Entrepreneur in Residence" at the College of Charleston and has taught a senior level seminar there for 19 years. He is an avid runner, and most recently took up the challenging sport of kite boarding.

Each month, Small Business Lunch at Halls features a distinguished speaker from the business, civic or political arenas upstairs at Halls Chophouse with imaginative mid-day cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Matthew Niessner.

Tickets are $28 per person for the luncheon and parking. Doors open at 11:30 AM. Limited seating of 60 participants provides an intimate experience with each speaker. CLICK HERE for ticket information and sales or call the 24/7 ticket hotline at 1-800-838-3006.

Halls Chophouse is located at 434 King Street in downtown Charleston. Parking is available at the Visitors Center Garage on Ann Street between King and John, and is validated at the event.

Cosmic Dog Float Big Hit In Mt. Pleasant Christmas Parade and Featured on 11:00 PM News

Jack's Cosmic Dog Christmas Float was a big hit with the thousands of spectators that braved chilly temperatures to see The Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade and tree-lighting ceremony Sunday. The Cosmic Dog Float was also featured on the 11:00 O'Clock News on Charleston's NBC affiliate WCBT News 2.

Jack's Float had his signature Airstream Trailer complete with the rocket and a new satellite sat atop the 2-story Robot while Jack walked alongside entertaining the crowd.

Priscilla Shumway Wins Peak Performer Award for Second Year in a Row

Priscilla Shumway, educational and training consultant, and the much better half of Hot Dog entrepreneur Jack Hurley, has won the Pike's Peak Performer Award from the Bob Pike Group for the second year in a row.

"This award goes to the trainer at The Bob Pike Group that has received the highest marks throughout the year from our clients. This is a combination of content feedback scores as well as facilitator feedback scores," said Becky Pluth, vice president of training and development.

Shumway joined Bob Pike in 1996 and has been educating and training adults for over 25 years. She holds a bachelor's in education from Antioch College and a master's in education in creative arts in education from Rutgers University. She has had advanced studies in Accelerated Learning, Integrative Learning and Learning Styles. She resides with her husband, Jack, on the Isle of Palms.

The Bob Pike Group, based in Minneapolis, has provided train-the-trainer workshops and consulting services to individuals and corporations for more than 30 years.

Jack's Pick: Bobby Cremins Speaking at October 6 Biz Lunch

Jack's Pick for a fun thing to do at lunch other than having three Cosmic Dogs... Coach Bobby Cremins will be the featured speaker at Small Business Lunch at Halls, Thursday, October 6. Coach Cremins, preparing for his sixth season as the Men's Head Basketball Coach for the College of Charleston, has coached at the collegiate level for more than 30 years and was the named the ACC "Coach of the Year" three times. In 2010 his College of Charleston Cougars defeated Division 1 powers North Carolina and Tennessee.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER TICKETS!

Each month, Small Business Lunch at Halls features a distinguished speaker from the business, civic or political arenas upstairs at Halls Chophouse with imaginative mid-day cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Matthew Niessner.

Tickets are $28 per person for the luncheon and parking. Doors open at 11:30 AM. Limited seating of 60 participants provides an intimate experience with each speaker. Click Here for ticket information and sales or by call the 24/7 ticket hotline at 1-800-838-3006.

Halls Chophouse is located at 434 King Street in downtown Charleston. Parking is available at the Visitors Center Garage on Ann Street between King and John, and is validated at the event.

Jack's Cosmic Dogs Launches Third Satellite Store

Jack Hurley, Intergalactic Captain and founder of Jack's Cosmic Dogs, announced today that "the third satellite store is in orbit" at 817 St. Andrews Blvd. on Highway 61 in West Ashley.

This is the second expansion for Jack's Cosmic Dogs. In May 2010 they retro-fitted an existing building at 1531 Folly Road on James Island. The flagship, or starship, hot dog stand is in Mt. Pleasant on 17 North at the Intersection of Route 41.

Located on the corner of Avondale Avenue and St. Andrews, previously Busy B's Florist and Sonny's Subs, Jack's will be minutes from downtown Charleston, the West Ashley athletic fields and Avondal.

Top Dog Hurley reported that the Avondale neighborhood is "perfect for our concept of comfort foods, soft serve ice cream and nostalgic fun. Look for a few new menu items including the Peanut Butter & Jelly Shake - simply out of this world!"

Jack's Cosmic Dogs received national fame when Hurley and his Cosmic Hot Dogs were profiled on the Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate with Alton Brown who said, "...Jack's serves up the best hot dogs I've ever had. Ever! "

In a partnership with Dave and Chrissy Lorenz, Jack's Cosmic Dogs will be dishing up the dogs for the first time in West Ashley this week. Josh Clayman will assume the management duties at the new store transitioning from the Folly Road store. David Jackson will continue to manage the original Jack's in Mt. Pleasant.

Blast on Over!

Jack Visits Hurley, NY... His Namesake Town in the Hudson Valley

During Jack's annual pilgrimage to the Northeast, he left Vermont for a side-trip to the Hurley trail near Kingston and Hurley, NY in the Hudson Valley. Cosmic Dog Jack is not the most famous person in Hurley, but American artist Winslow Homer may be.

Winslow Homer, (1836 – 1910) painted several versions of “Snap the Whip” and more paintings in Hurley. This is one of his best-known works where he captured boys playing at the schoolhouse on Hurley Mountain Road. In the Hurley paintings, Homer sought out people in everyday garments and engaged in everyday pursuits. Initially the works were criticized as anti-traditional, crude and unfinished. Later, historians revised their views and saw Homer as a great American artist.

Winslow Homer, in addition to some strong ties to the Hudson River Valley, is perhaps best known as a son of New England, growing up in Boston from a child to young adult, spending his twilight years on the Maine coast at Prout's Neck.

 

September 1 Small Business Lunch at Halls to Feature Ray Chandler, Chairman of the Patriots Point Development Authority

Thursday, September 1 at 12:00 PM Small Business Lunch at Halls will present Ray Chandler, Chairman of the Patriots Point Development Authority. Mr. Chandler will discuss the recent partnership between the Town of Mt. Pleasant and Patriots Point, long term plans for the Patriots Point area, and development and preservation of the Naval and Maritime Museum. Chandler is a private attorney, a graduate of The Citadel, and served in the U.S. Army as a JAG officer. Chandler was appointed Chairman by Gov. Nikki Haley last March.

The ticketed luncheon includes parking and imaginative mid-day cuisine prepared by Matthew Niessner, Executive Chef of Halls Chophouse. Limited seating of 50 participants facilitates an intimate experience with each speaker. Tickets are $28 per person. Parking is included in the ticket price.

Click here to purchase tickets online, or call our 24/7 Ticket Hotline: 1-800-838-3006.

Jack's Pick: Andrew McKnight Concert at Unitarian Church

Jack's Pick for a summer concert is Andrew McKnight performing at the Unitarian Church of Charleston, 4 Archdale Street in downtown Charleston, Saturday August 27 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are only $10 for Adults and $5 for Students.

McKnight's musical journey has traced half a million miles of blue highways, and earned him a wealth of critical acclaim and enthusiastic fans for his captivating performances. He will perform solo, but alsofrequently performs  with founding Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member Les Thompson fronting their genre-bending quartet Beyond Borders. In addition to his music, he is an insightful essayist and poet, a gifted workshop leader, and a warm and thoughtful interview.

Performances by McKnight evoke a coherent and compelling portrait of contemporary America while drawing inspiration from legendary musicians like the Carter Family, Robert Johnson and Woody Guthrie. Profits support enrichment activities at peninsular Charleston elementary schools. Coffee (donated by City Lights), tea, soft drinks and home-baked desserts will be available. Call 424-1850 for more information.

Jack's Pick: Wine Dinner at Osteria la Bottilglia

Osteria la Bottiglia, Jack's pick for a new Italian Wine Bar, will host a Wine Dinner Monday July 25 at their new Upper King location at 420 King Street. The evening will begin with a Sparkling Chardonnay Reception at 7:00 PM followed by dinner at 7:30. Just $55 per person plus tax and gratuitiy. Call 843.727.4158 for reservations.

Begin the evening with a Roasted Bell Peppers,fresh spinach and Octopus Salad in balsamic vinaigrette paired with a L'Armangia Monferrato Bianco (Sauvignon Blanc) 2010, from Piedmont.

The main course is a Roman Style Lamb Ragout on pappardelle pasta matched with a lovely red Alovini "Terre degli Eventi" Rosso (Aglianico/Sangiovese) 2009, Basilicata.

Following dinner, enjoy La Querce Chianti Fiorentini "La Torretta" 2007, Tuscany followed by a selection of Artisanal Italian Cheeses paired with Sant'Agnese Rosso Toscana (Merlot/Sangiovese) 2007 from Tuscany.

Join Massimiliano and Natasha Sarrocchi at Osteria la Bottiglia Monday July 25 for this wonderful wine dinner.

Osteria la Bottiglia is located at 420 King Street in the Upper KIng Design District in historic downtown Charleston.

Jack's Tip for a Summer Cocktail

Bored of your usual gin and tonic? Why not try a hand-crafted summer cocktail from the newly opened Cocktail Club on Upper King in downtown Charleston. This is Jack's newest find, a place where adults can go for a quiet cocktail in a setting that reminiscent of the speak-easies of the 20's. 

Their "My New Favorite Summer Cocktail" is one of their many farm-to-shaker beverages made with fresh squeezed juices. It features a refreshing combination of Hendricks Gin, strawberries, basil and a touch of lime.

Swing by The Cocktail Club to celebrate the art of the craft cocktail at 479 King Street in the Upper King Design District.

Jack's Favorite French Bistro, La Fourchette, Featured on Cooking Channel's "Unique Eats"

One of Jack's favorite Charleston restaurants, La Fourchette, the award winning French Bistro on Upper King, will be featured on the Cooking Channel's program “Unique Eats,” Saturday July 16 at 5:00 PM and August 1 at 2:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

Jack and Jack's Cosmic Dogs have made national TV shows several times. Charleston's most famous hot dog stands were featured on the Food Network's hit show The Best Thing I Ever Ate last November and January with host Alton Brown, plus a feature segment on ABC's "The View," where the hosts reviewed and chose the best summer fare from around the country.  

La Fourchette owner Perig Goulet said the Cooking Channel filmed the segment for the "Unique Eats" series on French Bistros last November. According to Cooking Channel producer Irene Wong, La Fourchette is one of only a few bistros selected by the Cooking Channel for this series. The additional bistros are in Los Angeles, Boston and New York; all feature casual, high-end, French cuisine.

"Unique Eats" spotlights America's most exciting and revolutionary restaurants; the first look and the last word in everything extreme in food today. The locations range from high-end dining rooms to casual neighborhood treasures, the most amazing examples of modern dining across America.

La Fourchette is at 432 King Street, in historic downtown Charleston in the Upper King Design District. Call 843.722.6261 for reservations .

It Runs in the Hurley Family... Jack's Sister Kathy Wins Top Educational Software Industry Award

Winning awards certainly runs in the Hurley family. In the last year or so Jack was honored on the Food Network's "Best thing I Ever Ate," Jack's wife Priscilla won the prestigious Pike's Peak Performance Award from the Bob Pike Group, son Morgan, a master mixologist on Folly Beach, won "Charleston's Next Top Cocktail" contest, and now, Jack's Sister Kathy just won a huge honor from the educational software industry.

To a standing ovation, Kathy Hurley, senior vice president of strategic partnerships for Pearson and the Pearson Foundation, was honored with the prestigious Ed Tech Impact Award by The Education Division of the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) during its Ed Tech Industry Summit in San Francisco.

Hurley’s accomplishments and contributions to the education industry span more than 35 years. She currently serves on several key industry and education advisory boards, including the Board of Directors for SIIA, Consortium of School Networking (CoSN), Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) and DigitalNow;

In her role as chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21), she has been at the forefront in leading the charge for 21st century skills. During her years in the industry, she has also served in SIIA’s Education Division and on ISTE’s Board of Directors. Hurley plays a major role in developing key partnerships for Pearson and the Pearson Foundation, as she works to create new approaches and partnerships to drive innovative educational solutions. She began her career as an educator of children with special needs.

Hurley has received numerous awards, including CoSN’s first-ever Outstanding Private Sector Achievement Award. She was inducted into the Association of Educational Publishers Hall of Fame for her achievements and service to education publishing. Last year, SIIA recognized Hurley with an award for her 25 years of contributions to the education industry.