kingstreetantiquedistrict

It's Happy Hour at Il Cortile Del Re

Happy Hour begins Monday February 7 at 4:30 at Il Cortile Del Re. Join us for the famous antipasti for 2--best in town--just $10. Or, try the Crostini Misti, Formaggi Misti, Portobello "Pizza", Lamb Sausage and Beans, Scallop & Speck Salad, Mussels Diavola or Carpaccio di Bresaola, all fresh and authentic, all at very happy prices. More happiness... $20 pitchers of house wine, $2.00 off Il Cortile's many wines by the glass, $1 off beers and $4 well liquors. Happy Hour lasts from 4:30-6:30 Monday through Friday. Il Cortile del Re is located at 193 King Street, and open seven days a week, with live jazz on Sundays.

Editor Nancy Perry Graham to speak on Blue Zones at Shine

On Friday, February 5, Nancy Perry Graham, Editor of AARP, the country's largest circulation magazine, will speak about "Blue Zones," areas in the U.S. where people live to 100 and beyond. This is a project sponsored by AARP to identify communities in the U.S. where people live significantly longer and try and export some of those practices across the country.

The luncheon will be held at Shine Restaurant, 630 King Street at 11:30, and is sponsored by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League. There is free parking on site. The $25 ticket price benefits the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

Click this link to watch a CBS interview with Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest. With National Geographic Magazine, Buettner geographically defines and demographically confirms these areas where people live on average a decade longer than the rest of the worlds populations. The results are surprising, and the factors involved are things we can all apply to our lives.

To make reservations for the luncheon, click here, or call Betsey Carter at 843-270-8691.

To order Blue Zones, Dan Buettner's book, call Blue Bicycle Books at 843.722.2666, or email Jonathan Sanchez at jonathansanchez@aya.yale.edu.

Preservation Society's "The Boykin Spaniel" Book Signing

The Preservation Society of Charleston will have a book signing for The Boykin Spaniel: South Carolina’s Dog in the Society’s Book & Gift Shop, 147 King Street in downtown Charleston, Saturday, February 13, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon.

Authors Mike Creel and Lynn Kelley offer an unparalleled resource on South Carolina’s state dog. The Boykin Spaniel offers a complete history on the breed profiling the Boykin spaniel’s distinctive characteristics.

Mike Creel is a South Carolina native and longtime writer for the SC Wildlife magazine. A graduate of the USC School of Journalism, in 1997 he won the Harry R. E. Hampton “Woods and Waters” Conservation Memorial Award. Lynn Kelley, a former dean and professor at colleges in Missouri, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, moved to South Carolina in 1991.

The Preservation Society is in the King Street Antiques District in historic downtown Charleston. For more information, call (843) 722-4630, or visit their website at www.preservationsociety.org.

Lowcountry Blues and Wildlife Weekend Package at The Mills House

The Ultimate Wildlife Weekend Package is at the Mills House. The Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) combines with the Lowcountry Blues Bash in this exclusive Mills House hotel package which includes:

Deluxe accommodations for two nights (Friday and Saturday) in a beautiful guest room enhanced with a demi-canopy bed
Complimentary admission to Blues Bash events at the hotel
General admission tickets for two to all SEWE exhibits for three days (Friday through Sunday)
Complimentary shuttle service
Two tickets to the Saturday night SEWE Soiree for the first time ever! This fun, casual party is the hottest ticket of the weekend and features a Lowcountry feast of oysters, BBQ, wild game treats and more, an open bar and live music by Second Nature.

These tickets have previously been available only with top level SEWE sponsorship packages. The Mills House Hotel has snagged some of the most coveted tickets in town for our guests which are available exclusively through this package. BOOK NOW!

Valued at over $700, this two-night (Friday and Saturday, Feb 12-13, 2010) package starts at $559 plus tax. Sunday night (Valentine’s Day) may be added for only $139 and includes breakfast for two on Monday morning. Due to ticket limits, availability of this package is limited. BOOK NOW!

www.millshouse.com

Carolina's Pigskin, Pork & Beer Dinner Sunday Jan. 24

Get ready for Carolina's Pigskin, Pork & Beer Dinner, Sunday, Jan. 24! Five-Course Pork Dinner featuring All-You-Can-Drink Coast Kolsch and Coney Island Lager.

Also, watch the NFL Playoffs in our exclusive Perdita's Room. Great Food, Great Beer and a great seat for the game all for $45! As always, Carolina's has FREE valet parking. Please call for reservations: 843.724.3800.

Carolina's is at 10 Exchange Street in historic downtown Charleston.

An Antique Sterling Nut Dish from Croghan's Jewel Box

One of the "go-to" gifts at Croghan's Jewel Box is - and has long been - an antique sterling nut dish. Nut dishes make the perfect present for the girl who has everything, or as a momento honoring a special occasion. They have timeless appeal and make a great collectible.

Many are already engraved with a bygone monogram, adding to their charm. Croghan's engraver can also add a date, or a new monogram, or anything else to these dishes, making them even more distinctive. Croghna's keep a wide selection in stock with prices ranging from $35 - $75.

Visit Croghan's Jewel Box, 308 King Street, in the King Street Fashion District. Hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday and there's free parking behind the store in historic downtown Charleston. 843.723.3594

Dish: Carolina's Crispy Pork Belly

I don't know what I was expecting, not having tried pork belly before, but this dish came so highly recommended I couldn't resist and wow, was it good. The crispy pieces had a buttery consistency and richness inside reminiscent of foie gras. Served over "melted" cabbage with a red sherry gastrique, the whole thing gets a dusting of parsley and tempura flakes. Very creative, and the melding of savory and earthy, bright and sweet gives each bite a clear beginning, middle and finish.The fruity and slightly tart Mac Murray Sonoma Pino Noir suggested by the server was a perfect complement to this dish. I would order both again and again. Carolina's is at 10 Exchange Street downtown.

Designer Donna Degnan at Berlins Women Trunk Show

Don't miss this very special event as Berlins Women presents The Donna Degnan Trunk Show with a personal appearance by Donna herself. For three days only, from Thursday Jan. 28 through Saturday Jan. 30, find amazing spring suiting, day dresses and the most perfect fitting trousers you have ever tried.

Thursday January 28th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Berlins Women will welcome Donna Degnan to Charleston for the first time. Come have a glass of wine and enjoy special discounts on all orders placed during the show. Donna will also be on hand the following day (Friday) for personal consultations.

The Degnan collection combines richness and quality to bridge the fashion forward styling of contemporary to create a new niche in the market. The collection is a modern take on fashion that caters to a woman's attitude rather than a particular age.

Shop Berlins Women for the finest in fashion at 116 King Street in the King Street Antique District of historic downtown Charleston. Free parking in Berlins lot directly across the street.

It's Restaurant Week Charleston at Halls Chophouse for Amazing Dining at Incredible Prices

If this doesn't warm your chilly winter soul, nothing will. As part of Charleston Restaurant Week January 11-17, Halls Chophouse will have some very special specials.

Three Courses just $30!

Choose from our favorite Chop Salad, Chophouse Onion Soup or Spicy Shrimp Appetizer with chili, garlic and pineapple sauce for your first course.

For your entrée, Red's Prime Cut 10 oz. Prime Beef with hand cut french fries, Manchester Farms Quail with pepperjack grits, sweet & sour collard greens and roasted gravy, or Wild Salmon cedar planked with tomato, dill & cucumber yogurt sauce.

And for dessert, Vanilla Bean Creme Brulée or Whiskey Bread Pudding or Chocolate Chambord Pate.

While you're there, try the 434 Special Matini! Halls Chophouse is located at 434 King Street in Charleston's Upper King Design District. For reservations, call 843.727.0090.

Rent Comes to King Street

Lawson Roberts' White Tuxedo Productions presents Rent at the Charleston Music Hall January 21-February 14. The extremely popular Pulitzer and Tony Award winning musical tells the story of one year in the life of a group of bohemians struggling in modern day East Village New York.

Rent cast members have been seen around town, notably in Halls Chophouse where they sang Seasons of Love with Halls Jazz pianist Anthony Owens. A great group of fantastic performers.

Tickets to the performance and Opening Night Bohemian Ball are available at Etix. Click here to download the RENT press release and performance schedule. Hurry, you don't have 525,600 minutes left to purchase tickets!

CIROCin' New Year's Eve with Charleston Singles CLUB at Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar

Single and… CIROCin' 2010! Bring in the New Year with the Charleston Singles CLUB at Charleston’s newest hot spot, Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar on East Bay. Join us as we celebrate their official grand opening on New Years Eve, 9:00 PM till 2:00 AM.

This might be amateur night, but this event is for the pros… skip the lines and overpriced admissions and join us for a real party. Your $10 admission gets you a free glass of champagne, a commemorative glass for the first 200 people, a $10 gift certificate to Amen St. (not to be redeemed that night) and the best party in town! Children and amateurs need not apply, this is the Adults New Years!

Ciroc Vodka, the official sponsor of New Years, will be giving away $700 worth of prizes and Amen Street will be hooking you up all night with a raw bar and oysters and the Charleston Singles CLUB will be doing what we always do best… partyin’ like it’s 1999! Let's welcome 2010 Charleston Singles CLUB style!

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar is a few steps east of King Street at 205 East Bay in historic downtown Charleston.

More Holiday Tips from Mary Helen McCoy

Here are five more holiday decorating tips from Mary Helen McCoy one of Charleston's most renowned interior designers. In addition to being one of the nation's leading dealers in fine period, 18th century French furniture, Mary Helen McCoy is also a full-service interior designer.

Five Fabulous Tips from Mary Helen:

If you have a powder room or a bathroom which you prefer for guests be sure that you have pretty hand towels and soaps. A scented candle is nice but not too pungent.
Greenery purchased earlier in the month may begin to look sad. Mist it to give it a little "drink". If it is beginning to look a little sad replace it. Look in your own garden for replacements. We are so fortunate to have an abundance of magnolia. Combine the greenery with the fruit! What a fabulous look!
If you have a fireplace and will not be using it this is a great place to put magnolia leaves and berries around the logs. You can also cluster poinsettias in a variety of colors.
Clean all mirrors, chandeliers, anything glass. You will be surprised what that can do!
If you have hung your wreath for the front door now is the time. You can buy one at a variety of places or you can make your own.

Mary Helen McCoy Fine Antiques is one of the nation’s premier sources for fine and unusual period, 17th to early 19th century, French furniture and decorative arts with an emphasis on the finest period, 18th century French furniture. You can find her at 120 King in the King Street Antiques District in historic downtown Charleston.

Holiday Tips from Mary Helen McCoy

It's not every day that you can get some holiday decorating tips from one of Charleston's most renowned interior designers. In addition to being one of the nation's leading dealers in fine period, 18th century French furniture, Mary Helen McCoy is also a full-service interior designer.

Here are her first four tips for your holiday decor:

If you have silver be sure to polish it and set it out. Now is the time to let it shine. If you prefer brass the same applies.
Make sure that you have an ample supply of fresh candles and light them to create ambiance.
Keep your home smelling like the holidays with potpourri or boiling water and cinnamon sticks.
Make arrangements with fresh fruit which can last and be eaten. Be sure to add whole walnuts and pecans as well.

Print Your Two-Hours Free Holiday Parking Vouchers

The City of Charleston have given King Street and the Charleston Peninsula a wonderful gift: Two Hour FREE Parking Vouchers you can print at home. Now there's some Holiday Magic. Click here to download your voucher, which is valid anytime through December 31 at City Parking Decks. Print as many as you need.

Antipasto All'Italiana at Il Cortile del Re

Awesome dish, this one. Easily enough for two or more, could even be an entrée. First, there's a delicate salad with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Nice, fresh, finest quality ingredients. Some really good buffalo mozzarella, airier than cows milk we're told. Italian coppa, soporessata, caccaitore salami, artichokes and roasted red peppers. All quite good and very, very authentic. Then there's this wonderful mix of canneloni, onions, olive oil and tuna that is fabulous and filling. A little crusty bread, what else do you need? Delicious! They have an awesome wine list with over 25 different Italian wines by the glass and over 60 selections.

Il Cortile del Re is located at 193 King Street in Charleston's Lower King Antique District. It's a beautiful place with bistro-like bar and dining and two quiet little "romance rooms" Reserve a spot by the fireplace in winder, or dine alfresco on balmier nights. It's a great place, and you'll have a genuine Italian experience.

Classical Charleston to Play Holiday Music for King Street Shoppers

On Saturday December 19, treat yourself to beautiful music from Classical Charleston's string quartet while you shop at some of King Street's finest stores. Cellist Andrew Mille and some of the fine musicians from Classical Charleston will perform from 11:30-2:00. Follow the music from Bits of Lace to Hampden Clothing, Gallery Chuma and Seeking Indigo.

Classical Charleston musicians play to rave reviews at events all over the region. They are also affiliated with the Charleston Music School, where lessons are available for violin, viola, cello, piano and classical guitar.

Charleston Barbershop Chorus to Carol on King Street this Saturday

Charleston's fabulous Barbershop Chorus will perform for lucky holiday shoppers this coming Saturday between 3:00 and oh, whenever.

This great group of guys performs and preserves four-part a cappella harmony in the time honored barbershop tradition. Together they meet regularly and perform around town to continuously sharpen their individual and group ability. They also support local and charitable groups through their medium of barbershop harmony. If you've never had the pleasure of experiencing barbershop, then this is a 'don't miss' opportunity you won't forget.

The group begins at the Renaisssance Charleston Hotel Lobby around 3:00 pm. They'll move to The Francis Marion Hotel Lobby, then to the front window at Upper King's Butterfly Women's Consignment Boutique. Fourth stop, Halls Chophouse for songs and cocktails as long as we can entice them to stay.

Holiday music outside the norm. You'll love it. Join us on King Street Saturday, December 12.

Don't forget to download and print your parking pass for two hours of free parking. Our pick for this event, The Francis Marion Deck, Hutson Street or Charleston Visitor Center. See you there!

Marisa Baratelli Trunk Show at Berlins Women

Berlins Women will be hosting a Marisa Baratelli Trunk Show for sizes 18w to 24W Thursday through Saturday December 10 - 12. This is the first look at this amazing collection of dresses and separates in gorgeous Thai silk.

Shop Berlins Women for all your holiday finery at 116 King Street in the King Street Antique District of historic downtown Charleston.

Holiday Happy Hour at Berlins Women

Gallery Chuma to Host Opening Reception for Jonathan Green Composition Sketch Exhibit

Gallery Chuma will host an opening reception for much loved Gullah artist Jonathan Green on Sunday, December 6 from 3:00-5:00 pm. This exhibition is the first time Jonathan Green has agreed to give collectors, through his sketches, a glimpse into his creative process. Historically he has held his sketches, drawings, preliminary ink washes, and color studies in studio archives to serve as the foundation for many of his paintings. The simplicity of his graphite works on paper reveals the clarity of balance and freedom by which he approaches his subjects. Art patrons, collectors, students, and admirers are invited to see these special works by one of our country’s most outstanding and awarded artists. Collectors requiring advance preview of the exhibition may call Gallery Chuma at 843.722.7568 to reserve a time to chat with Jonathan Green before the opening ceremony. Jonathan will also sign and dedicate his calendars, prints and books at Gallery Chuma during the reception–great for Holiday gift giving.