SOUTHERN GENT

Magically Delicious

2010-03-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

It's been seen across the interwebs 1000s of times, but I couldn't help pulling it from the archives for St. Patrick's Day 2010 because it's magically delicious...

Courtesy of botmid

"Who else see's a leprechaun? Say 'yea'!"

SG Social Calendar

2010-03-10T20:43:00.001-05:00

I'm excited to launch a new column called SGSocialCalendar; the events, activities and happenings that are right up my alley and hopefully yours as well.

Oyster Roast
Hosted by the South Carolina State Society
Saturday, March 13 ~ 3PM - 9PM
Arlington, VA

Hurricanes & Pianos: A French Quarter Party
Hosted by the Louisiana State Society
Saturday, March 27 ~ 8PM - 11PM
Washington, DC

The Lee Brothers: Explorers of Southern Cuisine
Hosted by the Smithsonian Resident Associates
Tuesday, April 6 at 6:45 p.m.
S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W. Washington D.C.

Resident Members $15, General Admission $25. *The Smithsonian Associates has offered y'all the Resident rate when using the promo code 182291. For tickets and further information call 202.633.3030 or click here.

In the Stacks

2010-03-02T21:02:00.001-05:00

Several months ago, SG graphic designer and blogger extraordinaire in her own right, Jessica Nell Graves, asked me what media - books, cds, movies etc - would I recommend for a guest post on her blog The Love List.

Last week, Jessica and her team launched, The Library; a curated collection of media by bloggers, tastemakers, and designers. I'm honored to be included.

Check out what else is 'in the stacks' and my entries below HERE:

Garden & Gun
G&G has a strong following for its well crafted articles, stunning photography, and focus on environmental conservation. Under the tutelage of Editor-in-Chief Sid Evans (formerly of Field & Stream) the magazine's main pursuit is "a love of the land and a dedication to the sporting life" throughout the South and Caribbean. It's one of the few publications I'll read cover to cover.

Joy of Cooking 75th Anniversary Edition
I love to cook. Testing recipes for 1, simple dinners for a few, larger parties - I scour websites and other cookbooks for recipes and how-to's, but always seem to come back to the new edition of The Joy of Cooking. It's become my kitchen companion and guide.

Garth Brooks Double Live
My college buddy J.B. once said "if you are born in the South this album should come with your birth certificate." It stays in the glove box of my car and captures the best years of the top-selling country music artist in history.

Buck(le) Up

2010-02-28T20:43:00.010-05:00

Dress belt straps for engine turned buckle: top and bottom 1 1/8' straps from belts.com, middle is alligator.

To round out the "Weekend Wardrobe" and the forthcoming "Wear to Work" posts are a collection of belt buckles and straps collected over time. While none of them date back to the Civil War, their vintage is noted in parenthesis.

Belts Clockwise from 12:00.

Engine Turned Slide: One of the best gifts I've ever received.
Southern Outdoors: You may remember from THIS post (1986)
Remington Derringer 1867 by Mattel: When my father got this as a 6th birthday gift it was a working cap-gun that actually shot plastic bullets. Collectors Item. (1959)
Tall Ship: Worn during winter months while dreaming of being on the high seas of the Caribbean (1976)
G. Dubya: In honor of my alma mater (1979)
Soaring Eagle: Another inherited buckle, worn by my dad during his undergrad days at Tulane (Bergamont Brass Works)
Mallards: Bronze L.L. Bean buckle received as a birthday present from AEV (1979)

And in the center:

AMERICA: A token of gratitude by great friends for dog sitting their black lab.

Casual 1 1/2" belt straps: top - brown bison, bottom - black leather, middle - see below.

And, while I don't have a belt buckle with my name on it, I do have a tan leather strap embossed with a Smoky Mountain landscape and my first name.

SGStyle: Weekend Wardrobe

2010-02-24T23:00:00.000-05:00

Alright, let's start this wardrobe rundown with the casual basics that have become something of a uniform:

Bass Pro Shop: Camo cap, custom embroidered logo, last name on the back - done during a business trip to Nashville;
Perlis: 1st one went missing in college, 2nd yellowed and frayed, 3rd is being broken in now;
Saints: Wool, raised embroidery, fitted.
Polo Oxford: Custom fit, all the colors, worn pressed and starched by night, patched and frayed by day;
Patagonia Araveto: Light weight, slim fit, looks just a sharp as a merino cardigan, but as comfortable as cashmere.
Levi's 514: Straight leg, low rise, perfect fit - stonewash by day, indigo by night;
J. Crew Khaki's: Regular-fit essential chino - classic american staple.
Clark Wallabees: They only get better with age;
Bean Mocs: Worn year round in rain, sleet, snow and sunshine;
New Balance 574: Inexpensive, long lasting, basic gray.

Add in either my quilted Eksdale or Beaufort Barbour and a tote or two and I'm in my element, comfortable and appropriate enough for just about any activity.

What defines y'alls weekend uniform? All sweats and fleece? Jeans and T's? Polos and chinos?

Clothes Horse

2010-02-22T18:58:00.002-05:00

As a self described clothes horse, I've gone through more gear that I care to admit. Yet, over of the past few years all those clothes seem to have been whittled down to a well-edited wardrobe.

Across the coming months, I'll outline the key pieces that have built a pretty solid foundation for wherever life takes me and the conditions I face. I'm looking forward to hearing your own stories as I'm sure many of us share a common fondness for many of the classic items forthcoming.

All For A Mardi Gras Day

2010-02-17T20:19:00.001-05:00

Crazy subscription pushes and auto publishing glitches on SG only added to the havoc that was the last week. Snowmaggedon blew all hopes of flying to New Orleans, so we took the opportunity to road trip.

Pull the Tail, Suck the Head. This batch of crawfish were a bit small due to the freeze.

In the last week, we have:

Driven 2,176 miles from DC to Chattanooga to New Orleans and back in 5 days.
Passed 256 floats across 9 parades under the oaks of St. Charles Avenue
Consumed 72+ "21 and over" beverages across 3 days (with friends of course)
Enjoyed a 3 hour dinner at Emeril's Delmonico for 14 people from 5 states (TN, DC, FL, TX, LA)
Saw 2 casts: The Real World New Orleans and The Hot Tub during the Krewe of Tucks

And...

1 Super Bowl MVP reign as monarch all the while showering his adoring subjects with black and gold footballs.

Photo taken in DC prior to 3 feet of snow. Will we ever see the curb again? Thanks to AEV for the Bock bottle.

Pigs may have flown and hell (and DC) frozen over, but there was no way I was missing Mardi Gras 2010. Until March 8, 2011:

The koozie on a neck straps keeps your hands free to catch throws as floats pass.

Laissez Les Bon Temp Rouler!

Marshmallow World

2010-02-10T20:46:00.009-05:00

The Building on Saturday Morning

By now you've all seen a few images of the historic amount of snow that has pounded DC twice across the last week.

Left: Ontario Place, NW (for you JJM & SKM) Right: Rock Creek Parkway from Calvert Street Bridge

Waking up on Saturday morning the District looked pretty incredible with a blanket of 12"+, streets and avenues with carpets of white and trees glistening with ice and snow.

Left: Enroute to the sledding hills, in the street 'natch. Right: Weeeeeee!

Meeting up with friends, those rafts my father sent this fall in advance of beach time this summer, turned out to be the perfect last minute sleds over at the three hills created at Rock Creek Parkway and Calvert Street.

Left to Right: The Women of 1810 (Tara, Cait, & Pamela), DAM, and Bill

Now with 5+ days of snow behind us, we are driving down to New Orleans today. That's right, driving - flights canceled and rebooking nearly impossible, we are going to break the 17 hour trip down with a stop at my parents' house in Chattanooga before heading to this historical carnival season otherwise known as Lombardi Gras!

Image Credits: Thanks Cait & Bill

Bourbon Balls

2010-02-08T21:01:00.001-05:00

Can't figure out what to give your beau this year for Valentines Day? Well, you can always consult last year's SGGiftGuide or turn the tables on the chocolate giving and order him the famous Happy Balls! Kentucky bourbon candy.

Lauded by everyone from Garden & Gun to Tucker they are sure to make his day (they'd make mine). Or you can make your own with this Washington Post recipe Tucker shared back in December.

Image Credit: Happy Balls!

This Is Our Moment

2010-02-08T02:34:00.010-05:00

"The people of New Orleans love the Saints not because they provide a distraction from their fall, but because they are a reflection of their rise"

-Wright Thompson

It's 2:36AM EST and I'm finally home.

I watched the game among friends and loved ones in the District then went out to celebrate in Adams Morgan, knowing I'll be back in New Orleans on Thursday morning to celebrate Mardi Gras.

I didn't cry when they became NFC Champions... I didn't cry when Tracy Porter intercepted the ball... I didn't cry when they clock ran down to 0:00... I didn't cry when I saw Brees' holding his one-year old son or when he accepted the Vince Lombardi Trophy...

But now that I am typing this post in reflection, tears are streaming as I know this is so much more than my celebration or the Saints Super Bowl rings, but about the City of New Orleans and the work of so many committed to it's rebirth.

The 2009 football season may be officially over and it's days away till the next Mardi Gras parades, but in the words of Kenny Chesney:

"This is Our Moment."

Image Credits: Times-Picayune

Super Bowl Sunday

2010-02-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for the big game? We'll be buried under two feet of snow by the time kick off happens, so am getting ready for the Black and Gold Super Bowl today.

Apparently, Super Bowl Sunday is the second biggest eating day next to Thanksgiving. While debatable, what isn't is the variety of food people love to eat. This year, in honor of the Saints, channel a little New Orleans wherever you are with this simple supper.

Zatarian's: It's authentic as Mardi Gras and is great base to start your jambalaya.

Ingredients

1 box Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix
3 ribs celery, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 lb. sausage of choice, cut in rounds
1 1b. chicken, diced
chicken stock
green onions
olive oil

Coat the bottom of a large stock pot with approx. 2 tbls. oil, add chicken, salt and pepper and cook until the chicken is browned all over. Remove and set aside. Using the chicken drippings and 2 more rounds of olive oil saute the Trinity (Celery, Onion and Bell Pepper) until tender. Remove from pot and set aside with chicken.

Substitute the water for chicken stock on Zatarain's instructions and bring to a boil. Add trinity, chicken and cut sausage. Follow remaining instructions on Zatarain's box.

Garnish with diced green onions and Tabasco.

King Cake: Haydel's bakery will get you one by game time if you order by 11:00 on Friday. Call now or follow this easy recipe with refrigerator biscuits.

Abita Beer: Whether Turbo Dog, Amber, Purple Haze, Mardi Gras Bock or my favorite Pecan Harvest, you'll round out the experience with this cajun-country brew.

The Saints and the Who Dat Nation have taken it one game at a time and are now here, Super Bowl XLIV. Finish Strong!

Port Southern

2010-02-03T18:21:00.003-05:00

The good gents over at Port Southern dropped a black Southern Heritage Polo in the mail for me and I gotta say I was impressed right away.

The pique cotton is the thickest I've ever felt and incredibly soft. The fit is on point - not too tight or too baggy and it hits someplace between a Lacoste (too short to tuck in) and an RL Polo (too long to leave un-tucked). Additionally, for all you golfers you'll totally dig the sleeves, as Steven shared with me, it's designed to hit just above the bend in your elbow.

Besides being entrepreneurs, the founders are also philanthropist with a portion of every sale going to the Pineapple Fund benefiting the High Point Community Foundation.

Now you know you can look good while doing good. www.PortSouthern.com

Thanks again to Steven and guys of Port Southern for sending a shirt my way and taking some time to discuss their company.

Barbour, Bean, Brooks & the Brolly

2010-02-02T07:34:00.001-05:00

After a cold weekend with about 6" of snow and more expected tonight, trekking around the District has become a much more comfortable and enjoyable experience since rounding out the gear in the Winter Weather collection.

Barbour Beaufort: New, unfortunately, but the correct size with warm pile lining and hood.
Bean Boots: Venerable classics in 8" - from the fields in the fall to wet mess in the winter.
Brooks Driving Cap: Do as your momma told you and cover your head as this Harris Tweed keeps the heat in and your noggin warm.
Bean Hunting Tote: Used across the F/W months for making groceries, gear and guilty pleasures.
Umbrella: Always be prepared with this plaid brolly.
Fur Lined Gloves: Conspicuously absent from this photo, but damn fine and luxurious.

Here's to a snow day this week. And stay warm.

Skip the Bag, Bring a Tote

2010-01-31T14:52:00.001-05:00

For the last few years I thought I was ahead of the "being green" curve by using my once only-for-the-beach-and-weekends-away Bean Boat & Tote for general use around the city.

It made sense: when not in the car and running errands there's certain stuff you need that just won't fit in the pockets: iPod (when not in use), Nalgene, reading material, work stuff I'd carry around with no real intention of getting to it on the weekend. Then there was the opportunity to skip the bag and just load it all into the tote.

Now the rest of DC will be right along with me.

As of January 1, a $.05 tax will be added to your purchase if you need a disposable bag. If the store offers you a discount for bring your own bag (i.e. Trader Joe's) the business keeps a few pennies. The rest of the tax goes to the Anacostia River Protection Fund.

I'm not one that usually endorses additional taxes, but one that encourages the use of a Bean Tote AND protects our natural waterways, is one to support.

Image Credit: green.dc.gov

I Luv U

2010-01-29T00:07:00.000-05:00

We are two weeks and a few days away from Valentine's Day and I have put back, oh, I think three bags of small conversation hearts. They are addictive, delicious and sugary sweet. Eating them brings back distinct memories this time on year as it usually falls around Mardi Gras and is the precursor to satiating my sweet tooth with Easter candy.

I know they are also extremely polorizing. Do you love or loath Brach's Conversation Hearts?

It's Your Ribs

2010-01-28T00:01:00.002-05:00

Image Credit: Published in The New Yorker 11/23/2009 by Paul Noth

SG 2.0

2010-01-25T23:15:00.002-05:00

Many of you have seen SOUTHERN GENT evolve over the last year and some even noticed the format changes that went live last week. But with the new logo complete, officially ready to debut SG 2.0.

For those of you reading SG through a RSS feed you may not have seen the new header that captures the essence of the blog and and the footer at the bottom of the webpage.

I've also added LinkWithin to each dispatch to share other posts with similar tags you might find of interest.

Much thanks to Jessica Nell Graves of Front Porch Studio and her blog, The Love List, for working with me across the last 5 months (we started in September) and making all my small edits, changes, and tweeks to get everything on point.

Black & Gold Super Bowl

2010-01-25T07:57:00.003-05:00

I've been waiting all season to say those words and how sweet it sounds rolling off my tongue:

The New Orleans Saints are going to the SUPER BOWL!

I started getting nervous late last week, remaining cautiously optimistic, superstitious and positive, in my gut I believed. Much like the rest of the season, they would need to take it one play at a time, one quarter, half and then finish strong.

As Sean Patyon said at trophy presentation "This stadium used to have holes in it and used to be wet. It's not wet anymore. This is for the city of New Orleans."

All season long this has been about the Saints, but anyone of them - Brees, Bush, Shockey, Porter, Sharper - have said this is about the fans, and the city.

There's a long road ahead 'in pursuit of Lombardi' but I believe:

Editors Note: Cowboy Mouth will be playing at the 9:30 Club in Washington DC on Friday, January 29th. If you want to celebrate New Orleans victory, Mardi Gras and being alive, get the ticket - it will be incredible.

Image Credits: Times Picayune

Geaux Marching...

2010-01-22T08:55:00.002-05:00

This isn't my original Saints posts for today, but in keeping with tradition and superstition I want to keep it simple - bless you boys.

Now y'all join with me for Sundays' game against Minnesota (6:40 EST on Fox) to cheer on the New Orleans Saints.

WHO DAT!

Southern Voice

2010-01-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

I wasn't a huge fan of this song till it ran during the credits of The Blind Side and now I am hooked. The concert scenes are the best part and can't wait for summer 2010 out at Nissan, now unfortunately named "Jiffy Lube Live."

Official Video Courtesy of PowerOfOneSpirit

Beer & Bubbly

2010-01-20T00:04:00.006-05:00

A little bit redneck...

...a little bit refined.

As part of my new year's resolution to organize closets and the computer, I found these pictures trying to make order out of the chaos that is iPhoto and the pictures folder. Cheers!

Scarborough Country

2010-01-13T00:01:00.005-05:00

I'm a huge fan of Morning Joe (brewed by Starbucks) and the banter between Joe, Mika and Willie. So much so that this Christmas I received a 19" flat screen for my bedroom to watch the trio and their guests while getting dressed in the morning.

I also received Joe's book and think it's pretty well outlined, an interesting point-of-view and worth picking up if you are into political fodder no matter which side of the aisle you stand.

Additionally, if you are in DC, Joe and Mika will be at Politics & Prose together to promote Mika's new book "All Things at Once." I'll be there, so if you are heading over, let me know so we can be introduced.

Details from www.Politics-Prose.com:

January 13, 2010 - 7:00pm

MSNBC anchor and co-host of “Morning Joe” as well as a wife and mother, Brzezinski has achieved a hard-won balance of career and family. Her inspirational memoir recounts the challenges she met on her way to success, from her childhood in a family of over-achievers (she’s the only daughter of the former National Security Advisor) to the early clinching and losing of a dream job at CBS and a stint as a stay-at-home mom. Mika will be in-conversation with her MSNBC colleague Joe Scarborough.

Location: Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NWWashington, D.C. 20008

Image Credits: www.JoeScarborough.com

Jammin' - Bacon Style

2010-01-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

In last week's New York Times column "We Made It Ourselves" was Bacon Jam and it's seem fitting to post for many reasons, but mainly because it was about a year ago we did another bacon post.

It took Josh Henderson 4-years to perfect the recipe and while I wouldn't attempt to make it myself (something about his description of hours skimming fat) I'd like to try it with writer Charlotte Druckman's suggestion of "cheddar thumbprint shortbread cookies" and "potato pancakes".

It would also be delicious with cornbread - so thanks to WJR for sending along.

Image Credit: Jenni Geer for The New York Times

The Blind Side

2010-01-08T00:01:00.003-05:00

Over holidays we packed in quite a few movies - Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Princess and the Frog (hey, it's set in New Orleans), Everyone's Fine, It's Complicated, and The Blind Side.

If you haven't seen The Blind Side yet, do. With college football done for the year with the Alabama victory over Texas in the BCS Championship game and sub-freezing temperatures across most of the country east of the Mississippi, this weekend is a perfect opportunity to get your fill of ball and escape the cold.

Because, this movie will be to Sandra Bullock what Erin Brockovich was to Julia Roberts - award winning.

Side Observations:

Tervis Tumbler must have been a sponsor because half way through the film just about every shot, it seems, had an Ole Miss tumbler.
Tim McGraw's "Southern Voice" rolls during the credits and unlike other singers turned actors who put their song in the movie, this one seems to fit.

Countdown to Carnival

2010-01-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Some folks countdown furiously from Thanksgiving to Christmas with an Advent calendar, but I prefer to countdown the days between January 6, Twelfth Night or the Feast of the Epiphany, and the pilgrimage back to New Orleans for 'Mawty Graw.'

Last year we had a few posts HERE, HERE and HERE and hope this year's posts put y'all in the spirit of Carnival no matter where you live.

Image Credit: Mardi Gras Unmasked via Widgetbox