Lowcountry

Lowcountry

The John Hughes World of Teen Love and Relationships is Dead

April 21, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Mark A. Leon

With the wave of digital dating sites and apps, the ability to connect and develop pure feelings through natural connections is dying so we wanted to look at love through the genius of John Hughes and how love has evolved today.

I recently watched the latest Jason Reitman film, Men, Women and Children;  a poignant and often challenging film about the use of digital communication to form and manage human interaction in our modern society.  In a critical moment, late in the film, one of the main teen characters was reaching out for help via text and due to external interference the message never came through and as a result he almost overdosed.

It was a moment in the film when the need for human contact could have dramatically changed the course of life and death.  It was a message to the viewers cautioning us about the path we are choosing to take.  Our two-dimensional messages are trying to fill the void of our emotions that run far deeper than our digital communication devices.  We are shielded by text, status updates, selfies masking our blank stares and all the while brainwashed into a sense of numbness and an appeal for help silenced by the screaming apathy of society.

It is interesting that “zombies” have become such a popular part of our culture.  With their blank stares, bodies dead inside and emotions buried forever, perhaps we are seeing ourselves in these characters.

We categorize a generation based on the time frame they were born into, their ideology and their views on life.  We know the Millennials are more apathetic, less reliant on religion, less connected to the emotions of intimacy and retracting from heavy human connection.  Yet, we put out more and more products to help continue this path of distance and emotional destruction.  Have we come to accept a world of gaming and virtual friends, status updates to express feelings, texts to have those critical conversations and snap chat to show intimacy?

The Ashley Madison database can tell you that millions are looking into cyberspace to find a short term fix for their inability to deal with reality.  Porn has made us numb to the traditional values of love and intimacy and Facebook has given us the green light to stop writing letters and expressing thoughts that are prepared, calculated and meaningful.

breakfastJohn Hughes taught us that behind the stereotypes, behind the teen angst; there is something much more important in life, family, love and relationships.  His films helped us appreciate the effort, find love beyond appearance and accept the soul of a person.

Would the Breakfast Club have walked away that afternoon with a new sense of value and understanding about each others lives?  No.  They would have texted all day and had very little communication with each other.  After all, a princess, jock, geek, dirt bag, and crazy girl would never think to get to know each other.

Would Ferris Bueller and Cameron have enjoyed the best day of their lives together.  Nope.  The GPS tracker in their phones would have made it easy to track their location.

Would Steve Martin and John Candy characters in Planes, Train and Automobiles have become friends?  Nope.  One of them would have downloaded a plane app, changed flights and gotten home a lot more quickly.

Would Samantha and Jake ended up together in Sixteen Candles?  Nope.  Jake would have spread a nasty rumor via text that would have gotten all around school and Samantha would have been blacklisted for the rest of her high school days.

Could Weird Science have happened?….Actually, maybe that can happen someday or it has already.

Though not the work of John Hughes, the iconic scene in Say Anything where Lloyd Dobler proclaims his unconditional love for Diane Court would never have had the same impact with an IPhone.  That would have just looked silly.

Bottom line, we are going in the wrong direction and as a whole we are suffering.  Please keep buying Call of Duty and watch the gun fatalities increase, continue text arguments so we don’t have to confront them, cheat on our significant others through Tinder, lose ourselves in instant gratification and most importantly distance ourselves from humanity.

It is hard to see the world we live in.  Bring back the days of John Hughes.

To all the Lloyd Dobler’s, Jake Ryan’s and Blane’s, we know you are still out there.

Lowcountry

10 Ways Charleston, South Carolina has changed for the worse

February 16, 2018 by 59 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina has taken on a new face.

The new modernized Charleston, with a focus on increasing tourism, corporate infrastructure, increased pricing, more crowded streets, cranes owning the skyline, traffic bottlenecks in all directions and inflationary spikes may be helping this booming economy, but it isn’t what everyone wants.  There are a great many that miss the local first, charming historic appeal of the old Charleston.  We wanted to share some of the ways Charleston has changed for the worse based on social chatter and mood indicators of those that live and breath the Lowcountry air.

10 Ways Charleston, S.C. has changed for the worse

  • Folly Beach is modernizing and monetizing – In case you blinked, there have been some significant changes to our favorite area beach.  We would like to emphasize a few:  1.  Folly Beach is now charging entrance fees to its street festivals including this weekend’s Folly Gras.  2.  Arctic has implemented paid parking on the streets.  3.  The beach entrance parking lots no longer accept money in an envelope.  You must use a phone app to pay for your parking.  4.  New construction is spiking around the area of Center Street.  5.  Finally, a digital sign has been added on Folly Road.
  • Local First in downtown Charleston is a thing of the past – Remember:  Bluestein’s Clothing, Morris Sokol Furniture, Bob Ellis Shoes, King Street Grille, Piggly Wiggly and Hughes Lumber – If you are a local and have been for a number of generations, you are seeing familiar businesses close faster than we can keep count.  There is a simple explanation: the percentage of tourists is growing year over year and the percentage of local patrons is shrinking due to the overcrowded conditions caused by this spike in tourism.
  • Corporate billboards are taking over the city – You need not have lived here long to see the rise of corporate foundations in downtown Charleston and beyond.  Let us highlight some of the big entrances into our charming community:  Starbucks and Whole Foods (West Ashley), Starbucks (James Island), Walgreens (Corner of King and Calhoun), 5 Guys Burgers, Moe’s Southwestern, 3 Starbucks on King Street, West Elm, Louis Vuitton, IHOP, Publix, Vans, Aldo, Forever 21, H&M and more to come in downtown Charleston.
  • Church steeples beautifying the skyline is becoming a thing of the past – Cranes, construction, cranes, construction – That has been the look of our skyline for five plus consecutive years with no indication of a slowing in development.  With the massive projects in the medical district, the corner of Crosstown and Lockwood, across from Joe Riley, Upper King Street and Upper Meeting Street, Charleston is changing forever and rapidly.
  • Charleston is more becoming more known for breweries than the churches of the Holy City – Don’t commit to this number, but we now have over 30 breweries in the Lowcountry and it is estimated there is a brewery for every 10K – 12K citizens in the county.  I am not sure if that is worth celebrating or very alarming.  Charleston is now becoming more known for its craft beer than its history and Holy City architectural charm.
  • Tourism first, local second – We had another record year of tourism.  It is estimated 4.2 million people came through the Charleston International Airport in 2017.  That does not even factor in car traffic.  That is a big number.  It is great for our local economy, but it is a pain point for locals who are fearing the inconveniences of spending time in Charleston.  This truly is a shame.  It is one thing to pledge “Buy Local”, but another to take action to ensure it is happening.
  • Reasonable commutes have vanished – There isn’t much to say here.  You just need to live it every day to understand.
  • Taxation is disrupting local commerce and recreation – I was recently in Minneapolis and Philadelphia where restaurant food and alcohol tax are 6.0%.  I was pleasantly shocked.  For those that have never been here and plan a trip in the near future, this is a key piece of information:  Charleston County sales tax is 9.5%, restaurant food tax is 10.5% and restaurant alcohol tax is 15%.
  • Increased parking rates and penalties have crippled locals ambition to spend time on the peninsula – It was only a few years ago, you could park in a garage on a Sunday and pay a flat fee of $5.00.  It was just over 10 years ago, that a parking ticket cost $10.  Some even remember $7.00.  Now that fine is $45.00 and a garage will cost you $20.00 or more for just a few hours.  There is opportunistic greed and it is very active in our community.
  • Shem Creek has lost its coastal appeal – There is now a parking garage with office suites on the grounds of Shem Creek, a place once known for fishing, kayaking, shrimping and a local coastal hangout.  Times have changed on the Creek.
  • Bonus:  Timeshares in Charleston – If you did not hear the latest news, the Charleston city council approved the development of a 100 unit timeshare on the corner of Calhoun and East Bay in downtown Charleston.

Lowcountry - Photography

GALLERY: Life in the Lowcountry – Photography Expose

January 26, 2018 by 1 Comment
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Come with us for a beautiful look at life in the Lowcountry.  Picture the serenity and brisk Southern breeze. Take in the beautiful natural surroundings and become part of a life that enjoys things a little slower, a little more relaxed.

This is life in the Lowcountry.

Sit back on your rocking chair and enjoy.

Lowcountry Photo Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit:  Mark A. Leon – Charleston Daily

 

 

 

 

Food & Bev - James & John's Islands, SC - Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

8 Must Have Appetizers / Snacks in Charleston, South Carolina

December 30, 2017 by 1 Comment
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By Mark A. Leon

How often is the appetizer the must indulgent part of the meal?  The savory essence of a truly amazing dining experience.  Often times, restaurants will offer up a preamble that outshines the meal, a piece of culinary heaven let us say.  There are some appetizers/snacks in the Low country that truly define the culinary arts in this foodie haven we call Charleston, SC.  We want to offer up some of the most indulgent, flavorful starters to whet your appetite.

We spoke to a number of locals and got their opinions and they were enthusiastic and ready to spill the beans on some of the best starter dishes.

This list is a keeper.  Spoiler alert, some of these items may raise your calories or cholesterol intake levels for the day.  You have been warned.

  • Oysters Rockefeller – Oak Steakhouse: 17 Broad Street, Charleston, SC – Guests are fortunate to be able to purchase a single Oyster Rockefeller for $3.00 each.  Whether you order one or six, each order is treated with dignity and pride.  These oysters are large and robust and deserve to come with an audience.  This indulgent treat is a must to begin your dining experience at Oak.
  • Tuna Lollipops – Sol Southwest Kitchen: 1101 Stockade Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC – This dish is prepared with sushi-grade tuna, panko breaded, spicy
    Lobster Mac n' Cheese - Halls Chophouse
    Lobster Mac n’ Cheese – Halls Chophouse

    ponzu, creamy ginger cilantro sauce.  A regular offered up this to say, “They melt in your mouth.  They are crunchy and yummy.  I can’t get enough.”  This starter will cost $12.00.

  • Lobster Mac n’ Cheese – Halls Chophouse:  434 King Street, Charleston, SC – This accompany side dish at $20.00 is a rich and succulent addition to any meal at Halls.  Known for fine steaks and customer service along with an award winning menu, there are no bad selections, but if you only order one add on, make it this marriage of two of the most wonderful foods in the world.
  • Fried Calamari – Grill 225:  225 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC – The lightly fried calamari is prepared with sauteed peppers, white wine and garlic.  As a very proud Charleston foodie explained, “the garlic provides the zest that sets it apart.”  This starter is $14.00
  • Sweet Potato Fries at Sesame Burgers and Beer: 3 Area Locations  – Who doesn’t love sweet potato fries?  I certainly do.  If you have the ability to prepare a mouth watering batch, you have my vote.  These soft and only slightly crunchy pairings to many of the main dishes offers unique flavoring and topped to perfection with a dusting of fresh parmesan.
  • Gyoza – Co: 340 King Street, Charleston, SC – The pork and ginger gyoza sided with a soy scallion sauce set the Co gyoza apart from the fine offerings of Ichiban and Basil.  When asked why, a local resident replied, “It reminds me of ravioli or stuffed pastas which I love and when dipped, the flavors pop.”  This dish will start your evening at $5.00.
  • Ceviche – 167 Raw:  289 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC –  This $14.00 dish changes daily.  So that being said, how can we add it to the list of some of our favorites if it changes?  Very simple, quality of ingredients and masterful understanding of how to make a truly memorable ceviche.  Starting with the homemade chips that are lightly toasted with the thickness and texture of pita and then add some of the freshest seafood and ingredients Charleston offers and you will walk away so very happy.
  • Beet Salad – Maybank Public House: 1970 Maybank Highway, James Island, SC – Fresh Roasted Beets, Warm Pecan Encrusted Goat Cheese, Harit Coverts, Arugula, Maple Vinaigrette.  This is a insatiably refreshing and zesty salad at any time of day

There are more.  So many more.  Why rattle your brain risking the potential of a bad start to your evening.  Use this list.  Use it wisely as it comes with great power to satisfy.

Bon Appetite

Gyoza - Co
Gyoza – Co
Lowcountry

GALLERY: Quietest Day in Charleston, SC: Christmas Day

December 25, 2017 by 0 Comments
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Ask any resident what the quietest day on the peninsula is and most, if not all, will say Christmas. If you live here, it feels like Will Smith in “I Am Legend” or Tom Cruise at the beginning of “Vanilla Sky”. It is also a magical time, when you can admire the architecture, walk the middle of the streets and take in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, the crown jewel of the South.

Come with us as we take you on a photo gallery ride through the quiet streets of Charleston, SC on Christmas Day 2017.

Christmas Day – Charleston, South Carolina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even the Charleston Harbor was empty….

Merry Christmas Charleston and everyone around the world.

 

 

 

Lowcountry

12 Charleston, SC Dates for Around $12.00

October 17, 2017 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Is it possible to really go on a date for about $12.00 and expect your significant other to want to keeping coming back for more.  Absolutely, and we promise no mention of Netflix, Krispy Creme or Sonic on this list.  Unless, that is what you want.  We will not stop you.

Here we go Charleston, ways to impress your date without burning a hole in your wallet.

12 Dates for About $12.00

  • Paolos Gelato and Marion Square – Go to 41 John Street and get a large Gelato waffle cone to share and then walk one block to Marion Square and enjoy a quiet stroll, or layout on a spring day and share each lick together.  Depending on the size you order, you should fall right into the budget.
  • Saffron Bakery – Tea and Cheesecake – Head to 333 East Bay for a homemade slice of cheesecake, Tiramisu or key lime pie with two hot cups of bottomless tea to share with your loved one.  You may go slightly over the $10.00 with tip, but the indulgence is worth it.
  • Burgers and Hampton Park – On Mondays, Rutledge Cab Company offers $5.00 Burgers and on Tuesdays from 7 – 10, Moe’s Crosstown offers half-price burgers.  Head to Hampton Park, play a little soccer, shoot some hoops or fire a little Frisbee to work up an appetite and then eats a great burger together.

  • Disc Golf at Park Circle – FREE!!! Play 18 holes of fun or competitive disc golf then go to Park Circle and enjoy a few cocktails at Dig or The Mill or Accent or any number of great eateries and bars.
  • The Halsey Institute of Art and Mace Brown National History Museum – An amazing contemporary art gallery and even more amazing national history museum with a prehistoric bear and dinosaurs for FREE!!!  Both of these amazing attractions blocks from each other on Calhoun Street and totally free.  So, take your ten bucks and go to the Starbucks located in-between or the Chick-fil-a afterward for a bite or beverage.
  • Walk or Jog the Cooper River Bridge – I know, there is no cost to walk or jog the Cooper River Bridge, but after you complete the five-mile walk or jog, wrap around the bend and head to Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park for ice cream or a milkshake at the gift/convenience store located at the start of the pier.  If you desire a latte or iced mocha, stop in at Metto first just a half a mile from the Mount Pleasant side bridge entrance.  If you prefer to start on the downtown side, hop in for a beverage of Mercentile and Mash.
  • Dog Park and Disc Golf – James Island County Park – At the minimal cost of $2.00 per person (unless you have an annual county parks pass), you can enjoy a day at the park and oh what a park it is.  From a children’s playground to a large picnic area to rock climbing, James Island County Park is an outdoor haven.  You can even bring the camper and camp out on the grounds.  Why not bring the pups and make a day of human and canine date fun.  Play disc golf and then let the dogs roam free afterward.  All this for $4.00.
  • Happy Hour and Live Outdoor Music at the Charleston Pour House – Every night on the back patio stage, there is great live music.  This is an open dog-friendly setting and there is no charge for the starter music on the patio.  Take that $10.00, get a few PBR tallboys and make a night of music and dancing under the warm sun.
  • MUSC Urban Farm – Gardening classes and demonstrations – What better place to learn gardening than from the experts at MUSC.  With a rich urban farm of sunflowers, basil, rosemary, lemons, okra and more, this is a beautiful and educational way of spending a day together.  Cost is FREE!! – Afterward, you can share a salad together from Five Loaves or a cocktail at Halo.  Both within walking distance.
  • Farmers Market – Whether it is the Folly Beach Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, John’s Island, Summerville, Goose Creek or Marion Square on Saturday, James Island Sunday Brunch Market on Sunday, Farmer’s markets are a great way to support local businesses, hear live music and relax in the beautiful backdrop of the Lowcountry.
  • Reuben and Oreo Truffles at Blackbird Market – At 1808 Bohicket Road on John’s Island is a wonderful market and restaurant.  Everything from beet chips to She-crab soup to Lobster Ravioli.  Their tenderloin, scallops, and shrimp are so fresh it is breathtaking.  There is a full menu and benches outside to sit (Don’t worry about summertime.  They have water fans up above).  If you get a fresh Reuben Sandwich with two large Oreo Truffles ($1.00 each) you will have a complete meal.  Don’t forget fresh juice or beer.  This will run you about $11.95, but if you get beer about $18 plus.

Honorable Mention:

Charleston Water Taxi – What better way to see the USS Yorktown, majestic church steeples, Cooper River Bridge and historic Charleston than from a water taxi in the Charleston Harbor.  This made honorable mention because an all-day pass is $12.00 a person.  For a date, this is over budget, but it is an amazing deal and a photographers dream.  You are also likely to see dolphins frolic right beside you.

Lowcountry

SCDOT Releases Final Review of the Don Holt Bridge Painting Project Containment System Failure

September 30, 2017 by 0 Comments
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The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has completed its final review of the report on the painting containment system that fell from the supports of the Don Holt Bridge on I-526 in Charleston County on July 19, 2017.

The report concludes an accumulation of rainwater resulting from an extreme and unexpected thunderstorm was the most probable cause of the failure of the system.

The report was conducted by a licensed professional engineer representing Applied Building Sciences (ABS), a leading forensic firm with experience investigating complex collapse claims.  ABS was retained by the insurance company for Eagle Industrial Painting (EIP), the contractor on the painting project. The information in this report includes the material released by SCDOT in its preliminary report on August 1, 2017.

ABS’s findings indicate the weight of the rainwater on the horizontal tarp most likely caused the 1” diameter wire rope chokers to fail. The chokers were used to support the suspended platform beneath the bridge’s superstructure.

The ABS report includes statements from certified meteorologist, Lee Branscome, Ph.D. that maximum wind speeds at the top of the bridge likely reached 58 mph on the day of the incident. In addition, 1.68 inches of rainfall was recorded within five miles of the bridge between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., the same timeframe as the failure of the containment system. The report concludes that the primary load that resulted in the failure was most likely caused by rain accumulation on the tarp and not the wind loads.

The report further observes that EIP did not have access to the containment system during the day to monitor water accumulation, because SCDOT authorized lane closures only at night.  While SCDOT had not authorized a continuous, permanent daytime lane closure during the painting operation, SCDOT would have authorized emergency lane closures for tarp repairs or de-watering had it been requested.  SCDOT did not receive an emergency lane closure request from EIP on July 19, 2017, which is understandable due to the suddenness and unexpected nature of the storm.

Among the motorists whose vehicles were damaged by the fallen containment system, EIP’s insurance company reports 12 vehicle owners filed claims. Ten have received payment.

SCDOT and EIP continue to evaluate processes that will eliminate or greatly reduce the likelihood of a containment failure.  SCDOT once again apologizes for inconveniences caused by the incident and thanks the public for its patience as SCDOT and EIP determine how to best complete this project.

SCDOT’s Final Report on the Don Holt Bridge Containment System can be found at this link: http://www.scdot-transfer.org/SCDOTphotos/DonHoltPaintingProjectFinalReviewFindings09282017.pdf

Lowcountry

Charleston, South Carolina is a Mini Austin, Texas

September 16, 2017 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

The last few weeks got me thinking.  Texas was ravaged by Hurricane Harvey and Charleston suffered a massive hit from Tropical Storm Irma that had us making direct comparisons to Hurricane Hugo and the impact it had on Charleston in 1989.  In fact, our beloved Folly Boat, a symbol of strength and perseverance for 28 years was washed away slamming into a local dock.

I also focused on the growth of the Lowcountry, with Charleston now the largest city in the state of South Carolina and the enormous population spike in Austin and realized, there are many similarities between our two great cities.

Just how similar are we?

Let us break this down to its granular elements and see how Charleston and Austin are following very similar urban paths

  • Charleston and Austin have extremely hot summers and above average temperatures during the winter months. (See chart below)
  • The median age difference is only 1.4 years (Austin 31.8 vs. Charleston 33.2)
  • Charleston’s musical icon is Darius Rucker. Austin holds strong with Stevie Ray Vaughn (though born in Texas, his presence and identity with Austin is so very strong)
  • SXSW TechCrunch is a technology haven conference annually in Austin, while Charleston hails DigSouth
  • SXSW Film Festival offers a diversified, thought provoking line-up annually in March in Austin while Charleston has the Charleston International Film Festival, Crimson Fest Horror Festival and the Charleston Film Festival
  • The glory of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge is a symbol of strength in Charleston. The Congress Avenue Bridge not only has a majestic view of the Capital, it also offers a daily bat show
  • Vibrant College Life. The College of Charleston and the University of Texas – Austin are well respected centers of academic excellence
  • Both pride themselves on their passion and love for BBQ
  • Both Charleston and Austin are liberal thinking cities in traditionally conservative states
  • Austin has the riverfront life with boating, parks, jogging and biking paths along the way. Charleston has the beautiful Charleston Harbor with the bridge pedestrian path, The Battery and both Waterfront parks
  • 6th Street in Austin is world famous for its endless entertainment. King Street is becoming and international site for shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment
  • Bill Murray is the Ambassador of Kwan in Charleston while Austin hails Ethan Hawke and Matthew McConaughey takes pride in the city they know and love

When you really take a close look at both municipalities, it is easy to see there are striking similarities between both thriving Southern landmark cities.

Why call Charleston a mini Austin?  Very simple:  Austin is 147% more densely populated than Charleston.

 

Appendix Data

Austin                                       Charleston                                 United States

Married Population 41.66% 41.25% 50.58%
 Single Population 58.34% 58.75% 49.42%
 Now Married 39.38% 38.89% 48.41%
 Married but Separated 2.28% 2.36% 2.17%
 Never Married 43.64% 42.76% 32.55%
 Widowed 3.30% 5.39% 5.95%
 Divorced 11.41% 10.61% 10.92%
 Married, w/children 33.68% 27.14% 31.68%
 Married, no children 35.08% 44.16% 41.44%
 Single, w/children 19.91% 16.82% 16.94%
 Single, no children 11.33% 11.89% 9.95%

Austin vs Charleston Weather

Austin, Texas                      

Month Low High
Jan 40.0°F 60.3°F
Feb 44.0°F 65.1°F
Mar 50.9°F 72.5°F
Apr 57.6°F 78.9°F
May 65.4°F 84.8°F
Jun 71.1°F 90.9°F
Jul 73.4°F 95.0°F
Aug 73.3°F 95.6°F
Sept 68.8°F 90.1°F
Oct 59.8°F 81.4°F
Nov 49.3°F 70.1°F
Dec 41.9°F 62.3°F

Charleston, South Carolina

Month Low High
Jan 36.9°F 58.9°F
Feb 39.1°F 62.3°F
Mar 46.0°F 69.3°F
Apr 52.2°F 76.1°F
May 61.3°F 82.9°F
Jun 68.5°F 87.9°F
Jul 72.5°F 90.9°F
Aug 71.6°F 89.4°F
Sept 67.1°F 85.0°F
Oct 55.3°F 77.0°F
Nov 46.4°F 69.6°F
Dec 39.3°F 61.6°F
Lowcountry

Is this the future of pricing in Charleston? Fixed Pricing

August 30, 2017 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Have you been to Normandy Farms Artisan Bakery, Jack of Cups or Baguette Magic recently? Besides having wonderful reputations for quality and customer service, all three businesses have incorporated the European style of fixed pricing.  This method also rings true at local area farmers markets with most vendors.

In a nutshell, the price you see on the menu, is the price you pay.

If an item is 91 cents and sales tax is 9 cents, the cost is $1.00. That is the price you see.

Last week, I had a memorable meal at Jack of Cups on Folly Beach.  Our meal for two consisted of:  Spring Rolls $9.00, Indian Thai Mexican Fusion Nachos $9.00, Basil Rice Bowl $10.00, Cocktails $9.00 each (2) and glass of wine $4.00.  Our bill was $50.00.

Why is this method of building in the tax to the final cost so efficient for all parties involved?

  • Perception: If there is no tax found on the bill, it creates a perception to the consumer that they got a deal and are apt to tip their servers more.
  • Ease of table sharing management. How many go out with friends or co-workers and they split the bill.  This makes it so much easier to determine who owes what.
  • Tight Budgets: If you are on a tight budget and trying to determine cost of a meal, this solves all your issues.
  • Even number obsessives: There are a few of you out there that needs all charges on your credit card to end in a complete number (no cents).  This makes your lives so much easier.
  • An overall simple dining experience

 

I initially got comfortable with this form of pricing when I lived in Florence, Italy.  Not being able to speak the native tongue, made it a challenge for me to go to the grocer or farmers market, but having the fixed pricing helped me know exactly how many Euros my items were and thus eliminating the awkward language barrier.

That saved me during my Summer in Italy and I am so thankful.

We hope this trend continues with more restaurants in the Lowcountry and spreads even further to grocers and retail stores.

 

Lowcountry

A Dark Cloud Over Charleston: Cultural Ideology of a City I Once Loved

August 1, 2017 by 40 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

We live and breathe under a cultural ideology and it is this ecosystem that surrounds us all that shapes who we are and how we live.  Shortly after completion of my graduate studies on the East Coast, where I was born and raised, I begin my formal employment career in Minnesota.  Battling the elements of culture shock was my biggest challenge.  After an awkward Hoedown on my first day of employment, I found myself questioning my ability to “fit in”.  Then it happened on a Tuesday afternoon on a warm Summer day.

Just outside my office I saw our Communications Director, Affirmative Action Manager and Health and Safety Manager gazing outside the front window of the facility.  This was my opportunity to bond with my new Midwest co-workers.  As I quietly joined in on their conversation, I walked over and listened closely.  The conversation was centered around a beautiful deer in the parking lot.  I looked and found no deer.  They raved and referred to it with intimate detail.  Still, no deer.

Finally, I resisted my fear of being embarrassed, and finally spoke up asking, ‘what deer?”.  All three looked to their left at me and pointed straight ahead.  Still, no sign of a deer, but within seconds I came to the realization, that beautiful fawn was none other than a large green John Deere tracker.

I was a stranger in a strange land.

Having moved often within the states and abroad, I found a home in Charleston and once again had to adjust to a new culture.  Now nine years in and I am still learning the culture.  Most often enlightened, but still very concerned.

After only spending one weekend in Charleston, escaping the crowds of my temporary Myrtle Beach home, I fell in love.  First, with the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.  Then as I penetrated deeper, the Colonial architecture and cobble stone roads of historic downtown, embracing the kindness of strangers, the seamless transition of city and residential living and the embrace of local business.  Finally, I absorbed the celebratory nature of the festival and events and the selfless support of human interest efforts on land and water.  This was truly a place I could call home.

It was a place where I could walk the streets in jeans, t-shirt and flip flops, go into my local bar on King Street and be greeted by my favorite bar tender as live trivia roared the crowds all around.  On a cool winter evening, I could put on a light jacket and head to a local theatre where some of the most talented actors in the South resided.

Charleston was a place where Jimmy Buffett or Warren Buffett could feel at home.  Celebrities were just like you and I and the taste of Southern cuisine made you want to come back over and over.

Elegant, yet unassuming, warm and inviting, but still personal in its connection to nature.  This was Charleston.

There was something so truly magical that all the Instagram’s in the world could not capture the cinematic beauty of a Charleston sunset over the harbor.  Every morning was a gift and every evening a blessing.

Church bells rang reminding us that faith is as strong as blood.

Going to a high-end steakhouse for a burger and a glass of Pinot Noir was just as acceptable as dressing to the nines.

Charleston’s idea of Tinder, was sitting outside a downtown restaurant, exchanging a smile with passing stranger and then spending the next few hours learning about each other’s dreams.

Charleston “was” a magical place.  A place historians, dreamers and visionaries could co-exist as one. 

Times have changed.  A cloud has stricken this city paralyzed.  Instead of a wheelchair or crutches, we are restricted by cranes, bulldozers and detours.

Our enemies are not the northerners as so many claim, but expansion and the greed hungry mongers in government and institutional investment.

Housing/apartment/condo prices and dining and hospitality costs all have hit record highs, but at what cost?

What is the new Charleston Experience?

  • Potholes and broken up uneven sidewalks
  • Constant construction that shows no signs of ending with the approval of two new hotels and continued development throughout the city
  • Traffic clusters throughout the metro and beyond
  • A rotating door of store and restaurant closures
  • Growth of common chain brands and reduction of local business owners
  • Rise of the homeless on the streets once again
  • Infrastructure on the East Side and West Side ignored
  • Rise in highway fatalities, home fires and violent crime
  • More restrictive parking laws and increased cost of parking
  • Urban and residential flooding still without resolution
  • Rumors of political greed and corruption
  • A separatist movement between the left and right, north and south
  • Disrespecting the beaches

This is not the Charleston I fell in love with nine years ago.   The look, the attitude, the culture and the warmth are hiding somewhere, hoping this dark cloud moves offshore.