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.

Need a Last Minute Gift, How About a Poem – Original Love Poems to Impress Your Special Someone

February 14, 2018 by 1 Comment
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Need a list minute gift for your special someone, how about surprising them with a poem.  Here are four that will show how much you love them.

Happy Valentine’s Day Charleston.

Original Poem For Your Loved Ones

 

The Smile On Your Face

The smile on your face says it all
Let’s me know you’ll be there when I fall

When I slip off this cloud and gravity takes hold
My will remains bold

I know you will be there
In my heart, the words flow and in flight I swear

Til the end of time, I will be there
Always to bear
You and me babe
Taking on the world with style and grace

Through the tears, I’ll dry your eyes
Through the sorrow and the long goodbyes

In the heat of passion
With a fierce beating heart
The burning flame kindles this night

To the cold winters days
Safe by the fire and warm soothing light

Without words, you speak to me
Unspoken chapters
Acts played out in our minds

I dreamed of you last night
I dreamed of us flying, guided by the moonlight
Serenaded by the doves
Whistling songs of love

I awoke to the smile on your face
Looking at me as the night erased

Another day with you
A blessing, a gift

My love, my saving grace

 

Love is Everything

Love is everything
Everything
Without it, we are invisible

Invisible to the sound of a morning rain
Invisible to the smile of a rose blossoming in Spain
Invisible to the sight of long slow kiss
In this life, there is so much we can miss

Love is enchanting like a warm summer breeze
A tingle, a wink, a sigh, a touch of a cool spring day

It is the reason we rise
The struggle to survive
The euphoria of time
The essence of rhyme

Love breathes
It protects
A blanket so safe

A song
A whisper
A kind eye

With the simplicity of words
Words spoken in the air
Linger, journey, invite you near

Take hold
Take flight
Find meaning
Stop thinking; just be
A disease infecting my very soul

Love is everything
Meant to be lost
To be found

Hold for a second
A risk
Take a picture
Keep it for all time
It will last forever
With the winds of change, I will be reminded of the smile that has stopped in time

With the strength of a thousand “I Love Yous”
I feel so alive now
So alive with you

You are the escape I have dreamed about
An imaginary world come true

With you, love is everything

 

I Love You

I woke up and something was missing
The air was a little crisper, but that wasn’t it
The sun was shining bright, but that wasn’t it
A chill filled my senses leaving goosebumps behind

The trees, clouds, wind all spoke to me
A plea
A request from the stars

In soft spoken chords, I heard a collective song of terror asking for help

We have lost our way
That line echoed over and over

Lost without direction home

Innocence engulfed by lust
Sharing shattered by greed
Compassion, a fleeting memory
Acts of kindness trampled by arrogant selfishness

Our bubble of beauty has popped
Bleeding out, short of breath, praying for a miracle

Today, I say to you, without fanfare, without expectation, without reward

I love you
I love you all
Each of you has blessed me with a life of meaning

For each hand I touch, I am inspired
Each voice, a new life lesson
Each act of giving, a reward so priceless

I love you
I don’t say it enough
I don’t say it with all the vigor in my heart

Now, I have awoken

I want today to begin a quest to regain that love around the world

I ask kindly
Say it today
Say it everyday
With zest and passion and vitality

I love you

 

The Greatest Love Story

We’re gonna be the greatest love story this small town has ever seen

To the highest mountains we will climb
Tasting the soft wet crystals of snow on the capped tip overlooking the heavens
As you lay your body up to mine, the smell of your worn denim feels like home
Sun setting into the night sky; your face a bright ball of love

Right now, I ain’t scared of dying as long as I spend every breath with you

Down by the river up on the tree together
Hoping the strength of the branch will win the battle against gravity
Watching the bark drift with the current
Kids splashing away their worries
Clouds giving the sun a temporary bed

On the open road, your hair blowing in the wind
With the spirit of a thousand horses, you rejoice with grace
Scenes of Americana racing at 85 miles per hour
The most beautiful picture in my mind
Forever branded in technicolor

In a crowed bar
In a world with no rhyme
Blues and greens mixed with black and white
You picked me
In the briefest of insane clarity, your heart took hold of mine

You looked me in the eyes
Two strangers in a strange land
Without direction; without a home

You looked deep past the cloudy mist of uncertainty and said this simple phrase, “ours will be the greatest love story”.

Former Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. Honored with the James F. Barker Ethics in Action 2018 Award

February 13, 2018 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

A leader is not defined by his/her contributions, but the influence in creating a better life for future generations.  Fifty years ago, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. walked into the realm of public office, just two years out of law school, as a devoted ambassador to the fine people of South Carolina.  In that turbulent year of 1968, the country was torn by racial tensions highlighted by the Orangeburg massacre, Resurrection City in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of the Reverend Ralph Abernathy and the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr, and Presidential hopeful, Robert F. Kennedy.

Joseph P. Riley, Jr. never waived from his commitment to bring social justice to South Carolina.  Nearly 50 years later, in June 2015, on the steps of Mother Emanuel, the world witnessed a man of vision, nobility and strength lead a city and a country out of the trenches of evil to once again overcome, as he uttered the words, “Our hearts are broken”.

On Saturday evening, February 10, 2018, the Rutland Institute for Ethics at Clemson University, honored Former Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. with the 2018 James F. Barker Ethics in Action Award.  In the four years this honor has been bestowed, this is the first year the recipient came from the Lowcountry and what a deserving individual.

As The Post and Courier columnist and author of The Mayor Brian Hicks noted in his introduction, one of the challenges he faced writing the biography on Former Mayor Riley, was conducting research on the history of a politician who has always been so ethical.  That brought a laugh from the audience and set the tone for an evening of emotionally driven shared stories and reflection.

The forward for the biography, The Mayor was written by the beloved and late author Pat Conroy, who described Charleston as “One of the most magical places on Earth” and credited Mayor Riley for the city it has become.

One of the most emotional speeches was provided with articulation and transparent warmth by law partner and best friend to the Former Mayor for fifty years, Capers G. Barr III.  His anecdotal look at the public life of Former Mayor Riley through his own eyes was a poignant tribute, outlining the courage and unwavering dedication Mr. Riley has given to the city of Charleston and its people.

As Former Mayor Riley took the stage, the entire room stood up and applauded for nearly a full minute expressing their gratitude for the lifetime of service of a man who has left a legacy that will continue for centuries to come.  In his humbled manner, Mr. Riley accepted the award with grace and spoke with eloquence and warmth as he did so many times before.  His presence, with passion and energy, was felt throughout the room.

As he reflected on his childhood, he shared to the audience that his parents never taught him about ethics, it was just the way they lived every day.

In his soft humble Southern voice, Mr. Riley spoke on the evolution of Charleston, its lessons in architecture, the nature warmth and the Southern pride that is the cornerstone of the Lowcountry.  In his words describing the expressionism of Charleston, the Mayor said, “the city teaches you lessons in architecture and design you might not ever know.”

(L-R) John Wareham, Assistant Director, Rutland Institute for Ethics; Robert Rutland, Founding Benefactor of the Institute; The Honorable Joseph P. Riley Jr., Scott Dishman, 2015 Recipient of the Ethics in Action Award; Clemson University Provost Robert H. Jones.

As a true educator, the most important reminder came at the end of his speech when Former Mayor Riley declared, that in all his years of leadership and education, it was all of us that were in that room and living in this community that represent what Charleston has become.

I found myself thinking during the evening, how does one transform a city that was saturated in decay and waste, where going North of Calhoun was dangerous to a city thriving in culture and one of the top vacation destinations in the world?  My answer came in the words of the individuals that spoke praise and Mayor Riley himself.  It takes risk, vision and a partnership with the people.

His bold partnership with the African American community and tactics of diplomacy helped bridge the gap of racial tension in the South and set the stage for a new generation of socially accepting citizens.

It is fair to say that not many cities have witnessed such a transformation as Charleston in the last forty and even notably the last ten years.  Today, Charleston is thriving with Spoleto, SEWE, a newly renovated airport that hosts 4.2 million visitors annually, Boeing, Volvo, Benefitfocus, a flourishing tech community and an economic renaissance that is exploding.  All this from the leadership of a man, short in stature, but larger than life.

The Rutland Institute chose a worthy advocate for their 2018 James F. Barker Ethics in Action Award recipient in Joseph P. Riley Jr..  He is a man that has solidified his legacy and there are no signs of slowing down.

Photo Credit:  Matt Crump

Charleston, S.C. Ranked #13 for Most Inc. 5000 High Growth Companies In Latest Study

February 13, 2018 by 2 Comments
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Each year, Inc. Magazine publishes its list of the fastest-growing businesses in America — the Inc. 5000. To qualify, companies must be independent, privately-owned, domiciled in the United States, and meet certain revenue thresholds. Of qualifying companies, those with the fastest three-year revenue growth rates are selected.

An analysis was led by Brookings analysis of Inc. Magazine and Center for American Entrepreneurship data looking at what metropolitan area have the largest saturation of these companies.

Based on data compiled from 2011 to 2017, Charleston, South Carolina was ranked 13th for Inc. 5000 companies per 1 Million residents.

Eight medium-sized metros made the list (Boulder, Provo, Huntsville, Charleston, Trenton, Cedar Rapids, Durham, and San Luis Obispo), as did three small metros (Columbia, Charlottesville, and Fargo).

The Top 25 Cities based on Inc. 5000 High Growth Companies Per 1 Million Residents:

  1. Boulder, Colorado – 367
  2. Provo, Utah – 341
  3. Washington, D.C. – 329
  4. Huntsville, Alabama – 297
  5. Austin, Texas – 289
  6. Salt Lake City, Utah – 232
  7. San Francisco, California – 199
  8. Atlanta, Georgia – 194
  9. Boston, Massachusetts – 184
  10. Denver, Colorado – 181
  11. San Diego, California – 178
  12. Raleigh, North Carolina – 171
  13. Charleston, South Carolina – 165
  14. Columbia, South Carolina – 164
  15. Trenton, New Jersey – 158
  16. Seattle, Washington – 155
  17. Cedar Rapids, Iowa – 155
  18. Nashville, Tennessee – 153
  19. San Jose, California – 152
  20. Charlottesville, Virginia – 150
  21. Durham, North Carolina – 137
  22. Tampa, Florida – 137
  23. Fargo, North Dakota – 136
  24. San Luis Obispo, California – 133
  25. Dallas, Texas – 130

 

Detailed Analysis of findings

Why the Olympics Bring the World Together

February 11, 2018 by 4 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Often in the course of life we are brought together due to a single event in tragedy or celebration. Sometimes it is one pivotal moment that unifies the world for a point in time.  These events remain in our memory bank for generations to come. The significance of these events may not be felt to its full impact right away, but over time they take on a whole new meaning that is personalized and manifested into some life changing path.

Every four years (now every two with the Winter and Summer Games separated) the world unites with the best athletes in the world representing the flag, culture, history, and beliefs of their motherland. Regardless of sport or finish, they stand in the forefront of an entire nation whether it is 3 million or 1 billion citizens. It is a burden that many spend their entire lives preparing for. The thought of spending most of your upright life practicing for a chance to show the world in just a few minutes or seconds that you are the best this planet has to offer is amazing. This is an overwhelming thought to have running through your head.

Nerves racing, expectations from all directions.

The Olympics are about dedication, passion, unification, music, pain, the stories, the lives and so much more.

What I can say is this, the Olympics are important to this planet for several reasons:

1. For three weeks every two years, we have a reason to believe. No matter what our economic conditions are, war, terrorism, poverty, fear or illness, we are glued to our smartphones, tablets and televisions to witness history.

2. It is motivational bliss. Millions of children and adults will pick up a racket again, get in the pool, play basketball or try a new sport and remind themselves of the importance of sport and fitness

3. Family – The Olympics brings family closer together sharing in the happiness and sadness of our fellow countryman and countrywomen.

4. Emotional roller coaster – We all have our own personal emotional ride we take on each and every day. For a few moments, we can put that aside and put our energies into becoming a fan of the world.

5. Peace – Does all global conflict stop during the Olympics? Of course not, but I like to think we try a little harder to fathom the idea of a world living together in harmony.

6. Memories – Whether you are a participant, coach, volunteer, host city or fan at the local pub, we will all take memories away from these games.

In the end, we will see who won the medal count, but we will have a lot of stories to share and memories made. I don’t now how many times I have been asked “what is the point of sports?” and the answer is simple…Everything!

Sports are about teamwork, competition, victory, defeat, growth, endurance, strength, intelligence, drive, passion, inspiration, desire, motivation and honor. They stand for all the qualities we can ever dream of having. To feel a little more; to work a little harder; to taste the blood of victory; to agonize in a moment of defeat is something you can’t effectively put into words.

If you ever meet an athlete, look deep into their eyes and you will know.

Enjoy some of the great moments from the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang.

 

Threshold’s “Sense & Sensibility” is a Sensible Choice for an Evening of Live Theatre

February 10, 2018 by 3 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

If comedy, mayhem, gender role analysis on relationships, family and a tiny bit of inanimate object role playing is what you have in mind, the new Threshold Production of “Sense & Sensibility” will keep you on your toes for a wild night of entertainment.

This adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel reminds us that whether it is 1818 or 2018, the relationship struggles of men and women still exist in very similar ways.  This remarkable cast of eleven, who assume thirty (30) different characters, each bring a unique blend of comedy and raw emotional bliss to the stage.

If multiple characters and costume changes were not enough for these actors, playing the roles of flowers, vases and dogs add more well designed silliness to the audience experience.

We hope we have piqued you interest.  But wait, there is more.

Set in the countryside of England during the turn of the nineteenth century, this whimsical and poignant story centers around the Dashwood family and more importantly the sister’s Marianne and Elinor, who must face class struggle in the relentless pursuit of love.

During this two hour performance, I began to see the same nervous intuitions, awkward courtship and family pressures we all feel today as we pursue relationships and family.  Though the narrative has changed from William Shakespeare to Nicholas Sparks, the themes have remained the same.

This story will open a box of thoughts and emotions that will take the audience down the vulnerable journey of love and romance.

The cast is comprised of local theatre veterans and newcomers that mesh integrally well in this ensemble.  Among the stars in the sky, one actress shined brighter than all the rest.  Tara Denton Howegner (Fanny Dashwood / Lucy Steele / Gossip) had remarkable presence on stage and almost single-handedly stole the spotlight in each scene she was featured.  With her quirky facial expressions, charming overbite and over the top, energetically charged banter, Ms Howegner was a powerful force.  Sometimes a role can define and actor or vice versa, but in this case, the actor transformed into the role from the opening harmony to the final bow.

On the other end of the spectrum, stage veteran Paul O’Brien brought a proper pronounced appeal to his role complimented with honor, romance and dignity.  As Colonel Brandon, Mr. O’Brien brought balance to the mayhem of the gender and class struggles.  With a tall stature, refined British accent and subtle demeanor, the role of the Colonel represented the traditional proper behavior of England masterfully.

There is something to be said for Jimmy Flannery as Mrs. Jennings that words may not be able to explain properly.  Crazy perhaps?  A little bit zany?  Slapstick? Animated comical bliss?  I think want to package all that together when describing his performance.  Watching Jimmy Flannery in this role is like watching a finally tuned one person improv act that is right on cue.  It was a lovely exercise in complete acting release.

Katte Noel, a graduating Theatre Performance major at the College of Charleston, played Marianne Dashwood beautifully.  As a young vulnerable beauty crossed between love and the freedom of youth, she showed a wide range of emotion from glee to extreme sadness at a highly competent level.  Ms. Noel has tremendous depth of skill and clearly has a long future ahead of her in live theatre.

Finally, Carri Schwab (Elinor Dashwood) represented the glue of this cast.  Crossed between economic challenges, unrequited love and mature responsibilities, Ms Schwab carried herself honorably.  The area where she really defined her performance came in the unspoken moments, where you could look deep into her soul and see the raw emotion she was feeling.  There were several moments, she was stage left or right and sadness painted her face with sheer perfection.  Her evolution throughout the performance was so well played out.

Congratulations Director Andrea Catangay, who managed to take eleven (11) actors and transform them into thirty (30) characters, dogs, vases and plants.  That was a feat that is truly worthy of praise.  Kristen Bushey and Emma Scott teamed up to lead the costume design.  The use of color and detail played a critical role in the audience transformation to nineteenth century England.

We must also speak highly of Jennifer Metts, William Griffin, Aaron Andrews, Nat Jones and Madelyn Knight who filled out this cast, all adding a unique flavor to this mix of talented stage performers.

“Sense and Sensibility” is a beautifully energetic performance wrapped in Monty Python inspired comedy that will leave you very satisfied.

Sense and Sensibility Ticket Information

Charleston Entrepreneur Pens Guide to Cure Lifestyle Deficit Disorder

February 10, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Financial services professional publishes ‘Perfect Day’ to turn stress into sanity

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Most entrepreneurs suffer from Lifestyle Deficit Disorder — they’re exhausted, stressed, overworked, and only give their loved ones the leftovers of their energy and time. Charleston entrepreneur Cokie Berenyi’s new book, “Perfect Day,” offers a cure for LDD, guiding business owners and professionals on how to turn stressed-filled days into perfect days of peace and clarity.

“I know first-hand what it’s like to be an entrepreneur struggling to keep all the balls in the air,” Berenyi said. “We’re focused on growing the business we love often at the detriment of our family, our hobbies, our health and our passions. This isn’t simply a ‘do better’ book. It provides tangible steps and guidelines for transformation. I really wanted to empower readers to redesign their life so they get the lifestyle they want and deserve.”

Published by Morgan James, “Perfect Day: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Curing Lifestyle Deficit Disorder and Reclaiming Your Business, Your Relationships, and Your Life” is available in paperback and as an e-book (March 1) on Amazon.

Using accessible language and engaging anecdotes from her client files, Berenyi takes entrepreneurs on a journey of self-actualization, helping them design their Perfect Day Pyramid. This book is a must-have guide for any entrepreneur who wants to turn everyday into a perfect day.

Berenyi has served the needs of individual and institutional clients and entrepreneurs through her financial services work since 1996. Founder of Alphavest, an industry pioneer that is right-sizing Wall Street one client at a time, Berenyi inspires investors and entrepreneurs with her vision and shares the stories of her many experiences leading clients through the financial and work-life balance maze.

Berenyi is a mother of two and the founder of two local nonprofits, therapeutic riding program Rein and Shine and She CLIMBS. She CLIMBS takes girls on mountain climbing trips building their confidence and self-esteem. Berenyi herself is working toward the goal of climbing the Seven Summits of the world.

“Perfect Day” is a companion to Berenyi’s Perfect Day Connect, an online course with videos and worksheets that walk entrepreneurs through the process of figuring out the deficits in their lives and how to bring all aspects into balance.

By sharing simple steps and strategies, Berenyi’s “Perfect Day” offers a powerful antidote to Lifestyle Deficit Disorder, revealing a path away from disillusionment and dissatisfaction to a life of purpose, joy and freedom.

“Perfect Day” is available on Amazon for $16.95 in paperback, and the e-book will be available beginning March 1.

Celebrate a “Perfect Day” at a book launch party from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7 at Wealth Enhancement & Preservation (formerly Red Triangle), 210-C Coming St. in Charleston. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

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Connect with Cokie Berenyi on social media:
www.facebook.com/PerfectDayConnect/
Instagram / Twitter: @CokieBerenyi

 

The Footlight Players Names Long-Time Actor Brian Porter as New Executive Director

February 7, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Footlight Players has hired long-time thespian Brian Porter as executive director of Charleston’s longest-producing theatre company. Porter spent the last decade on staff at Charleston Stage, most recently as director of administration where he oversaw daily operations of the professional theatre company.

Porter replaces Jane Broadwater, who retired in January after serving three years as executive director. She also was a member of Footlight’s board of directors before taking on the executive director title. Under Broadwater’s leadership, The Footlight Players expanded its theatrical season while providing opportunities for other theatres and performance groups to rent the Queen Street theatre during its off-weekends and summer season.

Porter has been performing on stage since childhood, earning a bachelor’s degree in theatre in performance from Purdue University in Indiana. After graduation, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, as a member of Playhouse on the Square’s Resident Acting Company. He then co-founded a theatre company in Michigan before relocating to Atlanta to pursue a career in media advertising. Porter maintained ties to local theatre and served as interim executive director of OnStage Atlanta.

After several years in Atlanta, Porter relocated to Charleston, working as media director of Davis Advertising before returning to his theatrical roots and joining Charleston Stage.

Now, Porter will take on the role of leading one of Charleston’s most prestigious community theatres. He plans to build on Footlight’s mission to provide quality and affordable community theatre as well as continuing to promote the theatre as a unique space for Charleston special events and performances.

“I am delighted to be a part of such an historical and dynamic theatrical fixture in Charleston,” Porter said. “I look forward to working with this exceptional team of artists to create something truly unique and beautiful for Charleston. I am confident I can bring a lot to the company and infuse it with my passion and love of the performing arts.”

Porter is also the co-founder of the local theatre company What If? Productions, which is now in its eighth season in Charleston. A celebrated artist and vocalists in Charleston (and current Best Actor nominee for the Charleston City Paper Best Of award), Porter has appeared on stage in many memorable roles in Charleston, including “Peter & the Starcatcher,” “Cabaret,” “Hedwig & the Angry Inch,” “The 39 Steps,” “Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story,” “Shear Madness” and “Hairspray.” He recently headlined his own sold-out cabaret show, “An Evening With Brian Porter,” as part of What If?’s popular Piano Bar Series.

About The Footlight Players
The Footlight Players launched in 1931 with a series of one-act plays directed by Lt. Commander Charles Russell Price at the Charleston Navy yard. The series was such a success and drew such a following that The Footlight Players formally organized and incorporated in the fall of 1932. To this day, The Footlight Players continues to provide professional quality, affordable community theater for the Lowcountry at the historic Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen St. in Charleston. For more information, visit footlightplayers.net or call 843-722-4487.

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The Footlight Players on social media
@FootlightPlayer on Twitter
@FootlightPlayers on Instagram
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefootlightplayers
#FootlightPlayers

Food & Bev

Culinary Bliss at The Barbadoes Room at The Mills House Hotel | Charleston, South Carolina

February 6, 2018 by 0 Comments
Where To Eat in Charleston, South Carolina: The Barbadoes Room is the restaurant at The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel in downtown Charleston featuring culinary creations by Executive Chef Justin Hunt.
Provided by Travelling Foodie – Read More at the Official Travelling Foodie Digital Journal Site

The Barbaedos Room is the restaurant at The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Located on the foodie street (Queen Street between Meeting and King Streets) along with Husk and Poogan’s Porch, the Barbadoes Room serves fine American cuisine with Southern hospitality on a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.

You can enter the restaurant from the inside of the Mills House Hotel or outside through the beautiful Fountain Courtyard, where you can also enjoy your food.

Fountain Courtyard at The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel

The inside is spacious and brightly lit with natural light from the glass walls separating the fountain courtyard.

Inside of The Barbadoes Room

The menu is not overwhelming, a simple one-pager broken down into sections: shared, soups and salads, and entrees. Portions are generous and prices are very reasonable.

When you’re trying the culinary creations of Executive Chef Justin Hunt, who has worked in places like Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay’s Bar American and Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry, you know you’re in for a treat!

When in Charleston, you must try She Crab Soup, a regional specialty that’s a cross between chowder and bisque using the region’s famous blue crab. The soup had a good amount of sweet blue crab meat on flavourful creamy soup.

Oysters, she crab soup, scallops at The Barbadoes Room in The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
She Crab Soup ($7) – lump crab salad, fresh chives; Oysters on the Half Shell; Seared Scallops

Our fresh oysters came from Rhode Island. I kind of wish we were served local oysters instead since Charleston has an abundance of oysters.

Oysters at The Barbadoes Room in The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
Oysters on the Half Shell ($22) – 12pcs with jalapeno-champagne mignonette and pepper vodka cocktail sauce

If you’ve been following my food journey on Instagram, you know how much I love scallops!

The scallops here are a must-order! Four pieces of perfectly seared scallops with caviar and black garlic brings a burst of umami in your mouth. With scallops this good, you might want to get shellfish with it. ?

Seared Scallops at The Barbadoes Room in The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
Seared Scallops ($15) – sunchoke, radish, black garlic, horseradish, caviar

If you like pasta, their tagliatelle is made in-house and cooked al dente with generous portions of clams and black truffle, though I would’ve loved it more with less salt.

Clams Tagliatelle at The Barbadoes Room in The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
Tagliatelle and Clams ($26) – local clams, black truffle, turnip greens, chorizo

If you’re looking for quick and simple, or want a #foodporn photo for Instagram, you’ll want to try the Mills House Burger with its thick Rosewood Farms American wagyu.

You can really taste the difference in meat quality here unlike other wagyu burgers I’ve tried where the patty tastes just like normal burgers. The applewood bacon was also made perfectly crispy that it’s actually hard to not eat it on its own.

My 16-year-old cousin, who’s very picky with food and would choose not to finish something he didn’t like, devoured the burger in record time!

Mills House Burger at The Barbadoes Room in The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
Mills House Burger ($15) – Rosewood Farms American wagyu, pimento cheese, applewood bacon, tomato jam, brioche

Another must-order here is their Pork Shank. It was fall-off-the-bone tender and very meaty.

As I mentioned, the prices here are very reasonable and the portions are good. This $22 pork shank is a clear example. We went to another restaurant the night before and tried the Pork Osso Bucco, which is also pork shank. For $26, the size was much smaller, and the quality was nowhere near as close as this one.

Pork Shank at The Barbadoes Room in The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
Southeast Family Farms Pork Shank ($22) – IPA braised, new potato, carrot, mushroom, pearl onion

If there’s only one thing you can order here, it’s the Delmonico Ribeye. It’s seriously one of the best steaks I’ve had. Perfectly cooked to my doneness, the steak was tender and very marbled all the way through.

Another important thing to note here is that this is 20oz of pure ribeye unlike other steakhouses where a big bone is part of the weight.

Travelling Foodie Tip: Ask for the sauce to be on the side instead. I find with this quality of meat, little to no sauce is needed but it’s still good to try the sauce to get a different flavour.

Ribeye at The Barbadoes Room in The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
Delmonico Ribeye ($43) – 20oz, heirloom fingerling potatoes, haricot verts, rainbow chard, mushroom au poivre

As we were there during the holidays, we were surprised to learn that their dessert menu changes.

Chocolate Cake at The Barbadoes Room in The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
Chocolate Cake ($7)

Since we went during the Christmas season, they had Eggnog Cheesecake to celebrate the festive season. It’s my first time having Eggnog Cheesecake and it was definitely a sweet way to end the meal.

Eggnog Cheesecake at The Barbadoes Room in The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
Eggnog Cheesecake ($7)

The Barbadoes Room is definitely one of the rare hotel restaurants where we enjoyed every dish that we tried. Even my 10-year-old cousin, who barely cares about restaurants, remembers The Barbadoes Room and said I should recommend it to my followers.

Have you tried The Barbadoes Room? Do you consider it one of the best restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina?