The world on your plate

Kate Buchanan of Indigo Coastal Shanty

           Though many of us dream of traveling the world, few of us ever really get the opportunity. Rather, we travel to exotic locales through books, magazines, movies, TV shows and other experiences. For Kate Buchanan of Indigo Coastal Shanty, the world is no farther away than her kitchen.

            “At Indigo Coastal Shanty, our philosophy is that vacation is a state of mind,” Kate explains. “I travel vicariously through my cooking, to places I would like to visit: the French Mediterranean, the Low Country, Asia – any place that has water nearby.”

            “We strive to create the sort of place you discover when you travel, where the locals go, the food is good and the people are friendly,” she adds. “Comfy, casual and friendly, with a coastal vibe.”

            Through a lifetime of traveling and growing up in the restaurant business, Kate has acquired a great appreciation for and is inspired by interesting flavors and unexpected food combinations. She takes great joy in sharing that with her friends and patrons, and creating new “culinary travelers” through her cooking.

             “The fun is that I don’t feel penned in and I never get bored. One day we may serve a Mexican torta, and then turn around and do a Low Country meatloaf the next day,” Kate says. “We’re big on friendliness and fresh flavors – bland is banned.

             “I like to prepare and serve the kind of food I crave when I’m at home. I really like spicy foods and am addicted to curry. I’m a big fan of Morrocan food – anything with yogurt, lamb, mint. I like to experiment, to mix stuff up and see how it turns out. If I were preparing my last meal, it would be a Mole Negro with homemade corn tortillas.”

            For this year’s A Taste of Glynn, Kate’s “culinary travel itinerary” includes a visit to the Caribbean, via her Jerk Fish Tostadas and, perhaps, a dessert. It’s sure to be a pleasant – and tasty – journey.

            Indigo Coastal Shanty is located at 1402 Reynolds Street in downtown Brunswick. But on March 25, Kate and crew will be cooking at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort from 5-8PM for A Taste of Glynn. Tickets are available at the King and Prince, and SunTrust Bank locations on Demere Road and Sea Island Road on St. Simons. In Brunswick, purchase tickets at LaiLai’s, Hattie’s Books, color me happy and Moore Stephens Tiller LLC. Or call the Glynn Community Crisis Center at 264-1348.

Thanks to Patrick Saylor for this post.

Photo by Lindy Thompson, Golden Isles Photography

Food for your soul

Sapelo Island's distinctive lighthouse

Your Sapelo Island getaway cottage...

... with a fully equipped kitchen!

            We all need to get away sometimes. We’re not talking about chilling out with an iced latte in a coffee shop, or taking a stroll on the beach for an hour. We’re talking sanity-restoring, turn-off-the-cell-phone, forget-all-your-cares recharging the batteries of your soul.

            If you’re in need of some true peace, harmony with nature and relaxation on a pristine, historic Georgia barrier island, be sure to bid on the Sapelo Island getaway available only through the Silent Auction at A Taste of Glynn. 

            The Sapelo Island long weekend package is available through one of the Glynn Community Crisis Center’s many overwhelmingly generous patrons, Bob Thompson of Brunswick, GA. Bob has the unique distinction of being one of the very few private landowners on historic Sapelo Island, and his house is truly a place of rare comfort and tranquility. He loves to let people enjoy what he feels is the true essence of low country hospitality. In that spirit, he has left nothing to chance in his unique island cottage.

            This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer (you’ll need that for your beach towels), handy grill and spacious front porch that requires you to sit and relax while you listen to the birds in the lush coastal forest that surrounds you. The style of the house is relaxed, but you can’t exactly say that you’re roughing it with the luxurious hotel-quality linens on hand.

            To reach the island house, you’ll catch the ferry out of Darien, and take the half-hour boat ride to Sapelo. Bob’s housekeeper will pick you up at the dock, and show you around a bit as you drive to the house. You’ll have a Suburban at your disposal to explore the island, or you can take one of several tours available for hire.

            What can you do on Sapelo that you can’t do anywhere else in the world? You can explore the

mansion of tobacco magnate RJ Reynolds, rebuilt on the site of a 19th century plantation in the 1930s. Visit the restored lighthouse, originally built in 1820, and tour the unique Hog Hammock community, where descendants of the Gullah and Geechee still retain ownership of their land. Or learn more about the marine ecosystem on one of the Department of Natural Resources tours.

            Too modern for you? Then visit the site of one of the most ancient human settlements on the planet, the Shell Rings of Sapelo. You’ll see the remainders of a prehistoric village where the first Georgians lived and prospered in the warm climate with plentiful food from the sea.

            Speaking of the sea, you’ll want to devote a good bit of time to the incomparable beach on Sapelo Island. Get your Georgia fishing license on the mainland and bring your gear for some fantastic surfcasting. Better bring your camera, too, so your friends back home will believe what you caught. If you like seashells, don’t forget a sizable bag to haul your treasures back. Your only problem will be deciding which shells are the best among the hundreds of natural beauties at your feet.

            So while you savor delicious delicacies prepared by caterers and chefs at A Taste of Glynn, stop by the Silent Auction to bid on some food for the spirit, the Sapelo Island getaway. Enjoy the tunes from The Three of Us, the Not Brothers and Michael Hulett while you place your bids and vote for your favorite presenter in the People’s Choice competition. A Taste of Glynn is on March 25, 2012, from 5-8 pm. at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. Tickets are available at the King and Prince, and SunTrust Bank locations on Demere Road and Sea Island Road on St. Simons. In Brunswick, purchase tickets at LaiLai’s, Hattie’s Books, color me happy and Moore Stephens Tiller LLC. Or call the Glynn Community Crisis Center at 264-1348.

Sapelo house photos by Lindy Thompson, Golden Isles Photography

           

           

           

            

Healthy Attitude

Arthur Tibbetts, left, and Executive Chef Kristian Johnsen, right,  of Morrison's Health Care at Southeast Georgia Health System

          Morrison’s Health Care/SE GA Health Systems/Blog story

Healthy Attitude

            Quick- when someone says “healthy food,” do you envision a plateful of something weedy and tasteless that you couldn’t even persuade the dog to eat? Well, we don’t want to hurt your feelings, but if that’s what you think, you are hopelessly behind the times! Just ask Arthur Tibbetts, the Retail Manager of Morrison’s Health Care, the company that prepares healthful, nourishing and tasty fare for Southeast Georgia Health System, its catering and cafeteria operations as well as the Senior Care Center. Along with Executive Chef Kristian Johnsen, Arthur devises full meal service for an average of 2,000 people per day. That’s almost the equivalent of two groups the size of A Taste of Glynn each and every day!

            As if that wasn’t daunting enough, he and the team at SEGHS have to make sure the meals are balanced, healthy and taste great. He is ever-conscious of our country’s valiant struggle in the battle against the bulge. Take heart, because Arthur Tibbetts is a modern food warrior with a few tricks up his sleeve.

            “We use special bases, or stocks, to add flavor with very little sodium or fat,” he revealed. “Even if you’re accustomed to old fashioned cooking of vegetables with something like fatback, use a good chicken stock. It can add back in some of what you think you are missing when you take away the fat.”

            There are a few pieces of equipment that help keep the pounds at bay. He recommends that anyone watching their weight keep portion sizes in mind, and use standard-size serving spoons called “spoodles,” available from restaurant supply houses and websites. Nobody really enjoys using a food scale, he observed, and the special serving pieces can accomplish the same result without seeming so clinical.

            “Americans’ concept of what we need is out of control,” he sympathized. “And no wonder. Portion sizes keep creeping up. First, it was ‘super-sizing’ at fast food places. Then it was other restaurants with gigantic plates, completely covered up with food. Even soft drinks like sodas are larger. When they were introduced, an 8-ounce bottle was standard. But when the various companies started to compete, the standard size crept up to a 20-ounce bottle.”

            Then there’s the nightly time crunch for busy modern families. How can tired parents and hungry kids avoid the sneaky siren-call of the drive-through? Arthur even has an app (appliance) for that. For a slightly more serious investment, he recommends a halogen oven.

            “A number of companies make them,” he pointed out, “and they are just great. You can cook meat in half the time and drain off the fat. It comes out so moist and tender that you don’t need sauces or other high-calorie additions. I can cook a Cornish game hen in my halogen oven in about 20 minutes– and it comes out really tender and delicious.”

            The key is flavor. And since Morrison’s/SEGHS won in the Seafood and Health Conscious categories at last year’s A Taste of Glynn, they can claim bragging rights for both great taste and healthy eating. These folks don’t fool around; this year, they plan to win again, with Chef Johnsen’s culinary artistry leading the way.

            The Morrison’s/SEGHS team would love to dazzle you with good-for-you great taste.  They’ll cook for your vote for The People’s Choice Award at A Taste of Glynn this year, as well as prizes in menu-specific judged categories. All 26 participating restaurants will compete for the inaugural Celebrity Chef’s Choice Award, judged this year by Chef Holly Chute, Executive Chef of the Georgia Governor’s Mansion. The annual celebration of food, fun and music is on March 25, 2012, from 5-8 pm. at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. Tickets are available at the King and Prince, and SunTrust Bank locations on Demere Road and Sea Island Road on St. Simons. In Brunswick, purchase tickets at LaiLai’s, Hattie’s Books, color me happy and Moore Stephens Tiller LLC. Or call the Glynn Community Crisis Center at 264-1348.

           

Photo by Lindy Thompson of Golden Isles Photography

            

Creative Cajun

John Howton of Blackwater Grill takes his (food) show on the road. 

           After 11 years in business, Blackwater Grill certainly qualifies as an institution among St. Simons Island restaurants. Owner John Howton says the secret to his success lies in having “a great staff and a concept that has been embraced by locals and tourists, with Cajun, Low Country and Southern Coastal cuisine.”

            “My philosophy is, ‘if it’s worth eating, it’s worth over-eating,” Howton laughs. Though not completely serious, he’s not kidding, either.

            Unwilling to rest on their culinary laurels, John and his staff are always on the lookout for new recipes and tastes. “We find recipes in ‘Southern Living,’ in the newspaper, and through friends and relatives,” he explains. “We do a lot of recipe testing at home. If we like it we bring it in and have our chef, Jamie Cadden, turn it into a production recipe to serve 100 people. You never lose interest when you’re in the restaurant business.”

            Patrons at this year’s A Taste of Glynn will get to sample the latest of example of Blackwater Grill’s culinary creativity: Low Country Chowder, served with Cajun Crustinis.

            “Everyone has leftovers when they serve Low Country Boil,” John says. “This is what you do with the leftovers. Just take the same ingredients and spices, and combine them into white chowder. Serve with French bread medallions coated with olive oil and Cajun seasonings, and you’ve got a great meal.”

            John credits server Landon Moorehead, who has worked for many years in St. Simons Island restaurants, with the idea for Low Country Chowder. “She tried it at home and brought it in and said, ‘Taste this.’ We did, and we really liked it. We think the judges and patrons at A Taste of Glynn are going to like it too.”

            If fresh Cajun food is your idea of a winner, be sure to cast your vote for Blackwater Grill for the People’s Choice Award at A Taste of Glynn on March 25, 2012, from 5-8 pm. at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. Tickets are available at the King and Prince, and SunTrust Bank locations on Demere Road and Sea Island Road on St. Simons. In Brunswick, purchase tickets at LaiLai’s, Hattie’s Books, color me happy and Moore Stephens Tiller LLC. Or call the Glynn Community Crisis Center at 264-1348.

Thanks to Patrick Saylor for this post!

           

Photo by Lindy Thompson of Golden Isles Photography

Book 'Em!

             There are a few things in life you can’t have enough of. Good friends. Happy memories. Cookbooks.

            Even if you don’t necessarily agree with that last one, you might want to stop by the Silent Auction at A Taste of Glynn to put in a bid on some very special autographed celebrity cookbooks. We are honored to have the support of well-known culinary standouts like the Deen Brothers and Hugh Acheson. If you’re not a collector yourself, chances are you know somebody who would be pretty impressed with an autographed cookbook as a gift.

            While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a copy of our A Taste of Glynn cookbook, full of recipes from local professional chefs and scores of good cooks from our area. As with everything at A Taste of Glynn, all proceeds go to support the Glynn Community Crisis Center.

            Have you bought your tickets yet? You can pick them up now at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, and SunTrust Bank locations on Demere Road and Sea Island Road on St. Simons. In Brunswick, purchase tickets at LaiLai’s, Hattie’s Books, color me happy and Moore Stephens Tiller LLC. Or call the Glynn Community Crisis Center at 264-1348.

Photos by Lindy Thompson of Golden Isles Photography

Talk about generous!

Bid on a 4-day vacation at this fabulous mountain resort cottage (left)

We know we’re lucky to live in the beautiful Golden Isles of Georgia. But sometimes you just want to see some other parts of this gorgeous country of ours. The Silent Auction at A Taste of Glynn to the rescue with a fantastic Maggie Valley, NC vacation up for bid.

            One of Glynn Community Crisis Center’s Board members has gone over-the-top generous for the Silent Auction and donated the use of her own private vacation home for a sought-after prize. This cozy, delightful mountain “cottage” can be the destination for the highest bidder for a 4-day, 4-night extended weekend stay. Four bedrooms, four baths, fully equipped kitchen and plenty of room let you take the family or friends with you.

            Maggie Valley is close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The cottage is located in an ideal location central to so many highland activities like skiing, whitewater rafting, hiking and exploring North Carolina’s unique Appalachian heritage. There’s great food, music and dancing nearby as well.

            All proceeds of the Silent Auction at A Taste of Glynn go directly to support Glynn Community Crisis Center’s Amity House, Hope House and Outreach programs. You can have the best of all worlds: dine on some of the finest food in the land at the oceanfront King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort at A Taste of Glynn, then vacation in the Smokies at a lovely private cottage. All while helping others in our community.  It’s a win-win-win situation!

            Plan to attend A Taste of Glynn on Sunday, March 25, 2012, from 5-8 pm. at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. Twenty-five of the area’s finest restaurants, resorts and caterers will compete for your vote for The People’s Choice awards, as well as judged prizes in nine other menu categories. New this year- the inaugural Celebrity Chef’s Choice Award, judged by Chef Holly Chute, Executive Chef at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion. Music by The Three of Us, the Not Brothers and Michael Hulett. Tickets are available at the King and Prince, and SunTrust Bank locations on Demere Road and Sea Island Road on St. Simons. In Brunswick, purchase tickets at LaiLai’s, Hattie’s Books, color me happy and Moore Stephens Tiller LLC. Or call the Glynn Community Crisis Center at 264-1348.