Bars/Restaurants and Other Stuff
The entertainment and food industries are a landscape that caters to a desire for leisure. It takes in a wide range of experiences, from fine dining to music festivals and everything in between. The main goal of these two industries is to provide their customers with an unforgettable atmosphere. One element that has become a part of this dominion is bourbon whiskey.
In the food industry, bourbon whiskey plays a versatile role. Bourbon’s sweet oak hint complements dishes such as barbecue, caramel desserts, and even spicy cuisine, creating a harmonious interaction that delights the taste buds. Also, it serves as an ingredient in recipes, adding depth and complexity to sauces, marinades, and glazes. There’s nothing like a good bourbon ball during the holidays.
Regarding entertainment, bourbon whiskey has found a natural home in cocktails. Bartenders and mixologists often use bourbon as a base for classic cocktails. The Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Mint Julep are examples of traditional bourbon-based drinks. These cocktails showcase the spirit’s ability to elevate social gatherings and nightlife ambiance. Certainly, something explored in the Tasting section, bourbon brings warmth and style to any cocktail menu.
Bourbon has woven its way into the cultural fabric of various events and celebrations. Music festivals, film premieres, and art exhibitions often feature bourbon-tasting sessions and bars. This integration of bourbon into the entertainment world further highlights its significance as a symbol of enjoyment and celebration.
South Carolina Bars and Restaurants
The Bluffton Room
It was about 4:30 when we arrived at The Bluffton Room entrance that opens at 5:00. Already, about eight people were waiting at the door. I asked a man standing there, “What’s the rush? Why are so many waiting outside here so early?” With a big smile and southern drawl, “We’re waiting to get seats at the bar. There’s only 17, and you got to get here early!” Okay, I wasn’t expecting that cause we spent weeks getting a reservation here for a Friday night. If I had only known, we could have commandeered that front door space long ago – they don’t take reservations for the bar. Now I know.
Walking in through the now-opened door, the kitchen aromas worth savoring served as a delicious backdrop to the white tablecloth décor and service to match. The staff, perfectly dressed, all greeted us with warm smiles and made us feel like cherished guests. They anticipated our every need with intuitive precision, from refilling water glasses to explaining the intricacies of the menu.
The Bluffton Room
One thing that stood out for me I’d like to add if you can pardon my manners for a few minutes. I used my salad fork to help eat the oysters on the half-shell we got as appetizers. After finishing them, the server stood beside me in a lightning flash to remove the plate of shells and replace my salad fork – wow.
I started the evening with their unique May River Manhattan. It’s made with Old Forrester 86 Bourbon, Vermouth, and House Smoked Cherry Syrup. Garnished with orange peel and Benton’s Bacon, the Grand Marnier and Brandy-soaked cherries top this drink off with a 5-star rating.
The Bluffton Room’s menu is impeccable, including delicious desserts. I had that night’s special, Pan Seared Amberjack, with butter-poached white asparagus and seared king trumpet mushrooms, and topped with a drizzle of foie gras black truffle crema.
That night was an unforgettable moment, and we left with a taste of perfection. We’re going back soon to get some seats at the bar.
Georgia Bars and Restaurants
Black Sheep Restaurant
A bit south of Tennessee in the North Georgia mountains is a little piece of Heaven called Blue Ridge. Tourists and residents take advantage of the great outdoors there. They spend time at Lake Blue Ridge or walking along the Chattahoochee National Forest trail. If that’s not enough, the Toccoa River is close by, offering water rafting and fishing.
Then there is Blue Ridge itself, providing a friendly small town with festivals, shops, and restaurants. Many visitors from across the country make the journey to these mountains. Also, it’s a weekend getaway for Atlanta residents; it’s only a short scenic drive to Blue Ridge. There is an added historical connection to the area as well. Blue Ridge, with its post-Civil War architecture, began its journey through history in 1886. By then, railroads had made their way from Atlanta.
In the 1930s, former Mayor Colonel William Butt certainly had hospitality fever. He always invited his Atlanta friends over for dinner and parties during their visits to Blue Ridge. Famed author Margret Mitchell often stopped by to see the Colonel and his wife, Fanny. They certainly made their place in the old dusty history books, but a definite Gone with the Wind feeling remains today!
The Colonel’s house now serves as a well-known restaurant in Blue Ridge. The Black Sheep Restaurant is nothing short of perfection, with a “Back Home” feeling during each visit. At the Black Sheep, a cool breeze from the Northwest will be waiting on the front lawn, aided by ample shade from a 100-year-old oak tree. Inside is a relaxed atmosphere with drinks at the bar and chatter of people telling stories about how they happen to be in Blue Ridge. During my visit I started off with oysters on the half-shell and a Black Sheep Manhattan made with Four Roses Bourbon.
