Bars/Restaurants
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
Joelle Italian Restaurant & Bar
Joelle Italian restaurant in Bluffton, South Carolina, named after the owner’s daughter, aims to provide a charming dining experience that feels like a home away from home. That feeling is certainly apparent when walking through the door. The first thing noticeable is the absence of sports on the TV – a welcomed distraction while looking over the menu and enjoying the surroundings.
After a few trips there, I’ve enjoyed watching bits and pieces of two iconic movies, Casablanca and Sabrina. It adds the cherry on top or the “Pièce de résistance.”
So, we’re sitting at the bar – the center of action at Joelle’s. Don’t blink, or you might miss the professionalism of Hali and Joey—the two bartenders’ bartenders. They are great at what they do! Joey is my go-to for the latest/best bottle of bourbon they have. The last was Double Oak Peerless, and we can’t forget Hali! She’s a gymnast in what she does. The pouring, mixing, stirring, shaking, and timely delivery of every drink makes my head spin. They both make my head spin as I watch them pour every drink up to the rim of the glass – with nothing left in the shaker. How do they measure that to be so perfect?
Here, I’m trying to portray the excellence of the establishment, and I haven’t even gotten to the food yet. Okay, I will. First, I must return to the movies over the bar. Then, I promise we’ll talk about the food.
You might know I love old black-and-white movies with Humphrey Bogart, but Casablanca and Sabrina are heartfelt love stories of the pre-Baby Boomer days or the beginnings thereof.
In Casablanca, Rick and Ilsa share a deep and passionate love that began in Paris before the German occupation of WWII. The iconic ending, where Rick sends Ilsa away, cements Casablanca as one of the greatest love stories in cinema – one where love is sacrificed for the greater good.
The outcome in Sabrina is a bit different. In the beginning, Sabrina falls for a playboy, David Larrabee. Linus, his brother, has other plans, and without getting too detailed, Linus and Sabrina end up in a relationship that offers a classic Hollywood fairy tale ending.
I see the same fairy tale ending for Hali and Joey, unlike Rick and Ilsa, but like Linus and Sabrina. Hali and Joey are very much in love, which shows in how they look at each other. It’s how they seem to know what the other is thinking. Maybe that’s why my head spins watching them work the bar! Indeed, they are a unique combination, certainly adding to the overall experience of Joelle’s atmosphere and menu.
Okay, briefly… the menu. Aside from my favorite – bourbon – my favorite Joelle’s pizza is the Salsiccia with house-made sausage, roasted peppers, and other amazing toppings. Another favorite is the Cioppino pasta dish with mussels, calamari, shrimp, and scallops, among other great ingredients. Maybe next time, I will try a Spruzzo Martini with my appetizer; its espresso and Mr. Black Liquor look delicious! Even if I have the martini, I will still need my double bourbon to savor while watching the goings on at the bar.
During my last visit, Hali and Joey seemed to be having a lengthy discussion, so I asked, “Are you guys arguing?” Hali promptly replied with a beautiful smile, “No, I’d take him out back for that.” That’s something my wife would say! You can’t get any more “family” than Joelle’s. I have seen it first-hand. Check this place out for sure.
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.
