A Girl Named Sous

"Their kitchen is their shrine, the cook their priest, the table their altar, and their belly their god."

Charles Buck

It is quite commonly known that I like to cook, and even more than that I like to entertain. It is just natural for us to host dinner party after dinner party. Sometimes though it would be rather nice to be on the invitation end of an intimate dinner party instead of the hosting end. I began to wonder if folks still held proper dinner parties? The last one we were invited to sadly was a year ago. Granted there have been many cocktail parties, chef's dinners, and barbecues, but it seems that the tradition of planning a menu, setting a table, writing out place cards has gotten lost somewhere along the way.

So what a treat it was after a long weekend of SoChilizing to be on the receiving end of a lovely home cooked meal Sunday night. What made it even nicer was this "dinner party" was held in our home by prepared by dear friend Fr. Justin Ferguson. It had been some time since we had the good father over. The summer months seemed to have whizzed by and before I knew it Fall was upon us. Sitting in the breakfast room one morning scratching my head wondering where the time went, I emailed Fr. J and asked him to pick a day, any day and we'd get together. He picked Sunday.
Perfect.

As is most often the case in our household, Sunday is family dinner night. Our Coco comes home from college with a couple of boys in tow and a huge bag of laundry. Bitsy makes an appearance with Collen, and my parents generally come by.
Now Fr J has mentioned that he too is a marvelous chef. I halfheartedly jested to him that perhaps he might like to cook that evening. The heavens must have heard my silent prayer because he agreed! I asked him to send me his market list and I would have everything ready and waiting for him. My only stipulation was there were to be no outrageously priced, impossible to find truffles. (The story there refers to another priestly chef with a taste for costly ingredients). He obliged.


At 5pm, with everything mise en place, he took over my kitchen. How delightful for me to be on the other side of the island, wine in hand, playing the role of spectator. So this is what Jimmy Leg has been enjoying for the past 20+ years!
From time to time Fr J would shout something like, "Sous Chef get me the Pecorino! Sous Chef start the water to boil!"

What resulted was the most delicious Linguine a la Norcina, some lively dinner conversation brought on by the "kids", and a heavenly lemon chiffon pie.

You know, I think I could get used to answering to the name "Sous".
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This weekend is all about the "B"s...Birdies, Blankets, Bitches, and Brunch

Nov 5 & 6: Shoot a pigeon and a birdie at the Five Star Mazda Kevin Brown Celebrity Golf and Clays Classic
This event benefits the Macon Rescue Mission. For information call 478.960.3409

Nov 6: First Friday at Macon Arts 5-8pm Free

Nov 6: A "blanket with sleeves" is perfect for keeping warm while holding a brew at Macon's First Annual Snuggie Pub Crawl
Join us for a night of toasty goodness as we stroll down Cherry! Lemongrass mixologist extraordinaire Andrea Miller has even created "The Snuggie" signature cocktail for the evening!
Begins at 8PM on the corner of Second and Cherry St.


Nov 6: Yappy Hour The Rookery will be full of bitches!
Bring your leashed dog, enjoy the music, and bid on the silent auction items. Proceeds will purchase 45 beds for the Macon Animal Shelter. 6-9 PM

Nov 7: Second Sunday Gospel Brunch at Washington Square Park
Oh come on, you know the drill by now! 12-2 PM

Nov 7: Cafe' 567- The swingin' sounds of a new acoustic jazz ensemble featuring Eileen Desterno on vocals in the midst of a color-full art exhibit of her musician series paintings currently on display.Special guests and an open jazz jam are planned. 6:30 PM

Save the Date...

Nov 12: Jumpin' with Johnny- A tribute to Johnny Mercer featuring Savannah's Kim Polote Trio. Tickets $10 available at the Douglass Theatre or the Ga Music Hall of Fame

Freaking Out

What is it about Halloween?
Some regard the holiday as the chance to tartify themselves leaving little to the imagination. While others go to exorbitant lengths in procuring a disguise leaving you to wonder, "Who just grabbed me?". Well that has just never been my bag. There is something about dressing up in a costume, with no direction as to theme, that gets me flustered. Coming from the girl who dressed up as White Trash, Bianca Jagger and Hera, this is a little cuckoo indeed. I would gladly revisit those looks again, but my "Been There Done That" mindset gets the best of me.


Yes, I know there is the vampire look, pirate wench, and such, but those cliche costumes are SO not me. So I stew,fret, and freak for weeks trying to come up with the perfect balance between real clothes and costume. Creating my own pit, the pendulum swinging as the fateful party eve approaches. With only two days to go until Freaky Friday, what have I decided on?

Only time will tell. But one thing is certain, I'll be the death of the party.
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The FREAKS come out at night making this weekend extra SCARY


The F.E.A.R. Institute

Be prepared to be scared to death by over 1/4 mile of thrills and chills. 450 Third Street. Parking is available in the Poplar St. Garage. $13 admission / $11 for students and military with ID 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Suggested minimum age - 11 years. Proceeds benefit the Cox Capitol Theatre

Oct 30:The 11th Hour Thriller Parade- at the corners of Cherry and Third St. 9PM


Oct 30: Night of the Living SoChilites-Halloween party at the SoChi Gallery. Come dressed in your best Freak-Chic and Haunt Couture. Following the Thriller Parade

Upcoming Events...
Nov 5 & 6: Five Star Mazda Kevin Brown Celebrity Golf and Clays Classic

Nov 6: First Friday at Macon Arts 5-8pm Free

Nov 6: Macon's First Annual Snuggie Pub Crawl
Join us for a night of toasty goodness as we stroll down Cherry in a "blanket with sleeves"! Lemongrass mixologist extraordinaire Andrea Miller has even created "The Snuggie" signature cocktail for the evening!
Begins at 8PM on the corner of Second and Cherry St.

Nov7: Cafe' 567- The swingin' sounds of a new acoustic jazz ensemble featuring Eileen Desterno on vocals in the midst of a color-full art exhibit of her musician series paintings currently on display.Special guests and an open jazz jam are planned. 6:30 PM

Nov 12: Jumpin' with Johnny- A tribute to Johnny Mercer featuring Savannah's Kim Polote Trio. Tickets $10 available at the Douglass Theatre or the Ga Music Hall of Fame

Ahhh...pura vida

Pura Vida translated means "Pure Life" but in context means something closer to "Full of Life". It is also a phrase that describes a leisurely lifestyle, a disregard for time, a wanton friendliness, and enjoying life slowly.

The past several weeks have whizzed by me. They've been enjoyable, but a blur. As always seems to be the case with me, I find the need after an avalanche of events to SLOW down and not live life at such a frenetic pace. I was reminded of this last week (was it only last week?) when Jimmy Leg and I made the rushed trip to Atlanta for a private dinner at pura vida. This was originally intended as an anniversary dinner that due to unforeseen events ended up being canceled. When we got the call from owner Leslie Santiago that the Mesa Latina dinner date had been rescheduled, I scanned my calendar, cringed a little, and told her the new date would suit us perfectly. This was a complete lie on my part!
No matter, I thought. Hector Santiago's culinary mastery merits a "drop everything" mentality. We juggled for the next two weeks in order to do just that.

Upon arriving at pura vida last Tuesday night I felt my mood begin to relax. Sitting at the bar we waited for the other diners to arrive, trying to deduce who might be joining us in this private dinner for twelve. Finally at 7:30 we were called down into the cellar, and that is when time officially stopped for me and pura vida began.

A small intimate room lay before me with cream plastered walls and an upholstered quilted ceiling. A long rustic table was set simply with candles flickering against the glassware. Opposite sat a large wine rack, cases sitting amongst birch logs. The whole space could be described as a conglomeration of urban rustic Latin chic, much like Hector Santiago's cooking.


As it turned out there were only ten of us for dinner. We were seated and the star of the evening welcomed us with an introduction to the gastronomic trip to Peru we would soon embark upon. An amuse bouche of sashimi trout with a glass of Cava was Hector's little surprise to us.
It was, as everything we ate that night...perfection.

The dinner pace was slow and leisurely. There is something so restorative to the spirit as being able to drift through a meal. We immensely enjoyed meeting our dining companions and lingered in conversation with them. All the while waiting in anticipation for each course to be brought out from behind the curtain which separated us from Hector's work area. Our menu below was exquisitely prepared and left me weak.

The Menu
Causa "Nikkei"~ Uni, papa amarilla-lime puree al kombu, wasabi, shaved nori and aji miasol miso air
wine pairing: Segura Viudas, Brut Reserva, Cava, Spain

Pulpo en "Purple"~ (my favorite dish) Slow cooked and seared octopus, a botija olive sauce, purple corn- aji panca blanket, purple potato al natural, and al limon, purple corn canchita
wine pairing: Toro Albala, "Fino Electrico", Montilla-Moriles, Spain

Carapulcra al Coco~ papa seca "risotto" (potatoes made to look like risotto and it was sublime!) aji amarillo-coconut milk,palm- coconut oil shrimp.
wine pairing: Ventisquero, Chardonnay, Reserva, Casablanca, Chile

Lomo Shalteao~ Stir fried beef tenderloin, ajis, onions, charcoal beef soy, hucatay juice, aji rocoto gel and "papitas" de arroz (the risotto was made from potatoes and here the "papitas fritas" were made from risotto)
wine pairing: Terra Andina, Carmenere, Reserva, Rapel, Chile

Suspiros de Limena~ pisco egg yolk pudding, alfajores de cancaca, cinnamon scented meringue


After dinner, the other diners gone, we sat at the table with Hector and Leslie who finally had a moment to relax themselves. This was the perfect way to end truly one of the most divine meals we had enjoyed in a while. Arriving home at 1:30 we were tired, but in the very best way.
Taking a cue from this perfect evening I am going to slow myself down this weekend and enjoy life at a snail's pace. Pura Vida!
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Here are a few things to rev up your SoChi pace!

Oct 22- Spirits in the Courtyard at The Blacksmith Shop. $25/person. For Ticket info call (478)751-7411. Food, Music, Auction. 6-9PM
Oct 22 & 23- The Rat Pack is Back at the Grand Opera House 7:30PM

Oct 30- The 11th Hour Thriller Parade at the corners of Cherry and Third St. 9PM
Oct 30- Night of the Living SoChilites Halloween party at the SoChi Gallery. Come dressed in your best Freak-Chic and Haunt Couture. Following the Thriller Parade

Nov 5 & 6- Five Star Mazda Kevin Brown Celebrity Golf and Clays Classic

Nov 12- Jumpin' with Johnny, a tribute to Johnny Mercer featuring Savannah's Kim Polote trio. Tickets $10 available at the Douglass Theatre or the Ga Music Hall of Fame

An Event-Full Week

It is something that happens quite often in NoChi. It's horrifying and always sends chills down my spine. The echoing phrase I hear time and time again, "There is nothing to do in Macon" ! I find myself wanting to scream like a banshee at people who say that, pull my hair out in a fit of rage and shoot lightening bolts out of my eyes at them. But instead I retain my composure, smile sweetly and provide them with a LONG list of options. Here are just a few events (Special and ongoing) that should be on your calendar.

Wednesdays are made for Karaoke. There are even two options! NoChi can hit the Mellow Mushroom hosted by dj Kevin Nichols. SoChi can head over to BJ's Billiards on MLK hosted by Mitch Kersey. Both are guaranteed a guaranteed good time!
Singing in public not your bag? Head over to the Capitol Theatre for dinner and a movie.

Thurday is ripe with downtown activities. The NewTown Get Down begins at 5:30 at Gateway Park, Southern Style Jam at Grant's Lounge, music at the Hummingbird, and the Macon Arts Cultural Awards at Theater Macon are all happening. Not interested in those, head over to the Georgia Sports Hall Of Fame and check out their on going exhibit "Linedrives and Lipstick" or better yet show your support of Macon's rich musical history by going to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame for their exhibit "Too Fabulous for Words" celebrating the legendary Johnny Mercer.

I've heard it a million times, "Downtown is scary". You are damn right it is. The Underwolrd F.E.A.R. Institute is looking for warm bodies to scare the life out of. Located on Third Street it's the perfect thing to do on a Friday night. But for those who have a weak heart or stomach, catch comedian James Gregory at the Grand Opera House, head over to the Marriott's "Blues, Brew and Q" or just perch yourself on a barstool at Lemongrass (Satin Doll in hand naturally).


Saturday is loaded with events. I have to start out with THE best thing to do this Saturday. The Arts on Riverdale Jazz Festival is from 12-6pm. The weather should be crisp and the music hot! Where else can you see a Marsalis for FREE? Only on Riverdale Drive, that's where.
There will be plenty to do for the kids, bring your dog, join the Jazz Association and be treated like a V.I.P. (that means the drinks are on me!)
If you are not into FABULOUS music, and more into sports head to the Rally in the Alley. Bring your game day spirit to the Hummingbird two hours before game time.
Want to see local "celebrities" get slammed? Then go to the Celebrity Grand Slam Softball Game benefitting the Central Ga Chapter of the ARC beginning at 6:30pm
STILL say there is nothing to do? Go to the William Segal exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Sciences, hike the Indian Mounds, go to the City Market on the Green, sit and have a bite at Dolce Vita, go to the ArtSpace at the Macon Mall, Riverside Cemetary's “Spirits in October” in partnership with Historic Macon and The Cox Capital Theatre present a series that includes tours of the cemetery & historic sites downtown....

Finally wrap up the weekend with Rhythm and Jazz on the Docks at Gateway Park or bring out the kid in you at the Cox Capitol Theatre's Sunday Supper.

But I am not through with you yet...these upcoming events NEED to be on your calendar.

Oct 22- Spirits in the Courtyard at The Blacksmith Shop. $25/person. For Ticket info call (478)751-7411. Food, Music, Auction. 6-9PM
Oct 22 & 23- The Rat Pack is Back at the Grand Opera House 7:30PM

Oct 30- The 11th Hour Thriller Parade at the corners of Cherry and Third St. 9PM
Oct 30- Night of the Living SoChilites Halloween party at the SoChi Gallery. Come dressed in your best Freak-Chic and Haunt Couture. Following the Thriller Parade

Nov 5 & 6- Five Star Mazda Kevin Brown Celebrity Golf and Clays Classic

Go out and live life...fabulously in SoChi!

The Neighborhood of Make Believe

Flashback.
Mr Rogers' Neighborhood.
Some found it boring and babyish, others thought of it as just a show to get through until ZOOM came on. It didn't have the flash of The Electric Company, but I dug it. I dug it for it's simplicity. I would sit eyes glued to the television during that opening sequence where the camera follows the sidewalk into neighborhood, trying to see if I could spot Mr Rogers going to his house. Once arriving of course the changing of the shoes and donning of the sweater meant the show was underway. It was the show that taught me how to tie my shoe and how to skip. But mostly, I dug it for it's music, it's jazz music. How was I to know that Joe Negri and Johnny Costa were formidable jazz musicians? After all I was only 2 years old when the show began being broadcast in the United States. All I knew was that I liked "going" to Negri's Music Shop and hearing Joe Negri play guitar and loved when Johnny Costa would drop by to play the piano. Sometimes other cats would even sit in. Cats like Wynton Marsalis and Yoyo Ma. Something about that music, jazz music, always ALWAYS spoke to me.

Flash forward.
I didn't notice the name at first. I was looking at the Jazz Corner calendar, checking out who would be playing at our favorite little island jazz haunt. A few names here and there that raised an eybrow, but no one that merited a special trip to the beach. Then I saw it. A Friday and Saturday night hit. Was it who I thought it was? I wondered if it could be the same Joe Negri? The same Handyman Negri from the Neighborhood of Make Believe and from Negri's Music Shop? It turns out it was. When I think of it tears begin to well up. It is not every day that I get to meet a part of my childhood. I get to hear this man, this musician that I grew up with watching on television, play jazz... for me. This Saturday JL and I will be making the hang at the Jazz Corner, along with friends Howard and Patty Paul and Bob Benedetto.

Somebody pinch me because I must be in the Neighborhood of Make Believe!
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Here are some unbelievable things to do in SoChi this weekend.

Friday:

The F.E.A.R. Institute Be prepared to be scared to death by over 1/4 mile of thrills and chills. 450 Third Street. Parking is available in the Poplar St. Garage. $13 admission / $11 for students and military with ID 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Suggested minimum age - 11 years. Proceeds benefit the Cox Capitol Theatre

Saturday:
Rally in the Alley- Bring your game day spirit to downtown two hours before UGA kicks off. Enjoy music, games and giveaways. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event. Watch the game on the big screen at Cox Capitol Theater and in Mulberry Lane Alley.

Wesley Cook - performing at the Shamrock 9:30 pm
Check out the Shamrock's food review in this month's M Food and Culture

Steve Balderson's film Stuck premieres at the Raindance film Festival in London!

Sunday:
College Hill Corridor's Second Sunday Gospel Brunch Come out to Washington Sq Park and hear some pretty fabulous jazz performed by the JAM All Stars. Michael's on Mulberry will be on hand to cater. 12-2pm FREE

and coming soon...
the new column "Five Easy Pieces" premieres October 15th in the 11th Hour written by me!

October 17: Arts on Riverdale Jazz Festival
October 21: Spirits in the Courtyard at the Blacksmith Shop


October 22: The Rat Pack is Back! at the Grand Opera House
October 30: Thriller Dance &
Night of the Living SoChilites Party

Red Red Wine

"Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age."
Pope John XXIII

"To take wine into our mouths is to savor a droplet of the river of human history."
Clifton Fadiman

"Nothing more excellent or valuable than wine
was ever granted by the Gods to man."
Plato

Red red wine.
What was originally planned as a family dinner turned to naught, least by my standards. I took solace with dear friend "Hair" who kept my grumbles at bay and knowing me all too well, he kept my glass full. He knows that I am easily mesmerized, transfixed by a dark, almost black cherry liquid pouring out into my glass.

The scent of blackberries, earth and a subtle whiff of grilled meat filled my nostrils. Notes of chocolate and deep deep berry spices filled my head. Like the notes to a melody keeping me distracted from those who had sent me into this malaise. My distraction thus lead to a further investigation. A deep revelation, a lingering velvety mouthful of dried cherry flavors, black licorice, and a definite richness on the palate.

Two glasses later, my mouth thick and full with flavor, my tongue enveloped with shrivelly fruit flavors coupled to coffee and vanilla accents, sharp edges had softened and my head swam with carmine desire. My body swayed to tunes unheard, my lips forming words, spoken yet unheard, my head a swirling whirlpool of ideas and fantasies unsaid.

Red wine embodies all that is suggestive
and sexual in a beverage. Dark, deep and rich, it is flavorsome and flagrant, filled with the baritone of bellissma and boldly brazen berry. Filling the mouth with the dark and redolent primeval flavors of the earth, it celebrates the ancient with memory of rituals and dark glory, intoxicating and enthralling.

Whatever else could be so decadent, darling and delicious (aside from moi)?

Oh, red wine, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways..Antioxidants..
Polyphenols...
Mouth feel...yes
Body feel...yes
Soul feel ...yes, yes, YES!

So what is your poison? (We all have one...)

I try to limit mine to two per day...

of that poison, anyway...

A Legend

What is the difference between Legend status as opposed to mere celebrity or star? Some legends can be made overnight while others are a lifetime in the making. Not solely about a physical presence, legends share a timelessness, a charisma and an endurance that far surpasses what is merely in vogue. The presence of a legend. I was in it, surrounded by it. An arch top jazz guitar and the man who makes them legendary. Bob Benedetto.


The curvy path that brings you someplace is always a little cuckoo. In my case it was a weekend trip to the Savannah Jazz Festival which Jimmy Leg and I always make a point of attending. As our weekend plans were in the making, an invitation came my way from friend and jazz guitar great Howard Paul. I am never one to pass up an invitation, and this one sounded interesting. Would we like to tour a guitar manufacturer? Of course! It sounded like a fun way to spend the afternoon which happened to be our anniversary. We arrived at Benedetto Guitars, a nondescript building in a nondescript office park. Rang the bell and we were welcomed in. Howard was busy on the phone with a customer so JL and I waited in the hall, kept company by Lucky (a 12 yr old golden who was quite happy to goose me every chance he got). It was then that an inkling of where we were began to develop. The walls were lined with photographs, magazine covers, accolades. Impressive stuff. Howard finished with his call and and we chatted. He asked the question "What do you know about jazz guitars?". I thought to myself, I like how they sound. But really I knew nary a thing, neither of us did. Howard grinned, his passion for the instrument coming through. It was then he gave me my first guitar lesson. And what an incredible lesson it was! We sat in his office and began the lesson. I was distracted by walls lined with guitars some valued at 30k . Some of the most beautiful instruments I have ever seen were hanging there. I listened, learned and took it all in. After "class" we went through the guitar production rooms, from the drying room where blocks of wood have been curing since 1982, to where those blocks are hand carved, assembled, painted (seeing Pat Martino's newest guitar drying was indeed VERY cool), and finally placed on a light board in Bob Benedetto's office for final inspection. The whole process was simply awe inspiring and the man behind the the Rolls Royce of guitars is a true craftsman, charming, affable, and a most gracious host. Everything a legend should be.


The rest of our weekend was filled with wonderful food, incredible music and dear friends, old and new. But that day spent at Benedetto with three amazing men made it... legendary. _________________________________________________________________________________

Here are some events sure to make your weekend legendary!
Thursday:
Wines for Susan G Komen for the Cure at WineStyles
Bring a friend and enjoy 8 great wines with appetizers provided by Super Suppers and help support a great charity!
$12 per person/ $10 Wine Club member 5-8pm

Music Matters in Macon!
The Cox Capitol Theatre is the place to be for a concert benefiting the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Bands are donating their performances and all proceeds go to the Hall. Featuring Chris Hicks, Paul Hornsby, Mag Tard, Roly Bots, and more
$12 at the door, $10 in advance. 8pm

Friday:
Start your First Friday off on First!
Macon Arts hosts the opening reception for Building Bezalel- paintings by Marthalyn Fortson and De-Classified- ceramics by Crisha Yantis 5-8pm Free

Saturday:
An Afternoon with Ken Burns
Legendary filmmaker Ken Burns will be in Macon to celebrate the opening of the Museum of Arts & Sciences' new William Segal exhibition. Mr. Burns will screen the three short films he made about William Segal - Seeing, Searching and Being - and will participate in an audience Q&A. Tickets available by contacting the Museum of Arts & Sciences 2:30-4:30pm