Saturday a group of girlfriends came to town from Columbia and invited me to dinner. They had made reservations at, where else? Fish. I had been looking forward to trying the new winter menu so I gladly accepted the invite. We shared a lot of small plates like calamari and dim sum, but I ordered the golden trout with potato, zucchini and butternut squash quiche as my entrée and a cheese plate to share. Both were exactly what I wanted. The brown butter almondine sauce on the trout was fantastically sweet and went well with the quiche, too.  The cheese plate was a big hit with the all of the girls as it was passed around the table.

On Sunday Patrick Properties hosted an oyster roast and BBQ at Lowndes Grove for the employees. It was nice to see everyone out of the office, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. The highlights for me were definitely the fresh local oysters and susnet views. I”ll leave you with these photos that sum up a Lowcountry Oyster Roast at its finest.

Check out the Blue Ion blog for more info on their awards, including the InShow award they took home for (my personal favorite) the HOOK USA website, which was also featured on the Communication Arts website a few months back. I’m tellin’ ya, these kids are talented.

Keep in mind Fish is FREE to rent for group dining (all year, not just during the holidays) and custom menus can be created for you.

Or, if you’d like to keep the party at home or in the office, Fish is offering holiday take-away platters and full dinner menu choices so we can bring the party to you.

We’ll do the cooking . You enjoy the party.

Please call our sales office at 843.853.1810 for details.

*50 person minimum

Bridal portraits by Tillman Branch Photography.

The Ashley River marsh and live oaks are a stunning backdrop not only for events, but for bridal portraits as well. The window on the third floor of Lowndes Grove is one of my favorite places for a pretty feminine portrait. Call 843-853-1810 for an appointment to have your portraits taken at any of our properties.

Also make sure to check out the BMW motorcycles next door at SieMatic. Managing partner Randall Goldman had a hand in bringing both modern and classic style BMW displays to the store. Patrick Properties Events knows good style! We’ll also be at the Cannon Elliot Lounge at 45 John Street, so make sure to grab some info for your upcoming event. Holidays are just around the corner…

See you tonight!

Chef de Cuisine Charron Henry & Executive Chef Nico Romo are busy finalizing the new Fall menu for Fish that will launch Wednesday. Next project? Predator & Prey dinner for Halloween. Details to come.

Sous Chef Deveaux Stockton & his wife welcomed baby River. Love his little baby face! Congrats to their family.

Charles & Celeste Patrick with Randall & Jennifer Goldman & Elvis at the Charleston Stage Gala

Introducing our new sales team: Director of Sales Ashley Gunnin with Sales Managers Sarah Copeland & Amber Ferguson

We're always working hard to create one-of-a-kind events at all of our properties. Well worth it for beautiful moments like this one for Libba & Tyler at their Lowndes Grove wedding.

No, it’s not a PP staffer. It’s a member of the Charleston Ballet Theatre! We’re gearing up for Brad & Janet’s Wedding Reception at Fish (aka the CBT’s Rocky Horror after party) Nov. 23, 24, 30 and 31. We’ve got a hearse, we’ve got costumes, we’ve got themed cocktails… it’ll be nuts.

It’s been busy, but it’s been a lot of fun. Coming up this week: Upper King Design Walk is Thursday so put on your comfy walking shoes and head up to our neighborhood to see all the new shops and visit the old favorites. Fish will be open to quench your thirst and feed the appetite you worked up after all of that shopping. See you Thursday!

Service with a smile. (And a very strong core.)

This is PP Sales Manager Charlotte McDowell, who makes me laugh on a daily basis. She’s pictured above strengthening her core muscles while booking sales for our wonderful family of properties.

A bit about Charlotte. She’s a Charleston native with a quick wit, stylish eye and wonderful grammar. Yes, really. If you need someone to proofread a letter, Charlotte is your girl.

She has experience in both restaurant management and corporate event planning and has helped create an array of events for Patrick Properties, from formal dinners for 350 to al fresco lunches for 10.

However, Charlotte may be best known within the company for her incredible sausage dip. If you ask nicely, she may be willing to share it.  To book an event or accommodations, please give Charlotte (and her iron core) a buzz at 843.853.1810.

Don’t worry, we won’t go changing the style and substance that matter most: the stories and behind the scenes tidbits you want and need!

So. Moment of silence for Bea Arthur. If you didn’t see the brilliant piece CBS Sunday Morning did, you must take a few minutes to watch. Like most of my generation, most of my impressions of Bea came from her hit series The Golden Girls. Her character Dorothy was all about the snarky one-liners, and you know how I love those. What is fainter but no less meaningful in my memory is Bea Arthur as Maude. First of all, how incredible is the theme song? Maude, as you may or may not know, was originally just the liberal, snarky (See? Career theme!) foil to Archie Bunker. But the network powers that be saw the force that was Bea Arthur and said, “Hey, write that woman a show!” And a fierce theme song. Check out the lyrics in case they weren’t all clear.

Lady Godiva was a freedom rider,
she didn’t care if the whole world looked.
Joan of Arc, with the Lord to guide her,
she was a sister who really cooked.
Isadora was a first bra burner
Ain’t ya glad she showed up?
And when the country was falling apart
Betsy Ross got it all sewed up
And then there’s Maude
And then there’s Maude
And then there’s Maude
And then there’s Maude
And then there’s Maude
And then there’s Maude
And then there’s that old compromisin,’ enterprisin’ anything but tranqulizin’

Right on, Maude!

P.S. “Right on” is a phrase I try very hard to bring back on a consistent basis. I digress. The point of my Maude ramble? One simple reply when asked if she thought about retiring. “Actors don’t retire…people who hate their jobs retire.” If that doesn’t scream do what you love, I simply don’t know what does. Who else but Bea Arthur could play Vera Charles in Mame, Maude AND Dorothy Zbornak in one lifetime? I’m just saying. Do what you love.

Spirited snarky woman, anyone?