After stumbling upon a wonderful recipe book ,compiled my lovely friend and sorority sister Meg, while cleaning out my e-mail I was thrilled to find some of my favorite recipes from my friends in college. Here they are :)
Broccoli Cornbread
Original Chef: Anne Whitaker
( this stuff is soo good we refered to it as crack and we would make it for friend's birthday's complete with birthday candles )
Ingredients
1 c. stuffed with cooked and well-drained chopped broccoli
3 large eggs
1 stick (¼ lb.) butter, melted
1 cup Breakstone’s 2% cottage cheese
1 teaspoon salt
3 - 4 tablespoons onion, chopped
1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cook broccoli according to package directions. Pour into strainer and drain well. Mash with a fork to remove even more liquid.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, beat eggs with a medium large whisk. Add broccoli, onion, salt, butter, and cottage cheese.
4. Mix well with whisk.
5. Add Jiffy mix and whisk in. Do not over mix.
6. Spray an 8" x 13" Pyrex dish with PAM. Pour in cornbread mixture and spread evenly.
Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Additional Information
Makes about 15 pieces when cut.
Store leftovers in tightly covered container in the refrigerator
Microwave to reheat
Chicken Artichoke Dip
Original Chef: Dannielle Allen
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise (Hellmans is best)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 can artichoke hearts (quartered or whole)
2 cups shredded chicken (2-3 chicken breasts)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Boil chicken breast until cooked through; remove from pot and allow to cool.
3. Combine mayo, parmesan and garlic in a bowl. Chop artichoke hearts to taste and add them to mixture.
4. Pull apart chicken into bite size pieces, do not chop, it messes with the texture. Combine with mixture.
5. Butter a dish and add the dip. Bake for 40-45 min, until top is golden brown.
Additional Information
You’ll probably want to double the recipe.
Serve with tortilla chips
Showing posts with label clemson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clemson. Show all posts
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Britney Spears Theme Party!
I love theme parties! One of my favorite theme parties was one we threw in college. It was a Britney Spears theme party.
Costume- pick a Britney, any Britney. Many options but a few are Baby one more time with a school girl outfit, toxic flight attendant, preggers with K-Fed etc etc. Other options are Justin Timberlake, K-Fed, Jamie Lynn, paparazzi.
Decor- Awards show, club scene, white trash chic
Refreshments- starbucks, cheetos, chicken wings, or fun swanky food if it's current day.
Music- pop of course.
Here's 2 of the non-scandalous pics ;)
If you want to dress as pregnant Britt Britt here's how . . . ceran wrap a bundled sweatshirt to your stomach = instant baby bump!
K-Fed, Not a girl Not yet a woman Brit, and JT
I'm thinking a pop diva theme next so many options with Britney,Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga . . . .
Costume- pick a Britney, any Britney. Many options but a few are Baby one more time with a school girl outfit, toxic flight attendant, preggers with K-Fed etc etc. Other options are Justin Timberlake, K-Fed, Jamie Lynn, paparazzi.
Decor- Awards show, club scene, white trash chic
Refreshments- starbucks, cheetos, chicken wings, or fun swanky food if it's current day.
Music- pop of course.
Here's 2 of the non-scandalous pics ;)
If you want to dress as pregnant Britt Britt here's how . . . ceran wrap a bundled sweatshirt to your stomach = instant baby bump!
K-Fed and Brit
I'm thinking a pop diva theme next so many options with Britney,Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga . . . .
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Dining Divas at Villa Novella & 356
Amanda found 2 more Dining Diva articles so here they are. This blog has helped me organize any sort of article I have written into one place, and it's fun :)
Villa Novella
The Pre-game
Amanda: Katie had passed by Villa Novella several times and suggested we should eat there one evening. I was surprised to learn how close it was to our apartment complex in Central! The only other Italian restaurant I had been to around Clemson was Olive Garden, so it was nice to try another Italian place that didn't take more than 20 minutes to get to.
Katie: I had always seen Villa Novella's sign passing through Central and was curious about the American Trattoria. After seeing an ad for it, I knew we had to stop in and write about it.
The Scene
Amanda: A very "homey" feeling. The restaurant looks like a house from the outside, and once you step inside it gives the feeling of a comforting Italian family home opening up its kitchen just for you. The three dining rooms are filled with booths and tables and can be easily set up for large groups if needed. A separate bar section is adjacent to one of the rooms for those who want to eat, drink and meet new friends. There is also outdoor seating available during warm months. The owner and his wife are friendly and usually there every evening to serve you.
Katie: Walking up to Villa Novella, you are greeted by twinkling lights adorning the house-turned-restaurant and the faint sound of Sinatra playing in the restaurant. There are tables scattered on the lawn and front porch allowing for outside seating. Once inside the vibrantly painted restaurant, I felt a very family-oriented vibe and that this is a place to come and catch up with an old friend.
A Look at the Menu
Amanda: Villa Novella's menu features a variety of pasta dishes, seafood, meat and chicken. For appetizers there are several choices such as calamari, marsala mushroom crepes, hot artichoke parmesan dip and their soup of the day. There are also dessert and dessert wine menus available. For anyone that can legally drink there is a nice selection of American wines, Italian wines and beers.
Katie: The drink list boasted many Italian wines (I tried and recommend the Stella Pinot Grigio) as well as imported beers. The food menu was formatted with Italian headings, antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti and contori, which Amanda and I guessed on for the translations.
The Taste Test
Amanda: Katie convinced me to share the calamari appetizer with her and I am glad I did. The peppertini aoli dip added a nice garlic spice flavor to the lightly-breaded calamari. For my main course I wanted to try something new, so I chose the potato gnocchi with goat cheese and pepper alfredo. I had never heard of potato gnocchi but was pleasantly surprised at how good it tasted. The food was so delicious and filling that I just had to take what I couldn't finish home with me. I am a red wine kind of girl so I had to ask the owner, John, which Italian red wine he preferred. He recommended a glass of the Banfi Centine Toscana.
Katie: We started off with calamari for an appetizer. It arrived lightly breaded and instead of the usual red marina, it came with a peppertini aoli sauce. The calamari was my favorite dish of the night and the peppertini aoli was a nice change with a kick to it. I had a really tough time deciding what I wanted to order, because the menu had such a variety of dishes. I decided on the yellow fin tuna cooked medium rare with a white bean in olive oil side or "contori"( see, I caught on). The tuna as well as the white beans were delicious with various spices and tomatoes on it for an Italian flair. I tried Amanda's potato gnocchi with goat cheese, and it was a nice change from the usual pasta dish.
Impressions
Amanda: If you want to avoid the 20-minute drive to Anderson and wait another hour to sit at Olive Garden, then I recommend Villa Novella. This small Italian restaurant in Central has a lot of potential. Although it was short staffed, the food was delicious and worth the wait. It is definitely a family-friendly restaurant that you can take your parents to when they visit Clemson or a romantic dinner date for that someone special. Villa Novella is available to host private dinners, so definitely give them a call about large group gatherings and semi-formals.
Katie: Villa Novella is a great, homey Italian restaurant tucked away in Central. I would love to come back and sit at their bar and sample more of their Italian wines. It would also be a great place to host a semi-formal or a party. Ciao, Bella.
Dining Divas with our beloved Tiffany enjoying a night out in Athens Go Dawgs!
Amanda is from the suburbs of Atlanta and is a senior in her final semester at Clemson University.
The Pre-Game
Katie: I was really excited to eat something other than subs, pizza or Mexican food that is so conveniently placed around the University. I love sushi and other exotic foods so I was eager to venture out to 356.
Amanda: I love subs, pizza, Mexican, Chinese and the occasional trip to a chain restaurant, but I have been at Clemson since I was a freshman. I wanted to explore more of what Clemson has to offer before I graduate. 356 is a popular spot for the downtown bar crowd, but we wanted to see what it had to offer as a restaurant.
The Scene
Katie: Spacious yet inviting. The bar lined the far wall and showcased many types of liquor and ended with a sushi bar. Booths and tables scattered throughout the restaurant welcomed the hungry and those wanting to try a martini (try the Sexy Martini, a mix of Peach Schnapps OJ and Cranberry juice). An elevated area in the opposite front corner houses Wii tournaments, live music or comfortable couches that are very city loft-ish.
Amanda: Walking in 356 immediately gives off a very chill and trendy vibe. Very spacious with booths lining the wall and tables scattered throughout the middle section. If you are lucky, you may be able to sit in the couches giving you a "VIP" feeling. The bar is always active with bartenders making drinks, and cooks in the back rolling up sushi made fresh to order.
A Look at the Menu
Katie: Offering more than just sushi, 356 also has tapas, salads and gourmet flatbreads (think fancy pizza). For those not too keen on eating raw fish, try the Ranchero or Spinach 'n Tomato (It's amazing) flatbreads.
Amanda: The menu features tapas, sushi, salads and flat breads. For those that are of legal drinking age, there are a variety of martinis and beer to choose from, as well as a nice selection of red and white wine.
The Taste Test
Katie: You can't go wrong ordering the California rolls, but if you want to be a little more adventurous try the Philadelphia Roll or the Seaside roll. Thursday nights is $3.50 sushi night on select rolls with nicely priced Cosmos as well. If you are not in the mood for sushi and have already tried the flatbreads, try something from the tapas section. The seaweed salad (don't be thrown off by the name) was a great starter, as well as the spinach dip and hummus dip.
Amanda: Katie and I are always indecisive about choosing an appetizer because the hummus dip and spinach dip are equally delicious. The Spinach 'n Tomato flatbread is a favorite of mine, but I love spicy foods and sushi. So I just had to try the Georgia Bullfrog roll. And of course nothing else makes the experience better of eating sushi at a trendy restaurant than an inexpensive fabulous Cosmo in your hand.
Impressions
Katie: 356 is a great place to treat your taste buds in downtown Clemson, whether you are a sushi fiend or need a break from the ordinary. Don't forget to stop by late night to check out their drink menu.
Amanda: This is hands down my favorite restaurant in downtown Clemson. Thursday night is a great time to eat at 356 because of their sushi rolls and Cosmos during Happy Hour. This trendy downtown restaurant is perfect for a girls' night out or a date with that special someone. Now, if only they had a live jazz band during dinner on Thursdays nights.
The Divas being Jersey Girls.
I miss Amandita, Clemson , and Paradise Estates soo much! <3
Villa Novella
The Pre-game
Amanda: Katie had passed by Villa Novella several times and suggested we should eat there one evening. I was surprised to learn how close it was to our apartment complex in Central! The only other Italian restaurant I had been to around Clemson was Olive Garden, so it was nice to try another Italian place that didn't take more than 20 minutes to get to.
Katie: I had always seen Villa Novella's sign passing through Central and was curious about the American Trattoria. After seeing an ad for it, I knew we had to stop in and write about it.
The Scene
Amanda: A very "homey" feeling. The restaurant looks like a house from the outside, and once you step inside it gives the feeling of a comforting Italian family home opening up its kitchen just for you. The three dining rooms are filled with booths and tables and can be easily set up for large groups if needed. A separate bar section is adjacent to one of the rooms for those who want to eat, drink and meet new friends. There is also outdoor seating available during warm months. The owner and his wife are friendly and usually there every evening to serve you.
Katie: Walking up to Villa Novella, you are greeted by twinkling lights adorning the house-turned-restaurant and the faint sound of Sinatra playing in the restaurant. There are tables scattered on the lawn and front porch allowing for outside seating. Once inside the vibrantly painted restaurant, I felt a very family-oriented vibe and that this is a place to come and catch up with an old friend.
A Look at the Menu
Amanda: Villa Novella's menu features a variety of pasta dishes, seafood, meat and chicken. For appetizers there are several choices such as calamari, marsala mushroom crepes, hot artichoke parmesan dip and their soup of the day. There are also dessert and dessert wine menus available. For anyone that can legally drink there is a nice selection of American wines, Italian wines and beers.
Katie: The drink list boasted many Italian wines (I tried and recommend the Stella Pinot Grigio) as well as imported beers. The food menu was formatted with Italian headings, antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti and contori, which Amanda and I guessed on for the translations.
The Taste Test
Amanda: Katie convinced me to share the calamari appetizer with her and I am glad I did. The peppertini aoli dip added a nice garlic spice flavor to the lightly-breaded calamari. For my main course I wanted to try something new, so I chose the potato gnocchi with goat cheese and pepper alfredo. I had never heard of potato gnocchi but was pleasantly surprised at how good it tasted. The food was so delicious and filling that I just had to take what I couldn't finish home with me. I am a red wine kind of girl so I had to ask the owner, John, which Italian red wine he preferred. He recommended a glass of the Banfi Centine Toscana.
Katie: We started off with calamari for an appetizer. It arrived lightly breaded and instead of the usual red marina, it came with a peppertini aoli sauce. The calamari was my favorite dish of the night and the peppertini aoli was a nice change with a kick to it. I had a really tough time deciding what I wanted to order, because the menu had such a variety of dishes. I decided on the yellow fin tuna cooked medium rare with a white bean in olive oil side or "contori"( see, I caught on). The tuna as well as the white beans were delicious with various spices and tomatoes on it for an Italian flair. I tried Amanda's potato gnocchi with goat cheese, and it was a nice change from the usual pasta dish.
Impressions
Amanda: If you want to avoid the 20-minute drive to Anderson and wait another hour to sit at Olive Garden, then I recommend Villa Novella. This small Italian restaurant in Central has a lot of potential. Although it was short staffed, the food was delicious and worth the wait. It is definitely a family-friendly restaurant that you can take your parents to when they visit Clemson or a romantic dinner date for that someone special. Villa Novella is available to host private dinners, so definitely give them a call about large group gatherings and semi-formals.
Katie: Villa Novella is a great, homey Italian restaurant tucked away in Central. I would love to come back and sit at their bar and sample more of their Italian wines. It would also be a great place to host a semi-formal or a party. Ciao, Bella.
Dining Divas with our beloved Tiffany enjoying a night out in Athens Go Dawgs!
356
Katie is from the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and is a transfer student with one year left at Clemson University.Amanda is from the suburbs of Atlanta and is a senior in her final semester at Clemson University.
The Pre-Game
Katie: I was really excited to eat something other than subs, pizza or Mexican food that is so conveniently placed around the University. I love sushi and other exotic foods so I was eager to venture out to 356.
Amanda: I love subs, pizza, Mexican, Chinese and the occasional trip to a chain restaurant, but I have been at Clemson since I was a freshman. I wanted to explore more of what Clemson has to offer before I graduate. 356 is a popular spot for the downtown bar crowd, but we wanted to see what it had to offer as a restaurant.
The Scene
Katie: Spacious yet inviting. The bar lined the far wall and showcased many types of liquor and ended with a sushi bar. Booths and tables scattered throughout the restaurant welcomed the hungry and those wanting to try a martini (try the Sexy Martini, a mix of Peach Schnapps OJ and Cranberry juice). An elevated area in the opposite front corner houses Wii tournaments, live music or comfortable couches that are very city loft-ish.
Amanda: Walking in 356 immediately gives off a very chill and trendy vibe. Very spacious with booths lining the wall and tables scattered throughout the middle section. If you are lucky, you may be able to sit in the couches giving you a "VIP" feeling. The bar is always active with bartenders making drinks, and cooks in the back rolling up sushi made fresh to order.
A Look at the Menu
Katie: Offering more than just sushi, 356 also has tapas, salads and gourmet flatbreads (think fancy pizza). For those not too keen on eating raw fish, try the Ranchero or Spinach 'n Tomato (It's amazing) flatbreads.
Amanda: The menu features tapas, sushi, salads and flat breads. For those that are of legal drinking age, there are a variety of martinis and beer to choose from, as well as a nice selection of red and white wine.
The Taste Test
Katie: You can't go wrong ordering the California rolls, but if you want to be a little more adventurous try the Philadelphia Roll or the Seaside roll. Thursday nights is $3.50 sushi night on select rolls with nicely priced Cosmos as well. If you are not in the mood for sushi and have already tried the flatbreads, try something from the tapas section. The seaweed salad (don't be thrown off by the name) was a great starter, as well as the spinach dip and hummus dip.
Amanda: Katie and I are always indecisive about choosing an appetizer because the hummus dip and spinach dip are equally delicious. The Spinach 'n Tomato flatbread is a favorite of mine, but I love spicy foods and sushi. So I just had to try the Georgia Bullfrog roll. And of course nothing else makes the experience better of eating sushi at a trendy restaurant than an inexpensive fabulous Cosmo in your hand.
Impressions
Katie: 356 is a great place to treat your taste buds in downtown Clemson, whether you are a sushi fiend or need a break from the ordinary. Don't forget to stop by late night to check out their drink menu.
Amanda: This is hands down my favorite restaurant in downtown Clemson. Thursday night is a great time to eat at 356 because of their sushi rolls and Cosmos during Happy Hour. This trendy downtown restaurant is perfect for a girls' night out or a date with that special someone. Now, if only they had a live jazz band during dinner on Thursdays nights.
I miss Amandita, Clemson , and Paradise Estates soo much! <3
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dining Divas at Friend's Cafe
Katie is from the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and a transfer student with one year left at Clemson University. Amanda is from the suburbs of Atlanta and a senior in her final semester at Clemson University.
The Pre-Game
Katie: I was excited to hear that there was a new café in Clemson. I had driven past it a few times and noticed the snazzy red awnings and tables set up outside. I knew we had to visit.
Amanda: Katie and I were in the mood for a light lunch. She mentioned that a café had opened next to the high fashion store "Bella" called "Friends Café." I was excited to try a new place that was nearby on College Avenue but avoided downtown traffic.
The Scene
Katie: The outside is very inviting and fresh and encourages you to get a Seattle's Best coffee and enjoy the weather. Inside the café , it's very welcoming and has clean lines and a V.I.P. section with recliners and a flat screen television. One of our favorite divas, Marilyn Monroe, is recognized, and her picture is displayed on the walls. I didn't know this place was a hookah bar (no traces of the smell) until I saw the hookahs behind the register.
Amanda: Located next to "Bella" and across from "Eddie Spaghetti" is Friends Café. On the outside it looks like any typical café with outdoor seating available. I could not believe what it looked like inside. Immediately to your right is a corner that has a flat screen above a cream leather couch and two reclining leather chairs. Red, fluffy ropes accent the corner to make whomever sitting there feel "VIP." Booths sit against the sides while high tables are scattered throughout the middle. A few Marilyn Monroe pictures adorn the walls. When the cashier lady told me they are also a hookah café, this surprised me. The café's interior design follows a red and cream color theme, which gives it a nice modern clean look. I have never been to a hookah bar, but I figured a typical one would not be decorated like this.
A Look at the Menu
Katie: There are many appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and a kid's menu to enjoy. They even offer various dessert choices of cookies, cheesecake or muffins. The hookah menu lets you make your own combo with various fruits and flavors to choose from. They also offer their most popular combos with a choice of a refill. Diva-approved combinations are the Britney Spears (Peach and Melon) and the Paris Hilton (Melon and Strawberry).
Amanda: The menu of Friends Café features a variety of teas, coffees, salads, sandwiches, burgers, kabobs and Mediterranean food. Currently, no alcohol is being served. Friends Café also offers a children's menu. In addition to food and drinks, there is a hookah menu. Different flavors of hookah can be smoked alone or mixed to create combos. Tobacco-free herbal molasses flavors are also available.
The Taste Test
Katie: I ordered the chicken sandwich, and it was delicious! It was perfectly seasoned and not too heavy. I got a side of Mustokhiar (plain yogurt mixed with diced cucumber and mint) and that was a great side, (try dipping pita into it). Amanda got the side of hummus with pita. I tried the hummus and pita, and that was a fantastic side as well.
Amanda: One thing that I got excited about at Friends Café was that they serve hummus. I absolutely love hummus with pita and had to get it with my meal. I ordered a blackened chicken sandwich and substituted the chips with a side order of hummus. The sandwich was the perfect size for a light lunch and the side of hummus was just enough to share with my fellow Dining Diva. Katie ordered a side of Mustokhiar, which she insisted I dip a piece of the pita bread in. I tried it as a dip, but I preferred the hummus better.
Impressions
Katie: I am really excited for Friend's Café. It has a fun, hip atmosphere with great food. The hookah bar is a great addition to downtown Clemson and provides another social opportunity for those 18 and older to enjoy. I think I'll head back and try one of the hookah combinations.
Amanda: I loved the atmosphere of Friends Café, it felt very chic. I loved the "VIP" corner. I still cannot believe there is a hookah bar in Clemson. Who knew? I will have to come back with friends and try it. Especially because of the Friends Café combos called the Britney Spears and the Paris Hilton. Smoking hookah is less harmful than cigarette smoking is, but still hazardous to your health. It should be done in moderation, and make sure to read the Friends Café warning about side effects listed on their hookah menu.
The Pre-Game
Katie: I was excited to hear that there was a new café in Clemson. I had driven past it a few times and noticed the snazzy red awnings and tables set up outside. I knew we had to visit.
Amanda: Katie and I were in the mood for a light lunch. She mentioned that a café had opened next to the high fashion store "Bella" called "Friends Café." I was excited to try a new place that was nearby on College Avenue but avoided downtown traffic.
The Scene
Katie: The outside is very inviting and fresh and encourages you to get a Seattle's Best coffee and enjoy the weather. Inside the café , it's very welcoming and has clean lines and a V.I.P. section with recliners and a flat screen television. One of our favorite divas, Marilyn Monroe, is recognized, and her picture is displayed on the walls. I didn't know this place was a hookah bar (no traces of the smell) until I saw the hookahs behind the register.
Amanda: Located next to "Bella" and across from "Eddie Spaghetti" is Friends Café. On the outside it looks like any typical café with outdoor seating available. I could not believe what it looked like inside. Immediately to your right is a corner that has a flat screen above a cream leather couch and two reclining leather chairs. Red, fluffy ropes accent the corner to make whomever sitting there feel "VIP." Booths sit against the sides while high tables are scattered throughout the middle. A few Marilyn Monroe pictures adorn the walls. When the cashier lady told me they are also a hookah café, this surprised me. The café's interior design follows a red and cream color theme, which gives it a nice modern clean look. I have never been to a hookah bar, but I figured a typical one would not be decorated like this.
A Look at the Menu
Katie: There are many appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and a kid's menu to enjoy. They even offer various dessert choices of cookies, cheesecake or muffins. The hookah menu lets you make your own combo with various fruits and flavors to choose from. They also offer their most popular combos with a choice of a refill. Diva-approved combinations are the Britney Spears (Peach and Melon) and the Paris Hilton (Melon and Strawberry).
Amanda: The menu of Friends Café features a variety of teas, coffees, salads, sandwiches, burgers, kabobs and Mediterranean food. Currently, no alcohol is being served. Friends Café also offers a children's menu. In addition to food and drinks, there is a hookah menu. Different flavors of hookah can be smoked alone or mixed to create combos. Tobacco-free herbal molasses flavors are also available.
The Taste Test
Katie: I ordered the chicken sandwich, and it was delicious! It was perfectly seasoned and not too heavy. I got a side of Mustokhiar (plain yogurt mixed with diced cucumber and mint) and that was a great side, (try dipping pita into it). Amanda got the side of hummus with pita. I tried the hummus and pita, and that was a fantastic side as well.
Amanda: One thing that I got excited about at Friends Café was that they serve hummus. I absolutely love hummus with pita and had to get it with my meal. I ordered a blackened chicken sandwich and substituted the chips with a side order of hummus. The sandwich was the perfect size for a light lunch and the side of hummus was just enough to share with my fellow Dining Diva. Katie ordered a side of Mustokhiar, which she insisted I dip a piece of the pita bread in. I tried it as a dip, but I preferred the hummus better.
Impressions
Katie: I am really excited for Friend's Café. It has a fun, hip atmosphere with great food. The hookah bar is a great addition to downtown Clemson and provides another social opportunity for those 18 and older to enjoy. I think I'll head back and try one of the hookah combinations.
Amanda: I loved the atmosphere of Friends Café, it felt very chic. I loved the "VIP" corner. I still cannot believe there is a hookah bar in Clemson. Who knew? I will have to come back with friends and try it. Especially because of the Friends Café combos called the Britney Spears and the Paris Hilton. Smoking hookah is less harmful than cigarette smoking is, but still hazardous to your health. It should be done in moderation, and make sure to read the Friends Café warning about side effects listed on their hookah menu.
Dining Duo Griffens + El Charro
Griffens
Pre-game
Nick: We wanted to get something downtown and wanted a place where we could get some drinks and watch some of the Wednesday night baseball game. Great outdoor patio and a cool night made Griffin's a solid choice.
Katie: I love the location of Griffin's and wanted to sit on its patio so I could people watch while Nick watched baseball. Besides the great layout, I heard they had different drink specials each night.
The Scene
Nick: Separated into an indoor and outdoor section with a very sports bar feel to it, the nice TVs make it so no seat misses any of the action, and plenty of drink specials for pitchers and wings make it a prime place to set up shop with a group while watching a game. On ladies' night they have a $2 "you call it," which is pretty great but it's only for the ladies so guys, we'll stick to the pitchers of Bud Light.
Katie: Long gone are the menu choices named after different athletes, with a revamped menu and the Griffin logo displayed on the doors and servers' shirts, this place is looking pretty snazzy. They do in fact have different specials each night but it isn't just limited to drinks; they have food specials ranging from tacos to pasta. As for my drink selection, I did the ladies' night "you call it" $2 cosmopolitan (which was delicious and smooth).
A Look at the Menu
Nick: Sandwiches, salads, appetizers, a very pub fare mentality. They have a couple lesser-known beers on tap; it's your classic bar food.
Katie: For the pub fare mentality they also had more salad selections and a wider range of appetizers, such as fried green tomatoes.
The Taste Test
Nick: I decided to go with a Magic Hat to quench my thirst, which was a nice change from Busch Light, and a Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich. The sandwich definitely left something to be desired - I expected a little more flavor out of it - and the fries just seemed a touch too bland seasoning wise. Katie's salad was made with all fresh ingredients, which is sometimes rare in bars.
Katie: I ordered a Santa Fe salad, a side of fried green tomatoes, and another drink (it was a long week). The Santa Fe salad had fresh ingredients and came with green peppers and sliced avocado. It was served with cilantro lime vinaigrette, which was a little too tangy for my preference. The fried green tomatoes had bleu cheese on them, which was a nice touch, and the dipping sauce was delicious. The second drink I ordered was a nuts and berries. The nuts and berries was not part of the $2 "you call it" but it was a delicious creamy drink, preferable for dessert.
Impressions
Nick: With the location and atmosphere, and of course the almighty drink special that seems to be a requirement for any downtown establishment, Griffin's is a good place to grab some wings and brews. The food, although not what I expected, is a few tweaks to being a must-go-to place. The TV placement is key because it separates Griffin's from the other sports bars downtown. You have a TV in clear vision pretty much anywhere you turn, and being a sports nut this is very helpful when your team is on.
Katie: Griffin's is solid choice, when you want to eat or get a drink downtown with a nice view and breeze. It is a sports bar, and the ample televisions provide great access to the games.
Pre-game
Nick: We wanted to get something downtown and wanted a place where we could get some drinks and watch some of the Wednesday night baseball game. Great outdoor patio and a cool night made Griffin's a solid choice.
Katie: I love the location of Griffin's and wanted to sit on its patio so I could people watch while Nick watched baseball. Besides the great layout, I heard they had different drink specials each night.
The Scene
Nick: Separated into an indoor and outdoor section with a very sports bar feel to it, the nice TVs make it so no seat misses any of the action, and plenty of drink specials for pitchers and wings make it a prime place to set up shop with a group while watching a game. On ladies' night they have a $2 "you call it," which is pretty great but it's only for the ladies so guys, we'll stick to the pitchers of Bud Light.
Katie: Long gone are the menu choices named after different athletes, with a revamped menu and the Griffin logo displayed on the doors and servers' shirts, this place is looking pretty snazzy. They do in fact have different specials each night but it isn't just limited to drinks; they have food specials ranging from tacos to pasta. As for my drink selection, I did the ladies' night "you call it" $2 cosmopolitan (which was delicious and smooth).
A Look at the Menu
Nick: Sandwiches, salads, appetizers, a very pub fare mentality. They have a couple lesser-known beers on tap; it's your classic bar food.
Katie: For the pub fare mentality they also had more salad selections and a wider range of appetizers, such as fried green tomatoes.
The Taste Test
Nick: I decided to go with a Magic Hat to quench my thirst, which was a nice change from Busch Light, and a Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich. The sandwich definitely left something to be desired - I expected a little more flavor out of it - and the fries just seemed a touch too bland seasoning wise. Katie's salad was made with all fresh ingredients, which is sometimes rare in bars.
Katie: I ordered a Santa Fe salad, a side of fried green tomatoes, and another drink (it was a long week). The Santa Fe salad had fresh ingredients and came with green peppers and sliced avocado. It was served with cilantro lime vinaigrette, which was a little too tangy for my preference. The fried green tomatoes had bleu cheese on them, which was a nice touch, and the dipping sauce was delicious. The second drink I ordered was a nuts and berries. The nuts and berries was not part of the $2 "you call it" but it was a delicious creamy drink, preferable for dessert.
Impressions
Nick: With the location and atmosphere, and of course the almighty drink special that seems to be a requirement for any downtown establishment, Griffin's is a good place to grab some wings and brews. The food, although not what I expected, is a few tweaks to being a must-go-to place. The TV placement is key because it separates Griffin's from the other sports bars downtown. You have a TV in clear vision pretty much anywhere you turn, and being a sports nut this is very helpful when your team is on.
Katie: Griffin's is solid choice, when you want to eat or get a drink downtown with a nice view and breeze. It is a sports bar, and the ample televisions provide great access to the games.
El Charro
Pre-game
Katie- With a great assortment of Mexican restaurants in the Clemson area, I was interested in seeing how the newest one, El Charro, would compare with the others.
Nick- El Charro was closer than all the other Mexican restaurants being right across from Bi-Lo, and they always have tiki torches going every night, so I figured we should give it a try.
The Scene
Katie- El Charro is vibrantly painted in an orange palette that allows for an upbeat, fun mood of the restaurant. There is an outdoor seating area and a separate bar area allowing options for seating preference. Nick and I arrived at lunch time and were promptly seated by the friendly staff. Lunch time is definitely more laid back than the advertised night scene which boasts drink specials on tequila shots, margaritas and beer.
Nick- They have a lot of colors going on for certain, but it truly ass a more authentic Mexican vibe to it. From the music to the décor, they have it down pretty well but still touch it off with a great HDTV in the bar. The patio will definitely be nice once it cools down a little bit more.
A Look at the Menu
Katie- Standard Mexican favorites such as fajitas, burritos and nachos as well as seafood, a separate lunch menu, house specials such as pollo fundido ( grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed onions and cheese dip, served with rice beans and a salad, very yummy) and the option to make your own combo with vegetarian options available.
Nick- Your standard combos of burritos, tacos, fajitas, rice and beans take no variation here; it's Mexican - you expect the normal items, and they do not let you down. But looking at the table tent I noticed something very intriguing. Thursday night one dollar tequila, yes that's right $1 per shot, as well as $1 drafts, and we all know the old saying "Tequila makes her clothes fall off."
The Taste Test
Katie- I ordered a taco salad, a margarita on the rocks and split cheese dip with Nick. The complimentary chips and salsa is definitely my favorite in Clemson. The cheese dip was served warm and was great mixed with the salsa. The taco salad was served in a tortilla bowl and consisted of chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and beans. The salad was not overwhelmed with sour cream and had plenty of beans in it. (I was also happy to see that it did not have a chicken bone in it, a concern I have when ordering taco salads, since I have found bones in other restaurant's taco salads in the past.) The margarita had the perfect proportions and was not overwhelmed with tequila or lacking salt. I'm not that much of a beer drinker, but I took a sip of Nick's Dos Equis Amber, and it was very smooth and refreshing.
Nick- Well I started with the biggest container of beer they had a 32 oz. of Dos Equis Amber which was $3.25, not at happy hour when it is only $2.75. The queso cheese was better then Monterrey's and Moe's. I opted to get the burrito and enchilada with rice. A bountiful feast is how I would describe the potion size. I even took some home, and at about 4 a.m. Thursday that enchilada was still delicious.
Impressions
Katie- El Charro has a vibrant personality and tasty, fresh Mexican food. The atmosphere is perfect for
a lunch catching up with friends or on an evening of margaritas on the patio. I will definitely be back again, to try out their daiquiris and house specials. P.S.They deliver too!
Nick-Nicer than the other choices you have in Clemson, reasonably priced but still a bit higher then the Monterrey's. Thursday night is definitely the time to go as a replacement for the typical downtown Clemson routine. Cheap drinks and reasonable prices on large portions of food make it a good place to take a date, or you can just rely on the cheap beer and shots to find a date.
Katie- With a great assortment of Mexican restaurants in the Clemson area, I was interested in seeing how the newest one, El Charro, would compare with the others.
Nick- El Charro was closer than all the other Mexican restaurants being right across from Bi-Lo, and they always have tiki torches going every night, so I figured we should give it a try.
The Scene
Katie- El Charro is vibrantly painted in an orange palette that allows for an upbeat, fun mood of the restaurant. There is an outdoor seating area and a separate bar area allowing options for seating preference. Nick and I arrived at lunch time and were promptly seated by the friendly staff. Lunch time is definitely more laid back than the advertised night scene which boasts drink specials on tequila shots, margaritas and beer.
Nick- They have a lot of colors going on for certain, but it truly ass a more authentic Mexican vibe to it. From the music to the décor, they have it down pretty well but still touch it off with a great HDTV in the bar. The patio will definitely be nice once it cools down a little bit more.
A Look at the Menu
Katie- Standard Mexican favorites such as fajitas, burritos and nachos as well as seafood, a separate lunch menu, house specials such as pollo fundido ( grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed onions and cheese dip, served with rice beans and a salad, very yummy) and the option to make your own combo with vegetarian options available.
Nick- Your standard combos of burritos, tacos, fajitas, rice and beans take no variation here; it's Mexican - you expect the normal items, and they do not let you down. But looking at the table tent I noticed something very intriguing. Thursday night one dollar tequila, yes that's right $1 per shot, as well as $1 drafts, and we all know the old saying "Tequila makes her clothes fall off."
The Taste Test
Katie- I ordered a taco salad, a margarita on the rocks and split cheese dip with Nick. The complimentary chips and salsa is definitely my favorite in Clemson. The cheese dip was served warm and was great mixed with the salsa. The taco salad was served in a tortilla bowl and consisted of chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and beans. The salad was not overwhelmed with sour cream and had plenty of beans in it. (I was also happy to see that it did not have a chicken bone in it, a concern I have when ordering taco salads, since I have found bones in other restaurant's taco salads in the past.) The margarita had the perfect proportions and was not overwhelmed with tequila or lacking salt. I'm not that much of a beer drinker, but I took a sip of Nick's Dos Equis Amber, and it was very smooth and refreshing.
Nick- Well I started with the biggest container of beer they had a 32 oz. of Dos Equis Amber which was $3.25, not at happy hour when it is only $2.75. The queso cheese was better then Monterrey's and Moe's. I opted to get the burrito and enchilada with rice. A bountiful feast is how I would describe the potion size. I even took some home, and at about 4 a.m. Thursday that enchilada was still delicious.
Impressions
Katie- El Charro has a vibrant personality and tasty, fresh Mexican food. The atmosphere is perfect for
a lunch catching up with friends or on an evening of margaritas on the patio. I will definitely be back again, to try out their daiquiris and house specials. P.S.They deliver too!
Nick-Nicer than the other choices you have in Clemson, reasonably priced but still a bit higher then the Monterrey's. Thursday night is definitely the time to go as a replacement for the typical downtown Clemson routine. Cheap drinks and reasonable prices on large portions of food make it a good place to take a date, or you can just rely on the cheap beer and shots to find a date.
Dining Duo- Jittery Joes + Brioso
Looking at The Tiger ( Clemson U's newspaper) I found a bunch of the old Dining Duo and Dining Divas articles. Aw memories. . . So here they are!
The Dining Duo
Jittery Joe's Coffee
Katie is from the suburbs of Washington, D.C, and on her victory lap as a senior. After former Diva Amanda graduated Clemson (and is now a graduate student at Georgia State), she decided on recruiting Nick to bring a male perspective and some red meat to the column. Nick is originally from Maine and has grown up with family in the restaurant business.
Pre-game
Katie- What is a college town without its fair share of coffee shops? Lucky for Clemson students we have both corporate and local coffee shops. I have only been to Jittery Joes by use their drive-thru. I was excited when Nick was groggy and needed coffee so we decided that a coffee shop would be our first endeavor for the semester.
Nick- I was really dragging from my long day of classes, so what better way to get a jolt of energy for studying then some coffee. So KS and I went to Jittery Joe's, is a coffee shop located right near Crawford Falls. It's a short drive from on or off campus, making it a perfect refueling station on the way to class or place to take a study date too.
The Scene
Katie- The inside of Jittery Joe's is very spacious and inviting, decorated in earth tones allowing for the perfect setting for studying, catching up with friends or group meetings (they have an upstairs you can rent out, which is a lot more exciting than a crowded library cubby).
Other bonuses are merchandise, take-home coffee, gift cards and frequent coffee cards (down 10 drinks and the next is on them).
Nick- The open-air atmosphere really makes it a place for meeting people: there was a group studying at a table, and a few people studying in the large room upstairs. The decor is not overbearing but still adds a nice touch. The layout of the tables makes it easy for a longer line to get to the counter without interrupting the busy students nearby.
A Look at the Menu
Katie- Newly added is the sandwich menu where you choose your meat, cheese and bread, and there are specialty sandwiches such as the rueben, chicken salad on a croissant and the Jittery Joes Club (ham, turkey and bacon).
Besides sandwiches, breakfast is offered with choices of biscuits, bagels, muffins, cereal, danishes and an assortment of baked goods, including a heavenly chocolate cupcake with cream cheese frosting.
The coffee ranges from your basic decaf and iced to espressos, mochas, hot stuff and cold treats.
Nick- Obviously they have a wide variety of coffee, and coffee drinks. I was especially surprised with their new sandwich selection, offering a bunch of different breads and meats, this is definitely a nice change of pace in place of your standard muffin, pastry, scone montage found at every other coffee shop. The crackkacino is a cup of coffee with 4 shots of espresso, this of course is not for the faint of heart; but for the last minute, all-night studier (like myself), this is liquid gold. There is also a large selection of frozen drinks which the lady folk seem to enjoy, but I'm more of a straight coffee man myself.
The Taste Test
Katie- In the past, I have stuck by my tried-and-true vanilla chai Frosty Joe. Their frozen chai is delicious and mixed well, which is a rarity for those who enjoy frozen chai lattes.
This time I tried a "lady folk" drink, the Ying Yang Mocha. I had mine iced, and it is a latte with dark and white chocolate that was refreshing and not overly sweet.
Nick- I decided to tone it down from the Crackkacino and opted for the Shot in the Dark, which comes with 2 shots of espresso. The coffee is top-notch, on a level with that of a Starbucks but at a much more student-friendly price. Even though it was close to 10 at night the coffee was still fresh, which if you've ever had old coffee, it's terrible. I would personally recommend the Shot in the Dark to anyone looking for a good burst of energy.
Impressions
Katie- Jittery Joes is my recommended coffee place due to its drive-thru, upbeat atmosphere and great drinks.
Nick- Out of all the coffee shops in Clemson, Jittery Joe's has to be my personal favorite. The quality and variety of their menu is as good as any, but where they really take the lead is their prices. For any cost-conscience student, this is the place to go for a good cup of Joe.
Pre-game
Katie- What is a college town without its fair share of coffee shops? Lucky for Clemson students we have both corporate and local coffee shops. I have only been to Jittery Joes by use their drive-thru. I was excited when Nick was groggy and needed coffee so we decided that a coffee shop would be our first endeavor for the semester.
Nick- I was really dragging from my long day of classes, so what better way to get a jolt of energy for studying then some coffee. So KS and I went to Jittery Joe's, is a coffee shop located right near Crawford Falls. It's a short drive from on or off campus, making it a perfect refueling station on the way to class or place to take a study date too.
The Scene
Katie- The inside of Jittery Joe's is very spacious and inviting, decorated in earth tones allowing for the perfect setting for studying, catching up with friends or group meetings (they have an upstairs you can rent out, which is a lot more exciting than a crowded library cubby).
Other bonuses are merchandise, take-home coffee, gift cards and frequent coffee cards (down 10 drinks and the next is on them).
Nick- The open-air atmosphere really makes it a place for meeting people: there was a group studying at a table, and a few people studying in the large room upstairs. The decor is not overbearing but still adds a nice touch. The layout of the tables makes it easy for a longer line to get to the counter without interrupting the busy students nearby.
A Look at the Menu
Katie- Newly added is the sandwich menu where you choose your meat, cheese and bread, and there are specialty sandwiches such as the rueben, chicken salad on a croissant and the Jittery Joes Club (ham, turkey and bacon).
Besides sandwiches, breakfast is offered with choices of biscuits, bagels, muffins, cereal, danishes and an assortment of baked goods, including a heavenly chocolate cupcake with cream cheese frosting.
The coffee ranges from your basic decaf and iced to espressos, mochas, hot stuff and cold treats.
Nick- Obviously they have a wide variety of coffee, and coffee drinks. I was especially surprised with their new sandwich selection, offering a bunch of different breads and meats, this is definitely a nice change of pace in place of your standard muffin, pastry, scone montage found at every other coffee shop. The crackkacino is a cup of coffee with 4 shots of espresso, this of course is not for the faint of heart; but for the last minute, all-night studier (like myself), this is liquid gold. There is also a large selection of frozen drinks which the lady folk seem to enjoy, but I'm more of a straight coffee man myself.
The Taste Test
Katie- In the past, I have stuck by my tried-and-true vanilla chai Frosty Joe. Their frozen chai is delicious and mixed well, which is a rarity for those who enjoy frozen chai lattes.
This time I tried a "lady folk" drink, the Ying Yang Mocha. I had mine iced, and it is a latte with dark and white chocolate that was refreshing and not overly sweet.
Nick- I decided to tone it down from the Crackkacino and opted for the Shot in the Dark, which comes with 2 shots of espresso. The coffee is top-notch, on a level with that of a Starbucks but at a much more student-friendly price. Even though it was close to 10 at night the coffee was still fresh, which if you've ever had old coffee, it's terrible. I would personally recommend the Shot in the Dark to anyone looking for a good burst of energy.
Impressions
Katie- Jittery Joes is my recommended coffee place due to its drive-thru, upbeat atmosphere and great drinks.
Nick- Out of all the coffee shops in Clemson, Jittery Joe's has to be my personal favorite. The quality and variety of their menu is as good as any, but where they really take the lead is their prices. For any cost-conscience student, this is the place to go for a good cup of Joe.
Brioso Fresh Pasta
Pre-game
Nick: So a new place in downtown Clemson, amongst the endless supply of sandwich shops, there had to be different to find here. Luckily, Brioso came to town; it has a great pasta menu with equally impressive prices. So as soon as they opened, we had to give it a try.
Katie: With the past weeks of construction, I was eager to see what was going to be new downtown. After going downtown at night and seeing the beginning stages of the restaurant, I was eager to see the finished product.
The Scene
Nick: This place is in Clemson, S.C.??? When you walk in, you place your order and they hand you a pepper grinder. At first I was wondering, okay, how are they going to figure out where we sat? Every pepper grinder is different, so all the servers have to do is find where it is. The atmosphere is that of a city Italian restaurant, and no, I'm not talking about the Olive Garden in Anderson. The high ceilings and close tables create a nice noise level without having to yell across the table to get some more bread. The open kitchen allows you to see what's going on, which is a nice change.
Katie: Beautiful interior with artwork and an impressive-looking bar. We sat at a table in the back near the giant cappuccino machine. From our table we got to watch the hubbub of waiters and diners and felt as if we were in a city.
A Look at the Menu
Nick: Pasta, pasta, and more pasta, it is an endless mixing and matching. You pick your pasta; I went with the five-cheese ravioli. Then onto your sauces, I opted for the Sorrentina, which was a mix of chopped tomatoes, hunks of fresh mozzarella, and basil. Also, I opted for a Stella Artois as opposed to wine, because I'm a beer guy.
Katie: Besides pasta, there are appetizers, salads and paninis. They currently don't have everything on their menu, but there were still many options available. Oh and did I mention dessert? There are traditional Italian desserts as well as a full gelato bar.
The Taste Test
Nick: If I knew any Italian, I'd use some adjectives to describe the food. I do not know any Italian, and I assume most of you reading this do not either. So plain and simple, this place is a knock out. I've eaten pasta in the North End of Boston, in Little Italy in NYC, and this is right up there and for a fraction of the cost. This is officially my first must-eat place of downtown Clemson.
Katie: Il cibo italiani ed il vino era deliziosi (sorry Nick). I ordered the artichoke ravioli with the arrabiata sauce (spicy red sauce), and it was delicious! I also took a bite off Nick's plate of the very fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. The bread in the beginning was served with olive oil and had a hint of rosemary to it. Even though I'm more of a martini girl (I like my men how I like my drinks, strong), I tried the Red Truck red wine, and it was excellent. Then for dessert, I couldn't resist the gelato bar. Even though it's gotten pretty chilly out, I ordered the tiramisu gelato and was an instant fan.
Impressions
Nick: Great food always makes for a great time; the atmosphere makes it even better. Brioso is top notch food, with great employees, and a scene that is extremely refreshing. Get your friends together or ask that girl in class you've been too nervous to ask out, and go enjoy some fresh pasta.
Katie: I will definitely be going back! Come to Brioso and experience la dolce vita.
Nick: So a new place in downtown Clemson, amongst the endless supply of sandwich shops, there had to be different to find here. Luckily, Brioso came to town; it has a great pasta menu with equally impressive prices. So as soon as they opened, we had to give it a try.
Katie: With the past weeks of construction, I was eager to see what was going to be new downtown. After going downtown at night and seeing the beginning stages of the restaurant, I was eager to see the finished product.
The Scene
Nick: This place is in Clemson, S.C.??? When you walk in, you place your order and they hand you a pepper grinder. At first I was wondering, okay, how are they going to figure out where we sat? Every pepper grinder is different, so all the servers have to do is find where it is. The atmosphere is that of a city Italian restaurant, and no, I'm not talking about the Olive Garden in Anderson. The high ceilings and close tables create a nice noise level without having to yell across the table to get some more bread. The open kitchen allows you to see what's going on, which is a nice change.
Katie: Beautiful interior with artwork and an impressive-looking bar. We sat at a table in the back near the giant cappuccino machine. From our table we got to watch the hubbub of waiters and diners and felt as if we were in a city.
A Look at the Menu
Nick: Pasta, pasta, and more pasta, it is an endless mixing and matching. You pick your pasta; I went with the five-cheese ravioli. Then onto your sauces, I opted for the Sorrentina, which was a mix of chopped tomatoes, hunks of fresh mozzarella, and basil. Also, I opted for a Stella Artois as opposed to wine, because I'm a beer guy.
Katie: Besides pasta, there are appetizers, salads and paninis. They currently don't have everything on their menu, but there were still many options available. Oh and did I mention dessert? There are traditional Italian desserts as well as a full gelato bar.
The Taste Test
Nick: If I knew any Italian, I'd use some adjectives to describe the food. I do not know any Italian, and I assume most of you reading this do not either. So plain and simple, this place is a knock out. I've eaten pasta in the North End of Boston, in Little Italy in NYC, and this is right up there and for a fraction of the cost. This is officially my first must-eat place of downtown Clemson.
Katie: Il cibo italiani ed il vino era deliziosi (sorry Nick). I ordered the artichoke ravioli with the arrabiata sauce (spicy red sauce), and it was delicious! I also took a bite off Nick's plate of the very fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. The bread in the beginning was served with olive oil and had a hint of rosemary to it. Even though I'm more of a martini girl (I like my men how I like my drinks, strong), I tried the Red Truck red wine, and it was excellent. Then for dessert, I couldn't resist the gelato bar. Even though it's gotten pretty chilly out, I ordered the tiramisu gelato and was an instant fan.
Impressions
Nick: Great food always makes for a great time; the atmosphere makes it even better. Brioso is top notch food, with great employees, and a scene that is extremely refreshing. Get your friends together or ask that girl in class you've been too nervous to ask out, and go enjoy some fresh pasta.
Katie: I will definitely be going back! Come to Brioso and experience la dolce vita.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Testudo, Tigers and Hoyas. . . oh my!
How to incorporate your Alma Mater in your wedding .
This is my latest article for District Bride Guide . http://districtbrideguide.com/testudo-tigers-and-hoyas-oh-my
Weddings give you an opportunity to showcase your personality; whether it’s a love for nature with an outdoor venue or by celebrating your heritage by having a bagpiper perform. If you met your sweetheart in college or you are a huge sport fan, why not include your university in your wedding. Here are a few ideas on how to do so.
▪ Venue- Many college campuses have venues available. Research the university about any eligibility requirements about renting the venue. University of Maryland’s Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center has many different options for rental and has flexibility http://www.riggs.umd.edu/weddings.html . Georgetown University has three chapels to choose from if you are planning on having a Catholic wedding and you are a GU degree student, graduate, faculty, staff or a child of a faculty or staff member http://campusministry.georgetown.edu/programs/Weddings/.
▪ Mascot – Check with your school’s athletic / alumni association or search Mascot Request to see if you can make a donation to have your favorite mascot visit your wedding. George Washington University gives you the option of having George, Big George or Hippo to come to your wedding http://spirit.gwu.edu/AboutUs/Mascots/MascotAppearance. University of Maryland’s feared turtle Testudo, would love to crash your wedding http://www.umterps.com/marketing/md-marketing-mascot.html.
▪ Grooms cake / Cake topper - The grooms cake is a traditional southern fixture which has gained in popularity. The Grooms cake is playful and reflects the groom’s interests. A grooms cake to celebrate your college can be made with a picture of a stadium, school symbol or of the mascot.
▪ Song- Have the Dj play your Alma Mater’s fight song. I did this at my wedding and it was a lot of fun! My sister in law, a graduate from University of Delaware, and her sorority sisters linked arms and sang their sorority’s song at her wedding, which made for great pictures.
▪ Garter- Of course there are so many accessories you can get and decorate with your school but the garter is the cheekiest of them all! You can go to http://www.collegefootballstore.com/search/garter to see if they have your school available.
Here is one of my best friends and beautiful bride Liz getting some help from her wonderful Maid of Honor (yours truly) with her Clemson garter. I also had on a Clemson garter along with a pink toss for my wedding.
▪ Colors- From attire to flowers and everything in between choose your University’s colors.
My dear friend LeAnne had Clemson’s orange and purple in her flowers as well as her bridesmaid dresses. There’s me, second from the right on the bottom rocking the orange.
▪Pennant/ Flag- Make sure your photographer gets a picture with any fellow students or alumni while holding the appropriate flag or Pennant. This is also great to do for grade school and high school friends.
Perhaps it’s all this great college football and the fond memories of college life that inspired this article. Either way, go out and plan your wedding to reflect your great memories and loves. If you have incorporated your alma mater into your wedding, let me know!
Happy Sunday!
Katie
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