The essence of souThern socieTy SOUTHERN · PDF file24 SOUTHERN TATLER • AUG / Sept 2011...

The essence of souThern socieTy

Auburn-Opelika

From Grad to Gourmet {David Bancroft} Executive Chef, Amersterdam Cafe

New in TownCheck out the New hotspots!

Free Your Fear of Heights...

SkYdive!

end Your Summer with a Get-Away to

deSTiN, FL

August/September 2011

www.southerntatler.com

SOUTHERN

T A T L E R

2 SOUTHERN TATLER • AUG / Sept 2011 3SOUTHERN TATLER • AUG / Sept 2011


From Grad to Gourmet

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Day Sports

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New In Town

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features

contentsLetter from the PubLisher...

i was once told “local society is the same as family,“ the mentality and definition are one in the same. We all breathe the same air, go to the same stores, drive the same roads, and share the same experiences. We are all connected in one way or another, whether we are consciously aware or not. the link between ourselves and others isn’t always as strong as we hope. however, there are techniques and materials we can use to enhance our connections be-tween one another. the creation of southern tatler is the enhancement of our interpersonal connections.

i have resided in Auburn, AL since 2006, and i love it. “War eagle!” i have been blessed with the ability to travel around the world, and i have lived in hong Kong, New York, and London. using the knowledge i have gained from my experiences and exposure to a variety of cultures, i will provide direction for southern tatler in our efforts. southern tatler magazine will be the first magazine in the Auburn/opelika area attempting to satisfy all tastes and curiosities. it will be a local magazine, a magazine with one goal and one mission.

it is the focus of our magazine, southern tatler, to cap-ture the uniqueness and individuality that makes the east Alabama area one of the best places to call home. We intend to show this through displaying the unique culture of the area through the eyes of its local citizens and businesses. We would like this magazine to serve not only as a guide to those visiting or new to the area, but also as a source of local information for those who are already a part of the Auburn-opelika area. there are many special pieces to this slice of southern lifestyle that is the Auburn-opelika area, and we intend to provide a place where it can all be gathered and experienced for all those who wish to enjoy!

this issue’s main feature article will be “from Grad to Gourmet”, featuring David bancroft, the executive chef at Amsterdam Cafe. Also included in the August/septem-ber issue are a few ideas for your Labor Day Weekend escapes, discussions with a few prominent figures in town, and much more.

matthew tse, Publisher

SOUTHERN TATLER

PublisherMatthew Tse

Executive ConsultantKevin McCarley

Conceptual DirectorAnna Grey Byrd

Editor-In-ChiefJoseph Thornton

Graphic DesignerAlyssa Frank

PhotographyAnna Grey Byrd

McCarley


Societyinsert title here

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Healthy Livinginsert title here

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Styleinsert title here

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Facesinsert title here

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Travelinsert title here

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Weddinginsert title here

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Homesinsert title here

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Dininginsert title here

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Sportsinsert title here

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Parentinginsert title here

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Calendarinsert title here

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Conciergeinsert title here

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life

contents


Society


Society/ads


healthy living


Style/ads


text that matthew wants to go here!!!!!!!!

By Joseph Thornton

KevinmccarleyKevin

mccarley


obody likes to remain stuck at one place, people like to have the ability to move around, travel and communicate with one another both verbally and physically. without having an automobile, these dreams or hopes can simply be considered as just a dream. many americans have the luxury or having an automobile, however there are still many people out there whom can’t afford a car. having a car will increase multiple of expense in one’s finance, from car payments, insurance, maintenance and gas. These things can add up quickly.

n In Lee County, a town’s economy driven by college stu-dents containing students from both home and abroad. There are those students who can’t afford a vehicle, and there are those students whom see having a vehicle will only create additional burden to their personal finance, as they will only reside in auburn for four years. In a college town, the demand for transportation is staggeringly high. It is based on this sole reason, tiger taxi was formed to facilitate resi-dents, students and visitors traveling needs at a reasonable cost.

Kevin mcCarley, the current owner of tiger taxi, graduated from auburn University holding degrees in environmental science and agronomy. he was born and raised in augusta georgia, home of the masters. During his time studying as an undergraduate at auburn University, he realized the DUI rate was high. as there was only one taxi co.mpany operating in opelika at the time. There were only two choices after a long night at the bar, either take a chance at drunk driving or pray a friend will come out to get you. so he put the pieces together and started a cab company. shortly after he graduated, mcCarley decided to take a loan from the bank and opened tiger taxi, currently the largest taxi fleet in Lee County.

Due to limited financial support, he worked eighty hour weeks just to ensure his dream of being both a successful businessmen and an entrepreneur could become a reality. when the phone number became available he purchased it. when tiger taxi opened in 2005, there were only three taxis. as time progressed additional units were added. as of now, tiger taxi has ten taxis operating in Lee County, which gradually increases as time progresses.

mcCarley is looking into other areas where he can further provide additional service to support and help the residents, visitors, and students in this town. In 2010, he started southern Comfort Limousines with a partner in auburn. southern Comfort Limousines is a serves the needs of the upper class and special events. southern Comfort Limousines currently two limos. since established, the company has stayed busy and the demand is increasing gradually.

mcCarley is an up-and-coming business tycoon aspiring for more opportunities to exapnd his empire. Look for those coming soon.

southern tatler sat down with Kevin mcCarley and asked him about his business ventures, and tips for new coming business owner.

- no man is an island. Pick your competent friends and use the hell out of them. I ran the name and phone number past 10 people before I settled on tiger taxi and 444-4444. They are the best and cheapest help you will ever find. share your ideas with them and listen to their feedback.

- Don’t gamble. Do your research and calculate the risks before you dive into a venture. I reseacrhed all aspects of the industry and projected costs before taking my first step.

- If you’re not growing, you’re dying. Build the business up as much as you can. If you hit a plateau, find a way to reinvent your business. There are always options out there, you just have to find them.

- Know your market. If it’s flooded with other similar


KONGHONG

hong Kong, a CIty sUrroUnDeD By verDant moUntaIns, Is a natUraL harBor of sCattereD IsLanDs. It’s a PLaCe that easILy rIvaLs other worLD renowneD Centers In Its ComBInatIon of UrBan IntensIty anD natUraL BeaUty. the CIty’s remarKaBLe sKyLIne Is ParaLLeLeD By stUnnIng atmo-sPheres; Its BUstLIng BUsIness Centers wIthIn easy reaCh of BeaChes, marInas, anD near-By hoLIDay DestInatIons. few worLD CLass metroPoLIses are sImULtaneoUsLy DefIneD By DIstInCt toPograPhy, strategIC PosItIonIng, UrBan soPhIstICatIon, anD an exCePtIonaLLy roBUst anD oPen eConomy.

a destination with multi culture clashes together with British control prior to 1997, and Chinese control afterward, making it one of the few rare places with multiple personalities. Due to such rare mix of control, hong Kong is one of the international jet-setting tourism hotspots for global travelers. It is the point of connection to the greater China area, making it “the gateway to China.”

It is a small island, with over 7 million inhabitants and growing daily, making it one of asia’s busiest cities. Due to its land size, sky scrapers are essential aspects to this city; a home to two of the world top ten tallest buildings, making hong Kong day and night views a phenomenal indulging sight for the eye.

having its own state of the art transportation system, automobiles are no longer a necessity, but a luxury good. It is cheaper to travel from one destination to another by public transportation than by private vehicle. hong Kong’s public transportation system is one of the world’s safest, most affordable, and frequented transport system. The choices offered vary from taxi, ferry, rail, bus, tram, and subway system, making it hassle free to travel anywhere in the city, whether it is 7am or 7 pm. The city is constantly awake, and adjusting to your need.

SHOPPINGa shopping paradise for all ages and genders. every brand name

clothes a person can ever dream of ranging from gaP to Prada can be found in this shopping paradise. There are more brand name stores located in hong Kong than anywhere in the world. It’s this fact, which led Louis vuitton to create its largest boutique outside of it’s headquarters in Paris in Canton road, hong Kong. It has four levels measuring at 1749 square meters which is equivalent to 18,826 square feet. It’s like an amusement park.If you go practically anywhere in the greater region of hong Kong you’ll discover that it is a shopping dream come true with products ranging from kitsch to glitz to sports to nightwear all available and at advantageous prices. several huge shopping malls cater to the needs of visitors and locals alike with bargains in every area. with that much competition if prices don’t suit you then simply decamp and check out the next mall - it’s a buyers’ market and what isn’t for sale here isn’t worth having.

The greatest thing about it all is that with good local transportation all those yummy bargains are within easy reach.

whether its fashion or electronics from cell phone to home theater, hong Kong will always be among the first few countries to get it. as it have to support its reputation as the shopper’s paradise in the world.

Admiraltyadmiralty is famous for its brand-name luxury goods stores and

malls. Pacific Place, one of hong Kong’s most popular malls (and largest), is the ideal place to go in this area for a luxury shopping experience and a glimpse into hong Kong’s finery. you’ll find perfect gift ideas within its 140-plus outlets, including the Lane Crawford department store and any number of top designer label shops. Pacific Place and another shopping centre called Queensway is connected to the admiralty mtr station

Causeway BayCauseway Bay is perennially popular with tourists. from depart-

ment stores, to small boutiques and bargain stalls, everything can be found here in close proximity. of course, you will have to count on a whole day and limitless energy to plough through this shop-ping carnival. here, you will find many shops specializing in shoes, electrical appliances and fashion for young people. food and fashion predominate if you take a stroll through the many shopping malls,

including times square, world trade Centre, Lee garden two, The Lee gardens, Lee Theatre Plaza, fashion Island and Island Beverley. In square, in windsor house, is known for computer products.

Centralhong Kong’s Central district is the place to see towering sky-

scrapers and marbled shopping atriums with their vast, roman-like malls. The Landmark, The galleria, Prince’s Building, alexandra house and the IfC mall (featuring hong Kong’s tallest building) are the main shopping centres, with loads of designer shops selling exclusive brand names. This, to put it simple, is shopaholic heaven. stanley street is known for photograph equipment at advantageous rates. hollywood road is hong Kong’s antiques row, above the Cen-tral business district. further west towards sheung wan is a bustle of sidewalk hawkers where you can work on your bargaining skills. still in Central, Li yuen street east and Li yuen street west are known lo-cally as ‘the lanes’ and they’re a fascinating hotchpotch of stalls hawk-ing everything from factory reject clothing, watches and costume jewelery to rolling luggage and shoes. situated between Queen’s road Central and Des voeux road Central, the market is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Wan Chaiwan Chai may get sleazy at night but during the day and evening

it’s hard to beat as an upbeat shopping venue. spring garden Lane is an excellent destination to pick up clothes at very competitive prices. The market stalls sell products originally meant for export, mean-

“ A s i a ’ s W o r l d C i t y ”


ing both quality and prices are very competitive, making a win-win situation for shoppers. It also connects to local wet and dry markets, and so offers a multicultural experience in the heart of town. spring garden Lane is off Queen’s road east and runs to Johnston road. along Queen’s road east you can find a number of excellent rattan and Chinese furniture shops where you can arrange shipment home of purchases, no matter how large.

Stanley Marketstanley market is a veritable cornucopia of shops, stalls and

restaurants. It’s celebrated lanes are jam-packed with vendors selling paintings, handicrafts and even furniture, silk collectibles, curios and lots of souvenirs.

DININGhong Kong offers a wide range of food delights from around the

world. a city with the sophistication of satisfying taste buds of all age and nationality. a city with its own obsession of tradition and quality make it a one stop shop for satisfaction of taste bud desire. It’s a city with the ability to put on a fest like no other city ever seen before. from traditional Cantonese dim sun delight to exotic russian cuisine. It’s a city born to fulfill your deepest desires.

a few other places to check out are aqua, maxim Cityhall restau-rant, french headquarter four seasons and Lei yuen men.

NIGHTLIFEThe most well-known entertainment spots for foreigners and ex-

pats are two areas on hong Kong Island called wan Chai and Lan Kwai fong. situated just a short distance from hong Kong’s Central District, wan Chai is large and comprises different zones with the bars and entertainment venues on the few streets near the immigra-tion tower, the hong Kong exhibition Centre and Central Plaza.

The intersection of Lockhart road, Jaffe road and Luard road mark the epicenter of wan Chai’s nightlife, and here you’ll find everything from theme bars to bars with filipino live acts. This dis-trict has over three times the density of new york and a lot can go on, for better or for worse so visitors, especially if single, are counseled to exercise caution. all in all, nightlife in this part of hong Kong doesn’t reach its stride until midnight.

other entertainment spots to venture to are Dragon-I, Boca tapas and wine, Drop, gecko Lounge and wine Bar, Kee Club, stormies, halo and volar.

ATTRACTIONShong Kong Island is, for many people, the essence of what hong

Kong is all about. There are a few cultural attractions that you might want to try and there are certainly a lot of fun destinations for the family. It takes about two days to get through hong Kong Island’s attractions. a simply must-do is to visit victoria Peak; the highest point of the island (though not of hong Kong), where you’ll have a spectacular view and at night, it gets even better as the cityscape of Kowloon twinkles and tempts across the deep-water harbor.

The Peak Tower

hong Kong’s number one tourist draw erected on victoria Peak at 396 metres above sea level, The Peak tower is one of the most styl-ish architectural icons in hong Kong. with an avant-garde design, the spectacular tower has been featured in millions of photographs and postcards across the world. Inside The Peak tower, there is a dazzling array of restaurants, shops and an entertainment venue set against the backdrop of the city and the islands that dot the sea to the south. The Peak tower has a 360° viewing platform, The sky terrace offers panoramic night-or-day views of hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the new territories. This is a must-do in hong Kong.

Peak Tram Historical GalleryThe Peak tram historical gallery has more than 200 memora-

bilia exhibited. Divided into 15 theme sections, it shows hong Kong life of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Peak tram has served hong Kong since 1888 and many years have been spent in collecting mem-orabilia from all over the world and planning the gallery. The gallery features a replica of the first generation Peak tram carriage and the 1926 haulage room is recreated which was responsible for pulling the trams up and down the Peak for over 60 years.

Ocean ParkThe Park is located on the south end of hong Kong Island, in the

aberdeen District. The larger of two sections is on the headlands of mount nanlang. The smaller section is in the huang Zhu Keng val-ley lowlands with the tai shue wan entrance and the main entrance connected by cable-car. The theme park currently has over 14 rides and other attractions such as aquariums. Besides housing two roller coasters, ocean Park also features giant pandas, a jellyfish and Chi-nese sturgeon aquarium, as well as a four-story aquarium displaying more than 2,000 fish. The shark aquarium is an underwater viewing tunnel. In the aquarium, black tip reef sharks, pygmy swell sharks and other kinds of large fish glide smoothly overhead.

Man Mo Templehong Kong’s oldest and most important temple was built in 1840

and is named after its two principal deities: man, the god of literature, who is dressed in red and holds a calligraphy brush; and mo, the god of war, wearing a green robe and holding a sword. funnily enough, mo finds patronage from both the police force and triad secret so-cieties. two ornately carved sedan chairs in the temple were once used during festivals to carry the statues of the gods. There are giant incense coils hanging from the ceiling, purchased by temple-goers and these burn as long as three weeks.

Hong Kong Maritime Museumone of hong Kong’s most frequented sites, the museum shows

how China, asia and the west have contributed together through the ages to the development of boats, ships, maritime exploration and trade, as well as naval warfare. while concentrating on the south China coast and its adjacent seas, it also features global trends and provides an easy-to-grasp account of hong Kong’s growth and de-velopment as a major world port and trading post. The museum in-cludes semi-permanent and special exhibitions, dynamic displays, educational events and a museum shop.

Repulse BayThis crescent-shaped beach is one of the most beautiful in hong

Kong. situated in the southern part of hong Kong Island, repulse Bay is a great location to enjoy the beach’s natural beauty. not far from repulse Bay, Deep water, middle, and south Bays are all premium bathing beaches. with water temperatures mild all year round, these spots are extremely popular among those looking to escape the heat. obviously, swimming is popular and repulse Bay is fitted out for safety with shark prevention nets and floating platforms. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

There is no shortage of places to go, views to see and souvenirs to buy while visiting hong Kong. make the most of your trip if you decide to make hong Kong your next international destination.


“the LoveLIest vILLage on the PLaIns” Is weLL Know for Its stUnnIng LanD-sCaPes anD BeaUtIfUL sCenery, thUs It Is no sUrPrIse that goLf Is sUCh a hUge Part of what maKes aUBUrn anD Lee CoUnty a great PLaCe to LIve anD vIsIt. the great sUCCess of the roBert trent Jones goLf traIL has BroUght a Lot of attentIon from the eyes of the goLfIng worLD to Both the CIty of aUBUrn anD the state of aLaBama as a whoLe. goLf DIgest has ranKeD aLaBama as the thIrD Best state for goLf vaLUe, anD In 2005 wIth sIx natIonaLLy renowneD CoUrses, the aUBUrn metro area was ranKeD the nUmBer one CIty. wIth one hUnDreD anD forty-sIx hoLes sPreaD oUt over 49,914 yarDs of maJestIC greens, any goLfer woULD Love to CaLL the CIty of aUBUrn home.

Golf in Auburn

by Joseph Thornton

Fea t u r eST Moore’s Mill Golf ClubThe moore’s mill golf Club is a 72 par course spread out over

6,818 yards of this well-maintained course. Located about two miles from the heart of auburn and less than two hours from atlanta or Birmingham, this club consists of rolling fairways, multiple water hazards, and undulating greens. with its rolling hills and Bermuda greens, this Day-Blalock designed course is both a challenge and a beauty. In addition to the course, the clubhouse at moore’s mill golf Club also provides extensive practice facilities, swimming, tennis, and a full-service restaurant and bar.

Auburn Links at Mill Creekopened in 1992 and designed by ward northrup, auburn Links

was rated as one of the top three new, public courses in the country. The 18 holes at auburn Links spread over 7,145 yards with a par of 72. This championship layout offers Bermuda greens and fairways, a course rating of 72.5, and hosts an estimated 35,000 rounds played annually. In addition to the course, auburn Links also provides a putting green, sand and chipping areas, a full-time teaching pro, snack/beverage carts, and a full-service bar.

Indian Pines Golf CourseThe course at Indian Pines is 18 holes stretched over 6,213 yards

of Bermuda grass, bentgrass, and ryegrass. The front-nine holes were built in 1946 as part of the original saugahatchee Country Club course. The back-nine holes were built in 1951 by eddie Loos. The course rests in between auburn and opelika, to whom it was sold in 1976 by the saugahatchee Country Club. The course was rede-signed in 1999, and a new clubhouse was built in 2006, after a fire destroyed the original. Indian Pines has a course rating of 68.8 and boasts a slope rating of 119. The wide fairways and medium-length offer skilled golfers a chance to keep their scores low.

The Auburn University Club at Yarbrough Farms

as one of the two private courses in the auburn metro area, the aUC is home to a championship golf course. It is 18 holes, extending over 7,326 yards, with a par of 72 from the longest tees. surrounding yarbrough Lake and bordered by saugahatchee Creek, this Bill Ber-gin designed course boasts a 75.3 course rating. In addition to their outstanding clubhouse amenities, beautiful rolling slopes of Bermu-da grass, and outstanding practice facilities, the aUC also plays host to the University’s golf teams

Saugahatchee Country ClubThe saugahatchee Country Club is nestled in opelika, about

three miles from downtown auburn. It is a private, 18-hole course extending over 6,552 yards of Bermuda grass. saugahatchee, like many of the courses in auburn, was designed by ward northrup and has a course rating of 72.8. although deceptive with its wide fairways, this course is peppered with sand traps and water hazards and can provide a challenge to even the most experienced golfers. saugahatchee Country Club’s original location was purchased as a municipal course by auburn and opelika in 1976, and the new loca-tion opened in 1977. This private, member-owned club, surrounded by gorgeous landscape and residential communities, offers all of the

usual country club amenities with style.

Grand National Golf Course (The Lakes, Links, and Short Courses)

grand national on the robert trent Jones golf trail is home to thirty-six championship holes and an 18-hole short course. Located in opelika about seven miles from downtown auburn, this majestic complex is built around the shores of Lake saugahatchee. The Lakes Course, a 72 par, is 18 holes spread over 6,488 yards with the memo-rable island green on the fifteenth hole. The Links Course, also a 72 par, is 18 holes spread over 6,574 yards with one of the most difficult drives you will find on the eighteenth. The short Course, a 54 par comprised of “one-shotters”, stretches across 2,798 yards around the shores of Lake saugahatchee. grand national was ranked first as the top public golf course in 2009 by golf world, and both of the main courses consistently rank in america’s top fifty by golf Digest.

whether you are a resident of the auburn/opelika area or just visiting for a few days, a trip to any or all of our beautiful golf courses is necessary to get a glimpse of the full auburn experience. Both the most experienced players and the casual golfer can appreciate why the twin cities were named golf Digest’s number one golf city in the Us. ST


for me, the minutes before the jump can tense but that makes the free fall even more relaxing. I know no better way to relax then jumping out of a plane and flying solo.

If you are afraid of heights you have nothing to worry about. after about 2000 feet of climb it will all look the same. when you are in free fall you do not have the feeling of falling be-cause there is nothing to tell you how fast you are falling. Think about driving down the interstate and looking at an overpass two miles away. you’re going 100 mph towards the overpass but it does not seem to be get-ting any closer until you are right up on it. same thing in skydiving, the ground is far enough away that there is no ground rush.

The length of a dive de-pends on the type of skydive. a low altitude jump may have 5 to 20 seconds of free fall. full altitude may have 45 to 60 seconds of free fall. If I’m free fly-ing then there’s less free fall because the speeds are higher. flying on your belly is more time of free fall because the speeds are lower. The parachute flight depends on how you fly and the type of canopy. It can be anywhere from 60 seconds under canopy to five or six minutes for a normal jump.

If you are looking at skydiving as a one-time thing or something to check off your life’s to-do list, the go right for a tandem. I’d get video too. with a tandem jump you are strapped to a professional skydiver with two parachutes. There is nothing to worry about in this situation. If you know you want to be a skydiver right now then start student training.

my first jump was a tandem and I don’t remember being in the door, but I remember the rush and how I felt like I was floating during free fall. my first jump as a student I remember climbing out of the plane and getting the shake from my instructors telling me they were ready. I thought, “what the hell am I doing?” then I just took a deep breath and gave the exit count. I let go of plane and started the dive flow. what a rush! It was so much fun to fly my own body.

either is great. I started skydiv-ing by going tandem, thinking it was a one-time thing and loved it so much that I have made it a major part of my life. I’ve been jumping as

much as I can and have made a few hundred jumps. There is noth-ing better than flying your body through the sky with your friends. The canopy is a lot of fun to fly too. It only gets better and better. every weekend seems to be more fun than the one before. you will get into the sport for the rush, but stay because the people. I love this sport and I sincerely hope that you’ll become a full-time skydiver. ST

to the SKIESTA

KE

What does skydiving feel like? FREEDOM. For 45 to 60 seconds there is nothing but me, the air and my friends. Flying your body in the sky is the greatest feeling I have ever experienced. Flying and landing aparachute is a lot of fun to do too. I’d say it’s kinda like driving a race car and landing an airplane all at once.

by Ashley Wingard


Wedding

Wedding


from Grad to Gourmet


Homes


serves 4“15 Spice Rub”2 tbsp chili powder1 ½ tbsp kosher salt1 tbsp smoked paprika1 tbsp garlic powder½ tbsp onion powder½ tbsp ground cumin1 tsp ground cayenne1 tsp ground coriander1 tsp ground allspice1 tsp ground black pepper1 tsp ground ginger1 tsp dried oregano1 tsp dried thyme½ tsp ground clove½ tsp ground cinnamon

Combine all spices together in mixing bowl. Use amount directed and store the extra for later use.

Duck4 cleaned, skin on duck breasts1 tbsp canola or olive oil1 ½ tbsp “15 spice rub”

flip duck breasts over so that the skin side is facing upwards. with a pairing knife gently score the breast 4 times with each score ¾ of an inch apart going parallel in the same direction. Be careful not to cut too deep through the fat and puncture the breasts. repeat process again this time cutting across the first scores creating a grid pattern. heat a skillet or griddle to medium high heat and place each duck skin-side down to sear for 3 minutes or until the fat has rendered. remove duck from heat and allow to cool. reserve duck fat. In a bowl add four rendered breasts, canola oil, and spice rub. rub the spice mixture evenly over the duck breasts. heat reserved duck fat to high heat in a large cast iron skillet. Place each duck flesh side down to sear for 1 ½ minutes or until good crust forms. flip each breast over and sear skin for one minute. turn heat off and allow the breasts to rest skin-side down in the skillet for 2 more minutes then remove from skillet and rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Duck should be around medium-rare temperature. adjust cook times to reach desired temperature.

Risotto*3 cups finished basic risotto3 ounces “Belle Chevre” or other montrachet style goat cheese add 3 ounces of montrachet style goat cheese to 3 cups of finished risotto.*follow directions on arborio rice box to prepare basic risotto.for the french Beans:5 oz snipped french beans (4 portions)1 oz canola or olive oil.

Blanch and shock french beans. sautee the beans in a skillet with canola or olive oil on medium high heat for 1 minute. season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.

Ancho Chili-Honey1 ½ cups honey½ cup sugar5 chopped garlic cloves1 tsp salt1 ½ tsp black pepper1 cup water1 whole ancho chili (stemmed & seeded) or one tbsp ancho chili flakes3 tbsp sherry vinegar

Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Place contents in a sauce pot and bring to a simmer. allow to simmer until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the back of spoon. serve warm with the duck breasts.

Presentationslice each breast in ½ inch thick slices. Divide risotto into four

portions and place each portion on the center of each plate. fan duck halfway around risotto and place portioned beans opposite of each sliced duck. Drizzle duck with ancho chili-honey.

15 Spice Rubbed Duck Breasts

with Belle Chevre Risotto, Sautéed Haricot Verts, and Ancho-Chile HoneyExecutive Chef David BancroftAmsterdam Cafe, Auburn, AL

Makes about 50 cookies

Ingredients2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted2 large egg yolks, at room temperaturePinch of salt2 generous teaspoons tequilaGrated zest of 2 limesGrate zest of half an orange2 cups all-purpose flour

Coating:1/3 cup clear sanding sugar1/3 cup finely crushed Original Doritos

1. Put the butter in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle at-tachment and beat at medium speed until it is smooth. Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and beat again until the mixture is silky. Beat in 1 of the egg yolks, followed by the salt, tequila, grated lime and orange zest. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour, beating just until it barely disappears. Divide dough in half, wrap each piece of dough in plastic and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.2. Working on a smooth surface, form each piece of dough into a log that is about 1 to 1 1/4 inches thick. Re-wrap the logs in plastic and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. (3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parch-ment paper.4. Whisk the remaining egg yolk in a small bowl until it is smooth and liquid enough to use as a glaze. Mix the coarse sugar and chips well and spread the mixture out on a piece of wax paper. Remove the logs of dough from the refrigerator, unwrap them, and brush them lightly with a little egg yolk. Roll the logs in the sugar, using the plastic to press the sugar/salt mixture gently to get it to stick if necessary, then, using a sharp slender knife, slice each log into cookies about 1/4 inch . Place the cookies on the lined baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch space between them.5. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. Transfer the cookies to cooling racks to cool to room temperature.6. Packed airtight, the cookies will keep for about 5 days at room temperature.

Happy Hour Cookies

(adapted from Smitten Kitchen - Margarita Cookies)

Anna Beth WebberVerily Baked Goods, New York City

“Tastes like taking down the day with margaritas and a bowl of chips and salsa.”


dining


Labor Day Escapes

ThE “lAsT” WEEkEnD OF suMMER. A TIME FOR gRIllIng, FRIEnDs, FAMIly AnD sun. lAbOR DAy WEEkEnD OFFERs A ThREE-DAy WEEkEnD FOR ThOsE TO EnjOy bEFORE IT gETs cOlD AnD OuR lIvEs gET In ThE WAy OF Fun. All yOu nEED FOR ThIs EscApE Is FOOD, EnTERTAInMEnT

AnD A plAcE TO sTAy, WhEThER IT bE DEsTIn, FlORIDA, lAkE MARTIn OR lAkE lAnIER.

by joseph Thornton

Fea t u r e ST


LoCateD In oKaLoosa CoUnty, on fLorIDa’s emeraLD Coast, thIs LIttLe gem has BeCome a PoPULar BeaCh DestInatIon for Both stU-Dents anD famILIes. DestIn was orIgInaLLy anD IsLanD, BUt has graDUaLLy BeCome a PenInsU-La throUgh erosIon anD sea LeveL Changes over tIme. It was nameD after the fIsherman, CaPtaIn LeonarD DestIn In 1845, anD BeCame a mUnICIPaLIty In 1984. In aDDItIon to the whIte sanDy BeaChes anD emeraLD waters, DestIn offers a varIety of toUrIst attraCtIons, fIrst-CLass resorts anD rentaL ProPertIes, anD exCePtIonaL seafooD.

Destin has an assortment of restaurants from seafood to steaks, sushi, family-style, cost-saving, and five-star dining. Captain Dave’s on the gulf is a must-go anytime you visit Destin. first opening 1977, Captain Dave’s is the oldest seafood restaurant in Destin and a favorite among locals as well. Its original location was destroyed by hurricane opal in 1995, but was rebuilt immediately to continue serving both residents and visitors alike. for a romantic dinner with your spouse or partner, seagrill (formerly Destin Chops) will pro

vide one of the best fine dining experiences in the area. Located in the Destin yacht Club, executive chef Cody e. smith offers up prime steaks, exquisite seafood, creative sushi dishes, and thirst-quenching cocktails. having just renamed and reopened this spring, seagrill is boasting about there same great steaks and new innovative seafood dishes. aJ’s seafood and oyster Bar is another local favorite, located in the Destin harbor. offering fresh oysters, live entertainment, and affordable dockside dining, aJ’s is the place to go “where legends never die!” for a pleasurable outing that will keep the whole family happy, fudpuckers is the place to be. offering great food at an afford-able price, live music, entertainment for children, and cold tropical drinks for adults, fudpuckers offers a truly unique and fun atmo-sphere for guests of all ages. Just outside the restaurant doors is gator Beach, an open-aired pond that serves as home to over 100 alligators.

Destin isn’t just the hot sun, cool waves, and sandy beaches, this little city has plenty to offer. many of the local eateries double as night clubs, serving drinks all night after the kitchen has closed. aJ’s, fudpuckers, and harbor Docks are popular, not just for their cuisine, but also as trendy nighttime hangout spots. nightown is Destin’s most popular club for the twenty-one and up crowd, offering seven bars, luxurious vIP areas with bottle service, live DJ, and a hoppin’ dance floor. a few fun lively atmospheres for the more musically

Destin, FLDestin isn’t just the hot sun, cool waves, and sandy beaches,

this little city has plenty to offer.

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inclined include howl at the moon, dueling piano bar, and the funky Blues shack. since July of 1999, howl at the moon has been a “hand-Clapping, foot-stomping, edge-of-your-seat, full Production, Dueling Piano, rock & roll show.” Destin is also home to many kid and family friendly locations. Big Kahuna’s water and adventure Park, glass-bottom boat cruises, the gulfarium, and tons of great shopping, are just a few ideas to try on your vacation.

when visiting Destin, travelers have many options of places to stay. There are many beachfront rental homes up and down the strip and some more affordable rental properties just across the street from the beach. seaside is a nearby, relatively upscale com-munity that offers other options, and it was also the filming lo-cation of the 1988 movie “The truman show”. sandestin golf and Beach resort is one of the most popular resorts in the area offering rental properties and hotel lodging. sandestin also offers golf, tennis, spa treatments, and water sports, in addition to their phenomenal accommodations.

Destin RestaurantsLucky snapperaJ’s seafood & oyster BarCapt. Dave’s on the gulfCapt. Kidd’sseagrill/ formerly Destin Chopsfisherman’s wharf

flamingo Caféfudpucker’s Beachside Bar & grillharry t’s Boathousemarina CaféPompano Joe’sharbor Docks seafood marketDewey Destin seafoodThe Back PorchCafé Thirty-aBud & alley’s restaurantPoppy’s seafood factoryhammerhead’s Bar & grillseagar’s Prime steaks & seafoodThe Crab trapocean ClubLandry’s seafood housefishbarmcguire’s Irish Pub

Destin Nightlife & EntertainmentaJ’s seafood & oyster Barnightownfunky Blues shacksunquest Cruiseshowl at the moonThe swampharbor Dockselectric Cowboy

spread across tallapoosa, elmore, and Coosa Counties, Lake martin is one of the largest artificial lakes in the country and one of the most popular areas for recreation in east alabama. It has become a popular weekend getaway for residents of auburn, Birmingham, and montgomery, with its pristine waters and beautiful landscapes. formed by the martin Dam on the tallapoosa river in 1926, this 44,000 acre lake and its neighboring facilities offer swimming, wa-ter sports, boating, golf, camping, and luxurious waterfront homes to all of its residents and visitors. some of the most recognizable landmarks on the lake are acapulco rock and Chimney rock, where thousands of boaters come annually to watch swimmers climb sixty feet and jump into the water. however, a few jumpers have seriously injured on the rocks, so all should use extreme caution.

Lake martin oyster Bar is fun, casual atmosphere that offers fresh oysters and seafood straight from the gulf. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy great food, cold drinks, and live music after a long day on the lake. If you’re looking for a more elegant, sophisticated dining experience, the springhouse at Crossroads is your destination. The roaring fire places of the main dining room, the intimate setting of the well house private dining room, and the freshest ingredients from local farms, combine to provide an experience that would ap-peal to anyone. offering fresh and seasonal southern food by Chef mcDaniel, the springhouse restaurant prides itself on providing “a dining experience like no other on Lake martin.”

no trip to Lake martin is complete without first experiencing the incredible golf facilities it has to offer. nestled on the shores of Lake martin, the course at willow Point golf and Country Club is a par 72 with 18 holes stretching over 7,400 yards. willow Point was built in 1964 and redesigned in 2002, offering smooth bent grass greens and difficult water hazards on the back nine. In addition to boast-ing a course rating of 76.6, willow Point also hosts an impressive list of tournaments. The highlands Course at stillwaters resort opened in 1997 and has been named one of golf Digest’s best courses. De-signed by Kurt sandness, this par 72 course ranges over 6,906 yards of beautiful alabama scenery with over 200 feet of elevation. many golfers finish the day with a drink at the 19th hole Bar and grill to enjoy the surrounding wildlife.

Lake Martin Hotspots

Cecil’s Public house

five star Plantation

Big B BBQ

windjammer restaurant

Judy’s stagecoach Inn

springhouse at Crossroads

Lake martin oyster Bar

stillwaters resort

willow Point golf and Country Club

Chimney rock

acapulco rock

general’s Café

Jr’s sports Bar and grill

homeplate Café

John eagle’s grillin’ shack

sinclair’s

oskar’s Café

harbor Docks restaurant

Uncle nick’s smokehouse

Created in 1956 by the Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee riv-er, Lake Lanier is a man-made reservoir in northern georgia. This 38,000acre lake, named after poet sidney Lanier, was originally built to provide flood control and hydroelectricity, but it has become a pre-miere destination for alabama, florida, and georgia residents dur-ing the warmer seasons. Despite being clouded with litigation since the early 90’s over the rights to the clean water supply produced, Lake Lanier is home to several marinas, multiple camping and beach areas, a large water park, and over 7.5 million visitors annually.

Lake Lanier Hotspots

windows restaurant

skogies

Pelican Pete’s Bar and grill

fairways grille

Dockside grill (at aqualand and holiday marinas)

Bullfrogs Bar and grille

fish tales Lakeside grille

Big Creek tavern

Lake Lanier Islands resort

Lake Martin

Lake Lanier


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88 SOUTHERN TATLER • AUG / Sept 2011

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