…reincarnated as a delicious lunch! The original meal included stuffed grape leaves with Feta, a delicious black-eyed pea salad, and hummus. The pita chips, Vermont white cheddar pimento cheese and roasted asparagus and broccolini made for the perfect lunch.

For the curious, yes, that is what appears to be the symbol for pi - π - above and in between the pimento cheese and pita crisps. The table belonged to Mr. Shop Tart’s family when he was young. No word on whether he or his brother carved that in there, or if it was even meant to be pi. They still aren’t talking.

Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!

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Ever so rarely, the Shop Tart gets to feel glamorous. Yesterday, she had the pleasure of styling the staff of the Nickelodeon Theatre at Revente for an upcoming (next Thursday!) story in The State about their Oscar Party. (Which you should attend. The Shop Tart is co-emceeing with Patti O’Furniture. And it is going to be a blast.) Tori and Heather started the process up the street at Pout, where Cille and Elizabeth did their makeup for the big shoot. Although the Shop Tart didn’t have her makeup done yesterday - she was the stylist, not the star - she has had the pleasure before. The ladies of Pout do a fabulous job, whether you need a dramatic look for evening, a toned-down look for your big moment on daytime television or the perfect glow for your wedding day. No matter what you look like when you arrive, they will give you the flawless complexion you’ve always wanted. (And they can save you in a skin emergency. For real.)

They used new MultiplEYE primer from Tarte to make the ladies’ lashes extra dramatic. And y’all do know how the Shop Tart feels about lashes.

After makeup, it was on to Revente. Tori and Heather tried on dress after Oscar-worthy dress, all priced at a fraction of the normal cost. (One dress - true story - still had store tags on it with the original price and Revente was offering it for 96 percent off. Yes, you read that right.) The Shop Tart doesn’t want to scoop The State, so you will have to wait until next Thursday’s weekend section to see the photos.

The shoot itself was a blast and Larry and Andy, the two male models, were great sports and great models. Gentleman’s Closet down the street provided some of the men’s clothing. Andy didn’t flinch when the Shop Tart added not one but two of these zipper-embellished flowers to his lapel comme boutonnière. They are rigged to be pinned onto clothing or clipped into hair. Fab!

Larry rocked a [deleted so you can sit on the edge of your seat for a week waiting on the story in The State.] As always, the Shop Tart was distracted by sparkly things at Revente. They had a fab white Whiting and Davis evening bag with a gold chain behind the counter and she hid it in the dressing room for herself. She is obsessed with Whiting and Davis and owns three of the classic chain mail bags, in black, gray and navy. But not white. *sniff*

And she was totally going to get the white one, perfect for spring and summer evenings. But then she saw this Blumarine blouse, in her size, for 90 percent off retail. It called to her. So did the bag. It was a painful choice, but shopping is all about painful choices, n’est-ce pas? A decision was required, because she already spent a fair chunk of change on her Cup dress this week and couldn’t stretch the budget much farther. (No, the Cup dress is not normal. Yes, she will share details later. Yes, you do need to hurry to LaRoque because she is only taking orders for Cup dresses through this weekend. Go!) She went for the blouse, but if anyone wants to get her the bag as a gift, she will be very happy.

When the shoot was over, the Shop Tart was back to reality, which turned out to be a really fun lunch with the aforementioned Nickelodeon staffers at Delaney’s. Much like the stars on the red carpet at the Oscars, everyone was starving when it was all over. Delaney’s - in case you didn’t know - offers lunch Monday through Friday, two-for-the-price-of-one, from 11 am until 2 pm, which means they are just about the best deal in town. The Shop Tart had Greek salad with salmon and it was delicious. The blackened salmon was nice and tender on the inside and the Greek dressing was just right.

Her companions enjoyed such divine delicacies as mashed potatoes with gravy, a portabella sandwich, fries, chicken tenders and a delicious-looking hot ham and cheese sandwich. So, you should go there, with a friend so you can take advantage of the great lunch deal. Anyone up for fish and chips at noon? The Shop Tart is available and so is her toddler. Just saying.

If you are looking for a more sophisticated, toddler-free meal this weekend, make a reservation at Terra (791-3443) for Saturday night and bring a bottle of wine you’ve been looking for an excuse to open. They are celebrating National Open that Bottle Night by waiving all corkage fees for the evening. Howard, a certified wine expert, will be happy to recommend the perfect meal to accompany your bottle. In his latest email, Howard shared that Chef Mike discovered a fantastic olive oil pound cake on his recent trip to New York. He has created his own, an olive oil and blood orange cake with blood orange mascarpone. Oh, yes. Speaking of that trip to New York, the dinner originally served at the James beard House will be recreated at Terra on March 10th. This one will sell out fast, so get your tickets soon. We hear the dinner in New York was outstanding.

Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!

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P.S. Cellar on Greene is hosting another fab, free wine tasting and sale tomorrow from noon until 2 pm. There will be tons of wine to taste and great prices on wine to buy. Sounds like a post-All Local Farmers’ Market plan!

P.P.S. Looking for something to do tomorrow night? The Shop Tart will be at Black Tie and Boating, a Voyage to the Cure, at the Medallion Center on Garners Ferry Road. Beginning at 6 pm, enjoy cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner, a fab live auction, Fund-A-Cure, a grand prize drawing and dancing to the Lundy Band. The auction has some seriously awesome goods, so get your tickets and come to the party!

One of these things is not like the others. Which one is it? The cut-up tights, the only thing not purchased - or purchased on behalf of - the Shop Tart this week. Yesterday, she finally had occasion to wear her sequin skeleton Rodarte for Target shift. (The occasion? Um. Nothing in particular. It seemed like it might go with her rain boots and it was raining.) So, she wore it with electric blue Spanx from Kicks, her boots, Alexis Bittar pyramid studs and various rings. She needed a long-sleeved black t-shirt to go underneath and, alas, all of hers were too bulky. Tout d’un coup, she remembered a way to make great layering t-shirts from old tights. Cut out the crotch (cut less than you think you need, because it stretches) and cut off the feet. Voilà! A stretchy little shirt that can be worn underneath just about anything. (When she took ballet classes, she used to wear one under strappy leotards as a sports bra of sorts.) Because she cut the hole for her neck too big, the sleeves slipped off her shoulders, but it looked kind of Flashdance-cool, so she left it. This is an excellent way to recycle tights that have holes in the toes or elastic that doesn’t spring back like it used to.

She wore said outfit to meet her mother at Gibson’s, where they were to choose invitations for a party they are throwing together. Gibson’s had loads of beautiful choices and the ladies had a great time perusing the options. In case you didn’t know, Gibson’s is the place to go for traditional invitations - engraved or printed. And although they have plenty of classics, they have more modern options, too. Also? They have probably the best selection of cocktail napkins in town. For real.

Alas, the Shop Tart wasn’t feeling any of the invitations she saw that day and her mother agreed to take a jaunt down the street to Jot, even though it was raining. (Her mother is a real sport. Or maybe she just felt threatened by her daughter’s tough-guy outfit.) One thing about living in a small town, when you are browsing custom invitations, you end up looking at a wall of past local events.

Occasionally, one wonders why one wasn’t invited to this or that. (The Shop Tart’s mother saw an address on her own street and started, until she realized she had attended that party.) The Shop Tart usually knows why she wasn’t invited - because the hostess fears she might arrive in a sequin skeleton dress, boots and a ripped up pair of tights as a shirt. The wall at Jot is fun to browse, even if you were N.F.I.

After some discussion to get an idea of the mother and daughter’s (wildly divergent) style, Jot owner Tara Felder left to start the design process. The Shop Tart resisted the urge to copy someone else and can’t wait to see what Tara comes up with for her party.

Meanwhile, the Shop Tart’s mother, who recently took up knitting, browsed In the Loop. (Jot and In the Loop share space on Devine Street, next to KD’s Treehouse.) Owner Lara was getting ready to teach some second grade Brownies to knit. Cute!

The Shop Tart’s mother decided to make her daughter a scarf - perhaps in hopes of covering the sequin skeleton on her chest - and let her pick out the yarn. The Shop Tart is verrah excited about the project. Gorgeous, n’est-ce pas?

The fries? Were you still wondering about those? Of course. After Monday evening’s art auction, the Shop Tart went to Garibaldi’s for a late-night snack with the ladies. (There was supposed to be a gentleman as well. He later claimed the parking situation concerned him. Or maybe he was afraid of having to fight five ladies for french fries.) The Shop Tart ordered a salad, as she hadn’t reached her vegetable quota for the day. Does it count as healthy if there’s a fried green tomato on it? Whatev. Delicious!

Fries were ordered for the table. The Shop Tart recommends requesting Garibaldi’s tomato remoulade to go with. When in doubt, simply ask the kitchen to send out whatever they like to dip their own fries in. You know what else is good with late-night fancy fries? A classic martini.

Looking for something to do tonight? Cellar on Greene is hosting a fab French wine tasting and sale. The tasting is from 5 to 7 pm, but French wines will be 30 percent off all night long and more French wine than ever will be offered by the glass. Comment dit-on “Hell yeah!” en français? Also? much like the kid in the picture, the truffle oil and Parmesan raw fries have stayed on the menu.

Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!

P.S. Check out the Pink Party’s banner at the top of this column. (You may have to re-load the page a few times, as it alternates with Carniball and Black Tie and Boating.) The Shop Tart is a sponsor and hopes you will join her on March 4th for the party!

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As previously mentioned, Alison Raffaele primer rocks. This week, you can sample it at Pout. If you like it - which you will - and decide to get a whole bottle, you will also receive a fab, free gift. Some free gifts are lame; they end up under the sink in the guest room bath, just in case a house guest needs rancid mango-papaya body, hair and hand wash. (Funny. They never do.) This gift, you will keep all to yourself. The burlap, maroon-lined makeup bag is just the right size for the gym or an overnight trip.

It was filled with more stuff you need, like Alison Raffaele blotting papers ($9). The Shop Tart loves these because they don’t contain powder, so she isn’t adding anything to her face, just removing sweat and oil. (Pretty!) Also, they fit in her wallet.

Also good for an evening out, this lip gloss ($19.50) has a hint of shimmer. It isn’t greasy, it plumps the lips just a bit and it tastes like cupcakes.

There was also a pretty koozie in Pout’s signature blue - you can always use one more of those, n’est-ce pas? - and a sample of Noodle and Boo’s Glowology Heavenly Honey Wash, also perfect to throw in your gym bag. If you are feeling generous, put it in the guest room bath.

Free gift aside, the real reason to buy Alison Raffaele primer at Pout this week is this: It will change your life. It comes in both Age Response and Acne Response formulas. (If you have combination skin, consider buying both, saving the Acne Response for your t-zone and using Age Response for the rest of your face and neck.) The mineral formulas have an SPF of 15 and they contain anti-oxidants. Sunscreen needs anti-oxidants to work. Primers really do keep your makeup from disappearing and they control shine. (Translation: You will look better in pictures, all night long.) For day, the Shop Tart recommends mixing a squirt of primer on your fingers with a dollop of foundation for sheer coverage with staying power.

By the way, for all you skincare junkies, Pout will soon be stocking Natura Bissé. The Shop Tart first learned of the brand when she saw it on one of her fabulous aunts’ bathroom counters. The aunt in question - and they are all fab, to an aunt - sported Jimmy Choos and rocked La Mer before they became legends. If that aunt was a fan, Natura Bissé is something special. Can’t wait to try it!

Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!

P.S. Pizza and Pinot at Terra, wine tastings at Cellar on Greene and Rosso, $2 martinis at Moe’s Grapevine, a wine dinner at MoMo’s…all happening tonight. And that’s not all. Check the calendar to see how awesome Columbia really is.

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The Shop Tart is no poet, but someone needs to address the deliciousness of labneh in a poetic way.

Ding dang delicious.

Labneh makes me d*mn happy.

I like to eat it.

Surely someone can do better? When she was pregnant with her now three-year-old, she craved the creamy yogurt cheese constantly and would go to Al Amir just to get it. (Occasionally they were sold out, which was very, very sad.) It actually isn’t hard to make. When la famille Shop Tart was young and broke, Mr. Shop Tart used to make it with yogurt purchased in bulk at the co-op, because it was cheaper and healthier than cream cheese. (Wonder what it would taste like if you made it with chocolate or fruit yogurt. Probably pretty awesome. Just saying.)

The other day, the Shop Tart agreed to meet a friend for lunch at Tabouli, which happens to be in Al Amir’s former location on Devine Street. (A little clarification here: Al Amir closed, but kept their Irmo location open. Saffron took over the Devine Street space. Saffron closed. Tabouli took its place. The Shop Tart did not care for Saffron; she loves Tabouli. Al Amir reopened downtown, this time near the university. Al Amir is also still open in Irmo. Tabouli, yes. Al Amir, yes. Saffron, no. Today’s post is about Tabouli. This August post is about Al Amir’s triumphant return downtown. Got it?) Anyhow…

The lunch in question was a couple days before Valentine’s Day. The Shop Tart thought her three-year-old would behave, more or less, during lunch. (Why do parents make the same mistakes over and over?) She picked him up from school where he had obtained a large bag of candy. As an aside, what kind of parent sends Fun Dip for three-year-olds? There are some parents that make the rest of us feel verrah smart. In the car on the way to Tabouli, the child consumed most of his candy, minus the Fun Dip, which his mother had wisely hidden in her bag. At the restaurant, he consumed the remains of his sugar- and chemical-laden bounty. At any given moment, he had several assorted pieces, unwrapped and displayed buffet-style in front of him. Do you see what’s coming?

The Shop Tart should have. He was climbing the walls, talking a mile a minute, tunneling under the table, making numerous trips to the bathroom for no particular reason, sharing all sorts of personal information about his parents and, in general, behaving the same way he always does. This time, his mother was able to blame it on the sugar. He calmed down - just a little - when his beloved chicken and fries arrived. Those fries, by the way, are excellent. They are potato wedges, sliced very thin and seasoned nicely. He was so cracked out on sugar, they were easy to steal. Normally, he is hyper-vigilant about his d*mn fries.

His behavior did not detract from the perfect joy of labneh. (Admittedly, it might have been more enjoyable at home, takeout style, with a glass of wine or three.) Labneh is best served with Tabouli’s brick oven bread, as it is in the photo below.

The Shop Tart would have ordered labneh and bread as her meal, but she ordered a salad before she knew labneh was on the menu. Good thing, because the Greek salad with tender grilled chicken was divine.

She had enjoyed that salad before, with lamb, and was shocked to realize just this morning that she forgot to share at the time, so here you are - the same salad with lamb and better light.

Speaking of light, while the front room at Tabouli is surrounded by windows and quite lovely, the dark, back room has a great feel to it, especially if you are hoping to hide away on your lunch hour. The bar is a lot of fun, too. In fact, Tabouli is the Shop Tart’s recommendation for the week; it’s the perfect place to get out of the rain.

Speaking of rain, spring is on the way. The Shop Tart stopped by VanJean the other day to check out a new shipment of Phillip Lim. She was already familiar with the collection, as she had seen it at the showroom in New York. (Yes, that was one of the most exciting days of her life. Thank you for asking.) This 3.1 Phillip Lim scalloped dress they received is so cute, it must be shared. You could wear it with strappy heels for evening or gold flats for a daytime tea or garden party. Love! (This picture is from the showroom. Presumably, it is okay to publish it now that the collection has arrived in stores. Yes, the Shop Tart is happily reliving the memory.)

Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!

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P.S. Today and tomorrow, book a pampered pedicure at Soak (803-787-0313) and get a basic manicure absolutely FREE. They still have appointments open, but call right away, because they will get booked. The pampered pedicure is a lovely experience!

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