Vacation drinks are not your normal drinks. They are mildly to wildly inappropriate. They are bottles of wine enjoyed at a late lunch, Malibu and soda sipped before a 10 am Zumba class, fruity drinks with umbrellas any time of day whatsoever. One of the sœurs at the beach had yet to indulge. Sunday, on the way out of town, the Shop Tart, her two sisters and the gentleman caller stopped at High Hammock for brunch. There was no one who needed babysitting and only one driver, the Shop Tart herself, who had indulged enough for one weekend. La sœur ordered a well-deserved Bloody Mary at the restaurant that stands where Louis’ used to be. High Hammock is a fab place for a vacation drink - in the spring or summer. Now we know it works in the winter, too. And the Shop Tart just bets fall would be fine.

The miso-steamed black mussels with cilantro, wilted scallions, house-pickled sweet peppers and Japanese spice were perfect as a side with the Bloody Mary.

The foursome ate in the bar, where the atmosphere is more “we love football” than “we just got back from church” on a Sunday morning. The church crowd seemed to be inside the restaurant, so take your pick. When the weather is warm, you should absolutely sit outside. Either way, please watch your language, as there are often children present. And if you have children, please watch your children, as the Shop Tart doesn’t like to be distracted by anyone’s but her own.

The Shop Tart had a fried green tomato BLT, a rare indulgence and so totally worth the carbs. The ratio of tomatoes to bacon to lettuce was perfect and the bread was lightly toasted and not too thick. She hates when the bread is cold or not toasted. The chipotle mayonnaise was a perfect condiment. This was a h*ll of a sandwich.

The other sœur had a crab and cheese frittata. If the Shop Tart remembers correctly, it was goat cheese. Whatever it was, it was delicious. She even ate the flower. Edible flowers are cool, no matter what you say.

The gentleman caller enjoyed the Maverick Reuben with house-made corned beef, Fontina cheese, sauerkraut, whole grain mustard and special sauce on toasted rye. He declared it to be “possibly the best Reuben I have ever eaten.” Or something like that. It did look pretty good. Or maybe he was charmed by the combination of football and brunch with three uproariously funny and smart women. Ahem.

After lunch, they parted ways, the ladies headed for Columbia, the gentleman back to Charleston. The Shop Tart had to rush home and cook bite-size ham biscuits. (From a secret recipe, bestowed on her by Suzi of El Burrito fame. She could tell you, but she’d have to feel guilty, because she promised.) She also roasted asparagus and leftover brussel sprouts and served them with Rosewood Market’s chipotle mayonnaise, found in their grab-and-go case and essential to any good hostess’ party menu. Sunday night, la famille Shop Tart - extended version - descended on her grandmother’s home to celebrate her eighty-ninth birthday. She looked lovely as always and a good, loud time was had by all.

The Shop Tart is mad excited about tonight’s SMCC meeting, to be held at Terra on State Street. Chef Mike Davis recently added some winter dishes to the menu. The Shop Tart is particularly intrigued by the beet carpaccio - roasted red and gold beets, celery root remoulade, pistachio with tangelo supremes. There are two new entrees: Louisiana crawfish étouffée and braised beef short ribs. She’s hoping Andy at the bar can whip up a Pink Squirrel martini for her. (And if he can’t, she bets he’ll suggest something even better, ’cause that guy knows his way around a cocktail.)

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

P.S. For those of you who were worried, the Shop Tart has located her beloved, well-worn Filofax. She found it in the lost and found at Target. Silly Shop Tart. She has apologized to the Filofax and promised it will never happen again. Reunited and it feel so good!

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