Lunch yesterday was lovely. DiPrato’s porch is always relaxing. It’s outside, with lots of natural light, but inside because it’s covered and there are heaters. That’s about as outside as the Shop Tart likes to get - she’s no camper. Although the Shop Tart knew what she would order - a virtuous salad with some sort of healthy protein - that didn’t stop her from sampling sharp cheddar pimento cheese with a pita crisp.

Also? She was not too virtuous to ask for a sample of the blue pimento cheese. It was suggested that this might be lovely with steak. Oui!

There were two other new items in the deli that caught her eye. The first was stuffed squash, which would make an excellent side for fish or pasta. Or both.

And she can’t wait to try these risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella and prosciutto. Insane!

Lunch, yes, lunch. Enfin, the Shop Tart headed to order, where the Nickelodeon Theatre’s Larry Hembree graciously offered to buy her lunch, a Greek salad with poached salmon. Salad is healthy enough, it should always include at least one cheese, Feta in this case.

She had every intention of waiting for the Pink Party to have a drink. But Larry was ordering a glass of wine and asked the Shop Tart which kind of wine she wanted. She hates to be rude. And everyone was doing it.

The lunch was strictly business - they reviewed last-minute details for the Oscar party on Sunday. Important details, like what everyone was wearing, what shoes they were wearing with and what kind of food would be there. (The food and wine will be incredible. Can’t wait!) You know what’s great about DiPrato’s? Well, lots of things. They are one of the restaurants providing food for the Oscar party and they are just darn nice. One diner asked for Feta for her salad. Actually, she said it wasn’t a big deal and she didn’t really need it. So they sent out this delicious little plate of pepperoncini, olives and Feta. It got eaten, mostly by the Shop Tart.

After lunch, the Shop Tart made a quick trip to VanJean to pick up a Leifsdottir sundress she begged for in September at coterie with buyer Susan. She loved it even more in person and may be rocking it at the Columbia Museum of Art’s Red, Hot…Cool Gala on April 17th. It’s a bit casual, but she may try to make it work. Unfortunately, it may be a bit early in the season for Mr. Shop Tart to wear his white dinner jacket. It will be two weeks after Easter and this is South Carolina. Do we really have to wait for Memorial Day? Because a white dinner jacket would look so nice with her dress. Opinions welcome. (Although she may decide she doesn’t care what you think and do it anyway.)

Then it was time to head home for a little child-wrangling and chauffeuring. She had been to Cromer’s earlier in the day and returned home as a hero, with lots of treats. (Look for a full report on the Cromer’s trip next week. So much fun and an easy way to impress your children.) The Shop Tart’s mother arrived bearing a gift: A clear glass thingy from Belk that could be used as a punch bowl, cake plate or appetizer and dip tray. Shop Tart Tip: You can (almost) never have too many clear and/or plain white serving pieces. They are perfectly functional and don’t detract from any color scheme. And…she got it on sale. The Shop Tart did learn a few things from her mom, Barbie issues aside.

Enfin, it was on to the Pink Party, a really inspiring event that made the Shop Tart love Columbia even more, which she didn’t think was possible. Emcee Pat Patterson’s introduction was entertaining and both of the endorsees gave moving speeches. Many thanks to the Steves, both Benjamin and Morrison.

They were presented with pink ties, though they both seem to be doing fine on their own. Larry Hembree gave a very moving speech about all that Mayor Bob Coble has done for the gay and lesbian community in Columbia and the support he has offered throughout his years as mayor. The Shop Tart want to join the enthusiastic clapping, but she couldn’t, because she was afraid of dropping the beautiful hand-blown glass bowl from One Eared Cow Glass. She was holding it to present it to Mayor Bob and his wife Beth after he spoke. She got to go all Vanna White. It was cool.

So…who else was there? Loads of people, but the Shop Tart only got a few pictures. Bud Ferrillo, Steve Morrison’s campaign coordinator, and Mayor Bob. Bud and his lovely wife Julia shared an absolutely hilarious story about an awkward party moment down at the beach. You must ask them to share if you see them out and about. Cheers, Bud!

Debbie Parker of Conservation Voters of South Carolina, who is always, always rocking the coolest looks. This dress was a pale mauve, as was the necklace. Her shoes were peep-toe snake print in an ombre pattern that went from tan at the toe to brown at the heel. Love! She is one of the Shop Tart’s fashion icons.

Larry Hembree, of Nickelodeon Theatre and State Paper fame:

Interior designer Ursula Pallares with 701 Whaley owner Richard Burts. Richard was seen moments before this photo was snapped, drill in hand, affixing fancy numbers to the Shop Tart’s future office door. That guy is everywhere.

Photographer Jonathan Sharpe and partner Matthew Butler, both looking like they stepped out of the pages of GQ. Cliche? Yes. True? Also a yes.

Bruce Lawrence of Conservation Voters of South Carolina, attorney John Morris, architect Michael Haigler and…darnit…an unknown woman with gorgeous hair. As she may have mentioned, the Shop Tart is no journalist. She’s also terrible with names. When Bruce introduced her, the Shop Tart promised herself she would remember the name. *sigh* But, seriously? Her hair is fabulous.

Floral designer Andrew Stinson was there and had spent the whole day helping decorate for the party. Do you remember Andrew? He is a genius designer, a subtle master of the bedazzler. This look was slightly less subtle than his last, but perfectly appropriate for the evening. He painted the dragon himself, then applied the sequins. Do you have chills? The Shop Tart has chills.

He was also rocking a pair of self-embellished jeans. Love!

In her excitement over his outfit, the Shop Tart neglected to take a picture of his face, but he’s verrah attractive. Speaking of decorations, they were gorgeous.

The food, provided by Spotted Salamander, the Whig and Groucho’s was delish. The Shop Tart had a lovely chat with Brad Weeks of Spotted Salamander. Drinks were provided by Shop Tart favorite Barefoot and Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina’s Firefly. Firefly rocks. We should be real proud. (Psssst…it makes a great gift for out-of-town hostesses. They are always impressed and it’s nice and local!)

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

P.S. Why are these people smiling? They were at last year’s Carniball for EdVenture. The Shop Tart can’t make it, because she’ll be in Charleston for the Unmasking Colon Cancer Ball, but if you are in town, this will be a way-fun way to spend Saturday night!

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P.P.S. Tomorrow is Five Points’ Sidewalk Sale. Look for great deals from merchants. Revente is offering 20 percent off all regular-priced items Saturday and Sunday. They have a whole rack of green if you need a new look for St. Patrick’s Day!

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