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Mar
10
The ball, the late-night meal that followed and the second late-night meal after that.
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The Unmasking Colon Cancer Ball at the South Carolina Aquarium was great, mainly because the Shop Tart didn’t pass out or totally fail at her job, co-emceeing the fashion show with South Carolina Public Service Commissioner David Wright, a colon cancer survivor. He did the hard part - sharing details about the models and how they were connected to the cause - and the Shop Tart had the easier job. All she had to do was “oooh” and “ahhh” over the clothes from Saks on King Street, Hampden Clothing, Marysia Swim and Columbia’s own LaRoque. For the curious, the Shop Tart agonized over her outfit. She didn’t own anything in the ball’s signature cobalt blue and she is not one to buy a new outfit to wear once, even for a great cause. In the end, she went with a white Loeffler Randall shift with gold sequins at the shoulders from VanJean and bright blue tights. And black Louboutins from Coplon’s, because nothing gives her confidence like Louboutins. The Shop Tart is on the left, AnnaBelle LaRoque in her own design in the center and Marysia Reeves of Marysia Swim in Phillip Lim from VanJean on the right. This was after the show, which is why the Shop Tart looks kind of relaxed. (Thanks encore to Travis Teate for the lovely photo!)
After the ball - because Mr. Shop Tart was only in Charleston for one night and hates to miss an opportunity to go to La Fourchette - they went to French restaurant on King Street with his gastroenterologist brother and their sister-in-law. Before the ball, an announcement was made: The Shop Tart is not married to her husband’s brother. Given her unusual last name, the cause in question and the fact that her brother-in-law is a gastroenterologist, it was a fair assumption. (Her own husband is not a doctor, nor does he play one on t.v. Or, um, anywhere else. He is a darn fine lawyer, if you need one.) Is this a good time to mention you should make sure to schedule a colonoscopy with a board-certified gastroenterologist on or before your 50th birthday? You should. Colo-rectal cancer is treatable, particularly with early detection. So go get one. Sure, it won’t be fun, but you’ll be glad you did. Besides, you might get Demerol. Demerol rocks. If you aren’t 50 yet, encourage everyone you know who is to go get scoped. Promise to take them out to dinner in a couple days.
La Fourchette was fab. When they got there, there were no tables available, so they went to neighboring Halls Chophouse for a drink. Owner Jeanne Hall approached them in the downstairs bar and asked if they might like a quieter spot. How did she know? She led them upstairs to a small bar manned by a lone barman at the end of a hall lined with a long wooden shelf, chairs, and cabinets full of wine. (If you go, do take a look at that counter, which Jeanne informed them was made from a single piece of wood. It’s beautiful.) The spot suited the Shop Tart and she enjoyed talking to Mrs. Hall immensely. After a half-glass of bubbly at Halls, their table at La Fourchette was ready.
The sancerre on the menu is a favorite.
Various dishes were ordered: Shop Tart favorite beet salad, green salad, vegetables stacked with goat cheese, swordfish, soup and this delicious saumon d’écosse au beurre blanc en papillote.
When it was time for dessert, the Shop Tart craved her usual fries. The fries at La Fourchette are divine; they are double-fried in duck fat. Alas, the kitchen was closed. She was sad for a fleeting moment before realizing this was the perfect excuse to try Closed for Business, located across the street where Raval once was, and recommended for Canadian favorite poutine by Mad Platter on Twitter. (Side note: The Shop Tart later learned that the Mad Platter folks were in La Fourchette while they were eating. Crazy! She thought she saw familiar faces.) The poutine on the menu sounded right.
The Manifesto sauvignon blanc seemed a proper accompaniment. (Well. A Molson Ex would have been better, but the Shop Tart is no longer a drinker of beer.)
The foursome ordered fried green beans, fries, poutine and a plate of dipping sauces. The poutine was just right. (The Shop Tart is an expert, having gone to college in Canada. Poutine is to Canadian students as Bar None pizza or Whig cheese fries are to Gamecocks.)
The plain fries were good too, as were the fried green beans served with ranch dressing. (Vegetables are healthy, right? Right.)
They obeyed the sign on the wall and ate everything they were served.
The Shop Tart went right to bed when she returned from her evening out, because she had arranged to meet Marysia at Novel, Chapter Two, on King Street the next morning. (They aren’t open on Sundays, but she begged. No shame. None.) Though she had every intention of posting about Novel today, the Shop Tart realized it needs its very own post, so you’ll have to wait until tomorrow. It was fabulous and she found the perfect dress - actually two - for the Nickelodeon’s Oscar party Sunday evening. (For a peek at her dress, take a look at this video from ABC Columbia. The Shop Tart can be seen greeting guests outside the limo with Patti O’Furniture. By the way, y’all, that Anderson Burns is even more handsome in person. he sure can wear a pair of jeans. Just saying.) For another look at Oscar style in Columbia, take a look at Alicia Barnes’ video featuring Ashley’s Alley, Unforgettable Fine Jewelry, Pout and LaRoque!
Stay tuned tomorrow for the lowdown on Novel, Chapter Two, in Charleston (and make plans to go there soon, because you won’t want to miss it).
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
P.S. Did you want to attend the recreation of the James Beard Southern Roots Wine Dinner at Terra this evening? The Shop Tart is sorry to tell you they are sold out. She realizes this news is not shocking. But there is happy news: Because of the popularity, they’re going to do it again, on March 30th. That one will sell out too, so call 791-3443 for a reservation today!
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4 Responses to “The ball, the late-night meal that followed and the second late-night meal after that.”
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LOVED that Oscar dress of yours!
Poutine! You can eat poutine and still fit into your clothing. No fair….although I have no great desire for gravy and cheese curds–just give me my fries straight, or with a drizzle of truffle oil…
Fun night! Thanks for all you’ve done and do for getting the word out, especially about seeing a board-certified GI Dr. This means a lot to Georges too.
Tracie - Thanks! I loved your look, too.
Kathryn - I shared! As you should share your fries and truffle oil. Sounds delish!
VA - Love y’all. And I appreciated the opportunity to be involved.