Kitty Deschanel

Where to Eat in Charleston, SC Planning a trip to Charleston? This historic coastal city is a foodie paradise, offering everything from Lowcountry classics to gourmet donuts, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table dining. Here’s our list of the best places to eat in Charleston, based on our week-long culinary adventure. Top Charleston Foodie Highlights Nigel’s Good Food – Famous for Bam's Gumbo and Lowcountry Ravioli. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – Southern biscuits served fresh at the Historic Charleston City Market. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Creative flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Raspberry Rose Jelly Donut. Glazed Gourmet Donuts – Inventive flavors including The Red Nosed Goat and Sweet Corn Blueberry. The Grit Counter – Customizable grits with bold flavor options like Pimento Cheese and Smoked Gouda. Fair warning though - you know when you're thinking about Southern food, it can lead to... A Change in Plans Step 1: Sexy Nerd and I have way too muc...

Dreaming of a farm-to-table experience on an actual farm? Sexy Nerd and I have discovered Field & Vine, an Oregon company that hosts special dinners and events. Don't get too attached to Bessie over there... Clarification: Bessie is a cow over in the field, not me. You cannot see the cow in the photo. Again, I am not Bessie. What is Field & Vine? Field & Vine produces seasonal farm-to-table dinners in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, partnering with local farmers, vintners, and chefs to create multi-course outdoor feasts. Tips for Booking Reserve early—events often sell out months in advance. Dress in layers for evening outdoor dining. Bring a camera for vineyard sunset shots. A Night of Culinary Connection and Wine-Fueled Friendships Last July, on a quest to conquer Oregon's wonders and combat adulting fatigue, we stumbled upon the "Dinner in the Field" event at Marion Acres hosted by Field & Vine. This wasn't your average dinner party;...

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to visit Magnolia Market in Waco, TX, get ready to live vicariously through photos. (Through food too - how handy that their recipes are shared online.) Sexy Nerd and I made our way there for a cozy fall getaway. Though the insane wind had my hair impersonating our chihuahua, Puff, it was totally worth it. Does Sexy Nerd look nervous? He just brought me to a world of home improvement ideas. Time to get your Chip Gaines on, Sexy Nerd. Where's your power drill? From the charming, retro plant shop, where plants have names like Dorothy, to the cutest old church they salvaged and rebuilt, every corner of Magnolia Market is a perfect blend of charm, whimsy, and design inspiration.  Fall Feels  at the Silos Magnolia Market is the autumn getaway everyone dreams of.  With the Silos towering above, we wandered through displays that seemed to blend effortlessly with the season—think warm lighting, dried floral arrangements, and a bit of that f...

We're home from Oregon, where Sexy Nerd and I attended the International Pinot Noir Celebration ( IPNC ). Oh my goodness, it was so much fun!  This was a truly spectacular event filled with the finest Pinot Noirs and an atmosphere that exuded sophistication and charm. Photos from the IPNC's Passport To Pinot: Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of Oregon wine country, the festival was a breathtaking celebration of Pinot Noir's finesse and allure. The vineyard-draped hills, bathed in golden sunlight, set the perfect stage for this vinous symphony. From the tranquil ambiance of outdoor tastings to the majestic beauty of sprawling vineyards, every moment was a visual delight, making each sip of Pinot Noir an experience intertwined with the surrounding natural splendor. The IPNC was a vinous wonderland, a gathering of passionate enthusiasts celebrating the complexiti...

Sexy Nerd has an annoying habit of calling me to complain when he's on business trips. "It's too hot here in Napa Valley," and "That chocolate lava cake was too rich after such a big dinner."  After a morning surrounded by screaming pediatric dental patients and their overprotective, crazy parents (my generation is nuts, BTW), I'll check my voicemail during lunch and learn Sexy Nerd's flight bumped him to first class and the rental lot only had BMWs left. Also, his meeting has been postponed so he's "stuck here" another two days. Boo hoo, Sexy Nerd. Also, if you bring your children to our dental office, it's the other parents I'm referring to, not you. Wondering where I'm going with this? I was recently a bad employee and played hooky from work, which is something I never, ever do. (You know, after having received permission for said-hooky several weeks in advance. I'd hate for you to think I'm  that bad.) I...