Wayfaring Wanderer

Flexibility wasn't something that I was known for about 5-6 years ago. In fact, I was probably one of the least flexible people you would likely come across in your lifetime. However, over the years, I have learned that you can't NOT be flexible while simultaneously holding onto your sanity. From time to time, I get a reminder that flexibility is still something I sometimes struggle with. You know that quote, “Life is what happens when you're busy making plans?” Yeah, well, I despise the person who points this out to me when I'm in the midst of getting worked up, but it's something I need to hear in that moment.

My perspective shifted when I became more laid-back and stopped sweating the small stuff, although it took me a while to see the difference this made in my life because I progressively got better as time passed. When things happen slowly, I don't always notice the changes taking place right under my nose. These days, I don't lose it when I get a flat tire or my car won't start. Instead, I simply deal with the situation in whatever way it needs to be taken care of without allowing my emotions to get in the way. It does no good getting angry about things that are beyond my control!

THE KEY IS FLEXIBILITY

On a recent trip to Jacksonville, FL, my Sister and I were planning to do another Haute Mess Threads photoshoot for the new “Geek Chic” line of aprons she just completed. Even though the shoot we did this past summer was thrown together at the last minute, we were determined not to make the same mistake this go-round. We made calls ahead of time, scheduled a day to do it, and confirmed with the models on availability. Everything was going “as planned.”

It wasn't until the day of the shoot, hours before we were supposed to meet-up that we had to cancel. One of our models, who also happened to be gracious enough to allow us to use the same retro kitchen we used last time, wasn't feeling well, so she was out and so was our location to shoot. We scrambled for other ideas, and attempted to find another suitable kitchen, but many leads fell through for different reasons, unfortunately. We attempted to stay optimistic. However, that optimism quickly waned when we just couldn't make it happen.

OBSTACLES EXIST SO YOU CAN OVERCOME THEM

It wasn't until the day after we planned to shoot that an off-the-wall idea was thrown out there. Now that we think about it it was actually something we thought about doing even before the shoot got canceled. Why we didn't remember it in a pinch; I don't know, but I'm glad that Nicole, our lovely model, helped it resurface. If it weren't for Nicole's gung-ho attitude to make this shoot happen, we might have just let it go. But instead, we decided to improvise and post-up at a neighborhood park to do our shoot outside!

With only a couple of hours to get ready, my sister and I picked up some supplies to use for the photoshoot. The idea was to string up a clothesline and use that as the backdrop, so we grabbed a laundry basket, clothes pins, and twine before high-tailing it to the park. Having only arrived a couple of hours before sunset, we didn't have a whole lot of time to look for the most ideal spot. We used about 5 minutes to find a suitable location that provided the type of light I thought would work. By the time we were finished setting up, our model arrived with her own props in tow that required unloading.

MY ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

We considered the Haute Mess Threads photoshoot a success, and the three of us actually had a lot of laughs during the 1.5 hours it took to complete. There wasn't a whole lot of time to goof off because our light was quickly fading, so we worked as fast as we could, which presented another set of challenges, but I managed. After finishing the HMTs shoot, there was just enough light left to take pictures of Nicole in the amazing vintage attire she came to the shoot in. Unfortunately, I only had about 10 minutes to capture images of her, but we were able to get some good ones.

If you'd like to find out more about Haute Mess Threads and see her famous aprons, the ESTY shop is now OPEN! Also, be sure to check out the HMTs Facebook page to stay up-to-date and get in on fan-only giveaways! (She's hosting one right now!)

One thing I will say is that I sometimes forget how much fun I have doing a photoshoot. It was far different from the dread I was feeling prior to getting our ducks in a row. In retrospect, I think that my problem was with myself and how I chose to approach the situation. Yes, I stayed flexible and went with the flow, but I wasn't as excited about it as I was the day before when I knew what to expect. It seems as though I momentarily forgot that my ability to adapt has proven itself time and time again, and that all I needed to really do was trust that I was fully capable of making it happen no matter what obstacles presented themselves. Something I need to remind myself of more often.

While I'm shooting, despite any fears that I may experience beforehand, I feel in my element. Like, I'm doing exactly what I should be. It's probably time I stop looking for confirmation that I'm on the right path because every fiber of my being knows this is what I'm meant to do—as cheesy as that sounds, it's true.

What do you think about the results of our impromptu photoshoot and the new aprons?

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Foodie Friday is a weekly feature here on Wayfaring Wanderer where I fuel my obsession with food. It really is a problem. One that I don't mind indulging in, though. Although I might feed my insatiable appetite more often than I really should, but can you blame me?! I'm not the only one. It seems like a lot of us are consumed with food these days—I have a bunch of foodie friends. Last week on FF, I shared a restaurant review for a place in Charleston, SC called Husk. It was selected by Bon Appetite Magazine as the #1 Best New Restaurant in America! To say the least, my meal was amazing, and I really appreciate what the restaurant is trying to accomplish with their mission. If you're interested in reading more about Husk, I encourage you to visit last week's post here.

This week, I'd like to share some really awesome videos that will have you licking your lips! (See...you just did it :D) Photos of food is one thing, but watching videos simply heightens the desire to stuff your face. Not that I'm advocating careless eating, but let's face it, food is meant to be fulfilling. It just so happens that it's also beautiful!

1. E A T

The first one I'd like to share was commissioned by STA Travel Australia, and is part of a series of short films. However, this one—the best one—is about food! Here is the video caption: “3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage later..”

There are a lot of amazing looking dishes packed into this one-minute video, but it almost feels like it's too short. Still, it makes you want to get all EAT-PRAY-LOVE and roam around the world so you can get your fill of food from other countries. That's what it does for me at least.

2. Tonelli Food Reel

The next video to share is based on the food photography of Francesco Tonelli. I sort of discovered this super talented individual by accident. I can't really recall how I did it either, but I'm glad that I found his inspiring body of work. Chances are that you've probably seen his photographs but didn't know it, because he's pretty prolific and has had images showcased in many well-known publications. He's not just a food photographer, though. Francesco also cooks and actually styles the majority of the meals that he shoots. In case you weren't aware, you'll see captioned in most magazines that shoots are styled by one person and photographed by another, so he's multi-talented. This video shows you just how talented he really is.

I could watch that video over and over. A symphony of food that will surely leave you famished in the end. Am I right?! And it also makes me more appreciative of how amazing food really is. It's not just pretty to look at and fun to eat. No, it has the power heal and nourish our bodies, increase awareness about other cultures as well as remind us of how those before us sustained themselves, not to mention how food can bring people together whether it's a family meal, dinner date, or lunch with the ladies, food unifies us. At least, that's how I feel about food, especially when I get to see it through Francesco's eyes.

QUESTION: What's your relationship with food? 

And are you hungry after watching these videos?! I know I am!

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Executive Chef Sean Brock is transforming the way you think about Southern food. His philosophy is simple: “If it ain't from the South, it ain't coming through the door!” A restriction like that can put some severe limitations on a fledgling restaurant, but it's a commitment that he wholeheartedly abides by. From what I've read, they didn't even allow olive oil into HUSK until they found a purveyor in the state of Texas. What's that you say? Texas isn't in the South?! Well, technically, it is since it's below the mason-dixon line, which is where all the ingredients must come from in order to make it to one of the tables at Husk.

The fairly new restaurant is situated on a magnolia-shaded side-street in the heart of Charleston's historic district in a very inviting Queen Anne home built in 1893 that has been fully restored. I just love those types of restaurants that make you feel as if you're visiting a relative to sit down and have a meal. It isn't as intimate a setting as Simplicity at The Mast Farm Inn, but the comfortable space was bright and airy, and the floor-to-ceiling windows filled the dining room with the most gorgeous light. While I would have loved to sit inside the main dining room, we were ushered to the 2nd story porch to dine alfresco. The weather was superb. We got lucky!

CELEBRATION OF SOUTHERN INGREDIENTS

This nationally acclaimed restaurant has only been open since the Fall of 2010 yet it has won numerous awards between now and then. The most notable so far is the title of #1 Best New Restaurant in America by Bon Appétit Magazine. That's a pretty prestigious accolade right there, wouldn't you agree?! I think that Chef Sean Brock is used to the attention, though. He's become quite the celebrity in Charleston from his time spent at McCrady's, another highly acclaimed fine dining establishment in town. But Husk is his baby. Or so that's the impression I've gotten.

His intention upon opening the restaurant is to place more emphasis on the ingredients used & the folks that cultivate those products and produce instead of having the spotlight placed on himself. He clearly has a deeply rooted passion for, not only the South, but Southern food, and it definitely shines through in many different ways here at Husk.

SOUTHERN FOOD, SIMPLIFIED

Something highly unique about the dining experience at Husk is that the menu changes daily. Yep, every single day! That seems like quite a challenge, indeed. Not to mention how much time and effort it requires to manage such a lofty mission. However, they are handling the task pretty well from what I experienced. So, why does the menu change everyday? Well, as I mentioned earlier, they are bound by what is currently available to them using only ingredients from the South. While it seems restricting, Husk's stance is that it's a necessity! To them, there is no other way. I really admire a place that's willing to take such a risk for the sake of preserving what seems to be a bygone era.

To those that don't know any better, this restaurant is being touted as revolutionary because of the pledges they have made. However, what people seem to forget is that there was a time when people had to eat what was on-hand. There weren't grocery stores filled with aisle upon aisle of pre-packaged food at our disposal like today. You ate what you grew, or you didn't eat! Simple as that. While the farm-to-table mentality seems like a fad that has only recently become more prominent in popular culture, it's really just a movement that is being revived by those who appreciate simplicity. People like Chef Sean Brock.

SOUTHERN INGREDIENTS TAKE CENTER STAGE

Our recent dining experience was brunch before leaving Charleston to head home. We had ventured there the day before, but they weren't open yet, so we sadly had to go elsewhere. However, I was determined to eat at this restaurant after receiving a recommendation from a friend on the WW Facebook page. It ended up being the perfect way to round out our weekend getaway! So, yeah, let me get to the best part...the FOOD!

[RELATED ARTICLE] Quick Getaway to Charleston, SC { link }

After pouring over their menu, and not being able to choose what I wanted, I decided to ask our server what she recommended. Actually, I asked her what was the best-looking dish they had today, which elicited an interesting look, rightly so. I ended up going with her suggestion, which was the Monte Cristo. It included VA Lamb BBQ, TN Buttermilk Cheddar, fried egg, Surry Sausage, and Potato Hash. The flavor of the Lamb BBQ was incredible; it was smoky with a hint of sweetness. I would have been happy with a plate piled with nothing but that!

Cody ended up going for the TX Wagyu Sirloin, with a sunny side up egg, VA Sausage and Confit Potato Hash. The presentation of this dish had me drooling, and reconsidering my own breakfast order even though I thought mine was pretty, too. Luckily, he was nice enough to offer me a bite. The Wagyu Sirloin was so tender. Basically, it melted in your mouth—makes me salivate just thinking about it! Talk about things melting in your mouth, the buttermilk benne seed dinner rolls they brought out prior to these dishes were also amazing; I didn't hesitate to slather on the savory homemade pork lard butter they supplied us with. To say the least, it was a highly satisfying meal that I enjoyed immensely. I only wished that I had room for more!

If you're interested in finding out more about HUSK, here is a link to their website.

Our experience at Husk was short and sweet, although it most certainly made a lasting impression on me that I won't soon forget. The next time we're in town, we'll definitely be eating at this restaurant in Charleston, SC! Our meals were unforgettable and the service we received from the staff was incredible. If you're looking for a modern taste of the South with a twist, this restaurant will surely not disappoint! Thank you for visiting WW for Foodie Friday; I hope you'll be back next week :D

QUESTION: What do you think about Husk's philosophy?

Would you say that it's flawed or awesome?

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