Broad River Trace

Celebrate Black History Month Here in Columbia, SC

Jamie — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:05:15 +0000

Celebrate Black History Month at USC this February

This month, the country will celebrate black history during Black History Month, and the University of South Carolina is kicking things off next Tuesday, February 8^th, with a celebration of what it meant to be black in South Carolina throughout history.

Events planned throughout the month will be open to faculty, staff, students and most are open to the general public.

The first event will welcome Harold White, a staff member at USC when it became integrated in 1963. He will tell his story about being on staff during the first years of integration. The event, which will be sponsored by the Carolina Service Council, will begin at 7:30 pm.

Here are some other things going on at the university this month:

Saturday, February 19^th: Elite Male: Oratorical Showcase at 7 pm at Russell House Theater
Wednesday, February 23^rd: Black in South Carolina: Color of My Heart at 7 pm at SCE&G Auditorium in the Public Health Research Building
Friday, February 25^th: 2011 Legends of…(concert featuring Babyface) at 8 pm at the Koger Center for the Arts

For a more complete list of activities, visit the USC website. Have fun and recognize black history this month here in Columbia, Broad River Trace.

Photo credit: triploid

Best Tax Preparation Services in Columbia, South Carolina

skellner — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:52:40 +0000

Have your taxes done professionally!

Now that January is nearly over and we have received our W-2′s, it’s time to start getting serious about doing our taxes. If you’ve got a simple return and will file a 1040-EZ, you may want to try using TurboTax. This is a fantastic service that I’ve been using for years that is very easy to use and always makes me feel confident that I am getting the highest refund that I am eligible for.

However, if you prefer to have your taxes prepared in person, there are many tax preparation services in Columbia, South Carolina near your Broad River Trace apartment that you can use. First there is M & M Income Tax Service which is located in the Boozer Shopping Center, less than a mile and a half from our community. This service promises to maximize your refund and get it to you fast. If you prefer to use a larger commercial tax preparation service, H & R Block is located at 3545 W Belt Line Ste B, Columbia, SC, about three miles away and offers a number of convenient services.

Photo credit: sxc.hu

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner for Two On Valentine’s Day in Columbia

skellner — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:36:12 +0000

If you’re trying to decide what to do for Valentine’s Day, starting with an elegant dinner is always a good idea. We’ve rounded up a couple of finer dining options around Columbia along with reviews from patrons just like you who give their honest opinion. Now you can make an educated decision on where to eat. We hope you enjoy your Valentine’s Day!

Source: Yelp
Name: Copper River Grill
Location: Columbiana Place Shopping Center – 1230 Bower Pkwy Columbia, SC 29212
Reviews: 10

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I’ve been here a couple times..can’t say I love it but can’t say I hate it either. The drinks are pretty good and the service is good too, just not a place…Read More…

My friend Amber and I went here today for lunch it was very good. I had She-Crab Soup, a Shrimp Po Boy with Fries and Bread Pudding. My friend Amber had…Read More…

The food here is great and the service is usually quite good. And the drink (beer) prices are excellent. The only problem I’ve ever had was getting…Read More…

Copper River Grill

Source: Yelp
Name: Garibaldis of Columbia
Location: 2013 Greene St Columbia, SC 29205
Reviews: 27

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Meh….I’ve definitely had better. I must admit service was great….had a really sweet waiter…nice, funny, personable. It stops there. The food was…Read More…

Before we get all funny, I want to say this: We had a top notch, pro waitress. Period. Full stop.

+4 of 5 for service. My fam and I went there XMas Eve….Read More…

Garibaldis of Columbia

Source: Yelp
Name: Hampton Street Vineyard
Location: 1201 Hampton St Columbia, SC 29201
Reviews: 8

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I had the pork belly & my dinner companion had the crab cakes, both dishes were superb. Full of flavor, and paired nicely with the sides. This place is…Read More…

Food was good, bit the friendly service was unbelievable. I felt like I walked into a neighborhood favorite. The owner knew everyone’s name and their…Read More…

Recent lunch there was passable, but not as good as I remembered it being. Soup was only luke warm, salad had too much dressing. Chairs are way too small…Read More…

Hampton Street Vineyard

Source: Yelp
Name: Saludas
Location: 751 Saluda Ave Columbia, SC 29205
Reviews: 19

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Saluda’s is the best restaurant in Columbia. I’ve eaten at all the fine dining restaurants in town and no one delivers as consistently good an experience…Read More…

Excellent steaks. Try the seafood bisque.Read More…

I enjoyed my evening at Saluda’s immensely. From the moment we walked in the staff was very accommodating. We did have reservations, since we were a large…Read More…

Saludas

Source: Yelp
Name: @ 116 Espresso and Wine Bar
Location: 116 State St West Columbia, SC 29169
Reviews: 14

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
116 is not simply a restaurant, it’s not just a cozy bistro tucked in a familiar warm happy place at the corner of State and Meeting Streets. It doesn’t…Read More…

Cute & quaint… In a hipster/ artsy area of Columbia, if there is such a thing. They were having a special & the glass of wine I ordered was only $3! I…Read More…

yum! Cute place…great food…good wine…goooo!Read More…

@ 116 Espresso and Wine Bar

Give the Gift of Music this Valentine’s Day

skellner — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:53:55 +0000

If you’re looking for a unique present to give your significant other for Valentine’s Day, you may want to give them tickets to one of these great upcoming concerts in Columbia. Whether they like soul or rock and roll or hip-hop, you’ll be able to find something you both like right here in the great city of Columbia.

Source: Eventful
Performer: The Temptations
Venue: Newberry Opera House
Date: 2012-02-08
Address: 1201 McKibben Street Columbia, SC

Description: It’s the TEMPS and they’re back!!! Known for their recognizable choreography, distinct harmonies, and flashy onstage suits, the Temptations have been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to pop and rock. Songs include, “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “My Girl,” “Don’t Look Back,” “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” “Cloud Nine,” “Just My Imagination, ” and many more. Sponsored by BB&T and WKDK.

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Granville Automatic at UU Coffeehouse
Venue: Columbia Museum of Art
Date: 2012-02-18
Address: Main St & Hampton St. Columbia, SC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Drake
Venue: Colonial Life Arena
Date: 2012-02-21
Address: 801 Lincoln Street Columbia, SC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Jason Marcum
Venue: Delaney’s Music Pub
Date: 2012-02-01
Address: 741 Saluda Avenue Columbia, SC

Description: Singer/songwriter Jason Marcum Performs
9-1
Originals/Covers

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Columbia Blues Festival
Venue: Township Auditorium
Date: 2012-02-17
Address: 1703 Taylor Street Columbia, SC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Radio Cult
Venue: Polliwogs
Date: 2012-02-04
Address: 10005 Two Notch Rd Columbia, SC

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Keith Sweat
Venue: Colonial Life Arena
Date: 2012-02-03
Address: 801 Lincoln Street Columbia, SC

Description: Keith Sweat

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Day Of The Dead Party – 5 Points Pub – Drinking, DJs, and Dancing
Venue: 5 Points Pub
Date: 2012-02-01
Address: 733 Santee Avenue Columbia, SC

Description:

Link: Full Eventful Details

Source: Eventful
Performer: Big Gigantic
Venue: Township Auditorium
Date: 2012-02-07
Address: 1703 Taylor Street Columbia, SC

Link: Full Eventful Details

These Recipes from Apartment Therapy Will Keep You Warm

skellner — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:02:26 +0000

If you’re looking for great recipes to try out this week and maybe a few yummy hot toddy cocktails to keep you warm when the weather is cool, check out these recipes that we’ve collected from Apartment Therapy’s The Kitchn blog. We’ve also found some interesting posts on meditation, cooking with dry wine, and open shelving. Read on for more!

Braised Spinach, Chicken Fricassee, Apple Bourbon Toddy & Buttermilk Quick Bread This Week’s Recipes

Looking for some healthy winter comfort food this weekend? Well, take a look at what we have for you here: Braised spinach and chickpeas, nourishing and comforting. (Also, tangy!) There’s baked fish with gingery cabbage, and a pile of pasta with winter vegetables.
We also have recipes for Lunar New Year, chocolate and espresso truffle cookies, butter milk quick bread, and more!

• Braised Coconut Spinach and Chickpeas with Lemon
• How to Make Buttermilk Quick Bread (Plus 10 Variations)
• Banana Muffin Tops with Steel-Cut Oatmeal
• Peanut Butter and Espresso Truffle Blossoms
• Banh Chung (Vietnamese Rice Cakes for the Lunar New Year)
• Pork Dumpling Soup for Lunar New Year
• Fettucini with Balsamic Delicata Squash and Bitter Greens
• Baked Panko Rockfish with Gingery Cabbage
• Tarragon Chicken Fricassee
• The Bourbon Hot Toddy
• Apple Bourbon Hot Toddy
• Tequila Hot Toddy
Read More…

Seven Days, Seven Hot Toddies: Part 1 The Toddy Project

When the temperature dips, there’s nothing like a hot toddy to lift your spirits and warm your insides. Some people even believe them to have medicinal properties. This week, I embarked on something I’m calling the Toddy Project — a different hot toddy a day, every day for a week. Let’s see how I got on.
Read More…

Weekend Meditation: Simplicity, Work, and Enjoyment

My friend Maia from julia warr on Vimeo.

“My secret for long life is simplicity, work, and enjoyment.” — Maia Helles

I’m quite taken by the short video (above) by Julia Warr which had been showing up on the internets this week. It features Maia Helles, a 95 year-old ballet dancer/teacher whom Julia met on an airplane a few years ago.

The scenes of Maia watering her garden and doing her exercise routine (which she has been doing for over 60 years) are very inspiring. But my favorite moments are of her tying on her apron and cooking what I assume to be her lunch. Greens and yellows, we hear her say as she dishes up delicious looking plates of Delicata squash and cooked greens. We see her table beautifully and simply set, a bright orange pot hanging on her wall, the translucent cloth that covers her kitchen door fluttering in the breeze. She fusses and primps a little in the kitchen mirror, fixing and fluffing her hair.

Dry Gourmet: Non-Alcoholic Cooking Wine

Braised meats, hearty stews, and poached fruits are just a few of the many dishes that can benefit from a splash of red wine. But what to use if you or a loved one can’t have alcohol? One clever solution might be this purple powder from The Dry Gourmet.
Read More…

Are You Ready for Open Shelving?

Open shelving projects a simple attitude that we’d love to have in our kitchen, but how do you know if you’re ready to take the plunge? We’ve got four ways to tell if you’re ready for open kitchen shelving this year.

• Are You Ready for Open Shelving?
Apartment Therapy
Read More…

Fogelman Recipe: Caramelized Onion and Spinach Dip

skellner — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:46:19 +0000

The Superbowl is not only a great opportunity to spend time with friends, but it’s also a great time to indulge in some delicious snacking. If you want to wow your Superbowl party guests this year, don’t buy pre-made spinach dip, make your own creamy, savory concoction! Here’s a recipe from our Fogelman CARES Cookbook which is available for $15 in our Broad River Trace office. All cookbook proceeds do directly to Feeding America.

Try this delicious dip recipe from Fogelman!

Caramelized Onion and Spinach Dip

Ingredients:

1 Stick unsalted butter
2 sweet yellow onions, coarsely chopped
2 ½ tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and completely drained
1 (12 ounce) jar marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped coarsely
1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts drained and chopped
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 Cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup heavy cream
8 Whole cloves garlic, peeled ( I used the garlic that is already chopped in a jar)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a heavy fry pan over medium heat. Add onions, sugar and 1 ½ teaspoon salt. Saute onions until they begin to turn brown and caramelize. Place in large mixing bowl and set aside to cool.

2. Meanwhile, place spinach in a colander and press to drain liquid. Squeeze drained spinach tightly in small handfuls until almost dry.

3. Add artichokes and water chestnuts to vegetable mixture. Set aside

4. In the bowl of a food processor, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream, garlic, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, lemon pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Pulse several times until well blended. ( I did not use the food processor and just mixed really well).

5. Add parmesan cheese and mix very well. Mixture will have a coarse texture.

6. Fold into vegetable mixture and mix thoroughly. Serve at room temperature or heat in oven at 350 degrees until it is bubbly and slightly browned on top. ( I prefer it hot)

7. Serve with bagel chips, pita chips, or crackers.

Bon appetit!

3 Ways to Boost Your Energy

skellner — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:51:15 +0000

Boost your energy by snacking on healthy foods.

Winter is often a time when people spend a lot of their time at home. It seems like the cold weather saps us of our energy. For most people, the cold weather naturally makes us want to stay indoors and relax with a good book or movie. Another reason people have less energy during the winter is because many sicknesses go around during this time.

If you would like to boost your energy and be more productive during this chilly months, check out some of these tips from realsimple.com:

Stay active. The more you move around, the more oxygen and nutrients will be circulated throughout your body. If you have a job where you’re sitting at a desk for most of the day, try to get up and walk around to get the blood flowing. This will help make more energy available to your mind and muscles.
Take deep breaths. Deep breaths will increase the oxygen flow to your cells, slows your heart rate and increases circulation which gives you more energy.
Have snacks during the day. Eating three small meals with snacks in between helps keep your blood sugar consistent and will prevent the highs and lows that can cause you to crash. Try snacking on foods like apple slices and cheese or celery and peanut butter.

How do you boost your energy throughout the day? Leave us a comment and share!

Dogs Available for Adoption in Columbia, SC

skellner — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:14:36 +0000

If one of your new year’s resolutions is to be healthier, you might consider getting a dog. Owning a dog can make you a happier and healthier person, not only from the exercise you get when you walk them, but also because they provide limitless affection and love. If you’re considering adopting a dog in Columbia, SC, check out these pups available for adoption in the area.

Pet Name: Jock
Breed: Pomeranian
Age: Adult
Male or Female: M
Size: S

Jock loves children, other dogs and loves to take a bath. He was matted and someone along the way clipped him not so very well.When his hair grows back out he is going to be beautiful. He has great house manners and will make a wonderful companion in his forever home. If you are interested in finding out more about Jock, contact Joyce and aplscevent@gmail.com

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Sara
Breed: Boxer
Age: Adult
Male or Female: F
Size: M

***COURTESY LISTING***DO NOT CONTACT THE SHELTER***Please contact Nancy @ 790-1989 My name is Sara I am looking for a good home with a fenced in back yard to play and be LOVED. I am so tired of only have 3 feet of rope to walk around. I am a sweet mix pit bull breed and like to run and play but most of all, I like to be touched and loved. I am loyal and would be great with children. I have all my shots, been spade and I dont have any fleas or heartworms. I am almostt 4 years old. Could somebody please please help me find a safe, secure and loving home soon? I hope to see someones home very soon! Contact Nancy @ 790-1989

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Emma
Breed: Carolina Dog
Age: Adult
Male or Female: F
Size: M

Emma is an awesome dog who was abandoned by her owner – at a Pet Adoption due to an overseas job move. She is totally house trained, does not chew or dig, and is loves to go for walks and go for car rides. She gets along with other dogs, loves children and knows how to sit and shake on command. She is spayed, fully vaccinated, and heartworm negative. She is currently in a foster home where she lives with young puppies, a larger dog, and 2 grumpy old chihuahuas, she gets along with everyone. If you would like to meet Emma and get to know her better call her foster mom – Joyce Starling, at 803-730-3238.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Tyson
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Age: Young
Male or Female: M
Size: L

Tyson is a big ‘ole handsome lover boy! He has an old scar on his chest probably from a rubbing and/or too tight harness. It has completely healed and the hair is starting to regrow in that area. Tyson tested lightly positive for heartworms. The recommended treatment for him at this time is to keep him on monthly heartworm preventative and retest him in 6-12 months. He has no symptoms, requires no medication and is not under exercise restriction. Tyson is very very good natured and has pretty good manners. Sometimes he wants to give you hugs. He rides well in cars but has not yet learned how to get INTO cars. He’ll need practice! He will however jump into the tub for us when it is bath time. He loves to play and wrestle with his running buddy at the shelter (a female dog) but didnt like the third dog we tried to introduce (a male dog) to the running group. Were not sure if it was a gender issue or a personality issue. For now we will just say that Tyson is GREAT with some dogs but not with others.

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Pet Name: Diamond
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Age: Senior
Male or Female: F
Size: M

Diamond is an older gal but no one bothered to tell her that! Everyone that meets her is amazed when they learn of her age. She does not act old nor look old. She has no physical ailments common to senior dogs. Her eyes are good, her hearing is fine and no arthritis. Diamond loves everyone she meets and is great with kids of all ages (though “dog smart” younger children preferred so that everyone knows that as she IS an active dog and if she knocks someone over it`s not her fault!). She is crate trained. She was housebroken at one point but may need a quick refresher course. Diamond would do best in a cat free and dog free environment. She is generally quiet but would appreciate a fenced in yard where she could run and play. She sometimes digs a little bit in her enthusiasm but never near the fence line. Over 60 and interested in adopting this dog? Ask about our Seniors for Seniors program!

View this pet on Petfinder.com

Have Your Antiques Appraised at the Museum Roadshow on January 21

skellner — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:41:04 +0000

With the rising popularity of TV shows such as “Antiques Roadshow” and “Pawn Stars”, it’s surprising to learn how many items of great value the ordinary person has at home or in storage. If you’ve got hand-me-downs or collected items that you think may be of some worth, you may want to consider visiting the Museum Roadshow at the South Carolina State Museum on Saturday, January 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Whether you’ve got a signed first edition of a classic book, drawings from a famous artist, or a Revolutionary War era candlestick holder, you’ll want to come have it appraised at this event. Museum curators and local experts will not only be giving informal (verbal) appraisals of many different kinds of items, but they will also be giving tips on how to care for these items.

Bring your items in and learn how much they are worth at this fun event!

Image courtesy: southcarolinastatemuseum.org

Dining Out: Try Something New In the New Year!

skellner — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:08:17 +0000

If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to try new things and be adventurous, you may want to visit one of these restaurants in the Columbia area. There’s Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and even vegan options for you to try out. Here’s to ringing in the new year with flavor!

Source: Yelp
Name: Mai Thai
Location: 2249 Sunset Blvd West Columbia, SC 29169
Reviews: 21

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Decent food, but horrible service. I went with friends on a Friday night and had to wait 45 minutes for a table and one and a half hours for food. One and a…Read More…

By far the best Thai in town. The tom yum has actual fresh mushrooms (not the canned that is usually in other local Thai restaurants’ soups), cilantro, red…Read More…

What other reviewers have said about the décor is totally accurate. The interior is intimate and warm and just looks a WHOLE lot better than the poor…Read More…

Mai Thai

Source: Yelp
Name: Pho Viet Restaurant
Location: 2300 Decker Blvd Columbia, SC 29206
Reviews: 33

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
Was pretty good, but not the quality to merit 4.5 stars from my experience. Good enough to go back to, but not so amazing that it leaves you wanting more.Read More…

I just recently moved from San Francisco to Columbia and have been craving decent Pho…Pho Viet lived up to my standards. Food was fresh and tasted very…Read More…

I enjoy coming here when I visit Columbia. I agree with the other reviews that the customer service is not always that great. It seems to depend on who is…Read More…

Pho Viet Restaurant

Source: Yelp
Name: Delhi Palace
Location: 542 Saint Andrews Rd Columbia, SC 29210
Reviews: 15

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
I don’t understand the bad reviews. I have been to Delhi Palace numerous times and have always experienced Great service and great food with a nice…Read More…

We had the buffee and we were quite pleased with it! Service is great and specially the rice pudding. Was delish. Recomend. Would go backRead More…

Delhi Palace

Source: Yelp
Name: The Gourmet Shop
Location: 724 Saluda Ave Columbia, SC 29205
Reviews: 26

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
If you want good home made food with quality ingredients, if you like cheeses and wine, and if you love desserts, you will definitely appreciate this place….Read More…

Love their menu! Nice place to just come for lunch on a nice cool day!Read More…

I enjoyed the food here.
I enjoyed the shop here.

I felt that is was more of a place that you sit and grab some wine and a sandwich. The shop was AMAZING…Read More…

The Gourmet Shop

Source: Yelp
Name: Lambs Bread Vegan Café
Location: 2338 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
Reviews: 17

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

More Reviews
BEST VEGAN FOOD THIS SIDE OF ATLANTA! Offers a soul/african kick on some of mama’s favorites. Service was great, even with a steady lunch crowd! Atmosphere…Read More…

Don’t let the exterior fool you, this restaurant has fabulous home made vegan food, friendly staff and decent prices. If you are a vegan you will love it!!Read More…

The vegan philly cheese steak sandwich was AMAZING, as was the cabbage side. However, the rice was a little overcooked and some (not all) of the butternut…Read More…

Lambs Bread Vegan Café