Cane - Charleston's Rhum Bar

Cane Rhum Bar, 251 East Bay St., Charleston, SC  

Long time Charleston residents will hardly recognize the former infamous Big John's Tavern on East Bay Street in it's new reincarnation as CANE Charleston's Rhum Bar. It is full of color, tasty rum drinks and food. I felt very lucky to be invited to a sneak preview party this evening. I tried the Black & Stormy and the Cane Daiquiri and samples of spicy beef pastries, salted codfish fritters and jerk chicken skewers. It will be a happy addition to East Bay area offerings. 

Charleston Eater has some great photos and menu links. Chef/owner Paul Yellin welcomes guests to try Cabe on August 2. Let me know what you think!

Raising Cane

Richard Neapolitan with his hand carved cane, Charleston, S.C.

There is nothing I love more than a sturdy walking stick on a hike. I got so close to my $3 bamboo poles after climbing into Machu Picchu that I wanted to bring them home on the plane and I got sentimental tucking them behind a bush waiting for the next sucker climber. 

Lately I have admired people who have turned their cane into a fashion accessory. I've spotted painted, carved and fancy tipped canes but this one takes the cake. I was at a friend's wedding when I noticed  Richard Neapolitan's cane with his own portrait hand carved into it.The cane was carved by his brother's friend, a retired Army Officer in Murphy, NC.

I did have to ask Richard to explain the inscription. Richard is a long term volunteer at Roper Hospital and met his wife Deb who was an employee there. See - you can volunteer and meet people! The initials stand for "Your Secret Admirer" and "My Only Girl".

Altogether now, "Awwwwww!" That is almost too sweet.

Thanks for letting me share, Richard!