Did you know that Jan. 1 was National Bloody Mary Day? We didn’t either. I suppose sip happens, but to make sure we don’t sip up again we have compiled a list of the bloody best bloody marys we can find in the Soda City.
For those who are not familiar with this brunchy beverage – a bloody mary typically combines vodka with a tomato juice mixture, which can be modified based on your heat preference. Some also go a little wild throwing in Worcestershire sauce, pickle juice, extra hot sauce, horseradish, or salt + pepper to really make the drink their own.
A bloody mary is not only the best companion to brunch but can actually be a meal in itself if you know where to go to find the best toppings. The possibilities are endless for a bloody garnish, from adding a slice of bacon toa variety of pickled veggies in addition to the citrus, celery and olives.ProTip – always go for the stuffed olives.
Let’s celery-brate the sips we found locally now that we all have bloodys on the brain.
Edu ○ Following Gov. McMaster’s announcement this week that $5 million of the federal GEER funds would be distributed to the Office of the First Steps, the free 4K programis expanding to offer full-time and summer options. (WLTX)
Coronavirus ○ Initial unemployment claimsrose in South Carolina to 9,328 claims the week of Jan. 2, from 4,777 the week of Dec. 26. This climb is the highest initial total since 12,194 claims were filed at the end of July, according to the SC Department of Employment and Workforce. (CRBR) ○ Yesterday, all ofthe Gamecock Women’s Basketball activitieswere paused due to the number of positive cases + other coronavirus protocols. The game previously scheduled against Georgia was postponed + tickets will be honored for the new date,which has not been announced yet.
Ranked ○ No. 2. South Carolina’s ranking in the National Migration Study list of Top Moving Destinations of 2020, according to United Van Lines. The study determined that more than half (64%)of the Palmetto State’s moves for the year were new residents, which is an increase from 2019. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
Number ○ 4,100. The number of construction jobsSouth Carolina added from Nov. 2019 – Nov. 2020.Columbia saw a 4% increase + hired an additional 700 workers.(CRBR)
Soda Citizen ○ A junior at Irmo High School International School for the Arts, Alex Blocker, was announced as a semifinalist in the 2021 US Senate Youth Program Scholarship. Blocker is one of 11 in the running to receive a $10,000 scholarship + the opportunity for a week-long educational experience with the US Senate. The program is available to high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in public service and the final round of the competition will take place this month. (Cola Daily)
Asked ○ This year, to celebrate 2021, we thought we’d answer 21 of your questions. So, share your questions here and stay tuned as we work to cover what you’re curious about + find some answers.
WaterCooler ○ The Gamecock’s offensive coordinator Mike Bobo + offensive line coach Will Friend have been hired by the Auburn Tigers. Both will be taking the same coaching position at the University of Auburn. 🏈 (ESPN) ○ This week, the UofSC Men’s Basketball teamwon its SEC season openeragainst Texas A&M at Colonial Life Arena, 78-54. The Gamecocks play again on Sat., Jan 9 at 1 p.m. against the Ole Miss Rebels. (The State)
Cause ○ The Lake Carolina community is hosting its annual Polar Bear Plunge event on Jan. 16 to supportChildren’s Charities of the Midlands, Lake Carolina’s own nonprofit created in 2000 to give back to the community.The proceeds raised from the jump are distributed among multiple children’s charities in the Midlands, including VitalitySC, Family Connections, Limitless Purpose + more. To sign up or donate to the cause, contact Gary M. ❄️ (Cola Daily)
Drink ○ Are you participating in Dry January? Next week, Saluda’s, located at 751 Saluda Ave., will launch a new drink menu of alcohol-free libations to help keep you sippin’ with your friends all month long. Cheers. 🥂
Digs ○Looking for a new place to start the new year? 42Magnolia (5150 Forest Dr.) is offering in-person, self-guided + virtual tours. Call 803-790-4663 to schedule yours. Ⓟ
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
Marius Valdes is working on a new mural at Satchel Ford Elementary School. The local artist is known for his signature animal creations + his work has been featured in several books about contemporary graphic design and illustration. The new art highlights a barn scene +animals seated around a table.
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #COLAtoday on social media.
#MUSTDO
Show ○ Mark Rapp at the Aristocrat| Fri., Jan. 8 | 8-11 p.m. | The Aristocrat | Free | Get ready for a night of Jazz with new food + cocktail menus. 🎷
Dish ○ Cocktails and Cooking| Fri., Jan. 8 | 6 p.m. | The Grand | $35-60 | Get cooking with Chef Mike Ellis as he leads the group on how to make a lowcountry classic – Shrimp and Grits. 👨🍳
Drink ○ January Wine Tasting| Fri., Jan. 8 | 6:30-8 p.m. | The Blended Bakery, 5076 Sunset Blvd., Suite A, Lexington | $40 | The ticket includes a four-course meal + wines. 🍷
Cause ○ Harmony Blood Drive | Fri., Jan. 8 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Harmony Collection, 2300 Clemson Rd. | Free | All donors will receive a $20 VISA gift card + the option to be screened for COVID-19 antibodies. 🩸
Saturday ○ Dueling Piano Show|Sat. Jan. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $10+ | The show is free. $10 is needed to reserve your table. Reservations aren’t required but recommended to ensure you have a seat. 🎹 ○ Andrew Moseley | Sat., Jan. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Tin Roof | Free | Kick off 2021 with live music at Tin Roof. 🎸 ○ 21st Annual Millrace Massacre and Iceman Championship | Sat. Jan. 9 | 12 p.m. | Saluda River | Free | First race for the day begins at noon and participants must have a plastic boat nine feet or under. 🛶 ○ Harbison 50K, 25K and Muddy Double| Sat. Jan. 9–Sun., Jan. 10 | 7:30 a.m. | Harbison State Forest | $70+ | Sign up for the 50K on Saturday or the 25K on Sunday, or if you’re feeling extra, do both. 🏃
Sunday ○ Dinner by Design: Visions from an Indian Kitchen | Sun., Jan. 10 | 6-8 p.m. | Virtual | $70-100 | A cyber cooking class with virtual gallery pop-ins with CMA Curator Catherine Walworth in the Visions from India galleries on the final day of the exhibition.
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
Have you heard about the Always Pan from Our Place? Here’s the scoop: • Award-winning and designed to replace 8 pieces of cookware • Ultra slippery, non-toxic non-stick for easy cleanup • Beautiful enough to leave out on your stovetop (and even use as a serving platter) • Has been used by everyone from The New York Times to Oprah • Sold out 11x (order yours to be at the top of their re-stock list)Ⓟ
Answered:Yesterday, we asked y’all if you’re skiers or snowboarders and 34% responded that you’d prefer to stay indoors with hot cocoa and a book + another 31% responded that you’d been once or twice.
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