Palmetto Bella Staff

Latest Author Features

James Andre, the Artist

“And if what they say is true — if every great painting is really a self-portrait — what, if anything, is James Andre saying about himself?” Explore his works and discover just that. He has a unique way about him, and his art is no different. Drawing from inner as well as outer inspiration, he connects to each piece. James invests heart and soul into his work, where energy and color are brought together to convey something more. View attentively, and listen closely — Andre’s brush speaks the language of movement, the energy of life. Lean in.

The Mushroom Medley | An Interview + Recipe with Chris Najmola

From the Kitchen of… Fuse Aiken: The Mushroom Medley – An Interview + Recipe with Chris Najmola You will need: 8 oz. assorted mushrooms — we recommend using Circular Farms to keep it local 2 oz. heavy whipping cream 2 oz. high quality soy sauce 1 oz. vegetable oil a bottle of your favorite red wine a sauté pan some crusty bread to sop up the sauce, or a steak to top — honestly, everyone tells us you could put it over anything This is how we do it (like the song): Start off by getting your sauté pan nice and hot. I think it’s important that nothing hits a

Pimento Cheese | From the Kitchen of… Fuse Aiken

Interview with Corie Allison, Sous-Chef at Fuse Corie, what is your background? I’ve worked management in many different corporate restaurants and pretty much hated every second of it. I dreaded going to work every day, but it gave me some good experience. I was looking to leave the restaurant business for good until the day I caught wind of a new place opening in downtown Augusta that was offering something very different. I went in, had an impromptu interview with the chef when construction was nearing the end, and fell in love. Since then, Fuse has been my home, my family, and my source of inspiration to be better every

Robbie Pruiett | March’s Bella Fella

Name: Robbie Christopher Pruiett Occupation: Owner/Operator of Aiken Brewing Company Side Hustle: They called me “White Chocolate” (basketball). Hunting, outdoorsman, downhill skiing is my passion since I was 3. My family, my kids, cooking. First Job: Washing dishes at DiMaggio’s Pizza in Michigan. Worst Job: Washing dishes at DiMaggio’s Pizza. Greatest Career Challenge: COVID-19 — to have a business that has been here for so long — longevity is what we have done, doing it simple, right, affordable, with a smile, more banjo — this is the most challenging year yet. Being forced to closed on our anniversary, the start of COVID-19. Role model: My father, Lannie Pruiett, what a

Little Sean’s Jalapeño Goat Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote | From the Kitchen of…Fuse Aiken

Sean Butler, AKA Little Sean, has been a core member of Fuse since just before we opened here in Aiken. After his interview, we realized we had a lot in common — thinking outside of the box and making sure that our ingredients were as fresh and locally sourced as possible. His position at Fuse is extremely important, as he is responsible for the first and last bites most tables will have. The kid is crazy, and that comes through in the best way in his dishes. You Will Need • 7” spring form pan • mixing bowl • cookie sheet Filling • 12 oz goat cheese (Trail Ridge has

An Interview with Trip Buchanan: February’s Mr. Bella

Name: Robert Lee Buchanan III (Third – Triple – Trip) Occupation: Dentist First Job: Construction in the summer in High School Worst Job: I had a construction Job in downtown Charleston when I was in dental school. They were gutting an old building facing King Street. My roommate and I came home the first day and all you could see was our eyes and teeth. We were coughing up black stuff. We quit after 2 days. Greatest career challenge: Running a business where you are managing a staff and trying to get everyone on the same page. Role model: My dad. Happiest when: My wife and kids are happy. What

Jalapeño and Ham Grits

From the Kitchen of… Fuse Aiken: Jalapeño and Ham Grits An Interview and recipe with Chris Najmola Ingredients 1 cup stone-ground yellow grits, Anson Mills preferred 1 cup heavy whipping cream 3 cups water (pro move: use chicken stock instead) 1 jalapeño 3 oz Benton’s Country Ham, sliced thin 1 tbsp salt black pepper to taste Tools: 2 gallon stock pot wooden spoon whisk tasting spoons Gather all your ingredients and tools before you begin. Hold the jalapeño at the stem. Cut the bottom half of the jalapeño off for mild flavor. Cut higher up and closer to the stem for increasing heat. Slice the desired area of jalapeño as

Santa at the Depot | Scene Around Town

Santa at the Depot December 19, 2020 Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum Photography by Allen Riddick Archania Edwards and Kemari, Dre, and Cameron Hartley Tripp, Amy, Mary Irving, Charlie, Anne Masters, and Bobby Calfee Colton, Emily, Jordan, and Carter Cyr Virginia and Eli Forehan Allison, Charlotte, and David Brunson

Christmas in Hopelands | Scene Around Town

Christmas in Hopelands December 2020 This past December the City of Aiken hosted its 29th annual Christmas in Hopelands. Hopelands Gardens was illuminated with thousands of lights that lined the walking trails. Photography by Allen Riddick Allexis O’Callaghan, Gabriel Ruelas, Nadia Ruelas-Durst, Logan Durst, and Serena Ruelas Leila Carter, Kynslee and Kylee Clifton Haze, Madeline, Chrissa, and Chad Matthews Dana Miller and Keaton Allison Monique Overstreet and Emmy Ellis

A Holiday Cookie Stroll | Palmetto Bella

A Holiday Cookie Stroll | Scene Around Town

A Holiday Cookie Stroll December 13, 2020 Downtown Aiken Photography by Allen Riddick Brooke and Sheila Thomas Cathie Adams, Liz Nica, and Whitney Jordan Adams Keelyn, Mikah, Kynzie, and Karsyn Grazier Emarie and Amandea Gilchrist, Teshia McIver, and Denise Green