FEATURED ARTIST – RICHARD LAIER
DESIGNED IN STAINED GLASS. Art as a discipline extends to many pursuits, among them music, dance, drama, creative writing, painting and sculpture. SOMI Magazine continues its focus on those who share their artistic talents with the community. Attracted by intricate patterns of color, art lovers in attendance at the 42nd Annual Chamber South Art Festival ... Read more
FROM THE PUBLISHER
My daughter, Ashley Waters Smith, joins me in wishing our friends, readers and advertisers all the best for this holiday season. May you enjoy the companionship of family and friends as you celebrate the season. THE HOLIDAYS IN SOMI Did you survive Grey Thursday, Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday and Cyber Monday? We’re now fully ... Read more
CELEBRATING ON SUNSET
In a rushed world of easy fixes, texting, the latest iphone, tweeting and more, sociological researchers point to the need for identity – to find a place of belonging. Rather than being lost in a mall of the sameness throughout, people are searching for a “hometown” – someplace unique, with an identity unto its own. South ... Read more
HOLIDAY FASHION HINTS
If you are still torturing yourself with that lingering question “What to wear?” this holiday season, I can understand your angst over a calendar full of cocktail parties, dinners, family get-togethers and corporate social gatherings. And with that kind of schedule, you can’t settle for just one outfit. Luckily, the lineup of hot holiday trends for 2013 is ... Read more
MEET DAVID FAIRCHILD AND TAKE A WALK WITH SOMI MAGAZINE
OBSERVING SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN FOURTH INSTALLMENT OF A SIX-PART SERIES HURRICANE ANDREW AND THE REBUILDING OF THE GARDEN An Unwanted Visitor Arrives. Hurricane Andrew is the literal and figurative watershed by which many South Floridians measure their personal history. The powerful storm also had a profound impact on the Fairchild Tropical Botanic ... Read more
CHEF’S PORTER BRAISED BABY BACK RIBS
CHEF/ Brendan Connor RESTAURANT WHISK GOURMET FACTS: A native Miamian and graduate of College of Charleston. His culinary career began as a dishwasher, rising through the ranks in some of Low Country’s top kitchens. In 2007 he opened Whisk with his sibling Kristin. SOMI Kitchens Recipes from our Town ... Read more
SOMI CELLAR – MAGICAL GARNACHA
PRIORAT AND ITS MAGICAL GARNACHA Driving through Priorat was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life for its breathtaking beauty, augmented by the fear of never finding a way out of that mountain range. Then again, why would I want to? Priorat is a region in northeastern Spain and home to some of ... Read more
LOOK LIKE AN ATHLETE
Lately, my personal training company has been doing a lot of work with triathletes and marathon runners. To most of us (myself included), these people represent the pinnacle of dedication to physical fitness. As someone who is obviously passionate about working out, it boggles even me to think about running for three or more hours ... Read more
RED RIBBON AWARD
Flags have long stood as a symbol of a group’s values, liberty and justice for all, for example. Imagine, then, the powerful statement made by a new flag flying above Ludlam Elementary: that the students, faculty and staff are committed to safe, healthy, drug-free living. Presented on Oct. 24, the Red Ribbon Certified Schools flag ... Read more