Chef Michael Kramer is bringing “Jianna” home with a his debut cookbook
You mean I can make TBG at home? Yes, please. | Photo by GVLtoday
Chef Michael Kramer wears several hats: Executive Chef and owner of Italian restaurant Jianna; cyclist and friend of Tour de France legends George Hincapie, Bobby Julich, and Christian Vande Velde; and now… published cookbook author.
Kramer’s debut cookbook is titled “Jianna,” after the restaurant we know and love, and he says it’s a project 30 years in the making.
“It’s sort of a love letter to Italy,” Kramer explained. “To the people, to the terroir, to the food and the wine, to the hospitality, to the spirit of Italy.”
The food
The book is filled with dishes you’ll find on the restaurant’s menu (like the char-grilled octopus, potato gnocchi + ricotta crostini), but Chef Kramer also shared recipes from his past work at McCrady’s in Charleston (hey, CHStoday), and dishes paying homage to culinary mentors.
The wine
What’s a Jianna experience without wine? In addition to these recipes, General Manager and Managing Partner Andrea Ciavardini-Royko (who is also an Advanced Sommelier and Certified Specialist of Wine), wrote a section that Kramer says he couldn’t imagine the book without.
Kramer raved about Ciavardini-Royko’s addition. “It’s the 101 to Italian wine...It was important to me to add another layer to the book.”
Spanish Wine Tasting with Sean Sutton | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Wine House | $40 | Explore five wines from all around Spain paired with empanadas.
Trivia Tuesday | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Gather GVL | Free entry | Put your skills to the test at this weekly trivia event while you enjoy food and drinks.
Gallery Walk-ins Welcome | Tuesday, Sept. 24, Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Dolly F. Pardi Gallery at MAC | Free | Swing by the Dolly F. Pardi Gallery at MAC in the historic West End district to browse a rotating exhibit of local artists and shop for works of art (perfect for snagging one-of-a-kind gifts).*
Wednesday, Sept. 25
Beauty for Breakfast | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Altar Spa | $40 | Enjoy brunch at The Whitman Restaurant followed by an Altar Spa Masterclass, led by the top experts for each of the spa’s skincare and beauty brands.
Pasión Latin Dance Nights | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. | Social Latitude | Free entry | Learn how to dance the Salsa with lessons from Salsa Greenville + grab a drink and a bite.
Friday, Sept. 27
Autumnfest at the Market | Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Greenville State Farmers Market | Free entry | Shop a selection of fall plants, pumpkins, gourds, fall decor, and fresh produce.
The Bellwether — the eatery that took over the former Liberty Taproom space in 2023 — closed its doors yesterday, Sept. 23. No reason was given for the closure, and as of now, there are no plans for the space. (Greenville Journal)
Number
60. That’s the birthday the Greenville Convention Center is celebrating this year. Built in 1964, this building has housed events like the Inaugural Motor Sport Expo, the 27th Southern Home and Garden Show + will host the US Bowling Congress (USBC) Open Championships in 2028. (Greenville Journal)
Outdoors
Everything, everywhere outdoors, all at once. Everything Outdoor Fest returns to the Historic Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville on Nov. 2 + 3. Spend the day with Mother Nature and enjoy disc golf, adaptive sports, and a kids zone. Snag tickets. (Greenville Journal)
Coming Soon
The former Creating Artists for Tomorrow — on Old Spartanburg Road in Greer — is being transformed into a coffee shop + gathering space called Third Place Coffee House. Set to open in spring of 2025, the owner says “I want it to feel like your grandmother’s house if she was, like, so cool.” (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Drink
The Kava Konnection is celebrating its nine-year anniversary this Saturday, Sept. 28. Starting at 8 p.m., partake in a raffle, feast your eyes on a fire show, and play a game of kava pong.
Seasonal
Wondering what to do this fall? Check out this list of October activities from FOX Carolina + be on the lookout for a guide from us.
Plan Ahead
We never say no to free professional advice, especially when it relates to something as important as retirement. That’s why we’re marking our calendars for this upcoming 100% free Retirement Planning Event. If retirement is on the mind, consider adding your name to the list.*
Real Estate
Biltmore Walk reservations are officially open — and they’re going fast. This exclusive enclave of high-end townhomes blending historic charm and contemporary luxury is in high demand for its unique features, expansive green spaces, and walkability. See inside + secure your dream home.*
Fact or Fiction
GVL parents and students can preview 70+ top schools from across the country under one roof — fact or fiction? Spoiler alert: This is fact, but only for one day. Register for the free event, happening tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 25 (and be entered to win an iPad).*
We just really love our friends. Last week in our Greenville Drive by the numbers story, we shouted out our friends at PDXtoday when talking about the Portland Sea Dogs. The Sea Dogs are from Portland, Maine, not Portland, Oregon. You should still subscribe to PDXtoday, though.
Correction
We were blinded by the beauty of our Mansion Monday pick this week and included the wrong listing link. Take a peek at this beautiful four-bedroom, four-bathroom house at 15 Rovello Ct.
Asked
Help us make a fall bucket list
All pumpkins are beautiful. | Photo by GVLtoday
Happy third day of fall, Greenville. Whenever we need advice, we come to you, the smartest, funniest, prettiest people we know. We’re putting together the ultimate Greenville fall bucket list, and we need to know what to put on it. That’s where you come in.
What are your must-do, can’t miss events + activities during the crunchiest season in our city? Are you amazed by apples? Fond of fall foliage? Suckers for screams? Click below to let us know.
City Editor Stephanie here. My ultimate fall bucket list would include a visit to Madworld Haunted Attractions, followed by pumpkin shopping at the Greenville State Farmers Market, and ending the day with a scary movie while noshing on the dill pickle popcorn from Poppington’s. Not trying to sway you, but doesn’t that sound amazing?
This Halloween ghost coffee mug — it’s a great “thinking of you” gift for a friend this fall, or a sweet way to add cheer + seasonal flair to your own coffee ritual.
ICYMI, we recently did a guide with date night ideas in Greenville. If you’re looking to spice up a current relationship, or take a new fling to the next level, we’ve got ideas for you.
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