U.S.A.

Dear America: You Need to Do Better

Dear America,

During my recent trip to Durban, a fellow traveler asked me where I was from. You know, the usual conversation when you meet a stranger on the road. Here's how the conversation went:

Him: So where are you from?
Me: Oh, I'm from the States.
Him: Oh wow. What's happening over there right now?
Me: What do you mean?
Him: You guys have that crazy guy running for President. 
Me: Yeah, I don't like to talk about it because it gets me fired up.
Him: And all of those police shootings...
Me: Yeah, it's sad and unnecessary. 
Him: Do you think tourists will continue wanting to visit the U.S. with all these things happening?
Me: You know, I'm not sure. But that's a great question...

With the latest police-involved killing of Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma over the weekend and just yesterday, the killing of unarmed black man Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte, North Carolina, I can't help but to be reminded of this conversation. People all over the world think of the United States as the world's greatest country. We have a top notch job market, economy, education systems, and with a little hard work and perseverance, anyone can achieve the ultimate goal: The American Dream. Right? Wrong.

America's own citizens - black men and women - are being gunned down by the very people sworn to protect them, all because they are perceived as threatening due to the color of their skin. In 2016. Terence Crutcher's car was broken down on the side of the road. Keith Lamont Scott was sitting in his car reading a book and waiting for his children. But neither of them were able to make it home to their families for doing things that people do every day. Why?

America, don't get me started on the systematic and systemic ways that black people are held down, including employment, housing discrimination, voting laws, and mass incarceration. And when a celebrity uses his platform to take a stand (Hey, Colin Kaepernick!), he receives death threats and is seen as divisive and unpatriotic for silently protesting these injustices. He refuses to stand during a National Anthem, written by a former slave owner, that says;

No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Some Americans are outraged that he has the audacity to not salute the American flag while this song is being played. They think he doesn't support our troops. What those Americans don't understand is that frankly, not saluting the flag or standing for the Star Spangled Banner does not equal non-support of our military. Colin has just as much a right to the flag and the Star Spangled Banner as anyone who serves in the military. He loves his country just as much as service men and women.  Colin is not disrespecting the flag, nor does he hate this country. He is simply exercising his American right to protest for that in which he believes. You know, because this is the land of the free and home of the brave. He believes that all Americans - no matter the race - should be treated equally and fairly. The issue seems simple enough, right? Apparently not.

What's sad about the Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott tragedies is that I heard about them and was almost numb. More killings. More hashtags. I'm exhausted. It's almost becoming commonplace for another black person to be gunned down by rogue police officers. If my car breaks down or I have a broken taillight, or any number of asinine reasons, I could be next. And that's just a fact.

I've written in the past about how I'm proud to be American. And that remains true. But I'm embarrassed right now. I'm embarrassed that a bigot and racist could become the next President of the United States. I'm embarrassed that other countries feel the need to issue travel warnings to their citizens about coming to the United States because they could potentially be shot by police if they aren't too careful. I'm embarrassed that our law enforcement are the ones committing senseless acts of violence when they are supposed to be the ones protecting us. I'm simply embarrassed. And it hurts. It hurts that I'm in an abusive relationship with you, America. I love you, but you don't seem to love me, or people who look like me, back.

What's worse is that as I look at my Facebook feed, the only people I see speaking out against police brutality are my black friends. But we can't fight this fight on our own. Where are our allies? Where are those same people outraged by Colin Kaepernick's protest? The same people who have so much respect for the National Anthem?

Their silence is deafening. 

Sincerely,

An exhausted, outraged, and tearful black American woman

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. - Martin Luther King Jr.

A Tour of Myrtle Beach Through Cocktails and Wine

One of the most surprising things about my recent trip to Myrtle Beach was how amazing their food and drink scene was! I must have gained three pounds in three days, eating and drinking until my little heart was content. So join me, as I take you through a tour of Myrtle Beach through cocktails and wine (food too!).

La Belle Amie Winery

One of my favorite stops was La Belle Amie Winery (1120 Saint Joseph Road
Little River, SC 29566)
. Winery owner, Vicki, left corporate America to make use of her family's land, so she built a winery! You're able to taste six wines for $3, including the winery's signature brand, Twisted Sisters Wine. They host events every weekend during the summer and many people come there for celebrations. My favorite wines were 'Bitchin' Babes' and 'Bikini Blush,' but they have several red, white, and blush wines to choose from.

Photo Credit: La Belle Amie Vineyard

Photo Credit: La Belle Amie Vineyard

While their wines are not distributed, it's nice to get outside of the city and a visit is well worth the 30 minute from Myrtle Beach.

The Chemist

If you're into mixing gastronomy and food, The Chemist (300 9th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC) is the place for you. Here, I tried the Flux Capacitor. A mix of St. Germaine, Tito's Vodka, lemon juice, blackberry simple syrup, muddled mint leaves and soda to top, this cocktail was delicious and not overpowering.

Photo Credit: The Chemist

Photo Credit: The Chemist

All of their food and cocktails are creatively named to go along with the theme of the restaurant, which I think is pure genius. Where else is your drink served in a beaker and your waitress wearing a lab coat? 

Foodie Tip: Try their Sweet Potato Tots (accompanied by delicious bacon maple dip) or Bondfire Shrimp. Yum, yum, yum!

Art Burger Sushi

Another gastronomic gem, Art Burger Sushi (706 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577) was an unexpected favorite. With its unassuming exterior, they had so many food and drink selections to choose from that you'd think the restaurant was twice the size. I typically don't like restaurants that offer several kinds of foods, but Art Burger Sushi proved me wrong.

I opted to have my cocktail nitrogen-ated (is that a word?) and instead of sipping it slowly like the lady I am, I was able to eat it like a slushy. And while I didn't think this would be my cup of tea (or vodka, rather), it turned out to be the perfect way to enjoy a cocktail on a hot day.

Photo Credit: Art Burger Sushi Bar

Photo Credit: Art Burger Sushi Bar

Foodie Tip: Their Specialty Rolls were delicious, and of course, you must try a burger when you're there. I also ate the blue cheese sweet potato fries, which I still think about to this day.

Tupelo Honey Cafe

I loved everything about the Tupelo Honey Cafe (3042 Howard Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577). From the atmosphere, location, food and cocktails, everything about this southern gem was delicious. I started my meal with the Thai Basil Mojito because let's face it, you can never go wrong with a mojito.  When you go, be sure to sit outside and enjoy the restaurant's great location at Market Commons amongst other restaurants and shops.

Foodie Tip: Try the Southern Burrata Bruschetta and Tupelo Farm Fresh Burger. 

Croissants Bakery and Bistro

If ever I'm back in Myrtle Beach and in need of a delicious breakfast, brunch or pastry, I'm heading to Croissants (3751 Robert M. Grissom Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577). They have plenty of brunch cocktails to choose from like sangrias or mimosas.  The owner, Heidi Vukov, has a cookbook titled 'Bonjour, Y'all!' and it has several of the restaurant's food and drink recipes. 

Photo Credit: Croissants Bakery and Bistro

Photo Credit: Croissants Bakery and Bistro

Foodie Tip: Try their gluten-free, chocolate mousse cake. It's so delectable and you can eat it (semi) guilt-free!

Waterscapes Restaurant

Looking for a fancy dinner before you head home? Waterscapes Restaurant at the Marina Inn (8121 Amalfi Pl, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572) is a great choice.  While they don't have an extensive cocktail menu, they have a great wine menu.

Foodie Tip: I had the Jamaican Jerk Chicken and it was absolutely delightful. I'd definitely order it again.

Honorable Mentions: 

I didn't get a chance to try these places, but word on the street is that their food and drink menus are worth checking out:

As you can see, Myrtle Beach's culinary scene has so much to offer. I highly suggest stepping out of your comfort zone when visiting. I look forward to going back and trying more amazing cuisine and cocktails.

And I'm not just saying that because this post was sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce/CVB. All opinions are absolutely my own.