DINNER AT JOHN'S

John Ivey Rainey is a Greenville, S.C. treasure and I have known this since first meeting him in January of 2016. Since that time, I've enjoyed countless delicious meals prepared with love by his talented hands. The truth is I'm very lucky. Imagine a gorgeous afternoon in May, hidden away in the Midtown Greenville backyard garden oasis that he is the fourth generation to own. Mature landscaping and the aroma of fresh salmon on the grill greet me as I follow the boxwood lined path that leads to the backyard garden. We are dining on the table that was his first late 18th century piece of furniture acquired from good friend and renowned antique dealer Dennis Gowan. A simple vase with flowers picked fresh from the yard completes the outdoor tablescape. Fresh arugala salad and early summer grilled vegetables are the perfect compliments to John's signature grilled salmon. In vain are attempts to sufficiently describe how very good this salmon tastes. I like to say it reminds me of dinner for dessert when everything else including actual dessert becomes nearly irrelevant.

If you are ever invited to one of John Ivey Rainey's backyard dinner parties, I recommend that you accept the invite without hesitation.

Until then... Enjoy!

-JN