The Bite Magazine Issue 17

I have long been intrigued by the southern hospitality of cities such as Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia in the United States and the captivating allure of a slower pace of living. The accent, the etiquette, the hanging Spanish moss and even the food is fascinating. So when I visited Georgia earlier this year, I stum- bled across Sylvester & Co. Modern General store whilst wandering around the downtown district. The first thing I noticed was its stylishly decorated large bay window display shaded by map printed awnings. Once I stepped inside, I found there was a rather expansive white-washed space, set up to look more like someone’s chic contemporary urban loft, than your average interior boutique. It reminded me so much of someone’s tastefully designed home. Whilst browsing around, the store’s friendly retail manager Shawn Sokolow inquired if I’d like to try their iced coffee from the adorable café bar set up in the back of the store. It was amazing! Velvety smooth and so refreshing that I actually forgot that I was shopping and wanted to pull up to that bar and order the largest size they had. As Shawn and I chatted about the store’s impressive collection of things, he advised me that Sylvester & Co. spe- cialises in high quality, one-of-a-kind things which I am always looking out for. He then gave me a quick guided tour of the shop and divulged that this store was actually the second location for Sylvester & Co: the first boutique, Sylvester & Co. At Home, was estab- lished in 1989 in Sag Harbor, New York, by owner Lynda Sylvester. The Savannah location was only recently opened in 2011 and has been thriving ever since. And it’s easy to understand why. This store sells absolutely every- thing! From kitchenware and cupboard items to stylish ping pong tables that one wouldn’t be ashamed to show off in their home rather than hide away in the garage or basement. As I left the store that day, I knew I wanted to contact Lynda and learn more about what was in store for her bou- tiques, especially if she was thinking of ever expanding into Manhattan. After speaking to Lynda, I’m happy to report that she may be opening a location in Tribeca! This is awesome news as what this lovely lady and her amazing staff has done, and wishes to continue doing, is to offer a curated approach to design and living that’s accessible to everyone. And honestly, New York could use a store with a bit of honest integrity. However, returning to the discussion of what Sylvester & Co. does, “With a curated approach to the aesthetic of The Hamptons, Sylvester & Co. At Home has been setting the bar for home furnishing excellence. Be it a set of dining room chairs or a full living room makeover, Lynda Sylvester and her team consistently balance form and function to suit customers’ specific needs. By working with independent manufactur- ers and designing in-house, At Home has compiled a truly unique selection. Sylvester & Co. At Home is the sister studio to Sylvester & Co. Modern General which has provided high-end, globally conscious life supplies.” With both current locations selling such a variety, from swanky aromatic candles, personal toiletry kits and knitted beanies to larger furniture pieces like sleek brass bar carts and beautiful art works, one would be hard pressed not to find something to their tastes. But what if you have good taste but no idea how to make it a reality? Not a problem, both locations offer full service design in multiple areas, interior and product design. My favourite thing about shop- ping in the Savannah store was that it was a one-stop-shop for everything you could need in terms of being a great hostess, birthday and holiday gifts. By providing such a seasonally changing and ever evolving selection of high-end products, this means there’s no need to run around town looking for the perfect presents because they’re already there! Looking for a cute pet bowl and treats for a friend’s new puppy? It’s done. Seeking a new stylish, yet durable hallway runner? No problem, they’ve got rugs for that. Hosting a posh party and in need of all the accouterments to throw one’s swinging shin-dig? Quirky cocktail napkins and chic serving trays are here to help you be the hostess with the most-ess! The vast varieties of inventory may seem overwhelming, but it’s displayed in such a clean and effort- less manner that it’s simple to either pop in or shop on their online store and easily find whatever you need. Oh! When I mentioned the fine art work, I meant fine art work. The Savannah’s store location is within walking dis- tance of one of the country’s finest art schools, SCAD University. As such, Lynda and her team work closely with emerging artists to promote their works to public. Overall, I have to admit that Sylvester & Co. General Store has been one of my favourite shops visited thus far this year, and I’ll be anxiously waiting to see if they open in Manhattan and when they do, I would be regularly stopping by for their coffee which is seriously incredi- ble. Also, for every cup sold, two cents go to local food charities so you’ll also be doing your part for the community. But for now, bring on the holidays as my gift list is sorted! www.sylvesterandco.com bite lifestyle