BEHIND BARS

It was a spring Thursday afternoon much like any other. The weather was beautiful, the birds were singing and I was about to venture into the great Spanish unknown. Earlier that day, I was contacted by a representative from Social Wine Bar at 188 East Bay St. to stop by and sample what is called Txacoli. It's pronounced "chacoli."

My guide was bartender Craig Maynard. He walked up to the table carrying what looked to be a strange pitcher with an effervescent-looking beverage inside. It was almost mint green in color. Craig told me that the pitcher is actually called a perone. It seems that Txacoli is a sort of party wine in Spain. Much like the ritual of tequila in Mexico, this drink seems to be customary in Spain, Maynard told me. He said, "Lawson, you're going to try the Txacoli and the Spanish ritual."

I was quick to remind Maynard that I was there just to get the story, and had no intention of shooting wine. Well guess what, he won. I tried the Txacoli, and I will say that the flavors were crisp with scents of green apple and fresh pear. It truly was delicious. Social sells these for $8.

Also of note, Social is offering a chilled sake flight. Ask your bartender the next time you stop by.

My kind of workout

For years people, have asked me about my workout routine. I am sure that I have the whole thing wrong, but I truly believe that after a healthy workout you should congratulate yourself with an ice cold one. Well, someone else shares my ideology about working out. Sunday, stop by PrimeTime Fitness at 2120 Middle St. on Sullivan's Island from 3 to 5 p.m.

Enjoy a great beach workout, and then it is time for sangria. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. For all the details call 810-0088.

'Yappy Hour'

One of the best times of the month is when Red's Ice House on Shem Creek hosts the bar's "Yappy Hour." Bring your dogs to the next pooch social May 14. Red's features $1 off beer, wine and cocktails from 4 to 7 p.m. Red's is at 98 Church St. in Mount Pleasant.

More than coffee

One of the most beautiful things about living in Charleston is that you can take an early evening stroll down East Bay Street and never know what you might discover. We did just that recently and ran across the coolest little bar and cafe called the East Bay Meeting House. It's at 159 East Bay St. The place has a great happy hour that features $2.50 well brands and $2 domestic beer from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The place also features an array of live music Thursday through Saturday. For more details, call 723-3446, or send an e-mail to info@eastbaymeetinghouse.com.

The Harbor Grille

The downtown bar Toucan Reef has changed. It's now The Harbor Grille. It's at 360 Concord St. at Fountain Walk. The new management is offering Reggae Sundays starting at 6 p.m. and featuring a fixed menu including Caribbean pork, jerk chicken, Creole catfish and an array of island drinks. Parking is free. For details, log on to www.theharborgrille.com, or call 853-5752.

Sanctuary wine tasting

Starting at 6 p.m. May 6 at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, there will be a wine dinner and pairing at The Ocean Front Loggerhead Pool. The dinner is hosted by Jasmine Porch and Sanctuary chef Nathan Thurston.

A reception begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $99 per person.

For information and reservations, contact leisure services at 768-6253